Trigger-type liquid dispenser and trigger-type spray container

Abstract

This invention relates to a trigger-type liquid dispenser and a trigger-type spray container capable of dispensing liquid as an intermittent flow. [Solution] A trigger-type liquid dispenser comprising a main body containing a pump capable of sucking and pumping liquid from the container body, an operating lever for operating the pump, and a nozzle for discharging liquid by the operation of the pump, wherein the nozzle has a discharge port capable of discharging liquid, a nozzle flow path for allowing liquid pumped from the pump to flow toward the discharge port, a space formed between the discharge port and the nozzle flow path and communicating with the discharge port and the nozzle flow path, and a swirling flow path extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the discharge port and causing at least a portion of the liquid flowing out of the nozzle flow path to swirl, the cross-sectional area of ​​the space being larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a trigger-type liquid discharger and a trigger-type spray container.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an ejection container including a container body for storing a liquid and a trigger-type ejector attached to the container body has been known (Patent Document 1 etc.). In the ejection container described in Patent Document 1, by pulling the trigger of the trigger-type ejector, the liquid stored in the container body can be ejected in a continuous flow, mist, or foam state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Including the ejection container described in Patent Document 1, conventional ejection containers are often used for the purpose of ejecting detergents. However, the present inventor has found that the cleaning power can be enhanced by ejecting the liquid as an intermittent flow.

[0005] The present invention relates to a trigger-type liquid discharger and a trigger-type spray container capable of discharging a liquid as an intermittent flow.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The trigger-type liquid dispenser according to the present invention comprises a main body containing a pump capable of sucking and pumping liquid from a container body, an operating lever for operating the pump, and a nozzle for discharging liquid by the operation of the pump, wherein the nozzle has a discharge port capable of discharging liquid, a nozzle flow path for allowing liquid pumped from the pump to flow toward the discharge port, a space formed between the discharge port and the nozzle flow path and communicating with the discharge port and the nozzle flow path, and a swirling flow path extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the discharge port and swirling at least a portion of the liquid flowing out of the nozzle flow path, the cross-sectional area of ​​the space is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle flow path.

[0007] The trigger-type spray container according to the present invention comprises a container body capable of containing liquid and a trigger-type liquid dispenser configured to be detachably attached to the container body, wherein the trigger-type liquid dispenser comprises a main body portion having a built-in pump capable of sucking and pumping the liquid in the container body, an operating lever for operating the pump, and a nozzle for discharging liquid by the operation of the pump, wherein the nozzle has a discharge port capable of discharging liquid, a nozzle flow path for allowing liquid pumped from the pump to flow toward the discharge port, a space formed between the discharge port and the nozzle flow path and communicating with the discharge port and the nozzle flow path, and a swirling flow path extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the discharge port and swirling at least a portion of the liquid flowing out from the nozzle flow path, the cross-sectional area of ​​the space is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle flow path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the trigger-type liquid dispenser and trigger-type spray container of the present invention, liquid can be dispensed as an intermittent flow. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a trigger-type spray container according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the nozzle according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged view showing a portion of Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in Figure 2. [Figure 6] This is an image of a continuous flow. [Figure 7] This is an image of an intermittent flow. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the invention as defined in each claim, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. Furthermore, in these embodiments, the scale and dimensions of each component may be exaggerated, and some components may be omitted.

[0011] [Overall configuration of a trigger-type spray container] As shown in Figure 1, the trigger-type spray container 1 comprises a container body 100 capable of holding liquid and a trigger-type liquid dispenser 200 that is detachably configured to be attached to the container body 100.

[0012] In this specification, the direction of liquid discharge by the trigger-type liquid dispenser 200 (the direction of liquid discharge by the outlet 411, described later) is described as "forward," and the opposite direction is described as "rearward." In addition, in this specification, the direction in which the trigger-type liquid dispenser 200 is attached to the container body 100 is described as "downward," and the direction in which the trigger-type liquid dispenser 200 is removed from the container body 100 is described as "upward."

[0013] In this specification, the state where the liquid immediately after being discharged from the discharge port 411 is continuous is defined as "continuous flow" (see FIG. 6). Further, in this specification, the state where the continuous flow is interrupted and the liquid is completely atomized into droplets, or the state where the continuous flow is not interrupted but is slightly atomized into droplets is defined as "intermittent flow" (see FIG. 7). The state of being slightly atomized into droplets is, for example, a state where continuous flows smaller than the diameter of each droplet are connected in series.

[0014] [Configuration of the container body] As shown in FIG. 1, the container body 100 is a container formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape having a small-diameter cylindrical mouth tube portion 110 at the upper part, and is configured to be able to accommodate liquid in its internal space. Note that since a known configuration can be adopted for the container body 100, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0015] From the viewpoint of enjoying the effects of the present invention, the liquid accommodated in the container body 100 is preferably a detergent such as a household detergent or a dishwashing detergent. However, as the liquid accommodated in the container body 100, for example, liquids other than detergents such as a mold remover, a hair styling agent, an air freshener, and a deodorant may be used. \

[0016] From the viewpoint of facilitating the generation of intermittent flow, the viscosity of the liquid accommodated in the container body 100 is preferably 1 mPa·s or more and 10 mPa·s or less, more preferably 1 mPa·s or more and 5 mPa·s or less, and still more preferably 1 mPa·s or more and 3 mPa·s or less.

[0017] From the viewpoint of easily interrupting the continuous flow and facilitating the generation of intermittent flow, the surface tension of the liquid accommodated in the container body 100 is preferably 30 N / m or more and 72 N / m or less, more preferably 40 N / m or more and 72 N / m or less, and still more preferably 50 N / m or more and 72 N / m or less.

[0018] [Configuration of the trigger-type liquid discharger] As shown in FIG. 1, the trigger-type liquid ejector 200 includes a main body portion 210 incorporating a pump 220 capable of sucking and pumping the liquid in the container main body 100, an operation lever 230 (trigger) for operating the pump 220, and a nozzle 240 for ejecting the liquid by the operation of the pump 220.

[0019] In the trigger-type liquid ejector 200 according to the present embodiment, since known configurations can be adopted for the configurations other than the configuration related to the nozzle 240, the following will be limited to a brief explanation of an example, and the detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0020] (Configuration of the main body portion) The main body portion 210 includes a mounting cap 211 configured to be attachable to the mouth cylinder portion 110 of the container main body 100, a vertical cylinder portion 212 extending upward from the mounting cap 211, a horizontal cylinder portion 213 extending forward from the upper end portion of the vertical cylinder portion 212, a cylindrical holding portion 214 extending forward from a middle portion of the vertical cylinder portion 212, a pump 220 held in the holding portion 214, and a head cover 215 covering a part of the vertical cylinder portion 212, the horizontal cylinder portion 213, the holding portion 214, the pump 220, and the operation lever 230.

[0021] The vertical cylinder portion 212 has a cylindrical neck portion 212a at its lower end, which is inserted into the upper opening (not shown) of the mounting cap 211. The neck portion 212a has a smaller width (i.e., diameter) in the direction intersecting the swing direction of the operating lever 230 compared to the mounting cap 211. The vertical cylinder portion 212 also has a cylindrical intake 212b inside. The lower end of the intake 212b is connected to a pipe 216 that extends into the container body 100, and its upper end is connected to the rear end of the horizontal cylinder portion 213. Thus, the pipe 216, intake 212b, and horizontal cylinder portion 213 form a supply path from the container body 100 to the nozzle 240. The intake 212b has a communication hole 212c that communicates with the pump chamber 224, which will be described later. An intake valve 212d and a discharge valve 212e are provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the communication hole 212c, respectively. The pump 220 is configured to draw liquid from the container body 100 into the pump chamber 224 and to pump it from the pump chamber 224 to the nozzle 240.

[0022] (Pump configuration) The pump 220 comprises a cylindrical cylinder 221 fitted and held in a holding portion 214, and a piston 222 reciprocally housed inside the cylinder 221. The piston 222 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the cylinder 221, thereby creating a gap between its outer surface and the inner surface of the cylinder 221. An annular seal portion 223 is provided at the rear end of the piston 222, which slidably and liquid-tightly contacts the inner surface of the cylinder 221. By sealing the inside of the cylinder 221 with the seal portion 223, a pump chamber 224 is formed behind the seal portion 223. The front end of the piston 222 is engaged with the operating lever 230, and is biased by a coil spring 225 provided inside it in the direction of pushing back the operating lever 230 (in the direction of expansion of the pump chamber 224).

[0023] (Configuration of the control levers) The operating lever 230 has its upper end (base end) pivotally attached to the tip end of the horizontal cylindrical portion 213 of the main body portion 210 so as to be swingable, and is provided hanging downward (towards the container body 100) from the horizontal cylindrical portion 213 so as to face the vertical cylindrical portion 212, the holding portion 214, and the mounting cap 211. The rear surface of the operating lever 230 is engaged with the front end of the piston 222 as described above, and the piston 222 is reciprocated by the reciprocating motion of the operating lever 230. In the trigger-type liquid dispenser 200 according to this embodiment, the operating lever 230 hanging down in this manner creates a space between the operating lever 230 and the mounting cap 211, vertical cylindrical portion 212, and horizontal cylindrical portion 213 of the main body portion 210, and the piston 222 of the pump 220 is positioned in this space.

[0024] (Nozzle configuration) As shown in Figure 1, the nozzle 240 is provided at the tip of the horizontal cylindrical portion 213 of the main body portion 210. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the nozzle 240 comprises a first member 300 configured to be detachably attached to the horizontal cylindrical portion 213, a second member 400 configured to be detachably attached to the first member 300, and a nozzle cover 500 that covers the first member 300 and the second member 400. The first member 300 may be configured not to be detachably attached to the horizontal cylindrical portion 213. Similarly, the second member 400 may be configured not to be detachably attached to the first member 300.

[0025] The first member 300 has at least a cylindrical portion 310, a column portion 320 provided inside the cylindrical portion 310, a connecting portion 330 connecting the cylindrical portion 310 and the column portion 320, and an insertion groove 340 into which the insertion portion 420 of the second member 400 (described later) can be inserted.

[0026] The cylindrical portion 310 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its front and rear ends open. The columnar portion 320 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 310. The front end of the columnar portion 320 is configured to be located behind the front end of the cylindrical portion 310. The columnar portion 320 also has a plurality of (three in this embodiment) recesses 321 provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0027] The recess 321 is formed by recessing from the outer circumferential surface of the column portion 320 toward the radial center. Specifically, the recess 321 has a bottom surface 321a formed in a stepped manner from the rear end to the front end of the column portion 320, and a pair of side surfaces 321b extending from both ends in the width direction of the bottom surface 321a toward the outer circumferential surface of the column portion 320.

[0028] The connecting portion 330 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 310 and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the column portion 320. The connecting portion 330 is provided on the rear end side of the column portion 320 and between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 310 and the outer circumferential surface of the column portion 320, and is configured to connect the cylindrical portion 310 and the column portion 320.

[0029] The insertion groove 340 is a space defined by the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 310, the outer circumferential surface of the column portion 320, and the front end of the connecting portion 330. In other words, the insertion groove 340 is formed in an annular shape that extends along the circumferential direction of the column portion 320.

[0030] In this embodiment, the first member 300 is formed by integral molding, but is not limited to this, and the cylindrical portion 310, column portion 320, and connecting portion 330 may be independent. Also, the cylindrical portion 310 and the connecting portion 330 may be formed in a rectangular tubular shape. Similarly, the column portion 320 may be formed in a rectangular prism shape.

[0031] The second member 400 has a nozzle wall portion 410 facing the front surface of the column portion 320, a cylindrical insertion portion 420 extending rearward from the outer edge of the nozzle wall portion 410, and a cylindrical projection portion 430 extending forward from the outer edge of the nozzle wall portion 410.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the nozzle wall portion 410 is formed in a circular shape with a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 310 and larger than the outer diameter of the column portion 320. The nozzle wall portion 410 also has a discharge port 411 from which liquid can be discharged, a swirling channel 412 that swirls at least a portion of the liquid that flows out of the nozzle channel 600 (described later), an annular channel 413 that allows at least a portion of the liquid that flows out of the nozzle channel 600 (described later) to flow into the swirling channel 412, and a mixing chamber 414 that mixes the liquid that flows out of the nozzle channel 600 and the liquid that flows out of the swirling channel 412. The shape of the nozzle wall portion 410 may be polygonal.

[0033] The discharge port 411 is an opening formed from the front to the rear of the nozzle wall portion 410. The width of the discharge port 411 is constant in the axial direction of the discharge port 411. This has the advantage of preventing liquid from scattering during discharge, thus preventing the liquid from becoming a mist.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the width L1 of the discharge port 411 is preferably 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 0.2 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.3 mm or more, from the viewpoint of ensuring a sufficient liquid discharge volume. Furthermore, the width L1 is preferably 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.6 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.45 mm or less, from the viewpoint of preventing the liquid from becoming a mist. In this specification, "width L1 of the discharge port 411" refers to the length in the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction along the axis of the discharge port 411. Note that if the length differs in the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction along the axis of the discharge port 411, such as when the discharge port 411 is elliptical, the maximum length shall be used as the reference. Also, if the length in the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction along the axis of the discharge port 411 differs in the axial direction of the discharge port 411, the length at the tip of the discharge port 411 shall be used as the reference.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the axial length L2 of the discharge port 411 is preferably 0.2 mm or more, more preferably 0.6 mm or more, and even more preferably 1.0 mm or more, from the viewpoint of preventing liquid atomization. Furthermore, the above length L2 is preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.7 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.4 mm or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing liquid pressure loss. In this specification, "axial length L2 of the discharge port 411" refers to the length along the front-rear direction from the base end to the tip of the discharge port 411. That is, the above length L2 is the length along the front-rear direction from the horizontal section 414a, which will be described later, to the front surface of the nozzle wall section 410.

[0036] Multiple swirling channels 412 are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the nozzle wall 410 (three in this embodiment). The number of swirling channels 412 may be one, two, or four or more, but from the viewpoint of generating intermittent flow, it is preferable to have multiple channels (two or more).

[0037] The swirling channel 412 is formed in a concave shape that extends forward from the rear surface of the nozzle wall 410. The swirling channel 412 extends in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the discharge port 411. Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the swirling channel 412 extends radially outward in the width direction from the mixing chamber 414 to the discharge port 411. Furthermore, the width of the outlet of the swirling channel 412 is formed to be narrower than the width of the inlet of the swirling channel 412. This has the advantage of increasing the flow velocity of the liquid flowing through the swirling channel 412, thereby efficiently swirling the liquid.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the difference between the outlet width L3 and the inlet width L4 of the swirling channel 412 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less, more preferably 0.2 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.3 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less, from the viewpoint of increasing the swirling force of the liquid. In this specification, "outlet width L3 of the swirling channel 412" is the minimum width of the swirling channel 412. Also, "inlet width L4 of the swirling channel 412" is the maximum width of the swirling channel 412.

[0039] The width L3 of the outlet of the swirling channel 412 is preferably, for example, 0.3 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less, more preferably 0.4 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.5 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. The width L4 of the inlet of the swirling channel 412 is preferably, for example, 0.7 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.8 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.9 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

[0040] Furthermore, if there is a difference between the width L3 of the outlet and the width L4 of the inlet of the swirling flow path 412, this difference is preferably 0.7 or more, more preferably 0.9 or more, and even more preferably 1.1 or more, relative to the width L1 of the discharge port 411, from the viewpoint of the straight-line component of the flow velocity. Also, from the viewpoint of the swirling component of the flow velocity, the above difference is preferably 1.5 or less, more preferably 1.4 or less, and even more preferably 1.3 or less, relative to the width L1 of the discharge port 411.

[0041] From the viewpoint of the straight-line component of the flow velocity, the flow area of ​​the swirling flow path 412 is preferably 15 or more, more preferably 20 or more, and even more preferably 27 or more, relative to the opening area of ​​the discharge port 411. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the swirling component of the flow velocity, the flow area of ​​the swirling flow path 412 is preferably 55 or less, more preferably 50 or less, and even more preferably 45 or less. Note that the flow area of ​​the swirling flow path 412 and the opening area of ​​the discharge port 411 are the areas when viewed from the rear (as shown in Figure 4). If multiple swirling flow paths 412 are provided, the total flow area of ​​these multiple swirling flow paths 412 is used as the flow area of ​​the swirling flow path 412.

[0042] The annular channel 413 is formed in a concave shape that extends forward from the rear surface of the nozzle wall 410. Furthermore, the annular channel 413 is formed in an annular shape that extends along the circumferential direction of the nozzle wall 410 and is located outside the inlet of the swirling channel 412.

[0043] The mixing chamber 414 is provided between the discharge port 411 and the swirling flow path 412. The mixing chamber 414 has a horizontal portion 414a extending outward in the width direction from the periphery of the rear end of the discharge port 411, and an inclined portion 414b extending from the tip of the horizontal portion 414a toward the outlet of the swirling flow path 412, and is formed in a concave shape overall. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the mixing chamber 414 has a horizontal portion 414a and an inclined portion 414b has been described, but it is not limited to this, and it is sufficient to have at least an inclined portion 414b. For example, the inclined portion 414b may extend from the periphery of the rear end of the discharge port 411. Having an inclined portion 414b in the mixing chamber 414 has the advantage of efficiently swirling the liquid.

[0044] The second member 400, having the above configuration, is configured to be attached to the first member 300 by inserting the insertion portion 420 into the insertion groove 340 of the first member 300. The second member 400 is also configured to be removed from the first member 300 by removing the insertion portion 420 that is inserted into the insertion groove 340. In this embodiment, the second member 400 has a projection 430, so the user can grasp the projection 430 when attaching or removing the second member 400. This has the advantage of making the attachment and detachment of the second member 400 easy.

[0045] Furthermore, the nozzle 240 has a nozzle flow path 600 that allows the liquid pumped from the pump 220 to flow toward the discharge port 411, and a space 700 formed between the discharge port 411 and the nozzle flow path 600, which communicates with the discharge port 411 and the nozzle flow path 600.

[0046] The nozzle channel 600 is a space defined by the inner circumferential surfaces of the insertion portion 420, the cylindrical portion 310, and the connecting portion 330, as well as the bottom surface 321a and the side surface 321b. The rear end of the nozzle channel 600 is formed to narrow from the rear end towards the front. This has the advantage of allowing liquid to flow in efficiently. In addition, the outlet of the nozzle channel 600 is formed to be smaller than the inlet of the nozzle channel 600. This has the advantage of preventing a pressure increase near the discharge port 411, as the amount of liquid flowing out from the outlet of the nozzle channel 600 can be adjusted.

[0047] In this embodiment, multiple nozzle passages 600 are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the column portion 320 (three in this embodiment). The number of nozzle passages 600 may be one, two, or four or more. As shown in Figure 5, the nozzle passages 600 and the swirling passage 412 are provided so as not to completely overlap each other in the front-rear direction.

[0048] Space 700 is a cylindrical space defined by the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 310, the front surface of the column portion 320, and the rear surface of the nozzle wall portion 410. Space 700 is configured to make the flow velocity of the liquid flowing out from the nozzle flow path 600 uniform. Space 700 may also be a rectangular prism-shaped space.

[0049] The cross-sectional area of ​​space 700 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle flow path 600. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​space 700 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the swirling flow path 412. Note that "cross-sectional area of ​​space" refers to the cross-sectional area in the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, and if the cross-sectional area of ​​space 700 differs locally, it refers to the cross-sectional area of ​​the largest part. Similarly, "cross-sectional area of ​​nozzle flow path" refers to the cross-sectional area in the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, and if multiple nozzle flow paths 600 are provided, it refers to the total cross-sectional area of ​​these multiple nozzle flow paths 600, and if the cross-sectional areas of the nozzle flow paths 600 differ locally, it refers to the cross-sectional area of ​​the largest part. In addition, "cross-sectional area of ​​swirling flow path" refers to the cross-sectional area in the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, and if multiple swirling flow paths 412 are provided, it refers to the total cross-sectional area of ​​these multiple swirling flow paths 412, and if the cross-sectional areas of the swirling flow paths 412 differ locally, it refers to the cross-sectional area of ​​the largest part.

[0050] The length L5 in the front-to-back direction of the space 700 is preferably 0.4 mm or more, more preferably 0.55 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.7 mm or more, from the viewpoint of preventing the liquid from becoming mist and ensuring a uniform liquid flow velocity. Furthermore, the length L5 is preferably 1 mm or less, more preferably 0.9 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.8 mm or less, from the viewpoint of stabilizing the attachment of the second member 400 to the first member 300.

[0051] The "length of the space in the front-to-back direction" refers to the straight-line distance (clearance length) between the front surface of the column section 320 and the rear surface of the nozzle wall section 410. Furthermore, if both or either the front surface of the column section 320 and the rear surface of the nozzle wall section 410 are formed in an uneven manner, and the above straight-line distance differs depending on the location, the average value of each straight-line distance shall be used as the "length of the space in the front-to-back direction."

[0052] The length L5 can be changed by adjusting the insertion depth of the insertion portion 420 of the second member 400 relative to the insertion groove 340 of the first member 300. For example, to increase the length L5, the insertion portion 420 should be inserted shallowly into the insertion groove 340. Conversely, to decrease the length L5, the insertion portion 420 should be inserted deeper into the insertion groove 340.

[0053] In the trigger-type spray container 1 having the above configuration, the flow rate of the liquid discharged from the discharge port 411 is preferably 20 m / s or more and 40 m / s or less, more preferably 25 m / s or more and 40 m / s or less, and even more preferably 30 m / s or more and 40 m / s or less, from the viewpoint of enhancing cleaning power.

[0054] [How to use a trigger-type spray container] In this embodiment, the trigger-type spray container 1 can be operated by pulling the operating lever 230 of the trigger-type liquid dispenser 200 closer to the container body 100, thereby retracting the piston 222 relative to the cylinder 221, pressurizing the liquid in the pump chamber 224. This pressurized pressure presses the suction valve 212d against the valve seat, maintaining a closed state, while displacing the discharge valve 212e away from the valve seat, opening it. This allows the liquid in the pump chamber 224 to be discharged to the outside through the discharge port 411 of the nozzle 240 via the supply path.

[0055] Furthermore, in the trigger-type spray container 1, after the liquid has been discharged, when the operating lever 230 is released, the biasing force of the coil spring 225 pushes the piston 222 and the operating lever 230 forward, creating negative pressure in the pump chamber 224. This negative pressure displaces the intake valve 212d away from its valve seat, opening it, while simultaneously pressing the discharge valve 212e against its valve seat, closing it. This allows the liquid in the container body 100 to flow into the pump chamber 224 via the pipe 216. By repeatedly pulling and releasing the operating lever 230 in this manner, the liquid in the container body 100 can be continuously discharged from the nozzle 240.

[0056] Because the trigger-type spray container 1 operates in this manner, a user of the trigger-type spray container 1 can, while holding the trigger-type spray container 1, pull the operating lever 230 of the trigger-type liquid dispenser 200 toward the container body 100 to dispense the liquid from the container body 100 toward the object to be dispensed.

[0057] [The process by which intermittent flow is discharged] A portion of the liquid flowing out of the nozzle channel 600 flows through the annular channel 413 and the swirling channel 412 and into the mixing chamber 414. As a result, as shown in Figure 4, the swirling liquid F1 flows into the mixing chamber 414. On the other hand, the remaining liquid flowing out of the nozzle channel 600 does not flow through the annular channel 413 and the swirling channel 412, but flows directly into the mixing chamber 414. As a result, as shown in Figure 3, the highly directional liquid F2 flows into the mixing chamber 414.

[0058] Liquids F1 and F2, which flow into the mixing chamber 414, are mixed in the mixing chamber 414 and then discharged from the discharge port 411. Specifically, a portion of liquids F1 and F2 flows along the circumferential direction of the mixing chamber 414 (in the direction of arrow A shown in Figure 4), and flows into the discharge port 411 with increased swirling properties. On the other hand, the remaining portion of liquid F2 flows into the discharge port 411 while maintaining high straight-line properties. As a result, a liquid that combines both swirling and straight-line properties is discharged from the discharge port 411. That is, the liquid discharged from the discharge port 411 does not atomize but travels in a straight line while swirling.

[0059] Thus, because the liquid discharged from the outlet 411 possesses both swirling and straight-line properties, the liquid immediately after discharge from the outlet 411 is in a continuous flow. However, the swirling force of the liquid gradually interrupts or partially interrupts the continuous flow, resulting in an intermittent flow. In this way, the trigger-type spray container 1 according to this embodiment can discharge liquid as an intermittent flow.

[0060] [Advantages of the trigger-type liquid dispenser according to this embodiment] The trigger-type liquid dispenser 200 according to this embodiment comprises a main body 210 having a built-in pump 220 capable of sucking and pumping liquid from a container body 100, an operating lever 230 for operating the pump 220, and a nozzle 240 for discharging liquid by the operation of the pump 220. The nozzle 240 has a discharge port 411 from which liquid can be discharged, a nozzle flow path 600 for allowing liquid pumped from the pump 220 to flow toward the discharge port 411, a space 700 formed between the discharge port 411 and the nozzle flow path 600 and communicating with the discharge port 411 and the nozzle flow path 600, and a swirling flow path 412 extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the discharge port 411 and swirling at least a portion of the liquid flowing out of the nozzle flow path 600, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the space 700 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle flow path 600.

[0061] With a trigger-type liquid dispenser 200 having such a configuration, the liquid flow velocity can be made uniform in the space 700 while the liquid can be made to swirl in the swirling channel 412, so that a liquid that combines straight-line flow and swirling properties can be dispensed. As a result, the dispensed liquid gradually turns into droplets or nearly into droplets, which has the advantage of being able to dispense the liquid as an intermittent flow. And as a result of being able to dispense the liquid as an intermittent flow, the cleaning power can be increased.

[0062] The trigger-type liquid dispenser and trigger-type spray container according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical concept of the present invention.

[0063] For example, in the embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which the nozzle 240 has an annular flow path 413 and a mixing chamber 414, but the invention is not limited to this, and a configuration without these may also be used.

[0064] It is clear from the claims that the above-mentioned modifications are included within the scope of the present invention. [Examples]

[0065] The present invention will be described in detail below based on examples, but these examples are not intended to limit the object of the present invention.

[0066] [Examples 1-5 and Comparative Example 1] Based on the trigger-type spray container 1 according to this embodiment, trigger-type spray containers according to Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1 were manufactured. The trigger-type spray containers according to Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1 had the same configuration except for the flow path area and area ratio of the swirling flow path 412. The opening area of ​​the discharge port 411, the flow path area and area ratio of the swirling flow path 412 in the trigger-type spray containers according to Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1 were set to the values ​​shown in Table 1.

[0067] The "area ratio" refers to the flow area of ​​the swirling channel 412 relative to the opening area of ​​the discharge port 411 (flow area of ​​the swirling channel 412 / opening area of ​​the discharge port 411).

[0068] [Experiment 1] Experiments were conducted to determine whether intermittent flow was generated using trigger-type spray containers according to Examples 1-5 and Comparative Example 1. Furthermore, the area ratio for generating a good intermittent flow was compared between the trigger-type spray containers of Examples 1-5. Experiment 1 was conducted for cases where the length of the space 700 in the front-to-back direction was 0 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.7 mm, and 1.0 mm. Whether or not intermittent flow was generated, and whether or not a good intermittent flow was generated, was visually confirmed by photographing the liquid discharged from the outlet 411 with a high-speed camera (Vision Research: product name Phantom LC310). The experimental results and average flow velocity are shown in Table 1. Tap water was used as the liquid.

[0069] [Evaluation Criteria] ◎: Good intermittent flow is being generated. ○: Intermittent flow is being generated, but it is mixed with a small amount of mist. △: Intermittent flow is being generated, but it is turning into mist. △': Intermittent flow is being generated, but it is gradually becoming a continuous flow. ×: No intermittent flow is generated; instead, mist is produced. ×': No intermittent flow is generated; it is a continuous flow.

[0070] [Table 1]

[0071] [evaluation] As shown in Table 1, it was found that intermittent flow is generated in all of the trigger-type spray containers according to Examples 1 to 5 because they have a swirling flow path 412 and a space 700. In the case of the trigger-type spray container according to Example 4, it was found that although intermittent flow is generated, it is gradually turning into mist. In the case of the trigger-type spray container according to Example 5, it was found that although intermittent flow is generated, it is gradually turning into continuous flow.

[0072] In the trigger-type spray containers according to Examples 1 and 2, where the length of the space 700 in the front-to-back direction was 0.4 mm, it was found that a nearly good intermittent flow was generated, although there was some mist mixed in. Furthermore, in the trigger-type spray containers according to Examples 1 and 2, and the trigger-type spray container according to Example 3, where the length of the space 700 in the front-to-back direction was 0.7 mm and 1.0 mm, it was found that a good intermittent flow was generated without any mist mixing in.

[0073] On the other hand, in the trigger-type spray containers according to Examples 1 to 5, where the length of the space 700 in the front-to-back direction is 0 mm, it was found that the liquid was atomized because the space 700 did not exist and the swirling properties were strong. Furthermore, in the trigger-type spray container according to Comparative Example 1, where the length of the space 700 in the front-to-back direction is 0 mm, it was found that no liquid was discharged because the swirling flow path 412 and the space 700 did not exist. In addition, in the trigger-type spray containers according to Comparative Example 1, where the length of the space 700 in the front-to-back direction is 0.4 mm, 0.7 mm, and 1.0 mm, it was found that the swirling flow path 412 did not exist and the liquid became a continuous flow because the straight-line properties were strong.

[0074] [Examples 6-10 and Comparative Example 2] Based on the trigger-type spray container 1 according to this embodiment, trigger-type spray containers according to Examples 6 to 10 and Comparative Example 2 were manufactured. The trigger-type spray containers according to Examples 6 to 10 and Comparative Example 2 had the same configuration except for the width of the discharge port 411, the width of the swirling flow path 412, and the nozzle ratio. The width of the discharge port 411, the difference between the width of the outlet and the width of the inlet of the swirling flow path 412, and the nozzle ratio in the trigger-type spray containers according to Examples 6 to 10 and Comparative Example 2 were set to the values ​​shown in Table 2.

[0075] The "nozzle ratio" is the difference between the width of the outlet and the width of the inlet of the swirling flow path 412 relative to the width of the discharge port 411 (difference between the width of the outlet and the width of the inlet of the swirling flow path 412 / width of the discharge port 411).

[0076] [Experiment 2] Experiments were conducted to determine whether intermittent flow was generated using trigger-type spray containers according to Examples 6-10 and Comparative Example 2. Furthermore, the nozzle ratios that generate a good intermittent flow were compared between the trigger-type spray containers of Examples 6-10. Experiment 2 was conducted using the same method as Experiment 1, and the same evaluation criteria as in Experiment 1 were used. The experimental results and average flow velocity are shown in Table 2.

[0077] [Table 2]

[0078] [evaluation] As shown in Table 2, it was found that intermittent flow is generated in all of the trigger-type spray containers according to Examples 6 to 10 because they have a swirling flow path 412 and a space 700. In the case of the trigger-type spray container according to Example 9, it was found that although intermittent flow is generated, it is gradually turning into mist. In the case of the trigger-type spray container according to Example 10, it was found that although intermittent flow is generated, it is gradually turning into continuous flow.

[0079] In the trigger-type spray containers according to Examples 6 and 7, where the length of the space 700 in the front-to-back direction was 0.4 mm, it was found that a nearly good intermittent flow was generated, although there was some mist mixed in. Furthermore, in the trigger-type spray containers according to Examples 6 and 7, and the trigger-type spray container according to Example 8, where the length of the space 700 in the front-to-back direction was 0.7 mm and 1.0 mm, it was found that a good intermittent flow was generated without any mist mixing in.

[0080] On the other hand, in the trigger-type spray containers according to Examples 6 to 10, where the length of the space 700 in the front-to-back direction is 0 mm, it was found that the liquid was atomized because the space 700 did not exist and the swirling properties were strong. Furthermore, in the trigger-type spray container according to Comparative Example 2, where the length of the space 700 in the front-to-back direction is 0 mm, it was found that no liquid was discharged because the swirling flow path 412 and the space 700 did not exist. In addition, in the trigger-type spray containers according to Comparative Example 2, where the length of the space 700 in the front-to-back direction is 0.4 mm, 0.7 mm, and 1.0 mm, it was found that the swirling flow path 412 did not exist and the straight-line properties were strong, resulting in continuous flow of liquid. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1: Trigger-type spray container 100: Container body 110: Mouth tube part 200: Trigger-type liquid dispenser 210: Main body 211: Mounting cap 212:Vertical cylinder part 212a: Neck section 212b: Intake 212c:Communication hole 212d: Intake valve 212e: Discharge valve 213:Horizontal tube part 214: Holding part 215: Headcover 216: Pipe 220: Pump 221: Cylinder 222: Piston 223: Seal part 224: Pump Room 225: Coil spring 230: Operating lever 240: Nozzle 300: First component 310:Cylinder part 320: Column part 321: Recess 321a: Bottom 321b: Side 330: Connection part 340: Insertion groove 400: Second component 410: Nozzle wall section 411:Discharge port 412: Swirling flow path 413: Circular channel 414:Mixing room 414a:Horizontal part 414b: Inclined part 420: Insertion part 430:Protrusion 500: Nozzle cover 600: Nozzle flow path 700: Space

Claims

1. A trigger-type liquid dispenser comprising a main body containing a pump capable of sucking and pumping liquid from within the container body, an operating lever for operating the pump, and a nozzle for discharging liquid by the operation of the pump, The aforementioned nozzle is A nozzle capable of dispensing liquid, A nozzle channel for circulating the liquid pumped from the pump toward the discharge port, A space formed between the discharge port and the nozzle flow path, which communicates with the discharge port and the nozzle flow path, A swirling channel extends in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the discharge port and causes at least a portion of the liquid flowing out of the nozzle channel to swirl. It has, The cross-sectional area of ​​the aforementioned space is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle flow path. Trigger-type liquid dispenser.

2. The flow area of ​​the swirling channel is 15 to 55 times the opening area of ​​the discharge port. The trigger-type liquid dispenser according to claim 1.

3. The width of the discharge port is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The axial length of the discharge port is 0.2 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. A trigger-type liquid dispenser according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A container body capable of holding liquid, A trigger-type liquid dispenser is configured to be detachably attached to the container body. Prepare, The trigger-type liquid dispenser comprises a main body containing a pump capable of sucking and pumping the liquid inside the container body, an operating lever for operating the pump, and a nozzle for discharging the liquid by the operation of the pump. The aforementioned nozzle is A nozzle capable of dispensing liquid, A nozzle channel for circulating the liquid pumped from the pump toward the discharge port, A space formed between the discharge port and the nozzle flow path, which communicates with the discharge port and the nozzle flow path, A swirling channel extends in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the discharge port and causes at least a portion of the liquid flowing out of the nozzle channel to swirl. It has, The cross-sectional area of ​​the aforementioned space is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle flow path. Trigger-type spray bottle.

5. The viscosity of the liquid contained in the container is 1 mPa·s or more and 5 mPa·s or less. The trigger-type spray container according to claim 4.

6. The surface tension of the liquid contained in the container body is 50 N / m or more and 72 N / m or less. The trigger-type spray container according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The flow velocity of the liquid discharged from the aforementioned outlet is 20 m / s or more and 40 m / s or less. The trigger-type spray container according to claim 4 or 5.

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