Inner stopper

Abstract

The present invention provides an inner stopper that can be attached to the container body to ensure stable and reliable dispensing of the contents. [Solution] The inner stopper 1 comprises a flow channel forming section 20 that communicates with the inside of the container body and forms a flow channel, a slide member 30 disposed inside the flow channel forming section 20 and moving in the flow direction S of the contents in accordance with the pressure of the contents, and a biasing member 40 that biases the slide member 30 toward the base end inside the flow channel forming section 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stopper attached to the mouth of a container body for containing contents.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, creamy or gel-like viscous cosmetics are often contained in a squeezable container body such as a tube container because of their excellent portability and barrier properties. And, a stopper having a small-diameter spout is attached to the mouth of the container body. When in use, pressure is applied to the side surface of the container body to squeeze out the contents and pour them out from the spout of the stopper.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when excessive pressure is applied to the container body, especially when the viscosity of the cosmetic contained in the container body is low, the contents may jump out vigorously from the spout of the stopper, and it may be difficult to take out an appropriate amount of the contents.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a stopper that can suppress the contents from jumping out vigorously and can stably and surely pour out an appropriate amount of the contents when attached to the container body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The inventors have discovered that by arranging a sliding member that moves in the direction of the contents flow in response to the pressure the contents experience in an inner stopper fitted to the mouth of a container body that holds contents, the contents can be dispensed stably and reliably, and have completed the present invention.

[0007] The following embodiments are specific means for solving the above problems.

[0008] <1> An inner stopper that is fitted to the mouth of the container body that holds the contents, The aforementioned stopper has a channel forming portion that communicates with the inside of the container body and forms a channel, A slide member is disposed inside the flow channel forming section and moves in the flow direction of the contents in accordance with the pressure of the contents, A plug comprising a biasing member that biases the slide member toward the base end within the flow path forming portion. <2> The channel forming portion has a diameter reduction portion in which the channel cross-sectional area is reduced. The slide member has a sealing portion that can seal the reduced diameter portion. <1> The inner stopper as described.

[0009] <3> The aforementioned slide member is A shaft portion inserted into the reduced diameter portion, The tip sealing portion is positioned on the tip side of the shaft portion and has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion, and seals the reduced diameter portion when the slide member moves toward the base end, The shaft portion is positioned on the base end side and has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion, and includes a base end sealing portion that seals the reduced diameter portion when the slide member moves toward the tip side, <2> The inner stopper as described.

[0010] <4> The aforementioned slide member is A rod-shaped portion extending in the direction of the flow of the contents, with its tip forming the base end sealing portion and the base end of the shaft portion connected to the tip, a receiving portion that extends radially from the outer periphery of the rod-shaped portion and receives the end portion on the proximal end side of the biasing member; The end portion on the distal end side of the biasing member is supported by the reduced-diameter portion. The stopper according to <3>.

[0011] <5> The slide member a side wall portion that rises from the outer periphery of the receiving portion toward the distal end side; a flow passage groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion and extending in the axial direction. The stopper according to <4>.

[0012] <6> Four flow passage grooves are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the side wall portion. The stopper according to <5>.

[0013] <7> The slide member a distribution flow passage that extends axially inside the rod-shaped portion and has an open proximal end; a through hole formed on the side surface of the distal end side of the distribution flow passage; The stopper according to any one of <4> to <6>.

[0014] <8> Two through holes are arranged at opposing positions on the side surface of the rod-shaped portion. The stopper according to <7>.

[0015] <9> A stopper according to any one of <1> to <8>, provided with a nozzle portion disposed at the tip of the flow path forming portion for discharging the content.

[0016] <10> The stopper includes a mounting cap portion for mounting on the mouth portion of the container body. The stopper according to any one of <1> to <9>.

[0017] <11> A container comprising a stopper according to any one of <1> to <10> and the container body.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, by attaching it to the container body, it is possible to provide a stopper that can suppress the contents from popping out forcefully and can stably and surely pour out an appropriate amount of the contents.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is an external view of a container with the stopper of the present invention attached. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view of the stopper of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the stopper of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Also, the drawings may be schematically simplified for the purpose of explaining the content of the invention, and the drawn components or the ratio of the dimensions between the components may not match the ratios of those dimensions described in the specification. Also, there may be cases where the components described in the specification are omitted in the drawings or the number is omitted in the drawing.

[0021] (Stopper) The stopper according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The stopper 1 is attached to the mouth portion 12 of the container body 10 in which the contents are stored. The stopper 1 also includes a flow path forming portion 20, a slide member 30, and a biasing member 40.

[0022] (Container Body) As shown in FIG. 1, the container body 10 has a body portion 11 extending vertically from the mouth portion 12. On the outer surface of the mouth portion 12, a male screw portion for screwing with the stopper 1 is formed (not shown). The container body 10 in the illustrated example is a tube container, and the end portion of the body portion 11 (the end portion opposite to the mouth portion 12) is a sealed end portion. However, the form of the container body 10 can be changed as appropriate, and for example, it can be a bottle container or a pouch container.

[0023] (Flow channel formation section) As shown in Figure 2, the flow path forming section 20 is cylindrical and has a flow path that communicates with the inside of the container body 10. The flow path forming section 20 is provided with a series of protrusions 21a that project from the inner circumference toward the center of the flow path, forming a reduced diameter section 21 in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path is reduced.

[0024] The inner wall below the reduced-diameter section 21 is provided with a tapered surface that gradually widens toward the upstream direction of the flow direction S of the contents. After a flow channel of a constant diameter is provided continuous with the tapered surface, a flow channel of a further widened constant diameter is formed. However, the shape of the flow path in the flow path forming section 20 is not limited to this and can be set as appropriate depending on the physical properties of the contents, such as viscosity.

[0025] (Sliding member) The sliding member 30 is positioned inside the flow path forming section 20 so as to be able to reciprocate along the flow path, and can move in the flow direction S of the contents in accordance with the pressure of the contents. The slide member 30 has a sealing portion 32 that can seal the reduced diameter portion 21, and by pressing the body portion 11 of the container body 10, the contents inside the container body 10 are pumped to the flow path forming portion 20, pushing the slide member 30 forward in the flow direction S. As the sliding member 30 moves, the sealing portion 32 moves, causing the reduced diameter portion 21 that was sealed by the sealing portion 32 to gradually open, or the reduced diameter portion 21 that was open to gradually close.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the slide member 30 of the embodiment has a tip sealing portion 321 positioned on the tip side of the rod-shaped shaft portion 31 and a base sealing portion 322 positioned on the base side. Both the tip sealing portion 321 and the base sealing portion 322 have an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion 21. The slide member 30 is positioned such that its shaft portion 31 is inserted into the diameter-reduced portion 21. When the slide member 30 moves toward the base end, the tip sealing portion 321 seals the diameter-reduced portion 21, and when the slide member 30 moves toward the tip, the base sealing portion 322 seals the diameter-reduced portion 21.

[0027] The tip sealing portion 321 can be formed by attaching a tip sealing member 321a to the tip of the shaft portion 31. The tip sealing member 321a is a top-shaped cylinder with an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the reduced-diameter portion 21. A locking projection 31a protruding outward is provided on the outer circumference of the tip of the shaft portion 31. In addition, a locking projection 321b protruding inward is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the tip sealing member 321a. When the tip of the shaft portion 31 is inserted from the base end of the tip sealing member 321a, the locking projection 31a of the shaft portion 31 engages with the locking projection 321b of the tip sealing portion 321, connecting the tip sealing member 321a and the shaft portion 31, and the tip sealing portion 321 is formed on the tip side of the shaft portion 31.

[0028] To enable smooth reciprocating movement within the flow path, the sliding member 30 may be provided with a rod-shaped portion 33 at the base end of the shaft portion 31. The rod-shaped portion 33 extends in the flow direction S of the contents, and its tip constitutes the base end sealing portion 322, to which the base end of the shaft portion 31 is connected. Furthermore, the slide member 30 has a receiving portion 34 that extends radially from the outer circumference of the rod-shaped portion 33.

[0029] The outer circumference of the receiving portion 34 has a side wall portion 35 that rises towards the tip, and a flow groove 36 extending in the axial direction is formed on the outer surface of the side wall portion 35. The flow groove 36 forms a channel through which a portion of the contents flows.

[0030] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the side wall portion 35 is cylindrical in shape, and four flow grooves 36 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the upper outer surface of the side wall portion 35. However, it is preferable to appropriately set the length, number, etc., of the flow grooves 36 arranged in the side wall portion 35 according to the viscosity of the contents, etc., in order to adjust the amount of movement of the slide member 30 in response to the pressure of the contents.

[0031] The rod-shaped portion 33 is cylindrical with a top, and contains a distribution channel 37 that extends axially inside and has an open base end. A through hole 38 is formed on the side surface of the tip end of the distribution channel 37, penetrating the side wall surface of the rod-shaped portion 33.

[0032] The through-holes 38 shown in this embodiment have a circular opening and are arranged in pairs on opposing positions on the side surface of the rod-shaped portion 33 to allow smooth movement of the sliding member 30. However, it is preferable to appropriately set the shape, number, and position of the through holes 38 arranged in the rod-shaped portion 33 according to the viscosity of the contents, and to adjust the amount of movement of the slide member 30 in response to the pressure of the contents.

[0033] (Biasing member) A biasing member 40 is positioned inside the flow path forming section 20, and the biasing member 40 biases the slide member 30 toward the base end.

[0034] In this embodiment, the biasing member 40 has its base end supported by the receiving portion 34 and its tip end supported by the reduced diameter portion 21, and the extension force of the biasing member 40 biases the slide member 30 toward the base end. For example, a coil spring can be used as the biasing member 40, but it is not limited to this, and any material that can bias the slide member 30 toward the base end can be widely used.

[0035] (Nozzle section) To facilitate the dispensing of the contents, a nozzle section 50 equipped with a dispensing port 50a can be placed at the tip of the flow path forming section 20. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the nozzle section 50 narrows in diameter in the flow direction S of the contents, and has such an outlet at its tip. This allows for the creation of a pearlescent resin. The pearlescent resin is desirable as long as it can be made to resemble a pearl. A dispensing port 50a is formed at the tip. However, the shape of the nozzle portion 50 can be appropriately set according to the viscosity of the contents.

[0036] (Attachment cap section) The inner stopper 1 may be equipped with a mounting cap portion 60 for attaching to the mouth portion 12 of the container body 10 in order to facilitate attachment to the container body 10. The mounting cap portion 60 of the embodiment has a female threaded portion 60a formed on its inner surface, and can be easily attached to the container body 10 by screwing it into a male threaded portion formed on the mouth portion 12 of the container body 10 (not shown).

[0037] (container) The inner stopper 1 can be attached to the container body 10 and can be widely used in all types of containers, including tube containers, bottle containers, and pouch containers.

[0038] Next, the operation of the inner stopper 1 in this embodiment will be described.

[0039] Figure 2 shows the state before use, i.e., before the inner stopper 1 is activated and the device is left stationary. The slide member 30 is biased toward the base end by the biasing member 40, and the reduced diameter portion 21 is sealed by the tip sealing portion 321.

[0040] When the body 11 of the container 10 is pressed during use, the contents inside the container 10 are pumped into the flow path forming section 20. The slide member 30, positioned inside the flow path forming section 20, moves toward the tip in accordance with the pressure of the contents, resisting the extension force from the biasing member 40. As the slide member 30 moves, the tip sealing section 321 moves, and the sealing of the reduced diameter section 21 is released.

[0041] A portion of the contents flows into the distribution channel 37, while the remainder flows between the side wall 35 and the channel forming section 20. The contents flowing in the distribution channel 37 pass through the through hole 38 and through the diameter reduction section 21. In addition, a portion of the contents flowing between the side wall 35 and the channel forming section 20 passes through the diameter reduction section 21 while moving through the flow groove 36. The flow groove 36 ensures stable flow of the contents and facilitates the movement of the slide member 30.

[0042] As described above, when not in use, the tip sealing portion 321 closes the diameter-reducing portion 21, stably holding the contents, and when in use, the tip sealing portion 321 gradually moves in response to the pressure on the contents, opening the diameter-reducing portion 21 and allowing the contents to be dispensed.

[0043] Furthermore, when excessive pressure is applied to the body 11 of the container 10, or when pressure is applied to the contents as if they were of normal viscosity, the slide member 30 moves significantly toward the tip, and the base sealing portion 322 comes into contact with the lower surface of the reduced diameter portion 21, sealing the reduced diameter portion 21. This blocks the flow of the contents and prevents them from splashing out of the spout 50a.

[0044] In other words, as the pressure on the contents increases, the slide member 30 moves toward the tip, increasing the gap between the tip sealing portion 321 and the reduced diameter portion 21, while decreasing the gap between the base sealing portion 322 and the reduced diameter portion 21. Therefore, when the pressure on the contents increases or decreases within a predetermined range, the contents can be dispensed according to the pressure as the slide member 30 moves. On the other hand, if the contents are subjected to excessive pressure and the pressure exceeds a predetermined range, the slide member 30 moves significantly, eliminating the gap between the base sealing portion 322 and the reduced diameter portion 21, and the base sealing portion 322 seals the reduced diameter portion 21, thereby blocking the flow of the contents.

[0045] After use, the pressure on the body portion 11 of the container body 10 is released, so the sliding member 30 moves towards the base end due to the biasing member 40, and the tip sealing portion 321 seals the reduced diameter portion 21.

[0046] The operation of the inner stopper 1 in this embodiment has been described above, but the sealing portion 32 may also be structured to release the seal on the reduced diameter portion 21 by moving not only along the flow direction S of the contents, but also by opening in the outward diameter direction or by rotating in the circumferential direction (not shown).

[0047] According to the inner stopper 1 of this embodiment described above, the following effects can be achieved, for example.

[0048] The inner stopper 1 is configured to include a flow path forming section 20 that communicates with the inside of the container body 10 and forms a flow path, a slide member 30 that is disposed inside the flow path forming section 20 and moves in the flow direction S of the contents in accordance with the pressure of the contents, and a biasing member 40 that biases the slide member 30 toward the base end inside the flow path forming section 20.

[0049] As a result, the sliding member 30 moves gradually in response to the pressure on the contents, allowing the contents to be dispensed stably.

[0050] The flow path forming section 20 has a diameter reduction section 21 that reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path, and the sliding member 30 has a sealing section 32 that can seal the diameter reduction section 21.

[0051] As a result, the sliding member 30 gradually moves in response to the pressure on the contents, releasing or sealing the reduced diameter portion 21, thereby enabling stable dispensing of the contents.

[0052] The slide member 30 is configured to have a shaft portion 31 that is inserted into the diameter-reducing portion 21, a tip sealing portion 321 positioned on the tip side of the shaft portion 31 and having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the diameter-reducing portion 21, which seals the diameter-reducing portion 21 when the slide member 30 moves toward the base end, and a base sealing portion 322 positioned on the base end side of the shaft portion 31 and having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the diameter-reducing portion 21, which seals the diameter-reducing portion 21 when the slide member 30 moves toward the tip.

[0053] As a result, when not in use, the tip sealing portion 321 closes the diameter-reducing portion 21 within the flow path forming portion 20, stably holding the contents. When in use, the slide member 30 gradually moves in response to the pressure on the contents, releasing the seal on the diameter-reducing portion 21 by the tip sealing portion 321, allowing the contents to be dispensed. Furthermore, if excessive pressure is applied, the slide member 30 moves significantly, and the base sealing portion 322 seals the diameter-reducing portion 21, preventing the contents from splashing out and allowing the contents to be dispensed stably and reliably.

[0054] The slide member 30 is configured to include a rod-shaped portion 33 that extends in the flow direction S of the contents, with its tip forming a base end sealing portion 322 and the base end of the shaft portion 31 connected to its tip, and a receiving portion 34 that extends radially from the outer circumference of the rod-shaped portion 33 and receives the base end of the biasing member 40, with the tip end of the biasing member 40 being supported by the reduced diameter portion 21.

[0055] This allows the slide member 30 to be positioned within the limited space of the flow path forming section 20, and enables smooth operation of the slide member 30.

[0056] The sliding member 30 is configured to include a side wall portion 35 that rises from the outer circumference of the receiving portion 34 toward the tip, and a flow groove 36 formed on the outer surface of the side wall portion 35 and extending in the axial direction.

[0057] This ensures the flow of contents between the side wall portion 35 and the flow path forming portion 20, and also allows the sliding member 30 to move smoothly.

[0058] The flow grooves 36 are arranged in a configuration with four grooves at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the side wall portion 35. This allows for stable and reliable flow of contents between the side wall portion 35 and the flow path forming portion 20.

[0059] The slide member 30 is configured to include a distribution channel 37 that extends axially inside the rod-shaped portion 33 and has an open base end, and a through hole 38 formed on the side surface of the tip end of the distribution channel 37.

[0060] As a result, the contents flow into the distribution channel 37, and the slide member 30 can move smoothly in accordance with the pressure of the contents. Furthermore, by adjusting the inner diameter of the through hole 38, the amount of movement of the slide member 30, which moves in response to the pressure of the contents, can be adjusted.

[0061] The through-holes 38 are arranged in two positions on the side of the rod-shaped portion 33, opposite each other. This allows the sliding member 30 to move smoothly.

[0062] The nozzle portion 50 for dispensing the contents is positioned at the tip of the flow path forming portion 20. This allows for smooth dispensing of the contents.

[0063] The inner stopper 1 is configured to have a mounting cap portion 60 that attaches to the mouth portion 12 of the container body 10. This allows the inner stopper 1 to be easily attached to the container body 10.

[0064] The container is constructed by attaching the inner stopper 1 to the container body 10 that holds the contents. This allows the effect of the inner stopper 1 to be obtained in a wide range of containers, such as tube containers.

[0065] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various forms. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1. Inner stopper 10 Container body 11 Torso 12 Mouth 20 Flow channel forming section 21 Reduced diameter part 21a Protrusion 30 Sliding member 31 Shaft 31a Locking protrusion 32 Blockade section 321 Tip sealing part 321a End sealing member 321b Locking protrusion 322 Proximal end sealing part 33 Rod-shaped part 34 Receiving part 35 Side wall section 36 Distribution groove 37 Distribution channel 38 Through holes 40. Biasing member 50 Nozzle section 50a spout 60 Mounting cap section 60a Female thread section

Claims

1. An inner stopper that is fitted to the mouth of the container body that holds the contents, The aforementioned stopper has a channel forming portion that communicates with the inside of the container body and forms a channel, A slide member is disposed inside the flow channel forming section and moves in the flow direction of the contents in accordance with the pressure of the contents, A plug comprising a biasing member that biases the slide member toward the base end within the flow path forming portion.

2. The channel forming portion has a diameter reduction portion in which the channel cross-sectional area is reduced. The inner plug according to claim 1, wherein the sliding member has a sealing portion capable of sealing the reduced diameter portion.

3. The aforementioned slide member is A shaft portion inserted into the reduced diameter portion, The tip sealing portion is positioned on the tip side of the shaft portion and has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion, and seals the reduced diameter portion when the slide member moves toward the base end, The plug according to claim 2, further comprising: a base-end sealing portion disposed on the base end side of the shaft portion and having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion, which seals the reduced diameter portion when the slide member moves toward the tip side.

4. The aforementioned slide member is A rod-shaped portion extending in the direction of the flow of the contents, with its tip forming the base end sealing portion and the base end of the shaft portion connected to the tip, It has a receiving portion that extends radially from the outer circumference of the rod-shaped portion and receives the base end of the biasing member, The end of the biasing member on the tip side is supported by the reduced diameter portion, as described in claim 3.

5. The aforementioned slide member is The side wall portion rises from the outer circumference of the receiving portion toward the tip, The plug according to claim 4, comprising a flow groove formed on the outer circumferential surface of the side wall portion and extending in the axial direction.

6. The inner plug according to claim 5, wherein the four flow grooves are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the side wall.

7. The aforementioned slide member is A distribution channel is formed inside the rod-shaped portion, extending axially and having an open base end, The inner plug according to claim 4, further comprising a through hole formed on the side surface of the tip side of the distribution channel.

8. The inner plug according to claim 7, wherein the through holes are arranged in pairs at opposing positions on the side surface of the rod-shaped portion.

9. The stopper according to claim 1, wherein the stopper is provided with a nozzle portion positioned at the tip of the flow channel forming portion for dispensing the contents.

10. The inner stopper according to claim 1, wherein the inner stopper is provided with a mounting cap portion that is attached to the mouth of the container body.

11. A container comprising an inner stopper as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, and the container body.

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