Ejector

Abstract

We propose a dispensing device that can be attached to a container with an opening at the bottom to hold contents, and that offers excellent recyclability. [Solution] The dispenser 100, which is attached to a container that holds contents and has an opening at the bottom, comprises a tube 2a, a pipe 3a having a through hole 3b through which the tube 2a is exposed, an operating part that is movable toward the through hole 3b, a pressing part 8b that faces the tube 2a exposed by the through hole 3b and whose upstream end 8d is located closer to the tube 2a than its downstream end 8e, and an elastically deformable connecting part 8c that connects the operating part and the pressing part 8b. When the operating part is moved toward the through hole 3b, the tube 2a pressed by the upstream end 8d narrows, and when the operating part is moved further toward the through hole 3b, the connecting part 8c elastically deforms and the tube 2a is crushed by the pressing part 8b, causing the contents inside the tube 2a to be discharged from the discharge port 6b.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser.

Background Art

[0002] As a dispenser for discharging contents stored in a container, a dispenser as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. The dispenser disclosed in Patent Document 1 is attached to an opening of a pouch container, and is used in a state where the pouch container is suspended such that the opening is positioned downward. This dispenser includes opposed spindles 41, 42 disposed inside a storage space 29, a coiled spring 43 that biases the spindles 41, 42 in a direction to separate them from each other, and a pair of caps 44 attached to the spindles 41, 42. To discharge the contents from this dispenser, force is applied to the caps 44 on both sides to push the spindles 41, 42 inward. As a result, the contents stored in the storage space 29 are pressurized, so that the pressurized contents are discharged from a discharge port.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in this type of dispenser, although the above-mentioned caps and the like can be formed of synthetic resin, the coiled spring requires a relatively strong elastic force, and thus a member formed by spirally winding a metal wire is usually used. For this reason, when discarded after use, it cannot be recycled as a resin product in the state as it is. In general, in this type of dispenser, the members are firmly fixed to each other by, for example, fitting or the like, so as to prevent the members from coming off during normal use. Accordingly, it also takes time and effort to disassemble the dispenser to separate the coiled spring from other members.

[0005] In view of these points, the present invention aims to propose a dispensing device that can be attached to a container having an opening at the bottom and which contains contents, and which has excellent recyclability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The discharger of the present invention is attached to a container that contains contents and has an opening at the bottom, and discharges the contents from the container from a discharge port, comprising: an elastically deformable tube having one end through the opening and the other end through the discharge port; a pipe that houses the tube inside and has a through hole on its side through which the tube is exposed; an operating part that is movable toward the through hole; a pressing part that faces the tube exposed by the through hole and has an upstream end located closer to the opening that is closer to the tube than a downstream end located closer to the discharge port; and an elastically deformable connecting part that connects the operating part and the pressing part, wherein when the operating part is moved toward the through hole, the tube pressed by the upstream end is narrowed, and when the operating part is moved further toward the through hole, the connecting part is elastically deformed and the tube is crushed by the pressing part, causing the contents inside the tube to be discharged from the discharge port. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The discharger of the present invention can be used by attaching it to a container that holds contents and has an opening at the bottom. When the operating part described above is moved toward the through hole, the tube is narrowed by the pressing part, and when the operating part is moved further, the tube is crushed by the pressing part, so that the contents inside the tube can be discharged from the discharge port. Furthermore, since this discharger does not require the use of metal components such as coil springs, it is highly recyclable. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the discharger according to the present invention. [Figure 2A] This is a cross-sectional view of the pressing member shown in Figure 1. [Figure 2B] Figure 2A is a bottom view of the pressing member. [Figure 3] This figure shows the state after the push button has been moved from the state shown in Figure 1, where the push button was pressed. [Figure 4] This figure shows the state after the push button has been moved further from the state shown in Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the discharger 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience, the description below will be given in the orientation shown in the drawings.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the discharger 100 of this embodiment is composed of a mounting member 1, a tube member 2, a pipe member 3, a holder 4, a valve body 5, a cap 6, a push button 7, and a pressing member 8. The tube member 2 and the valve body 5 are made of soft materials such as rubber, elastomer, or polyethylene. The other members, such as the mounting member 1, are made of relatively hard synthetic resins (for example, polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyacetal (POM), or polyketone (POK) resin). The discharger 100 of this embodiment is constructed without using any metal components such as coil springs.

[0011] The dispenser 100 of this embodiment is used by being attached to a container (not shown) that contains contents and has an opening at the bottom. That is, the dispenser 100 is used by being attached to a container to which the contained contents can flow out through the opening by gravity. Examples of such containers include pouch containers that can be used while suspended with the opening located at the bottom. The dispenser 100 shown in Figure 1 is shown attached to a container with the opening facing directly downwards. Although the dispenser 100 shown in Figure 1 is oriented directly downwards (the pipe member 3 faces directly downwards), the dispenser according to the present invention is not limited to being used in this position, and may also be used in a position that is oriented to the side (the pipe member 3 faces directly to the side). Furthermore, the container to which the dispenser according to the present invention is attached is not limited to pouch containers, but may be a relatively rigid container with an air exchange port and an opening at the bottom or lower side.

[0012] The mounting member 1 is a member that is attached to the container (not shown) described above. The opening in this container is provided at the tip of a cylindrical container section that extends from the container, and a male threaded portion is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the container section. The mounting member 1 in this embodiment is cylindrical and includes a mounting cylinder section 1a into which the container section is inserted. A female threaded portion 1b that screws into the male threaded portion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the mounting cylinder section 1a.

[0013] The tube member 2 comprises a thin-walled cylindrical tube 2a that is elastically deformable. One end (upper end) of the tube 2a is provided with an end-side retaining portion 2b that is thicker than the tube 2a. In this embodiment, the end-side retaining portion 2b is shaped to extend radially outward from the tube 2a, then downward, and then further radially outward. The other end (lower end) of the tube 2a is provided with an end-side retaining portion 2c that is thicker than the tube 2a. In this embodiment, the end-side retaining portion 2c is shaped to have the same outer diameter as the tube 2a and a smaller inner diameter than the tube 2a.

[0014] The pipe member 3 has an inner diameter larger than that of the tube 2a and comprises a cylindrical pipe 3a in which the tube 2a is housed. A through hole 3b is provided on the side surface of the pipe 3a, passing through the pipe 3a radially. When the tube 2a is housed inside the pipe 3a, the tube 2a is exposed through the through hole 3b. A flange portion 3c extending radially outward is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the pipe 3a. The one-end holding portion 2b of the tube member 2 engages with the upper end of the pipe 3a and the flange portion 3c as shown in the figure. An engaging projection 3d projecting radially outward is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the pipe 3a.

[0015] Furthermore, a cylindrical guide portion 3e is provided on the side surface of the pipe 3a at the location of the through hole 3b, surrounding the through hole 3b and extending radially outward. The guide portion 3e is provided with a groove portion 3f that penetrates the side surface of the guide portion 3e and extends along the central axis of the guide portion 3e. In this embodiment, a pair of groove portions 3f are provided on either side of the central axis of the guide portion 3e. The guide portion 3e is also provided with a recess 3g that is shaped as if the guide portion 3e has been cut out in an arc shape from the open end toward the pipe 3a.

[0016] The holder 4 has a cylindrical portion 4a. The upper end of the cylindrical portion 4a is inserted into the other end retaining portion 2c of the tube 2a, and the holder 4 fits and holds the other end retaining portion 2c. The lower end of the cylindrical portion 4a is shaped to expand in diameter from top to bottom. A communication opening 4b that opens downwards is provided at the lower end of the cylindrical portion 4a.

[0017] The holder 4 also includes a holder holding portion 4c provided on the cylindrical portion 4a. In this embodiment, the holder holding portion 4c is formed by a portion extending radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 4a and a portion extending downward from this extended portion.

[0018] The valve element 5 includes a support portion 5a supported by the cap 6, a closing portion 5b that closes the communication port 4b, and an elastically deformable valve element elastic portion 5c that connects the support portion 5a and the closing portion 5b.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the support portion 5a has a disc shape and is supported by a support rib 6c of the cap 6 which will be described later. The closing portion 5b has a bottomed cylindrical shape as a whole, and the distal end portion of the cylindrical portion is formed into a shape whose diameter decreases upward. The valve element elastic portion 5c is composed of a portion extending linearly upward from the central portion of the support portion 5a, a portion extending linearly downward from the central portion of the closing portion 5b, and an elliptical portion connecting these portions, and the elliptical portion is elastically deformed so as to be crushed in the vertical direction.

[0020] The cap 6 has a cylindrical shape and is provided with a nozzle 6a whose lower portion is shaped to decrease in diameter downward. A discharge port 6b opening downward is provided at the lower end of the nozzle 6a. Inside the nozzle 6a, support ribs 6c are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction, each having a stepped portion extending in the horizontal direction at an intermediate portion in the vertical direction. At the upper end of the nozzle 6a, a holding cylinder portion 6d is provided which extends radially outward and then extends upward in a cylindrical shape, and an engagement recess 6e with which the engagement projection 3d of the pipe member 3 engages is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the holding cylinder portion 6d.

[0021] In the cap 6, when the tube member 2 is housed inside the pipe member 3, and the holder 4 in which the cylindrical portion 4a is inserted inside the other end side holding portion 2c and the valve element 5 are accommodated inside the nozzle 6a, the holding cylinder portion 6d is inserted into the pipe member 3, so that the engagement projection 3d engages with the engagement recess 6e and is held by the pipe member 3. In this state, the holder 4 is supported with the holder holding portion 4c in contact with the portion where the nozzle 6a and the holding cylinder portion 6d are connected. The valve element 5 is supported with the support portion 5a in contact with the horizontally extending stepped portion of the support rib 6c. The closing portion 5b is in contact with the lower end portion of the cylindrical portion 4a over the entire circumference, and the communication port 4b is closed by the cylindrical portion 4a.

[0022] The push button 7 includes a button top wall portion 7a curved in an arc shape, and a cylindrical button peripheral wall portion 7b connected to the outer edge of the button top wall portion 7a. A projection 7c protruding radially outward is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the button peripheral wall portion 7b. A pair of the projections 7c are provided across the central axis of the push button 7. The push button 7 is disposed inside the guide portion 3e in a state where the projections 7c are accommodated inside the groove portion 3f, and is movable toward the through hole 3b along the central axis of the guide portion 3e.

[0023] The pressing member 8 includes a holding portion 8a held by the push button 7, a pressing portion 8b facing the tube 2a exposed at the through hole 3b, and an elastically deformable connecting portion 8c that connects the holding portion 8a and the pressing portion 8b.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the holding portion 8a of the present embodiment is formed in a disk shape with an annular rim at the outer edge. As shown in FIG. 1, when the holding portion 8a is inserted inside the button peripheral wall portion 7b, the outer edge of the holding portion 8a fits into the inner edge of the button peripheral wall portion 7b, and the holding portion 8a is held by the button peripheral wall portion 7b. The holding portion 8a is held in a rotation-prevented state relative to the button peripheral wall portion 7b.

[0025] The pressing portion 8b is plate-shaped, as shown in Figure 2B, with a portion extending in an arc and a portion extending in a straight line, and the portion extending in a straight line is provided with a convex portion that protrudes in an arc. The pressing portion 8b faces the tube 2a with the portion where the convex portion is located at the top (i.e., the portion where the convex portion is located on the side closer to the opening of the container not shown), and the portion on the opposite side of the pressing portion is located at the bottom (i.e., this opposite portion is located on the side closer to the discharge port 6b). Here, the portion of the pressing portion 8b where the convex portion is located is referred to as the upstream end 8d, and the portion on the opposite side is referred to as the downstream end 8e. The pressing portion 8b faces the tube 2a at an angle to the tube 2a such that the upstream end 8d is located closer to the tube 2a than the downstream end 8e.

[0026] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, one end of the connecting portion 8c is integrally connected to the upper part of the holding portion 8a, and the other end is integrally connected to the lower part of the pressing portion 8b, and extends diagonally as shown in the figure.

[0027] In this embodiment, the push button 7 and the holding part 8a correspond to the "operating part" as described in this specification and other documents.

[0028] Next, the movement of each part when the contents of the container are discharged by the dispenser 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 1, 3, and 4. Note that in the state shown in Figure 1, the contents are assumed to be accumulated inside the tube 2a.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the pressing portion 8b of the discharger 100 faces the tube 2a exposed at the through-hole 3b, as described above. The upstream end 8d of the pressing portion 8b is located closer to the tube 2a than the downstream end 8e. When the push button 7 is pressed and moved toward the through-hole 3b, as shown in Figure 3, the portion of the tube 2a facing the upstream end 8d is pressed by the upstream end 8d, causing the tube 2a to narrow at the portion facing the upstream end 8d, as shown in Figure 3. As a result, the contents located below the narrowed portion of the tube 2a hardly flow above the narrowed portion.

[0030] Then, as shown in Figure 4, if the push button 7 is moved further by continuing to press it, the part of the tube 2a pressed by the upstream end 8d comes into contact with the inner surface of the pipe 3a and cannot move any further. As a result, the connecting part 8c elastically deforms so that the downstream end 8e of the pressing part 8b moves closer to the tube 2a, and the tube 2a is crushed by the pressing part 8b. Consequently, the contents located below the constricted part of the tube 2a are pressurized, and this pressure causes the closure part 5b to elastically deform the valve body elastic part 5c and separate from the cylindrical part 4a, opening the communication port 4b that was closed by the closure part 5b. The contents that have passed through the communication port 4b then pass through the gaps provided between the support ribs 6c which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction and are discharged from the discharge port 6b.

[0031] The depth of the recess 3g in the guide section 3e is set to be approximately the same as the top wall 7a of the button when the push button 7 is pressed down to the point where the contents are dispensed, as shown in Figure 4. In other words, even if you try to press the push button 7 further from the state shown in Figure 4, the edge of the recess 3g will get in the way and prevent you from pressing it any further, so you will not accidentally press the push button 7 too hard.

[0032] Subsequently, when the force applied to the push button 7 is released, the elastically deformed connection part 8c and tube 2a return to their original state, and the push button 7 moves to the state shown in Figure 1. Also, as the constricted tube 2a returns to its original state, contents from a container (not shown) are introduced into the inside of the tube 2a. Therefore, by pressing the push button 7 again, the contents can be discharged again from the discharge port 6b.

[0033] In this embodiment, the push button 7 has a projection 7c housed inside the groove 3f, preventing it from rotating relative to the guide 3e. The pressing member 8 has a holding portion 8a that is held in place relative to the button's peripheral wall 7b, preventing it from rotating. In other words, the push button 7 and the pressing member 8 are prevented from rotating relative to the guide 3e, and even if the push button 7 moves along the central axis of the guide 3e, the vertical positional relationship between the upstream end 8d and the downstream end 8e of the pressing portion 8b is maintained. As a result, the tube 2a is narrowed at the top of the pressing portion 8b each time, as shown in Figure 3. Therefore, when the tube 2a is crushed by the pressing portion 8b, a stable amount of contents can be discharged each time.

[0034] Furthermore, depending on the viscosity of the contents and the direction in which the discharge port 6b opens, it may be possible to prevent the contents from dripping out of the discharge port 6b without using the valve body 5. However, by providing the valve body 5 as in this embodiment, the communication port 4b located downstream of the discharge port 6b is blocked by the valve body 5, thereby reliably preventing the contents from dripping out.

[0035] The discharger 100 embodying the discharger according to the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0036] For example, in the embodiment described above, a groove 3f is provided in the guide portion 3e and a projection 7c is provided on the push button 7, but it is also possible to provide a groove 3f on the push button 7 and a projection 7c on the guide portion 3e.

[0037] (Note) This specification discloses the following technologies in one aspect. The reference numerals listed below correspond to those used in the accompanying drawings, but are provided as examples only and are not intended to limit the inventions of this application.

[0038] (Technology 1) A discharger (100) is attached to a container that holds contents and has an opening at the bottom, and discharges the contents from the container through a discharge port (6b), An elastically deformable tube (2a) having one end connected to the opening and the other end connected to the discharge port (6b), A pipe (3a) that houses the tube (2a) on its inside and has a through hole (3b) on its side through which the tube (2a) is exposed, An operating section (7, 8a) that is movable toward the through hole (3b), A pressing portion (8b) facing the tube (2a) exposed at the through hole (3b), with the upstream end (8d) located closer to the opening being closer to the tube (2a) than the downstream end (8e) located closer to the discharge port (6b), It comprises an elastically deformable connecting portion (8c) that connects the operating portion (7, 8a) and the pressing portion (8b), Discharger (100), wherein when the operating parts (7, 8a) are moved toward the through hole (3b), the tube (2a) pressed by the upstream end (8d) narrows, and when the operating parts (7, 8a) are moved further toward the through hole (3b), the connecting part (8c) elastically deforms and the tube (2a) is crushed by the pressing part (8b), causing the contents inside the tube (2a) to be discharged from the discharge port (6b).

[0039] This technology allows the contents of the tube to be discharged from the outlet. When the operating part is moved toward the through-hole, the tube is narrowed by the pressing part, and when the operating part is moved further, the tube is crushed by the pressing part. Furthermore, since the discharge device using this technology does not require the use of metal components such as coil springs, it is highly recyclable.

[0040] (Technology 2) A communication port (4b) is located between the discharge port (6b) and the portion of the tube (2a) that is exposed by the through hole (3b), The discharger (100) according to Technology 1, comprising a valve body (5) that closes the communication port (4b) while opening the communication port (4b) when the tube (2a) is crushed by the pressing portion (8b) and the pressure inside the tube (2a) increases.

[0041] This technology ensures that the communication port located downstream of the discharge port is sealed by a valve, thereby reliably preventing the contents from dripping out of the discharge port.

[0042] (Technology 3) A cylindrical portion (4a) that holds the tube (2a) at one end and has the communication port (4b) at the other end, The system includes a cap (6) having the discharge port (6b) and covering the cylindrical portion (4a) and the valve body (5) and being held on the pipe (3a), The discharger (100) according to Technology 2, wherein the valve body (5) has a support portion (5a) supported by the cap (6), a closing portion (5b) that closes the communication port (4b), and a valve body elastic portion (5c) that connects the support portion (5a) and the closing portion (5b) and elastically deforms so that the closing portion (5b) separates from the communication port (4b) when the pressure inside the tube (2a) increases.

[0043] This technology makes the structure of the discharger according to the present invention, which includes a valve, more suitable for mass production, and makes it easier to implement the present invention.

[0044] (Technology 4) The pipe (3a) has a guide portion (3e) that extends away from the tube (2a) from the portion where the through hole (3b) is located and supports the moving operating portion (7, 8a), Either the operating portion (7, 8a) or the guide portion (3e) has a groove (3f) that extends in the direction in which the operating portion (7, 8a) moves. The discharger (100) according to Technical 1, wherein either the operating portion (7, 8a) or the guide portion (3e) has a projection (7c) that fits into the groove portion (3f).

[0045] This technology prevents the operating part from rotating due to the grooves and protrusions in the guide section, thereby maintaining the relative positions of the upstream and downstream ends in the pressing section, and thus the tube is narrowed at the intended position. Consequently, when the tube is crushed in the pressing section, a consistent amount of contents can be dispensed each time.

[0046] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and unless otherwise specifically limited in the above description, various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention as described in the claims. For example, the configuration of the above-described embodiment can be added or deleted as appropriate, and the configuration of one embodiment can be provided in other embodiments. Furthermore, the effects in the above-described embodiment are merely illustrative of the effects that may result from the present invention. In other words, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, and additional effects may also be produced in addition to the above-described effects. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 1: Mounting component 1a: Mounting cylinder 1b: Female threaded section 2: Tube component 2a: Tube 2b: One end side holding part 2c: Other end side holding part 3: Pipe components 3a: Pipe 3b: Through hole 3c: Flange section 3d: Engagement protrusion 3e: Guide section 3f: Groove 3g: recess 4: Holder 4a: Cylindrical part 4b: Communication port 4c: Holder holding part 5: Valve body 5a: Support part 5b: Occlusion 5c: Valve body elastic part 6: Cap 6a: Nozzle 6b: Discharge port 6c: Support rib 6d: Holding cylinder part 6e: Engaging recess 7: Push button (operating part) 7a: Button top wall 7b: Button surrounding wall 7c: Protrusion 8: Pressing member 8a: Holding part (operation part) 8b: Pressing part 8c: Connection part 8d: Upstream end 8e: Downstream end 100: Dispenser

Claims

1. A dispenser that is attached to a container that contains contents and has an opening at the bottom, and which discharges the contents from the container through a discharge port, An elastically deformable tube having one end connected to the opening and the other end connected to the discharge port, A pipe having a tube housed inside and a through hole on its side through which the tube is exposed, An operating section that is movable toward the through hole, A pressing portion facing the tube exposed at the through hole, with the upstream end located closer to the opening being closer to the tube than the downstream end located closer to the discharge port, It comprises an elastically deformable connecting portion that connects the operating portion and the pressing portion, A discharger wherein when the operating part is moved toward the through hole, the tube pressed at the upstream end narrows, and when the operating part is moved further toward the through hole, the connecting part elastically deforms and the tube is crushed by the pressing part, causing the contents inside the tube to be discharged from the discharge port.

2. A communication port located between the discharge port and the portion of the tube exposed by the through-hole, The discharger according to claim 1, further comprising a valve body that closes the communication port, while opening the communication port when the tube is crushed by the pressing portion and the pressure inside the tube increases.

3. A cylindrical portion having the tube held at one end and the communication opening at the other end, The pipe comprises a cap having the aforementioned discharge port and covering the cylindrical portion and the valve body, The discharger according to claim 2, wherein the valve body comprises a support portion supported by the cap, a closing portion that closes the communication opening, and a valve body elastic portion that connects the support portion and the closing portion and elastically deforms so that the closing portion separates from the communication opening when the pressure inside the tube increases.

4. The pipe has a guide portion that extends away from the tube from the portion of the pipe where the through hole is located and supports the moving operating portion, Either the operating portion or the guide portion has a groove that extends in the direction in which the operating portion moves. The discharger according to claim 1, wherein either the operating section or the guide section has a projection that fits into the groove.

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