Ejector

Abstract

The device can suppress the intrusion of liquid into the air chamber and dispense foamy liquid with a stable foam quality. [Solution] The discharger 1 comprises a liquid cylinder 10 having a storage chamber R1 communicating with the container body 2, a stem 11 erected to be movable downward in an upward biased state, a push head 12 having a nozzle cylinder 80, a liquid piston 13 linked to the up and down movement of the stem, a foam-making unit 14 that generates foamy liquid by mixing the liquid and air, and a film body 15 having a film (stretchable film 140), wherein the film is combined with an upper member 120 and a lower member 130 and deforms with the up and down movement of the push head, and an air inlet hole 139 is formed in the bottom wall 132 of the lower member for introducing air into the air chamber R2 from the outside, and an air inlet valve 150 is provided that allows the introduction of air into the air chamber from the outside through the air inlet hole and restricts the outflow of air from the air chamber to the outside through the air inlet hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a foam pump that is attached to the mouth of a container body containing a content liquid and discharges the content liquid in a foamed state is known. As this type of foam pump, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, it includes a dispenser body having a storage chamber inside, a push head that is attached to the upper end of the dispenser body so as to be pushable downward, and a nozzle cylinder that communicates with the storage chamber. Inside the nozzle cylinder, a foam pump (dispenser) is provided with a foaming section that generates a foamed content liquid by mixing air with the content liquid supplied from the storage chamber.

[0003] The push head includes a liquid piston housed in a liquid cylinder that communicates with the storage chamber, an elastic body made of synthetic resin having a plurality of ring portions that surround the liquid cylinder from the outside in the radial direction and a plurality of elastic spring portions that connect the plurality of ring portions in the vertical direction, and a stretch film that covers the entire elastic body so as to surround the plurality of ring portions and has an air chamber inside.

[0004] In the foam pump configured as described above, by operating the push head downward, the inside of the liquid cylinder can be pressurized to supply the content liquid in the storage chamber toward the foaming section, and by pressurizing the air chamber, the air in the air chamber can be supplied toward the foaming section via an air passage. Thereby, the foamed content liquid can be discharged to the outside through the nozzle cylinder.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] Incidentally, in the conventional former pump described above, an air intake hole is formed in the top wall of the upper member constituting the pressing head for introducing air from the outside into the air chamber. The top wall is provided with an air intake valve having an annular valve body that can be opened and closed from below. The valve body is elastically deformable and has an outer end (free end) that abuts against the lower surface of the top wall so as to be able to separate from it from below. The air intake valve functions as a check valve that allows air to be introduced into the air chamber from the outside through the air intake hole when the push head returns to its upward position after being pushed down, and also prevents air from flowing out of the air chamber to the outside through the air intake hole. Therefore, when the push head is pushed down, the valve body is closed, making it possible to pressurize the air chamber. Conversely, when the push head returns to its upward position, the valve body is opened, making it possible to introduce air into the air chamber from the outside through the air intake hole. This eliminates the negative pressure condition inside the air chamber.

[0007] However, because the air intake holes and air intake valve are located on the top wall of the upper member, liquid (water) could easily enter the air chamber from the outside through the air intake holes, for example, if the pressure head was pressed down with wet hands, or if shower water got on the foam pump when used in a bathroom. Therefore, depending on the usage environment and how it is used, there is a risk of unintended liquid entering the air chamber, and there is room for improvement. In particular, if liquid enters the air chamber and accumulates there, the mixing ratio of the liquid and air will change, which may adversely affect the foam quality.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its object is to provide a dispenser that can suppress the intrusion of liquid into the air chamber and can dispense foamy liquid contents with a stable foam quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) The discharger according to the present invention comprises a liquid cylinder which is fitted to the mouth of a container body containing the liquid contents and has a storage chamber inside which communicates with the inside of the container body; a stem which is erected inside the liquid cylinder so as to be movable downward in an upward biased state; a nozzle cylinder which has a nozzle hole formed for discharging the liquid contents to the outside and a push head which is attached to the upper end of the stem; a liquid piston which is housed inside the liquid cylinder so as to be slidable up and down and is linked to the up and down movement of the stem; a foam-making unit which is provided inside the push head and generates a foamy liquid contents by mixing air with the liquid contents supplied from the storage chamber through the inside of the stem; and a film which includes at least a film that is deformable in the vertical direction and is disposed between the liquid cylinder and the push head so as to surround the stem from the radial outside. The device comprises a film body and a stem, the film body comprising a cylindrical upper member assembled to the pressing head from below and a bottomed cylindrical lower member assembled to the liquid cylinder from above, the film being assembled to the upper member and the lower member and deforming with the vertical movement of the pressing head, the space enclosed by the film body, the pressing head and the stem forming an air chamber that communicates with the foam-forming section through an air passage formed between the pressing head and the stem, the bottom wall of the lower member having an air inlet hole for introducing air into the air chamber from the outside, and an air inlet valve that allows the introduction of air into the air chamber from the outside through the air inlet hole and restricts the outflow of air from the air chamber to the outside through the air inlet hole.

[0010] According to the discharger of the present invention, when discharging the liquid contents, the push head is pushed downward. This allows the stem to move downward against an upward biasing force, and simultaneously allows the liquid piston to move downward in conjunction with the downward movement of the stem. This allows the storage chamber in the liquid cylinder to be pressurized. Therefore, the liquid contents in the storage chamber can be supplied to the foam-making section through the stem. Simultaneously, the upper member constituting the film body can be moved downward as the pressing head is pressed down. This allows the film to be deformed while the upper and lower members are brought closer together in the vertical direction. As a result, the air chamber surrounded by the film body, the pressing head, and the stem can be pressurized, and the air in the air chamber can be supplied to the foam-forming section through the air passage. Therefore, the foaming unit can mix air with the liquid contents to create foam, generating a foamy liquid contents. As a result, the foamy liquid contents can be discharged to the outside through the nozzle hole.

[0011] After the liquid contents are dispensed, releasing the downward pressure on the push-down head allows the push-down head to move upward while the film returns to its original position due to the upward biasing force of the stem. This restores the gap between the upper and lower parts of the film body to its original state. Consequently, the air chamber can be restored to its original state, and the pressure inside the storage chamber can be reduced (negative pressure created). This allows new liquid contents to be drawn up from the container body into the storage chamber and stored. Therefore, an appropriate amount of liquid contents can be smoothly stored in the storage chamber, preparing it for the next dispensing.

[0012] In the liquid dispensing process described above, the air inlet valve can be kept closed when the push head is pressed down. This restricts the outflow of air from the air chamber to the outside through the air inlet hole, allowing the air chamber to be properly pressurized as described above. On the other hand, when the push head is returned to its original upward position, the air inlet valve can be moved towards the inside of the air chamber and opened. This allows air to be introduced into the air chamber from the outside through the air inlet hole. Therefore, the negative pressure state inside the air chamber can be quickly relieved, which also prepares the chamber for the next liquid dispensing. Furthermore, continuous dispensing of the liquid is also possible.

[0013] In particular, the air intake holes and air intake valves are provided on the bottom wall of the lower member that constitutes the film body. Therefore, unlike conventional designs, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of liquids, etc., into the air chamber from the outside through the air intake holes. As a result, even if the pressure head is pressed down with wet hands, or if it is splashed with water from a shower in a bathroom, etc., it is less likely that liquids will unintentionally enter the air chamber and accumulate inside, causing problems such as this. Therefore, it is less affected by the usage environment and how it is used, and can appropriately dispense foamy liquid with a stable foam quality, resulting in a high-quality dispenser.

[0014] (2) The liquid cylinder may be provided with a suction valve that restricts the movement of the liquid contents from the storage chamber toward the container body when the storage chamber is pressurized and allows the movement of the liquid contents from the container body toward the storage chamber when the storage chamber is depressurized, and the stem may be provided with a discharge valve that allows the movement of the liquid contents from the storage chamber toward the foam-forming section when the storage chamber is pressurized and restricts the movement of the liquid contents from the foam-forming section toward the storage chamber when the storage chamber is depressurized.

[0015] In this case, when the storage chamber is pressurized by pressing down the push head, the suction valve can be closed while the discharge valve can be opened. Therefore, the contents of the storage chamber can be properly supplied to the foam-making section without backflowing into the container body, and the foamy contents can be produced more stably. Furthermore, when the pressure inside the storage chamber decreases (negative pressure is created) due to the return movement of the push head, the discharge valve can be closed while the suction valve can be opened. Therefore, new liquid contents can be efficiently drawn from the container body into the storage chamber and stored.

[0016] (3) The film may be an elastic film that can be deformed at least in the vertical direction.

[0017] In this case, after the pressing head is pushed down, the pressing head can be restored and moved upward while stretching the film. Therefore, in addition to the upward biasing force acting on the stem, the pressing head can be quickly restored and moved back to its original position while utilizing the elastic restoring force of the film.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the dispenser of the present invention, the intrusion of liquid into the air chamber can be suppressed, and the foamy content liquid with stable foam quality can be discharged.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing an embodiment of the dispenser according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the dispenser showing the state where the content is being discharged by pushing down the pressing head shown in FIG. 1.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the dispenser according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the dispenser 1 of the present embodiment is combined with the mouth portion 3 of the container body 2 in which the content liquid is stored, and includes a cylindrical liquid cylinder 10 having an internal storage chamber R1, a cylindrical stem 11 erected inside the liquid cylinder 10, a capped cylindrical pressing head 12 attached to the stem 11, a liquid piston 13 housed inside the liquid cylinder 10, a foaming portion 14 provided inside the pressing head 12, and a film body 15 disposed between the liquid cylinder 10 and the pressing head 12.

[0021] Unless otherwise specified, each component of the dispenser 1 is a molded product made of synthetic resin material. Furthermore, the liquid contents contained in the container body 2 are not particularly limited, but can include, for example, liquid detergent, fabric softener, bleach, shampoo, body soap, hand soap, facial cleanser, cosmetics, etc. However, it is not limited to this, and any liquid contents that can be dispensed in a foamy form, such as liquid seasonings, may be used.

[0022] In this embodiment, the liquid cylinder 10, stem 11, push head 12, liquid piston 13, foam-forming unit 14, and film body 15 are arranged coaxially with the central axis (container axis O) of the container body 2. Hereinafter, along the container axis O, the side with the push head 12 is defined as upward and the side with the container body 2 is defined as downward, and the direction along the container axis O is defined as the vertical direction. Furthermore, in a plan view from the vertical direction, the direction intersecting the container axis O is defined as the radial direction, and the direction revolving around the container axis O is defined as the circumferential direction.

[0023] (Container body) The container body 2 can be of various forms, such as a pouch, bag-in-box, or double-walled container (also called a delaminated container or laminated peel-off container). A male threaded portion 4 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the mouth portion 3 of the container body 2. A mounting cap 20 for combining the liquid cylinder 10 with the mouth portion 3 of the container body 2 is attached to the mouth portion 3 of the container body 2. In particular, when using a pouch, bag-in-box, or double-walled container as the container body 2, there is no need to replace the air inside the container body 2. This prevents outside air, moisture, etc. from entering the container body 2, making it more hygienic. Furthermore, it is easier to maintain the quality of the contents.

[0024] (Attachment cap) The mounting cap 20 comprises a mounting cylinder 21 that surrounds the mouth 3 of the container body 2 from the radial outside, and an annular cap top wall 22 that protrudes radially inward from the upper end of the mounting cylinder 21, and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O.

[0025] The inner circumferential surface of the mounting cylinder 21 has a female threaded portion 23 that screws onto the male threaded portion 4 formed on the mouth 3 of the container body 2. As a result, the mounting cap 20 is attached to the mouth 3 of the container body 2 by screwing it in through the screw connection between the male threaded portion 4 and the female threaded portion 23. However, the method of attaching the mounting cap 20 is not limited to screw fastening; for example, it may be attached to the mouth 3 of the container body 2 by an undercut fitting. The cap top wall 22 is positioned on the upper opening edge of the mouth 3 of the container body 2, sandwiching the packing and the flange portion 31 of the liquid cylinder 10 (described later), and presses the packing and flange portion 31 against the upper opening edge of the mouth 3.

[0026] (Liquid cylinder) The liquid cylinder 10 has a cylindrical cylinder circumferential wall 30 and an annular flange portion 31, and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The cylinder circumferential wall 30 comprises a first cylinder circumferential wall 32, a second cylinder circumferential wall 33 positioned below the first cylinder circumferential wall 32 and having a smaller diameter than the first cylinder circumferential wall 32, and a third cylinder circumferential wall 34 positioned below the second cylinder circumferential wall 33 and having a smaller diameter than the second cylinder circumferential wall 33. Therefore, the cylinder circumferential wall 30 is formed in a multi-stage cylindrical shape in which the diameter changes in multiple stages (3 stages) from top to bottom.

[0027] The first cylinder circumferential wall 32 is positioned such that its upper end protrudes above the upper opening edge of the mouth 3 of the container body 2. The flange portion 31 is formed to protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the first cylinder circumferential wall 32. The flange portion 31 is positioned on the upper opening edge of the mouth 3 of the container body 2 via an annular packing and is sandwiched vertically between the flange portion 31 and the upper opening edge of the mouth 3 of the container body 2 by the cap top wall 22 of the mounting cap 20.

[0028] As a result, the entire dispenser 1, including the liquid cylinder 10, is attached to the mouth 3 of the container body 2 via the mounting cap 20. The liquid cylinder 10 extends downward from the mouth 3 of the container body 2 and is recessed into the inside of the container body 2. Furthermore, a connecting cylinder 35 is formed on the flange portion 31, projecting upward. The connecting cylinder 35 is positioned inside the cap top wall 22 and surrounds the stem 11 from the radial outside with a gap between them.

[0029] The cylinder circumferential wall 30 is open upwards. As a result, the stem 11 is inserted into the inside of the cylinder circumferential wall 30 from above. The first cylinder circumferential wall 32, the second cylinder circumferential wall 33, and the third cylinder circumferential wall 34, which constitute the cylinder circumferential wall 30, are each formed in a straight cylindrical shape. The inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the third cylinder circumferential wall 34 is a sealing surface 36 with a tapered cross-section that decreases in diameter towards the bottom. Furthermore, an annular stepped wall 37 facing upward within the liquid cylinder 10 is formed at the connection point between the second cylinder circumferential wall 33 and the third cylinder circumferential wall 34.

[0030] A first flow hole 38 through which the liquid contents flow is formed on the inside of the third cylinder circumferential wall 34. Furthermore, a pipe tubing 39 extending downward is integrally formed on the third cylinder circumferential wall 34. The upper end of a pipe 40 that draws up the liquid contents is fitted inside the pipe tubing 39. In this way, the liquid cylinder 10 and the pipe 40 are integrated together. The lower end opening of the pipe 40 is located inside the bottom of the container body 2.

[0031] The liquid cylinder 10 configured as described above has a storage chamber R1 that communicates with the container body 2 through the first flow hole 38 and the pipe 40. Furthermore, the liquid cylinder 10 is provided with a ball valve (suction valve according to the present invention) 50 that restricts the movement of the liquid contents from the storage chamber R1 to the container body 2 when the storage chamber R1 is pressurized, and allows the movement of the liquid contents from the container body 2 to the storage chamber R1 when the storage chamber R1 is depressurized.

[0032] (Ball valve) The ball valve 50 is positioned inside the third cylinder peripheral wall 34, seated on the sealing surface 36. This allows the ball valve 50 to maintain its seated position on the sealing surface 36 when the storage chamber R1 is pressurized, thereby blocking communication between the container body 2 and the storage chamber R1 through the first flow hole 38. Furthermore, when the pressure inside the storage chamber R1 is reduced, the ball valve 50 moves upward away from the sealing surface 36, allowing communication between the container body 2 and the storage chamber R1 through the first flow hole 38. Therefore, the ball valve 50 functions as a check valve. Note that the suction valve is not limited to the ball valve 50; for example, a multi-point valve such as a three-point valve or other valve structures may be used.

[0033] (Piston guide) Inside the liquid cylinder 10, a piston guide 60 is positioned coaxially with the container axis O. The piston guide 60 comprises a top-shaped cylindrical guide tube 61 positioned inside the lower end of the first cylinder circumferential wall 32 and inside the second cylinder circumferential wall 33, and a guide shaft 65 extending upward from the top wall of the guide tube 61.

[0034] The guide cylinder 61 is formed such that, for example, its inner diameter is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the third cylinder circumferential wall 34, and its outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the second cylinder circumferential wall 33, and it is positioned in contact with the stepped wall 37 from above. An annular flange portion 62 is formed at the lower end of the guide cylinder 61, projecting radially outward. The flange portion 62 is fitted inside the second cylinder circumferential wall 33. As a result, the piston guide 60 is positioned vertically by the stepped wall 37 and is integrally assembled with the fluid cylinder 10 by fitting it to the second cylinder circumferential wall 33.

[0035] A second flow hole 63 is formed in the peripheral wall of the guide cylinder 61, penetrating the peripheral wall radially. Multiple second flow holes 63 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. As a result, the storage chamber R1 and the first flow hole 38 are in communication through the second flow holes 63. Furthermore, a regulating projection 64 is formed on the top wall of the guide cylinder 61, projecting downward. The regulating projection 64 restricts the upward movement of the ball valve 50.

[0036] The guide shaft 65 is formed to extend upward from the top wall of the guide cylinder 61 to such an extent that its upper end is located inside the connecting cylinder 35 in the liquid cylinder 10. The guide shaft 65 is formed in an axial shape with an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the guide cylinder 61.

[0037] The upper end of the guide shaft 65 is formed in a conical shape that bulges radially outward and then tapers upward. The bulging radially outward portion functions as an annular restricting portion 66. The restricting portion 66 restricts the upward movement of the fluid piston 13 and positions the fluid piston 13 at its highest position. Furthermore, vertically elongated liquid grooves 67 are formed in the portion of the guide shaft 65 located below the upper end. Multiple liquid grooves 67 are formed, for example, spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0038] The piston guide 60 configured in this way plays a role in guiding the up-and-down movement of the fluid piston 13 within the fluid cylinder 10.

[0039] (Stem) The stem 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is erected inside the liquid cylinder 10 so as to be movable downward while biased upward. Specifically, the stem 11 protrudes above the cap top wall 22 of the mounting cap 20 and the connecting cylinder 35, and is positioned along the container axis O such that its lower end is located inside the first cylinder peripheral wall 32. The lower end of the stem 11 is tightly fitted to the upper end of the guide cylinder 101 of the liquid piston 13, which will be described later. As a result, the stem 11 is supported by the coil spring 110, which will be described later, via the liquid piston 13, and is made movable downward while biased upward by the coil spring 110.

[0040] On the outer circumferential surface of the portion of the stem 11 that surrounds the guide cylinder 61 from the radially outside, an annular guide projection 70 is formed that protrudes radially outward. In the standby state before the push head 12 is pressed down, the guide projection 70 is located near the upper end opening of the first cylinder peripheral wall 32. When the push head 12 is pressed down, the guide projection 70 moves downward while contacting or approaching the inner surface of the first cylinder peripheral wall 32 (see Figure 2). This allows the guide projection 70 to guide the movement of the stem 11, enabling the stem 11 to move up and down stably. An annular valve seat 71 is provided projecting radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the stem 11.

[0041] (Press head) The push head 12 has a nozzle cylinder 80 with a nozzle hole 81 formed therein for discharging the liquid contents to the outside, and is attached to the upper end of the stem 11. The pressing head 12 is formed in a top-cylindrical shape and comprises a head top wall 82, a mounting cylinder 83 extending downward from the head top wall 82 and fitted to the upper end of the stem 11, and a head cylinder 84 extending downward from the outer peripheral edge of the head top wall 82 and surrounding the mounting cylinder 83 from the radial outside.

[0042] The nozzle cylinder 80 is formed to extend radially outward from the upper end of the mounting cylinder 83. Specifically, the nozzle cylinder 80 is formed to be integral with the head top wall 82 and is also formed integrally with the head cylinder 84 in a state that extends outward beyond the head cylinder 84. The nozzle hole 81 is formed at the tip of the nozzle cylinder 80. Therefore, the nozzle hole 81 communicates with the inside of the stem 11 through the inside of the nozzle cylinder 80 and the inside of the mounting cylinder 83.

[0043] In the illustrated example, the nozzle cylinder 80 is formed to intersect the container axis O at approximately a right angle. Furthermore, the tip portion of the nozzle cylinder 80 that protrudes outward beyond the head cylinder 84 is formed to extend slightly downward as it goes outward. As a result, the nozzle hole 81 opens slightly downward.

[0044] The mounting cylinder 83 is fitted to the outer surface of the stem 11, surrounding the upper end of the stem 11 from the radial outside. As a result, the push head 12 and the stem 11 are assembled as a single unit. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, the stem 11 can be moved downward in conjunction with the downward operation of the push head 12, and as shown in Figure 1, the push head 12 can be restored to its upward position by the upward biasing force of the stem 11.

[0045] The inner circumferential surface of the portion of the mounting cylinder 83 that surrounds the upper end of the stem 11 from the radially outer side has longitudinal grooves 85 formed therein that are recessed radially outward and extend along the vertical direction. The longitudinal grooves 85 open downward and extend upward above the upper end of the stem 11. Furthermore, multiple longitudinal grooves 85 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. The longitudinal grooves 85 constitute part of the air passage 86.

[0046] (Foam making department) As described above, the push head 12 is provided with a foam-forming section 14 that generates a foamy liquid by mixing air with the liquid supplied from the storage chamber R1 of the liquid cylinder 10 through the stem 11. The foam-forming unit 14 is located inside the mounting cylinder 83 of the push-down head 12, and generates foamy liquid contents using the liquid contents supplied from the storage chamber R1 by the push-down operation of the push-down head 12 and the air supplied from the air chamber R2 (described later) by the push-down operation of the push-down head 12.

[0047] The foam-making section 14 includes a gas-liquid mixing chamber R3 that combines the liquid contents from the storage chamber R1 with air from the air chamber R2 and mixes the two, an air passage 86 that guides air from the air chamber R2 into the gas-liquid mixing chamber R3, and a foaming member 90 that foams the gas-liquid mixture mixed in the gas-liquid mixing chamber R3 to generate a foamy liquid contents.

[0048] The foam member 90 comprises a cylindrical casing 91 attached to the upper end opening of the stem 11, and two foam elements 96 installed inside the casing 91. The casing 91 is formed in a two-stage cylindrical shape, comprising a large-diameter section 92 in which the foam element 96 is housed, a small-diameter section 93 located below the large-diameter section 92, and a stepped section 94 connecting the large-diameter section 92 and the small-diameter section 93.

[0049] The large-diameter portion 92 is fitted inside the part of the mounting cylinder 83 of the push-down head 12 that is located above the stem 11. The small-diameter portion 93 is fitted inside the upper end of the stem 11. As a result, the casing 91 is integrally assembled with the upper end opening of the stem 11 and also integrally assembled with the mounting cylinder 83. Casing grooves 95 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the small-diameter portion 93 and on the stepped portion 94. The casing grooves 95 are formed to be elongated vertically so as to open downwards, and are also formed to open radially outward above the upper end opening edge of the stem 11. As a result, the casing grooves 95 communicate with the gas-liquid mixing chamber R3 and with the vertical grooves 85. Multiple casing grooves 95 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0050] The foam elements 96 are mounted inside the large-diameter portion 92 of the casing 91 in a two-tiered arrangement. The foam elements 96 include a cylindrical body and a mesh member 96a stretched over one of the open ends of the cylindrical body. Of the two foam elements 96, the lower foam element 96 is positioned so that its mesh member 96a faces downwards, while the upper foam element 96 is positioned so that its mesh member 96a faces upwards.

[0051] Inside the stem 11, the space formed between the small-diameter portion 93 of the casing 91 and the valve seat 71 (i.e., the space where the ball valve 50, described later, is located) is defined as the gas-liquid mixing chamber R3. The air passage 86 consists of a longitudinal groove 85 formed between the stem 11 and the mounting cylinder 83 of the push head 12, and a casing groove 95 formed in the casing 91. Furthermore, a ball valve (discharge valve according to the present invention) 51 is provided inside the stem 11, which restricts the movement of the liquid contents from the storage chamber R1 toward the foaming section 14 (gas-liquid mixing chamber R3) when the storage chamber R1 is pressurized, and allows the movement of the liquid contents from the foaming section 14 (gas-liquid mixing chamber R3) toward the storage chamber R1 when the pressure in the storage chamber R1 is reduced.

[0052] (Ball valve) The ball valve 51 is positioned in the gas-liquid mixing chamber R3, seated on the valve seat 71. As a result, when the storage chamber R1 is pressurized, the ball valve 51 moves upward away from the valve seat 71, allowing communication between the storage chamber R1 and the gas-liquid mixing chamber R3. Furthermore, when the pressure inside the storage chamber R1 is reduced, the ball valve 51 maintains its seated position on the valve seat 71, blocking communication between the storage chamber R1 and the gas-liquid mixing chamber R3. Therefore, the ball valve 51 functions as a check valve. Note that the discharge valve is not limited to the ball valve 51; for example, a multi-point valve such as a three-point valve or other valve structures may be used.

[0053] (Liquid piston) Inside the fluid cylinder 10, a fluid piston 13 is housed so as to be able to slide up and down in conjunction with the up and down movement of the stem 11. The fluid piston 13 is positioned below the stem 11 and is fitted to the inside of the first cylinder circumferential wall 32 so as to be vertically slidable. The fluid piston 13 comprises a piston barrel 100, a guide barrel 101, and a connecting wall 102, and is positioned coaxially with the container axis O.

[0054] The piston cylinder 100 has a lip portion 103 that slides closely against the inner surface of the first cylinder circumferential wall 32. This ensures a predetermined sealing performance between the piston cylinder 100 and the inner surface of the first cylinder circumferential wall 32.

[0055] The guide tube 101 is positioned between the guide shaft 65 of the piston guide 60 and the stem 11, and is fitted inside the stem 11, surrounding the guide shaft 65 from the radial outside. As a result, the fluid piston 13 is integrated with the stem 11 and moves up and down within the fluid cylinder 10 in conjunction with the up and down movement of the stem 11. The upper end of the guide tube 101 is in contact with or close to the guide shaft 65 of the piston guide 60 from the radial outside. As a result, the guide tube 101 moves while being guided vertically by the guide shaft 65. Therefore, the fluid piston 13 is able to move up and down stably within the fluid cylinder 10.

[0056] Furthermore, the upper end of the guide tube 101 is in close contact with the restricting portion 66 formed on the guide shaft 65 from below when in a standby state before the push head 12 is pushed down. As a result, the liquid piston 13 is positioned at its highest position while blocking communication between the storage chamber R1 and the stem 11. Therefore, it is possible to position both the stem 11 and the push head 12 at their highest positions. When the push head 12 is pushed down, communication between the storage chamber R1 and the stem 11 is permitted through the liquid groove 67 formed on the guide shaft 65.

[0057] The connecting wall 102 connects the piston cylinder 100 and the guide cylinder 101, and is formed in an annular shape that extends continuously along its entire length in the circumferential direction.

[0058] (Coil spring) A coil spring 110 is positioned between the fluid piston 13 and the piston guide 60, as configured as described above, as a biasing member. The coil spring 110 surrounds the piston guide 60 from the radial outside and is positioned coaxially with the container axis O in a vertically compressed state between the flange 62 of the piston guide 60 and the connecting wall 102 of the liquid piston 13. As a result, the coil spring 110 constantly biases the stem 11 upward via the liquid piston 13. In particular, the coil spring 110 is stable in its position by surrounding the guide cylinder 61 of the piston guide 60, with its upper end in contact with the connecting wall 102 from below and its lower end in contact with the flange portion 62 from above. The material of the coil spring 110 is not particularly limited and may be made of metal, for example.

[0059] (Film body) A film body 15 is provided between the liquid cylinder 10 and the pressing head 12, positioned to surround the stem 11 from the radial outside. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the film body 15 comprises a cylindrical upper member 120 that is attached to the press head 12 from below, a bottomed cylindrical lower member 130 that is attached to the liquid cylinder 10 from above, and an expandable and contractible film (film according to the present invention) 140 that is attached to the upper member 120 and the lower member 130 and deforms as the press head 12 moves up and down.

[0060] The upper member 120 includes a seal cylinder 121 fitted inside the head cylinder 84 of the press head 12, an outer cylinder 122 that surrounds the head cylinder 84 from the radial outside and is fitted to the outside of the head cylinder 84, and an annular connecting wall 123 that radially connects the lower ends of the seal cylinder 121 and the outer cylinder 122 and contacts the lower end opening edge of the head cylinder 84 from below. The seal cylinder 121 is formed to protrude downward from the head cylinder 84.

[0061] The lower member 130 comprises a double-tube fitting cylinder 131 connected to the liquid cylinder 10, a bottom wall 132 integrally formed with the fitting cylinder 131, and a peripheral wall 133 integrally formed with the bottom wall 132. The fitting cylinder 131 comprises an inner fitting cylinder 134 that surrounds the stem 11 from the radial outside and is fitted inside the connecting cylinder 35 of the liquid cylinder 10, an outer fitting cylinder 135 that surrounds the connecting cylinder 35 from the radial outside and is fitted outside the connecting cylinder 35, and an annular connecting wall 136 that radially connects the upper end of the inner fitting cylinder 134 and the upper end of the outer fitting cylinder 135.

[0062] The inner fitting cylinder 134 surrounds the stem 11 in close proximity to the outer surface of the stem 11. The upper opening edge of the inner fitting cylinder 134 functions as a restricting surface 134a that, when the push head 12 is pushed down, comes into contact with the lower opening edge of the mounting cylinder 83 on the push head 12 from above, restricting further pushing of the push head 12. The connecting wall 136 is in contact with the upper opening edge of the connecting cylinder 35 of the liquid cylinder 10 from above. As a result, the lower member 130 is assembled with the connecting cylinder 35 from above and is assembled with the liquid cylinder 10 in a position that is vertically positioned.

[0063] The bottom wall 132 comprises an inner bottom wall 137 connected to the inner fitting cylinder 134 via a connecting wall 136 and an outer fitting cylinder 135, and an outer bottom wall 138 positioned radially outward from the inner bottom wall 137 and above the inner bottom wall 137. Therefore, the bottom wall 132 is formed in a stepped shape with the outer bottom wall 138 positioned above the inner bottom wall 137.

[0064] The inner bottom wall 137 is positioned above the cap top wall 22 of the mounting cap 20, with a certain gap between them. Air inlet holes 139 are formed at the connection point (stepped portion) between the inner bottom wall 137 and the outer bottom wall 138, penetrating the bottom wall 132 vertically. Multiple air inlet holes 139 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. This makes it possible to introduce air into the air chamber R2, described later, from the outside through the air inlet holes 139.

[0065] Furthermore, a retaining cylinder 160 extending upward is formed on the inner bottom wall 137. The retaining cylinder 160 surrounds the outer fitting cylinder 135 from the radial outside, maintaining a certain gap between them. The retaining cylinder 160 is formed so that the height of its upper end is equal to the height of the upper end of the outer fitting cylinder 135, and is positioned radially inward from the air intake hole 139.

[0066] The peripheral wall 133 is formed around the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge of the outer bottom wall 138 and is also formed to protrude upward from the outer peripheral edge. The height of the upper end of the peripheral wall 133 is lower than the height of the upper end of the retaining cylinder 160. However, the height of the peripheral wall 133 is not limited to this case and may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the peripheral wall 133 is formed such that its outer diameter is the same as the outer diameter of the seal cylinder 121 of the upper member 120.

[0067] The stretchable film 140 is stretchable and deformable (elastically deformable) at least in the vertical direction, and is integrally combined with the upper member 120 and the lower member 130 so as to surround the stem 11 from the radial outside. Specifically, the stretchable film 140 is integrally assembled by adhesive or the like, surrounding the portion of the sealing cylinder 121 in the upper member 120 that is located below the connecting wall 123 and the peripheral wall 133 of the lower member 130 from the radial outside.

[0068] The stretchable film 140 is defined as a film that does not obstruct the discharge of the liquid contents by the pressing operation of the pressing head 12. The stretchable film 140 is preferably, for example, a shrink film, a stretch film, or a heat-sealable film. The thickness of the stretchable film 140 is not particularly limited, but for example, it can be in the range of 10 to 300 μm. Among these, a thickness in the range of 10 to 100 μm is more desirable.

[0069] The resin material constituting the stretchable film 140 is not particularly limited, but for example, the resin materials listed below can be used. Furthermore, it is also possible to decorate the stretchable film 140 (for example, by printing).

[0070] Examples of resin materials that make up the stretchable film 140 include the following: Polyester (polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate (PC), etc.) • Polystyrene (general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), etc.) • Polyolefins (polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), etc.) • Polyamide (Nylon-6, Nylon-66, etc.) • Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) • Polyimide (PI) • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) • Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) • Polyethersulfone (PES) Furthermore, the stretchable film 140 may be composed of one or more stretched or unstretched films made of the resin materials described above. It may also be a film made of a mixed resin containing any of the resin materials.

[0071] Furthermore, the stretchable film 140 has a water vapor transmission rate of 300 g / m². 2 d) Below, oxygen permeability of 10,000 ml / (m 2The following are possible, but the water vapor transmission rate is 10 g / (m³). 2 ·d) Below, oxygen permeability 10ml / (m 2 It is desirable that the water vapor transmission rate be less than or equal to d·Mpa, and furthermore, 1.0 g / (m³). 2 ·d) Below, oxygen permeability 1.0ml / (m 2 It is more desirable that the value be less than or equal to d·Mpa.

[0072] Furthermore, the stretchable film 140 itself may have high water vapor permeability and oxygen permeability, and in order to impart these functions, a thin metal film such as aluminum, or a resin film such as vinylidene chloride (PVDC) or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) may be used as a barrier layer, or a vapor-deposited layer (or sputtering) of an inorganic oxide such as aluminum, aluminum oxide, or silica may be used. The stretchable film 140 may be a base film made of the resin material described above and the barrier film described above laminated together, or it may be a film laminated such that, for example, one barrier layer is interposed between two base film layers.

[0073] The space enclosed by the film body 15, the press head 12, and the stem 11, configured as described above, functions as an air chamber R2 that communicates with the foam-forming section 14 through an air passage 86 formed between the press head 12 and the stem 11. Therefore, the air chamber R2 is pressurized as the push head 12 is pressed down. This makes it possible to introduce the air in the air chamber R2 into the foam-forming section 14 (inside the gas-liquid mixing chamber R3) through the air passage 86. Furthermore, the air chamber R2 can be depressurized by the upward return movement of the push head 12, and air can be introduced into the air chamber R2 from the outside through the air inlet hole 139 when the pressure is reduced.

[0074] (Air intake valve) The lower member 130 constituting the film body 15 is provided with an air intake valve 150 that allows air to be introduced into the air chamber R2 from the outside through the air intake hole 139, and restricts the outflow of air from the air chamber R2 to the outside through the air intake hole 139.

[0075] The air intake valve 150 comprises a cylindrical body portion 151 fitted to the outside of the retaining cylinder 160, surrounding the retaining cylinder 160 from the radially outer side, and an elastically deformable valve body 152 that protrudes annularly from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body portion 151 radially outward, with its outer end being a free end. The cylindrical portion 151 is positioned on the upper surface of the inner bottom wall 137. This positions the air intake valve 150 within the air chamber R2. The outer end of the valve body 152 is in contact with the upper surface of the outer bottom wall 138 so as to be able to move away from it from above. This allows the air intake valve 150 to close the air intake hole 139 so as to be able to open it from above (from the air chamber R2 side).

[0076] Therefore, when the push head 12 is pressed down, the outer end of the valve body 152 is pressed against the upper surface of the outer bottom wall 138, thereby closing the valve body 152 and maintaining a closed state of the air inlet hole 139. This makes it possible to pressurize the air chamber R2. Then, when the push head 12 is moved upward, the valve body 152 is moved upward to open the valve and open the air inlet hole 139. This makes it possible to introduce air into the air chamber R2 from the outside through the air inlet hole 139.

[0077] (Function of the dispensing device) Next, we will explain the case where the liquid contents are discharged using the discharger 1 configured as described above. In the initial state, it is assumed that the liquid contents are stored in the storage chamber R1 shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, it is assumed that both ball valves 50 and 51 are closed.

[0078] In this initial state, when discharging the liquid contents, the push head 12 is pushed downward as indicated by arrow F, as shown in Figure 2. This allows the stem 11 to move downward against the upward biasing force caused by the elastic force of the coil spring 110, and also allows the liquid piston 13 to move downward in conjunction with the downward movement of the stem 11. As a result, the storage chamber R1 of the liquid cylinder 10 can be pressurized while the ball valve 50 remains closed. Consequently, the liquid contents in the storage chamber R1 can be supplied into the stem 11 through the liquid groove 67 of the piston guide 60, and also supplied into the gas-liquid mixing chamber R3 (foaming section 14) while the ball valve 51 is open.

[0079] Furthermore, simultaneously with the supply of the liquid contents into the gas-liquid mixing chamber R3, the upper member 120 constituting the film body 15 can be moved downward by the downward operation of the push head 12. This allows the upper member 120 and the lower member 130 to be brought closer together in the vertical direction, and the expandable film 140 to be deformed by being compressed. This allows the air chamber R2 to be pressurized, and the air in the air chamber R2 can be supplied to the gas-liquid mixing chamber R3 (foaming section 14) via the air passage 86.

[0080] Therefore, by mixing air with the liquid contents using the foaming unit 14, foaming can be caused to produce a foamy liquid contents. Specifically, by supplying the liquid contents and air separately into the gas-liquid mixing chamber R3, the liquid contents and air can be combined and mixed to form a gas-liquid mixture. The gas-liquid mixture flows into the foaming member 90 and foams, and as it passes sequentially through the mesh members 96a of the two foaming elements 96, it becomes a fine, predetermined foam. This makes it possible to generate a foamy liquid contents. As a result, the generated foamy liquid can be discharged to the outside through the nozzle hole 81, as shown in Figure 2.

[0081] Next, after the liquid contents are discharged, releasing the push-down operation of the push-down head 12 allows the stem 11 to be biased upward by the elastic restoration deformation of the coil spring 110, so that the push-down head 12 can be restored to its original position upward while stretching the expandable film 140 (see Figure 1). This allows the air chamber R2 to be returned to its original state and the pressure inside the storage chamber R1 to be reduced (negative pressure).

[0082] By reducing the pressure inside the storage chamber R1, the ball valve 51 can be closed while the ball valve 50 can be opened, allowing new liquid contents to be efficiently drawn from the container body 2 into the storage chamber R1 through the first flow hole 38 and the second flow hole 63. Therefore, an appropriate amount of liquid contents can be smoothly stored in the storage chamber R1.

[0083] As the liquid content is stored in the storage chamber R1, the guide tube 101 of the liquid piston 13 approaches the restricting portion 66 of the piston guide 60 from below and then makes close contact. This restricts further upward movement of the liquid piston 13, stem 11, and push head 12 as soon as the storage of the liquid content in the storage chamber R1 is completed. Therefore, the push head 12 can be positioned at its highest position and returned to its original standby position. Furthermore, communication between the storage chamber R1 and the stem 11 through the liquid groove 67 of the piston guide 60 is blocked. As a result, preparation for the next discharge is possible.

[0084] During the liquid discharge process described above, when the push head 12 is pressed down, the air inlet valve 150 can be kept closed. This restricts the outflow of air from the air chamber R2 to the outside through the air inlet hole 139, thereby allowing the air chamber R2 to be properly pressurized as described above. On the other hand, when the push head 12 is returned to its original position upward, the valve body 152 of the air inlet valve 150 can be moved toward the inside of the air chamber R2, opening the valve and opening the air inlet hole 139. This allows air to be introduced into the air chamber R2 from the outside through the air inlet hole 139. Therefore, the negative pressure in the air chamber R2 can be quickly relieved, which also prepares the system for the next discharge of the liquid contents. Furthermore, it allows for easy, for example, continuous discharge of the liquid contents.

[0085] In particular, the air intake holes 139 and the air intake valve 150 are provided in the bottom wall 132 of the lower member 130 that constitutes the film body 15. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of liquids, etc., into the air chamber R2 from the outside through the air intake holes 139. As a result, even if the pressure head is pressed down with wet hands, or if it is splashed with water from a shower in a bathroom, etc., it is unlikely that liquids will unintentionally enter the air chamber R2 and accumulate inside, causing problems such as this.

[0086] Therefore, according to the dispenser 1 of this embodiment, it is less affected by the usage environment and how it is used, and it is possible to appropriately dispense foamy liquid with a stable foam quality, resulting in a high-quality dispenser 1. Furthermore, in the discharger 1 of this embodiment, by pressing down the push head 12, the air chamber R2 surrounded by the stretchable film 140 can be pressurized, and the air in the air chamber R2 can be supplied to the foam-forming section 14. Therefore, the stretchable film 140 can primarily serve as both an air cylinder and an air piston. Consequently, conventionally used air cylinders and air pistons become unnecessary, and the amount of synthetic resin can be reduced by at least that amount. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to reducing the environmental burden.

[0087] Furthermore, after pressing down the push head 12, the push head 12 can be restored to its original position by stretching the stretchable film 140. Therefore, in addition to the upward biasing force from the coil spring 110 acting on the stem 11, the elastic restoring force of the stretchable film 140 can also be utilized. Consequently, the push head 12 can be restored to its original position more quickly.

[0088] Furthermore, various product information regarding the dispenser 1 and the liquid contents can be clearly indicated on the stretchable film 140, for example, by printing. This eliminates the need to indicate information on the container body 2, for example. In addition, since the nozzle cylinder 80 protrudes to the side of the dispenser 1, it can be used in a way such as, for example, when pressing down the push head 12 with one hand, the dispensed liquid contents can be received with the other hand.

[0089] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, modifications in each embodiment may be combined as appropriate. In addition, these embodiments and their modifications include, for example, those that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are equivalent.

[0090] For example, in the above embodiment, the stretchable film 140 was combined so as to surround the seal cylinder 121 of the upper member 120 and the peripheral wall 133 of the lower member 130 from the radial outside, but this is not limited to this case, and for example, the stretchable film 140 may be combined inside the peripheral wall 133 of the seal cylinder 121 and the lower member 130.

[0091] Furthermore, although the stretchable film 140 was used as an example, it is not necessarily required to stretch or deform (elastically deform); a non-stretchable film can also be used. Even in this case, the upward biasing force from the coil spring 110 can restore the stem 11 and the pressing head 12 to their original upward position, thus achieving a similar effect. In any case, it is sufficient to use a film to form the air chamber R2.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the air intake valve 150 is positioned on the air chamber R2 side, but the configuration is not limited to this case. For example, the air intake valve 150 may be positioned so as to be able to close the air intake hole 139 from below. In this case, the valve body 152 of the air intake valve 150 can be used to close the air intake hole 139 from below, making it even more difficult for unintended liquids or the like to enter the air intake hole 139 from the outside. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] R1... Storage Room R2...Air chamber 1...Dispenser 2…Container body 3…The opening of the container body 10…Liquid cylinder 11… Stem 12... Press head 13…Liquid piston 14…Foaming section 15… Film body 50... Ball valve (suction valve) 51... Ball valve (discharge valve) 80... Nozzle tube 81…Nozzle hole 86... Air passage 120… Upper member 130... Lower member 139... Air intake vent 140... Stretchable film (film) 150... Air intake valve

Claims

1. A liquid cylinder is fitted to the mouth of the container body containing the liquid, and its interior is a storage chamber that communicates with the inside of the container body. Inside the aforementioned liquid cylinder, a stem is erected so as to be movable downward while biased upward, It has a nozzle cylinder with a nozzle hole formed therein for discharging the liquid contents to the outside, and a push head attached to the upper end of the stem, A fluid piston is housed inside the fluid cylinder so as to be able to slide up and down, and is linked to the up and down movement of the stem, A foam-forming unit is provided within the pressing head and generates a foamy liquid by mixing air with the liquid supplied from the storage chamber through the stem, The device comprises a film body which includes at least a film that is deformable in the vertical direction and is positioned between the liquid cylinder and the pressing head, surrounding the stem from the radial outside, The aforementioned film body is A cylindrical upper member is attached to the aforementioned pressing head from below, It comprises a bottomed cylindrical lower member that is assembled from above to the liquid cylinder, The film is combined with the upper and lower members and deforms as the pressing head moves up and down. The space enclosed by the film body, the pressing head, and the stem forms an air chamber that communicates with the foam-forming section through an air passage formed between the pressing head and the stem. The discharger is characterized in that the bottom wall of the lower member has an air inlet hole formed therein for introducing air from the outside into the air chamber, and an air inlet valve is provided that allows the introduction of air from the outside into the air chamber through the air inlet hole and restricts the outflow of air from the air chamber to the outside through the air inlet hole.

2. In the discharger according to claim 1, The liquid cylinder is provided with a suction valve that restricts the movement of the liquid contents from the storage chamber towards the container body when the storage chamber is pressurized, and allows the movement of the liquid contents from the container body towards the storage chamber when the storage chamber is depressurized. A discharger is provided in the stem, which includes a discharge valve that allows the movement of the liquid contents from the storage chamber toward the foam-forming section when the storage chamber is pressurized, and restricts the movement of the liquid contents from the foam-forming section toward the storage chamber when the storage chamber is depressurized.

3. In the discharger according to claim 1 or 2, The film is a stretchable film that is elastically deformable at least in the vertical direction, in the dispensing device.

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