Pump type discharge container
The pump-type dispensing container uses synthetic resin components with deformable walls and check valves for recyclable liquid discharge, addressing the recyclability and disassembly challenges of conventional containers.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024055505
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-10
AI Technical Summary
Conventional pump-type dispensing containers with metal coil springs cannot be recycled as resin products due to mixed materials and are difficult to disassemble for component separation.
A pump-type dispensing container design using synthetic resin materials for all components, including a deformable wall structure with check valves, allowing liquid discharge and recyclability without metal parts.
Enables liquid discharge similar to conventional containers while being highly recyclable, eliminating the need for disassembly and using only resin materials.
Smart Images

Figure 2025153172000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a pump-type discharge container. [Background technology]
[0002] A known pump-type discharge container is one that includes a cap that is attached to the mouth of the container, a pump that is held at the mouth by the cap and is driven by the back and forth movement of a stem, and a head that is connected to the stem; the liquid contents in the container are discharged from the discharge port of the head by moving the head toward the cap (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003] As shown in Patent Document 1, a coil spring is provided inside such a pump-type discharge container to return the head, which has been moved toward the cap, to its initial position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-31950 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] However, although most of the components of such pump-type dispensing containers are made of synthetic resin, the coil spring is made of metal. Therefore, when disposing of the container after use, it cannot be recycled as a resin product in its current state. Furthermore, in general, in this type of pump-type dispensing container, the components are firmly fixed to each other, for example, by fitting, to prevent them from coming apart during normal use. Therefore, it takes time and effort to disassemble the pump-type dispensing container and separate the coil spring from the other components.
[0006] The present invention aims to solve these problems and to propose a pump-type dispensing container that can dispense the liquid content in the same way as conventional containers and that is also highly recyclable. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] The present invention provides a container body having a main body portion in which a storage space for storing content liquid is formed and a mouth portion provided at one end of the main body portion, and a cap attached to the mouth portion, wherein the cap can be pressed down toward the container body and includes a press-down head provided with a discharge port for discharging the content liquid into an external space and an internal passage leading to the discharge port, a first deformable wall portion that forms a pressure space inside and is elastically deformable by pressing down the press-down head, an inlet port that connects the external space with the pressure space and introduces air from the external space into the pressure space, and is capable of regulating the flow of the air passing through the inlet port, allowing the air to flow in from the external space to the pressure space while preventing the air from flowing out from the pressure space to the external space. a first check valve that blocks air from entering the storage space; a first flow path that connects the pressure space with the storage space and supplies the air from the pressure space to the storage space; a second deformable wall portion that has a connecting space formed therein and is elastically deformable by pressing down the press-down head; a second flow path that includes the connecting space, connects the storage space with the internal passage and supplies the content liquid from the storage space to the internal passage; and a second check valve that is capable of regulating the flow of the content liquid passing through the second flow path and allows the content liquid to flow out of the storage space to the internal passage while blocking the content liquid from flowing into the storage space from the internal passage, wherein the first deformable wall portion and the second deformable wall portion are formed of a synthetic resin material. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pump-type dispensing container that can dispense the liquid content in the same manner as conventional containers and that is also highly recyclable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view showing a state before the start of use of one embodiment of a pump-type discharge container according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the pump-type discharge container shown in FIG. [Figure 3A] 3A is a diagram for explaining a first flow path of the pump type discharge container shown in FIG. 1, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part III showing a state in which the first flow path is sealed. FIG. [Figure 3B] 3B is a diagram for explaining the first flow path of the pump type discharge container shown in FIG. 1, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part III showing a state in which the first flow path is unsealed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the pump-type discharge container shown in FIG. 1 in a pressed-down state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same or corresponding elements will be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description may be omitted. For ease of explanation, the terms "upper" and "lower" will be used to indicate the upper and lower sides in the vertical direction, respectively, based on the upright position of the pump-type discharge container. Furthermore, the axis of the opening (described below) of the pump-type discharge container will be referred to as the "axis O," a direction perpendicular to the axis O in a plane perpendicular to the axis O will be referred to as the "radial direction," and a direction circumferentially around the axis O in this plane will be referred to as the "circumferential direction."
[0011] The configuration of a pump type discharge container according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional side view showing a state before use of one embodiment of a pump type discharge container according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the pump type discharge container shown in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, a pump type discharge container 1 containing cosmetics (for example, lotion, emulsion, shampoo, body soap, hand soap, facial cleanser, etc.) as the content liquid L will be described as an example. However, the content is not limited to cosmetics, and various liquids may be used. The pump type discharge container 1 is used by being placed on a flat surface such as a sink, dining table, kitchen counter, etc.
[0012] 1 includes a container body 2, a cap 3 having a push-down head 30 provided with a discharge port 30h and an internal passage 30g, and a stopper 4. The pump-type discharge container 1 can discharge the content liquid L from the discharge port 30h by pressing down the push-down head 30. In this embodiment, the push-down head 30 is pressed along the axis O toward the container body 2.
[0013] The container body 2 includes a bottom 21, a body 22, and a shoulder 23 (main body), which are arranged in this order from the bottom, as a main body portion, and a mouth 24. In this embodiment, the bottom 21, body 22, shoulder 23, and mouth 24 are configured as a single part. The bottom 21 has, for example, an elliptical shape. The body 22 is located between the bottom 21 and the shoulder 23 and contains the content liquid L. A storage space S1 for containing the content liquid L is formed inside the body 22. In this embodiment, the body 22 gradually expands in diameter from the bottom 21 toward the shoulder 23, and then gradually contracts in diameter. The shoulder 23 extends radially from the upper end of the body 22 toward the axis O. The mouth 24 is provided at the inner end of the shoulder 23 (one end of the main body) and opens upward. The mouth 24 has a cylindrical shape. The outer peripheral surface of the mouth portion 24 is provided with a male thread 24t for attaching the cap 3 thereto.
[0014] As shown enlarged in FIG. 2, the cap 3 is attached to the mouth portion 24. The cap 3 includes an attachment portion 31, a first deforming wall portion 32, a top wall portion 33, a center tube portion 34, a first check valve 35, a center plug 36, a feed tube 37, a holding tube 38, a second check valve 39, and the push-down head 30. The attachment portion 31 includes an attachment opening portion 31a, a flange portion 31b, and a connecting wall portion 31c. The attachment opening portion 31a has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the mouth portion 24. The inner diameter of the attachment opening portion 31a is larger than the outer diameter of the mouth portion 24. The inner peripheral surface of the attachment opening portion 31a is provided with a female thread 31t that threadably engages with the male thread 24t. The flange portion 31b extends horizontally from the upper end of the attachment opening portion 31a toward the axis O. The connecting wall portion 31c stands upright from the inner end of the flange portion 31b.
[0015] The first deformable wall portion 32 can be elastically deformed by being pressed down. Specifically, the first deformable wall portion 32 can be elastically deformed by pressing down the press head 30. The first deformable wall portion 32 is formed in a bellows shape that can expand and contract along the axis of the first deformable wall portion 32 (here, the axis coincides with the axis O). The first deformable wall portion 32 is provided between the mounting portion 31 and the top wall portion 33, and is connected to the upper end of the connecting wall portion 31c and the lower end of the top wall portion 33. A pressure space S2 is formed inside the first deformable wall portion 32.
[0016] An inlet 33h is provided in the ceiling wall portion 33. Specifically, the ceiling wall portion 33 is connected to the upper end of the first deforming wall portion 32 around the entire circumference and has a stepped shape that moves away from the first deforming wall portion 32 toward the axis O. The inlet 33h is provided at the upper end of the ceiling wall portion 33. The inlet 33h opens upward and connects the external space S3 and the pressure space S2. In this embodiment, a plurality of inlets 33h are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the ceiling wall portion 33. The inlet 33h is a portion for introducing air A from the external space S3 into the pressure space S2.
[0017] The middle cylinder portion 34 has an overall cylindrical shape. The middle cylinder portion 34 has a partition wall portion 34a extending downward from the inner circumferential end of the top wall portion 33, and an inner cylinder portion 34b extending upward from the inner circumferential end of the partition wall portion 34a. The outer diameter of the partition wall portion 34a is larger than the outer diameter of the inner cylinder portion 34b. One end of the middle cylinder portion 34 (here, the inner cylinder portion 34b) is connected (fixed) to the pressing head 30. The partition wall portion 34a extends downward in the pressure space S2. The other end of the middle cylinder portion 34 (here, the lower end of the partition wall portion 34a) is supported by a guide cylinder 36b (described later). In this embodiment, the mounting portion 31, the first deformable wall portion 32, the top wall portion 33, and the middle cylinder portion 34 are formed as a single part.
[0018] The first check valve 35 is provided inside the top wall portion 33. The first check valve 35 is capable of restricting the flow of air A passing through the inlet 33h. Specifically, the first check valve 35 allows the flow of air A from the external space S3 to the pressure space S2, while blocking the flow of air A from the pressure space S2 to the external space S3. In this embodiment, the first check valve 35 has a cylindrical connecting wall 35a and a flange 35b connected to the lower end of the connecting wall 35a.
[0019] The connecting wall 35a is inserted between the top wall 33 and the middle cylindrical portion 34 and is held by being fitted to the partition wall 34a of the middle cylindrical portion 34. The flange 35b extends from the lower end of the connecting wall 35a so as to cover the pressure space S2. The tip of the flange 35b contacts (seats on) the lower surface of the middle section of the inner surface of the top wall 33. The flange 35b is elastically deformable. The tip of the flange 35b can be separated from the inner surface of the top wall 33 by elastic deformation. In this way, the flange 35b comes into contact with and separates from the inner surface of the top wall 33, causing the first check valve 35 to open and close the inlet 33h.
[0020] The inner plug 36 separates the pressure space S2 from the accommodation space S1. In this embodiment, the inner plug 36 is disposed inside the attachment portion 31. The inner plug 36 has a plate-shaped portion 36a that covers the opening portion 24, and a guide tube 36b provided on the plate-shaped portion 36a.
[0021] The plate-shaped portion 36a has a disk shape corresponding to the opening of the mouth portion 24. A cylindrical wall is provided on the underside of the plate-shaped portion 36a, and a ring-shaped packing 36c is inserted into and held in this cylindrical wall. An opening is formed in the approximate center of the plate-shaped portion 36a to allow the feeding tube 37 to pass through. The guide tube 36b is provided in the opening of the plate-shaped portion 36a.
[0022] The guide tube 36b supports the partition wall portion 34a and extends between the pressure space S2 and the storage space S1. In this embodiment, the guide tube 36b has a cylindrical portion 36d extending along the axis O and a pedestal portion 36e protruding toward the axis O from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 36d. The pedestal portion 36e has a ring shape in top view. A groove portion 36g is formed in the pedestal portion 36e over its entire length in the direction along the axis O. In this embodiment, a plurality of grooves 36g are formed in the pedestal portion 36e at intervals in the circumferential direction.
[0023] The upper end of the feeding tube 37 is held by a holding tube 38. The feeding tube 37 extends downward toward the accommodation space S1. The lower end of the feeding tube 37 extends to the vicinity of the bottom 21 (see FIG. 1). The lower end of the feeding tube 37 may be in contact with the bottom 21.
[0024] The retaining cylinder 38 extends along the axis O in the pressure space S2. More specifically, the retaining cylinder 38 extends from the inside of the guide cylinder 36b to the inside of the partition wall portion 34a. The retaining cylinder 38 has a lower cylinder portion 38a, a second deforming wall portion 38b, and an upper cylinder portion 38c.
[0025] The lower cylinder portion 38a is disposed below the guide cylinder 36b, is held by the guide cylinder 36b, and holds the upper end of the feeding cylinder 37. The lower cylinder portion 38a has a first cylindrical wall 38d, a second cylindrical wall 38e disposed inside the first cylindrical wall 38d, and a ring-shaped continuous wall portion 38f (lower wall portion) that connects the first cylindrical wall 38d and the second cylindrical wall 38e at their upper ends. The outer diameter of the first cylindrical wall 38d is equal to the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 36d of the guide cylinder 36b, and the inner diameter of the second cylindrical wall 38e is equal to the outer diameter of the feeding cylinder 37. In the lower cylinder portion 38a, the first cylindrical wall 38d is held by the guide cylinder 36b, and the second cylindrical wall 38e holds the feeding cylinder 37. In this embodiment, a plurality of protrusions on the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical wall 38d fit into a plurality of recesses on the inner peripheral surface of the guide tube 36b, thereby fitting and holding the first cylindrical wall 38d to the guide tube 36b. The feeding tube 37 is inserted into and fitted and held inside the second cylindrical wall 38e.
[0026] Groove portion 38g is formed in the outer peripheral surface of first cylindrical wall 38d, extending over the entire length in the direction along axis O. In this embodiment, a plurality of groove portions 38g, each continuing to a plurality of groove portions 36g, are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction in the outer peripheral surface of first cylindrical wall 38d. A communication hole 38h that opens into feeding tube 37 is formed in the center of continuing wall portion 38f in a top view.
[0027] The second deforming wall portion 38b can be elastically deformed by being pressed down. Specifically, the second deforming wall portion 38b can be elastically deformed by pressing down the pressing head 30. The second deforming wall portion 38b is formed in a bellows shape that can expand and contract along the axis of the second deforming wall portion 38b (here, the axis coincides with the axis O). The second deforming wall portion 38b is provided between the feeding tube 37 and the internal passage 30g, and its lower end side is connected to the upper end of the lower tube portion 38a, and its upper end side is connected to the lower end of the upper tube portion 38c. A connecting space S4 is formed inside the second deforming wall portion 38b.
[0028] The upper cylindrical portion 38c is disposed above the partition wall portion 34a and opens to the inside of the inner cylindrical portion 34b. The upper cylindrical portion 38c has, arranged in this order from bottom to top, a small-diameter portion 38i, an expanded-diameter portion 38j (upper wall portion), and a large-diameter portion 38k. The small-diameter portion 38i extends upward from the connection with the second deforming wall portion 38b. The expanded-diameter portion 38j expands in diameter from the small-diameter portion 38i toward the inner cylindrical portion 34b and is continuous with the large-diameter portion 38k at a position where it contacts the partition wall portion 34a. The large-diameter portion 38k is fitted and held by the partition wall portion 34a while inserted into the partition wall portion 34a.
[0029] The pump-type discharge container 1 further includes a first flow path R1 for supplying air A from the pressure space S2 toward the storage space S1, and a second flow path R2 for supplying the content liquid L from the storage space S1 toward the internal passage 30g.
[0030] The first flow path R1 connects the pressure space S2 and the storage space S1, thereby allowing air A to be supplied from the pressure space S2 to the storage space S1. In the present embodiment, the first flow path R1 is formed by a gap between the partition wall portion 34a of the middle cylinder portion 34 and the guide cylinder 36b (particularly, the cylindrical portion 36d), the groove portion 36g, and the groove portion 38g.
[0031] The partition wall 34a and the guide cylinder 36b will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. Figure 3A is a diagram for explaining the first flow path of the pump type discharge container shown in Figure 1, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part III showing a state in which the first flow path is sealed. Figure 3B is a diagram for explaining the first flow path of the pump type discharge container shown in Figure 1, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part III showing a state in which the first flow path is unsealed.
[0032] A protrusion 36f that protrudes circumferentially toward the other of the partition wall 34a and the guide tube 36b (here, the partition wall 34a) is formed on one of the partition wall 34a and the guide tube 36b of the middle tube portion 34 (here, the guide tube 36b). A locking portion 34c that locks the protrusion 36f in the extension direction of the partition wall 34a (here, the direction along the axis O) over the entire circumferential direction is formed on the other of the partition wall 34a and the guide tube 36b of the middle tube portion 34 (here, the partition wall 34a). In this embodiment, the thickness of a portion of the partition wall 34a that is located above the locking portion 34c is smaller than the thickness of a portion of the partition wall 34a that is located below the locking portion 34c. The portion of the inner surface of the partition 34a located above the locking portion 34c is farther away from the outer circumferential surface of the guide cylinder 36b than the portion of the inner surface of the partition 34a located below the locking portion 34c.
[0033] As shown in Fig. 3A, when the locking portion 34c is positioned above the protrusion 36f, the first flow path R1 is sealed by contact between the outer surface of the protrusion 36f and the inner surface of the partition wall portion 34a. In this state, the locking portion 34c is locked by the protrusion 36f, restricting downward movement of the partition wall portion 34a. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 3B, when the locking portion 34c climbs over the protrusion 36f and the partition wall portion 34a moves further downward from the state shown in Fig. 3B so that the locking portion 34c is positioned below the protrusion 36f (for example, the state shown in Fig. 4), a gap is created between the partition wall portion 34a and the guide tube 36b, and the spaces inside and outside the middle tube portion 34 and the guide tube 36b communicate with each other.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second flow path R2 connects the storage space S1 and the internal passage 30g, thereby allowing the content liquid L to be delivered from the storage space S1 to the internal passage 30g. The second flow path R2 includes a connecting space S4. In this embodiment, the second flow path R2 is formed by the delivery tube 37, the retaining tube 38 (particularly, the second deformable wall portion 38b and the upper tube portion 38c), and the middle tube portion 34 (particularly, the inner tube portion 34b). The second flow path R2 connects the storage space S1 to the internal passage 30g, delivering the content liquid L from the storage space S1 to the internal passage 30g. The content liquid L delivered from the second flow path R2 to the internal passage 30g is discharged to the external space S3 via the discharge port 30h.
[0035] The second check valve 39 can regulate the flow of the content liquid L through the second flow path R2. Specifically, the second check valve 39 allows the content liquid L to flow out from the storage space S1 to the internal passage 30g, while blocking the content liquid L from flowing from the internal passage 30g into the storage space S1. The second check valve 39 is disposed inside the retaining tube 38. When the push-down head 30 has reached its upper limit, the second check valve 39 is restricted from moving within the second flow path R2 (inside the retaining tube 38 in this embodiment). When the push-down head 30 has not reached its upper limit, the second check valve 39 is movable within the second flow path R2 (inside the retaining tube 38 in this embodiment). As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the second check valve 39 has an upper end 39a, a lower end 39b, and a connecting portion 39c.
[0036] The upper end 39a is located above the expanded diameter portion 38j (upper wall portion) within the second flow path R2. The upper end 39a has a circular shape in a top view. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the upper end 39a is larger than the inner diameter of the inner cylindrical portion 34b. In addition, the upper end 39a has a dish shape that is recessed downward in a side view. The upper end 39a has a diameter that decreases along the slope of the expanded diameter portion 38j, for example, from the side to the bottom. In this embodiment, the reduced diameter portion comes into contact with the expanded diameter portion 38j at the upper limit of the upward movement of the pressing head 30. When the upper end 39a and the expanded diameter portion 38j come into contact with each other, the spaces above and below the contact portion are separated, and the second flow path R2 is closed.
[0037] The second check valve 39 is not limited to a configuration in which the space above and below the contact portion is divided by contact between the upper end portion 39a and the enlarged diameter portion 38j. For example, the space above and below the contact portion may be divided by contact between the lower end portion 39b and the continuous wall portion 38f, and the second flow path R2 may be closed.
[0038] The lower end 39b is located below the continuous wall 38f (lower wall) in the second flow path R2. The lower end 39b is further located below the communicating hole 38h. In this embodiment, the lower end 39b is disposed inside the feeding tube 37. As an example, the lower end 39b has a generally truncated cone shape that is a cross shape in a top view that extends along the axis O so as to gradually become smaller. The area of the upper surface of the lower end 39b is larger than the area of the lower surface, and the outermost diameter of the upper surface is larger than the inner diameter of the opening of the communicating hole 38h. In this embodiment, the upper surface of the lower end 39b comes into contact with the continuous wall 38f at the upper limit of the press-down head 30.
[0039] The connecting portion 39c connects the upper end portion 39a and the lower end portion 39b. The connecting portion 39c has a rod shape extending, for example, along the axis O. In this embodiment, the length of the connecting portion 39c in the direction along the axis O is shorter than the length from the continuous wall portion 38f (lower wall portion) including the second deforming wall portion 38b in an undeformed state to the expanded diameter portion 38j (upper wall portion).
[0040] The second check valve 39 is not limited to having the upper end portion 39a, the lower end portion 39b, and the connecting portion 39c. The second check valve 39 may be formed, for example, by only a member corresponding to the upper end portion 39a, or may be formed by a sphere disposed above the second deformable wall portion 38b.
[0041] The push-down head 30 has an inner circumferential cylinder 30a, an outer circumferential cylinder 30b, and an outermost cylinder 30c, which are arranged radially outward in this order. The inner circumferential cylinder 30a, the outer circumferential cylinder 30b, and the outermost cylinder 30c are all cylindrical. An inner circumferential cylinder portion 34b is inserted into and fitted and held inside the inner circumferential cylinder 30a. A top portion 30e is provided at the top of the inner circumferential cylinder 30a, the outer circumferential cylinder 30b, and the outermost cylinder 30c, and has an internal passage 30g formed therein that communicates with the inner circumferential cylinder portion 34b. A cylindrical nozzle 30i extending radially outward and communicating with the internal passage 30g is provided at the tip of the nozzle 30i, through which the content liquid L is discharged by the pump-type discharge container 1.
[0042] The stopper 4 shown in Fig. 1 is a member for preventing the press-down head 30 from being pressed down when the pump-type discharge container 1 is not in use (for example, during transportation, etc.). The stopper 4 has an arc-shaped restriction portion 41 that surrounds a portion of the connecting wall portion 31c and a portion of the first deforming wall portion 32 when viewed from above, and a grip portion 42 that protrudes outward from the restriction portion 41 (on the opposite side to the connecting wall portion 31c and the first deforming wall portion 32). The restriction portion 41 prevents the press-down operation of the press-down head 30 when sandwiched between the outermost tube 30c of the press-down head 30 and the flange portion 31b of the attachment portion 31. The grip portion 42 is gripped to remove the stopper 4 when the press-down operation by the press-down head 30 is permitted (for example, when starting use). By gripping the gripping portion 42 and pulling it outward, the restricting portion 41 is removed from between the outermost cylinder 30c and the flange portion 31b, and the pressing head 30 can be pressed down.
[0043] The container body 2, cap 3, and stopper 4 are each made of a synthetic resin material. The components of the cap 3 include a push-down head 30, an attachment portion 31, a first deformable wall portion 32, a top wall portion 33, a center tube portion 34, a first check valve 35, a center stopper 36, a feed tube 37, a retaining tube 38, and a second check valve 39. Specific examples of synthetic resin materials include elastic soft synthetic resins (e.g., polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE, foamed PE)) and hard synthetic resins (e.g., polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyacetal (POM), polyketone (POK) resin, etc.). The pump-type discharge container 1 of this embodiment does not contain metal as a material for forming the container body 2, cap 3, and stopper 4.
[0044] The operation of the pump type discharge container 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3A, 3B and 4. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the pump type discharge container shown in Figure 1 in a state where it has been pressed down.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 3A, before the pump-type discharge container 1 is used, the outer surface of the protruding portion 36f contacts the inner surface of the partition wall portion 34a. This separates the interior and exterior spaces of the middle cylinder portion 34 and the guide cylinder 36b at the position where the protruding portion 36f faces the partition wall portion 34a. At this time, the locking portion 34c is locked by the protruding portion 36f. This restricts downward movement of the partition wall portion 34a. In other words, the first flow path R1 is fixed in a sealed state by the protruding portion 36f and the locking portion 34c.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, when starting to use the pump-type discharge container 1, the stopper 4 is removed before the push-down head 30 is pushed down. In this state, when the top 30e of the push-down head 30 is pushed down along the axis O, as shown in FIG. 4, both the first deformable wall portion 32 and the second deformable wall portion 38b elastically deform downward, thereby reducing the volumes of both the pressure space S2 and the connecting space S4. At this time, the tip of the flange 35b of the first check valve 35 is seated on the inner surface of the top wall portion 33. In this way, the first check valve 35 regulates the flow of air A through the inlet 33h, blocking the outflow of air A from the pressure space S2 to the external space S3 and pressurizing the air A in the pressure space S2.
[0047] At this time, as the press-down head 30 is pressed down, the inner cylinder 34b connected to the press-down head 30 moves downward. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3B, the partition 34a moves relative to the guide cylinder 36b in the pressing direction (downward along the axis O) so that the locking portion 34c passes over the protruding portion 36f. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the locking portion 34c is positioned below the protruding portion 36f, i.e., a gap is created between the partition 34a and the guide cylinder 36b, and the spaces inside and outside the inner cylinder 34a and the guide cylinder 36b communicate with each other. In this way, the sealing by the locking portion 34c and the protruding portion 36f is released, and the first flow path R1 is formed. As a result, the pressurized air A in the pressure space S2 is supplied to the accommodation space S1 via the first flow path R1.
[0048] Furthermore, the inflow of pressurized air A into the storage space S1 forces the liquid L in the storage space S1 into the supply tube 37 (i.e., the second flow path R2). The liquid L passes through the gap at the lower end 39b of the second check valve 39 in the supply tube 37 and flows into the connecting space S4 via the communication hole 38h. The liquid L then passes through the gap between the upper tube portion 38c of the holding tube 38 and the upper end 39a of the second check valve 39, and rises through the inner tube portion 34b toward the internal passage 30g. The second check valve 39 rises with the liquid L up to a position where it contacts the lower end of the inner tube portion 34b, but is restricted by the lower end of the inner tube portion 34b and prevented from moving too far upward. As a result, the liquid L passes through the internal passage 30g and is discharged from the discharge port 30h into the external space S3, where the liquid L can be received by a discharge object (not shown).
[0049] After using the pump-type discharge container 1, when the pressing operation is released, both the first deformable wall portion 32 and the second deformable wall portion 38b, which had been elastically deformed and shrunk, expand to their original heights due to the biasing force, as shown in Fig. 2. As a result, the volume of the pressure space S2, which had been reduced, returns to its original size, creating a reduced-pressure atmosphere in the pressure space S2. As a result, air A from the high-pressure external space S3 moves the tip of the flange 35b of the first check valve 35 away from the inner surface of the top wall portion 33 and is introduced into the pressure space S2 through the inlet 33h. Similarly, the volume of the connection space S4, which had been reduced, returns to its original size, creating a reduced-pressure atmosphere in the connection space S4. As a result, the content liquid L from the high-pressure internal passage 30g is introduced into the connection space S4 through the gap between the upper end portion 39a of the second check valve 39 and the upper cylindrical portion 38c (particularly the enlarged diameter portion 38j). In other words, a suction-back function (also called a suck-back function or a back-suction function) is exhibited.
[0050] When the push-down head 30 reaches its upper limit, the upper end 39a of the second check valve 39 contacts the enlarged diameter portion 38j, and the lower end 39b contacts the continuous wall portion 38f. This contact between the upper end 39a and the enlarged diameter portion 38j separates the spaces above and below the contact portion. In other words, the second flow path R2 is closed.
[0051] Furthermore, when the pressing operation of the pressing head 30 is released after the pump-type discharge container 1 is started, the partition 34a moves upward due to the biasing force of the first deformable wall 32 and the second deformable wall 38b. However, as shown in FIG. 3B, after the locking portion 34c overcomes the protruding portion 36f by the pressing operation at the start of use (i.e., after the first flow path R1 is unsealed), the partition 34a does not move to the position before the start of use shown in FIG. 3A, and the locking portion 34c stops below the protruding portion 36f. At this time, the lower surface of the protruding portion 36f and the upper surface of the locking portion 34c are in contact with each other. As a result, communication between the spaces inside and outside the middle tube 34 and the guide tube 36b is blocked by the protruding portion 36f and the locking portion 34c, and the first flow path R1 is unsealed. As described above, the pump type discharge container 1 is placed on a sink, dining table, kitchen counter, etc. in a ready state in which the first flow path R1 is blocked and the push button can be easily pressed when in use.
[0052] The effects of the pump-type discharge container 1 will now be described. According to the pump-type discharge container 1, the first deformable wall portion 32 is elastically deformed by pressing down the push-down head 30, thereby reducing the volume of the pressure space S2 and allowing air A to flow out of the pressure space S2. The first check valve 35 prevents this air A from flowing out of the inlet 33h, so it flows into the storage space S1 via the first flow path R1. This forces the liquid L in the storage space S1 to be pushed out of the storage space S1 into the second flow path R2. At this time, because the second deformable wall portion 38b is also elastically deformed by pressing down the push-down head 30, the liquid L is discharged from the discharge port 30h via the connecting space S4, the volume of which has been reduced. On the other hand, when the pressing operation of the pressurized head 30 is released, the elastically deformed first deformable wall portion 32 returns to its original state, thereby increasing the volume of the pressure space S2 and creating a reduced-pressure atmosphere in the pressure space S2. As a result, air A from the external space S3 flows into the pressure space S2 via the inlet 33h, and the pressure space S2 returns to its initial state. Similarly, the elastically deformed second deformable wall portion 38b returns to its original state, thereby increasing the volume of the connecting space S4 and creating a reduced-pressure atmosphere in the connecting space S4. As a result, the liquid L in the internal passage 30g is drawn back into the connecting space S4, and the connecting space S4 returns to its initial state. In other words, a suction-back function is achieved. This prevents dripping from the discharge port 30h. The first deformable wall portion 32 and the second deformable wall portion 38b, which are capable of this series of elastic deformations, are made of a synthetic resin material. Therefore, the liquid L can be discharged in the same manner as in the conventional method, without using a metal coil spring. After use, there is no need to separate the metal parts as was done with conventional pump-type discharge containers, and the container can be reused as a resin product as is, making it highly recyclable.
[0053] Furthermore, according to the pump-type discharge container 1, the second flow path R2 is not completely closed until the push-down head 30 moves to the upper limit. Therefore, the liquid L is pulled back by fully utilizing the intermediate stage in which the deformed second deforming wall portion 38b is restoring to its original shape, thereby more effectively demonstrating the suction-back function. Furthermore, in both the state in which the enlarged diameter portion 38j (upper wall portion) and the upper end portion 39a are in contact with each other and the state in which the continuous wall portion 38f (lower wall portion) and the lower end portion 39b are in contact with each other, the second flow path R2 is closed by the force of the second deforming wall portion 38b attempting to restore its original shape. This effectively prevents the liquid L from flowing from the internal passage 30g into the connecting space S4. This prevents impurities and the like from entering the storage space S1 via the internal passage 30g, thereby reducing deterioration of the liquid L.
[0054] Furthermore, according to the pump-type discharge container 1, the pressure space S2 is defined as a space separate from the storage space S1 by the first deformable wall portion 32 and the plate-shaped portion 36a, making it easier to control the air A in the pressure space S2 by pressing down the press-down head 30. Additionally, since the middle cylinder portion 34 fixed to the press-down head 30 is supported by the guide cylinder 36b, tilting of the press-down head 30 is suppressed.
[0055] Furthermore, according to the pump-type discharge container 1, before use, the connection between the external space S3 and the storage space S1 is suppressed, thereby reducing deterioration of the content liquid L in the storage space S1 due to contact with the air A in the external space S3. Then, when use begins, the press-down head 30 is pressed down, causing the locking portion 34c to climb over the protruding portion 36f, releasing the seal and forming the first flow path R1. This allows the content liquid L to be discharged by the press-down operation.
[0056] Furthermore, according to the pump-type discharge container 1, even after the seal is released, when the push-down head 30 is not depressed, the partition wall 34a of the middle cylinder 34 is pushed upward by the biasing force of the first deformable wall 32 as it tries to restore its original shape, so the lower surface of the protruding portion 36f and the upper surface of the locking portion 34c are in contact with each other. Therefore, the spaces inside and outside the middle cylinder 34 and the guide cylinder 36b are not connected, so that the inflow of air A into the storage space S1 when not in use can be suppressed. This reduces deterioration of the content liquid L even after use.
[0057] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this specific embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. Furthermore, the effects of this embodiment are merely examples of the effects that can be obtained from the present invention. In other words, the present invention may also provide additional effects. [Explanation of symbols]
[0058] 1: Pump-type discharge container 2: Container body 3: Cap 4: Stopper 21: Bottom 22: Torso 23:Shoulder 24: Mouth 24t: Male thread 30: Pressing head 30a: Inner cylinder 30b: Outer tube 30c: outermost cylinder 30e:Top 30g: Internal passage 30h:Discharge port 30i: Nozzle 31: Mounting part 31a: Attachment opening 31b:Tsubabe 31c: Connecting wall 31t: Female thread 32: First deformed wall 33: Ceiling wall 33h: Import port 34: Middle tube 34a: Next door 34b: Inner tube 34c: tie stop 35: First check valve 35a: connect to the wall 35b :フランジ 36: middle bolt 36a: plate-shaped part 36b: case inner cylinder 36c :パッキン 36d: Eun tube part 36e: pedestal part 36f: protrusion 36g: Groove 37: Send to the tube 38: Holding tube 38a: Lower tube 38b: Second deformed wall part 38c: Upper tube 38d: The first censer wall 38e:Second censer wall 38f: Connecting wall 38g: Groove 38h: Connecting hole 38i: small trail section 38j: diameter extension 38k: Large diameter part 39: Second check valve 39a: Upper end 39b: lower end 39c:Jiebu 41: Regulatory Department 42: Grip A: empty L: Contents liquid O : Axis R1: first flow path R2: Second flow path S1: Containment Space S2: Pressure space S3: External space S4: Connecting Space
Claims
1. a container body having a main body portion in which a storage space for storing the content liquid is formed and a mouth portion provided at one end of the main body portion; a cap attached to the mouth portion, The cap is a push-down head that can be pushed down toward the container body and has a discharge port for discharging the content liquid into an external space and an internal passage that communicates with the discharge port; a first deformable wall portion having a pressure space formed therein and elastically deformable by a pressing operation of the pressing head; an inlet that connects the external space with the pressure space and introduces air from the external space into the pressure space; a first check valve that is capable of regulating the flow of the air passing through the inlet, and that allows the air to flow from the external space to the pressure space while blocking the air from flowing out from the pressure space to the external space; a first flow path that connects the pressure space and the storage space and supplies the air from the pressure space to the storage space; a second deformable wall portion having a connecting space formed therein and elastically deformable by a pressing operation of the pressing head; a second flow path including the connecting space, which connects the storage space and the internal passage and supplies the content liquid from the storage space to the internal passage; a second check valve that is capable of regulating the flow of the content liquid passing through the second flow path, and that allows the content liquid to flow out from the storage space to the internal passage while blocking the content liquid from flowing in from the internal passage to the storage space, The pump-type discharge container, wherein the first deformable wall portion and the second deformable wall portion are formed of a synthetic resin material.
2. The cap is an upper wall portion connected to the second deforming wall portion at an upper end side of the second deforming wall portion; a lower wall portion connected to the second deforming wall portion at a lower end side of the second deforming wall portion, The second check valve is an upper end portion located above the upper wall portion within the second flow path; a lower end portion located below the lower wall portion within the second flow path; a connection portion connecting the upper end portion and the lower end portion, When the pressing head is moved to the upper limit, the upper end portion contacts the upper wall portion and the lower end portion contacts the lower wall portion, The pump-type discharge container according to claim 1 , wherein the second flow path is closed by at least one of contact between the upper wall portion and the upper end portion and contact between the lower wall portion and the lower end portion.
3. The cap is an inside plug separating the pressure space and the storage space; a middle cylindrical portion fixed to the pressing head and extending through the pressure space so as to surround the second deformable wall portion, The inside plug is a plate-shaped portion covering the mouth portion; a guide tube that is provided on the plate-like portion, supports the middle tube portion, and extends between the pressure space and the accommodation space, One end of the center cylinder portion is connected to the pressing head, and the other end of the center cylinder portion is supported by the guide cylinder, The pump-type discharge container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first flow path is formed by a gap between the middle cylinder portion and the guide cylinder.
4. a protrusion that protrudes around the entire circumference toward the other of the center cylinder portion and the guide cylinder is formed on one of the center cylinder portion and the guide cylinder, a locking portion that locks the protrusion over the entire circumference in an extension direction of the middle cylinder portion and the guide cylinder is formed on the other of the middle cylinder portion and the guide cylinder, 4. The pump-type discharge container according to claim 3, wherein the first flow path is sealed by the protrusion and the locking portion before use, and when the press-down head is pressed down, the locking between the protrusion and the locking portion is released, thereby forming the first flow path in the gap between the middle tube portion and the guide tube.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Liquid discharging pump
JP2011031950A