Ejector

Abstract

The cylinder is positioned at its upper end relative to the mounting cap and then secured. [Solution] The device comprises a mounting cap 10, a cylinder 15, a stem 11, a discharge head 12, and a piston 13. The mounting cap comprises an outer cylinder 23 extending upward from the inner peripheral edge of the top wall 21, a ring wall 24 extending radially inward from the upper end of the outer cylinder, and an inner cylinder 25 extending downward from the radial inner end of the ring wall. The upper end of the cylinder is inserted between the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder and the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder, and contacts the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder and the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder. A vertical recess 26 extending in the vertical direction is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the cylinder. The upper end of the vertical recess opens to the upper end opening edge 15a of the cylinder, and the lower end of the vertical recess is open to the inner surface of the mounting cap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser.

Background Art

[0002] As a dispenser in which when a discharge head is pressed down to move a stem and a piston downward with respect to a cylinder, the content liquid in the cylinder is discharged from a discharge hole of the discharge head, conventionally, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, a capped cylindrical mounting cap having an annular top wall includes an outer cylinder extending upward from an inner peripheral edge portion of the top wall, a ring wall extending radially inward from an upper end portion of the outer cylinder, and an inner cylinder extending downward from a radially inner end portion of the ring wall. The upper end portion of the cylinder is inserted between the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder and the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder, and a configuration in which the upper end portion of the cylinder abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder and the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional dispenser, when the upper end portion of the cylinder is inserted between the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder and the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder, air does not flow out from the space surrounded by the upper end opening edge of the cylinder, the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder, and the lower surface of the ring wall. For example, the cylinder may not be able to reach the ascending end position with respect to the mounting cap, or even if the cylinder can reach the ascending end position, the compressed air in the space may push it back, resulting in a vertical gap between the upper end opening edge of the cylinder and the lower surface of the ring wall. In this case, there may be variations in the pressing amount of the discharge head, and there is a risk that the discharge amount of the content liquid varies. <00​The present invention provides a discharger that can fix a cylinder to an elevated end position relative to a mounting cap. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A discharger according to one aspect of the present invention is: The container comprises a top-mounted cylindrical cap having an annular top wall and attached to the mouth of the container body containing the liquid contents; a cylinder extending vertically and fixed to the top-mounted cap while inserted inside the mouth; a stem disposed within the cylinder so as to be movable downward in an upward biased state; a discharge head attached to the upper end of the stem and having a discharge hole for the liquid contents; and a piston fitted within the cylinder so as to be slidable vertically and linked to the vertical movement of the stem, wherein when the stem and the piston are moved downward relative to the cylinder, the liquid contents in the cylinder pass through the stem. The fluid is discharged from the discharge hole, and the mounting cap comprises an outer cylinder extending upward from the inner peripheral edge of the top wall, a ring wall extending radially inward from the upper end of the outer cylinder, and an inner cylinder extending downward from the radial inner end of the ring wall. The upper end of the cylinder is inserted between the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder and the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder, and contacts the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder and the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder. A vertical recess extending in the vertical direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the cylinder, the upper end of the vertical recess opens to the upper end opening edge of the cylinder, and the lower end of the vertical recess is open to the inner surface of the mounting cap.

[0007] A vertical recess extending in the vertical direction is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the cylinder. The upper end of the vertical recess opens to the upper end opening edge of the cylinder, and the lower end of the vertical recess is open to the inner surface of the mounting cap. Therefore, when the upper end of the cylinder is inserted between the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder and the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder, air can flow out through the vertical recess from the space enclosed by the upper end opening edge of the cylinder, the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder, and the lower surface of the ring wall, allowing the cylinder to reach the raised end position relative to the mounting cap and be fixed in place.

[0008] The upper outer diameter of the upper part of the upper end of the cylinder is larger than the lower outer diameter, the upper part of the upper end of the cylinder is undercut fitted into the outer cylinder, the lower part of the upper end of the cylinder abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, and the vertical recess may be formed along the entire vertical length of the upper end of the cylinder.

[0009] The upper part of the cylinder's upper end is fitted into the outer cylinder with an undercut, and the lower part of the cylinder's upper end is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder. Combined with the fact that the upper end of the cylinder is in contact with both the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder and the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder, this makes it difficult for the cylinder to come off the mounting cap and ensures a tight seal at the cylinder's upper end opening. Since the vertical recess is formed along the entire vertical length of the upper end of the cylinder, when the upper end of the cylinder is inserted between the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder and the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder, air can be reliably discharged through the vertical recess from the space enclosed by the upper end opening edge of the cylinder, the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder, and the lower surface of the ring wall.

[0010] A gate mark may be provided on the inner surface of the vertical recess, specifically in the portion located at the upper end of the cylinder.

[0011] Since the cylinder is an injection-molded product, and a gate mark is provided on the inner surface of the vertical recess, specifically in the upper part of the upper end of the cylinder, even if a weld line extending vertically occurs on the cylinder at a point approximately 180° away from the central axis of the cylinder relative to the gate mark, it becomes easier to separate the weld line upward from the part where the piston slides up and down. This prevents sealing defects between the piston and the inner surface of the cylinder, i.e., prevents ejection defects. Furthermore, since the gate mark is provided on the inner surface of the vertical recess, it is possible to suppress the gate mark from contacting the inner surface of the outer cylinder, thereby ensuring reliable sealing of the upper end opening of the cylinder. Weld lines are more likely to occur when the viscosity of the molten resin is high and its fluidity is poor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the cylinder can be fixed to the upper end position relative to the mounting cap. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a discharger according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a side view of the cylinder. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a top view of the cylinder. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the discharger 1 according to this embodiment comprises a mounting cap 10, a stem 11, a discharge head 12, a piston 13, a piston guide 14, and a cylinder 15. The mounting cap 10, stem 11, piston 13, piston guide 14, and cylinder 15 are arranged so that their respective central axes lie on a common axis.

[0015] Hereafter, this common axis will be referred to as the central axis O, and the direction along the central axis O will be called the vertical direction. Furthermore, when viewed from the vertical direction, the direction intersecting the central axis O will be called the radial direction, and the direction revolving around the central axis O will be called the circumferential direction.

[0016] The mounting cap 10 is formed in a top-cylindrical shape having an annular top wall 21 and a circumferential wall 22, and is attached to the mouth W1 of the container body W that contains the liquid. The inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall 22 has a female thread that screws into the male thread formed on the outer circumferential surface of the mouth W1.

[0017] The mounting cap 10 includes an outer cylinder 23 extending upward from the inner peripheral edge of the top wall 21, a ring wall 24 extending radially inward from the upper end of the outer cylinder 23, and an inner cylinder 25 extending downward from the radially inner end of the ring wall 24. The ring wall 24 is formed in a plate shape with its front and back surfaces facing the vertical direction. The inner diameter of the upper part of the outer cylinder 23 is larger than the inner diameter of the lower part of the outer cylinder 23, and an upward-facing stepped portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the connection portion between the upper and lower parts of the outer cylinder 23. The connection portion 10a between the lower end of the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 23 and the inner peripheral edge of the lower surface of the top wall 21 presents a curved shape protruding obliquely downward toward the radially inner side in a longitudinal sectional view along the vertical direction.

[0018] The stem 11 is disposed in the cylinder 15 so as to be movable downward in an upwardly biased state. The lower end of the stem 11 is inserted into the cylinder 15, and the upper part protrudes upward from the cylinder 15. The discharge head 12 includes a capped cylindrical mounting cylinder portion 12a attached to the upper end of the stem 11, and a nozzle cylinder portion 12b protruding radially outward from the mounting cylinder portion 12a. The stem 11 is fitted into the mounting cylinder portion 12a. The tip opening of the nozzle cylinder portion 12b serves as a discharge hole 12c through which the content liquid is discharged.

[0019] The piston 13 is fitted in the cylinder 15 so as to be slidable vertically. The piston 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is linked to the vertical movement of the stem 11. The piston 13 is formed in a double-cylindrical shape having an outer cylinder portion and an inner cylinder portion. The outer cylinder portion abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 15, and the piston guide 14 is inserted inside the inner cylinder portion. The upper end opening edge of the outer cylinder portion of the piston 13 abuts against the lower end opening edge of the inner cylinder 25 of the mounting cap 10.

[0020] The piston guide 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape, protrudes downward from the stem 11, and vertically penetrates inside the piston 13. The upper end of the piston guide 14 is fitted inside the lower part of the stem 11. The lower end opening edge of the piston guide 14 is located below the piston 13. The upper end opening edge of the coil spring 17 is supported on the lower end opening edge of the piston guide 14.

[0021] A plurality of through holes 14a are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction at the lower end of the piston guide 14. In a portion of the piston guide 14 located above the lower end, an abutting surface 14b extending radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the piston guide 14 and a communication hole 14c located above the abutting surface 14b and penetrating in the radial direction are formed. When the lower end of the inner cylinder portion of the piston 13 abuts on the abutting surface 14b, the communication between the communication hole 14c and a housing space A (described later) of the cylinder 15 is blocked. On the inner peripheral surface of the piston guide 14, a sliding cylinder 14d extending downward is formed at a portion located between the communication hole 14c and the through hole 14a. The sliding cylinder 14d extends inward in the radial direction as it goes downward.

[0022] The cylinder 15 is an injection molded product. The upper end of the cylinder 15 is inserted between the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 23 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 25 and abuts on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 23 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 25. The cylinder 15 extends in the vertical direction and is fixed to the mounting cap 10 in a state of being inserted inside the mouth portion W1. A portion of the cylinder 15 located below the piston 13 serves as a housing space A in which the content liquid in the container body W is temporarily housed. A connecting cylinder 15b extending downward is provided at the lower end of the cylinder 15. A suction pipe P is fitted inside the connecting cylinder 15b. The lower end of the suction pipe P is located inside the bottom of the container body W.

[0023] A stepped portion 15e is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lower part of the cylinder 15, facing upward and supporting the lower end opening edge of the coil spring 17. Multiple vertical grooves 15c are formed in the stepped portion 15e at circumferential intervals. The vertical grooves 15c open upward and radially inward. The upper end openings of the vertical grooves 15c are covered by the lower end opening edge of the coil spring 17.

[0024] A lower valve body 18 is disposed within the cylinder 15. The lower valve body 18 is formed in a rod shape extending vertically and is disposed coaxially with the central axis O. The upper part of the lower valve body 18 is fitted into the sliding cylinder 14d of the piston guide 14 so as to be liquid-tight and slidable vertically. Multiple vanes are formed on the lower part of the lower valve body 18, protruding radially outward and with their front and back surfaces facing circumferentially, spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The vanes are inserted into the vertical groove 15c of the cylinder 15. The lower end of the lower valve body 18 is set upward away from the periphery of the lower end opening on the inner surface of the cylinder 15. When the piston guide 14 moves downward, the sliding cylinder 14d moves the lower valve body 18 downward, causing the lower end of the lower valve body 18 to contact the periphery of the lower end opening on the inner surface of the cylinder 15, thereby blocking communication between the containment space A and the container body W.

[0025] In this embodiment, a vertical recess 26 extending in the vertical direction is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the cylinder 15. The upper end of the vertical recess 26 opens to the upper end opening edge 15a of the cylinder 15, and the lower end of the vertical recess 26 is open to the inner surface of the mounting cap 10. The lower end of the vertical recess 26 is radially separated inward from the connection portion 10a between the lower end of the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 23 and the inner circumferential edge of the lower surface of the top wall 21, and is radially opposed to it. One vertical recess 26 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the cylinder 15.

[0026] Of the upper end portion of cylinder 15, the outer diameter of the upper part 15f is larger than the outer diameter of the lower part 15g, and a downward-facing step portion 15d (see Figure 2) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connection portion between the upper part 15f and the lower part 15g. This step portion 15d abuts or is close in the vertical direction to a step portion formed on the inner circumferential surface of the connection portion between the upper and lower parts of the outer cylinder 23, and the upper part 15f of the upper end portion of cylinder 15 is undercut fitted into the upper part of the outer cylinder 23. The outer circumferential surface of the lower part 15g of the upper end portion of cylinder 15 abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the lower part of the outer cylinder 23. Of the upper end portion of cylinder 15, the outer diameter of the lower part 15g is larger than the outer diameter of the portion located below the lower part 15g.

[0027] The vertical recess 26 is formed along the entire length of the upper end of the cylinder 15 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 3, the vertical recess 26 is formed by cutting out a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the cylinder 15, which is circular when viewed from above. It has a bottom surface that faces radially outward and forms a chord, but does not have a side surface that faces circumferentially. The amount of recess inward in the radial direction of the vertical recess 26 is the same along its entire length in the vertical direction. Of the bottom surface of the vertical recess 26, the portion located at the upper 15f of the upper end of the cylinder 15 is located radially outward from the portion located at the lower 15g of the upper end of the cylinder 15. The radial distance between the portion of the bottom surface of the vertical recess 26 located at the upper 15f of the upper end of the cylinder 15 and the central axis O is greater than the radial distance between the portion of the bottom surface of the vertical recess 26 located at the lower 15g of the upper end of the cylinder 15 and the central axis O.

[0028] A gate mark G is provided on the bottom surface of the vertical recess 26. If the vertical recess 26 is formed in a groove shape with a side surface facing in the circumferential direction, the gate mark G may be provided on the side surface. The gate mark G is provided on the bottom surface of the vertical recess 26, specifically in the upper part 15f of the upper end of the cylinder 15. The gate mark G is provided in the cylinder 15 at a position above the part where the piston 13 slides up and down.

[0029] Next, we will explain how to use the discharger 1 configured as described above.

[0030] When the discharge head 12 is pressed down, the stem 11 and piston guide 14 move downward while compressing the coil spring 17 in the vertical direction, and the contact surface 14b of the piston guide 14 moves downward away from the lower end of the inner cylinder portion of the piston 13, so that the housing space A of the cylinder 15 and the inside of the stem 11 communicate through the communication hole 14c and the inside of the piston guide 14. At this time, the sliding cylinder 14d of the piston guide 14 moves the lower valve body 18 downward, causing the lower end of the lower valve body 18 to abut against the peripheral edge of the lower end opening on the inner surface of the cylinder 15, thereby blocking communication between the containment space A and the inside of the container body W. Also, since the lower end opening edge of the stem 11 abuts against the upper end of the inner cylinder portion of the piston 13, if the discharge head 12 is continued to be pressed, the piston 13 also moves downward together with the stem 11 and the piston guide 14. As a result, the internal pressure of the containment space A increases, and the liquid contents of the containment space A are supplied into the stem 11 through the gap between the piston guide 14 and the piston 13, the communication hole 14c, and the inside of the piston guide 14, and discharged from the discharge hole 12c.

[0031] Subsequently, when the discharge head 12 is released, the coil spring 17 returns to its original shape, causing the stem 11 and piston guide 14 to move upward. The contact surface 14b of the piston guide 14 comes into contact with the lower end of the inner cylinder portion of the piston 13, the lower end opening edge of the stem 11 moves upward away from the upper end of the inner cylinder portion of the piston 13, and the sliding cylinder 14d of the piston guide 14 moves the lower valve body 18 upward. As a result, communication between the housing space A of the cylinder 15 and the inside of the stem 11 is blocked, the lower end of the lower valve body 18 moves upward away from the peripheral edge of the lower end opening on the inner surface of the cylinder 15, and communication between the housing space A and the inside of the container body W is established. In this state, as the coil spring 17 continues to deform to restore itself, the stem 11 and piston guide 14 continue to move upward. This causes the lower end of the inner cylinder portion of the piston 13 to be pushed against the contact surface 14b of the piston guide 14, and the piston 13 also moves upward to restore itself. As a result, the containment space A becomes negative pressure, and the liquid contents of the container body W are supplied to the containment space A from the lower end opening of the cylinder 15.

[0032] As described above, according to the discharger 1 of this embodiment, a vertical recess 26 extending in the vertical direction is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the cylinder 15. The upper end of the vertical recess 26 opens to the upper end opening edge 15a of the cylinder 15, and the lower end of the vertical recess 26 is open to the inner surface of the mounting cap 10. Therefore, when the upper end of the cylinder 15 is inserted between the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 23 and the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 25, air can be discharged through the vertical recess 26 from the space enclosed by the upper end opening edge 15a of the cylinder 15, the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 23, the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 25, and the lower surface of the ring wall 24. This allows the cylinder 15 to reach the raised end position relative to the mounting cap 10 and be fixed in place.

[0033] The upper part 15f of the upper end of the cylinder 15 is undercut fitted into the outer cylinder 23, and the lower part 15g of the upper end of the cylinder 15 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 23. Combined with the fact that the upper end of the cylinder 15 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 23 and the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 25, this makes it difficult for the cylinder 15 to come off the mounting cap 10 and ensures that the upper end opening of the cylinder 15 is sealed.

[0034] Since the vertical recess 26 is formed along the entire vertical length of the upper end of the cylinder 15, when the upper end of the cylinder 15 is inserted between the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 23 and the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 25, air can be reliably discharged through the vertical recess 26 from the space enclosed by the upper end opening edge 15a of the cylinder 15, the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 23, the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 25, and the lower surface of the ring wall 24.

[0035] Since the cylinder 15 is an injection-molded product, and a gate mark G is provided on the inner surface of the vertical recess 26, specifically in the upper part 15f of the upper end of the cylinder 15, even if a vertically extending weld line occurs on the cylinder 15 at a distance of approximately 180° around the central axis O of the cylinder 15 from the part of the cylinder 15 where the gate mark G is provided, it becomes easier to move the weld line upward away from the part where the piston 13 slides up and down. This prevents sealing defects between the piston 13 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder 15, that is, prevents ejection defects.

[0036] Furthermore, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0037] For example, the gate mark G of the cylinder 15 may be located on the inner surface of the vertical recess 26, specifically in the lower part 15g of the upper end of the cylinder 15, or on a part other than the inner surface of the vertical recess 26.

[0038] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the components in the above embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 1 Dispenser 10. Mounting cap 11 Stem 12 Discharge heads 12c Discharge hole 13 pistons 15 cylinders 15a Upper end opening edge 15th floor upper 15g bottom 21. Top Wall 23 Outer cylinder 24 Ring Wall 25 Inner cylinder 26 Vertical recess G gate mark W Container Body W1 Mouth

Claims

1. A top-mounted cylindrical cap, which is attached to the mouth of the container body containing the liquid, and has an annular top wall, A cylinder that extends in the vertical direction and is fixed to the mounting cap while being inserted inside the opening, A stem is disposed within the cylinder so as to be movable downward while being biased upward, A discharge head is attached to the upper end of the stem and has a discharge hole for the liquid contents, The cylinder comprises a piston that is fitted to slide vertically within the cylinder and is linked to the vertical movement of the stem, When the stem and the piston are moved downward relative to the cylinder, the liquid inside the cylinder is discharged through the stem and out of the discharge hole. The mounting cap comprises an outer cylinder extending upward from the inner peripheral edge of the top wall, a ring wall extending radially inward from the upper end of the outer cylinder, and an inner cylinder extending downward from the radial inner end of the ring wall. The upper end of the cylinder is inserted between the inner surface of the outer cylinder and the outer surface of the inner cylinder, and contacts the inner surface of the outer cylinder and the outer surface of the inner cylinder. A discharger having a vertical recess extending in the vertical direction formed on the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the cylinder, the upper end of the vertical recess opening to the upper end opening edge of the cylinder, and the lower end of the vertical recess opening to the inner surface of the mounting cap.

2. Of the upper end of the cylinder, the outer diameter of the upper part is larger than the outer diameter of the lower part. The upper part of the upper end of the cylinder is fitted into the outer cylinder with an undercut. The lower part of the upper end of the cylinder abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder. The discharger according to claim 1, wherein the vertical recess is formed along the entire vertical length at the upper end of the cylinder.

3. The discharger according to claim 2, wherein a gate mark is provided on the inner surface of the vertical recess, in the portion located at the upper part of the upper end of the cylinder.

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