Ejector

Abstract

We propose a dispenser with excellent recyclability. [Solution] The container comprises an attachment cap 4 attached to the mouth 52a, a cylindrical wall 6f held by the attachment cap 4 and having an internal space S2 inside, an elastic body 7 made of synthetic resin arranged inside the cylindrical wall 6f, a partition wall 1c separating the inside of the container 50 from the internal space S2 and having an opening 1d, a check valve 7h that can open and close the opening 1d and opens the opening 1d when the internal space S2 is under negative pressure, and an upper wall 9a that is elastically deformable and whose outer edge is held at the upper end of the cylindrical wall 6f, an air flow path 21 that can communicate between the inside and outside of the container 50 is provided between the attachment cap 4 and the cylindrical wall 6f, and when the operating part 20 is operated, the elastic body 7 elastically deforms and the upper wall 9a elastically deforms downward, pressurizing the internal space S2 and discharging the content liquid from the nozzle 10d.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Known as a dispenser for discharging a liquid content contained in a container is one in which a head is pressed down to drive a pump, thereby discharging the liquid content from a nozzle provided on the head (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] As shown in Patent Document 1, a coil spring is provided inside such a dispenser 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] In the dispenser shown in Patent Document 1, most of the components are made of synthetic resin, but the coil spring is made of metal. Therefore, when discarded after use, the dispenser cannot be recycled as a resin product in its current state. Furthermore, in general, in this type of dispenser, 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 dispenser and separate the coil spring from the other components.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to propose a dispenser that is highly recyclable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means. <1> a check valve that can open and close the opening and opens the opening when the internal space is under negative pressure; and an upper wall that is elastically deformable and whose outer edge is held at the upper end of the cylindrical wall. An air flow path is provided between the attachment cap and the cylindrical wall, which can communicate between the inside and outside of the container. When the operation part is operated, the elastic body elastically deforms and the upper wall elastically deforms downward, pressurizing the internal space and discharging the content liquid from the nozzle.

[0008] This technology eliminates the use of coil springs, which were used in previous dispensers, and therefore eliminates the need to separate coil springs when disposing of the device, making it highly recyclable. Furthermore, when a user operates the operating unit to eject the liquid content from the nozzle, the elastic body elastically deforms, pressurizing the internal space to a positive pressure, and the check valve closes the opening. Thereafter, for example, when the user stops operating the operating unit, the elastic body returns to its original shape, increasing the volume of the internal space and creating a negative pressure in the internal space. This opens the opening, allowing the liquid content in the container to flow into the internal space through the opening. If an air flow path connects the inside and outside of the container at this time, outside air is introduced into the interior of the container through the air flow path. When the expansion of the volume of the internal space stops, the check valve closes the opening again, and the introduction of outside air through the air flow path is also stopped. According to the dispenser described above, the liquid content can be dispensed while suppressing volume reduction and deformation of the container, even if the container is not a so-called double container.

[0009] <2> the above <1> In the dispenser according to the above, the air flow path may include a first vertical groove provided in the attachment cap and a second vertical groove provided in the cylindrical wall, and when the operating unit is pressed down, the elastic body elastically deforms and the upper wall elastically deforms downward, pressurizing the internal space and discharging the content liquid from the nozzle, and when the operating unit is rotated, the cylindrical wall rotates together with the operating unit relative to the attachment cap, changing the circumferential positional relationship between the first vertical groove and the second vertical groove.

[0010] With this technology, when a user rotates the operating part, the cylindrical wall rotates together with the operating part relative to the attachment cap, changing the circumferential positional relationship between the first and second longitudinal grooves. Therefore, for example, by shifting the first and second longitudinal grooves in the circumferential direction, communication between the outside and inside of the container via the air flow path can be substantially blocked, and by arranging the first and second longitudinal grooves in the same circumferential position and radially opposing each other, communication between the outside and inside of the container via the air flow path can be ensured. Therefore, for example, during transportation, the first and second longitudinal grooves can be shifted in the circumferential direction to prevent the content liquid from leaking through the air flow path, and, for example, during use (when the user presses the operating part), the first and second longitudinal grooves can be positioned in the same circumferential position to promote the introduction of outside air through the air flow path.

[0011] <3> the above <2> The dispenser according to the above may further include a locking mechanism that restricts the descent of the operating unit when the operating unit is located at a restricted position that is one circumferential position, and that releases the restriction on the descent of the operating unit when the operating unit is located at a released position that is another circumferential position, and may employ a configuration in which when the operating unit is located at the restricted position, the first vertical groove and the second vertical groove are shifted in the circumferential direction, and when the operating unit is located at the released position, the first vertical groove and the second vertical groove are positioned at the same position in the circumferential direction and face each other radially.

[0012] With this technology, when the operating part is in the restricting position, the first and second vertical grooves are offset in the circumferential direction, preventing the contents from leaking through the air flow path.When the operating part is in the releasing position, the first and second vertical grooves are positioned in the same circumferential position and face each other radially, promoting the introduction of outside air through the air flow path.

[0013] <4> the above <1> from <3> In the dispenser according to any one of the above aspects, the upper wall includes a through-hole that penetrates the upper wall and an outer cylindrical part that surrounds the through-hole and stands up from the upper wall, and the operation part includes the nozzle, a support part that supports an upper end of the elastic body inside the upper wall, a cylindrical inner cylindrical part that extends upward from the support part and is inserted into the outer cylindrical part, and an inner passage that communicates with the nozzle, and a communication port that penetrates the inner cylindrical part and communicates with the inner passage, and One of the outer and inner tube portions has a first seal portion that normally makes liquid-tight contact with the other of the upper wall and the support portion, and one of the outer and inner tube portions has a second seal portion above the communication port that is slidable against the other of the outer and inner tube portions and makes liquid-tight contact with the other of the outer and inner tube portions, and when the operating portion is operated, the inner tube portion moves downward relative to the outer tube portion, so that the internal space and the inner passage are connected via the communication port.

[0014] This technology makes the configuration of the dispenser, in which the nozzle is provided in the operating part and moves together with the operating part when discharging the liquid content, more suitable for mass production, making it easier to realize the present invention.

[0015] <5> the above <4> In the dispenser according to the above aspect, a configuration may be adopted in which the inner cylindrical portion is provided with a ball valve that closes the inside of the inner cylindrical portion when the internal space is under negative pressure.

[0016] With this technology, even if the sealing ability of the first seal portion weakens, the ball valve can easily create a negative pressure in the internal space.

[0017] <6> the above <1> from <5> In the dispenser according to any one of the above embodiments, the elastic body may include an annular first base portion arranged on the partition wall, a second base portion arranged at a distance from the first base portion, and an elastic portion that integrally connects the first base portion and the second base portion and is elastically deformable in a direction in which the first base portion and the second base portion approach each other, and the check valve may be provided inside the first base portion and integrally with the elastic body, and the check valve may include a valve body that covers the opening and an elastic piece that integrally connects the valve body and the first base portion.

[0018] This technology allows the elastic part to have both the restoring force and the function of a check valve to be obtained in a single component, which contributes to reducing the number of parts in products that use this elastic body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, a dispenser that is excellent in recyclability can be proposed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of a dispenser according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of part II shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged view of part III shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the elastic body shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the elastic body shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of part VII shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of a portion VIII shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of part IX shown in FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow XX in FIG. 1. [Figure 11]2 is a diagram showing a state in which the operation unit is rotated to a release position from the state shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the operation unit is rotated to a release position from the state shown in FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 13] 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the operation unit is rotated to a release position from the state shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 14] 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the operation unit illustrated in FIG. 11 is pressed. FIG. [Figure 15] 15 is a diagram showing a state in which the operation unit shown in FIG. 14 is raised. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an elastic body and a dispenser according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the like, the up-down direction refers to the direction along the illustrated axis O (the central axis of the cylindrical wall 6f, which will be described later), with the side on which the pipe 2 is located being the "bottom" and the side on which the elastic cover 9A is located being the "top." The radial direction is the direction perpendicular to the axis O in a plane perpendicular to the axis O, and the circumferential direction is the direction rotating around the axis O in this plane. The side from which the nozzle 10d extends (the left side in FIG. 1) will be referred to as the "front" side, and the opposite side (the right side in FIG. 1) will be referred to as the "rear" side.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a dispenser 100A which is a first embodiment of the dispenser according to the present invention, and a container 50 to which the dispenser 100A is attached.

[0023] First, the container 50 will be described. The container 50 of this embodiment is, for example, a single-layer container. The container 50 has a storage space S1 inside that can store the content liquid.

[0024] The container 50 has a cylindrical mouth portion 52a extending along the axis O. A male thread portion 52b is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the mouth portion 52a. Below the mouth portion 52a, a hollow body portion 52c is provided, which extends radially outward and then downward, and a bottom portion (not shown) closes the lower end of the body portion 52c, giving the container 50 a bottle-like shape. The container 50 of this embodiment is made of synthetic resin.

[0025] Next, the dispenser 100A will be described. The dispenser 100A of this embodiment is composed of an attachment cap 4, a pipe 2, a packing 5, an upper cylinder 6A, an elastic body 7, an upper support 8A, an elastic cover 9A, and a nozzle head 10. Of the above components, the packing 5, the elastic body 7, and the elastic cover 9A are made of soft elastic materials (e.g., relatively soft synthetic resins such as polyethylene (LDPE), rubber, elastomers, etc.), while the other components are made of hard materials (e.g., hard synthetic resins such as polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyacetal (POM), and polyketone (POK) resins, etc.). The upper support 8A and the nozzle head 10 described above are components that correspond to the operation unit 20.

[0026] The attachment cap 4 includes a cap top wall 4a that extends horizontally and has a circular through-hole in the center, a guide tube 4d that extends upward from the cap top wall 4a, a cylindrical cap peripheral wall 4b that extends downward from the outer edge of the cap top wall 4a, and a holder 1 that is disposed in the through-hole and formed integrally with the cap top wall 4a. An internal thread 4c is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cap peripheral wall 4b, and the dispenser 100A can be held in the container 50 by threading the internal thread 4c into the external thread 52b of the container 50.

[0027] The holder 1 has a cylindrical holder outer peripheral wall 1a located radially inside the mouth portion 52a when the dispenser 100A is attached to the container 50. The upper end of the holder outer peripheral wall 1a is continuous with the inner peripheral edge of the cap top wall 4a. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, a first vertical groove 1g is provided at the upper end of the holder outer peripheral wall 1a. The first vertical groove 1g is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the holder outer peripheral wall 1a. The first vertical groove 1g opens upward and does not open downward. The first vertical groove 1g is provided at only one location in the circumferential direction. The holder 1 may be a separate member from the cap top wall 4a. For example, a flange extending radially outward may be provided at the upper end of the holder outer peripheral wall 1a, and the flange may be pressed against the opening 52a from above by the cap top wall 4a.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, a partition wall 1c extending radially inward is provided at the lower end of the holder outer peripheral wall 1a, and an opening 1d is provided in the center of the partition wall 1c. The partition wall 1c separates the storage space S1 from an internal space S2 (described later), and the storage space S1 and the internal space S2 are connected by the opening 1d. The partition wall 1c is where the elastic body 7 is disposed, as described later. A cylindrical holder inner peripheral wall 1e extending upward radially inward of the holder outer peripheral wall 1a is provided on the upper surface of the partition wall 1c. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, an air intake hole 1h is provided in the partition wall 1c in a portion located between the holder outer peripheral wall 1a and the holder inner peripheral wall 1e. The air intake hole 1h penetrates the partition wall 1c. The air intake hole 1h is located at the same circumferential position as the first longitudinal groove 1g. As shown in FIG. 1, a cylindrical pipe holding tube 1f extending downward is provided on the lower surface of the partition wall 1c.

[0029] The pipe 2 is hollow, and its upper end is inserted into and fitted into a pipe holding cylinder 1f.

[0030] The packing 5 is in the shape of an annular plate, and is inserted into and fitted into the holder outer peripheral wall 1a. When the female threaded portion 4c of the attachment cap 4 is screwed onto the male threaded portion 52b of the container 50, the packing 5 is sandwiched between the upper end of the opening 52a and the cap top wall 4a. This prevents problems such as the content liquid contained in the storage space S1 overflowing to the outside when the container 50 is displaced into an inverted position, for example.

[0031] The upper cylinder 6A has a cylindrical wall 6f. In this embodiment, the cylindrical wall 6f has a double cylindrical shape, with a first cylindrical wall 6a located on the inside in the radial direction and a second cylindrical wall 6g located on the outside in the radial direction. Here, the space located inside the cylindrical wall 6f is referred to as an internal space S2. An annular support wall 6b extending radially outward is provided at the upper end of the first cylindrical wall 6a. An upwardly extending support wall outer edge wall 6d is provided at the outer edge of the support wall 6b, and an annular support wall upper side wall 6e extending radially inward and spaced from the support wall 6b is provided at the upper end of the support wall outer edge wall 6d. A cylindrical operation wall 6h having a larger diameter than the support wall outer edge wall 6d is connected to the upper end of the support wall outer edge wall 6d. The operation wall 6h is provided with a recess 6i that opens upward. The recess 6i penetrates the operation wall 6h in the radial direction. Two recesses 6i are provided at positions facing each other in the radial direction with the axis O between them. The outer edge of the support wall 6b is continuous with the upper end of the second cylindrical wall 6g. The first cylindrical wall 6a and the second cylindrical wall 6g are continuous with each other via the support wall 6b.

[0032] The above-mentioned cylindrical wall 6f is fitted and held by the holder outer peripheral wall 1a and the holder inner peripheral wall 1e by inserting the second cylindrical wall 6g between the holder outer peripheral wall 1a and the holder inner peripheral wall 1e of the holder 1. The second cylindrical wall 6g is held rotatably about the axis O relative to the holder 1. That is, in this embodiment, the cylindrical wall 6f is indirectly held by the mouth 52a of the container 50 via the holder 1. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the second cylindrical wall 6g is provided with a second longitudinal groove 6j. The second longitudinal groove 6j is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical wall 6g. The second longitudinal groove 6j opens downward and does not open upward. The upper end of the second longitudinal groove 6j is located above the lower end of the first longitudinal groove 1g.

[0033] 1, the elastic body 7 includes a first base portion 7a that is annular about the axis O, a second base portion 7b that is annular about the axis O and is provided at a distance in the up-down direction from the first base portion 7a, and a plurality of (three in this embodiment) inner annular portions 7c that are annular about the axis O and are provided between the first base portion 7a and the second base portion 7b. The first base portion 7a, the second base portion 7b, and the plurality of inner annular portions 7c are provided at equal intervals in the up-down direction.

[0034] The elastic body 7 also includes an elastic portion 7d that is provided between the first base portion 7a, the second base portion 7b, and the multiple inner annular portions 7c and integrally connects them. The elastic portion 7d elastically deforms when a force is applied so that the first base portion 7a and the second base portion 7b move relatively closer together, and when the force is removed, the elastic portion 7d exerts an elastic force so that the first base portion 7a and the second base portion 7b move relatively farther apart. In this embodiment, the elastic portion 7d extends in an arc shape so as to fit within the width of the first base portion 7a, etc., in a plan view, and extends generally obliquely relative to the axis O while curving in a wavy shape in a side view. The elastic portion 7d also has a shape that is point-symmetrical about the point where it intersects with the axis O. Referring to Figure 5, the shape of the elastic portion 7d in side view will be described in more detail. The elastic portion 7d extending from the first base portion 7a to the inner annular portion 7c located directly above it (the elastic portion 7d located at the bottom in Figure 5) is curved in a wave-like manner in side view and extends diagonally generally upward to the right with respect to the axis O. Specifically, the elastic portion 7d has a first curved portion 7d1 that is curved in an arc shape convex upward and extends diagonally upward to the right from the first base portion 7a, a second curved portion 7d2 that is curved in an arc shape convex downward and extends diagonally upward to the right from the first curved portion 7d1, a third curved portion 7d3 that is curved in an arc shape convex upward and extends diagonally upward to the right from the second curved portion 7d2, and a fourth curved portion 7d4 that is curved in an arc shape convex downward and extends diagonally upward to the right from the third curved portion 7d3. Further, this elastic portion 7d has a shape that is point-symmetrical about point P1, which is the center of the intersection between the location where the second curved portion 7d2 and the third curved portion 7d3 are connected and the axis O. The second elastic portion 7d from the bottom, which is located above the bottommost elastic portion 7d in Fig. 5, differs from the bottommost elastic portion 7d in that it extends in the opposite direction to the bottommost elastic portion 7d (it extends diagonally upward and to the left generally with respect to the axis O while curved in a wavy manner in side view), but is otherwise similar to the bottommost elastic portion 7d, and is provided with a fifth curved portion 7d5, a sixth curved portion 7d6, a seventh curved portion 7d7, and an eighth curved portion 7d8 that have shapes corresponding to the above-mentioned first curved portion 7d1, the second curved portion 7d2, the third curved portion 7d3, and the fourth curved portion 7d4, respectively.Similarly to the bottommost elastic portion 7d, the second-lowest elastic portion 7d has a shape that is point-symmetrical about point P2, where the axis O intersects with the location where the sixth curved portion 7d6 and the seventh curved portion 7d7 are connected. Furthermore, in the elastic body 7 of this embodiment, the third-lowest elastic portion 7d has the same shape as the bottommost elastic portion 7d, and the topmost elastic portion 7d has the same shape as the second-lowest elastic portion 7d. Thus, the elastic body 7 of this embodiment is configured such that the elastic portions 7d are alternately arranged with opposite tilt directions, such as an elastic portion 7d extending diagonally upward to the right followed by an elastic portion 7d extending diagonally upward to the left. While the bottommost elastic portion 7d in this embodiment extends diagonally upward to the right, the bottommost elastic portion 7d may also extend diagonally upward to the left.

[0035] The shape of the elastic piece 7g is not limited to that shown in the figure. Examples of modified elastic pieces 7g include those with a different number of arcuate curved portions forming a wave shape, those with a linear connection between the second curved portion 7d2 and the third curved portion 7d3 and between the sixth curved portion 7d6 and the seventh curved portion 7d7, and those with curved portions only at the portions connecting the first base portion 7a, the second base portion 7b, and the inner annular portion 7c, with the intermediate portion connecting the two curved portions extending linearly. While the elastic body 7 of this embodiment includes three inner annular portions 7c in the illustrated example, the number can be changed as appropriate, and may be two or less, four or more, or may not include any inner annular portions 7c.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a disk-shaped valve element 7f and an elastic piece 7g are provided inside a through hole located in the center of the first base portion 7a. One end of the elastic piece 7g is integrally connected to the valve element 7f and the other end is integrally connected to the first base portion 7a. The cross-hatching in FIG. 6 indicates the through hole located around the elastic piece 7g, and the location of the elastic piece 7g is the white area excluding the cross-hatching in FIG. 6. The elastic piece 7g of this embodiment extends radially outward from the valve element 7f, then extends in an arc shape, and then extends toward the first base portion 7a. The elastic body 7 of this embodiment has a total of three elastic pieces 7g shaped like this around the valve element 7f.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1 , the elastic body 7 is attached so that the first base portion 7a is positioned on the upper surface of the partition wall 1c, radially inward of the holder inner peripheral wall 1e. In this state, the valve element 7f is seated on the upper surface of the partition wall 1c, covering the opening 1d. When the pressure in the internal space S2 becomes relatively lower than the pressure in the storage space S1, the elastic piece 7g of the valve element 7f elastically deforms and moves away from the upper surface of the partition wall 1c, thereby opening the opening 1d. A check valve 7h is provided integrally with the elastic body 7 inside the first base portion 7a. The check valve 7h includes the valve element 7f and the elastic piece 7g. It closes the opening 1d in an openable / closable manner and opens the opening 1d when the internal space S2 is under negative pressure. Thus, the check valve 7h is provided integrally with the elastic body 7, contributing to a reduction in the number of parts in the product.

[0038] In this embodiment, the upper support body 8A includes a support portion 8a having a cross-sectional shape curved in an arcuate shape, forming an overall dome shape, as shown in the figure. An upper peripheral wall 8b extending downward is provided on the underside of the support portion 8a, and a step portion 8c extending horizontally is provided on the radially inner side of the upper peripheral wall 8b. The second base portion 7b is inserted inside the upper peripheral wall 8b and is supported by the support portion 8a while in contact with the step portion 8c.

[0039] A cylindrical inner tube portion 8d extending upward is provided in the center of the support portion 8a. Here, the passage provided inside the inner tube portion 8d is referred to as the inner passage S3. A communication port 8e penetrating the inner tube portion 8d and communicating with the inner passage S3 is provided at the base of the inner tube portion 8d. In the illustrated example, the inner passage S3 is provided with a ball valve 8f, a valve seat 8g, and a slip-out prevention rib 8h. The ball valve 8f closes the inner tube portion 8d when negative pressure is applied to the internal space S2. The ball valve 8f seats on the valve seat 8g to close the inner passage S3. The valve seat 8g protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube portion 8d. The valve seat 8g is annular. The slip-out prevention rib 8h guides the ball valve 8f in the vertical direction and prevents the ball valve 8f from detaching upward. The slip-out prevention ribs 8h are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0040] The elastic cover 9A is elastically deformable and has an upper wall 9a that extends in an arc shape in cross section and covers the upper part of the upper support 8A. The outer edge of the upper wall 9a is provided with a cover holding portion 9b that is held in a gap that is defined by the support wall 6b, the support wall outer edge wall 6d, and the support wall upper side wall 6e and has a U-shaped cross section.

[0041] The upper wall 9a of this embodiment has a through-hole 9c located in the center of the upper wall 9a and penetrating the upper wall 9a in the vertical direction, and an outer cylindrical portion 9d surrounding the through-hole 9c and standing upright from the upper wall 9a. The inner cylindrical portion 8d is inserted inside the through-hole 9c and the outer cylindrical portion 9d.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, a convex first seal portion 9e that protrudes downward is provided on the lower surface of the upper wall 9a. In the state shown in FIG. 1 (when the nozzle head 10 is moved to its upper limit by the elastic body 7), the first seal portion 9e is in liquid-tight contact with the upper surface of the support portion 8a. As shown in FIG. 8, a convex second seal portion 9f that protrudes radially inward is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 9d. The second seal portion 9f is in slidable and liquid-tight contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 8d. Note that although the first seal portion 9e and the second seal portion 9f are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 as overlapping with their respective contacting counterparts, in reality the first seal portion 9e and the second seal portion 9f are elastically deformed so as to be crushed.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the nozzle head 10 includes a cylindrical connecting tube portion 10a into which the inner tube portion 8d is inserted and held by the inner tube portion 8d. In the state shown in FIG. 1, the lower end of the connecting tube portion 10a is located above the upper end of the outer tube portion 9d. The outer diameter of the connecting tube portion 10a is larger than the inner diameter of the outer tube portion 9d. As shown in FIG. 14, when the nozzle head 10 is pressed down, the lower end of the connecting tube portion 10a contacts the upper end of the outer tube portion 9d, allowing the connecting tube portion 10a to press down the outer tube portion 9d. As shown in FIG. 1, a top wall portion 10b is provided above the connecting tube portion 10a, and serves as a portion against which a finger is pressed when the nozzle head 10 is pressed down. A head outer periphery portion 10c is provided at the outer edge of the top wall portion 10b, extending downward and surrounding the connecting tube portion 10a. A cylindrical nozzle 10d extending radially outward is provided in front of the head outer periphery portion 10c. The passage provided inside the nozzle 10d communicates with the above-mentioned inner passage S3. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an operating cylinder portion 10e is provided between the connecting cylinder portion 10a and the head outer circumferential portion 10c. The operating cylinder portion 10e extends downward from the top wall portion 10b.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1, 9 to 12, the dispenser 100A further includes a locking mechanism 11 in this embodiment. The locking mechanism 11 switches between restricting and releasing the downward movement of the operating unit 20. In the illustrated example, the locking mechanism 11 is provided on the operating unit 20 and the attachment cap 4. The operating unit 20 and the attachment cap 4 rotate relative to each other, causing the locking mechanism 11 to switch between restricting and releasing the downward movement of the operating unit 20. The locking mechanism 11 restricts the downward movement of the operating unit 20 when the operating unit 20 is located at a restricted position, which is one position in the circumferential direction. The locking mechanism 11 releases the restriction on the downward movement of the operating unit 20 when the operating unit 20 is located at a released position, which is another position in the circumferential direction.

[0045] 9 and 10 , the locking mechanism 11 includes a locking protrusion 12 provided on one of the operating part 20 and the attachment cap 4, and a locking recess 13 provided on the other. In this embodiment, the locking protrusion 12 is provided on the operating part 20, and the locking recess 13 is provided on the attachment cap 4. However, the locking protrusion 12 may be provided on the attachment cap 4, and the locking recess 13 may be provided on the operating part 20.

[0046] The locking protrusions 12 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the operating tube portion 10e of the operating unit 20. The locking protrusions 12 pass through the recesses 6i of the operating wall 6h and protrude radially outward beyond the operating wall 6h. As shown in FIG. 10 , a plurality of locking protrusions 12 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. Two locking protrusions 12 are provided with the axis O sandwiched therebetween. The two locking protrusions 12 include a first locking protrusion 12a and a second locking protrusion 12b. The first locking protrusion 12a is located below the nozzle 10d. The second locking protrusion 12b is located on the opposite side of the nozzle 10d with the axis O sandwiched therebetween. The circumferential sizes (widths) of the two locking protrusions 12 are different from each other. In the illustrated example, the second locking protrusion 12b is circumferentially larger than the first locking protrusion 12a.

[0047] The locking recess 13 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the guide tube 4d of the attachment cap 4. The locking recess 13 is a circumferential groove. A plurality of locking recesses 13 are provided in the circumferential direction to correspond to the locking protrusions 12. In this embodiment, two locking recesses 13 are provided with the axis O sandwiched therebetween. The locking recess 13 includes a first locking recess 13a in which the first locking protrusion 12a is disposed, and a second locking recess 13b in which the second locking protrusion 12b is disposed. Each of the locking recesses 13 is open upward but not open downward. In other words, each of the locking recesses 13 has a bottom surface 14 located below the corresponding locking recess 13. The bottom surface 14 faces upward. Each of the locking recesses 13 also has a side surface 15 facing radially inward.

[0048] A guide groove 16 that allows the locking protrusion 12 to descend is provided at the end on the first side in the circumferential direction of each locking recess 13. The guide groove 16 is longer in the up-down direction than the locking recess 13. The width (size in the circumferential direction) of the guide groove 16 is set to be equal to that of the corresponding locking protrusion 12.

[0049] 11 and 12, in this locking mechanism 11, when the operating part 20 is in the release position, the locking protrusion 12 is located on the end of the locking recess 13 on the first circumferential side, i.e., on the guide groove 16. When the operating part 20 is in the release position, the operating part 20 is allowed to move downward. When the operating part 20 is pressed down in the release position, the locking protrusion 12 moves downward while being guided in the up and down direction by the guide groove 16. 1 and 10, when the operating unit 20 is in the restricted position, the first locking protrusion 12a is located on the end of the first locking recess 13a on the second circumferential side, and the second locking protrusion 12b is located on the end of the second locking recess 13b on the second circumferential side. When the operating unit 20 is in the restricted position, the lower ends of the locking protrusions 12 of the operating unit 20 come into contact with (engage with) the bottom surface 14, thereby restricting the downward movement of the operating unit 20.

[0050] Incidentally, when the operating portion 20 is rotated, the cylindrical wall 6f rotates together with the operating portion 20 relative to the attachment cap 4. In this embodiment, the locking protrusions 12 are caught in the recesses 6i (operation walls 6h) in the circumferential direction, causing the cylindrical wall 6f to rotate together with the operating portion 20 relative to the attachment cap 4. This changes the positional relationship between the first longitudinal groove 1g and the second longitudinal groove 6j in the circumferential direction.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, when the operating unit 20 is in the restricted position, the first vertical groove 1g and the second vertical groove 6j are offset in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, when the operating unit 20 is in the released position, the first vertical groove 1g and the second vertical groove 6j are arranged at the same circumferential position and radially opposed to each other. These first vertical groove 1g and second vertical groove 6j function as an air flow path 21. The first vertical groove 1g is provided in the attachment cap 4, and the second vertical groove 6j is provided in the cylindrical wall 6h. The air flow path 21 is provided between the attachment cap 4 and the cylindrical wall 6f. The air flow path 21 allows communication between the interior and exterior of the container 50. The air flow path 21 communicates with the storage space S1 through the intake hole 1h. The air flow path 21 communicates with the outside of the dispenser 100A, for example, through the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the mounting cap 4 and the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical wall 6f, and the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the mounting cap 4 and the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle head 10. 1 and 4, when the operating unit 20 is in the restricting position, the first vertical groove 1g and the second vertical groove 6j are shifted in the circumferential direction, thereby suppressing the outflow of the content liquid through the air flow path 21. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, when the operating unit 20 is in the releasing position, the first vertical groove 1g and the second vertical groove 6j are arranged in the same position in the circumferential direction and face each other in the radial direction, thereby promoting the introduction of outside air through the air flow path 21.

[0052] In this ejector 100A, when the user wants to restrict the descent of the operating part 20, for example, at a time other than when the content liquid is being ejected, the user rotates the operating part 20 from the release position shown in Figures 11 to 13 to the restriction position (second side in the circumferential direction) shown in Figures 1, 4 and 10.

[0053] When the locking protrusion 12 is positioned at the second end of the locking recess 13 (i.e., when the operating unit 20 is positioned at the restricted position), the locking protrusion 12 and the locking recess 13 are locked together, thereby restricting the descent of the operating unit 20. On the other hand, when discharging the content liquid, the user moves the operating part 20 from the restricting position to the releasing position (first side in the circumferential direction).

[0054] Next, the procedure for discharging the content liquid from the dispenser 100A will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 14, the nozzle head 10 is pressed downward against the dispenser 100A attached to the container 50. As a result, the upper support 8A moves downward together with the nozzle head 10, so that the first seal portion 9e (see FIG. 7) separates from the upper surface of the support portion 8a and the communication port 8e communicates with the internal space S2. The downwardly moving upper support 8A also presses down the second base portion 7b, elastically compressing and deforming the elastic portion 7d. Then, after the lower end of the connecting tubular portion 10a contacts the upper end of the outer tubular portion 9d, the upper wall 9a is elastically deformed downward by the outer tubular portion 9d, which moves downward together with the nozzle head 10, thereby reducing the volume of the internal space S2. At this time, the opening 1d connecting the storage space S1 and the internal space S2 is closed by the valve body 7f, so that the internal space S2, whose volume decreases when the nozzle head 10 is pressed down, is pressurized to a positive pressure. Therefore, the pressurized air in the internal space S2 (or the pressurized liquid if the liquid is already contained in the internal space S2) passes through the communication port 8e from the internal space S2, opens the ball valve 8f, and is discharged from the nozzle 10d via the inner passage S3.

[0055] When the pressure on the nozzle head 10 is released, the elastically deformed elastic portion 7d returns to its original state, moving the upper support 8A upward, as shown in FIG. 15. This causes the first seal portion 9e (see FIG. 7) to contact the upper surface of the support portion 8a, and the internal space S2 becomes disconnected from the inner passage S3. Furthermore, the upward movement of the support portion 8a causes the upper wall 9a, which had been elastically deformed downward, to gradually return to its original state. This increases the volume of the internal space S2, and the internal space S2 becomes a reduced-pressure atmosphere (negative pressure). At this time, the pressure in the storage space S1 becomes relatively higher than that in the internal space S2. Therefore, the valve element 7f, which had been closing the opening 1d, elastically deforms the elastic piece 7g and moves away from the upper surface of the partition wall 1c, opening the opening 1d. The liquid contained in the storage space S1 passes through the pipe 2 and the opening 1d and is introduced into the internal space S2. At this time, even if the sealing performance of the first seal portion 9e is weakened, the ball valve 8f will be seated on the valve seat 8g, thereby improving the airtightness of the internal space S2.

[0056] At this time, the internal space S2 expands and the liquid contained in the storage space S1 is introduced into the internal space S2, creating a negative pressure in the storage space S1. At this time, the operating unit 20 is in the release position, and the first vertical groove 1g and the second vertical groove 6j are arranged at the same circumferential position and radially opposed to each other, promoting the introduction of outside air through the air flow path 21. As a result, outside air is introduced into the storage space S1 through, for example, the air flow path 21 and the intake hole 1h. When the expansion of the volume of the internal space S2 stops and the check valve 7h closes its opening again, the introduction of outside air through the air flow path 21 also stops.

[0057] When the nozzle head 10 is pressed again, the elastic portion 7d is elastically deformed so as to be compressed, and the liquid content in the internal space S2 is pressurized. The pressurized liquid content passes from the internal space S2 through the communication port 8e, passes through the inner passage S3, and is ejected from the nozzle 10d to the outside world.

[0058] Thereafter, when the ejection of the content liquid is completed and the pressing force on the nozzle head 10 is released, the elastically deformed elastic portion 7d returns to its original shape, and new content liquid is introduced into the internal space S2, while air is introduced into the storage space S1. Therefore, by repeatedly pressing and releasing the nozzle head 10, the content liquid contained in the storage space S1 can be ejected to the outside.

[0059] As described above, the dispenser 100A according to this embodiment can dispense the liquid content while suppressing volumetric deformation of the container 50, even without a so-called double container. Furthermore, because it does not use the coil spring used in conventional dispensers, there is no need to separate the coil spring when disposing of it, making it highly recyclable.

[0060] Furthermore, when a user rotates the operating unit 20, the cylindrical wall 6f rotates together with the operating unit 20 relative to the attachment cap 4, changing the circumferential positional relationship between the first vertical groove 1g and the second vertical groove 6j. Thus, for example, by shifting the first vertical groove 1g and the second vertical groove 6j in the circumferential direction, communication between the outside and the inside of the container 50 via the air flow path 21 can be substantially blocked, and by arranging the first vertical groove 1g and the second vertical groove 6j at the same circumferential position and radially opposing each other, communication between the outside and the inside of the container 50 via the air flow path 21 can be ensured. Thus, for example, during transportation, the first vertical groove 1g and the second vertical groove 6j can be shifted in the circumferential direction to prevent the content liquid from flowing out through the air flow path 21, and, for example, during use (when the user presses down the operating unit 20), the first vertical groove 1g and the second vertical groove 6j can be positioned at the same circumferential position to promote the introduction of outside air through the air flow path 21.

[0061] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0062] For example, the locking mechanism 11 may be omitted. For example, the air flow path 21 does not have to include the first vertical groove 1g and the second vertical groove 6j, and the operating part 20 does not have to be rotatable with respect to the attachment cap 4. For example, the position of the air intake hole 1h can be changed as appropriate. For example, the check valve 7h does not have to be integral with the elastic body 7. For example, the ball valve 8f may be omitted. For example, the nozzle head 10 may be omitted. In this case, for example, the dispenser 100A may not include the inner cylinder portion 8d or the outer cylinder portion 9d, and the upper portion of the cylindrical wall 6f and the upper wall 9a may be covered with an elastic sheet, and the internal space S2 may expand or contract when the elastic sheet is pressed down. In such a configuration using an elastic sheet, for example, a nozzle plate may be disposed on the upper end of the cylindrical wall 6f, and an elastic sheet may also be disposed on the nozzle plate. When the elastic sheet on the upper wall 9a is pressed down to create a positive pressure in the internal space S2, this positive pressure may separate the elastic sheet on the nozzle plate, and the content liquid in the internal space S2 may be ejected from between the nozzle plate and the elastic sheet.

[0063] In addition, within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modifications may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1c Partition wall 1d aperture 1g First longitudinal groove 4 Mounting cap 6f Cylindrical wall 6j Second vertical groove 7 Elastic Body 7a First base 7b Second base 7d Elastic part 7f Valve body 7g elastic piece 7h check valve 8a Support part 8d Inner cylinder part 8e Communication port 8f ball valve 9a Upper wall 9c Penetration 9d Outer cylinder 9e First seal part 9f Second seal part 10d nozzle 11 Locking mechanism 20 Control section 21 Air flow path 50 containers 52a Mouth 100A Ejector S2 interior space S3 medial pathway

Claims

1. A dispenser that is attached to the mouth of a container that contains a liquid content, and that dispenses the liquid content from a nozzle when an operating part is operated, an attachment cap attached to the mouth portion; a cylindrical wall held by the mounting cap and having an internal space therein; an elastic body made of synthetic resin and arranged inside the cylindrical wall; a partition wall that separates the inside of the container from the internal space and has an opening; a check valve that closes the opening in an openable and closable manner and opens the opening when the internal space is under negative pressure; an upper wall that is elastically deformable and has an outer edge portion that is held by the upper end portion of the cylindrical wall; an air flow path that can communicate between the inside and the outside of the container is provided between the attachment cap and the cylindrical wall; When the operating portion is operated, the elastic body is elastically deformed, and the upper wall is elastically deformed downward, pressurizing the internal space and discharging the content liquid from the nozzle.

2. the air flow path includes a first longitudinal groove provided in the mounting cap and a second longitudinal groove provided in the cylindrical wall; When the operating portion is pressed down, the elastic body is elastically deformed, and the upper wall is elastically deformed downward, pressurizing the internal space and discharging the content liquid from the nozzle. The dispenser according to claim 1 , wherein when the operating portion is rotated, the cylindrical wall rotates together with the operating portion relative to the mounting cap, thereby changing a circumferential positional relationship between the first longitudinal groove and the second longitudinal groove.

3. a locking mechanism that restricts downward movement of the operating unit when the operating unit is located at a restricted position which is one position in the circumferential direction, and releases the restriction on downward movement of the operating unit when the operating unit is located at a released position which is another position in the circumferential direction, 3. The dispenser according to claim 2, wherein when the operating portion is located at the restricting position, the first longitudinal groove and the second longitudinal groove are offset in the circumferential direction, and when the operating portion is located at the releasing position, the first longitudinal groove and the second longitudinal groove are arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction and are opposed to each other in the radial direction.

4. the upper wall includes a through-hole that penetrates the upper wall and an outer tubular portion that surrounds the through-hole and stands up from the upper wall, the operating unit includes the nozzle, a support part that supports an upper end of the elastic body inside the upper wall, a cylindrical inner cylinder part that extends upward from the support part and is inserted into the outer cylinder part, an inner passage communicating with the nozzle, and a communication port that penetrates the inner cylinder part and communicates with the inner passage, one of the upper wall and the support portion has a first seal portion that normally comes into liquid-tight contact with the other of the upper wall and the support portion; one of the outer cylindrical portion and the inner cylindrical portion has a second seal portion above the communication port that is slidable relative to the other of the outer cylindrical portion and the inner cylindrical portion and that is in liquid-tight contact with the other of the outer cylindrical portion and the inner cylindrical portion; The dispenser according to claim 1 , wherein when the operating portion is operated, the inner cylinder portion moves downward relative to the outer cylinder portion, thereby connecting the internal space and the inner passage via the communication port.

5. The dispenser according to claim 4 , wherein the inner cylindrical portion is provided with a ball valve that closes the inside of the inner cylindrical portion when the internal space is under negative pressure.

6. the elastic body includes an annular first base portion disposed on the partition wall, a second base portion provided at a distance from the first base portion, and an elastic portion that integrally connects the first base portion and the second base portion and is elastically deformable in a direction in which the first base portion and the second base portion approach each other; The check valve is provided integrally with the elastic body inside the first base portion, The dispenser according to claim 1 , wherein the check valve comprises a valve body that covers the opening, and an elastic piece that integrally connects the valve body and the first base portion.

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