Injection device

Abstract

The present invention provides a dispensing device that prevents the stopper member from accidentally coming loose from the spout after the stopper member has been separated from the dispensing cylinder and the spout has been closed by fitting the stopper member's fitting portion into the spout. [Solution] A dispensing device 1 has a stopper member 12 integrally provided at the tip of the dispensing cylinder 10 via a breakable weakened portion 11, and by rotating the stopper member 12 and twisting off the weakened portion 11, the stopper member 12 is separated from the dispensing cylinder 10, and a dispensing outlet is formed at the tip of the dispensing cylinder 10, wherein the stopper member 12 has a fitting portion 23 that can be fitted into and removed from the dispensing outlet when separated from the dispensing cylinder 10, and the fitting portion 23 fitted into the dispensing outlet A retaining mechanism 32 is provided to prevent the stopper from coming out. The retaining mechanism 32 has a first locking part 33 provided on the dispensing cylinder 10 and a second locking part 34 provided on the stopper member 12. The stopper member 12 can be switched between a retaining state in which the second locking part 34 catches on the first locking part 33 and a release state in which the second locking part 34 does not catch on the first locking part 33 by rotating the stopper member 12 with the fitting part 23 fitted into the dispensing outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing device in which a plug member is integrally provided at the tip of a dispensing cylinder via a weakened portion, and by turning the plug member to twist and break the weakened portion, the plug member is separated from the dispensing cylinder, and a discharge port is formed at the tip of the dispensing cylinder.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a dispensing device of this type, for example, as described in Patent Document 1 below, there is one in which a dispensing cylinder is provided on a cap body, and a plug member (plug body) is integrally provided at the tip of the dispensing cylinder via a breakable weakened portion (annular thin-walled portion). According to this, by turning the plug member to twist and break the weakened portion, the plug member is separated from the dispensing cylinder, and a discharge port is formed at the tip of the dispensing cylinder. The plug member has a fitting portion (cylindrical portion) that can be fitted into and removed from the discharge port of the dispensing cylinder in a state of being separated from the dispensing cylinder.

[0003] According to this, after separating the plug member from the dispensing cylinder and discharging the liquid in the container from the discharge port of the dispensing cylinder to the outside, by fitting the fitting portion of the plug member into the discharge port, the discharge port is closed by the plug member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above conventional form, after separating the plug member from the dispensing cylinder, when the plug member is subjected to an impact, for example, by accidentally tipping the container with the discharge port closed by the plug member, there is a risk that the fitting portion of the plug member will inadvertently come out of the discharge port due to this impact.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a dispensing device that prevents the stopper member from unintentionally coming out of the spout after the stopper member has been separated from the dispensing cylinder and the spout has been closed by fitting the stopper member's fitting portion into the spout. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the present invention comprises a dispensing cylinder capable of dispensing a fluid contained within a container, and a stopper member integrally provided at the tip of the dispensing cylinder via a breakable weakening portion. A dispensing device in which a stopper member is rotated around the axis of the dispensing cylinder to twist off the weakened portion, thereby separating the stopper member from the dispensing cylinder and forming a dispensing outlet at the tip of the dispensing cylinder, The stopper member, when separated from the dispensing cylinder, has a fitting portion that can be fitted into and detached from the spout of the dispensing cylinder. A retaining mechanism is provided on both the dispensing cylinder and the stopper member to prevent the stopper member, which is fitted into the spout of the dispensing cylinder, from coming out of the dispensing cylinder. The retaining mechanism has a first retaining part provided on the dispensing cylinder and a second retaining part provided on the stopper member. The stopper member is characterized in that, when the fitting portion is fitted into the spout, it can be rotated around the axis of the dispensing cylinder, thereby switching between a state in which the second locking portion catches on the first locking portion in the direction of removal of the fitting portion, and a state in which the second locking portion does not catch on the first locking portion.

[0008] According to this method, by rotating the stopper member to twist off the weakened portion and separating the stopper member from the dispensing cylinder, a spout is formed at the tip of the dispensing cylinder.

[0009] Subsequently, the spout is closed by fitting the stopper member's fitting portion into the spout of the dispensing cylinder. In this state, by rotating the stopper member to switch to the locking position, the second locking portion catches on the first locking portion in the direction of removal of the fitting portion, thus preventing the stopper member's fitting portion from unintentionally coming out of the spout.

[0010] Furthermore, by rotating the stopper member to switch to the release state, the second locking part separates from the first locking part and does not catch on the first locking part, so the fitted part of the stopper member can be easily pulled out from the spout and the spout can be opened.

[0011] According to the dispensing device of the present invention, in the locked state, the position of the second locking portion coincides with the position of the first locking portion in the rotational direction of the stopper member. In the release state, it is preferable that the position of the second latch is offset from the position of the first latch in the rotational direction of the stopper member.

[0012] According to this, by rotating the stopper member to switch to the locking position, the position of the second locking part coincides with the position of the first locking part, and the second locking part catches on the first locking part in the direction of removing the stopper member. Furthermore, by rotating the stopper member to switch to the release state, the position of the second latch shifts from the position of the first latch, preventing the second latch from engaging with the first latch.

[0013] According to the dispensing device of the present invention, the first locking portion is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the dispensing cylinder. The second locking portion is preferably located on the outer surface of the dispensing cylinder, facing the outer circumferential surface of the dispensing cylinder from the radially outer side of the dispensing cylinder.

[0014] According to the dispensing device of the present invention, the first locking portion is a projection provided on the outer surface of the dispensing cylinder, The second locking portion is preferably a recess provided in the plug member.

[0015] According to this, by rotating the stopper member to switch to the locking position, the recessed part catches on the protruding part, thus preventing the stopper member's fitting portion from unintentionally coming out of the spout.

[0016] Furthermore, by rotating the stopper member to release the locking mechanism, the recess separates from the protrusion, preventing it from catching on the protrusion. This allows the stopper member's fitting portion to be easily pulled out of the spout, thus opening the spout.

[0017] According to the pouring device of the present invention, it is preferable that a rotation prevention mechanism for preventing the rotation of the plug member in the plugged state is provided.

[0018] According to this, when the plug member is switched to the plugged state, the rotation of the plug member is restricted by the rotation prevention mechanism, so the plug member is kept in the plugged state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the plug member from rotating inadvertently due to, for example, vibration or the like and being switched from the plugged state to the unplugged state.

[0019] According to the pouring device of the present invention, in a state where the plug member is separated from the pouring cylinder, a plugged position where the fitting portion of the plug member fitted into the pouring outlet is prevented from coming off is set. When the plug member separated from the pouring cylinder is rotated, a guiding mechanism for guiding the second latching portion to the plugged position is provided on the pouring cylinder. The first latching portion is preferably in the plugged position and constitutes a part of the guiding mechanism.

[0020] According to this, when the fitting portion of the plug member is fitted into the pouring outlet of the pouring cylinder and the plug member is rotated to switch to the plugged state, the second latching portion is guided to the plugged position by the guiding mechanism, so it surely moves to a position where it catches on the first latching portion.

[0021] Thereby, it is possible to surely prevent the second latching portion from catching on the first latching portion in the direction of removal of the plug member and the fitting portion of the plug member from inadvertently coming out of the pouring outlet.

[0022] According to the pouring device of the present invention, the plugged position is set at the end portion of the guiding mechanism. The guiding mechanism has a guiding groove that is long in the circumferential direction of the pouring cylinder and reaches the plugged position from the start end portion to the end portion of the guiding mechanism. The second latching portion is preferably a protrusion that is inserted into the guiding groove and guided.

[0023] According to this, when the fitting portion of the plug member is fitted into the pouring outlet of the pouring cylinder and the plug member is rotated to switch to the plugged state, the protrusion is guided to the plugged position by the guiding groove, so it surely moves to a position where it catches on the first latching portion.

[0024] This ensures that the protrusion securely catches on the first locking portion in the direction of removal of the stopper member, preventing the fitted portion of the stopper member from unintentionally coming out of the spout.

[0025] According to the dispensing device of the present invention, the retention position is set at the end of the guide mechanism. Preferably, the guide mechanism is inclined from the starting end in the fitting direction so that the fitting portion of the stopper member fits into the spout of the dispensing cylinder, until it reaches the retaining position at the end.

[0026] According to this, when the stopper member is rotated to switch to the locked position, the second locking part is guided to the locked position by the guide mechanism, as well as guided in the insertion direction. As a result, the insertion part of the stopper member is securely fitted into the spout of the dispensing cylinder, and the second locking part moves securely to the position where it catches on the first locking part. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] As described above, according to the present invention, after separating the stopper member from the dispensing cylinder, the fitting portion of the stopper member can be fitted into the spout to close the spout, preventing the fitting portion of the stopper member from unintentionally coming out of the spout. This prevents the sealed spout from opening unintentionally and the contents of the container from leaking out. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the dispensing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a side view of the dispensing device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the dispensing device viewed from an oblique angle above. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the dispensing device viewed from a diagonal angle below. [Figure 5] The same is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device, showing that the dispensing cylinder and the stopper member are integrally connected via a weakened section. [Figure 6] The same is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device, showing the weakened section broken and the stopper member separated from the dispensing cylinder. [Figure 7] The same is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the dispensing device, showing the state in which the fitting portion of the stopper member, separated from the dispensing cylinder, is fitted into the dispensing outlet of the dispensing cylinder. [Figure 8] This is a schematic plan view showing the positional relationship between the protrusion and recess of the retaining mechanism when the stopper member of the dispensing device is switched to the release state. [Figure 9] This is a schematic plan view showing the positional relationship between the protrusion and recess of the retaining mechanism when the stopper member of the dispensing device is switched to the retaining state. [Figure 10] The same is a side view of a partially cut-out dispensing device, showing the state in which the stopper member has been switched to the retaining position. [Figure 11] This is a front view of a dispensing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a side view of the dispensing device. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing the dispensing device viewed from an oblique angle above. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing the dispensing device viewed from a diagonal angle below. [Figure 15] This is a schematic plan view showing the positional relationship between the protrusion and recess of the retaining mechanism when the stopper member of the dispensing device is switched to the release state. [Figure 16] This is a schematic plan view showing the positional relationship between the protrusion and recess of the retaining mechanism when the stopper member of the dispensing device is switched to the retaining state. [Figure 17] The same is a side view of the dispensing device, showing the stopper member in the locked position. [Figure 18] This is a front view of the dispensing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a schematic plan view showing the positional relationship between the second projection of the retaining mechanism and the guide groove of the guide mechanism when the stopper member of the dispensing device is switched to the release state. [Figure 20] The same is a partially cut-out front view of the dispensing device, showing the state when the stopper member is switched to the retaining position. [Figure 21]This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the dispensing device, showing the state when the stopper member is switched to the retaining position. [Figure 22] This is a schematic plan view showing the positional relationship between the second projection of the release mechanism and the guide groove of the guide mechanism when the stopper member of the dispensing device is switched to the release state. [Figure 23] This is a front view of the dispensing device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This is a side view of the dispensing device. [Figure 25] This is a diagram showing the dispensing device viewed from a diagonal angle below. [Figure 26] The same is a partially cut-out front view of the dispensing device, showing the state when the stopper member is switched to the retaining position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment)

[0030] In the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, 1 is a dispensing device provided in, for example, a bag-shaped container 2. The container 2 contains a liquid (an example of a fluid) such as liquid detergent.

[0031] The dispensing device 1 includes a dispensing cylinder 10 capable of dispensing liquid (not shown) from the container 2, and a stopper member 12 integrally provided at the tip of the dispensing cylinder 10 via a breakable weakening portion 11.

[0032] By rotating the stopper member 12 around the axis 14 of the dispensing cylinder 10 and twisting off the weakened portion 11, the stopper member 12 separates from the dispensing cylinder 10, as shown in Figure 6, and a dispensing outlet 15 is formed at the tip of the dispensing cylinder 10.

[0033] Here, as shown in Figure 5, the direction of the axis 14 passing through the center of the dispensing cylinder 10 is defined as the vertical direction 5, the direction perpendicular to the axis 14 is defined as the radial direction 6, and as shown in Figure 3, the circumferential direction centered on the axis 14 is defined as the circumferential direction 7.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the dispensing cylinder 10 has a rhomboid-shaped welded portion 17 for connecting to the container 2, and a cylindrical portion 18 provided on the welded portion 17. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a small-diameter portion 19 with a reduced inner diameter is formed at the upper end (tip) of the cylindrical portion 18.

[0035] The plug member 12 has a circular body portion 22, a cylindrical fitting portion 23 provided at the lower end of the body portion 22, and a pair (2) of knob portions 24 provided on the outer circumference of the body portion 22. A flange portion 26 is formed at the upper end of the body portion 22, protruding outward in the radial direction 6.

[0036] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the fitting portion 23 can be fitted into and removed from the spout 15 when the stopper member 12 is separated from the dispensing cylinder 10. The outer circumferential surface of the fitting portion 23 has a projection 27 that protrudes outward in the radial direction 6, and a recess 28 located between the bottom surface 22a of the body portion 22 and the projection 27, both formed around its entire circumference.

[0037] Each of the knobs 24 extends from the outer circumference of the body 22 downwards from the bottom surface 22a of the body 22. The cylindrical portion 18 of the dispensing cylinder 10 is positioned between the lower parts of the pair of knobs 24. As shown in Figure 5, the weakened portion 11 is an annular thin-walled portion, and the upper end (tip) of the cylindrical portion 18 and the lower end (tip) of the fitting portion 23 are connected via the weakened portion 11.

[0038] A retaining mechanism 32 is provided on both the dispensing cylinder 10 and the stopper member 12 to prevent the fitting portion 23 (see Figure 7) of the stopper member 12, which is fitted into the spout 15 of the dispensing cylinder 10, from coming off the dispensing cylinder 10 unintentionally.

[0039] The retaining mechanism 32 has a plurality of protrusions 33 (a total of 2 in Figure 8) provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 18 of the dispensing cylinder 10 (an example of a first retaining portion), and a plurality of recesses 34 (a total of 2 in Figure 8) provided on the knob portion 24 of the stopper member 12 (an example of a second retaining portion). The recess 34 faces the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 18 from the outside in the radial direction 6.

[0040] As shown in Figure 7, the stopper member 12 can be switched between a retained state A (see Figures 9 and 10) and a released state B (see Figures 7 and 8) by rotating it around the axis 14 with the fitting portion 23 fitted into the spout 15.

[0041] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in the retaining state A, the position of the recess 34 coincides with the position of the projection 33 in the rotational direction of the plug member 12, and the recess 34 catches on the projection 33 in the removal direction 36 (upward in Figure 10) of the fitting portion 23.

[0042] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in the release state B, the position of the recess 34 is shifted from the position of the projection 33 in the rotational direction of the plug member 12, so that the recess 34 does not catch on the projection 33. The following explains the operation of the above configuration. When the dispensing device 1 is unopened, the stopper member 12 is integrally connected to the dispensing cylinder 10 via the weakening portion 11, as shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0043] When opening the dispensing device 1 for the first time (initial opening), the user grasps the pinch portion 24 with their fingers, rotates the stopper member 12 to twist off the weakening portion 11, and separates the stopper member 12 from the dispensing cylinder 10 as shown by the dashed lines in Figures 1 and 2. As a result, as shown in Figure 6, a spout 15 is formed at the tip of the dispensing cylinder 10, and the liquid in the container 2 can be dispensed to the outside from the spout 15.

[0044] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 7, the spout 15 is closed by fitting the fitting portion 23 of the stopper member 12 into the spout 15. At this time, the projection 27 of the stopper member 12 passes through the small diameter portion 19 of the dispensing cylinder 10, and the small diameter portion 19 fits into the recess 28 of the stopper member 12.

[0045] In this state, by rotating the stopper member 12 in one direction 38 as shown in Figure 8 and switching to the retaining state A as shown in Figure 9, the position of the recess 34 aligns with the position of the projection 33, and as shown in Figure 10, the recess 34 catches on the projection 33 in the removal direction 36 of the fitting part 23, thereby preventing the fitting part 23 from unintentionally coming out of the spout 15. This prevents the closed spout 15 from opening unintentionally and prevents the liquid inside the container 2 from leaking out of the spout 15.

[0046] Subsequently, when opening the dispensing device 1 again, the stopper member 12 is rotated in the other direction 39 (see Figure 9) to switch from the retained state A (see Figures 9 and 10) to the released state B (see Figures 7 and 8). This causes the position of the recess 34 to shift circumferentially 7 away from the position of the projection 33, and the recess 34 separates from the projection 33 and does not catch on the projection 33. As a result, the fitting portion 23 of the stopper member 12 can be easily pulled out of the spout 15, and the spout 15 can be opened.

[0047] In the first embodiment described above, the projection 33 is an example of a first latching portion and the recess 34 is an example of a second latching portion. However, the recess 34 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 18 of the dispensing cylinder 10 as an example of a first latching portion, and the projection 33 may be provided on the knob portion 24 of the stopper member 12 as an example of a second latching portion. (Second Embodiment)

[0048] In the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 11 to 15, the retaining mechanism 32 has a plurality of protrusions 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d (a total of four in Figure 15) provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 18 of the dispensing cylinder 10 (an example of a first retaining portion), and a plurality of recesses 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d (a total of four in Figure 15) provided on the knob portion 24 of the stopper member 12 (an example of a second retaining portion).

[0049] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the pair of protrusions 33a and 33b are arranged opposite each other in the circumferential direction 7, and the remaining pair of protrusions 33c and 33d are similarly arranged opposite each other in the circumferential direction 7. The pair of protrusions 33a and 33b and the pair of protrusions 33c and 33d are arranged on opposite sides separated by 180°. An inclined surface 51 is formed on the outer periphery of each of these protrusions 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d.

[0050] The pair of recesses 34a and 34b are formed at both ends in the circumferential direction 7 of one of the knob portions 24, and the remaining pair of recesses 34c and 34d are formed at both ends in the circumferential direction 7 of the other knob portion 24.

[0051] The stopper member 12 can be switched between a retained state A (see Figures 16 and 17) and a released state B (see solid line in Figure 15) by rotating it around the axis 14 with the fitting portion 23 fitted into the spout 15.

[0052] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, in the retaining state A, the position of the first recess 34a coincides with the position of the first projection 33a, the position of the second recess 34b coincides with the position of the second projection 33b, the position of the third recess 34c coincides with the position of the third projection 33c, and the position of the fourth recess 34d coincides with the position of the fourth projection 33d.

[0053] As a result, the first recess 34a catches on the first projection 33a in the removal direction 36 of the fitting portion 23, the second recess 34b catches on the second projection 33b in the removal direction 36, the third recess 34c catches on the third projection 33c in the removal direction 36, and the fourth recess 34d catches on the fourth projection 33d in the removal direction 36.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown by the solid line in Figure 15, in the release state B, the position of the first recess 34a is shifted 7 circumferentially from the position of the first protrusion 33a, the position of the second recess 34b is shifted 7 circumferentially from the position of the second protrusion 33b, the position of the third recess 34c is shifted 7 circumferentially from the position of the third protrusion 33c, and the position of the fourth recess 34d is shifted 7 circumferentially from the position of the fourth protrusion 33d.

[0055] As a result, the first recess 34a is spaced apart from the first protrusion 33a and does not catch on the first protrusion 33a, the second recess 34b is spaced apart from the second protrusion 33b and does not catch on the second protrusion 33b, the third recess 34c is spaced apart from the third protrusion 33c and does not catch on the third protrusion 33c, and the fourth recess 34d is spaced apart from the fourth protrusion 33d and does not catch on the fourth protrusion 33d. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the dispensing device 1 is equipped with a rotation-preventing mechanism 50 that prevents the rotation of the stopper member 12 when it is in the retained state A.

[0056] The locking mechanism 50 includes a locking gap 54 formed between a pair of protrusions 33a and 33b, a locking gap 55 formed between a pair of protrusions 33c and 33d, a locking piece 56 formed between a pair of recesses 34a and 34b, and a locking piece 57 formed between a pair of recesses 34c and 34d.

[0057] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the inclined surfaces 51 of the pair of protrusions 33a and 33b are inclined outward in the radial direction 6 as they approach the rotation-retaining gap 54 in the circumferential direction 7. Similarly, the inclined surfaces 51 of the pair of protrusions 33c and 33d are inclined outward in the radial direction 6 as they approach the rotation-retaining gap 55 in the circumferential direction 7. The following explains the operation of the above configuration.

[0058] After twisting off the weakened portion 11 and detaching the stopper member 12 from the dispensing cylinder 10 to initially open the dispensing device 1, the fitting portion 23 of the stopper member 12 is fitted into the dispensing outlet 15 of the dispensing cylinder 10, thereby closing the dispensing outlet 15 with the stopper member 12.

[0059] In this state, by rotating the stopper member 12 in one direction 38 as shown in Figure 15 and switching to the retaining state A as shown in Figure 16, the position of the first recess 34a coincides with the position of the first projection 33a, the position of the second recess 34b coincides with the position of the second projection 33b, the position of the third recess 34c coincides with the position of the third projection 33c, and the position of the fourth recess 34d coincides with the position of the fourth projection 33d.

[0060] As a result, as shown in Figure 17, the first recess 34a catches on the first projection 33a in the removal direction 36 of the fitting portion 23, the second recess 34b catches on the second projection 33b in the removal direction 36, the third recess 34c catches on the third projection 33c in the removal direction 36, and the fourth recess 34d catches on the fourth projection 33d in the removal direction 36. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fitting portion 23 from unintentionally coming out of the spout 15. This prevents the closed spout 15 from opening unintentionally and prevents the liquid inside the container 2 from leaking out of the spout 15.

[0061] Furthermore, when the stopper member 12 is switched to the locked state A as described above, as shown in Figure 16, the locking piece 56 of one knob 24 fits into the locking gap 54 of one knob 24, and the locking piece 57 of the other knob 24 fits into the locking gap 55 of the other knob 24.

[0062] This restricts the rotation of the stopper member 12, keeping it in the locked state A. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the stopper member 12 from unintentionally rotating due to vibration or other reasons, and switching from the locked state A to the unlocked state B.

[0063] Furthermore, as described above, when the stopper member 12 is rotated in one direction 38 to switch from the release state B (see solid line in Figure 15) to the release state A (see Figure 16), as shown by the dashed line in Figure 15, the rotation stopper piece 56 of one knob 24 moves in one direction 38 while sliding against the inclined surface 51 of the first projection 33a, and the rotation stopper piece 57 of the other knob 24 moves in one direction 38 while sliding against the inclined surface 51 of the third projection 33c, so that both knobs 24 elastically deform outward in the radial direction 6.

[0064] Subsequently, when one locking piece 56 reaches one locking gap 54 and the other locking piece 57 reaches the other locking gap 55, the deformed gripping parts 24 return to their inward radial direction 6, so that, as shown in Figure 16, one locking piece 56 fits smoothly and securely into one locking gap 54, and the other locking piece 57 fits smoothly and securely into the other locking gap 55.

[0065] Subsequently, when opening the dispensing device 1 again, the stopper member 12 is rotated in the other direction 39 (see Figure 16) to switch from the retained state A (see Figure 16) to the released state B (see solid line in Figure 15), causing the position of the first recess 34a to shift 7 circumferentially from the position of the first protrusion 33a, the position of the second recess 34b to shift 7 circumferentially from the position of the second protrusion 33b, the position of the third recess 34c to shift 7 circumferentially from the position of the third protrusion 33c, and the position of the fourth recess 34d to shift 7 circumferentially from the position of the fourth protrusion 33d.

[0066] As a result, the first recess 34a is spaced apart from the first protrusion 33a and does not catch on the first protrusion 33a, the second recess 34b is spaced apart from the second protrusion 33b and does not catch on the second protrusion 33b, the third recess 34c is spaced apart from the third protrusion 33c and does not catch on the third protrusion 33c, and the fourth recess 34d is spaced apart from the fourth protrusion 33d and does not catch on the fourth protrusion 33d. Therefore, the fitting portion 23 of the stopper member 12 can be easily pulled out of the spout 15 and the spout 15 can be opened.

[0067] In the second embodiment described above, the protrusions 33a to 33d are an example of a first latching portion, and the recesses 34a to 34d are an example of a second latching portion. However, the recesses 34a to 34d may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 18 of the dispensing cylinder 10 as an example of a first latching portion, and the protrusions 33a to 33d may be provided on the knob portion 24 of the stopper member 12 as an example of a second latching portion. (Third embodiment)

[0068] In the third embodiment, as shown in Figures 18 to 22, the retaining mechanism 32 has a plurality of first locking parts 65 (a total of 2 in Figure 21) provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical part 18 of the dispensing cylinder 10, and a plurality of second projections 66 (an example of a second locking part) (a total of 2 in Figure 21) provided on the knob part 24 of the stopper member 12.

[0069] After the stopper member 12 is detached from the dispensing cylinder 10 and the dispensing device 1 is initially opened, the fitting portion 23 of the stopper member 12 is fitted into the dispensing outlet 15. Multiple retention positions P are set in the rotational direction of the stopper member 12 (two positions in Figures 19 and 21) to prevent the fitting portion 23 from coming off.

[0070] When the stopper member 12 is separated from the dispensing cylinder 10 and the fitting portion 23 is fitted into the dispensing port 15, a plurality of guide mechanisms 68 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 18 of the dispensing cylinder 10 to guide the second projection 66 to the retaining position P when the stopper member 12 is rotated. The guide mechanisms 68 are arranged at two locations 180° apart in the circumferential direction 7, for example, as shown in Figures 19, 21, and 22.

[0071] The retaining position P is set at the end of the guide mechanism 68. The guide mechanism 68 has a guide groove 69 that is long in the circumferential direction 7 of the dispensing cylinder 10 and reaches from the starting end to the retaining position P at the end of the guide mechanism 68, and a pair of upper and lower groove side walls 70, 71. As shown in Figure 21, both groove side walls 70, 71 each protrude outward in the radial direction 6 from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 18. The guide groove 69 is formed between the two groove side walls 70, 71.

[0072] The first locking portion 65 is located at the release position P and constitutes a portion of the end of the upper groove side wall 70. In other words, the end of the upper groove side wall 70 is used as the first locking portion 65. At the end of the guide groove 69, a first rotation stopper 73 is provided to close the end of the guide groove 69. Furthermore, a second rotation stopper 74 is provided on the side of the guide groove 69 closer to the start end, crossing the guide groove 69. The release position P is set between the first rotation stopper 73 and the second rotation stopper 74.

[0073] The second projection 66 is inserted into the guide groove 69 and guided to the retaining position P. As shown in Figures 20 and 22, at the retaining position P, the second projection 66 is prevented from rotating by the first and second retainers 73 and 74. The following explains the operation of the above configuration.

[0074] After twisting off the weakened portion 11 and detaching the stopper member 12 from the dispensing cylinder 10 to initially open the dispensing device 1, the fitting portion 23 of the stopper member 12 is fitted into the dispensing outlet 15 of the dispensing cylinder 10, thereby closing the dispensing outlet 15 with the stopper member 12. As a result, the second projection 66 descends to the same height as the guide groove 69, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 18.

[0075] In this state, by rotating the stopper member 12 in one direction 38 as shown in Figure 19 and switching to the retaining state A as shown in Figures 20 and 21, the second projection 66 catches on the first locking portion 65 in the detachment direction 36 of the fitting portion 23.

[0076] In this process, the second projection 66 is inserted into the guide groove 69 from its starting end and guided to the retaining position P by the guide groove 69, so that it moves reliably to the position where it catches on the first locking portion 65.

[0077] This ensures that the fitting portion 23 does not accidentally come off the spout 15, and prevents the closed spout 15 from opening unintentionally, thus preventing the liquid inside the container 2 from leaking out of the spout 15.

[0078] As shown in Figure 19, when the plug member 12 is rotated in one direction 38 and the plug member 12 is switched to the retained state A as shown in Figure 22, the second projection 66 is guided by the guide groove 69, overcomes the second rotation stopper 74, and reaches the retained position P.

[0079] As shown in Figures 20 and 22, when the second projection 66 reaches the locking position P, it is positioned between the first stopper 73 and the second stopper 74, so that the rotational movement of the plug member 12 is restricted by the first and second stoppers 73 and 74.

[0080] As a result, the rotation of the stopper member 12 is restricted, and the stopper member 12 is kept in the locked state A. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the stopper member 12 from unintentionally rotating due to vibration or the like, for example, and switching from the locked state A (see Figures 20 and 22) to the unlocked state B (see solid line in Figure 19) on its own.

[0081] Subsequently, when opening the dispensing device 1 again, rotate the stopper member 12 in the other direction 39 (see Figure 22) to switch from the locked state A (see Figure 22) to the unlocked state B (see solid line in Figure 19).

[0082] At this time, the second projection 66 is guided by the guide groove 69, moves away from the retaining position P, overcomes the second rotation stopper 74, and detaches from the starting end of the guide groove 69 to the outside of the guide groove 69. This allows the fitting portion 23 of the stopper member 12 to be easily pulled out of the spout 15, thereby opening the spout 15. (Fourth embodiment)

[0083] In the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figures 23 to 26, the guide mechanism 68 is inclined from the starting end in the fitting direction 76 (downward in Figure 23) where the fitting portion 23 of the stopper member 12 is fitted into the outlet 15 of the dispensing cylinder 10, until it reaches the retaining position P at the end. As a result, the guide groove 69 and the pair of groove side walls 70, 71 that constitute the guide mechanism 68 are also inclined in the same way.

[0084] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the height H1 of the starting end of the guide groove 69 is the same as the height H2 of the second projection 66 when the stopper member 12 is integrally connected to the dispensing cylinder 10 via the weakened portion 11.

[0085] As shown in Figure 26, the height H3 of the retaining position P is the same as the height H4 of the second projection 66 when the fitting portion 23 of the stopper member 12, which has been separated from the dispensing cylinder 10, is fitted into the dispensing outlet 15 of the dispensing cylinder 10. The following explains the operation of the above configuration.

[0086] When initially opening the dispensing device 1, the user grasps the pinch portion 24 with their fingers, rotates the stopper member 12 to twist off the weakening portion 11, and detaches the stopper member 12 from the dispensing cylinder 10. This creates a spout 15 at the tip of the dispensing cylinder 10, allowing the liquid inside the container 2 to be dispensed to the outside through the spout 15.

[0087] Subsequently, when closing the spout 15 with the stopper member 12, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, with the fitting portion 23 facing downwards and the stopper member 12 positioned at the tip (upper end) of the dispensing cylinder 10, rotate the stopper member 12 in one direction 38 (see Figure 19).

[0088] As a result, the second projection 66 rotates in one direction 38 together with the plug member 12 and is inserted into the guide groove 69 from its starting end. As shown in Figure 26, it is guided to the retaining position P by the guide groove 69, and moves reliably to the position where it catches on the first locking portion 65 of the upper groove side wall 70.

[0089] At this time, the second projection 66 is also guided in the fitting direction 76 (downward in Figure 26) of the fitting portion 23 by the inclination of the guide groove 69, so that by rotating the stopper member 12 in one direction 38, the fitting portion 23 of the stopper member 12 is securely fitted into the spout 15 of the dispensing cylinder 10.

[0090] This switches the stopper member 12 to the retaining state A, reliably preventing the fitting portion 23 from unintentionally coming out of the spout 15, and preventing the closed spout 15 from unintentionally opening and causing the liquid inside the container 2 to leak out of the spout 15.

[0091] Subsequently, when opening the dispensing device 1 again, the stopper member 12 is rotated in the other direction 39 (see Figure 22) to switch from the locked state A (see solid line in Figure 26) to the unlocked state B (see dashed lines in Figures 23, 24, and 26).

[0092] At this time, the second projection 66 is guided by the guide groove 69, moves away from the retaining position P, and detaches from the start end of the guide groove 69 to the outside of the guide groove 69, as shown by the dashed lines in Figures 23, 24, and 26.

[0093] At this time, the second projection 66 is also guided in the detachment direction 36 of the fitting portion 23 by the inclination of the guide groove 69. Therefore, by rotating the stopper member 12 in the other direction 39, the fitting portion 23 of the stopper member 12 moves in the detachment direction 36 (upward in Figures 23, 24, and 26) while rotating, and is reliably detached from the spout 15 of the dispensing cylinder 10 as shown in Figures 23 and 24. This ensures that the spout 15 is reliably opened.

[0094] In the fourth embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 23 and 26, the end portion (part) of the upper groove side wall 70 is used as the first latching portion 65, but the lower groove side wall 71 may also be used as the first latching portion 65.

[0095] In this case, when closing the spout 15 with the stopper member 12, the stopper member 12 is rotated in one direction 38 with the fitting portion 23 of the stopper member 12 fitted into the spout 15 of the dispensing cylinder 10. As a result, the second projection 66, together with the stopper member 12, rotates in one direction 38 below the lower groove side wall 71 and moves from below to a position where it catches on the lower groove side wall 71, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 26. This prevents the fitting portion 23 from unintentionally coming out of the spout 15.

[0096] In the embodiments described above, a spout-type dispensing device 1 is shown, but a cap-type device may also be used. In this case, the cap-type dispensing device has a dispensing cylinder, a stopper member, and a cover. The dispensing cylinder has a cap body that is attached to the mouth of the container and a cylindrical portion provided on the cap body. The stopper member is integrally provided at the tip of the cylindrical portion via a breakable weakening portion. The cover is a screw-type cover that covers the cylindrical portion and the stopper member, and is detachably attached to the cap body. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 1 Dispensing device 2 containers 6. Radial direction 7 Circumferential direction 10 Pour tube 11 Weakened part 12 Plug member 14 axis 15 spout 23 Fitting part 32 Removal mechanism 33 Projection (first hook) 33a~33d Projection (1st hook) 34 Recess (second latching part) 34a~34d Recess (second latching part) 36 Removal direction 50 Rotating mechanism 66 2nd protrusion (2nd latching part) 68 Information Mechanism 69 Guide groove 76 Insertion direction A Removal state B Released state P retaining position

Claims

1. It has a dispensing cylinder capable of dispensing a fluid contained within a container, and a stopper member integrally provided at the tip of the dispensing cylinder via a breakable weakening portion. A dispensing device in which a stopper member is rotated around the axis of the dispensing cylinder to twist off the weakened portion, thereby separating the stopper member from the dispensing cylinder and forming a dispensing outlet at the tip of the dispensing cylinder, The stopper member, when separated from the dispensing cylinder, has a fitting portion that can be fitted into and detached from the spout of the dispensing cylinder. A retaining mechanism is provided on both the dispensing cylinder and the stopper member to prevent the stopper member, which is fitted into the spout of the dispensing cylinder, from coming out of the dispensing cylinder. The retaining mechanism has a first retaining part provided on the dispensing cylinder and a second retaining part provided on the stopper member. The dispensing device is characterized in that the stopper member can be switched between a state in which the second locking portion catches on the first locking portion in the direction of removal of the fitting portion, and a state in which the second locking portion does not catch on the first locking portion, by rotating the stopper member around the axis of the dispensing cylinder with the fitting portion fitted into the dispensing spout.

2. In the locked state, the position of the second locking portion coincides with the position of the first locking portion in the rotational direction of the stopper member. The dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the locking mechanism is released, the position of the second locking portion is shifted from the position of the first locking portion in the rotational direction of the stopper member.

3. The first locking part is provided on the outer surface of the dispensing cylinder. The dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second locking portion faces the outer circumferential surface of the dispensing cylinder from the outside in the radial direction of the dispensing cylinder.

4. The first locking part is a projection provided on the outer surface of the dispensing cylinder. The dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second locking portion is a recess provided in the stopper member.

5. The dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a rotation-preventing mechanism that prevents the rotation of the stopper member when it is in the retained position.

6. With the stopper member separated from the dispensing cylinder, a locking position is set in the rotational direction of the stopper member that prevents the fitting portion of the stopper member, which is fitted into the spout, from coming loose. When the stopper member separated from the dispensing cylinder is rotated, a guide mechanism is provided in the dispensing cylinder that guides the second locking part to the release position. The dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first locking portion is in a non-removal position and constitutes part of the guide mechanism.

7. The locking position is set at the end of the guide mechanism. The guide mechanism has a guide groove that is long in the circumferential direction of the dispensing cylinder and extends from the starting end of the guide mechanism to the retaining position at the end. The dispensing device according to claim 6, characterized in that the second locking portion is a projection that is inserted into and guided by a guide groove.

8. The locking position is set at the end of the guide mechanism. The dispensing device according to claim 6, characterized in that the guide mechanism is inclined from the starting end in the fitting direction so that the fitting portion of the stopper member is fitted into the spout of the dispensing cylinder, until it reaches the retaining position at the end.

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