Dispenser

Abstract

To make it possible to smoothly open a delivery valve and improve the operability of ejection.SOLUTION: There is provided a dispenser 1 comprising a tank unit 10 that is arranged above a mouth 3 of a container body 2 and has an accommodation chamber 11, an operation member 12 that pressurizes and decompresses an interior of the accommodation chamber, a nozzle cylinder part 14 that communicates with the interior of the accommodation chamber and a delivery valve 18 that opens when the accommodation chamber is internally pressurized. The delivery valve comprises an annular base 100 that is fitted with an inner peripheral surface of the nozzle cylinder part, an elastic cylinder 101 that is elastically deformable to increase its diameter outward in a nozzle radial direction with reference to a coupling part to the base, and an annular elasticity valve 102 that extends inward in the nozzle radial direction from a tip of the elastic cylinder and is in close contact at an inner peripheral edge with an outer peripheral surface of a seal shaft 82 over the entire periphery thereof. The elasticity valve is allowed to elastically deform such that the inner peripheral edge is spaced from the outer peripheral surface of the seal shaft with reference to the coupling part to the elastic cylinder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, for example, there has been known a dispenser (fixed quantity dispenser) that includes a cylinder portion disposed above the mouth of a container body in which the contents are accommodated, a piston operating portion that operates a piston portion disposed slidably within the cylinder portion, a suction valve that opens in response to a pull-back operation of the piston portion to draw the contents from within the container body into a liquid chamber in the cylinder portion, and a nozzle tube portion that is connected to the liquid chamber.

[0003] The nozzle tube has a discharge port for discharging the contents and is formed to protrude toward the side of the cylinder. A discharge valve is provided inside the nozzle tube to allow the contents to flow from the liquid chamber to the discharge port and to regulate the flow of the contents from the discharge port into the liquid chamber. The discharge valve is a check valve that opens in response to the pushing action (downward movement) of the piston.

[0004] The discharge valve is provided with an elastic valve that switches between communication and blocking between the liquid chamber and the discharge port by elastic deformation. The elastic valve protrudes forward from a base and is formed with a tapered cross section that gradually expands in diameter toward the front. The elastic valve is elastically deformable in the nozzle radial direction, and its outer peripheral edge is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the nozzle tube over the entire circumference.

[0005] When discharging the contents using the dispenser configured in this manner, the piston operating portion is pressed down to move the piston portion downward relative to the cylinder portion, thereby increasing the internal pressure of the liquid chamber. This allows the elastic valve of the discharge valve to be elastically deformed while the suction valve is closed. This allows the outer peripheral edge of the elastic valve to be separated from the inner peripheral surface of the nozzle cylinder portion, allowing the discharge valve to be opened. As a result, as the piston portion moves downward, the contents in the liquid chamber can be discharged to the outside through the discharge port. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-64688 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the above conventional dispenser, when the discharge valve is opened, the entire elastic valve needs to be elastically deformed so as to tilt (shrink) toward the central axis of the nozzle tube, with the inner peripheral edge of the elastic valve (the connection part between the elastic valve and the base) as the base point. However, since the entire elastic valve needs to be elastically deformed so as to tilt significantly with the inner peripheral edge of the elastic valve as the base point, a strong pressure is required to open the valve. Therefore, it is difficult to open the elastic valve smoothly with a light force, and there is room for improvement, such as a decrease in discharge operability.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a dispenser that can smoothly open the discharge valve and improve discharge operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) A dispenser according to the present invention comprises a tank section disposed above a mouth of a container body in which contents are stored and having a storage chamber therein for temporarily storing the contents, an operating member for pressurizing and depressurizing the inside of the storage chamber, a nozzle tube section having a nozzle port for discharging the contents, protruding toward the side of the tank section and communicating with the inside of the storage chamber, a suction valve which switches between communication and cut-off between the inside of the container body and the storage chamber in response to changes in the internal pressure of the storage chamber and opens when the inside of the storage chamber is depressurized, and a discharge valve provided within the nozzle tube section which switches between communication and cut-off between the inside of the storage chamber and the nozzle port in response to changes in the internal pressure of the storage chamber and opens when the inside of the storage chamber is pressurized, and within the nozzle tube section is a nozzle shaft. a sealing shaft extending along the nozzle barrel portion, the discharge valve being arranged to surround the sealing shaft with a gap between the sealing shaft and the discharge valve to allow the contents to flow, the discharge valve comprising: an annular base fitted to the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle barrel portion; an elastic tube extending from the base towards the nozzle mouth side and elastically deformable so as to expand in diameter radially outwardly of the nozzle barrel portion, with a connecting portion with the base as a base point; and an annular elastic valve extending from the tip of the elastic tube radially inwardly of the nozzle barrel portion, with an inner circumferential edge portion in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the seal shaft over the entire circumference, and the elastic valve being elastically deformable so that the inner circumferential edge portion moves away from the outer circumferential surface of the seal shaft, with a connecting portion with the elastic tube as a base point.

[0010] According to the dispenser of the present invention, the inside of the storage chamber of the tank part is pressurized by operating the operating member, and the discharge valve can be opened with the suction valve closed. This allows the contents temporarily stored in the storage chamber to be discharged to the outside from the nozzle opening through the nozzle tube part. After the contents are discharged, the inside of the storage chamber of the tank part is depressurized, and the suction valve can be opened with the discharge valve closed. This allows the contents in the container body to flow into the storage chamber and be temporarily stored in the storage chamber. This makes it possible to prepare for the next discharge operation.

[0011] Specifically, when discharging the contents, the internal pressure of the storage chamber increases, so that the contents can be supplied from the storage chamber into the nozzle tube, and the pressure of the contents can be applied to the elastic valve, which is sealed by being in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the seal shaft, through the gap between the base of the discharge valve and the seal shaft. Therefore, pressure can be applied to the entire elastic valve and the elastic cylinder. Therefore, while the elastic cylinder is elastically deformed so as to expand in diameter toward the radially outward direction of the nozzle cylinder portion, with the connecting portion with the base portion as a base point (first base point), the elastic valve can be elastically deformed with the connecting portion with the elastic cylinder as a base point (second base point). This allows the inner peripheral edge of the elastic valve to be separated radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the seal shaft. This allows the discharge valve to be opened, and the contents to be discharged through the nozzle opening.

[0012] In particular, by utilizing two base points (first base point and second base point), the elastic deformation by the elastic cylinder and the elastic deformation by the elastic valve can be made to cooperate with each other, so that the range of elastic deformation can be increased and the inner peripheral edge of the elastic valve can be made to open easily radially outward. Therefore, the discharge valve can be opened smoothly with lighter stress than in the past. Therefore, the operation of increasing the internal pressure of the storage chamber with the operating member can be performed with lighter force, resulting in a discharger with improved discharge operability.

[0013] (2) An annular space that allows elastic deformation of the elastic cylinder may be formed between the elastic cylinder and an inner circumferential surface of the nozzle cylinder portion.

[0014] In this case, since the annular space can be utilized, it is possible to elastically deform the elastic cylinder so that the diameter expands toward the outside in the radial direction. Therefore, the opening amount of the elastic valve toward the outside in the radial direction can be increased, and the discharge valve can be opened smoothly with less stress.

[0015] (3) The elastic valve may be formed so as to extend from the tip end of the elastic cylinder toward the inside in the radial direction of the nozzle cylinder portion toward the opposite side to the nozzle port.

[0016] In this case, the elastic valve is formed so that the angle between the elastic cylinder and the elastic valve is an acute angle. Therefore, when the discharge valve is opened, the elastic valve rotates in accordance with the elastic deformation of the elastic cylinder, with the connection part with the elastic cylinder as a base point (second base point) so that the inner peripheral edge moves toward the nozzle opening side and moves toward the radially outward direction. Therefore, it is possible to make the elastic valve even easier to open. Furthermore, after the contents are discharged, the elastic valve returns to its original position due to the elastic restoring deformation of the elastic cylinder and the elastic valve, so that the inner peripheral edge of the elastic valve comes into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the seal shaft to seal again. At this time, the inner peripheral edge of the elastic valve moves significantly toward the opposite side of the nozzle opening, so that the volume inside the nozzle tube part can be changed so as to increase instantaneously. This makes it possible to instantaneously create a negative pressure inside the nozzle tube part, and by utilizing the suck-back effect, the contents remaining in the nozzle tube part can be sucked back. This makes it possible to prevent the contents from leaking out of the nozzle tube part.

[0017] (4) The elastic valve may have slit holes formed therein that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the elastic valve, and the slit holes may be formed so as to pass through the elastic valve, extend radially along the nozzle tube portion, and open into the inner peripheral edge portion of the elastic valve.

[0018] In this case, since the elastic valve has slits, the stress of the contents can be concentrated on the portion of the elastic valve located between the circumferentially adjacent slits, so that the discharge valve can be opened with even lighter stress. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the dispenser of the present invention, the discharge valve can be opened smoothly, and the ease of discharging can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a dispenser according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dispenser showing a state in which the lever portion shown in FIG. 1 is tilted forward to dispense the contents. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the upper tank portion shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the discharge valve and its periphery shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 5 is a front view of the elastic valve in the discharge valve shown in FIG. 4, as viewed from the nozzle axial direction. [Figure 6] 3 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the discharge valve and its periphery shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the discharge valve, and is a front view of an elastic valve in which a slit hole is formed, as viewed from the nozzle axial direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is an example of a dispenser equipped with the discharge valve shown in FIG. 2, showing an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the periphery of the discharge valve when the content is being discharged. [Figure 9] 9 is a front view of the elastic valve in the discharge valve shown in FIG. 8 as viewed from the nozzle axial direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a dispenser 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a dispenser 1 of this embodiment is used by being attached to a mouth portion 3 of a container body 2 in which contents are accommodated. The contents are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include liquids with relatively low viscosity, such as liquid beverages such as water and alcoholic beverages, and liquids containing solids such as abrasives. However, the contents are not limited to liquids.

[0022] The dispenser 1 comprises a cylindrical tank portion 10 having a liquid chamber (storage chamber according to the present invention) 11 therein for temporarily storing the contents, an operating member 12 for pressurizing and depressurizing the liquid chamber 11, a nozzle tube portion 14 having a nozzle mouth 13 for discharging the contents and protruding toward the side of the tank portion 10, an attachment tube portion 15 arranged between the mouth portion of the container body 2 and the tank portion 10, a cylindrical suction portion 16 connected to the liquid chamber 11 of the tank portion 10, a suction valve 17 provided in the suction portion 16 and opening when the pressure in the liquid chamber 11 is reduced, and a discharge valve 18 provided in the nozzle tube portion 14 and opening when the internal pressure of the liquid chamber 11 is increased. Unless otherwise specified, each component part of the dispenser 1 is a molded product made of synthetic resin.

[0023] In this embodiment, the central axis of the tank part 10 is referred to as the container axis O1, the tank part 10 side along the container axis O1 is referred to as the upper side, and the container body 2 side is referred to as the lower side. In addition, in a plan view seen from the container axis O1 direction, a direction intersecting the container axis O1 is referred to as the radial direction, and a direction going around the container axis O1 is referred to as the circumferential direction. Furthermore, in the radial direction, the direction in which the nozzle tube part 14 protrudes from the tank part 10 is referred to as the front, and the opposite side is referred to as the rear.

[0024] (Container body) The container body 2 may be, for example, a glass bottle, a synthetic resin bottle including a PET bottle with a large capacity such as 4 liters, etc., but is not particularly limited to this. In the illustrated example, the container body 2 has a mouth portion 3 with a relatively large diameter. A male thread portion 20 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the mouth portion 3 of the container body 2 .

[0025] A support member 21 is disposed coaxially with the container axis O1 inside the mouth portion 3 of the container body 2. The support member 21 includes a cylindrical support tube 22 and an annular flange piece 23 protruding radially outward from the support tube 22. The support tube 22 is disposed so that its lower end side fits into the mouth 3 of the container body 2 and its upper end side protrudes above the mouth 3 of the container body 2. The flange piece 23 is disposed on the upper opening edge of the mouth 3 of the container body 2. As a result, the support member 21 is disposed inside the mouth 3 of the container body 2 while being positioned in the up-down direction.

[0026] (Tank section) The tank portion 10 is disposed coaxially with the container axis O1 above the mouth portion 3 of the container body 2. The tank portion 10 includes an upper tank portion 30 formed in a cylindrical shape with a top, and a lower tank portion 40 formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, which is combined with the upper tank portion 30 from below. The internal space surrounded by the upper tank portion 30 and the lower tank portion 40 serves as a liquid chamber 11 for temporarily storing the contents.

[0027] The upper tank section 30 is formed in a topped cylindrical shape with a cylindrical side wall section 31 formed to be elastically deformable, and a top wall section 32 that closes the upper end opening of the side wall section 31. The lower tank section 40 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with a cylindrical exterior wall section 41 that surrounds the lower end section of the side wall section 31 of the upper tank section 30 from the outside in the radial direction, and a bottom wall section 42 that closes the lower end opening of the exterior wall section 41.

[0028] Furthermore, the upper tank portion 30 includes a connecting wall portion 33 that protrudes radially outward from the side wall portion 31, and then extends downward to surround the exterior wall portion 41 from the radially outer side. As a result, the exterior wall portion 41 fits between the side wall portion 31 and the connecting wall portion 33 from below. The connecting wall portion 33 is fitted into the exterior wall portion 41 by undercut fitting. As a result, the upper tank portion 30 and the lower tank portion 40 are firmly combined with each other. The method of combining the upper tank portion 30 and the lower tank portion 40 is not limited to undercut fitting, and they may be combined by, for example, screw connection or the like.

[0029] A lever portion 34 is provided on the top wall portion 32 of the upper tank portion 30. The lever portion 34 is formed so as to protrude upward from the center of the top wall portion 32, and is disposed coaxially with the container axis O1. In the illustrated example, the lever portion 34 is formed in a cylindrical shape that opens upward, and is formed so that the outer diameter gradually increases toward the top. This makes it easy to grip the lever portion 34 with the fingertips or the palm of the hand. The shape and position of the lever portion 34 are not limited to this case and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the lever portion 34 may be provided on the upper end of the side wall portion 31 of the upper tank portion 30, or the lever portion 34 may be formed as a solid body. The upper tank portion 30 and the lever portion 34 are formed of an olefin resin.

[0030] The side wall 31 of the upper tank portion 30 is elastically deformable in the radial direction. In addition, an elastic membrane 35 is integrally formed on the entire inner surface of the upper tank portion 30. The elastic membrane 35 is made of a soft material that is elastically deformable, such as an elastomer, and is formed integrally with the upper tank portion 30 by, for example, two-color molding, insert molding, etc. The elastic membrane 35 is not limited to being provided inside the upper tank portion 30, and may be provided outside the upper tank portion 30.

[0031] A through hole 36 that penetrates the side wall 31 in the radial direction is formed in a portion located in the front portion of the side wall 31 of the upper tank portion 30. Therefore, the elastic membrane 35 is exposed to the outside through the through hole 36. Therefore, the elastic membrane 35 exposed to the outside is formed to be thinner than the total thickness of the portion where the side wall 31 of the upper tank portion 30 and the elastic membrane 35 overlap, and therefore functions as the easily deformable portion 35a.

[0032] 3, the through hole 36 is formed so that its vertical size decreases with increasing circumferential distance from the front portion of the side wall portion 31. Both circumferential ends 36a of the through hole 36 are located in the vertical center of the side wall portion 31. Furthermore, both circumferential ends 36a of the through hole 36 are formed so as to draw a curved shape protruding rearward when viewed from the front from the outside in the radial direction.

[0033] The through hole 36 is formed, for example, so that the easily deformable portion 35a is provided over an angular range of 180° or more and less than 360° around the container axis O1 when viewed from the top-bottom direction. Furthermore, the upper edge of the through hole 36 is formed in a curved shape that protrudes upward when viewed from the front, and extends linearly downward from the front to the rear when viewed from the left and right. Similarly, the lower edge of the through hole 36 is formed in a curved shape that protrudes downward when viewed from the front, and extends linearly upward from the front to the rear when viewed from the left and right.

[0034] In this embodiment, a part of the elastic membrane 35 functions as the easily deformable portion 35a, but the elastic membrane 35 is not essential and may not be provided. For example, the thickness of a part of the side wall portion 31 may be made thinner than the other parts, so that the thin part functions as the easily deformable portion.

[0035] Since the tank portion 10 is configured as described above, as shown in Fig. 2, by holding the lever portion 34 and tilting it forward as indicated by the arrow F (tilting operation), the side wall portion 31 can be elastically deformed so as to bend forward, and a compressive force can be applied in the vertical direction while bending the elastic membrane 35 functioning as the easily deformable portion 35a. This allows the easily deformable portion 35a to be bent and deformed so as to protrude toward the inside of the upper tank portion 30. Therefore, the liquid chamber 11 can be pressurized, and the internal pressure of the liquid chamber 11 can be increased. Thereafter, the tilting operation of the lever portion 34 is released, and the side wall portion 31 and the elastic film 35 are restored and deformed as shown in FIG. Therefore, the lever portion 34 and the easily deformable portion 35 a function as the operating member 12 for pressurizing and depressurizing the interior of the liquid chamber 11 .

[0036] (Mounting tube part) 1 and 2, the mounting tube part 15 is formed to extend downward from the bottom wall part 42 of the lower tank part 40, and is disposed on the upper opening edge of the mouth part 3 of the container body 2. The mounting tube part 15 is disposed coaxially with the container axis O1, and the upper end part is formed integrally with the bottom wall part 42. The lower end part of the mounting tube part 15 is disposed on the upper opening edge of the mouth part 3 of the container body 2 via the flange piece 23 of the support member 21.

[0037] A plurality of reinforcing ribs 50 extending in the up-down direction are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the portion located on the upper end side of the mounting tube portion 15. The reinforcing ribs 50 are formed integrally with the bottom wall portion 42 of the lower tank portion 40.

[0038] An outside air introduction hole 51 capable of introducing outside air into the container body 2 is formed in the mounting tube portion 15. The position where the outside air introduction hole 51 is formed is not particularly limited, but in the illustrated example, it is formed between the reinforcing ribs 50 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the mounting tube portion 15. In addition, the mounting tube portion 15 may be provided with a check valve that allows the introduction of outside air from the outside into the container body 2 through the outside air inlet hole 51 and regulates the discharge of contents from inside the container body 2 to the outside through the outside air inlet hole 51.

[0039] The mounting tube portion 15 configured as described above is connected to the mouth portion 3 of the container body 2 via a mounting cap 55 . The mounting cap 55 is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the mouth 3 of the container body 2 and the lower end of the mounting tube 15 from the outside in the radial direction, and has an internal thread 56 formed on its inner circumferential surface to screw into the external thread 20. An annular protrusion 57 protruding radially inward is formed on the upper end of the mounting cap 55. The mounting cap 55 is mounted on the mouth 3 of the container body 2 with the protrusion 57 in contact with the lower end of the mounting tube 15 from above. As a result, the entire dispenser 1 including the mounting tubular portion 15 is mounted to the mouth portion 3 of the container body 2 in a state in which it is prevented from coming off upward.

[0040] (Suction section) The suction portion 16 extends downward from the bottom wall portion 42 of the lower tank portion 40, and is equipped with a connecting tube portion 60 whose inside is connected to the liquid chamber 11, and a dip tube 61 connected to the connecting tube portion 60.

[0041] The connecting tube portion 60 is formed integrally with the bottom wall portion 42 and includes an upper tube portion 62 that opens into the liquid chamber 11, and a lower tube portion 63 that is formed integrally with the upper tube portion 62 and extends downward from the upper tube portion 62. The lower tube portion 63 is formed with a smaller diameter than the upper tube portion 62, and its lower end portion is fitted inside the support tube 22. An annular valve seat 64 protruding radially inward is formed at the connection between the upper and lower cylindrical portions 62 and 63. The inside of the valve seat 64 is formed as a communication hole 65 that communicates between the upper and lower cylindrical portions 62 and 63.

[0042] The dip tube 61 is, for example, a flexible tube having flexibility. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the dip tube 61 may be, for example, a simple cylindrical pipe having no flexibility. The lower end opening of the dip tube 61 is open to the inside of the container body 2. The upper end of the dip tube 61 is fitted into the inside of the lower cylindrical portion 63. As a result, the inside of the dip tube 61 is in communication with the inside of the liquid chamber 11 through the communication hole 65 and the inside of the upper cylindrical portion 62.

[0043] (Suction valve) The suction valve 17 comprises a cylindrical frame portion 70 fitted into the inside of the upper cylindrical portion 62, a plate-shaped valve body portion 71 arranged inside the frame portion 70 and openingably blocking the communicating hole 65, and an elastically deformable connecting piece 72 connecting the outer peripheral edge portion of the valve body portion 71 to the inner surface of the frame portion 70. The valve body portion 71 is seated on the valve seat portion 64 so as to be able to open the communication hole 65. The connecting pieces 72 are arranged, for example, at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0044] Suction valve 17 is a check valve that switches between communication and blocking between the inside of container body 2 and the inside of liquid chamber 11 in response to changes in the internal pressure in liquid chamber 11. Specifically, suction valve 17 is a check valve that allows the flow of the contents from inside suction portion 16 toward the liquid chamber 11, and regulates the flow of the contents from inside the liquid chamber 11 toward inside suction portion 16. In addition, suction valve 17 opens when the inside of liquid chamber 11 is depressurized (when negative pressure is created).

[0045] The suction valve 17 may be a single-point valve in which the valve body 71 is supported by one connecting piece 72. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the suction valve 17 switches between communication and cut-off between the inside of the suction section 16 and the inside of the liquid chamber 11 by utilizing the valve body 71 seated on the valve seat 64, but the present invention is not limited to this case, and for example, a ball valve may be used as the suction valve 17.

[0046] (Nozzle cylinder part) 1 and 4, the nozzle cylinder portion 14 is integrally formed with the tank portion 10 via the lower tank portion 40, and is formed to extend forward from the tank portion 10 and communicates with the inside of the liquid chamber 11. In addition, in Fig. 4, the contents are indicated by dotted hatching. The nozzle tube portion 14 includes a base end tube portion 80 connected to the lower tank portion 40 and the mounting tube portion 15 , and a tip end tube portion 90 combined with the base end tube portion 80 .

[0047] The central axis of the base end tubular portion 80 is referred to as the nozzle axis O2, and the direction along the nozzle axis O2 is referred to as the nozzle axis O2 direction. Furthermore, the direction intersecting the nozzle axis O2 as viewed from the nozzle axis O2 direction is referred to as the nozzle radial direction, and the direction going around the nozzle axis O2 is referred to as the nozzle circumferential direction.

[0048] The rear end of the base end tubular portion 80 is closed by the mounting tubular portion 15. The upper part of the rear end side of the base end tubular portion 80 opens into the liquid chamber 11 through a communication hole 43 formed in the bottom wall portion 42. Therefore, the inside of the base end tubular portion 80 and the inside of the liquid chamber 11 are in communication with each other. A partition wall 81 is provided inside the base end tubular portion 80, dividing the interior of the base end tubular portion 80 in the front-rear direction. The partition wall 81 divides the interior of the base end tubular portion 80 into a first space S1 communicating with the nozzle port 13 and a second space S2 communicating with the liquid chamber 11. A seal shaft 82 extending forward along the nozzle axis O2 is formed in the center of the partition wall 81. In the illustrated example, the seal shaft 82 is formed in a cylindrical shape that opens forward, and has an outer diameter that decreases toward the front. However, the shape of the seal shaft 82 is not limited to this case, and it may be formed, for example, in a solid cylindrical shape whose outside diameter does not change.

[0049] Furthermore, the partition wall 81 is formed with a communication hole 83 penetrating the partition wall 81 in the front-rear direction. A plurality of communication holes 83 are formed around the seal shaft 82 with intervals between them in the nozzle circumferential direction. Therefore, the contents flow inside the base end tubular portion 80 through the communication holes 83.

[0050] The tip tube portion 90 is assembled to the base end tube portion 80 from the front. The rear end of the tip tube portion 90 is fitted inside the base end tube portion 80. Furthermore, the tip tube portion 90 is provided with an attachment tube 91 that surrounds the base end tube portion 80 from the outside in the nozzle radial direction. The attachment tube 91 is fitted onto the base end tube portion 80 in a state in which it is prevented from slipping out forward from the base end tube portion 80. As a result, the tip tube portion 90 is integrally combined with the base end tube portion 80 so as to sandwich the base end tube portion 80 from the inside and outside in the nozzle radial direction.

[0051] The tip tube portion 90 is formed in an L-shape so as to extend obliquely downward toward the front from the base end tube portion 80 and then bend downward midway. A nozzle opening 13 is formed at the tip of the tip tube portion 90. Therefore, the nozzle opening 13 opens downward. However, the shape of the tip tube portion 90 is not limited to the L-shape, and may be formed, for example, in a straight shape with the nozzle port 13 opening forward.

[0052] (Discharge valve) The discharge valve 18 is disposed inside the nozzle tube portion 14, and serves as a check valve that switches between communication and blocking between the inside of the liquid chamber 11 and the nozzle opening 13 in response to changes in the internal pressure of the liquid chamber 11. Specifically, the discharge valve 18 serves as a check valve that allows the flow of contents from the inside of the liquid chamber 11 to the nozzle opening 13, and regulates the flow of contents and air from the nozzle opening 13 to the inside of the liquid chamber 11. The discharge valve 18 opens when the inside of the liquid chamber 11 is pressurized.

[0053] The discharge valve 18 comprises an annular base 100 fitted onto the inner surface of the base end tubular portion 80, an elastic cylinder 101 formed to extend forward from the base 100, and an annular elastic valve 102 formed to extend radially inward from the front end (tip) of the elastic cylinder 101 and in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the sealing shaft 82.

[0054] The base 100 is disposed so as to surround the seal shaft 82 with a gap between it and the outer circumferential surface of the seal shaft 82 to allow the contents to flow. The base 100 is fitted to the inner circumferential surface of the base end tubular portion 80 while being sandwiched in the front-rear direction between the partition portion 81 and the rear end of the tip tubular portion 90. As a result, the entire discharge valve 18 is appropriately positioned and disposed inside the nozzle tubular portion 14 with the discharge valve 18 prevented from slipping out in the forward direction.

[0055] The elastic cylinder 101 is formed in a thin-walled cylindrical shape extending forward from the front end of the base 100, and surrounds the seal shaft 82 from the outside in the nozzle radial direction with a gap between it and the seal shaft 82. The elastic cylinder 101 is elastically deformable so as to expand in diameter outward in the nozzle radial direction, with a connection part (P1) (see FIG. 6) with the base 100 as a base point (see FIG. 2). Between the elastic cylinder 101 and the inner peripheral surface of the tip tube portion 90, an annular space S3 (see FIG. 4) is formed which allows elastic deformation of the elastic cylinder 101 outward in the nozzle radial direction.

[0056] 4 and 5, the annular elastic valve 102 extends from the front end of the elastic cylinder 101 toward the inside in the nozzle radial direction, and its inner peripheral edge is in close contact with the entire outer circumferential surface of the seal shaft 82. This provides an appropriate seal between the elastic valve 102 and the outer circumferential surface of the seal shaft 82. In the illustrated example, the elastic valve 102 is formed to extend rearward as it moves from the front end of the elastic cylinder 101 toward the inside in the nozzle radial direction. Therefore, the elastic valve 102 is formed so that the angle between the elastic cylinder 101 and the elastic valve 102 is an acute angle.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 6, the elastic valve 102 is capable of elastic deformation in cooperation with the elastic deformation of the elastic cylinder 101, with the connection part (P2) with the elastic cylinder 101 as a base point, such that the inner peripheral edge part moves away from the outer peripheral surface of the seal shaft 82. In Fig. 6, the contents are indicated by dotted hatching. Therefore, the discharge valve 18 is capable of switching between communication and blocking between the interior of the liquid chamber 11 and the nozzle port 13 by elastic deformation of the elastic cylinder 101 and the elastic valve 102 .

[0058] (Ejector Action) Next, the operation of the dispenser 1 configured as described above will be briefly described below. It is assumed that the contents are temporarily stored in the liquid chamber 11 of the tank portion 10.

[0059] When discharging the contents in the liquid chamber 11, the liquid chamber 11 is pressurized by operating the operating member 12. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, by holding the lever portion 34 and tilting it forward as indicated by arrow F, the easily deformable portion 35a of the elastic membrane 35 is bent and deformed so as to protrude toward the inside of the upper tank portion 30, while the side wall portion 31 of the upper tank portion 30 is bent and deformed forward. This applies pressure to the liquid chamber 11, and the internal pressure of the liquid chamber 11 can be increased.

[0060] Due to an increase in the internal pressure of the liquid chamber 11, the valve body 71 can be pressed against the valve seat 64 from above, thereby closing the communication hole 65. This allows the suction valve 17 to be closed, and the movement of the contents from inside the liquid chamber 11 into the container body 2 through the suction part 16 can be restricted. Therefore, the discharge valve 18 can be opened with the suction valve 17 closed, and the content temporarily stored in the liquid chamber 11 can be discharged to the outside from the nozzle opening 13 through the nozzle tube portion 14, as shown in Figures 2 and 6.

[0061] After the contents are discharged, the tilting operation of the lever portion 34 is released, so that the side wall portion 31 and the elastic film 35 can be restored to their original shape as shown in FIG. 1. This reduces the pressure inside the liquid chamber 11, creating a negative pressure. Therefore, the suction valve 17 can be opened with the discharge valve 18 closed. This allows the contents inside the container body 2 to flow into the liquid chamber 11 and be temporarily stored in the liquid chamber 11. This makes it possible to prepare for the next discharge operation.

[0062] Specifically, by creating a negative pressure inside the liquid chamber 11, the valve body 71 can be pulled upward while elastically deforming the connecting piece 72 of the suction valve 17, and the valve body 71 can be separated from the upper surface of the valve seat 64. This allows the suction valve 17 to open, and the communication hole 65 to be opened. Therefore, the contents inside the container body 2 can be sucked up into the liquid chamber 11 through the dip tube 61, the communication hole 65, and the upper cylinder portion 62.

[0063] In addition, the internal pressure of the container body 2 becomes negative as the content is sucked up into the liquid chamber 11. Therefore, outside air can be introduced into the container body 2 through the outside air introduction hole 51 formed in the mounting tube part 15, and the internal pressure of the container body 2 can be increased. Furthermore, when the suction (storage) of the contents into the liquid chamber 11 through the suction portion 16 stops, the internal pressure of the liquid chamber 11 rises. Therefore, the valve body portion 71 can be pulled downward by the elastic restoring force of the connecting piece 72, and can be seated against the valve seat portion 64. This allows the suction valve 17 to be closed again, and the communication hole 65 to be blocked.

[0064] Therefore, according to the dispenser 1 of this embodiment, a fixed amount of contents can be stored in the liquid chamber 11, and a fixed amount of contents can be discharged by the subsequent discharge operation. Therefore, the dispenser 1 can be used as a fixed amount dispenser.

[0065] The case where the content is discharged will now be described in detail. When the internal pressure of the liquid chamber 11 increases, the contents can be supplied from the liquid chamber 11 into the nozzle tube portion 14. This allows the contents to be supplied into the elastic tube 101 of the discharge valve 18 through the communication hole 83 as shown by the arrow in Figure 4, and the pressure of the contents can be applied from behind to the elastic valve 102, which is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the seal shaft 82. Therefore, pressure can be applied to the entire elastic valve 102 and the elastic cylinder 101. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the elastic cylinder 101 is elastically deformed so as to expand in diameter outward in the nozzle radial direction with the connecting portion (P1) with the base 100 as a base point (first base point), while the elastic valve 102 is elastically deformed with the connecting portion (P2) with the elastic cylinder 101 as a base point (second base point). This allows the inner peripheral edge of the elastic valve 102 to be separated from the outer circumferential surface of the seal shaft 82 outward in the nozzle radial direction. This allows the discharge valve 18 to be opened, and the contents to be discharged through the nozzle opening 13.

[0066] In particular, by utilizing two base points (a first base point and a second base point), the elastic deformation caused by the elastic cylinder 101 and the elastic deformation caused by the elastic valve 102 can be made to cooperate with each other, thereby increasing the range of elastic deformation and making it easier to open the inner peripheral edge of the elastic valve 102 toward the outside in the nozzle radial direction. Therefore, the discharge valve 18 can be opened smoothly with lighter stress than before. Therefore, the operation of pressurizing the liquid chamber 11 with the operating member 12 (tilting the lever portion 34) can be performed with lighter force, and the discharger 1 has improved discharge operability.

[0067] As described above, according to the dispenser 1 of this embodiment, the discharge valve 18 can be opened smoothly with a light force, and excellent discharge operability can be exhibited while a fixed amount of contents can be discharged. In particular, since the discharge valve 18 can be opened with a light stress, a strong stress is not required for the discharge operation. Therefore, even when discharging is performed by tilting the lever portion 34, a fixed amount of contents can be appropriately discharged. Therefore, it can be suitably used for dispensers 1 with various discharge structures.

[0068] Furthermore, in the dispenser 1 of this embodiment, the elastic cylinder 101 can be largely elastically deformed so as to expand in diameter outward in the nozzle radial direction by utilizing the annular space S3 (see FIG. 4) formed between the elastic cylinder 101 and the inner peripheral surface of the tip tube portion 90. Therefore, the opening amount of the elastic valve 102 outward in the nozzle radial direction can be increased, and the discharge valve 18 can be smoothly opened with lighter stress.

[0069] Furthermore, the elastic valve 102 is formed to extend rearward from the front end of the elastic cylinder 101 toward the inside in the nozzle radial direction so that the angle between the elastic cylinder 101 and the elastic valve 102 is an acute angle. Therefore, when the discharge valve 18 is opened, the elastic valve 102 rotates with the connection part with the elastic cylinder 101 as a base point (second base point) in association with the elastic deformation of the elastic cylinder 101 so that the inner peripheral edge moves forward and moves toward the outside in the nozzle radial direction. This makes it possible to make the elastic valve 102 even easier to open.

[0070] After the contents are discharged, the elastic valve 102 returns to its original position due to the elastic restoring deformation of the elastic cylinder 101 and the elastic valve 102, so that the inner peripheral edge of the elastic valve 102 comes into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the seal shaft 82 to seal again. At this time, the inner peripheral edge of the elastic valve 102 moves significantly toward the rear on the side opposite to the nozzle opening 13, so that the volume inside the nozzle tube portion 14 can be changed so as to increase instantaneously. This makes it possible to instantaneously create a negative pressure inside the nozzle tube portion 14, and by utilizing the suck-back effect, the contents remaining in the nozzle tube portion 14 can be sucked back. This makes it possible to prevent the contents from leaking (drip, etc.) from the nozzle tube portion 14.

[0071] (Modification) In the above embodiment, a plurality of slit holes 110 may be formed in the elastic valve 102 as shown in FIG. The slit holes 110 are formed to penetrate the elastic valve 102 from front to rear, and extend linearly along the nozzle radial direction. The slit holes 110 are also formed to open to the inner peripheral edge of the elastic valve 102. The slit holes 110 are also arranged at regular intervals in the nozzle circumferential direction. Therefore, when the elastic valve 102 is viewed from the nozzle axis O2 direction, the multiple slit holes 110 are formed radially with the nozzle axis O2 as the center. The elastic valve 102 has a plurality of divided valves 112 divided in the circumferential direction of the nozzle by a plurality of slit holes 110 .

[0072] In this way, when multiple slit holes 110 are formed in the elastic valve 102, the stress of the contents can be concentrated and applied to the dividing valves 112 located between the slit holes 110 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the nozzle in the elastic valve 102, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. Therefore, the discharge valve 18 can be opened with even lighter stress.

[0073] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The embodiments and their modifications include, for example, those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, those that are within the scope of the equivalents, and the like.

[0074] For example, in the above embodiment, the elastic valve 102 is formed to extend rearward from the front end of the elastic cylinder 101 toward the inside in the nozzle radial direction so that the angle between the elastic cylinder 101 and the elastic valve 102 is an acute angle, but this is not limited to this case. For example, the elastic valve 102 may be formed to extend forward from the front end of the elastic cylinder 101 toward the inside in the nozzle radial direction so that the angle between the elastic cylinder 101 and the elastic valve 102 is an obtuse angle.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the operation member 12 is described by taking as an example a structure that utilizes the lever portion 34 and the easily deformable portion, but the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, the tank portion 10 may be configured with a cylinder portion formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and a piston portion slidably disposed within the cylinder portion, with the inside of the cylinder portion functioning as the liquid chamber 11. In this case, for example, a piston operating portion including a pressing head capable of pressing down the cylinder portion in an upwardly biased state may function as the operating member 12. Even in this case, the same effect can be achieved.

[0076] The present invention further includes the following aspects. <1> a tank portion disposed above a mouth portion of a container body in which the contents are accommodated, the tank portion having an internal storage chamber for temporarily accommodating the contents; An operating member for pressurizing and depressurizing the inside of the storage chamber; a nozzle tube portion having a nozzle opening for discharging the contents, protruding toward a side of the tank portion and communicating with the storage chamber; a suction valve that switches between communication and cut-off between the inside of the container body and the inside of the storage chamber in response to a change in the internal pressure of the storage chamber and that opens when the pressure inside the storage chamber is reduced; a discharge valve provided in the nozzle tube portion, the discharge valve switching between communication and cut-off between the containing chamber and the nozzle port in response to a change in internal pressure of the containing chamber, and opening when the inside of the containing chamber is pressurized; A seal shaft extending along a nozzle axis is provided in the nozzle cylinder portion, The discharge valve is a ring-shaped base portion that is disposed to surround the seal shaft with a gap between the seal shaft and the ring-shaped base portion and that is fitted to an inner peripheral surface of the nozzle tube portion; an elastic cylinder extending from the base portion toward the nozzle port and elastically deformable so as to expand in diameter toward the outside in the radial direction of the nozzle cylinder portion, with a connection point with the base portion as a base point; an annular elastic valve extending from a tip end of the elastic cylinder toward a radially inward direction of the nozzle cylinder portion and having an inner peripheral edge portion that is in close contact with an outer peripheral surface of the seal shaft over an entire circumference, The elastic valve is elastically deformable such that the inner peripheral edge portion moves away from the outer peripheral surface of the seal shaft, with the connection portion with the elastic cylinder as a base point. <2> <1> In the dispenser according to the present invention, A discharger, wherein an annular space that allows elastic deformation of the elastic cylinder is formed between the elastic cylinder and an inner circumferential surface of the nozzle cylinder portion. <3> <1> or <2> In the dispenser according to the present invention, The elastic valve is formed so as to extend from the tip end of the elastic cylinder toward the radially inward side of the nozzle cylinder portion toward the opposite side to the nozzle port. <4> <1> from <3> In the dispenser according to any one of the above items, The elastic valve is formed with slit holes spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the elastic valve, The slit hole penetrates the elastic valve, extends along the radial direction of the nozzle tube portion, and is formed so as to open to an inner peripheral edge portion of the elastic valve. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] O2…Nozzle axis S3…Space 1...Dispenser 2…Container body 3…Mouth of container body 10…Tank section 11...(liquid chamber) storage chamber 12...Operation member 14…Nozzle cylinder 17...Suction valve 18...Discharge valve 82…Seal shaft 100...Base 101...Elastic tube 102...Elastic valve 110...Slit hole

Claims

1. a tank portion disposed above a mouth portion of a container body in which the contents are accommodated, the tank portion having an internal storage chamber for temporarily accommodating the contents; An operating member for pressurizing and depressurizing the inside of the storage chamber; a nozzle tube portion having a nozzle opening for discharging the contents, protruding toward a side of the tank portion and communicating with the storage chamber; a suction valve that switches between communication and blocking between the inside of the container body and the inside of the storage chamber in response to a change in the internal pressure of the storage chamber and that opens when the pressure inside the storage chamber is reduced; a discharge valve provided in the nozzle tube portion, the discharge valve switching between communication and cut-off between the containing chamber and the nozzle port in response to a change in internal pressure of the containing chamber, and opening when the inside of the containing chamber is pressurized; A seal shaft extending along a nozzle axis is provided in the nozzle cylinder portion, The discharge valve is a ring-shaped base portion that is disposed to surround the seal shaft with a gap between the seal shaft and the ring-shaped base portion and that is fitted to an inner peripheral surface of the nozzle tube portion; an elastic cylinder extending from the base portion toward the nozzle port side and elastically deformable so as to expand in diameter toward the outside in the radial direction of the nozzle cylinder portion, with a connection point with the base portion as a base point; an annular elastic valve extending from a tip end of the elastic cylinder toward a radially inward direction of the nozzle cylinder portion and having an inner peripheral edge portion that is in close contact with an outer peripheral surface of the seal shaft over an entire circumference thereof; The elastic valve is elastically deformable such that the inner peripheral edge portion moves away from the outer peripheral surface of the seal shaft, with the connection portion with the elastic cylinder as a base point.

2. 2. The dispenser of claim 1, A discharger, wherein an annular space that allows elastic deformation of the elastic cylinder is formed between the elastic cylinder and an inner circumferential surface of the nozzle cylinder portion.

3. The dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, The elastic valve is formed so as to extend from the tip end of the elastic cylinder toward the radially inward side of the nozzle cylinder portion toward the opposite side to the nozzle port.

4. The dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, The elastic valve is formed with slit holes spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the elastic valve, The slit hole penetrates the elastic valve, extends along the radial direction of the nozzle tube portion, and is formed so as to open to the inner peripheral edge portion of the elastic valve.

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