Pump-type bubble-discharge container

Abstract

To propose a pump-type bubble-discharge container allowed to discharge bubbly content liquid in the same manner as the conventional container and moreover excellent in recyclability.SOLUTION: A pump-type bubble-discharge container 1 comprises a container body 2 in which an accommodation space S1 is formed, and a cap 3. The cap 3 has a depression head 10, a first deformable wall 32 in which a pressure space S2 is formed and that is elastically deformable, a first passage R1 that is for supplying air from the pressure space S2 to the accommodation space S1, an intermediate wall in which a confluence space S4 for allowing content liquid L and air to be confluent is formed, a second deformable wall 76b in which a coupling space S5 is formed and that is elastically deformable, a second passage R2 that is configured to include the confluence space S4 and the coupling space S5 and for supplying the content liquid L toward an outlet 10h, and a bubbling member 75 that is provided on the second passage R2. The first deformable wall 32 and the second deformable wall 76b are formed of a synthetic resin material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pump-type foam dispensing container. [Background technology]

[0002] A known pump-type foam-dispensing container is one that comprises a container body, a cap that is attached to the mouth of the container, a foamer pump that is held at the mouth by the cap and is driven by the back and forth movement of a stem, and a discharge head that is connected to the stem; by moving the discharge head toward the cap, the liquid contents in the container body are mixed and foamed with air, and the liquid is discharged as foam from the discharge port of the discharge head (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] As shown in Patent Document 1, a coil spring is provided inside such a pump-type foam dispensing container to return the dispensing 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. 2013-133138 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In this type of pump-type foam dispenser, most of the components are made of synthetic resin, but the coil spring is made of metal. Therefore, when discarded after use, it cannot be recycled as a resin product in its current state. In addition, in this type of pump-type foam dispenser, the components are generally firmly fixed to each other, for example, by fitting, to prevent them from coming apart during normal use. Therefore, it is time-consuming to disassemble the pump-type foam dispenser and separate the coil spring from the other components.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve these problems and to propose a pump-type foam dispensing container that is capable of dispensing foamy contents 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 formed with a storage space for storing content liquid 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 having a discharge port for discharging the content liquid to an external space and an internal passage leading to the discharge port, a first deformable wall portion having a pressure space formed therein and elastically deformable by pressing down the press-down head, an inlet port that connects the external space to the pressure space and introduces air from the external space into the pressure space, a first check valve that can regulate the flow of air passing through the inlet and allows air to flow from the external space to the pressure space while blocking air from flowing out from the pressure space to the external space, and a first check valve that connects the pressure space to the storage space and supplies air from the pressure space to the storage space. a middle wall portion having a first flow path formed therein, a confluence space formed inside where the content liquid and air are confluent, and an air passage port provided for taking in air from the storage space into the confluence space; a second deformable wall portion having a connecting space formed inside downstream of the confluence space and elastically deformable by pressing down the press-down head; a second flow path including the confluence space and the connecting space, which connects the storage space with the internal passage and supplies the content liquid from the storage space to the internal passage; a second check valve capable of regulating the flow of the content liquid passing through the second flow path, which allows the content liquid to flow out of the storage space into the internal passage while blocking the content liquid from flowing from the internal passage into the storage space; and a foaming member provided in the second flow path or 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 foam dispensing container that is capable of dispensing foamy content liquid 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 foam dispensing container according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the pump-type foam dispensing container shown in FIG. [Figure 3A] 3A is a diagram for explaining a first flow path of the pump type foam dispensing 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 foam-discharging container shown in FIG. 1, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part III showing the state in which the first flow path is unsealed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the pump-type foam dispensing 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 descriptions may be omitted. For ease of explanation, the terms "upper" and "lower" will be used to indicate the vertically upper and lower sides, respectively, based on the upright position of the pump-type foam dispensing container. Furthermore, the axis of the mouth portion (described below) of the pump-type foam dispensing container will be referred to as the "axis O," the direction perpendicular to the axis O in a plane perpendicular to the axis O will be referred to as the "radial direction," and the direction circumferentially around the axis O in this plane will be referred to as the "circumferential direction."

[0011] The configuration of a pump type foam dispensing container according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view showing a state before use of one embodiment of a pump type foam dispensing container according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the pump type foam dispensing container shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, a pump type foam dispensing container 1 containing cosmetics (hand soap, body soap, shampoo, facial cleanser, lotion, emulsion, etc., as examples) as the liquid content L will be described. However, the liquid content is not limited to cosmetics, and various liquids may be used. The pump type foam dispensing container 1 is used by being placed on a flat surface such as a sink, dining table, kitchen counter, etc.

[0012] The pump-type foam-dispensing container 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a container body 2, a cap 3, and a stopper 4. The cap 3 has a push-down head 10 provided with a discharge port 10h and an internal passage 10g. The pump-type foam-dispensing container 1 can discharge the content liquid L from the discharge port 10h by pressing the push-down head 10. In this embodiment, the push-down head 10 is pressed in a direction 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] The cap 3 is attached to the mouth portion 24. The cap 3 includes an external mechanism 30, an inside plug 50, an internal mechanism 70, and the push-down head 10. The external mechanism 30 includes an attachment portion 31, a first deformable wall portion 32, a top wall portion 33, a center cylinder portion 34, and a check valve 35 (first check valve).

[0015] As shown enlarged in FIG. 2, the mounting portion 31 has a mounting opening portion 31a, a flange portion 31b, and a connecting wall portion 31c. The mounting opening portion 31a has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the opening portion 24. The inner diameter of the mounting opening portion 31a is larger than the outer diameter of the opening portion 24. The inner peripheral surface of the mounting opening portion 31a is provided with a female thread 31t that screws into the male thread 24t. The flange portion 31b extends horizontally from the upper end of the mounting opening portion 31a toward the axis O. The connecting wall portion 31c stands upright from the inner end of the flange portion 31b.

[0016] 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 10. 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.

[0017] An inlet port 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 port 33h is provided at the upper end of the ceiling wall portion 33. The inlet port 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 port 33h is a portion for introducing air from the external space S3 into the pressure space S2.

[0018] The middle tube portion 34 has an overall cylindrical shape. The middle tube portion 34 has a lower extension tube 34a, an intermediate portion 34b, an upper extension tube 34c, and an inner wall 34d. The lower extension tube 34a extends downward from the inner peripheral end of the top wall portion 33. The outer diameter of the lower extension tube 34a is larger than the outer diameter of the upper extension tube 34c. The intermediate portion 34b extends horizontally from the upper end of the lower extension tube 34a toward the axis O. The upper extension tube 34c stands upright from the inner end of the intermediate portion 34b. The inner wall 34d is provided on the underside of the intermediate portion 34b inside the lower extension tube 34a, along the upper part of the lower extension tube 34a.

[0019] In this embodiment, the middle cylinder portion 34 (particularly, the intermediate portion 34b) corresponds to the "partition portion." The middle cylinder portion 34 is provided with a content liquid passage port 34h over the entire length in the direction along the axis O. One end of the middle cylinder portion 34 (here, the upper extension cylinder 34c) is connected (fixed) to the press-down head 10. The other end of the middle cylinder portion 34 (here, the lower end of the lower extension cylinder 34a) is supported by a guide cylinder 52 (described later). Note that in this embodiment, the attachment portion 31, the first deformable wall portion 32, the top wall portion 33, and the middle cylinder portion 34 are configured as a single part.

[0020] The check valve 35 is provided inside the top wall portion 33. The check valve 35 can regulate the flow of air passing through the inlet 33h. Specifically, the check valve 35 allows air to flow from the external space S3 to the pressure space S2, while blocking air from flowing from the pressure space S2 to the external space S3. In this embodiment, the check valve 35 has a cylindrical connecting wall 35a and a flange 35b connected to the lower end of the connecting wall 35a.

[0021] The connecting wall 35a is inserted between the top wall portion 33 and the middle cylindrical portion 34 and is fitted and held by the lower extension tube 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 portion 33. The flange 35b is elastically deformable. The tip of the flange 35b can be separated from the inner surface of the top wall portion 33 by elastic deformation. In this way, the flange 35b comes into contact with and separates from the inner surface of the top wall portion 33, causing the check valve 35 to open and close the inlet 33h.

[0022] The inside plug 50 separates the pressure space S2 from the storage space S1. In this embodiment, the inside plug 50 is disposed inside the attachment portion 31. The inside plug 50 has a plate-shaped portion 51 that covers the opening portion 24, and a guide tube 52 provided on the plate-shaped portion 51.

[0023] The plate-shaped portion 51 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 51, and a ring-shaped packing 53 is inserted into and held in this cylindrical wall. An opening is formed in approximately the center of the plate-shaped portion 51 to allow the internal mechanism 70 (see FIG. 1) to pass through. The guide tube 52 is provided in the opening of the plate-shaped portion 51.

[0024] The guide tube 52 supports the lower extension tube 34a and extends between the pressure space S2 and the storage space S1. In this embodiment, the guide tube 52 has a cylindrical portion 52a extending along the axis O and a base portion 52b protruding toward the axis O from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 52a. The base portion 52b has a ring shape in top view. A groove portion 52g is formed in the base portion 52b over its entire length in the direction along the axis O. In this embodiment, a plurality of groove portions 52g are formed in the base portion 52b at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 1, the internal mechanism 70 includes a feeding tube 71, a retaining tube 72, an inner tube body 73, a check valve 74 (third check valve), a foaming member 75, a connecting tube 76, and a check valve 77 (second check valve). The upper end of the feeding tube 71 is held by the retaining tube 72. The feeding tube 71 extends downward within the accommodation space S1 toward the bottom 21 (see Fig. 1). The lower end of the feeding tube 71 extends to the vicinity of the bottom 21. The lower end of the feeding tube 71 may also be in contact with the bottom 21.

[0026] The retaining tube 72 is attached to the lower part of the connecting tube 76 and extends upward inside the connecting tube 76. The retaining tube 72 is inserted into and held in the connecting tube 76, and also holds the upper end of the feeding tube 71. As shown in Figure 2, the lower end of the retaining tube 72 has a through-hole formed in the center and a support wall 72a that supports the check valve 74 from below.

[0027] The inner cylinder 73 extends within the connecting cylinder 76 above the retaining cylinder 72. The inner cylinder 73 is fitted and held at the upper end of the retaining cylinder 72, preventing the check valve 74 from slipping out. A confluence space S4 is formed inside the retaining cylinder 72, between the support wall 72a and the inner cylinder 73.

[0028] In this embodiment, the retaining tube 72, the inner tube body 73, and the connecting tube 76 (particularly, the portion where the retaining tube 72 and the inner tube body 73 are arranged) correspond to the "internal wall portion." At the portion where the inner tube body 73 is fitted and held in the retaining tube 72, a gap communicating with the joining space S4 is provided between the inner peripheral wall of the retaining tube 72 and the outer peripheral wall of the inner tube body 73. Furthermore, at the portion where the retaining tube 72 is fitted and held in the connecting tube 76, a gap communicating with the gap and allowing air to flow through the gap is provided between the inner peripheral wall of the connecting tube 76 and the outer peripheral wall of the retaining tube 72. In other words, a continuous gap (air passage port) is provided between the retaining tube 72, the inner tube body 73, and the connecting tube 76, allowing air from the accommodation space S1 to be taken into the joining space S4.

[0029] The check valve 74 is provided inside the holding tube 72. The check valve 74 can regulate the flow of the content liquid L and air passing through the inside of the holding tube 72. Specifically, the check valve 74 allows the content liquid L to flow out from the feeding tube 71 to the merging space S4, while blocking the content liquid L and air mixed in the merging space S4 from flowing into the feeding tube 71. In this embodiment, the check valve 74 is a ball valve formed by a spherical plug member. Under normal conditions, the check valve 74 moves downward due to its own weight and abuts against the support wall 72a along its entire circumference, but moves away from the support wall 72a when the content liquid L flows out of the feeding tube 71.

[0030] The foaming member 75 foams the liquid content L and air passing through it. In this embodiment, the foaming member 75 has a cylindrical structure with a mesh on one side of the base, and two foaming members 75 are arranged in series and fitted and held in the inner cylinder 73. The number and arrangement of the foaming members 75, as well as the size of the mesh openings, are appropriately selected so that the liquid content L to be dispensed will have optimal foam quality. Similarly, the location where the foaming member 75 is provided is appropriately selected so that the liquid content L to be dispensed will have optimal foam quality. For example, the foaming member 75 may be provided in the internal passage 10g.

[0031] The connecting cylinder 76 extends from the accommodation space S1 to the pressure space S2 along the axis O. More specifically, the connecting cylinder 76 extends from the accommodation space S1 through the inside of the guide cylinder 52 to the intermediate portion 34b. The connecting cylinder 76 has a lower cylinder portion 76a, a second deforming wall portion 76b, and an upper cylinder portion 76c.

[0032] The lower cylinder portion 76a is disposed below the accommodation space S1 and the guide cylinder 52. The lower cylinder portion 76a has a first cylindrical wall 76d, a second cylindrical wall 76e disposed to surround the upper side of the first cylindrical wall 76d, and a ring-shaped continuous wall portion 76f (lower wall portion) connecting the first cylindrical wall 76d and the second cylindrical wall 76e at their upper ends. The first cylindrical wall 76d extends to the accommodation space S1. A retaining cylinder 72, an inner cylinder 73, a check valve 74, and a foaming member 75 are disposed inside the first cylindrical wall 76d.

[0033] The second cylindrical wall 76e is fitted and held in the guide tube 52. In this embodiment, a plurality of protrusions provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical wall 76e are fitted into a plurality of recesses provided on the inner peripheral surface of the guide tube 52, thereby fitting and holding the second cylindrical wall 76e in the guide tube 52. A groove 76g extending over the entire length in the direction along the axis O is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical wall 76e. In this embodiment, a plurality of grooves 76g connected to the plurality of grooves 52g are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction in the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical wall 76e. A communication hole 76h is formed in the center of the connecting wall portion 76f, connecting the inside of the first cylindrical wall 76d and the inside of the second deforming wall portion 76b.

[0034] The second deforming wall portion 76b can be elastically deformed by being pressed down. Specifically, the second deforming wall portion 76b can be elastically deformed by pressing down the press head 10. The second deforming wall portion 76b is formed in a bellows shape that can expand and contract along the axis of the second deforming wall portion 76b (here, the axis coincides with the axis O). The second deforming wall portion 76b is provided between the feeding tube 71 and the internal passage 10g, and its lower end side is connected to the upper end of the lower cylinder portion 76a, and its upper end side is connected to the lower end of the upper cylinder portion 76c. A connecting space S5 is formed inside the second deforming wall portion 76b.

[0035] The upper tube portion 76c is disposed on the upper side of the lower extension tube 34a and opens to the inside of the upper extension tube 34c. The upper tube portion 76c has, arranged in this order from bottom to top, a small diameter portion 76i, an expanded diameter portion 76j (upper wall portion), and a large diameter portion 76k. The small diameter portion 76i extends upward from the connection portion with the second deforming wall portion 76b. The expanded diameter portion 76j expands in diameter from the small diameter portion 76i toward the upper extension tube 34c and is connected to the large diameter portion 76k at a position where it contacts the inner wall 34d. The large diameter portion 76k is fitted and held by the inner wall 34d while inserted into the inner wall 34d.

[0036] The pump-type foam dispensing container 1 further includes a first flow path R1 for supplying air 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 10g.

[0037] The first flow path R1 connects the pressure space S2 and the storage space S1, thereby allowing air 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 lower extension tube 34a of the middle tube portion 34 and the guide tube 52 (particularly, the cylindrical portion 52a), the groove portion 52g, and the groove portion 76g.

[0038] The lower extension tube 34a and the guide tube 52 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 foam dispensing container shown in Figure 1, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part III showing the first flow path in a sealed state. Figure 3B is a diagram for explaining the first flow path of the pump-type foam dispensing container shown in Figure 1, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part III showing the first flow path in an unsealed state.

[0039] A protruding portion 52f that protrudes around the entire circumference toward the other of the lower extension tube 34a and the guide tube 52 (here, the lower extension tube 34a) is formed on either the lower extension tube 34a or the guide tube 52 of the middle tube portion 34 (here, the lower extension tube 34a). A locking portion 34e that locks the protruding portion 52f around the entire circumference in the extension direction of the lower extension tube 34a (here, the direction along the axis O) is formed on either the lower extension tube 34a or the guide tube 52 of the middle tube portion 34 (here, the lower extension tube 34a). In this embodiment, the thickness of the portion of the lower extension tube 34a that is located above the locking portion 34e is smaller than the thickness of the portion of the lower extension tube 34a that is located below the locking portion 34e. The portion of the inner surface of the lower extension tube 34a located above the locking portion 34e is farther away from the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube 52 than the portion of the inner surface of the lower extension tube 34a located below the locking portion 34e.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3A, when the locking portion 34e is positioned above the protrusion 52f, the first flow path R1 is sealed by contact between the outer surface of the protrusion 52f and the inner surface of the lower extension tube 34a. In this state, the locking portion 34e is locked by the protrusion 52f, restricting downward movement of the lower extension tube 34a. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the locking portion 34e climbs over the protrusion 52f and the lower extension tube 34a moves further downward from the state shown in FIG. 3B and the locking portion 34e is positioned below the protrusion 52f (for example, the state shown in FIG. 4), a gap is created between the lower extension tube 34a and the guide tube 52, and the spaces inside and outside the middle tube portion 34 and the guide tube 52 are connected.

[0041] The second flow path R2 connects the storage space S1 and the internal passage 10g, thereby allowing the liquid L to be delivered from the storage space S1 to the internal passage 10g. As shown in FIG. 1, the second flow path R2 includes a merging space S4 and a connecting space S5 formed downstream of the merging space S4. As shown in FIG. 2, the second flow path R2 in this embodiment is formed by the delivery tube 71, the holding tube 72, the inner cylinder body 73, the connecting tube 76 (particularly, the first cylindrical wall 76d, the second deforming wall portion 76b, and the upper cylinder portion 76c), and the middle cylinder portion 34 (particularly, the upper extension tube 34c). The second flow path R2 connects the storage space S1 to the internal passage 10g, delivering the liquid L from the storage space S1 to the internal passage 10g. The liquid L delivered from the second flow path R2 to the internal passage 10g is discharged to the external space S3 via the discharge port 10h.

[0042] The check valve 77 can regulate the flow of the content liquid L passing through the second flow path R2. Specifically, the check valve 77 allows the content liquid L to flow out from the storage space S1 to the internal passage 10g, while blocking the content liquid L from flowing from the internal passage 10g into the storage space S1. The check valve 77 is disposed inside the connecting tube 76. When the push-down head 10 has moved to its upper limit, the check valve 77 is restricted from moving inside the second flow path R2 (inside the connecting tube 76 in this embodiment). On the other hand, when the push-down head 10 has not moved to its upper limit, the check valve 77 is movable inside the second flow path R2 (inside the connecting tube 76 in this embodiment). As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the check valve 77 has an upper end 77a, a lower end 77b, and a connecting portion 77c.

[0043] The upper end 77a is located above the enlarged diameter portion 76j (upper wall portion) within the second flow path R2. The upper end 77a contacts the enlarged diameter portion 76j when the press-down head 10 reaches its uppermost position. The upper end 77a has a circular shape when viewed from above and a dish-like shape that is concave downward when viewed from the side. The upper end 77a has a bottom wall portion 77d and a side wall portion 77e. The bottom wall portion 77d narrows in diameter as it extends downward, following the slope of the enlarged diameter portion 76j. In this embodiment, the narrowed portion contacts the enlarged diameter portion 76j when the press-down head 10 reaches its uppermost position. When the bottom wall portion 77d and the enlarged diameter portion 76j come into contact, the spaces above and below the contact portion are separated, and the second flow path R2 is closed.

[0044] The side wall portion 77e is erected on the outer peripheral end of the bottom wall portion 77d. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the side wall portion 77e is larger than the diameter of the content liquid passage port 34h of the middle cylindrical portion 34. The side wall portion 77e comes into contact with the middle portion 34b when the push-down head 10 is moved to its lowest position (see FIG. 4). In other words, the middle portion 34b restricts the check valve 77 from moving upward beyond the middle portion 34b. The side wall portion 77e is provided with notches 77g that allow the content liquid L to pass through even when the side wall portion 77e is in contact with the middle portion 34b. The notches 77g penetrate the side wall portion 77e in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the side wall portion 77e has multiple notches 77g formed at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0045] Note that the check valve 77 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 77a and the expanded diameter portion 76j. For example, the space above and below the contact portion may be divided by contact between the lower end portion 77b and the continuous wall portion 76f, and the second flow path R2 may be closed.

[0046] The lower end 77b is located below the continuous wall portion 76f (lower wall portion) in the second flow path R2. In this embodiment, the lower end 77b is disposed inside the first cylindrical wall 76d. As an example, the lower end 77b has a cross shape when viewed from above, and a generally trapezoidal shape when viewed from the side that gradually becomes smaller toward the bottom. The area of ​​the upper surface of the lower end 77b is larger than the area of ​​the lower surface, and further, the outermost diameter of the upper surface is larger than the inner diameter of the communicating hole 76h. In this embodiment, the upper surface of the lower end 77b comes into contact with the continuous wall portion 76f at the upper limit of the press-down head 10.

[0047] The connecting portion 77c connects the upper end portion 77a and the lower end portion 77b. The connecting portion 77c has a rod shape extending along the axis O, for example. In this embodiment, the length of the connecting portion 77c in the direction along the axis O is shorter than the length from the continuous wall portion 76f (lower wall portion) including the second deforming wall portion 76b in an undeformed state to the expanded diameter portion 76j (upper wall portion).

[0048] Note that check valve 77 is not limited to having upper end portion 77a, lower end portion 77b, and connecting portion 77c. Check valve 77 may be formed, for example, by only a member corresponding to upper end portion 77a, or may be formed by a ball valve or the like disposed above second deformable wall portion 76b.

[0049] The push-down head 10 has a connecting portion 10a and a nozzle 10b. The connecting portion 10a is cylindrical. An upper extension tube 34c is inserted into the connecting portion 10a and fitted and held therein. A top portion 10c having an internal passage 10g formed therein is provided at the top of the connecting portion 10a. The nozzle 10b is provided at one end of the top portion 10c so as to extend radially outward. The nozzle 10b is cylindrical, and the internal passage 10g is formed from the top portion 10c to the nozzle 10b. A discharge port 10h through which the content liquid L is discharged by the pump-type foam dispensing container 1 is provided at the tip of the nozzle 10b.

[0050] The stopper 4 shown in FIG. 1 is a member for preventing the press-down head 10 from being pressed down when the pump-type foam dispensing container 1 is not in use (e.g., during transport, 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 from 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 10 when sandwiched between the top portion 10c of the press-down head 10 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 of the press-down head 10 is permitted (e.g., when starting use). By gripping the gripping portion 42 and pulling it outward, the restricting portion 41 is removed from between the press-down head 10 and the mounting portion 31, and the press-down operation of the press-down head 10 becomes possible.

[0051] The container body 2, cap 3, and stopper 4 are each made of synthetic resin material. The components of the cap 3 include the push-down head 10, the external mechanism 30 (the mounting portion 31, the first deforming wall portion 32, the top wall portion 33, the center tube portion 34, and the check valve 35), the center stopper 50, and the internal mechanism 70 (the feed tube 71, the retaining tube 72, the inner tube 73, the check valve 74, the foam member 75, the connecting tube 76, and the check valve 77). 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 foam dispenser 1 in this embodiment does not contain metal as a material for forming the container body 2, cap 3, and stopper 4.

[0052] The operation of the pump-type foam dispensing container 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3A, 3B, and 4. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the pump-type foam dispensing container shown in Figure 1 is pressed down.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3A, before the pump-type foam dispensing container 1 is in use, the outer surface of the protruding portion 52f contacts the inner surface of the lower extension tube 34a. This separates the interior and exterior spaces of the middle tube portion 34 and the guide tube 52 at the position where the protruding portion 52f faces the lower extension tube 34a. At this time, the locking portion 34e is locked by the protruding portion 52f. This restricts downward movement of the lower extension tube 34a. In other words, the first flow path R1 is fixed in a sealed state by the protruding portion 52f and the locking portion 34e.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, when the pump-type foam dispensing container 1 is first used, the stopper 4 is removed before the push-down head 10 is pushed down. In this state, when the top 10c of the push-down head 10 is pushed down along the axis O, both the first deformable wall portion 32 and the second deformable wall portion 76b elastically deform downward, as shown in FIG. 4, thereby reducing the volumes of both the pressure space S2 and the connecting space S5. At this time, the tip of the flange 35b of the check valve 35 is seated on the inner surface of the top wall portion 33. In this way, the check valve 35 regulates the flow of air through the inlet 33h, blocking the outflow of air from the pressure space S2 to the external space S3 and pressurizing the air in the pressure space S2.

[0055] At this time, as the press head 10 is pressed down, the upper extension tube 34c connected to the press head 10 moves downward. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3B, the lower extension tube 34a moves relative to the guide tube 52 in the pressing direction (downward along the axis O) so that the locking portion 34e overcomes the protruding portion 52f. Then, when the locking portion 34e is positioned below the protruding portion 52f, i.e., as shown in FIG. 4, a gap is created between the lower extension tube 34a and the guide tube 52, and the spaces inside and outside the middle tube portion 34 and the guide tube 52 communicate with each other. In this way, the sealing by the locking portion 34e and the protruding portion 52f is released, and a first flow path R1 is formed. As a result, pressurized air in the pressure space S2 is supplied to the storage space S1 via the first flow path R1.

[0056] Furthermore, the inflow of pressurized air into the storage space S1 forces the liquid L in the storage space S1 into the supply tube 71 (i.e., the second flow path R2). At this time, some of the air in the storage space S1 flows into the merging space S4 through the air passage hole in the middle wall (in this embodiment, the gap formed among the retaining tube 72, the inner cylinder 73, and the connecting tube 76). The liquid L is further forced from the supply tube 71 into the retaining tube 72. Here, the liquid L pushes up the check valve 74, moving it away from the support wall 72a. The liquid L passes through the gap between the support wall 72a and the check valve 74 and flows into the merging space S4. In the merging space S4, the liquid L merges (mixes) with the air. Then, the liquid L merged with the air passes through the foaming member 75 in the inner cylinder 73, forming foamed liquid L. The bubbly content liquid L passes through the gap at the lower end 77b of the check valve 77 and flows into the connecting space S5 via the communication hole 76h.

[0057] Furthermore, the foamy content liquid L passes through the gap (e.g., notch 77g) between the upper tube portion 76c of the connecting tube 76 and the upper end portion 77a of the check valve 77, passes through the upper extension tube 34c, and rises toward the internal passage 10g. Note that the check valve 77 rises along with the content liquid L up to a position where it contacts the partition portion (in this embodiment, the middle portion 34b), but is restricted by the middle portion 34b and is prevented from moving too far upward. As a result, the foamy content liquid L passes through the internal passage 10g and is discharged from the discharge port 10h into the external space S3, and the discharged object (not shown) can receive the content liquid L.

[0058] After using the pump-type foam dispenser 1, when the pressing operation is released, both the first deforming wall portion 32 and the second deforming wall portion 76b, which had been elastically deformed and contracted, expand due to the biasing force, returning to their original heights, as shown in FIG. 2. As a result, the volume of the pressure space S2, which had been contracted, returns to its original size, creating a reduced-pressure atmosphere in the pressure space S2. As a result, the air in the high-pressure external space S3 is introduced into the pressure space S2 through the inlet 33h, moving the tip of the flange 35b of the check valve 35 away from the inner surface of the top wall portion 33. Similarly, the volume of the connection space S5, which had been contracted, returns to its original size, creating a reduced-pressure atmosphere in the connection space S5. As a result, the content liquid L in the high-pressure internal passage 10g is introduced into the connection space S5 through the gap between the upper end portion 77a of the check valve 77 and the upper cylindrical portion 76c (particularly the enlarged diameter portion 76j). In other words, the suction-back function (also called the suck-back function or back-suction function) is exhibited.

[0059] Furthermore, since the push-down head 10 rises in response to the extension of the first deformable wall portion 32 and the second deformable wall portion 76b, the check valve 77 descends relative to the push-down head 10. This increases the volume of the second flow path R2 upstream of the upper end portion 77a, causing the content liquid L in the internal passage 10g to be drawn back into the second flow path R2. In other words, the suction-back function is also achieved by the change in the relative positional relationship between the push-down head 10 and the check valve 77.

[0060] When the push-down head 10 reaches its upper limit, the upper end 77a of the check valve 77 contacts the enlarged diameter portion 76j, and the lower end 77b contacts the continuous wall portion 76f. This contact between the upper end 77a and the enlarged diameter portion 76j separates the spaces above and below the contact portion. In other words, the second flow path R2 is closed.

[0061] Furthermore, when the depression operation of the depression head 10 is released after the pump-type foam dispensing container 1 is started, the lower extension tube 34a moves upward due to the biasing force of the first deformation wall portion 32 and the second deformation wall portion 76b. However, as shown in FIG. 3B, after the locking portion 34e overcomes the protrusion 52f by the depression operation at the start of use (i.e., after the first flow path R1 is unsealed), the lower extension tube 34a does not move to the position before the start of use shown in FIG. 3A, and the locking portion 34e stops below the protrusion 52f. At this time, the lower surface of the protrusion 52f and the upper surface of the locking portion 34e are in contact with each other. As a result, communication between the spaces inside and outside the middle tube portion 34 and the guide tube 52 is blocked by the protrusion 52f and the locking portion 34e, and the first flow path R1 is unsealed. As described above, the pump type foam dispensing 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 button can be easily pressed when in use.

[0062] The following describes the effects of the pump-type foam dispenser container 1. In the pump-type foam dispenser container 1, pressing the pusher head 10 elastically deforms the first deformable wall 32, reducing the volume of the pressure space S2 and allowing air to flow out of the pressure space S2. Because the check valve 35 prevents this air from flowing out of the inlet 33h, it flows into the storage space S1 via the first flow path R1. This pressurizes the air in the storage space S1, causing the liquid L in the storage space S1 to flow from the storage space S1 to the second flow path R2 and merge with the air in the merging space S4. At this time, because the second deformable wall 76b is also elastically deformed by pressing the pusher head 10, the liquid L rises toward the internal passage 10g via the connecting space S5, which has a reduced volume. The content liquid L that has merged with the air in the merge space S4 becomes foamy as it passes through the foaming member 75 in the second flow path R2 or the internal passage 10g (in this embodiment, the second flow path R2), and is then discharged from the discharge port 10h.

[0063] On the other hand, when the depression operation of the push-down head 10 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 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 76b returns to its original state, thereby increasing the volume of the connecting space S5 and creating a reduced-pressure atmosphere in the connecting space S5. As a result, the bubbly liquid L in the internal passage 10g is drawn back into the connecting space S5, and the connecting space S5 returns to its initial state. At the same time, as the push-down head 10 rises, the check valve 77 descends relative to the push-down head 10. This expands the volume of the second flow path R2 upstream of the upper end 77a, and the liquid L in the internal passage 10g is drawn back into the second flow path R2. In this way, the second deformable wall portion 76b and the check valve 77 provide a suction-back function, thereby suppressing dripping from the discharge port 10h. The first deformable wall portion 32 and the second deformable wall portion 76b, which are capable of this series of elastic deformations, are made of a synthetic resin material. Therefore, the content liquid L can be dispensed in the same manner as in the past, without using a metal coil spring. After use, there is no need to separate the metal parts, as is required with conventional pump-type foam dispenser containers, and the container can be reused as a resin product as is, making it highly recyclable.

[0064] Furthermore, since the pump-type foam dispensing container 1 is provided with two elastically deformable members, the first deformable wall portion 32 and the second deformable wall portion 76b, when the depression of the press-down head 10 is released, these two restoring forces act on the press-down head 10. This increases the repulsive force that tries to push up the press-down head 10 after it has been fully depressed, making it easier to return the press-down head 10 to its upper limit.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the pump-type foam dispensing container 1, the check valve 74 is located upstream of the confluence space S4 where the liquid content L and air confluence, thereby blocking the liquid content L and air mixed in the confluence space S4 from flowing into the second flow path R2. This prevents air from flowing into the storage space S1 through the feed tube 71, reducing deterioration of the liquid content L.

[0066] Furthermore, with the pump-type foam dispenser container 1, the second flow path R2 is not completely closed until the depression head 10 reaches its upper limit. Therefore, the liquid L is pulled back by fully utilizing the intermediate stage of the second deforming wall portion 76b's restoration, thereby more effectively demonstrating the suction-back function. Furthermore, when the enlarged diameter portion 76j (upper wall portion) is in contact with the upper end portion 77a and when the continuous wall portion 76f (lower wall portion) is in contact with the lower end portion 77b, the second flow path R2 is closed by the force of the second deforming wall portion 76b attempting to restore its original shape. This effectively prevents the liquid L from flowing from the internal passage 10g into the connecting space S5. This prevents impurities from entering the storage space S1 via the internal passage 10g, thereby reducing deterioration of the liquid L.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the pump-type foam dispensing container 1, even when the side wall portion 77e of the upper end portion 77a is in contact with the middle portion 34b (partition portion) at the lowermost position of the depression head 10, the notch 77g does not block the passage of the content liquid L, so that the foamy content liquid L can be smoothly discharged from the discharge port 10h.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the pump-type foam dispensing 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-like portion 51, making it easier to control the air in the pressure space S2 by pressing down the press down head 10. Additionally, since the middle cylinder portion 34 fixed to the press down head 10 is supported by the guide cylinder 52, tilting of the press down head 10 is suppressed.

[0069] Furthermore, with the pump-type foam dispensing container 1, before use, the connection between the external space S3 and the storage space S1 is suppressed, reducing deterioration of the content liquid L in the storage space S1 due to contact with the air in the external space S3. Then, when use begins, the press-down head 10 is pressed down, causing the locking portion 34e to climb over the protruding portion 52f, releasing the seal and forming the first flow path R1. This allows the content liquid L to be dispensed by pressing down.

[0070] Furthermore, with the pump-type foam dispensing container 1, even after the seal is released, when the push-down head 10 is not depressed, the lower extension tube 34a of the middle tube 34 is pushed upward by the biasing force of the first deformable wall 32 as it tries to restore its original shape, so the underside of the protruding portion 52f and the upper surface of the locking portion 34e are in contact with each other. Therefore, the spaces inside and outside the middle tube 34 and the guide tube 52 are not connected, which prevents air from entering the storage space S1 when not in use. This reduces deterioration of the content liquid L even after use.

[0071] 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]

[0072] 1: Pump-type foam dispenser 2: Container body 3: Cap 4: Stopper 10: Pressing head 10a: Connection part 10b: Nozzle 10c: top 10g: Internal passage 10h: Discharge port 21: Bottom 22: Torso 23:Shoulder 24: Mouth 24t: male thread 30: External mechanism 31: Mounting part 31a: Attachment opening 31b:Tsubabe 31c: Connecting wall 31t: Female thread 32: First deformed wall 33: Ceiling wall 33h:Inlet 34: Middle cylinder part 34a: Lower tube 34b: Middle part 34c: Upper tube 34d: Internal wall 34e: Locking part 34h: Content liquid passage port 35: Check valve 35a: Connecting wall 35b: flange 41: Regulation Department 42: Grip part 50: Inner stopper 51: Plate-shaped part 52: Guide tube 52a: Cylindrical part 52b: Base 52f:Protrusion 52g:Groove 53: Packing 70: Internal mechanism 71: Feeding tube 72: Holding tube 72a: Support wall 73: Inner cylinder 74: Check valve 75: Foam material 76: Connecting tube 76a: Lower cylinder part 76b: Second deformed wall 76c: Upper cylinder part 76d: First cylindrical wall 76e: Second cylindrical wall 76f: Continuous wall part 76g:Groove 76h: Communication hole 76i: Small diameter part 76j: Expanded diameter part 76k: Large diameter section 77: Check valve 77a: Upper end 77b: Bottom end 77c: Connection 77d:Bottom wall part 77e: Side wall part 77g:Notch L: Content liquid O: Axial center R1: First flow path R2: Second flow path S1: Containment Space S2: Pressure space S3: External Space S4: Convergence Space S5: Connect 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 capable of regulating the flow of air passing through the inlet, allowing air to flow from the external space into the pressure space while blocking 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 air from the pressure space to the storage space; a middle wall portion having a confluence space formed therein for confluence of the content liquid and air, and an air passage opening provided in the confluence space for taking in air from the storage space; a second deformable wall portion that forms a connecting space downstream of the joining space and inside the joining space, and that is elastically deformable by a pressing operation of the pressing head; a second flow path including the joining space and 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; a foaming member provided in the second flow path or the internal passage, A pump-type foam dispensing container, wherein the first deformable wall portion and the second deformable wall portion are formed from a synthetic resin material.

2. The cap is a feeding tube that forms an upstream side of the second flow path and extends within the accommodation space; 2. The pump-type foam dispensing container of claim 1, further comprising a third check valve capable of regulating the flow of the liquid contents and air passing through the second flow path, allowing the liquid contents to flow out of the supply tube into the merging space while blocking the flow of air from the merging space into the supply tube.

3. 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 foam dispensing container according to claim 1 or 2, 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.

4. the cap further has a partition wall portion provided with a content liquid passage port, The upper end portion is a bottom wall portion that contacts the upper wall portion when the pressing head is moved to the upper limit; a side wall portion that is erected on the bottom wall portion and that comes into contact with the partition wall portion when the press-down head is moved to its lowest position, 4. The pump-type foam dispensing container according to claim 3, wherein the side wall portion is provided with a notch portion that allows the content liquid to pass through even when the side wall portion is in contact with the partition wall portion.

5. 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 foam dispensing 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.

6. 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, 6. A pump-type foam dispensing container as described in claim 5, wherein the first flow path is sealed by the protrusion and the locking portion before use, while the first flow path is formed in the gap between the middle tube and the guide tube by releasing the lock between the protrusion and the locking portion when the press-down head is pressed down.

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