Ejector

Abstract

To provide a discharge device capable of opening and closing a flow channel stably by suppressing the sticking of a ball valve.SOLUTION: A trigger-type jetting device 1 includes a switching valve 40 that switches communication and blockage between a vertical supply cylinder 10 and a jetting hole 4 in accordance with the pressurization and depressurization of the inside of a cylinder 23. The switching valve 40 includes: a valve seat 41 provided on an opening peripheral portion of a communication hole 17 that communicates the vertical supply cylinder 10 and the jetting hole 4; a ball valve 42 detachably seated on the valve seat 41; a wall portion 43 opposing the ball valve 42 in an opening direction of the communication hole 17; and an elastic protrusion group 44 including at least three protrusions 45 protruding toward the ball valve 42 from the wall portion 43 and elastically deformed by the ball valve 42, which is detached from the valve seat 41, at least in a radial direction intersecting the opening direction of the communication hole 17.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a dispenser as shown in Patent Document 1 below, for example, is known. This dispenser includes a body that is attached to the mouth of a container and has a pump for sucking, pressurizing, and pumping the contents of the container, a connecting member that has an opening leading to the pump and is fixed to the tip of the body, a pressure regulating valve for regulating the pressure of the contents from this connecting member, and a nozzle that has an opening for ejecting the contents from this pressure regulating valve and is held by the connecting member. Inside the body, an intake (vertical supply cylinder portion) is fitted and held. An annular valve seat projects radially inward on the inner peripheral surface of the intake, and a spherical check valve (ball valve) is provided so as to be seated and separated from this valve seat.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the conventional dispenser, depending on the type of the contents, the ball valve separated from the valve seat may stick to the inner wall surface of the flow path or the like and may not return to the valve seat.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a dispenser that can stably open and close a flow path by suppressing sticking of the ball valve.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) The ejector according to the present invention includes a vertical supply cylinder that sucks up the contents from the container body, a nozzle member having a discharge hole for discharging the contents sucked up by the vertical supply cylinder, a cylinder that is pressurized and depressurized inside as the piston moves and whose inside communicates with the inside of the vertical supply cylinder, and a switching valve that switches the communication and interruption between the vertical supply cylinder and the discharge hole according to the pressurization and depressurization inside the cylinder. The switching valve includes a valve seat provided at the opening peripheral edge of a communication hole that communicates the vertical supply cylinder and the discharge hole, a ball valve that is seated on the valve seat so as to be separable therefrom, a wall portion facing the ball valve in the opening direction of the communication hole, and an elastic projection group that includes at least three projections protruding from the wall portion toward the ball valve and that is elastically deformed in a radial direction that at least intersects the opening direction of the communication hole by the ball valve separated from the valve seat. It is characterized by this.

[0007] According to the ejector of the present invention, when the inside of the cylinder is pressurized or depressurized as the piston moves, the ball valve separates from the valve seat provided at the opening peripheral edge of the communication hole that communicates the vertical supply cylinder and the discharge hole. The ball valve separated from the valve seat contacts an elastic projection group including at least three projections and elastically deforms the elastic projection group in a radial direction that at least intersects the opening direction of the communication hole. When the pressurization or depressurization inside the cylinder is released, the elastic projection group that has been elastically deformed by contact with the ball valve is restored and deformed, and the ball valve is pushed back. As a result, the ball valve is biased toward the valve seat, and the ball valve seats on the valve seat without sticking to the inner wall surface of the flow path.

[0008] (2) The elastic projection group may be formed in a spiral shape that extends from one side to the other side in the circumferential direction along the central axis of the communication hole as it goes from the wall portion toward the ball valve.

[0009] In this case, since the elastic protrusion group elastically deforms not only in the radial direction intersecting the opening direction of the communication hole but also from one circumferential direction to the other along the central axis of the communication hole, the elastic protrusion group is likely to elastically deform due to contact with the ball valve. Further, since the elastic protrusion group deforms not only in the radial direction but also in the circumferential direction, it is possible to prevent the elastic protrusion group from spreading too much in the radial direction due to contact with the ball valve, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the inner diameter of the flow path in which the elastic protrusion group is arranged.

[0010] (3) The elastic protrusion group may contact the half region on the wall portion side of the ball valve.

[0011] In this case, since at least three protrusions of the elastic protrusion group elastically deform so as to pinch the half region (hemispherical surface) on the wall portion side of the ball valve, when the elastic protrusion group restores and deforms, it becomes easy to release the ball valve from the elastic protrusion group.

[0012] (4) The elastic protrusion group has at least three contact points that contact the ball valve, and the diameter of the circle passing through the three contact points may be smaller than the diameter of the ball valve.

[0013] In this case, when the ball valve contacts the elastic protrusion group, the elastic protrusion group elastically deforms so that at least the space between the three protrusions is expanded. As a result, the tip of the elastic protrusion group bends so as to warp in the radial direction, and the force for urging the ball valve toward the valve seat becomes stronger.

[0014] (5) The inner surface of the elastic protrusion group facing the inner side in the radial direction intersecting the opening direction of the communication hole may be formed in a planar shape extending in the tangential direction of a circle centered on the central axis of the communication hole, or in a curved surface shape recessed toward the outer side in the radial direction intersecting the opening direction of the communication hole.

[0015] In this case, since the elastic protrusion group includes at least three planes or three curved surfaces, it can stably contact the ball valve.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the dispenser of the present invention, sticking of the ball valve can be suppressed and the flow path can be stably opened and closed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0019] (First Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, the dispenser according to the first embodiment is a trigger-type ejector 1. The trigger-type ejector 1 includes an ejector body 2 attached to a container body A for storing the content, a nozzle member 3 having an ejection hole 4 (discharge hole) for ejecting the content and attached to the ejector body 2, and a cover member 5 covering the ejector body 2 and the nozzle member 3. Examples of the content stored in the container body A include detergents for housing and tableware, deodorant / aromatic agents used for spaces and clothes, and alcohol for disinfection. In addition, each component of the trigger-type ejector 1 is a molded product using synthetic resin unless otherwise specified.

[0020] The ejector body 2 mainly includes a vertical supply cylinder portion 10, a trigger mechanism 20, an injection cylinder portion 30, and a switching valve 40. In the following description, the side of the container body A along the central axis O of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 is referred to as the lower side, the opposite side is referred to as the upper side, and the direction along the central axis O is referred to as the vertical direction. Further, when viewed from this vertical direction, the direction intersecting the central axis O is referred to as the radial direction, and the direction of orbiting around the central axis O is referred to as the circumferential direction. Furthermore, in a plan view when viewed from the vertical direction, one direction intersecting the central axis O is referred to as the front-rear direction, and the direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the front-rear direction is referred to as the left-right direction.

[0021] The vertical supply cylinder portion 10 extends in the vertical direction and sucks up the contents inside the container body A. The vertical supply cylinder portion 10 includes a flange 11 that is disposed via a packing on the upper end opening edge of the mouth portion of the container body A. The flange 11 is pressed from above by a mounting cap 12 mounted (screwed) to the mouth portion of the container body A. The upper portion of a pipe 13 that extends in the vertical direction and sucks up the contents from the container body A is fitted to the vertical supply cylinder portion 10.

[0022] A cylinder cylinder portion 14 is provided on the front side of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10. The cylinder cylinder portion 14 protrudes forward from the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 and opens forward. A cylinder 23 is fitted inside the cylinder cylinder portion 14. The cylinder 23 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens forward and is closed at the rear. The cylinder 23 communicates with the inside of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 at a part of its rear wall portion.

[0023] The trigger mechanism 20 includes a trigger portion 21, a piston 22, a cylinder 23, and a biasing member 24. The trigger mechanism 20 is configured to be able to circulate the contents from inside the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 toward the ejection hole 4 side by moving the trigger portion 21 rearward.

[0024] The trigger portion 21 is disposed in front of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 so as to be movable rearward in a forward-biased state. The trigger portion 21 is pivotally supported by the nozzle member 3 in the left and right lateral directions of the injection cylinder portion 30 so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction. The trigger portion 21 extends downward from the pivotally supported position by the nozzle member 3 and is located in front of the piston 22 and the cylinder 23.

[0025] The piston 22 is disposed movably back and forth inside the cylinder 23. The piston 22 is made movable back and forth in conjunction with the movement of the trigger portion 21. The inside of the cylinder 23 is pressurized and depressurized as the piston 22 moves back and forth. The piston 22 is formed in a toped cylindrical shape that opens rearward and is blocked forward.

[0026] The piston 22 is biased forward by the biasing force of the biasing member 24 together with the trigger portion 21. The piston 22 retreats and is pushed into the cylinder 23 as the trigger portion 21 moves rearward. The piston 22 is positioned at the foremost position correspondingly when the trigger portion 21 is at the foremost swing position.

[0027] The biasing member 24 is a pair of elastic arms integrally formed with the closing member 32 that closes the rear end portion of the injection cylinder portion 30. The pair of elastic arms extend forward from both the left and right sides of the closing member 32, and are elastically deformed so as to warp downward as they go forward, biasing the trigger portion 21 forward. By forming the biasing member 24 on the closing member 32 in this way, it becomes possible to form the pair of elastic arms long from the rear end portion of the injection cylinder portion 30 forward, and to provide the curved portion thereof gently and largely. Note that the biasing member 24 may be a spring member or the like disposed between the top wall of the piston 22 and the bottom wall of the cylinder 23.

[0028] The injection cylinder portion 30 is disposed above the cylinder barrel portion 14 and extends forward from the upper end portion of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10. The inside of the injection cylinder portion 30 communicates with the upper end portion inside the vertical supply cylinder portion 10. A pressure accumulation valve 31 is disposed inside the injection cylinder portion 30. The pressure accumulation valve 31 is disposed movably back and forth inside the injection cylinder portion 30, and closes the rear end opening portion of the injection cylinder portion 30 so as to be openable from the rear. The pressure accumulation valve 31 is formed in a toped cylindrical shape that opens rearward and is blocked forward.

[0029] The rear end portion of the injection cylinder portion 30 is closed by a closing member 32 assembled from behind the accumulator valve 31. The closing member 32 includes a pair of elastic arms constituting the biasing member 24 described above, and a plurality of elastic protrusions 33 that contact the accumulator valve 31 from behind to position the accumulator valve 31.

[0030] The plurality of elastic protrusions 33 are in contact with the tapered surface of the rear end opening edge of the accumulator valve 31 from behind. When the pressure in the accumulator chamber S communicating with the upper end portion of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 exceeds a predetermined value, the plurality of elastic protrusions 33 are elastically deformed so that their tip portions approach each other by the tapered surface of the accumulator valve 31 that moves backward, and the accumulator chamber S is communicated with the front end opening portion of the injection cylinder portion 30.

[0031] A nozzle member 3 is externally fitted to the injection cylinder portion 30 from the front. The nozzle member 3 includes a cylindrical relay member 3a attached to the front end portion of the injection cylinder portion 30, and a capped cylindrical nozzle body 3b rotatably attached to the relay member 3a in a state of being prevented from coming off forward. An ejection hole 4 that opens forward and ejects the content forward is formed in the front top wall of the nozzle body 3b.

[0032] The cover member 5 is formed to cover at least the entire part of the nozzle member 3 excluding the nozzle body 3b, the entire part of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 excluding the lower end portion, and the entire injection cylinder portion 30 from both sides and above in the left - right direction.

[0033] The switching valve 40 is provided inside the vertical supply cylinder portion 10. The vertical supply cylinder portion 10 includes an outer cylinder portion 15 and an inner cylinder portion 16 fitted inside the outer cylinder portion 15. The switching valve 40 is provided in a flow path provided between the upper end position of a pipe 13 fitted inside the inner cylinder portion 16 and a connection position where the outer cylinder portion 15 and the cylinder 23 are connected above the upper end position of the pipe 13. A communication hole 17 that communicates the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 and the ejection hole 4 is formed in the flow path.

[0034] The switching valve 40 switches between communication and cutoff between the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 and the ejection hole 4 according to the pressurization and depressurization inside the cylinder 23. The switching valve 40 includes a valve seat 41, a ball valve 42, a wall portion 43, and an elastic protrusion group 44. The valve seat 41 is provided at the opening peripheral edge of the communication hole 17 that communicates the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 and the ejection hole 4. The valve seat 41 protrudes radially from the inner wall surface of the upper end portion of the inner cylinder portion 16, and its upper surface gradually decreases in diameter downward.

[0035] The ball valve 42 is a sphere that can be seated and separated from the valve seat 41. The ball valve 42 is formed of, for example, a metal or the like that is heavier than the specific gravity of the contents accommodated in the container body A. The wall portion 43 faces the ball valve 42 in the opening direction of the communication hole 17. That is, the wall portion 43 faces the valve seat 41 with a gap therebetween across the ball valve 42 in the opening direction of the communication hole 17. The wall portion 43 is integrally formed with the outer cylinder portion 15. Specifically, the wall portion 43 forms the top wall of the toped cylindrical outer cylinder portion 15. A side wall extending upward is integrally formed from the wall portion 43, and the injection cylinder portion 30 and the outer cylinder portion 15 are integrally formed via the side wall. And a flow path connecting the pressure accumulation chamber S in the injection cylinder portion 30 and the cylinder 23 is formed between the lower side portion of the injection cylinder portion 30 and the side wall.

[0036] Note that the opening direction of the communication hole 17 is the direction in which the central axis passing through the center of the communication hole 17 extends. In the first embodiment, the central axis of the communication hole 17 coincides with the central axis O of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10. That is, in the first embodiment, the opening direction of the communication hole 17 is the vertical direction. Note that when the switching valve 40 is in a bent flow path with respect to the vertical supply cylinder portion 10, the direction in which the bent flow path extends may be the opening direction of the communication hole 17.

[0037] The elastic protrusion group 44 includes a plurality of protrusions 45 that protrude from the wall portion 43 toward the ball valve 42. The plurality of protrusions 45 are in contact with a half region (upper half region) on the wall portion 43 side of the ball valve 42 with respect to the ball valve 42 seated on the valve seat 41. Note that the plurality of protrusions 45 may be arranged at intervals in the vertical direction with respect to the ball valve 42 seated on the valve seat 41.

[0038] As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2, the elastic protrusion group 44 includes three protrusions 45 that protrude from the wall portion 43 toward the ball valve 42. Note that there may be four or more protrusions 45. The elastic protrusion group 44 is formed in a spiral shape (for example, a counterclockwise spiral shape centered on the central axis O in a plan view) that extends from one side to the other side in the circumferential direction along the central axis O of the communication hole 17 as it goes from the wall portion 43 toward the ball valve 42. That is, with respect to the base portion 45b of the protrusion 45 on the wall portion 43 side, the tip portion 45a of the protrusion 45 on the ball valve 42 side is located on the other side in the circumferential direction.

[0039] As shown in the bottom view of FIG. 3, the inner surface 46 of the elastic protrusion group 44 that faces the inner side in the radial direction intersecting the opening direction of the communication hole 17 is formed in a curved surface shape that is recessed toward the outer side in the radial direction intersecting the opening direction of the communication hole 17. The inner surfaces 46 of the three protrusions 45 as a whole form a circle centered on the central axis O of the communication hole 17. Note that the inner surface 46 of the elastic protrusion group 44 may be planar and extend in the tangential direction of the circle centered on the central axis O of the communication hole 17.

[0040] From the base portion 45b to the vicinity of the tip portion 45a of the protrusion 45, it is formed in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape. The tip portion 45a of the protrusion 45 is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape. That is, one point on the spherical surface of the tip portion 45a of the protrusion 45 serves as the initial contact point P with respect to the ball valve 42. The elastic protrusion group 44 has at least three contact points P in contact with the ball valve 42, and the diameter D2 of the circle passing through the three contact points P is smaller than the diameter D1 of the ball valve 42. Thereby, when the ball valve 42 separates from the valve seat 41, the elastic protrusion group 44 is elastically deformed by the ball valve 42 so that the space between the three protrusions 45 is expanded.

[0041] The elastic projection group 44 is elastically deformed radially outward at least intersecting the opening direction of the communication hole 17 by the ball valve 42 separated from the valve seat 41. Further, since the elastic projection group 44 is formed in a spiral shape extending from one side to the other side in the circumferential direction along the central axis O of the communication hole 17 as it goes from the wall portion 43 toward the ball valve 42, as shown in FIG. 4, it is elastically deformed so as to be twisted in the circumferential direction. Due to these elastic deformations, a vertical gap is generated between the valve seat 41 and the ball valve 42, and the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 and the ejection hole 4 communicate with each other.

[0042] Next, the case of using the trigger type ejector 1 configured as described above will be described. As a premise, it is assumed that the inside of each part of the trigger type ejector 1 is filled with the content and the content can be sucked up into the vertical supply cylinder portion 10.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, when the trigger portion 21 is operated to be pulled backward, the piston 22 moves backward from the foremost position, and the inside of the cylinder 23 is pressurized. When the inside of the cylinder 23 is pressurized, the content inside the cylinder 23 flows out into the vertical supply cylinder portion 10, and the ball valve 42 is pressed against the valve seat 41 by the outflowing content, thereby blocking the communication hole 17.

[0044] As a result, the content that has flowed out into the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 can be supplied into the injection cylinder portion 30 through the upper end portion of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10. When the content is supplied into the injection cylinder portion 30, the pressure in the pressure accumulation chamber S rises, and when the pressure in the pressure accumulation chamber S exceeds a predetermined value, the elastic protrusion 33 is elastically deformed and the pressure accumulation valve 31 is opened. When the pressure accumulation valve 31 is opened, the content with increased pressure can be vigorously ejected from the injection cylinder portion 30 toward the relay member 3a and can be ejected from the ejection hole 4 of the nozzle body 3b to the outside.

[0045] After the content is ejected, when the trigger part 21 moves forward and returns by the biasing member 24, the piston 22 moves forward and returns in the cylinder 23 in conjunction with the trigger part 21. As a result, the inside of the cylinder 23 is depressurized to a pressure lower than the pressure in the container body A. Thus, when the inside of the cylinder 23 is depressurized as the piston 22 moves, the ball valve 42 separates from the valve seat 41 provided at the opening peripheral edge of the communication hole 17 that connects the vertical supply cylinder part 10 and the ejection hole 4.

[0046] The ball valve 42 separated from the valve seat 41 contacts the elastic protrusion group 44 including three protrusions 45, and elastically deforms the elastic protrusion group 44 radially outward at least intersecting the opening direction of the communication hole 17. When the depressurization in the cylinder 23 is released, the elastic protrusion group 44 that has been elastically deformed by contact with the ball valve 42 returns to its original shape, and the ball valve 42 is pushed back. As a result, the ball valve 42 is biased toward the valve seat 41, and the ball valve 42 seats on the valve seat 41 without sticking to the inner wall surface of the flow path of the vertical supply cylinder part 10. Therefore, the content in the container body A can be sucked up into the vertical supply cylinder part 10 through the communication hole 17 and introduced into the cylinder 23. Thereby, it is possible to prepare for the next ejection.

[0047] As described above, the trigger-type ejector 1 of the first embodiment includes a vertical supply cylinder portion 10 that sucks up the content from the container body A, a nozzle member 3 having an ejection hole 4 that ejects the content sucked up by the vertical supply cylinder portion 10, a cylinder 23 whose interior is pressurized and depressurized as the piston 22 moves and whose interior communicates with the interior of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10, and a switching valve 40 that switches the communication and cutoff between the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 and the ejection hole 4 according to the pressurization and depressurization inside the cylinder 23. The switching valve 40 includes a valve seat 41 provided at the opening peripheral edge of a communication hole 17 that communicates the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 and the ejection hole 4, a ball valve 42 that is seated on the valve seat 41 so as to be separable therefrom, a wall portion 43 facing the ball valve 42 in the opening direction of the communication hole 17, and at least three protrusions 45 protruding from the wall portion 43 toward the ball valve 42. When the ball valve 42 is separated from the valve seat 41, an elastic protrusion group 44 that elastically deforms radially outward at least intersecting the opening direction of the communication hole 17 is provided. According to this configuration, sticking of the ball valve 42 can be suppressed, and the flow path can be stably opened and closed.

[0048] Further, in the first embodiment, the elastic protrusion group 44 is formed in a spiral shape extending from one side to the other side in the circumferential direction along the central axis O of the communication hole 17 as it goes from the wall portion 43 toward the ball valve 42. According to this configuration, the elastic protrusion group 44 elastically deforms not only radially outward intersecting the opening direction of the communication hole 17 but also from one side to the other side in the circumferential direction along the central axis O of the communication hole 17. Therefore, the elastic protrusion group 44 is likely to elastically deform due to contact with the ball valve 42. Further, since the elastic protrusion group 44 deforms not only in the radial direction but also in the circumferential direction, it is possible to prevent the elastic protrusion group 44 from spreading too much radially outward due to contact with the ball valve 42, and an increase in the inner diameter of the flow path in which the elastic protrusion group 44 is arranged can be suppressed.

[0049] Further, in the first embodiment, the elastic protrusion group 44 contacts the half region on the wall portion 43 side of the ball valve 42. According to this configuration, at least three protrusions 45 of the elastic protrusion group 44 elastically deform so as to grip the half region (hemispherical surface) on the wall portion 43 side of the ball valve 42. Therefore, when the elastic protrusion group 44 restores and deforms, it becomes easier to release the ball valve 42 from the elastic protrusion group 44.

[0050] Also, in the first embodiment, the elastic protrusion group 44 has at least three contact points P that contact the ball valve 42, and the diameter D2 of the circle passing through the three contact points P is smaller than the diameter D1 of the ball valve 42. According to this configuration, when the ball valve 42 contacts the elastic protrusion group 44, the elastic protrusion group 44 elastically deforms so that at least the space between the three protrusions 45 is expanded. As a result, the tip of the elastic protrusion group 44 bends so as to warp radially outward, and the force urging the ball valve 42 toward the valve seat 41 becomes stronger.

[0051] Also, in the first embodiment, the elastic protrusion group 44 has an inner surface 46 facing radially inward that intersects the opening direction of the communication hole 17, and is formed in a planar shape extending in the tangential direction of a circle centered on the central axis O of the communication hole 17, or in a curved surface shape that is recessed radially outward and intersects the opening direction of the communication hole 17. According to this configuration, since the elastic protrusion group 44 includes at least three planes or three curved surfaces, it can stably contact the ball valve 42.

[0052] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is simplified or omitted.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, the ejector according to the second embodiment is a push-type ejector 100. The push-type ejector 100 ejects the contents filled in a container body (not shown) from the discharge hole 104 of the push head 103. Examples of the contents filled in the container body include treatment agents, body soaps, hand soaps, shampoos, rinses, and conditioners.

[0054] The push-type dispenser 100 includes a mounting cap 101 attached to the mouth of the container body, a pump 102 having a stem 110 (vertical supply cylinder portion) penetrating through the mounting cap 101 and being movable downward in an upwardly biased state, a pressing head 103 (nozzle member) attached to the upper end of the stem 110 and having a discharge hole 104 for discharging the content, and a regulating cylinder 105 to which the pressing head 103 located at the descending end position is detachably attached and which regulates the upward movement of the pressing head 103 and the stem 110.

[0055] The mounting cap 101 is formed in a capped cylindrical shape with an annular top wall portion. An internal thread portion for screwing onto the mouth of the container body is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the mounting cap 101.

[0056] The pump 102 includes a cylindrical stem 110 extending in the vertical direction, a piston 111 linked to the vertical movement of the stem 110, a cylinder 112 in which the piston 111 is fitted so as to be vertically slidable, a fitting member 113 linked to the vertical movement of the stem 110 and fitted inside the lower end of the cylinder 112, and a lower valve body 114 for opening and closing the lower end opening of the cylinder 112.

[0057] The central axes O of the mounting cap 101, the stem 110, the regulating cylinder 105, the piston 111, and the cylinder 112 are coaxially arranged respectively. Hereinafter, the side of the container body along the central axis O is referred to as the lower side, the opposite side is referred to as the upper side, and the direction along the central axis O is referred to as the vertical direction. Also, when viewed from this vertical direction, the direction intersecting the central axis O is referred to as the radial direction, and the direction of orbiting around the central axis O is referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0058] The piston 111 extends radially outward from the lower end portion of the stem 110 and is in sliding contact with the inner wall surface of the cylinder 112 so as to be vertically movable. The cylinder 112 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with an upper opening. An opening is formed at the center of the bottom of the cylinder 112, into which a pipe 115 extending to the bottom of the container body and sucking up the content is fitted.

[0059] On the outer peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the cylinder 112, a flange portion 116 protruding radially outward is formed over the entire circumference. The flange portion 116 is disposed on the upper end opening edge of the mouth portion of the container body. Among the cylinder 112, the portion located above the flange portion 116 is inserted inside the top wall portion of the mounting cap 101. The flange portion 116 is pressed against the upper end opening edge of the mouth portion of the container body by the top wall portion of the mounting cap 101.

[0060] Inside the piston 111, the upper end portion of the piston biasing member 117 is disposed. The piston biasing member 117 moves the stem 110 upward for restoration after the discharge of the content. The lower valve body 114 is disposed in the cylinder 112 at a portion located below the fitting portion 133. The fitting portion 133 includes a spring receiving portion convex upward where the lower end portion of the piston biasing member 117 is received, and a leg portion extending from the peripheral edge portion of the spring receiving portion toward the bottom wall of the cylinder 112. The leg portion extends intermittently in the circumferential direction, and a gap through which the content can pass is formed.

[0061] The lower valve body 114 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the vertical direction. The lower valve body 114 is placed on the peripheral edge portion of the lower end opening on the bottom surface of the cylinder 112 so as to be separable upward. The lower valve body 114 is disposed inside the leg portion of the fitting portion 133. The lower valve body 114 is hinge-connected to the inner peripheral surface of the leg portion of the fitting portion 133 via an elastically deformable connecting piece.

[0062] The lower valve body 114 serves as a check valve that maintains the lower end opening of the cylinder 112 closed during pressurization inside the cylinder 112 and opens the lower end opening of the cylinder 112 during depressurization inside the cylinder 112. Thereby, during pressurization inside the cylinder 112, the content inside the cylinder 112 is prevented from returning into the container body from the lower end opening of the cylinder 112, and during depressurization inside the cylinder 112, the content inside the container body flows into the cylinder 112 from the lower end opening of the cylinder 112.

[0063] The pressing head 103 includes a fitting cylinder 120 fitted to the upper end of the stem 110, a discharge cylinder 121 that protrudes radially outward from the fitting cylinder 120 and has a discharge hole 104 formed at its tip, and a screwing cylinder 122 that surrounds the fitting cylinder 120 from the outside in the radial direction. The discharge cylinder 121 penetrates the screwing cylinder 122 in the radial direction. The upper part of the fitting cylinder 120 protrudes upward from the upper end of the stem 110. The regulating cylinder 105 includes an externally fitted cylinder 131 externally fitted to the upper end of the cylinder 112, and a male screw cylinder 132 to which the screwing cylinder 122 of the pressing head 103 located at the descending end position is screwed.

[0064] Here, the switching valve 40 is provided inside the stem 110 and the fitting cylinder 120. A communication hole 17 that communicates the stem 110 and the discharge hole 104 is formed at the upper end of the stem 110. The switching valve 40 switches the communication and interruption between the stem 110 and the discharge hole 104 according to the pressurization and depressurization inside the cylinder 112. As described above, the switching valve 40 includes a valve seat 41, a ball valve 42, a wall portion 43, and an elastic protrusion group 44. The valve seat 41 is provided at the opening peripheral edge of the communication hole 17 that communicates the stem 110 and the discharge hole 104. The valve seat 41 protrudes radially from the inner wall surface of the upper end of the inner cylinder portion 16, and its upper surface gradually decreases in diameter downward.

[0065] The ball valve 42 is a sphere that can be seated and separated from the valve seat 41. The ball valve 42 is formed of, for example, a metal or the like that is heavier in specific gravity than the contents accommodated in the container body A. The wall portion 43 is vertically provided downward from the top surface of the pressing head 103 and faces the opening direction of the ball valve 42 and the communication hole 17. That is, the wall portion 43 faces the valve seat 41 with a gap therebetween, sandwiching the ball valve 42 in the opening direction of the communication hole 17. The wall portion 43 is integrally formed with the pressing head 103.

[0066] The elastic projection group 44 includes at least three projections 45 protruding from the wall portion 43 toward the ball valve 42. The elastic projection group 44 is in contact with the ball valve 42 in the seated state on the valve seat 41 in the region of the half on the wall portion 43 side (the upper half region) of the ball valve 42. Note that the elastic projection group 44 may be arranged at a distance in the vertical direction with respect to the ball valve 42 in the seated state on the valve seat 41. Note that the detailed structure of the elastic projection group 44 is as described in the first embodiment above.

[0067] A method of using the push-type ejector 100 configured as described above will be described.

[0068] When the push head 103 is pushed down to move the stem 110 downward, the piston 111 also moves downward, and the contents in the cylinder 112 are pressurized. As a result, the contents in the cylinder 112 flow into the stem 110, the ball valve 42 that shields the communication hole 17 separates from the valve seat 41, and the contents are discharged from the discharge hole 104.

[0069] As described above, when the inside of the cylinder 112 is pressurized as the piston 111 moves, the ball valve 42 separates from the valve seat 41 provided at the opening peripheral edge of the communication hole 17 that communicates the stem 110 and the discharge hole 104. The ball valve 42 separated from the valve seat 41 comes into contact with the elastic projection group 44 including the three projections 45, and elastically deforms the elastic projection group 44 at least radially outward intersecting the opening direction of the communication hole 17. When the pressurization in the cylinder 112 is released, the elastic projection group 44 that has been elastically deformed by the contact with the ball valve 42 is restored and deformed, and the ball valve 42 is pushed back. As a result, the ball valve 42 is biased toward the valve seat 41, and the ball valve 42 seats on the valve seat 41 without sticking to the inner wall surface of the flow path of the stem 110 or the fitting cylinder 120.

[0070] Next, when the pressing of the pressing head 103 is released, the stem 110, the piston 111, and the pressing head 103 integrally rise by the upward biasing force of the piston biasing member 117. As a result, the pressure inside the cylinder 112 decreases. When the pressure inside the cylinder 112 decreases, the lower valve body 114 opens the lower end opening of the cylinder 112, and the contents inside the container body flow into the cylinder 112 through the pipe 115. Therefore, the contents inside the container body can be sucked into the stem 110 through the communication hole 17 and introduced into the cylinder 112. Thereby, it can be prepared for the next ejection.

[0071] As described above, the push-type ejector 100 of the second embodiment includes a stem 110 that sucks up the contents from the container body, a pressing head 103 having a discharge hole 104 for discharging the contents sucked up by the stem 110, a cylinder 112 whose internal pressure increases and decreases as the piston 111 moves and whose internal communicates with the inside of the stem 110, and a switching valve 40 that switches the communication and blockage between the stem 110 and the discharge hole 104 according to the pressurization and depressurization inside the cylinder 112. The switching valve 40 includes a valve seat 41 provided at the opening peripheral edge of the communication hole 17 that communicates the stem 110 and the discharge hole 104, a ball valve 42 that is detachably seated on the valve seat 41, a wall portion 43 that faces the ball valve 42 in the opening direction of the communication hole 17, and at least three protrusions 45 that protrude from the wall portion 43 toward the ball valve 42. And an elastic protrusion group 44 that elastically deforms radially outward at least intersecting the opening direction of the communication hole 17 by the ball valve 42 separated from the valve seat 41. According to this configuration, sticking of the ball valve 42 can be suppressed and the flow path can be stably opened and closed.

[0072] Note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0073] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the elastic protrusion group 44 is formed in a spiral shape extending from one side to the other side in the circumferential direction along the central axis O of the communication hole 17 as it goes from the wall portion 43 toward the ball valve 42 has been described. However, the elastic protrusion group 44 may extend straight from the wall portion 43 toward the ball valve 42.

[0074] Also, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the inner surface 46 of the elastic protrusion group 44 facing the radially inner side intersecting the opening direction of the communication hole 17 extends in a planar shape in the tangential direction of a circle centered on the central axis O of the communication hole 17, or is formed in a curved surface shape that is recessed toward the radially outer side intersecting the opening direction of the communication hole 17 has been described. However, the inner surface 46 of the elastic protrusion group 44 does not have to be convex toward the central axis O of the communication hole 17.

[0075] Also, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the elastic protrusion group 44 is elastically deformed toward the radially outer side intersecting the opening direction of the communication hole 17 by the ball valve 42 separated from the valve seat 41 has been described. However, there may be some protrusions that are elastically deformed toward the radially inner side.

[0076] Also, for example, as the ejector of the present invention, the trigger-type ejector 1 in the first embodiment and the push-type ejector 100 in which the content is ejected in droplet form in the second embodiment are exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. As the ejector of the present invention, for example, a push-type ejector (spray type) that sprays the content in a mist form or a push-type foam former pump that ejects the content in a foamy state may be used.

[0077] In addition, within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately replace the components in the above-described embodiment with well-known components.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0078] 1... Trigger-type ejector, 2... Ejector body, 3... Nozzle member, 3a... Relay member, 3b... Nozzle body, 4... Ejection hole, 5... Cover member, 10... Vertical supply cylinder part, 11... Flange, 12... Mounting cap, 13... Pipe, 14... Cylinder barrel part, 15... Outer cylinder part, 16... Inner cylinder part, 17... Communication hole, 20... Trigger mechanism, 21... Trigger part, 22... Piston, 23... Cylinder, 24... Biasing member, 30... Injection cylinder part, 31... Pressure accumulation valve, 32... Closing member, 33... Elastic projection, 40... Changeover valve, 41... Valve seat, 42... Ball valve, 43... Wall part, 44... Elastic projection group, 45... Projection, 45a... Tip part, 45b... Root part, 46... Inner surface, 100... Push-type discharger, 101... Mounting cap, 102... Pump, 103... Pressing head, 104... Discharge hole, 105... Regulation cylinder, 110... Stem, 111... Piston, 112... Cylinder, 113... Fitting member, 114... Lower valve body, 115... Pipe, 116... Flange part, 117... Piston biasing member, 120... Fitting cylinder, 121... Discharge cylinder, 122... Screwed cylinder, 131... Outer fitting cylinder, 132... Male screw cylinder, 133... Fitting part, A... Container body, D1... Diameter, D2... Diameter, O... Central axis, P... Contact point, S... Pressure accumulation chamber

Claims

1. A vertical supply cylinder for sucking up the contents from the container body, A nozzle member having a discharge hole for discharging the contents sucked up by the vertical supply cylinder, A cylinder whose interior is pressurized and depressurized as the piston moves and whose interior communicates with the interior of the vertical supply cylinder, A switching valve for switching the communication and blocking between the vertical supply cylinder and the discharge hole according to the pressurization and depressurization inside the cylinder, comprising: The switching valve is A valve seat provided at the opening peripheral edge of a communication hole for communicating the vertical supply cylinder and the discharge hole, and a ball valve that is detachably seated on the valve seat, The ball valve and a wall portion facing the opening direction of the communication hole, Including at least three protrusions protruding from the wall portion toward the ball valve, and an elastic protrusion group that is elastically deformed in a radial direction intersecting at least the opening direction of the communication hole by the ball valve separated from the valve seat, The elastic protrusion group is formed in a spiral shape extending from one side to the other side in the circumferential direction along the central axis of the communication hole as it goes from the wall portion toward the ball valve. The ejector is characterized by this.

2. The elastic protrusion group contacts the half region of the ball valve on the wall portion side. The ejector according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

3. The elastic protrusion group has at least three contact points that contact the ball valve, The diameter of the circle passing through the three contact points is smaller than the diameter of the ball valve. The ejector according to claim 1 or 2 is characterized by this.

4. The inner surface of the elastic protrusion group facing the inner side in the radial direction intersecting the opening direction of the communication hole is formed in a planar shape extending in the tangential direction of a circle centered on the central axis of the communication hole, or in a curved surface shape that is recessed outward in the radial direction intersecting the opening direction of the communication hole. The ejector according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is characterized by this.

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