Bubble discharge container and fitting cap

Abstract

To provide a bubble discharge container that can obtain good bubble quality and securely discharge bubbles sufficiently, and a fitting cap.SOLUTION: A bubble discharge container comprises: a cylindrical part having therein a mixing chamber that mixes liquid with air to generate bubbles; a plurality of groove parts recessed from an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part toward outside in a radial direction of the cylindrical part and extended along an axial direction of the cylindrical part; a nozzle that can discharge the bubbles generated in the mixing chamber; a liquid flow passage through which liquid is introduced from the inside of a container main body to the mixing chamber; an air introduction hole through which air is introduced from the inside of the container main body to the mixing chamber; a bubble flow passage through which bubbles are supplied from the mixing chamber toward the nozzle; a valve seat part, provided between the cylindrical part and the liquid flow passage, which is communicated with the cylindrical part and the liquid flow passage; and a ball valve, configured to be placeable on the valve seat part, which can open and close the liquid flow passage. A diameter of an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part is formed to be larger than a diameter of the ball valve. The plurality of groove parts is provided with an interval in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical part. The air introduction hole is formed between the groove part and the valve seat part or on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part including the groove parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a foam dispenser container and an attachment cap. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a mounting cap that can be attached to a container body capable of containing liquid. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a nozzle member (mounting cap) that includes a mixing chamber that mixes air and the content liquid to generate bubbles, an air passage that allows air to flow into the mixing chamber, a liquid passage that allows the content liquid to flow into the mixing chamber, a ball provided at the top of the liquid passage, a valve seat that supports the ball, and a ball suppressor provided at the top of the ball. The ball is configured to close the liquid passage by abutting against the valve seat, and to open the liquid passage by being pressed by the content liquid flowing from the liquid passage into the mixing chamber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-143247 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the nozzle member described in Patent Document 1, while a ball retaining portion is provided on the top of the ball, which enables the ball to smoothly open and close the liquid passage, the distance the ball can move in the vertical direction is limited, making it difficult to secure space for mixing the air and content liquid, which can result in poor foam quality and limitations on the amount of foam discharged.

[0005] The present invention relates to a foam dispenser container and an attachment cap that can obtain good foam quality and ensure a sufficient amount of foam dispensed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The foam dispensing container according to the present invention is a foam dispensing container equipped with a container body capable of containing liquid, and includes a cylindrical portion having a mixing chamber therein for mixing liquid and air to generate foam, a plurality of grooves recessed from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion toward the radially outward side of the cylindrical portion and extending along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion, a nozzle capable of dispensing foam generated in the mixing chamber, a liquid flow path for introducing liquid from inside the container body into the mixing chamber, an air inlet hole for introducing air from inside the container body into the mixing chamber, and a nozzle for dispensing foam generated in the mixing chamber. The nozzle includes a foam flow path which supplies foam toward a nozzle, a valve seat which is provided between the cylindrical portion and the liquid flow path and which communicates with the cylindrical portion and the liquid flow path, and a ball valve which is configured to be placed on the valve seat and which can open and close the liquid flow path, wherein the diameter of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion is larger than the diameter of the ball valve, the plurality of grooves are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion, and the air introduction hole is provided between the groove and the valve seat, or on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion including the groove.

[0007] The attachment cap according to the present invention is an attachment cap configured to be attached to a container body capable of containing a liquid, and includes a cylindrical portion having a mixing chamber therein for mixing liquid and air to generate foam, a plurality of grooves recessed from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion toward the radially outward side of the cylindrical portion and extending along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion, a nozzle capable of ejecting the foam generated in the mixing chamber, a liquid flow path for introducing liquid from inside the container body into the mixing chamber, and an air introduction hole for introducing air from inside the container body into the mixing chamber. The nozzle is provided with a foam flow path which supplies foam from the mixing chamber toward the nozzle, a valve seat which is provided between the cylindrical portion and the liquid flow path and which communicates with the cylindrical portion and the liquid flow path, and a ball valve which is configured to be placed on the valve seat and which can open and close the liquid flow path, wherein the diameter of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion is larger than the diameter of the ball valve, the plurality of grooves are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion, and the air introduction hole is provided between the groove and the valve seat, or on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion including the groove. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the foam dispensing container and attachment cap of the present invention, it is possible to obtain good foam quality and ensure a sufficient amount of foam dispensed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a foam dispensing container according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the foam dispensing container according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the foam dispensing container according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA′ in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting cap in a state in which the outside air introduction passage and the foam passage are in communication with each other. FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting cap when the outside air introduction passage and the foam passage are in a non-communicating state. FIG. [Figure 8] 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC' in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD' in FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the inventions according to the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. In addition, in the present embodiments, the scale and dimensions of each component may be exaggerated, and some components may be omitted.

[0011] [Overall configuration of foam dispenser container] The foam-dispensing container 1 according to this embodiment is a foam-dispensing container used for dispensing foamed liquid such as a foaming detergent or hair dye (hereinafter simply referred to as "liquid") in the form of foam, and is preferably a squeeze foamer container. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the foam-dispensing container 1 comprises a container body 10 capable of containing liquid, and an attachment cap 20 attached to the container body 10. In this embodiment, the attachment cap 20 is configured to be detachable from the container body 10.

[0012] Hereinafter, in this specification, the direction from the container body 10 toward the attached cap 20 (the opposite side to the container body 10 when viewed from the attached cap 20) will be described as "upper", and the opposite direction (the container body 10 side when viewed from the attached cap 20) will be described as "lower". Also, the state in which the attached cap 20 is positioned above the container body 10 will be referred to as the "upright state". Furthermore, a cross section along the vertical direction will be referred to as a "longitudinal cross section", and a cross section in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction will be referred to as a "horizontal cross section".

[0013] [Container body configuration] 1 and 3 to 5, the container body 10 is a container made of synthetic resin formed, for example, by blow molding, and includes a bottom 11, a tubular body 12 extending upward from the periphery of the bottom 11, and a cylindrical mouth 13 provided above and in the center of the body 12. As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the container body 10 is formed as a bottomed cylinder overall with only the upper end of the mouth 13 open, and is configured to be able to contain liquid within the internal space defined by the bottom 11 and the body 12.

[0014] The bottom 11 has an elliptical shape having a major axis and a minor axis. The bottom 11 has an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the lower end of the body 12, and the body 12 extends upward from the upper surface of the bottom 11. That is, in this embodiment, the container body 10 has a raised bottom structure in which only the bottom 11 contacts the placement surface when placed on a placement surface such as a floor surface. The container body 10 according to this embodiment has such a raised bottom structure, which has the advantage that the deformation rate during squeeze deformation (i.e., the amount of reduction in the volume of the container body 10) can be increased.

[0015] The body 12 has flexibility that allows it to be deformed by a squeezing operation by the user. The body 12 has a shape and size that allows it to be held by the hand of the user. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the body 12 has an elliptical cylindrical shape in horizontal cross section having a major axis and a minor axis, and both ends on the major axis side are recessed toward the inside in the radial direction at approximately the center in the vertical direction. That is, the body 12 has a constricted portion 12a formed at approximately the center in the vertical direction, an upper portion 12b located on the upper end side (mouth portion 13 side) of the constricted portion 12a, and a lower portion 12c located on the lower end side (bottom portion 11 side) of the constricted portion 12a. In the following, the "long axis of the body 12" means the long axis in the horizontal cross section of the body 12, and the "short axis of the body 12" means the short axis in the horizontal cross section of the body 12.

[0016] In a vertical cross section along the major axis of body 12 (cross section along line AA' in Fig. 2), constricted portion 12a has a shape curved radially inward as shown in Fig. 4, but in a vertical cross section along the minor axis of body 12 (cross section along line BB' in Fig. 2), it has a substantially linear shape as shown in Fig. 5. That is, constricted portion 12a is configured so that the shape of substantially all horizontal cross sections in the up-down direction is an elliptical cylindrical cross section.

[0017] 4, the upper portion 12b of the body portion 12 has a shape that curves upward and radially inward from the upper end of the constricted portion 12a toward the mouth portion 13. The lower portion 12c of the body portion 12 has a shape that slopes downward and radially outward in a substantially linear manner from the lower end of the constricted portion 12a toward the bottom portion 11. In this embodiment, the width in the major axis direction of the upper portion 12b is set to be larger than the width in the major axis direction of the lower portion 12c, but is not limited to this.

[0018] As described above, the container body 10 according to this embodiment has the advantage that the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the body 12 is an elliptical cylindrical shape, making it possible to eject foam over a long distance with a small amount of distortion. Furthermore, the container body 10 according to this embodiment has the advantage that it is easy to grip, and the gripping position can be guided to the constricted portion 12a, by virtue of having the constricted portion 12a. Furthermore, in the longitudinal section (cross section along line AA' in FIG. 2) along the long axis of the body 12, the container body 10 according to the present embodiment is formed in a substantially S-shaped cross section, in which the upper portion 12b is curved radially outward and then curved radially inward at the constricted portion 12a, and the lower portion 12c extends radially outward in a substantially straight line from the constricted portion 12a to the bottom portion 11, but in the longitudinal section (cross section along line BB' in FIG. 2) along the short axis of the body 12, the upper portion 12b, the constricted portion 12a, and the lower portion 12c are shaped to be continuous in a substantially straight line in the vertical direction. By having such a shape, the container body 10 according to the present embodiment has the advantage that it is less susceptible to the resistance of the constricted portion 12a during squeeze deformation, and can eject foam far with a small squeezing force.

[0019] 3, the mouth portion 13 has a circular cross section in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. The mouth portion 13 has a large diameter mouth portion 13a provided in the upper center of the body portion 12, and a small diameter mouth portion 13b having a smaller diameter than the large diameter mouth portion 13a. A screw thread is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the small diameter mouth portion 13b in a spiral shape along the circumferential direction, so that an inner attachment cap 30 (described later) of the attachment cap 20 can be screwed onto it.

[0020] The material of the container body 10 is preferably an elastic material that is excellent in both flexibility to be deformed by a squeeze operation by a user and in restoration when an external force is removed. From this viewpoint, the container body 10 is preferably made of one or more materials selected from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH). In addition, the container body 10 is preferably formed by integral molding using the above-mentioned materials, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured by integrating the bottom 11, body 12, and mouth 13 molded as separate members.

[0021] The shape and material of the container body 10 are not limited to the above-mentioned configuration, and various known shapes and materials can be adopted.

[0022] [Installation cap configuration] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the attachment cap 20 comprises an inner attachment cap 30 attached to the mouth 13 of the container body 10, an outer attachment cap 40 attached so as to be movable relative to the inner attachment cap 30, a nozzle 50 attached to the upper end of the outer peripheral surface of the outer attachment cap 40, and a dip tube 60 attached to the lower end of the inner attachment cap 30.

[0023] 4 to 7, the inner attachment cap 30 includes a cylindrical portion 31, a large diameter cylindrical portion 32 provided above the cylindrical portion 31, a small diameter cylindrical portion 33 provided below the cylindrical portion 31, a valve seat portion 34 provided between the cylindrical portion 31 and the small diameter cylindrical portion 33, an annular bottom portion 35 extending radially outward from the upper end of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 31, a plurality of lower wall portions 36 extending upward from the annular bottom portion 35, and an outer wall portion 37 extending downward from the outer circumferential edge of the annular bottom portion 35, and is formed into a generally umbrella shape. The inner attachment cap 30 also includes a ball valve 38 configured to be mounted on the valve seat portion 34.

[0024] The cylindrical portion 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an open upper end and lower end. The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 31 is inclined radially inward from the upper end (the end on the foam flow path 23 side described later) of the cylindrical portion 31 to the lower end (the end on the liquid flow path 22 side described later). That is, the cylindrical portion 31 has an inner peripheral surface that tapers downward and radially inward. The diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 31 is formed to be larger than the diameter of the ball valve 38. With such a configuration, the cylindrical portion 31 according to this embodiment has the advantage of being able to smoothly move the ball valve 38 inside the cylindrical portion 31 and to reliably guide the ball valve 38 toward the valve seat portion 34.

[0025] As shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 9, the cylindrical portion 31 is formed with a plurality of grooves 31a that are recessed from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 31 toward the outside in the radial direction and extend along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 31. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, eight grooves 31a are formed at intervals of 45 degrees in the circumferential direction. Each groove 31a has a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 31 that is formed in a substantially U-shape. The shape, number and intervals of the grooves 31a are not limited to the structure shown in the drawings and can be arbitrarily changed as long as the function of the grooves 31a is not impaired.

[0026] In addition, the cylindrical portion 31 has a plurality of grooves 31a formed on its inner circumferential surface, and a rib 31b is formed between adjacent grooves 31a as shown in Fig. 9. That is, eight ribs 31b are formed at 45 degree intervals in the circumferential direction so as to be alternately positioned with the grooves 31a. The ribs 31b function as a guide for the up and down movement of the ball valve 38, and the protruding end faces of each rib 31b form the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 31. Each rib 31b is inclined radially inward of the cylindrical portion 31 from the upper end (the end on the foam flow path 23 side described later) of the cylindrical portion 31 to the lower end (the end on the liquid flow path 22 side described later).

[0027] The edge inscribed in the lower ends of the multiple ribs 31b, i.e., the inner diameter d (see FIG. 9) of the lower end of the cylindrical portion 31, is preferably larger than the diameter of the ball valve 38 from the viewpoint of closely contacting the ball valve 38 with the valve seat portion 34. Specifically, the inner diameter d of the lower end of the cylindrical portion 31 is preferably 1.10 times or more the diameter of the ball valve 38, more preferably 1.15 times or more, and even more preferably 1.20 times or more.

[0028] Moreover, the edge inscribed in the upper ends of the multiple ribs 31b, i.e., the inner diameter of the upper end of the cylindrical portion 31, is preferably larger than the inner diameter d of the lower end of the cylindrical portion 31, from the viewpoints of ensuring a large volume for the mixing chamber 21 described below and smooth vertical movement of the ball valve 38. Specifically, the inner diameter of the upper end of the cylindrical portion 31 is preferably 1.10 times or more, more preferably 1.15 times or more, and even more preferably 1.20 times or more, of the inner diameter d of the lower end of the cylindrical portion 31.

[0029] From the viewpoint of preventing the ball valve 38 from getting into the groove portion 31a, the distance D between the protruding ends of adjacent ribs 31b (see FIG. 9) is preferably smaller than the diameter of the ball valve 38. Specifically, the distance D between the protruding ends of adjacent ribs 31b is preferably 0.5 times or less, more preferably 0.4 times or less, and further preferably 0.3 times or less, the diameter of the ball valve 38.

[0030] In this embodiment, the length L (see FIG. 6) of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 31 in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 31, i.e., the length of the groove portion 31a and the rib 31b, is preferably 1.5 times or more, more preferably 1.7 times or more, and even more preferably 2 times or more, the diameter of the ball valve 38, from the viewpoint of ensuring the moving distance of the ball valve 38 in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 31 and ensuring a space for mixing the liquid and air in the mixing chamber 21 described later. Note that in this embodiment, the length L of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 31 in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 31 is the linear length along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 31 from the upper end to the lower end of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 31.

[0031] The cylindrical portion 31 having the above configuration has therein a mixing chamber 21 in which liquid and air are mixed to generate foam, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. In this embodiment, the mixing chamber 21 is a space defined by the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 31 (i.e., the protruding end surfaces of each rib 31b), the groove portion 31a, a mesh member (not shown) described below, and the upper end of the valve seat portion 34.

[0032] The large diameter cylindrical portion 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending further upward from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 31, and has a larger diameter than the cylindrical portion 31. The large diameter cylindrical portion 32 is configured to be able to accommodate a mesh holding member 70 capable of holding a mesh member (not shown) in an internal space defined by the upper end of the cylindrical portion 31 and the inner circumferential surface of the large diameter cylindrical portion 32.

[0033] The mesh holding member 70 is composed of an outer mesh holding member 71 and an inner mesh holding member 72. The outer mesh holding member 71 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the center portions of the upper and lower ends open. The inner mesh holding member 72 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the upper and lower ends open, and has a smaller diameter than the outer mesh holding member 71. The inner mesh holding member 72 is arranged concentrically inside the outer mesh holding member 71. The mesh holding member 70 is configured to be able to hold a mesh member by sandwiching the mesh member between the inner surface of the lower end of the outer mesh holding member 71 and the inner mesh holding member 72.

[0034] The small diameter tubular portion 33 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending further downward from the lower end of the tubular portion 31, and has a smaller diameter than the tubular portion 31. The small diameter tubular portion 33 is configured to be capable of holding the dip tube 60. Specifically, the small diameter tubular portion 33 is configured to be capable of holding the dip tube 60 by inserting the dip tube 60 into the small diameter tubular portion 33.

[0035] The dip tube 60 is formed in a tubular shape penetrating from the upper end to the lower end, and its upper end is inserted into the small diameter cylindrical portion 33. The dip tube 60 has a length such that its lower end reaches the vicinity of the bottom 11 of the container body 10. The internal space of the dip tube 60 functions as a liquid flow path 22 that introduces liquid from inside the container body 10 to the mixing chamber 21.

[0036] The valve seat 34 is provided between the cylindrical portion 31 and the liquid flow path 22, and is in communication with the cylindrical portion 31 and the liquid flow path 22. In this embodiment, the valve seat 34 is formed between the lower end of the cylindrical portion 31 and the upper end of the small diameter cylindrical portion 33. The valve seat 34 has a curved inner surface that tapers from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 31 to the upper end of the small diameter cylindrical portion 33, and the inner surface has a shape that allows the ball valve 38 to fit closely thereto. Specifically, the inner surface of the valve seat 34 has approximately the same radius of curvature as the radius of curvature of the ball valve 38.

[0037] The annular bottom 35 is formed in an annular shape extending radially outward from the upper end of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 31, and is coaxial with the cylindrical portion 31. The annular bottom 35 has a through hole 35a formed penetrating from the upper surface to the lower surface of the annular bottom 35 in a portion between the large-diameter cylindrical portion 32 and the inner circumferential surface of a first lower wall portion 36a described below. A plurality of through holes 35a (four in this embodiment) are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular bottom 35.

[0038] The lower wall portion 36 has a first lower wall portion 36a provided radially outward from the annular bottom portion 35 than the large diameter cylindrical portion 32, a second lower wall portion 36b provided radially outward from the annular bottom portion 35 than the first lower wall portion 36a, and a third lower wall portion 36c provided radially outward from the annular bottom portion 35 than the second lower wall portion 36b.

[0039] The first lower wall portion 36a is formed in a cylindrical shape that is open at the top, and is coaxial with the tubular portion 31. The first lower wall portion 36a has a diameter and an axial length (in this embodiment, a length that is approximately one-third the axial length of the large diameter tubular portion 32) that enable the inner peripheral surface of the first lower wall portion 36a and the outer peripheral surface of the third upper wall portion 48c to be in close contact with each other in a non-communicating state described below.

[0040] The second lower wall portion 36b is formed in a cylindrical shape with an open top, and is coaxial with the tubular portion 31. The second lower wall portion 36b has a diameter and an axial length (in this embodiment, a length approximately twice the axial length of the first lower wall portion 36a) that enable the outer circumferential surface of the second lower wall portion 36b and the inner circumferential surface of the fourth upper wall portion 48d to be in close contact with each other in a communication state described below.

[0041] The third lower wall portion 36c is formed in a cylindrical shape that is open at the top, and is coaxial with the tubular portion 31. Moreover, the third lower wall portion 36c has approximately the same length in the axial direction as the second lower wall portion 36b.

[0042] In this embodiment, the inner attachment cap 30 is configured so that a second upper wall portion 48b and a third upper wall portion 48c (described later) of the outer attachment cap 40 can be inserted into a space defined by the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter cylindrical portion 32, the upper surface of the annular bottom portion 35, and the inner peripheral surface of the first lower wall portion 36a. The inner attachment cap 30 is also configured so that a fourth upper wall portion 48d (described later) of the outer attachment cap 40 can be inserted into a space defined by the outer peripheral surface of the second lower wall portion 36b, the upper surface of the annular bottom portion 35, and the inner peripheral surface of the third lower wall portion 36c.

[0043] The outer wall portion 37 has a small diameter outer wall portion 37a extending downward from the outer periphery of the small diameter outer wall portion 37a and a large diameter outer wall portion 37b provided below the small diameter outer wall portion 37a and having a larger diameter than the small diameter outer wall portion 37a. The small diameter outer wall portion 37a has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter opening portion 13b of the opening portion 13. The large diameter outer wall portion 37b has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the large diameter opening portion 13a of the opening portion 13.

[0044] Further, the inner peripheral surface of the small diameter outer wall portion 37a is provided with a screw groove formed helically along the circumferential direction, and is configured to be able to screw into a screw thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter opening portion 13b of the opening portion 13. That is, in this embodiment, the inner attachment cap 30 is attached to the opening portion 13 by screwing the screw groove provided on the small diameter outer wall portion 37a of the outer wall portion 37 into the screw thread provided on the small diameter opening portion 13b of the opening portion 13.

[0045] On the other hand, the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter outer wall portion 37a is provided with a screw thread formed in a spiral shape along the circumferential direction, and is configured to be able to screw into a screw groove provided on the peripheral wall portion 42 of the outer mounting cap 40, which will be described later.

[0046] The ball valve 38 is disposed between the liquid flow path 22 and the mixing chamber 21, and is configured to be capable of opening and closing the liquid flow path 22. Specifically, the ball valve 38 is configured to be capable of switching between a closed state in which the ball valve 38 is in close contact with the valve seat 34 to restrict the flow of liquid, etc., and an open state in which the ball valve 38 is separated from the valve seat 34 to allow the flow of liquid. That is, the ball valve 38 is configured to cooperate with the valve seat 34 to function as a check valve that allows the flow of liquid from the internal space of the container body 10 toward the mixing chamber 21, and prevents the flow of liquid, etc. in the opposite direction (from the mixing chamber 21 toward the internal space of the container body 10).

[0047] More specifically, when the internal pressure of the container body 10 increases as a result of the deformation of the barrel 12 of the container body 10 by a squeeze operation by the user, the ball valve 38 moves in a direction away from the valve seat 34 to communicate the liquid flow path 22 with the mixing chamber 21, thereby allowing the inflow of liquid from the container body 10 to the mixing chamber 21. In addition, when the user stops the squeeze operation and the container body 10 restores its original shape due to its own elasticity, causing the inside of the container body 10 to become negative pressure, the ball valve 38 is configured to come into close contact with the valve seat 34 to bring the liquid flow path 22 and the mixing chamber 21 into a non-communicating state, thereby preventing the backflow of liquid, etc. from the mixing chamber 21 to the container body 10.

[0048] In this embodiment, no valve guard that restricts the up-down movement of the ball valve 38 is formed inside the cylindrical portion 31. This allows the ball valve 38 to move up-down over almost the entire axial range of the cylindrical portion 31.

[0049] The mounting cap 20 also includes an air introduction hole 39 for introducing air from the inside of the container body 10 into the mixing chamber 21. As shown in Figs. 6, 7, and 9, the air introduction hole 39 is an opening that communicates the internal space of the container body 10 with the mixing chamber 21, and is formed on the valve seat portion 34 side from the upper ends of the groove portion 31a and the rib 31b. Specifically, the air introduction hole 39 is provided between the groove portion 31a and the valve seat portion 34, or on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 31 including the groove portion 31a. In this embodiment, the air introduction hole 39 is provided between the groove portion 31a and the valve seat portion 34. The air introduction hole 39 can be formed at any position between the groove portion 31a and the valve seat portion 34, or on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 31 including the groove portion 31a. However, from the viewpoint of ensuring the distance from the mixing location of the gas and the liquid to the mesh member, it is preferable to provide the air introduction hole 39 on the valve seat portion 34 side from the center of the extension direction of the groove portion 31a.

[0050] 9, a plurality of air introduction holes 39 are provided along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 31. In this embodiment, the air introduction holes 39 are provided at positions corresponding to the groove portions 31a, that is, between the adjacent ribs 31b. Note that the number and arrangement of the air introduction holes 39 in the circumferential direction are not limited to the example shown in the figure, and any of various configurations can be adopted as long as the configuration allows air to be introduced from inside the container body 10 into the mixing chamber 21.

[0051] With the above configuration, the inner attachment cap 30 is configured to mix the liquid supplied to the mixing chamber 21 via the liquid flow path 22 (dip tube 60) and the gas supplied to the mixing chamber 21 via the air introduction hole 39 in the mixing chamber 21 to generate foam. In addition, the inner attachment cap 30 is configured such that a mesh member is disposed at the outlet of the mixing chamber 21, and the mesh member can break down the foam generated in the mixing chamber 21 to generate finer foam.

[0052] The inner mounting cap 30 is formed by integral molding using materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyoxymethylene (POM) except for the ball valve 38. However, the configuration of the inner mounting cap 30 is not limited to this, and may be configured, for example, by integrating the cylindrical portion 31, the large diameter cylindrical portion 32, the small diameter cylindrical portion 33, the valve seat portion 34, the annular bottom portion 35, the lower wall portion 36, and the outer wall portion 37, which are molded as separate members. Also, various other known materials and molding methods may be adopted.

[0053] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the outer attachment cap 40 has a top 41 and a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 42 extending downward from the periphery of the top 41, and is formed overall in the shape of a topped cylinder with an open lower end.

[0054] The top portion 41 is formed in a perfect circular and plate-like shape, and has a shape in which the diameter decreases toward the top. That is, the top portion 41 is formed in a curved shape at the portion between the apex portion and the peripheral wall portion 42. The peripheral wall portion 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter outer wall portion 37a of the inner attachment cap 30. The inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 42 is provided with a screw groove formed in a spiral shape along the circumferential direction, and is configured to be screwed into the screw thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter outer wall portion 37a. That is, in this embodiment, the outer attachment cap 40 is attached to the inner attachment cap 30 by screwing the screw groove formed on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 42 into the screw thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter outer wall portion 37a.

[0055] The outer mounting cap 40 also includes a nozzle holding portion 43 capable of holding a nozzle 50, a storage chamber 44 that houses a ball valve 45 and a ball storage portion 46 that houses the ball valve 45, a flow path forming portion 47 that forms a flow path for supplying foam supplied from the inner mounting cap 30 to the nozzle 50, and an upper wall portion 48 extending downward from the underside of the top 41.

[0056] The nozzle holding portion 43 is formed extending from the vicinity of the connection portion of the top portion 41 and the peripheral wall portion 42 toward the radially outer side of the top portion 41 and the peripheral wall portion 42, and is formed in a cylindrical shape with an open base end and a front end. That is, the nozzle holding portion 43 has an axis perpendicular to the axis of the top portion 41 and the peripheral wall portion 42. The nozzle holding portion 43 also has a large diameter holding portion 43a extending from the vicinity of the connection portion of the top portion 41 and the peripheral wall portion 42 toward the radially outer side of the top portion 41 and the peripheral wall portion 42, and a small diameter holding portion 43b having a smaller diameter than the large diameter holding portion 43a and extending from the front end of the large diameter holding portion 43a in the same direction as the extension direction of the large diameter holding portion 43a. The connection portion between the inner peripheral surface of the large diameter holding portion 43a and the inner peripheral surface of the small diameter holding portion 43b is formed in a flat shape without a step.

[0057] The nozzle holding portion 43 having the above configuration is configured to be able to hold the nozzle 50. Specifically, the nozzle holding portion 43 is configured to hold the nozzle 50 by fitting the inner nozzle base end 52 of the nozzle 50 inside the nozzle holding portion 43 and fitting the small diameter holding portion 43b between the inner nozzle base end 52 and the outer nozzle base end 53 of the nozzle 50.

[0058] The storage chamber 44 is provided on the opposite side to the side on which the nozzle holding part 43 is located in the direction along the axial direction of the nozzle holding part 43 (i.e., the direction in which foam is discharged by the nozzle 50). Specifically, the storage chamber 44 is provided in the vicinity of the connection portion of the top part 41 and the peripheral wall part 42.

[0059] The accommodation chamber 44 is formed in a U-shape recessed from the radially outer side toward the radially inner side of the top portion 41 and the peripheral wall portion 42, and has an accommodation wall portion 44a with a U-shaped horizontal cross section extending downward from the upper surface of the top portion 41, and an accommodation bottom portion 44b that closes the lower side of the accommodation wall portion 44a. In other words, the accommodation chamber 44 is configured to accommodate the ball valve 45 and the ball accommodation portion 46 in the space defined by the accommodation wall portion 44a and the accommodation bottom portion 44b.

[0060] The ball accommodating portion 46 is formed to extend upward from the accommodating bottom portion 44b of the accommodating chamber 44, and is formed in a cylindrical shape with an open upper end and lower end. Specifically, the ball accommodating portion 46 is formed to extend upward from the accommodating bottom portion 44b at a position where the ball accommodating portion 46 is connected to a third upper wall portion 48c and a fourth upper wall portion 48d described later. The upper end portion of the ball accommodating portion 46 has a shape that curves radially inward and upward of the ball accommodating portion 46. In other words, the upper end portion of the ball accommodating portion 46 has a shape in which the diameter decreases toward the upper end.

[0061] The ball accommodating portion 46 has a valve seat portion 46a on which the ball valve 45 can be placed, below the upper end portion where the diameter is reduced, and is configured to accommodate the ball valve 45 between the upper end portion of the ball accommodating portion 46 and the valve seat portion 46a. The valve seat portion 46a is formed to protrude radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the ball accommodating portion 46, and has a curved inner surface on which the ball valve 45 can be closely attached. Specifically, the inner surface of the valve seat portion 46a has approximately the same radius of curvature as the radius of curvature of the ball valve 45.

[0062] The ball valve 45 is configured to be switchable between a closed state in which the ball valve 45 is in close contact with the valve seat 46a to restrict the flow of fluid, and an open state in which the ball valve 45 is separated from the valve seat 46a to allow the flow of fluid. That is, the ball valve 45 is configured to cooperate with the valve seat 46a to function as a check valve that allows the flow of air from the outside of the outer attachment cap 40 toward the inside of the outer attachment cap 40 and prevents the flow of liquid and air from the inside of the outer attachment cap 40 toward the outside of the outer attachment cap 40.

[0063] The flow path forming portion 47 is provided on the base end side of the nozzle holding portion 43 and communicates with the nozzle 50. Specifically, the flow path forming portion 47 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is coaxial with the nozzle holding portion 43, and both axial ends are formed to be open. That is, in this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the flow path forming portion 47 forms a flow path for supplying foam supplied from the inner-attached cap 30 to the nozzle 50.

[0064] The flow path forming portion 47 has an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the nozzle holding portion 43. Since the inner diameter of the flow path forming portion 47 is smaller than the inner diameter of the nozzle holding portion 43 in this manner, there is an advantage that when the inner nozzle base end portion 52 of the nozzle 50 is fitted inside the nozzle holding portion 43, the position of the inner nozzle base end portion 52 of the nozzle 50 can be determined.

[0065] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the upper wall portion 48 has a first upper wall portion 48a provided in the center of the top 41, a second upper wall portion 48b provided radially outward from the top 41 than the first upper wall portion 48a, a third upper wall portion 48c provided radially outward from the top 41 than the second upper wall portion 48b, and a fourth upper wall portion 48d provided radially outward from the top 41 than the third upper wall portion 48c.

[0066] The first upper wall portion 48a is formed in a cylindrical shape that is open at the bottom, and has a diameter and axial length that enable the outer peripheral surface of the first upper wall portion 48a to be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the large diameter cylindrical portion 32 in the non-discharge state described below.

[0067] The second upper wall portion 48b is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that curves from the end of the flow passage forming portion 47 on the storage chamber 44 side toward the storage chamber 44, and is coaxial with the first upper wall portion 48a. The second upper wall portion 48b has a diameter and an axial length that can bring the inner peripheral surface of the second upper wall portion 48b into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter cylindrical portion 32 in a discharge state described below. In this way, in a discharge state described below, the inner peripheral surface of the second upper wall portion 48b and the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter cylindrical portion 32 are in close contact with each other, which has the advantage of preventing bubbles from leaking from a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the second upper wall portion 48b and the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter cylindrical portion 32.

[0068] The third upper wall portion 48c is formed in a generally cylindrical shape curving from the outer circumferential surface of the flow path forming portion 47 toward the storage chamber 44, and is coaxial with the first upper wall portion 48a. Moreover, the third upper wall portion 48c has a diameter and an axial length that enable the outer circumferential surface of the third upper wall portion 48c and the inner circumferential surface of the first lower wall portion 36a to be in close contact with each other in a non-communicating state described below.

[0069] The fourth upper wall portion 48d is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that curves from the outer circumferential surface of the flow passage forming portion 47 toward the storage chamber 44, and is coaxial with the first upper wall portion 48a. The fourth upper wall portion 48d has a diameter and an axial length that can bring the inner circumferential surface of the fourth upper wall portion 48d and the outer circumferential surface of the second lower wall portion 36b into close contact in a communication state described later. In this manner, in a communication state described later, the inner circumferential surface of the fourth upper wall portion 48d and the outer circumferential surface of the second lower wall portion 36b are in close contact with each other, so that the air flowing in from the upper end of the ball storage portion 46 is always guided to the through hole 35a, as described later, which is advantageous in that the flow direction of the air in the outside air introduction path 24 can be regulated.

[0070] The outer attachment cap 40 having the above configuration is configured to be movable relative to the inner attachment cap 30. The outer attachment cap 40 is also configured to be movable toward or away from the container body 10. Specifically, the outer attachment cap 40 is configured to be movable toward or away from the container body 10 by rotating relative to the inner attachment cap 30 in a state where the outer attachment cap 40 is screwed onto the inner attachment cap 30.

[0071] The outer attachment cap 40 is formed by integral molding using materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyoxymethylene (POM) except for the ball valve 45. However, the configuration of the outer attachment cap 40 is not limited to this, and for example, the top portion 41, the peripheral wall portion 42, the nozzle holding portion 43, the storage chamber 44, the ball storage portion 46, the flow path forming portion 47, and the upper wall portion 48, which are molded as separate members, may be integrated together. Also, various other known materials and molding methods may be adopted.

[0072] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, nozzle 50 has a cylindrical nozzle tip portion 51 with open tip and base ends, a cylindrical inner nozzle base end portion 52 extending from the inner peripheral surface of the base end side of nozzle tip portion 51 toward the base end side of nozzle tip portion 51, and a cylindrical outer nozzle base end portion 53 extending from the outer peripheral surface of the base end side of nozzle tip portion 51 toward the base end side of nozzle tip portion 51.

[0073] Nozzle tip portion 51 is formed such that its inner and outer diameters decrease from the base end to the tip, and has at its tip a discharge port 51a capable of discharging foam generated in mixing chamber 21. In addition, the outer circumferential surface and inner circumferential surface of nozzle tip portion 51 have, in a longitudinal cross section, an inclined portion that slopes from the base end of nozzle tip portion 51 toward the tip and radial center of nozzle tip portion 51, and a horizontal portion that extends from the tip of the inclined portion in the same direction as the axial direction of nozzle tip portion 51.

[0074] The inner nozzle base end 52 has an axial length that is approximately equal to the axial length of the nozzle holding portion 43. The inner nozzle base end 52 also has an inner diameter that is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the flow path forming portion 47. The outer nozzle base end 53 has an axial length that is approximately equal to the axial length of the small diameter holding portion 43b of the nozzle holding portion 43. The outer nozzle base end 53 also has an outer diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the large diameter holding portion 43a of the nozzle holding portion 43.

[0075] The nozzle 50 having the above configuration is configured to be attachable to the outer attachment cap 40. Specifically, the nozzle 50 is configured to be attached to the outer attachment cap 40 by fitting the inner nozzle base end 52 inside the nozzle holding portion 43 of the outer attachment cap 40 and fitting the small diameter holding portion 43b of the nozzle holding portion 43 between the inner nozzle base end 52 and the outer nozzle base end 53. Note that, in the present embodiment, the nozzle 50 has been described as being configured to be detachable from the outer attachment cap 40, but this is not limited thereto, and the nozzle 50 may be configured to be non-detachable from the outer attachment cap 40.

[0076] The nozzle 50 is formed by integral molding using materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyoxymethylene (POM). However, the configuration of the inner attachment cap 30 is not limited to this, and may be configured, for example, by integrating the nozzle tip portion 51, the inner nozzle base end portion 52, and the outer nozzle base end portion 53, which are molded as separate members, or by integrally molding the nozzle 50 and the outer attachment cap 40. Also, various other known materials and molding methods may be adopted.

[0077] The attachment cap 20 having the above-mentioned configuration has a foam flow path 23 that supplies foam from the mixing chamber 21 toward the nozzle 50, an outside air inlet path 24 that introduces air from the outside of the attachment cap 20 into the inside of the container body 10, and a check valve 25 that is provided in the outside air inlet path 24 and allows flow from the outside of the attachment cap 20 toward the inside of the outside air inlet path 24, and prevents flow from the inside of the outside air inlet path 24 toward the outside of the attachment cap 20.

[0078] As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the space defined by the inner surface of the inner mesh retaining member 72, the inner surface of the large diameter cylindrical portion 32, the inner surface of the second upper wall portion 48b, the lower surface of the top portion 41, and the inner surface of the flow path forming portion 47 functions as the foam flow path 23.

[0079] 6, in this embodiment, the internal space of the ball accommodating portion 46, the space between the outer peripheral surface of the third upper wall portion 48c and the inner peripheral surface of the fourth upper wall portion 48d, the space defined by the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 32, the upper surface of the annular bottom portion 35, and the inner peripheral surface of the second lower wall portion 36b, and the through-hole 35a function as the outside air introduction passage 24. That is, in this embodiment, the air outside the outer attachment cap 40 flows into the inside of the outer attachment cap 40 from the upper end of the ball accommodating portion 46 (the inlet of the outside air introduction passage 24), passes through the outside air introduction passage 24, and flows into the inside of the container body 10. Thus, in this embodiment, the nozzle outlet 51a and the inlet of the outside air introduction passage 24 (the upper end of the ball accommodating portion 46) are formed at different positions.

[0080] 6, in this embodiment, a ball valve 45 housed inside a ball housing portion 46 functions as a check valve 25. Note that, in this embodiment, the check valve 25 is described as a ball valve, but is not limited thereto, and various known valves such as a resin valve may be used.

[0081] In addition, the attachment cap 20 has a first switching mechanism 26 capable of switching between a connected state and a non-connected state between the outside air introduction path 24 and the inside of the container body 10, and a second switching mechanism 27 capable of switching between an ejection state in which foam can be ejected by the nozzle 50 and a non-ejection state in which foam cannot be ejected by the nozzle 50.

[0082] 7, in this embodiment, the third upper wall portion 48c and the first lower wall portion 36a function as the first switching mechanism 26. That is, in this embodiment, the first switching mechanism 26 is provided downstream of the outside air introduction path 24 from the check valve 25. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the first upper wall portion 48a and the large diameter cylindrical portion 32 function as the second switching mechanism 27.

[0083] The first switching mechanism 26 is configured to switch from a communicating state to a non-communicating state when the outer attachment cap 40 approaches the container body 10, and is configured to switch from a non-communicating state to a communicating state when the outer attachment cap 40 moves away from the container body 10. Specifically, the first switching mechanism 26 is configured to bring the outer peripheral surface of the third upper wall portion 48c and the inner peripheral surface of the first lower wall portion 36a into close contact with each other to close the outside air introduction passage 24 when the outer attachment cap 40 approaches the container body 10, and to bring about a communicating state when the outer peripheral surface of the third upper wall portion 48c and the inner peripheral surface of the first lower wall portion 36a move away from each other to open the outside air introduction passage 24.

[0084] The second switching mechanism 27 is configured to switch from the discharging state to the non-discharging state when the outer attachment cap 40 approaches the container body 10, and is configured to switch from the non-discharging state to the discharging state when the outer attachment cap 40 moves away from the container body 10. Specifically, the second switching mechanism 27 is configured to switch from the discharging state to the non-discharging state when the outer circumferential surface of the first upper wall portion 48a and the inner circumferential surface of the large diameter cylindrical portion 32 come into close contact with each other to close the foam flow path 23 when the outer attachment cap 40 approaches the container body 10, and switch from the discharging state to the discharging state when the outer circumferential surface of the first upper wall portion 48a and the inner circumferential surface of the large diameter cylindrical portion 32 move away from each other to open the foam flow path 23 when the outer attachment cap 40 moves away from the container body 10.

[0085] That is, in this embodiment, the first switching mechanism 26 is configured to switch from a connected state to a non-connected state in response to (in conjunction with) the switching operation by the second switching mechanism 27 from the ejection state to the non-ejection state, and is configured to switch from the non-connected state to a connected state in response to (in conjunction with) the switching operation by the second switching mechanism 27 from the non-ejection state to the ejection state.

[0086] In other words, the second switching mechanism 27 is configured to switch from the ejection state to the non-ejection state in response to (in conjunction with) the switching operation by the first switching mechanism 26 from the connected state to the non-connected state, and is configured to switch from the non-ejection state to the ejection state in response to (in conjunction with) the switching operation by the first switching mechanism 26 from the non-connected state to the connected state.

[0087] [How to use the foam dispenser] Before use, the foam-discharging container 1 according to this embodiment is in a non-communicating and non-discharging state as shown in Fig. 7. That is, the outer attachment cap 40 is in a state close to the container body 10, the outer peripheral surface of the third upper wall portion 48c of the first switching mechanism 26 and the inner peripheral surface of the first lower wall portion 36a are in close contact with each other to block the outside air introduction passage 24, and the outer peripheral surface of the first upper wall portion 48a of the second switching mechanism 27 and the inner peripheral surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 32 are in close contact with each other to block the foam flow passage 23.

[0088] When using the foam dispensing container 1 according to this embodiment, first, the user separates the outer attachment cap 40 from the container body 10 to switch from the non-communicating state to the communicating state and from the non-dispensing state to the dispensing state, as shown in Fig. 6. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the third upper wall portion 48c of the first switching mechanism 26 is separated from the inner peripheral surface of the first lower wall portion 36a to open the outside air introduction path 24, and the outer peripheral surface of the first upper wall portion 48a is separated from the inner peripheral surface of the large diameter cylindrical portion 32 to open the foam flow path 23.

[0089] Next, the user holds the container body 10 in an upright state, points the nozzle 50 toward a predetermined discharge location, and presses the body 12 of the container body 10 to squeeze and deform it. By squeezing and deforming the body 12 of the container body 10 in this manner, the internal pressure of the container body 10 increases, so that the check valve 25 built into the outer mounting cap 40 comes into close contact with the upper end of the ball accommodating portion 46, and the outside air introduction passage 24 is blocked. In addition, as the internal pressure of the container body 10 further increases, the ball valve 38 built into the inner mounting cap 30 moves in a direction away from the valve seat portion 34, and the liquid flow path 22 and the mixing chamber 21 are in communication with each other. As a result, the liquid in the container body 10 flows into the mixing chamber 21 through the liquid flow path 22. At the same time, the internal pressure of the container body 10 increases, so that the air (gas) in the container body 10 flows into the mixing chamber 21 through the air introduction hole 39.

[0090] This causes the liquid and gas to mix in the mixing chamber 21, and together with the mesh function of the mesh member formed at the outlet of the mixing chamber 21, fine bubbles are generated. The generated foam is then discharged from the nozzle 50 via the foam flow path 23 formed in the outer attachment cap 40. By the above squeezing operation, foam can be discharged from the foam dispensing container 1 according to this embodiment toward a predetermined discharge location.

[0091] After the predetermined amount of foam has been discharged by the above squeezing operation, the user stops pressing the container body 10 (squeezing operation) and removes the external force on the container body 10. As a result, the container body 10 returns to its original shape due to its own elasticity, and the inside of the container body 10 becomes negative pressure. When the inside of the container body 10 becomes negative pressure in this way, the check valve 25 built into the outer mounting cap 40 moves in a direction away from the upper end of the ball receiving portion 46, and the outside air introduction path 24 is opened. As a result, outside air flows into the inside of the container body 10 through the outside air introduction path 24. In parallel with this, the ball valve 38 built into the inner mounting cap 30 comes into close contact with the valve seat portion 34, and the liquid flow path 22 and the mixing chamber 21 become non-communicative. As a result, the backflow of the liquid in the mixing chamber 21 is prevented.

[0092] After foam is dispensed by the foam dispenser container 1, the first switching mechanism 26 may or may not switch from a connected state to a non-connected state, and the second switching mechanism 27 may or may not switch from a dispenser state to a non-dispensing state.

[0093] [Advantages of the foam dispensing container according to this embodiment] As described above, the foam-dispensing container 1 according to this embodiment is a foam-dispensing container equipped with a container body 10 capable of containing liquid, and includes a cylindrical portion 31 having a mixing chamber 21 therein for mixing liquid and air to generate foam, a plurality of grooves 31a recessed from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 31 toward the radially outward side of the cylindrical portion 31 and extending along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 31, a nozzle 50 capable of dispensing foam generated in the mixing chamber 21, a liquid flow path 22 for introducing liquid from inside the container body 10 into the mixing chamber 21, and an air introduction hole 39 for introducing air from inside the container body 10 into the mixing chamber 21. The device is equipped with a foam flow path 23 which supplies foam from the mixing chamber 21 towards the nozzle 50, a valve seat portion 34 which is provided between the cylindrical portion 31 and the liquid flow path 22 and which is connected to the cylindrical portion 31 and the liquid flow path 22, and a ball valve 38 which is configured to be able to be placed on the valve seat portion 34 and which can open and close the liquid flow path 22, the diameter of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 31 being larger than the diameter of the ball valve 38, a plurality of groove portions 31a being provided at intervals around the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 31, and an air introduction hole 39 being provided between the groove portion 31a and the valve seat portion 34, or on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 31 including the groove portion 31a.

[0094] The foam dispensing container 1 according to this embodiment has such a configuration, which makes it possible to secure a large range of movement of the ball valve 38 within the cylindrical portion 31, and the groove portion 31a makes it possible to expand the volume of the mixing chamber 21, and also makes it possible to secure a sufficient mixing distance between the gas and liquid within the mixing chamber 21, which has the advantages of being able to obtain good foam quality and ensure a sufficient amount of foam discharged. In addition, by using a hole (air inlet hole 39) as a configuration for introducing air into the mixing chamber 21 and shortening the air flow path so that there is no or very little air pressure loss, it has the advantages of being able to efficiently supply air to the mixing chamber 21 and reducing the risk of the foam generated in the mixing chamber 21 becoming clogged.

[0095] Furthermore, in the foam-ejecting container 1 of this embodiment, the air inlet hole 39 is provided closer to the valve seat portion 34 than the center in the extension direction of the groove portion 31a, which has the advantage that it is possible to more reliably ensure the mixing distance between the gas and liquid in the mixing chamber 21.

[0096] Furthermore, the foam-ejecting container 1 of this embodiment has the advantage that the length of the inner surface of the tubular portion 31 in the axial direction of the tubular portion 31 is 1.5 times or more the diameter of the ball valve 38, making it possible to more reliably ensure a larger range of movement of the ball valve 38 within the tubular portion 31.

[0097] Furthermore, the foam-ejecting container 1 of this embodiment has an inner surface of the tubular portion 31 that inclines radially inward from the end on the foam flow path 23 side to the end on the liquid flow path 22 side, thereby offering the advantage that the ball valve 38, which is separated from the valve seat portion 34, can be smoothly guided toward the valve seat portion 34.

[0098] Furthermore, the foam-ejecting container 1 of this embodiment has multiple air inlet holes 39 provided along the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 31, which has the advantage of stabilizing the behavior of the ball valve 38 within the tubular portion 31 and making it possible to smooth the movement of the ball valve 38.

[0099] In addition, in the foam-dispensing container 1 according to this embodiment, air inlet holes 39 are provided at positions corresponding to grooves 31a, which allows liquid and air to mix in each groove 31a and has the advantage of preventing bubbles generated in adjacent grooves 31a from merging. Furthermore, by being provided with this configuration, foam-dispensing container 1 according to this embodiment has the advantage of making it easy to mold air inlet holes 39 and improving molding efficiency.

[0100] [Variations] The foam dispensing container according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical concept of the present invention.

[0101] For example, in the above embodiment, the air inlet hole 39 is provided closer to the valve seat portion 34 than the center of the groove portion 31a in the extension direction, but this is not limited to the above. The air inlet hole 39 may be provided closer to the foam flow path 23 than the center of the groove portion 31a in the extension direction.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the length of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 31 in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 31 is described as being 1.5 times or more the diameter of the ball valve 38, but this is not limited thereto. The length of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 31 may be less than 1.5 times the diameter of the ball valve 38 as long as it is within a range that does not hinder the movement of the ball valve 38 away from the valve seat 34.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 31 is described as being inclined radially inward from the end on the foam flow path 23 side to the end on the liquid flow path 22 side, but this is not limited to the above. The inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 31 may be configured not to be inclined from the end on the foam flow path 23 side to the end on the liquid flow path 22 side, or may be configured to be inclined in the opposite direction to that of this embodiment.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the air introduction holes 39 are provided in a plurality of positions along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 31, but the present invention is not limited to this. The air introduction hole 39 may be a single hole, or may be a hole provided in a plurality of positions in the radial direction.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the air introduction hole 39 is described as being provided at a position corresponding to the groove portion 31a, but this is not limited thereto. The air introduction hole 39 may be provided at a position that is not aligned with the groove portion 31a. Moreover, the air introduction hole 39 may be provided at a position corresponding to each of the groove portions 31a, or may be provided at a position corresponding to only some of the groove portions 31a.

[0106] In addition, the container body is not limited to the container body 10 according to the above embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted as long as the mounting cap can be attached and liquid can be contained. For example, the container body is not limited to a squeeze foamer container capable of a squeezing operation, and various configurations such as a trigger-type foamer container with a built-in pump can be adopted. In addition, the container body is not limited to a self-supporting configuration, and may be a non-self-supporting configuration (for example, a configuration formed in a semicircular shape with the bottom facing downward, a tube-shaped configuration, etc.). Furthermore, the container body may be a container equipped with a volume variable part such as an elastically deformable bellows type. In addition, the container body may be, for example, a pressurized container equipped with an air supply part such as an air pump that can supply compressed air from the outside of the container body to the inside.

[0107] It is apparent from the claims that the above-mentioned modifications are included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1: Foam discharge container 10: Container body 11: Bottom 12: Torso 12a: Neck 12b: Upper part 12c: bottom 13: Mouth 13a: Large diameter opening 13b: Small diameter opening 20: Mounting cap 21:Mixing room 22: Liquid flow path 23:Bubble channel 24: Outside air intake 25: Check valve 26: First switching mechanism 27: Second switching mechanism 30: Inner cap 31: Cylindrical part 31a:Groove 31b: Rib 32: Large diameter cylindrical section 33: Small diameter cylindrical section 34: Valve seat 35: Circular bottom 35a: Through hole 36: Lower wall part 36a: First lower wall part 36b: Second lower wall part 36c: 3rd lower wall part 37: Exterior wall 37a: Small diameter outer wall part 37b: Large diameter outer wall 38: Ball valve 39: Air inlet 40: Outer cap 41:Top 42: Peripheral wall part 43: Nozzle holder 43a: Large diameter holding part 43b: Small diameter holding part 44: Containment room 44a: Containment wall 44b: Bottom of containment area 45: Ball valve 46: Ball holder 46a: Valve seat 47: Flow path forming section 48: Upper wall 48a: First upper wall part 48b: Second upper wall portion 48c: Third upper wall part 48d: 4th upper wall part 50: Nozzle 51: Nozzle tip 51a:Discharge port 52: Inner nozzle base end 53: Outer nozzle base end 60:Dip tube 70: Mesh retaining member 71: Outer mesh retaining member 72: Inner mesh retaining member

Claims

1. A foam dispenser container having a container body capable of containing liquid, A cylindrical portion having a mixing chamber therein for mixing liquid and air to generate foam; A plurality of grooves recessed from an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion toward a radially outer side of the cylindrical portion and extending along an axial direction of the cylindrical portion; A nozzle capable of discharging foam generated in the mixing chamber; a liquid flow path for introducing liquid from inside the container body into the mixing chamber; an air inlet hole for introducing air from inside the container body into the mixing chamber; a foam flow path for supplying foam from the mixing chamber toward the nozzle; a valve seat portion provided between the cylindrical portion and the liquid flow path and communicating with the cylindrical portion and the liquid flow path; a ball valve that is configured to be mounted on the valve seat portion and is capable of opening and closing the liquid flow path; Equipped with The diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion is formed larger than the diameter of the ball valve, The plurality of grooves are provided at intervals in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion, The air introduction hole is provided between the groove and the valve seat, or on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion including the groove. Foam dispensing container.

2. The air introduction hole is provided closer to the valve seat portion than a center portion in an extending direction of the groove portion. The foam dispensing container according to claim 1.

3. In the axial direction of the cylindrical portion, the length of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is 1.5 times or more the diameter of the ball valve. The foam dispensing container according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion is inclined radially inward from the end portion on the foam flow path side to the end portion on the liquid flow path side. The foam dispensing container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The air introduction holes are provided in a plurality of locations along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion. The foam dispensing container according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The air introduction hole is provided at a position corresponding to the groove. The foam dispensing container according to claim 5.

7. It is a squeeze foamer container. The foam dispensing container according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An attachment cap configured to be attached to a container body capable of containing a liquid, A cylindrical portion having a mixing chamber therein for mixing liquid and air to generate foam; A plurality of grooves recessed from an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion toward a radially outer side of the cylindrical portion and extending along an axial direction of the cylindrical portion; A nozzle capable of discharging foam generated in the mixing chamber; a liquid flow path for introducing liquid from inside the container body into the mixing chamber; an air inlet hole for introducing air from inside the container body into the mixing chamber; a foam flow path for supplying foam from the mixing chamber toward the nozzle; a valve seat portion provided between the cylindrical portion and the liquid flow path and communicating with the cylindrical portion and the liquid flow path; a ball valve that is configured to be mounted on the valve seat portion and is capable of opening and closing the liquid flow path; Equipped with The diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion is formed larger than the diameter of the ball valve, The plurality of grooves are provided at intervals in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion, The air introduction hole is provided between the groove and the valve seat, or on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion including the groove. Mounting cap.

Images