Measuring dispensing container

Abstract

To provide a measuring dispensing container that can dispense a fixed amount of content with simple operation.SOLUTION: There are a container body 1 and measuring and dispensing means 2 for dispensing measured content, the measuring and dispensing means 2 includes an inner body 2a and an outer body 2b that defines a measuring space M for the content, the outer body 2b is provided with a dispensing tube 2d, a feeding tube 2e, and a first air introducing tube 2f, the inner body 2a is provided with a through passage 2g that allows the content to flow into the measuring space M, a partition 3 is provided that, when the container body 1 is held in an inverted position, generates a flow from the underside of a top wall 2c toward an opening h1 of the feeding tube 2e within a passage S due to the siphon principle, causing the content within the measuring space M to be dispensed through the dispensing tube 2d, and the partition 3 is provided with a second air introducing tube 3a and an introduction opening 3b that guides the content outside the partition 3 into the passage S.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring and dispensing container that can measure and dispense a fixed amount of content with a simple operation. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a widely known container for laundry detergent is one in which the detergent is contained in a container body and a measuring cap is attached to the opening of the container body, and when using this container, the contents are poured into the measuring cap so that the amount can be measured visually.

[0003] Furthermore, as for measuring and dispensing containers, those having a mechanism that can measure and dispense a fixed amount of contents by operating the container body in the order of "inverted position → upright position → inverted position" as in Patent Document 1 are known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-249109 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the case of the measuring and dispensing container equipped with the measuring cap, the contents must be poured into the measuring cap, which is very time-consuming and there is a risk of accidentally spilling the contents. Also, in the case of Patent Document 1, the number of operations from measuring to dispensing is large, leaving room for improvement.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a metered dispensing container that is easy to use and allows a fixed amount of content to be dispensed with a simple operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The measuring and dispensing container of the present invention is a measuring and dispensing container comprising: a container body for accommodating contents; and measuring and dispensing means attached to the mouth and neck of the container body and holding the container body in an inverted position to measure the contents accommodated in the container body and dispense the metered contents, the measuring and dispensing means comprises an inner body, the lower portion of which is held inside the mouth and neck portion of the container body, and an outer body, which is fitted and held in a liquid-tight state with the upper portion of the inner body and cooperates with the inner body to define a measuring space for the contents therein; The exterior body is provided with a pouring tube that stands on the upper surface of the top wall of the exterior body, a feeding tube that is suspended from the lower surface of the top wall and causes the contents measured in the measuring space to flow into the pouring tube through an opening formed at an end portion thereof, and a first air introduction tube that has one end that opens inside the pouring tube or inside the feeding tube and the other end that opens at an end face of a protruding part that protrudes from the opening formed at the end portion of the feeding tube and sends air into the measuring space to replace the air, a through-path provided in the inner body for allowing the contents contained in the container body to flow into the measuring space by holding the container body in an inverted position; a partition wall is provided in the measuring space, surrounding the side surfaces of the feeding tube and the protruding portion of the first air introducing tube across a passage, and when the container body is held in an inverted position, a flow is generated within the passage from the lower surface of the top wall toward the opening of the feeding tube by the siphon principle, causing the content in the measuring space to be poured out through the pouring tube; The partition is characterized by being provided with a second air inlet tube having an opening at one end inside the partition and the other end opening into the interior of the container body, which sends air into the container body to replace the air when the contents measured in the measuring space have been poured out, and an inlet opening formed in the vicinity thereof, including the underside of the top wall of the exterior body, which guides the contents present outside the partition into the passage.

[0008] In addition, in the metered dispensing container of the present invention, it is preferable that the outer body can be detachably fitted with an undercut or screwed onto the outside of the mouth and neck of the container body, and that it has a base that fixes and holds the inner body to the mouth and neck of the container body.

[0009] In addition, in the measuring dispensing container of the present invention, it is preferable that the outer casing has an upper lid that is held openable and closable via a hinge and that keeps the openings of the dispensing tube and the first air introduction tube sealed when in a closed position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the measuring and dispensing container of the present invention, by utilizing the principle of a siphon, it is possible to repeatedly measure a fixed amount of contents and dispense the contents simply by holding the container in an inverted position.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the measuring dispensing container of the present invention, the first air introduction tube that performs air replacement with the container body is assembled inside the contents dispensing tube or the feed tube connected to the dispensing tube, so that by closing the top lid, the dispensing tube and the air introduction tube can be blocked at the same time, preventing the contents from leaking even if the container is tipped over during distribution or storage, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1(a) and 1(d) are schematic diagrams showing an embodiment of a fixed quantity dispensing container according to the present invention, in which (a) is a diagram showing the plan view of the measuring and dispensing means (the container body is not shown), (b) is a diagram showing a cross section of the measuring and dispensing means at position AA in FIG. 1(a), (c) is a diagram showing the bottom surface of the measuring and dispensing means, and (d) is a diagram showing the end face of the measuring and dispensing means at position BB in FIG. 1(b). [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating the mechanism by which a fixed amount of content is dispensed in a fixed-amount dispensing container according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating the mechanism by which a fixed amount of content is dispensed in a fixed-amount dispensing container according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic representation of an embodiment of a fixed-quantity dispensing container according to the present invention, in which (a) is a diagram showing the plan view of the measuring and dispensing means (the container body is not shown), (b) is a diagram showing a cross section of the measuring and dispensing means at position AA in Figure 1(a), (c) is a diagram showing the bottom surface of the measuring and dispensing means, and (d) is a diagram showing an end face of the measuring and dispensing means at position BB in Figure 1(b).

[0014] 1(a) to 1(d), reference numeral 1 denotes a container body that contains the contents, and reference numeral 2 denotes a measuring and dispensing means that is attached to the neck portion 1a of the container body 1 and holds the container body 1 in an inverted position to measure (store) a fixed amount of the contents contained in the container body 1 and dispense the measured content. The container body 1 and the measuring and dispensing means 2 can be made of a synthetic resin material, and the material is not particularly limited.

[0015] In the fixed quantity dispensing container having the above-mentioned configuration, the measuring and dispensing means 2 comprises an inner body 2a whose lower portion is held inside the neck portion 1a of the container body 1, and an outer body 2b which is fitted and held in the upper portion of the inner body 2a so as to maintain a liquid-tight state and which cooperates with the inner body 2a to define a measuring space M for the contents inside.

[0016] The inner body 2a is composed of a circular bottom wall 2h and a peripheral wall 2i erected from the periphery of the bottom wall 2h. The bottom wall 2h has a through passage 2g that allows the contents contained in the container body 1 to flow into the measuring space M by holding the container body 1 in an inverted position. In addition, an annular rib 2j is provided on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 2i of the inner body 2a at approximately the center in the direction of the container axis O, and the annular rib 2j is placed on the upper surface of the mouth / neck portion 1a of the container body 1.

[0017] The exterior body 2b includes a top wall 2c, a dispensing tube 2d standing on the upper surface of the top wall 2c, and a feeding tube 2e and a first air introducing tube 2f suspended from the lower surface of the top wall 2c. The upper opening of the dispensing tube 2d is provided with a lip portion whose diameter expands upward. The feeding tube 2e is connected to the lower end of the dispensing tube 2d, and through an opening h1 formed at its end, the contents measured in the metered space M flows into the dispensing tube 2d. The first air introducing tube 2f has an opening h2 at one end that opens inside the dispensing tube 2d, and an opening h3 at the other end that opens at the end face of the protruding portion 2f1 that protrudes from the opening h1 formed at the end of the feeding tube 2e, and can send air into the measuring space M to perform air replacement.

[0018] In this embodiment, the first air introduction tube 2f is shown as an example in which a portion thereof is integrally connected to the inner wall surfaces of the dispensing tube 2d and the feeding tube 2e, but it may be formed from a separate member from the dispensing tube 2d and the feeding tube 2e and fixed to their inner wall surfaces, or the first air introduction tube 2f may be placed at the center of the dispensing tube 2d and the feeding tube 2e and the two may be connected by multiple bridging portions to form an integral unit, and there is no limitation in this respect.

[0019] 1(a) to 1(d) denotes a partition wall provided in the measurement space M. The partition wall 3 surrounds the side surfaces of the feeding tube 2e and the protruding portion 2f1 of the first air introducing tube 2f across the passage S, and has the function of generating a flow from the underside of the top wall 2c toward the opening h1 of the feeding tube 2e in accordance with the siphon principle within the passage S when the container body 1 is held in an inverted position, thereby discharging the content within the measurement space M to the outside through the dispensing tube 2d.

[0020] The partition 3 has openings h4 and h5, one end of which is open inside the partition 3 and the other end of which is open to the inside of the container body 1, and is equipped with a second air introduction cylinder 3a that sends air into the container body 1 to replace the air when the contents measured in the measurement space M have been poured out, and an introduction opening 3b that is formed in the vicinity thereof, including the underside of the top wall 2c of the exterior body 2b, and that guides the contents present outside the partition 3 into the passage S. When the partition 3 is provided, a space M1 for replacing the air is formed between the interior body 2a and the opening h3 of the first air introduction cylinder 2f.

[0021] As described above, the second air introduction tube 3a sends air into the container body 1 when the contents measured in the measuring space M have been dispensed, thereby replacing the contents in the container body 1 with air.In order to do this, in the upright position, the opening h5 is located below the through passage 2g (inside the container body 1) and its inner diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the through passage 2g.

[0022] 1(a) to 1(d) designates a base that is integrally connected to the lower end of the outer body 2b. The base 4 is made of a cylindrical member, and is detachably attached by threading a female thread 4a on the inner peripheral wall of the base 4 into a male thread 1b on the mouth / neck portion 1a of the container body 1, thereby enabling the inner body 2a, which is held inside the mouth / neck portion 1a of the container body 1 as described above, to be fixedly held to the mouth / neck portion 1a of the container body 1. The base 4 may also be fitted and held in the mouth / neck portion 1a of the container body 1 by an undercut.

[0023] 1(a) to 1(d) denotes an openable and closable upper lid that is connected to the top wall 2c of the exterior body 2b via a hinge 6. When the upper lid 5 is in the closed position, it can keep the openings h2 of the pouring cylinder 2d and the first air introducing cylinder 2f sealed.

[0024] The top lid 5 has a top wall 5a and a peripheral wall 5b suspended from the periphery of the top wall 5a, and a flange 5c is provided at the lower end of the peripheral wall 5b so that fingers can be hooked to open and close the top lid 5. A sealing tube 5d is suspended from the underside of the top wall 5a and can fit inside the pouring tube 2d in the closed position. When the top lid 5 is in the closed position, the sealing tube 5d can simultaneously close the pouring tube 2d and the opening h2 of the first air introducing tube 2f, thereby preventing unintended leakage of the contents during distribution, storage, etc.

[0025] The mechanism by which the content is dispensed at a fixed amount by the fixed-amount dispenser according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. Container body 1 is held in an inverted position as shown in Figure 2. The contents contained in container body 1 pass through passage 2g of inner body 2a, flow into measuring space M, and are measured (stored), and when the liquid level of the contents becomes higher than opening h1 formed at the end of feed tube 2e, it is poured out of pouring tube 2d via feed tube 2e.

[0026] While the contents are being dispensed from the dispensing tube 2d, the space M1 formed above the opening h3 is maintained at atmospheric pressure by the air flowing in through the first air inlet tube 2f, and air replacement is performed. As a result, a flow occurs in the passage S from the underside of the top wall 2c (inlet opening 3b) toward the opening h1 of the feed tube 2e due to the siphon principle, and the contents continue to be dispensed from the dispensing tube 2d until the liquid level in the measurement space M reaches the same level as the inlet opening 3b.

[0027] Furthermore, since air replacement is not performed in the container body 1 while the contents are being dispensed, the contents in the container body 1 do not flow into the measuring space M through the through passage 2g, and only a fixed amount of the contents stored in the measuring space M is dispensed from the dispensing tube 2d (fixed amount dispensing).

[0028] On the other hand, when the liquid level in the measurement space M reaches the same level as the introduction opening 3b, the dispensing of the contents is automatically stopped, and air is sent into the container body 1 via the dispensing tube 2d, the feeding tube 2e, and the second air introduction tube 3a to replace the air, as shown in Figure 3. As a result, the contents in the container body 1 flow again into the measurement space M through the through passage 2g of the inner body 2a, and when the liquid level in the measurement space M becomes higher than the opening h1 of the feeding tube 2e, the dispensing of the contents is resumed.

[0029] Therefore, in the fixed-quantity dispensing container according to the present invention, by holding the container body 1 in an inverted position, the measurement of the contents in the measurement space M and the dispensing of the contents measured in the measurement space M are repeated. For example, if the measurement (storage) of the contents and the dispensing of the measured contents are stopped after one time and the container body 1 is returned to the upright position, a single measured amount of contents can be dispensed; by leaving the container body 1 in the inverted position and repeating the measurement and dispensing of the contents multiple times, a fixed quantity can be dispensed the number of times repeated.

[0030] As described above, the measuring and dispensing container according to the present invention allows the contents to be measured and dispensed simply by holding the container body 1 in an inverted position, eliminating the need for extra effort and making it extremely easy to use.

[0031] Furthermore, in a container having a siphon structure, for example, when the air replacement passage is provided so as to penetrate the side wall of the storage section for the contents, liquid leakage from the air replacement passage is likely to occur. However, in the fixed quantity dispensing container according to the present invention, the first air introduction tube 2f that performs air replacement is assembled inside the dispensing tube 2d or the feed tube 2e that includes the dispensing tube 2d, and further, as described above, the top lid 5 can simultaneously close the dispensing tube 2d and the opening h2 of the first air introduction tube 2f, which has the advantage that the contents will not easily leak out even if the container is turned over during distribution or storage. [Industrial Applicability]

[0032] The fixed-dose dispensing container of the present invention can be suitably used as a container for containing contents that need to be measured and dispensed in fixed amounts, such as laundry detergent or medicine. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 1 Container body 1a Oral and cervical region 1b Male thread 2 Measuring and dispensing means 2a Interior body 2b Exterior body 2c Top wall 2d pouring tube 2e Feed tube 2f First air intake tube 2f1 protrusion 2g through passage 2h bottom wall 2i Surrounding wall 2j Circular rib h1 opening h2, h3 opening 3 Bulkhead 3a Second air intake tube 3b Introduction opening h4,h5 opening 4. Bass 4a female thread 5 Top lid 5a Top wall 5b Peripheral wall 5c Tsubabe 5d Closed cylinder part 6 Hinge M Metric space M1 space S aisle

Claims

1. A measuring and dispensing container comprising: a container body for accommodating contents; and a measuring and dispensing means attached to the neck of the container body, for measuring the contents accommodated in the container body by holding the container body in an inverted position, and for dispensing the metered contents, the measuring and dispensing means comprises an inner body, the lower portion of which is held inside the mouth and neck portion of the container body, and an outer body, which is fitted and held in a liquid-tight state with the upper portion of the inner body and cooperates with the inner body to define a measuring space for the contents therein; The exterior body is provided with a pouring tube that stands on the upper surface of the top wall of the exterior body, a feeding tube that is suspended from the underside of the top wall and causes the contents measured in the measuring space to flow into the pouring tube through an opening formed at its end, and a first air introduction tube that has one end that opens inside the pouring tube or inside the feeding tube and the other end that opens at an end face of a protruding part that protrudes from the opening formed at the end of the feeding tube and sends air into the measuring space to replace the air, a through-path provided in the inner body for allowing the contents contained in the container body to flow into the measuring space by holding the container body in an inverted position; a partition wall is provided in the measuring space, surrounding the side surfaces of the feeding tube and the protruding portion of the first air introducing tube across a passage, and when the container body is held in an inverted position, a flow is generated within the passage from the lower surface of the top wall toward the opening of the feeding tube by the siphon principle, causing the content in the measuring space to be poured out through the pouring tube; A measuring and dispensing container characterized in that the partition has an opening at one end inside the partition and at the other end inside the container body, and a second air inlet tube that sends air into the container body to replace the air when the contents measured in the measuring space have been dispensed, and an inlet opening formed in the vicinity thereof, including the underside of the top wall of the outer casing, that guides the contents present outside the partition into the passage.

2. The measuring dispensing container according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer body can be detachably fitted or screwed to the outside of the neck portion of the container body by undercut fitting, and has a base that fixes and holds the inner body to the neck portion of the container body.

3. The measuring dispensing container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the exterior body has an upper lid that is held openable and closable via a hinge and that keeps the openings of the dispensing tube and the first air introduction tube sealed in a closed position.

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