Trigger-type liquid dispenser

Abstract

The present invention provides a trigger-type liquid dispenser that, even with a configuration that includes an adapter for both forward and inverted orientation, can suppress an increase in the number of parts while preventing liquid from leaking to the outside through the air intake hole. [Solution] The inverted adapter 12 has an adapter body and a ball valve 164. The adapter body has a partition member 142 on which a valve seat portion 162 is formed on which the ball valve 164 located in the valve chamber 165 can be seated, and a first mounting member 140 which connects the intermediate space S3 and the valve chamber 165 and has a communication hole 156 through which the ball valve 164 can pass. The first mounting member 140 has an elastic piece 154 that can narrow the width of the communication hole 156 and restrict the passage of the ball valve 164. The lower inner cylinder portion 32 has a release projection 33 that engages with the elastic piece 154 and deforms the elastic piece 154 to widen the width of the communication hole 156 and release the restriction on the passage of the ball valve 164. The outside air intake passage has a valve seat portion 182 on which the ball valve 164 located in the intermediate space S3 can be seated.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a trigger-type liquid ejector.

Background Art

[0002] The trigger-type liquid ejector includes a vertical supply cylinder through which the liquid sucked up from the container body flows, and a trigger mechanism having a trigger portion disposed in a forward biasing state and movable backward in front of the vertical supply cylinder portion. The trigger mechanism includes a cylinder communicating with an injection cylinder through the vertical supply cylinder, and a piston linked to the trigger portion and sliding back and forth in the cylinder as the trigger portion moves back and forth.

[0003] In this type of trigger-type liquid ejector, when the trigger portion is pulled backward, the piston moves backward while being guided by a piston guide formed in the cylinder. As a result, the inside of the cylinder is pressurized, and the liquid in the cylinder is ejected from the ejection hole through the vertical supply cylinder. Further, in Patent Document 1 below, an external air introduction passage for introducing external air when a negative pressure is generated in the container body is formed. The external air introduction passage is formed between the cylinder and the cylinder holding cylinder that holds the cylinder. For example, when the piston moves backward, the container body and the external space communicate with each other through the external air introduction passage.

[0004] By the way, in the trigger-type liquid ejector disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, an external air introduction passage for introducing external air when a negative pressure is generated in the container body is formed. The external air introduction passage is formed between the cylinder and the cylinder holding cylinder that holds the cylinder. For example, when the piston moves backward, the container body and the external space communicate with each other through the external air introduction passage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the conventional technology described above, when the container is inverted, the liquid inside the container may flow into the outside air intake passage. In this case, if the piston moves backward while the pressure inside the container is rising, the liquid that has flowed into the outside air intake passage may leak to the outside. Therefore, in a trigger-type liquid dispenser equipped with an adapter for forward and inverted orientation, it is desirable to suppress the leakage of liquid to the outside through the outside air intake hole, but at the same time, there is also a desire to suppress an increase in the number of parts.

[0007] The present invention provides a trigger-type liquid dispenser that can suppress the leakage of liquid to the outside through an air intake hole while suppressing an increase in the number of parts, even when equipped with an adapter for forward and inverted orientation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A trigger-type liquid dispenser according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a dispenser body attached to a container body, having a vertical supply cylinder portion extending vertically and through which liquid drawn up from the container body flows; a nozzle portion provided in front of the dispenser body and having a discharge hole formed therein for discharging liquid; and an inverted adapter attached to the lower end of the vertical supply cylinder portion, wherein the dispenser body has a trigger portion positioned in front of the vertical supply cylinder portion so as to be movable backward in a forward biased state, and a trigger mechanism that causes liquid to flow toward the discharge hole when the trigger portion moves backward, and The forward and inverted adapter comprises a cylindrical piston body linked to the trigger section, a sliding part connected to the piston body, a piston that moves back and forth in accordance with the forward and backward movement of the trigger section, and a cylinder that is pressurized or depressurized by the sliding part sliding in accordance with the forward and backward movement of the piston, and defines a first space that connects the container body and the inside of the vertical supply cylinder, and a second space that connects the inside of the container body and the first space through an inverted inlet, an adapter body that is fitted into the lower end of the vertical supply cylinder, and a ball valve arranged in the second space, and the vertical supply The cylindrical portion has a mounting cylinder into which the adapter body is fitted, forming a relay space between the adapter body and the container body, and the ejector body has an outside air introduction passage that passes between the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder holding cylinder that holds the cylinder and the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder, connecting the external space and the relay space, and the adapter body forms the relay space between the partition member on which the ball valve located in the second space is seated and the mounting cylinder, and also forms the second space between the partition member and the relay space and the second The mounting cylinder has a first mounting member which connects spaces and has a communication hole through which the ball valve can pass, the first mounting member which has an elastic piece which can narrow the width of the communication hole and restrict the passage of the ball valve, the mounting cylinder which has a release projection which engages with the elastic piece and deforms the elastic piece to widen the width of the communication hole and release the restriction on the passage of the ball valve, the outside air intake passage has a second valve seat which the ball valve located in the relay space can sit on, and the ball valve sits on the first valve seat when the container body is upright and blocks communication between the first space and the second space.When the container body is inverted, it moves away from the first valve seat, connecting the first space and the second space; when the container body is upright, it moves away from the second valve seat, connecting the intermediate space and the external space; and when the container body is inverted, it sits on the second valve seat, blocking communication between the intermediate space and the external space.

[0009] According to the first embodiment, even if liquid flows from inside the container into the relay space when the container is in an inverted position, the ball valve can prevent the liquid from reaching the outside space through the outside air intake passage by seating on the second valve seat. This makes it possible to suppress liquid leakage to the outside through the relay space and the outside air intake passage, even when an adapter for upright and inverted orientation is provided. Furthermore, since the ball valve can move between the intermediate space and the second space through the communication hole, it is possible to seat a single ball valve on both the first and second valve seats. This reduces the increase in the number of parts compared to a trigger-type liquid dispenser that has separate ball valves seated on the first valve seat and ball valves seated on the second valve seat. Furthermore, when the adapter body is not fitted into the mounting cylinder, the release projection provided on the mounting cylinder separates from the first mounting member, allowing the elastic piece to narrow the width of the communication hole. This restricts the ball valve from passing through the communication hole. The elastic piece can restrict the ball valve from passing through the communication hole. Therefore, when the adapter body is not fitted into the mounting cylinder, it is possible to prevent the ball valve, which is located in the second space within the adapter body, from falling out of the adapter body through the communication hole. By assembling the adapter body with the ball valve located in the second space into the mounting cylinder, the release projection engages with the elastic piece and widens the width of the communication hole, allowing the ball valve to move between the intermediate space and the second space. Therefore, in a trigger-type liquid dispenser that achieves the above effects, the handling of parts during assembly can be made easier.

[0010] A trigger-type liquid dispenser according to a second aspect of the present invention is a trigger-type liquid dispenser according to the first aspect described above, wherein the first mounting member is fitted into the mounting cylinder from below the mounting cylinder, the elastic piece is formed in a cantilever shape with an upper end that extends upward and is a free end, and the release projection extends downward from the mounting cylinder and slides against the elastic piece, causing the elastic piece to deform in the direction of widening the communication hole.

[0011] According to the second embodiment, by fitting the first mounting member into the mounting cylinder, the release projection can be brought into sliding contact with the cantilever-shaped elastic piece. As a result, simply by fitting the first mounting member into the mounting cylinder, the release projection can be engaged with the elastic piece, and the elastic piece can be deformed in the direction of widening the communication hole. Therefore, the restriction on the passage of the ball valve through the communication hole by the release projection can be easily released. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, even with a configuration that includes an adapter for forward and inverted orientation, it is possible to provide a trigger-type liquid dispenser that can suppress the leakage of liquid to the outside through the outside air intake hole while suppressing an increase in the number of parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of the ejection vessel according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the inner cylinder according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the ejector according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the adapter for forward and inverted orientation according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the first mounting member according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of the first mounting member according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a front view of the first mounting member according to the embodiment, showing the state in which it is engaged with the release projection of the lower inner cylinder. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a trigger-type liquid ejector according to the present invention attached to a container body will be described as an ejection container.

[0015] The ejection container 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a container body 2 for storing a liquid, and a trigger-type liquid ejector (hereinafter simply referred to as an ejector 3) detachably attached to the mouth portion 2a of the container body 2.

[0016] The ejector 3 includes an ejector body 10, a nozzle portion 11, and a right-side-up / upside-down adapter 12. Note that, for the liquid stored in the container body 2 of the present embodiment, a liquid having a viscosity equivalent to that of water, such as a detergent (including a surfactant and foaming) used in a bathroom or a toilet, is preferably used. However, the liquid stored in the container body 2 can be appropriately changed.

[0017] The ejector body 10 includes a vertical supply cylinder portion 14, an injection cylinder portion 15, a trigger mechanism 16, and a cover body 17. In the following description, the direction along the first axis O1 of the vertical supply cylinder portion 14 (the upper outer cylinder portion 23 described later) is referred to as the vertical direction. In the upright posture of the ejection container 1, the direction toward the container body 2 in the vertical direction is referred to as the lower side, and the direction toward the ejector 3 is referred to as the upper side. In a plan view seen from the vertical direction, the direction intersecting the first axis O1 is referred to as the radial direction. Among the radial directions, one direction is referred to as the front-rear direction, the direction in which the injection cylinder portion 15 extends from the vertical supply cylinder portion is referred to as the front side, and the opposite direction is referred to as the rear side. Also, among the radial directions, the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction is referred to as the left-right direction. In the illustrated example, the first axis O1 is eccentric rearward with respect to the container axis of the container body 2. However, the first axis O1 and the container axis may be coaxial.

[0018] The vertical supply cylinder portion 14 allows the liquid sucked up from the container body 2 to flow through. The vertical supply cylinder portion 14 includes an outer cylinder 21 and an inner cylinder 22. The outer cylinder 21 is formed in a multi-stage cylindrical shape with a larger diameter towards the lower part. Specifically, the outer cylinder 21 includes an upper outer cylinder portion 23 and a lower outer cylinder portion 24 that continues downward from the upper outer cylinder portion 23. In the present embodiment, both the upper outer cylinder portion 23 and the lower outer cylinder portion 24 are formed in a toped cylindrical shape.

[0019] At the upper end portion of the upper outer cylinder portion 23, a discharge port 26 that opens forward is formed. At the central portion in the vertical direction of the upper outer cylinder portion 23, a supply port 27 and a discharge port 28 that open forward are formed. The supply port 27 is located above the discharge port 28. However, the supply port 27 may be located below the discharge port 28.

[0020] On the inner peripheral surface of the upper outer cylinder portion 23, a communication groove 29 that extends in the vertical direction is formed. The upper end portion of the communication groove 29 communicates with the discharge port 28. The lower end portion of the communication groove 29 opens at the lower end edge of the upper outer cylinder portion 23. Note that the peripheral wall portion of the upper outer cylinder portion 23 penetrates the top wall portion of the lower outer cylinder portion 24.

[0021] The inner cylinder 22 is fitted into the outer cylinder 21 from below the outer cylinder 21. The inner cylinder 22 is formed in a multi-stage cylindrical shape with a larger diameter towards the lower part. Specifically, the inner cylinder 22 is arranged coaxially with the upper outer cylinder portion 23, and includes an upper inner cylinder portion 31 that is fitted into the upper outer cylinder portion 23 from below the upper outer cylinder portion 23, and a lower inner cylinder portion 32 (mounting cylinder) that continues downward from the upper inner cylinder portion 31 and is fitted into the lower outer cylinder portion 24 from below the lower outer cylinder portion 24.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper part of the upper inner cylinder portion 31 constitutes a small-diameter portion 34 with a smaller outer diameter than the lower part. Therefore, a communication passage S1 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the upper outer cylinder portion 23 and the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 34. The communication passage S1 connects between the discharge port 26 and the supply port 27. The upper end edge of the small-diameter portion 34 is close to or abuts against the top wall portion of the upper outer cylinder portion 23 from below the upper outer cylinder portion 23.

[0023] A valve seat portion 35 is provided projecting radially inward from the small diameter portion 34. The valve seat portion 35 is formed in a tapered cylindrical shape that extends downward as it extends radially inward. Within the inner cylinder 22, the space enclosed by the small diameter portion 34, the valve seat portion 35, and the top wall portion of the upper outer cylinder portion 23 defines a housing space 40 in which the ball valve 41 is housed. The ball valve 41 is a check valve that allows the flow of liquid from the vertical supply cylinder portion 14 to the injection cylinder portion 15 and restricts the flow of liquid from the injection cylinder portion 15 to the vertical supply cylinder portion 14. The ball valve 41 is configured to move toward and away from the valve seat portion 35 by the pressure and its own weight within the housing space 40. In this embodiment, the ball valve 41 is made of a material that has a specific gravity greater than water or the liquid housed in the container body 2, and that can seat on the valve seat portion 35 by its own weight when the ejection container 1 is in an upright position. In this embodiment, a metal material (for example, SUS) is preferably used for the ball valve 41.

[0024] The housing space 40 is connected to the aforementioned connecting passage S1 through a notch 42 formed on the upper edge of the small-diameter portion 34. The housing space 40 blocks communication between the inside of the upper inner cylinder portion 31 and the connecting passage S1 when the ball valve 41 is seated on the valve seat portion 35. The housing space 40 connects the inside of the upper inner cylinder portion 31 and the connecting passage S1 when the ball valve 41 is separated from the valve seat portion 35.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lower inner cylinder portion 32 is formed in a top-shaped cylinder having a top wall portion 32a and a circumferential wall portion 32b. In the top wall portion 32a of the lower inner cylinder portion 32, a first through-hole 48 is formed in the inner circumferential portion, penetrating the top wall portion 32a in the vertical direction. The lower end of the upper outer cylinder portion 23 is inserted into the first through-hole 48. The lower end of the upper outer cylinder portion 23 is positioned on the front side of the first through-hole 48. That is, the upper outer cylinder portion 23 partitions the space formed between the lower inner cylinder portion 32 and the lower outer cylinder portion 24 in the front-rear direction (radial direction). As a result, the communication groove 29 is open into the lower inner cylinder portion 32 through the first through-hole 48. Note that the lower end of the upper outer cylinder portion 23 does not have to be inserted into the first through-hole 48, as long as the communication groove 29 communicates with the first through-hole 48.

[0026] In the top wall portion 32a, a second through-hole 49 is formed in the portion located forward of the first through-hole 48. The second through-hole 49 communicates with the space between the lower inner cylinder portion 32 and the lower outer cylinder portion 24, which is radially outward from the upper outer cylinder portion 23. The space between the lower inner cylinder portion 32 and the lower outer cylinder portion 24, which is radially outward from the upper outer cylinder portion 23, is an intermediate space S2 adjacent to the second through-hole 49. A valve seat portion 182 (second valve seat) is provided on the inner surface of the second through-hole 49. The valve seat portion 182 decreases in diameter as it extends upward. A ball valve 164, which will be described later, can be seated on the valve seat portion 182 from below. The ball valve 164 opens and closes the upper end opening of the second through-hole 49 by moving toward and away from the valve seat portion 182.

[0027] An outer flange 51 is formed on the peripheral wall portion 32b of the lower inner cylinder portion 32, protruding radially outward. In this embodiment, the axes of the lower outer cylinder portion 24 and the lower inner cylinder portion 32 (hereinafter referred to as the second axis O2) are, for example, eccentrically forward with respect to the first axis O1.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the nozzle body 10 is equipped with a mounting cap 52 for attaching the nozzle 3 to the container body 2. The mounting cap 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction. The mounting cap 52 is attached (for example, screwed) to the opening 2a with the outer flange 51 sandwiched between it and the upper edge of the opening 2a.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the injection cylinder portion 15 is integrally formed with the upper outer cylinder portion 23. The injection cylinder portion 15 protrudes forward from the upper end of the upper outer cylinder portion 23. The inside of the injection cylinder portion 15 is connected to the connecting passage S1 through the discharge port 26.

[0030] The trigger mechanism 16 comprises a pump section 61 having a cylinder 71 and a piston 72, a trigger section 63, and an elastic plate section 64. The cylinder 71 is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening at the front. In the following description, the central axis of the cylinder 71 will be referred to as the cylinder axis O3. The cylinder axis O3 is aligned in the front-rear direction.

[0031] The cylinder 71 includes a housing cylinder 77 and a piston guide 78 that extend coaxially with the cylinder shaft O3, and a bottom wall portion 79 that connects the rear ends of the housing cylinder 77 and the piston guide 78.

[0032] The containment cylinder 77 is fitted into a cylinder holding cylinder 75 formed below the injection cylinder section 15. The containment cylinder 77 has an outside air intake hole 80 formed therein to introduce outside air into the container body 2, which becomes negatively pressurized after the liquid in the cylinder 71 flows out and then flows back into the cylinder 71. The cylinder holding cylinder 75 is formed integrally with the vertical supply cylinder section 14 and the injection cylinder section 15. The cylinder holding cylinder 75 is formed in the shape of a bottomed cylinder that opens forward. Specifically, the rear end opening of the cylinder section extending in the front-rear direction of the cylinder holding cylinder 75 is closed by the bottom wall. An outside air communication hole 82 is formed in the cylinder section. The outside air communication hole 82 penetrates the lower part of the cylinder section in the vertical direction and communicates with the intermediate space S2. The outside air communication hole 82 is offset in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction with respect to the second through hole 49. In the illustrated example, the outside air communication hole 82 is located in front of the second through hole 49 and is formed in the bottom wall of the upper outer cylinder portion 23. The housing cylinder 77 has both ends in the front-rear direction in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder holding cylinder 75. On the other hand, an annular gap P1 is formed in the central part in the front-rear direction between the outer circumferential surface of the housing cylinder 77 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder holding cylinder 75. The gap P1 communicates with the inside of the cylinder 71 through the outside air introduction hole 80. The gap P1 communicates with the second through hole 49 through the outside air communication hole 82 and the intermediate space S2.

[0033] A communication opening 81 is formed in the upper part of the bottom wall 79. The communication opening 81 is connected to the supply opening 27. The piston guide 78 protrudes forward from the inner circumferential edge of the bottom wall portion 79. The piston guide 78 is formed in a top-cylindrical shape that opens towards the rear. The rear end opening of the piston guide 78 communicates with the discharge port 28. A through hole 83 is formed in the top wall portion of the piston guide 78, penetrating the top wall portion in the front-rear direction. A recessed portion 84 is formed at the rear end of the piston guide 78, recessed toward the cylinder axis O3. The recessed portion 84 is formed intermittently in the circumferential direction. However, the recessed portion 84 may be formed around the entire circumference of the piston guide 78.

[0034] The piston 72 is housed within the housing cylinder 77 so as to be able to move back and forth. The piston 72 comprises a piston body 91, an internal sliding part 92, and an external sliding part 93. The piston body 91 is formed in a top-cylindrical shape that opens towards the rear. A piston guide 78 is inserted inside the piston body 91.

[0035] The internal sliding portion 92 extends toward the cylinder axis O3 from the rear end opening edge of the piston body 91 toward the rear. The rear end of the internal sliding portion 92 is configured to slide on the outer circumferential surface of the piston guide 78 as the piston 72 moves back and forth. The internal sliding portion 92 separates from the outer circumferential surface of the piston guide 78 when the piston 72 reaches its rearmost position. As a result, the inside of the piston body 91 and the inside of the cylinder 71 communicate through the space between the internal sliding portion 92 and the recessed portion 84.

[0036] The outer sliding part 93 is connected to the rear end of the piston body 91. The outer sliding part 93 surrounds the piston body 91. The outer sliding part 93 is formed in a tapered cylindrical shape, gradually increasing in diameter from the center in the front-rear direction towards the front and rear. Both the front and rear ends of the outer sliding part 93 are configured to slide on the inner circumferential surface of the housing cylinder 77 as the piston 72 moves back and forth. The outer sliding part 93 closes the outside air intake hole 80 when the piston 72 is in its foremost position. On the other hand, the outer sliding part 93 opens the outside air intake hole 80 when the piston 72 moves backward from its foremost position.

[0037] The trigger portion 63 extends while curving forward as it goes downward. The upper end of the trigger portion 63 is connected to the injection cylinder portion 15 via an upper plate member 65 attached to the upper surface of the injection cylinder portion 15 so as to be rotatable around an axis C1 extending in the left-right direction. The upper plate member 65 comprises an upper plate 65a fixed along the upper surface of the injection cylinder portion 15, and a pair of bearing portions 65b that project downward separately from both ends of the upper plate 65a in the left-right direction. The pair of bearing portions 65b rotatably support the upper end of the trigger portion 63. The central part of the trigger portion 63 in the vertical direction is connected to the front end of the piston body 91 so as to be rotatable around an axis C2 along the left-right direction and movable in the front-rear direction. The piston 72 moves back and forth relative to the cylinder 71 as the trigger portion 63 rotates around the axis C1.

[0038] The elastic plate portions 64 protrude downward from both left and right ends of the upper plate 65a of the upper plate member 65. The elastic plate portions 64 are interposed between the injection cylinder portion 15 and the trigger portion 63. The elastic plate portions 64 bias the trigger portion 63 forward around axis C1. In this embodiment, the upper plate 65a, the pair of bearing portions 65b, and the pair of elastic plate portions 64 are formed integrally, but they may be formed as separate parts.

[0039] The nozzle section 11 protrudes forward from the injection cylinder section 15. The nozzle section 11 comprises a connecting member 100, a nozzle body 101, and a pressure accumulator valve 102. The connecting member 100 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the front-rear direction. The front end of the injection cylinder portion 15 is fitted into the rear end of the connecting member 100 from behind.

[0040] The nozzle body 101 is formed in a top-opening cylindrical shape. The front end of the connecting member 100 is fitted inside the nozzle body 101. A discharge hole 101a is formed at the front end of the nozzle body 101.

[0041] The pressure accumulator valve 102 is housed in a space enclosed by the nozzle body 101 and the connecting member 100 (hereinafter referred to as the pressure accumulator chamber 115), biased forward by a coil spring 120, and is movable backward. The pressure accumulator valve 102 sits on the front wall of the nozzle body 101 and closes the ejection hole 101a. A small-diameter piston portion 102a is formed in the rear half of the pressure accumulator valve 102, and a large-diameter piston portion 102b is formed in the front half of the pressure accumulator valve 102. The pressure accumulator valve 102 applies the pressure of the liquid introduced into the pressure accumulator chamber 115 through the connecting member 100 to both piston portions 102a and 102b. When this pressure exceeds a certain level, the pressure accumulator valve 102 retracts due to the difference in the pressure-receiving area of ​​the two piston portions 102a and 102b, opening the ejection hole 101a.

[0042] The ejector 3 of this embodiment is equipped with a cover portion 130 as a blocking means for blocking communication between the outside through the ejection hole 101a and the inside of the nozzle portion 11. The cover portion 130 is disposed on the nozzle portion 11 and can be opened and closed from the front to close the ejection hole 101a. The upper end of the cover portion 130 is mounted on the front wall portion of the nozzle portion 11 so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the upright / inverted adapter 12 is attached to the lower end of the vertical supply cylinder 14. The upright / inverted adapter 12 enables the spraying of liquid from the container body 2 whether the spray container 1 is in an upright position (with the opening 2a facing upwards) or an inverted position (with the opening 2a facing downwards).

[0044] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the inverted / upright adapter 12 comprises a first mounting member 140 and a second mounting member 141 assembled in the vertical direction, and a partition member 142 that separates the first mounting member 140 and the second mounting member 141. The adapter body of this embodiment is composed of the first mounting member 140, the second mounting member 141, and the partition member 142.

[0045] The first mounting member 140 is formed in a multi-stage cylindrical shape, with the diameter decreasing towards the upper part. The first mounting member 140 comprises a small diameter section 145, a first flange 150, a medium diameter section 146, a second flange 152, and a large diameter section 147.

[0046] The small-diameter portion 145 is arranged coaxially with the first axis O1. The upper part of the small-diameter portion 145 is fitted into the upper inner cylinder portion 31. The first flange 150 protrudes radially outward from the portion of the small-diameter section 145 that is located above its lower edge.

[0047] The intermediate diameter portion 146 extends downward from the outer peripheral edge of the first flange 150. The intermediate diameter portion 146 is arranged coaxially with the second axis O2. The intermediate diameter portion 146 is fitted into the lower inner cylinder portion 32 from below. This closes the lower end opening of the lower inner cylinder portion 32. The space enclosed by the first mounting member 140 and the lower inner cylinder portion 32 functions as an intermediate space S3. The intermediate space S3 is separated from the intermediate space S2 by the top wall portion 32a. The intermediate space S3 is adjacent to the second through hole 49 on the opposite side of the intermediate space S2. The second flange 152 protrudes radially outward from the lower end edge of the middle diameter portion 146. The second flange 152 is close to or in contact with the lower end edge of the lower inner cylinder portion 32 (circumferential wall portion 32b).

[0048] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a connecting groove 146a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the middle diameter portion 146 and on the upper surface of the second flange 152. The connecting groove 146a extends across the outer circumferential surface of the middle diameter portion 146 and the upper surface of the second flange 152. The upper end opening of the connecting groove 146a communicates with the relay space S3. The lower end opening of the connecting groove 146a communicates with the inside of the container body 2. That is, the relay space S3 communicates with the inside of the container body 2 through the connecting groove 146a.

[0049] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the large-diameter portion 147 extends downward from the outer peripheral edge of the second flange 152. An inverted inlet 153 is formed at the front of the large-diameter portion 147 (forward of the second axis O2). The inverted inlet 153 penetrates the large-diameter portion 147 radially and communicates with the inside of the container body 2.

[0050] A through-hole 155 is formed in the first flange 150. The through-hole 155 penetrates the first flange 150 in the vertical direction. The through-hole 155 is located below the second through-hole 49 in the intermediate space S3. The through-hole 155 is formed to a size that allows the passage of the ball valve 164, which will be described later. The through-hole 155 communicates with the middle diameter portion 146.

[0051] The first mounting member 140 further comprises a pair of elastic pieces 154. The pair of elastic pieces 154 extend upward from the first flange 150 toward the intermediate space S3. The pair of elastic pieces 154 are spaced apart in the left-right direction, with the through hole 155 in between when viewed from above. Each elastic piece 154 has thickness in the left-right direction and is formed in a cantilever shape with its lower end, connected to the first flange 150, as a fixed end and its upper end as a free end. A sliding contact surface 154a is formed at the upper end of each elastic piece 154. The sliding contact surface 154a extends inward in the left-right direction as it goes downward from the upper edge of the elastic piece 154 (see Figure 6). The space sandwiched between the pair of elastic pieces 154 connects the through hole 155 and the intermediate space S3. The space sandwiched between the pair of elastic pieces 154 works in cooperation with the through hole 155 to form a communication hole 156 that connects the intermediate space S3 with the inside of the middle diameter portion 146.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, the partition member 142 has a first connecting tube 160 and a second connecting tube 161. The first connecting cylinder 160 is positioned coaxially with the first axis O1. The lower end of the small-diameter portion 145 (the portion that protrudes below the first flange 150) is fitted into the first connecting cylinder 160 from above.

[0053] The second connecting cylinder 161 is connected to the front of the first connecting cylinder 160. The second connecting cylinder 161 gradually decreases in diameter as it extends downward. In this embodiment, the space defined between the second connecting cylinder 161 and the first mounting member 140 constitutes the valve chamber 165 (second space). The valve chamber 165 communicates with the relay space S3 via the communication hole 156. The valve chamber 165 communicates with the inside of the container body 2 via the inverted inlet 153. A valve seat portion 162 (first valve seat) is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second connecting cylinder 161. The valve seat portion 162 is located below the communication hole 156 in the valve chamber 165. The valve seat portion 162 gradually decreases in diameter as it extends downward. A ball valve 164 that can seat on the valve seat portion 162 from above is arranged in the valve chamber 165. The ball valve 164 opens and closes the lower end opening of the second communication cylinder 161 by moving toward and away from the valve seat portion 162. The ball valve 164 is movable between the inside of the second communication cylinder 161 and the inside of the middle diameter portion 146. Furthermore, the ball valve 164 is movable between the valve chamber 165 and the relay space S3 by passing through the communication hole 156.

[0054] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the distance between the lower ends of the pair of elastic pieces 154 is greater than the diameter of the ball valve 164. The lower ends of the pair of elastic pieces 154 do not obstruct the movement of the ball valve 164 as it passes through the through hole 155 toward the relay space S3. The upper end of each elastic piece 154 is provided with a projection 154b that protrudes toward the inside of the communication hole 156. When the first mounting member 140 is not fitted into the lower inner cylinder portion 32, the distance between the pair of projections 154b is smaller than the diameter of the ball valve 164. The upper ends of the pair of elastic pieces 154 narrow the width of the communication hole 156, restricting the ball valve 164 from passing through the communication hole 156 toward the relay space S3.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, the second mounting member 141 has a closing portion 170 and a fixing cylinder 171. The closing portion 170 is formed in the shape of a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens upward. The closing portion 170 is fitted into the large-diameter portion 147 with the partition member 142 sandwiched in between.

[0056] The fixed cylinder 171 penetrates the bottom wall of the closure section 170 vertically at the rear of the closure section 170 (coaxial with the first axis O1). A suction pipe 175 is fitted to the lower part of the fixed cylinder 171. The upper end opening 171a (upright inlet) of the fixed cylinder 171 communicates with the first communication cylinder 160. Therefore, the first communication cylinder 160 communicates with the container body 2 through the fixed cylinder 171. On the other hand, the second communication cylinder 161 communicates with the container body 2 through the inverted inlet 153.

[0057] The space defined by the occluding portion 170, the fixed cylinder 171, and the second communicating cylinder 161 constitutes a connecting passage 177 that connects the valve chamber 165 and the fixed cylinder 171. The connecting passage 177 communicates with the inside of the fixed cylinder 171 through a slit 178 formed in the fixed cylinder 171. The space from the connecting passage 177 through the slit 178 to the small diameter portion 145 constitutes the first space in this embodiment.

[0058] The intermediate space S3 is connected to the intermediate space S2 through the second through hole 49. In this embodiment, the portion from the second through hole 49, the intermediate space S2, the outside air communication hole 82, the gap P1, and the outside air introduction hole 80 constitutes an outside air introduction passage. The outside air introduction passage allows the intermediate space S3 to communicate with the outside space. The intermediate space S3 is also connected to the communication groove 29 through the first through hole 48. In this embodiment, the portion from the first through hole 48, the communication groove 29, the discharge port 28, the inside of the piston guide 78, and the portion from the through hole 83 of the piston guide 78 constitutes a recovery passage. The recovery passage allows communication between the inside of the cylinder 71 and the intermediate space S3. The outside air introduction passage and the recovery passage are connected to the inside of the container body 2 through a connecting groove 146a formed in the first mounting member 140.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lower inner cylinder portion 32 is provided with a pair of release protrusions 33. The pair of release protrusions 33 extend downward from the top wall portion 32a. The pair of release protrusions 33 are spaced apart in the left-right direction, sandwiching the second through-hole 49 when viewed from below. Each release protrusion 33 extends along the front-rear direction. The distance between the pair of release protrusions 33 is greater than the diameter of the ball valve 164. The pair of release protrusions 33 do not obstruct the vertical movement of the ball valve 164 between the relay space S3 and the second through-hole 49.

[0060] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, each release projection 33 is in contact with the upper end of the elastic piece 154 on the same side. The release projection 33 contacts the sliding surface 154a of the elastic piece 154 from the inside in the left-right direction, pushing the elastic piece 154 outward in the left-right direction. The elastic piece 154, pushed by the release projection 33, is elastically deformed so as to bend outward in the left-right direction. As the pair of elastic pieces 154 are pushed outward in the left-right direction, the distance between the pair of protrusions 154b becomes greater than the diameter of the ball valve 164. In this way, the release projection 33 widens the width of the communication hole 156 by deforming the elastic piece 154, and releases the restriction on the passage of the ball valve 164.

[0061] Next, the operation of the ejection container 1 will be explained. In the upright position of the ejection vessel 1, the ball valve 41 is seated on the valve seat portion 35 by its own weight, and the ball valve 164 is seated on the valve seat portion 162 by its own weight. By seating on the valve seat portion 162, the ball valve 164 blocks communication between the connecting passage 177 and the valve chamber 165, restricting the flow of fluid from the valve chamber 165 to the connecting passage 177. By moving away from the valve seat portion 162, the ball valve 164 connects the connecting passage 177 and the valve chamber 165, allowing the flow of fluid from the connecting passage 177 to the valve chamber 165.

[0062] In the upright position of the ejection container 1, to eject the liquid inside the container body 2, the trigger portion 63 is pulled backward against the biasing force of the elastic plate portion 64. As the trigger portion 63 moves backward, the piston 72 retracts, pressurizing the inside of the cylinder 71. When the inside of the cylinder 71 is pressurized, the liquid inside the cylinder 71 flows into the containment space 40 through the connecting passage S1, pressing the ball valve 41 against the valve seat portion 35. This blocks communication between the inside of the container body 2 and the connecting passage S1. As a result, the liquid inside the cylinder 71 is introduced into the injection cylinder portion 15 through the connecting passage S1. The liquid introduced into the injection cylinder portion 15 is ejected from the ejection hole 101a through the nozzle portion 11.

[0063] When the operation of pulling the trigger 63 is stopped, the supply of liquid from inside the cylinder 71 to the injection cylinder 15 through the connecting passage S1 of the vertical supply cylinder 14 is stopped. The trigger 63 then moves forward due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic plate 64. As the trigger 63 moves forward, the piston 72 moves forward, creating negative pressure inside the cylinder 71. At this time, the negative pressure generated inside the cylinder 71 causes the ball valve 41 to separate from the valve seat 35, and the liquid in the container body 2 flows into the inverted adapter 12 through the suction pipe 175. The liquid that has flowed into the inverted adapter 12 is introduced into the cylinder 71 through the connecting passage S1 and the communication port 81 (supply port 27). This prepares the cylinder for the next injection.

[0064] When the ejection container 1 is changed from an upright position to an inverted position, the ball valve 41 separates from the valve seat portion 35 due to its own weight. Also, the ball valve 164 separates from the valve seat portion 162 due to its own weight and moves from the valve chamber 165 to the relay space S3 through the communication hole 156, and sits on the valve seat portion 182 (see dashed line in Figure 3).

[0065] In the inverted position of the ejection container 1, the ball valve 164 seats on the valve seat 182, blocking communication between the intermediate space S2 and the relay space S3, and restricting the flow of fluid from the relay space S3 to the intermediate space S2. In addition, in the inverted position of the ejection container 1, a negative pressure is generated in the relay space S3 relative to the intermediate space S2, causing the ball valve 164 to move away from the valve seat 182. By moving away from the valve seat 182, the ball valve 164 connects the intermediate space S2 and the relay space S3, allowing the flow of fluid from the intermediate space S2 to the relay space S3.

[0066] Even when the ejection container 1 is in an inverted position, pulling the trigger 63 backward pressurizes the inside of the cylinder 71. As a result, the liquid inside the cylinder 71 and the connecting passage S1 is introduced into the injection cylinder 15 and the containment space 40, respectively. At this time, the gap between the ball valve 41 and the valve seat 35 is set so that the flow resistance when passing through the injection cylinder 15 is smaller than the flow resistance when passing through the gap between the ball valve 41 and the valve seat 35. Therefore, the liquid is actively introduced into the injection cylinder 15 and ejected from the ejection hole 101a as described above.

[0067] On the other hand, when the trigger section 63 returns to its forward position after the liquid has been ejected, negative pressure is generated inside the cylinder 71, similar to the upright position described above. As a result, the liquid that has flowed into the valve chamber 165 through the inverted inlet 153 flows into the first connecting cylinder 160 through the lower end opening, connecting passage 177, and slit 178 of the second connecting cylinder 161. The liquid that has flowed into the first connecting cylinder 160 flows through the inner cylinder 22 and is then introduced into the cylinder 71 through the connecting passage S1 and the connecting port 81 (supply port 27). This prepares the cylinder for the next injection.

[0068] When the ejection container 1 is changed from an inverted position to an upright position, the ball valve 164 moves away from the valve seat portion 182 due to its own weight in the upright position of the ejection container 1, and moves from the relay space S3 to the valve chamber 165 through the communication hole 156, and sits on the valve seat portion 162.

[0069] Furthermore, when the liquid inside the container 2 is drawn up through the suction pipe 175, a negative pressure is generated inside the container 2. This negative pressure inside the container 2 acts on the intermediate space S3. When the piston 72 is positioned behind its foremost position, the outside air intake hole 80 is in communication with the outside space through the cylinder 71. At this time, the ball valve 164 connects the intermediate space S2 and the intermediate space S3. Specifically, in the upright position of the ejection container 1, the ball valve 164 is separated from the valve seat 182 by its own weight and connects the intermediate space S2 and the intermediate space S3. In the inverted position of the ejection container 1, although the ball valve 164 is seated on the valve seat 182 by its own weight, the pressure difference between the intermediate space S2 and the intermediate space S3 causes it to separate from the valve seat 182 and connect the intermediate space S2 and the intermediate space S3. Therefore, the negative pressure inside the container body 2 acts from the relay space S3 to the outside air introduction passage (the space leading from the second through-hole 49, intermediate space S2, outside air communication hole 82, gap P1, and outside air introduction hole 80). As a result, outside air is introduced into the container body 2 through the outside air introduction passage and the relay space S3 (air replacement occurs).

[0070] However, in the ejector 3 having a pressure accumulator valve 102, during priming (discharging air from the cylinder 71 and introducing liquid into the cylinder 71), the air discharged from the cylinder 71 may not completely escape through the ejection hole 101a and may move back and forth between the cylinder 71 and the vertical supply cylinder section 14 or the injection cylinder section 15. In this case, it is difficult to smoothly introduce liquid into the cylinder 71.

[0071] In contrast, in this embodiment, when the trigger portion 63 is moved to its rearmost position, the inside of the piston body 91 and the inside of the cylinder 71 communicate through the space between the internal sliding portion 92 and the recessed portion 84. As a result, the inside of the cylinder 71 and the inside of the container body 2 communicate through the recovery passage (the space leading to the first through-hole 48, the communication groove 29, the discharge port 28, the inside of the piston guide 78, and the through-hole 83 of the piston guide 78), the relay space S3, and the connecting groove 146a. Therefore, during priming, the air present in the cylinder 71 is discharged into the container body 2 through the recovery passage, the relay space S3, and the connecting groove 146a. As a result, liquid can be smoothly introduced into the cylinder 71.

[0072] In this embodiment, the ejector 3 has a ball valve 164 that blocks communication between the relay space S3 and the outside space when the container body 2 is inverted. With this configuration, even if liquid flows from inside the container body 2 into the relay space S3 when the container body 2 is inverted, the ball valve 164 can prevent the liquid from reaching the outside space through the outside air intake passage by seating on the valve seat 182. As a result, even when an adapter 12 for forward and inverted orientation is provided, leakage of liquid to the outside through the relay space S3 and the outside air intake passage can be suppressed.

[0073] Furthermore, since the ball valve 164 can move between the relay space S3 and the valve chamber 165 through the communication hole 156, it is possible to seat a single ball valve 164 on the valve seat portion 182 and the valve seat portion 162. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts compared to a trigger-type liquid dispenser that has a separate ball valve seated on the valve seat portion 182 and a ball valve seated on the valve seat portion 162.

[0074] Furthermore, when the first mounting member 140 is not fitted into the lower inner cylinder portion 32, the release projection 33 provided on the lower inner cylinder portion 32 separates from the first mounting member 140, allowing the elastic piece 154 to narrow the width of the communication hole 156. As a result, for example, when the inverted adapter 12 is in an inverted position, the elastic piece 154 restricts the ball valve 164 from passing through the communication hole 156, as shown by the dashed line in Figures 4 and 6. Therefore, when the first mounting member 140 is not fitted into the lower inner cylinder portion 32, it is possible to prevent the ball valve 164, which is located in the valve chamber 165, from falling out of the inverted adapter 12 through the communication hole 156. By assembling the inverted adapter 12, in which the ball valve 164 is positioned in the valve chamber 165, to the lower inner cylinder portion 32, the release projection 33 engages with the elastic piece 154, widening the width of the communication hole 156, thereby allowing the ball valve 164 to move between the intermediate space S3 and the valve chamber 165. Therefore, in the ejector 3 that achieves the above effects, the handling of parts during assembly can be made easier.

[0075] The first mounting member 140 is fitted into the lower inner cylinder portion 32 from below. The elastic piece 154 is formed in a cantilever shape, extending upward with its upper end being a free end. The release projection 33 extends downward from the lower inner cylinder portion 32 and slides against the elastic piece 154, deforming the elastic piece 154 in the direction of widening the communication hole 156. With this configuration, by fitting the first mounting member 140 into the lower inner cylinder portion 32, the release projection 33 can slide against the cantilever-shaped elastic piece 154. As a result, simply by fitting the first mounting member 140 into the lower inner cylinder portion 32, the release projection 33 can be engaged with the elastic piece 154, and the elastic piece 154 can be deformed in the direction of widening the communication hole 156. Therefore, the restriction on the passage of the ball valve 164 through the communication hole 156 by the release projection 33 can be easily released.

[0076] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above with reference to the drawings, and various modifications are conceivable within its technical scope. For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the inside of the piston body 91 and the inside of the cylinder 71 communicate through the recessed portion 84 when the piston 72 reaches the rearmost position, but the configuration is not limited to this. The position of the piston 72 is not limited as long as the inside of the piston body 91 and the inside of the cylinder 71 communicate at least in part. For example, the inside of the piston body 91 and the inside of the cylinder 71 may communicate via a piston guide 78 or a groove formed in the internal sliding portion 92.

[0077] Furthermore, although the ejector 3 has a pressure accumulator valve 102 in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In other words, the present invention may be applied to an ejector that does not have a pressure accumulator valve structure.

[0078] In the above embodiment, a pair of elastic pieces 154 are arranged with a gap between them in the left-right direction, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the pair of elastic pieces may be arranged with a gap between them in the front-back direction. Furthermore, only one elastic piece may be provided. In this case, a substantially non-deformable wall may be provided at a position opposite the elastic piece across the communication hole, and the distance between the elastic piece and the wall may be configured to change due to the deformation of the elastic piece.

[0079] In the above embodiment, a projection 154b is provided at the upper end of the elastic piece 154 to narrow the width of the communication hole 156, but the projection 154b is not essential. For example, the pair of elastic pieces may narrow the width of the communication hole by extending inward from the lower end, which is the fixed end, upward.

[0080] Furthermore, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 2…Container body 3…Discharger (trigger-type liquid dispenser) 10…Discharger body 11…Nozzle part 12…Adapter for forward and inverted orientation 14…Vertical supply cylinder part 16…Trigger mechanism 33…Release projection 41…Ball valve 63…Trigger part 71…Cylinder 72…Piston 75…Cylinder retaining cylinder 91…Piston body 92…Inner sliding part (sliding part) 93…Outer sliding part (sliding part) 101a…Discharge hole 140…First mounting member (adapter body) 141…Second mounting member (adapter body) 142…Partition member (adapter body) 153…Inverted inlet 154…Elastic piece 156…Communication hole 162…Valve seat part (first valve seat) 164…Ball valve 182…Valve seat part (second valve seat) S3…Relay space

Claims

1. It has a vertical supply cylinder that extends in the vertical direction and through which liquid drawn up from the container body flows, and a dispenser body that is attached to the container body, A nozzle section is provided in front of the main body of the dispenser, and has a nozzle hole formed therein for ejecting liquid, An adapter for forward and inverted orientation attached to the lower end of the vertical supply cylinder, Equipped with, The aforementioned ejector body is The trigger mechanism has a trigger portion positioned in front of the vertical supply cylinder portion so as to be movable backward in a forward biased state, and the movement of the trigger portion backward causes the liquid to flow toward the ejection hole, A cylindrical piston body linked to the trigger section, and a piston having a sliding part connected to the piston body, which moves back and forth in conjunction with the back and forth movement of the trigger section, A cylinder in which the sliding part slides as the piston moves back and forth, thereby pressurizing or depressurizing, Equipped with, The aforementioned adapter for forward and inverted orientation is A first space is defined that connects the container body and the inside of the vertical supply cylinder, and a second space is defined that connects the inside of the container body and the first space through an inverted inlet, and an adapter body is fitted into the lower end of the vertical supply cylinder, A ball valve located in the second space, Equipped with, The vertical supply cylinder portion has a mounting cylinder into which the adapter body is fitted, and which forms a relay space between itself and the adapter body that communicates with the inside of the container. The ejector body has an outside air intake passage that passes between the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder holding cylinder that holds the cylinder and the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder, connecting the external space and the relay space. The adapter body is A partition member having a first valve seat formed on which the ball valve located in the second space can be seated, A first mounting member is formed which has an intermediate space between it and the mounting cylinder, and a second space between it and the partition member, and which connects the intermediate space and the second space and has a communication hole through which the ball valve can pass, It has, The first mounting member has an elastic piece that can narrow the width of the communication hole and restrict the passage of the ball valve, The mounting cylinder has a release projection that engages with the elastic piece and deforms the elastic piece to widen the width of the communication hole and release the restriction on the passage of the ball valve, A second valve seat is formed in the outside air intake passage on which the ball valve located in the relay space can be seated. The aforementioned ball valve is When the container body is upright, it sits on the first valve seat and blocks communication between the first space and the second space, and when the container body is inverted, it moves away from the first valve seat and allows communication between the first space and the second space. When the container body is upright, it moves away from the second valve seat, allowing the relay space and the external space to communicate; when the container body is inverted, it sits on the second valve seat, blocking communication between the relay space and the external space. Trigger-type liquid dispenser.

2. The first mounting member is fitted into the mounting cylinder from below the mounting cylinder. The elastic piece is formed in a cantilevered shape, extending upward with its upper end being a free end. The release projection extends downward from the mounting cylinder and slides against the elastic piece, causing the elastic piece to deform in the direction of widening the communication hole. The trigger-type liquid dispenser according to claim 1.

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