Trigger-type liquid ejector and trigger-type spray container

Abstract

A trigger-type liquid ejector comprising a discharge body incorporating a pump capable of sucking and pumping the liquid in the container body, an operation lever for operating the pump, and a liquid discharge nozzle for discharging the liquid by the operation of the pump, wherein the liquid discharge nozzle has a discharge port capable of discharging the liquid, a nozzle flow path for flowing the liquid pumped from the pump toward the discharge port, and a space formed between the discharge port and the nozzle flow path and communicating with the discharge port and the nozzle flow path, and the cross-sectional area of the space is larger than the cross-sectional area of the nozzle flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a trigger-type liquid discharger and a trigger-type spray container.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a trigger-type liquid discharger having a liquid discharge nozzle capable of discharging a liquid has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a trigger-type liquid discharger including a nozzle mechanism capable of switching between a direct injection mode in which a cap is rotated to open from a common groove portion to a nozzle hole through a first groove portion and a mist ejection mode in which the cap is rotated to open from the common groove portion to the nozzle hole through a second groove portion and a spin groove.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the trigger-type liquid discharger described in Patent Document 1, when the nozzle mechanism is in the mist ejection mode, since the liquid flows through the spin groove, the liquid ejected from the nozzle hole is ejected in a state where the flow has strength and weakness, so that the liquid ejected from the nozzle hole rotates and spreads, and the liquid scatters. Further, when the nozzle mechanism is in the direct injection mode, since the liquid does not flow through the spin groove, although the liquid ejected from the nozzle hole has high straightness, the flow of the liquid flowing through the first groove portion is not uniformized, and the liquid is ejected in a state where the flow velocity has strength and weakness. Therefore, a spread of the liquid similar to rotation occurs in the liquid ejected from the nozzle hole, and scattering occurs. Such scattering of the liquid causes a decrease in the ejection distance of the liquid.

[0005] The present invention relates to a trigger-type liquid discharger and a trigger-type spray container capable of increasing the discharge distance of a liquid.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A trigger-type liquid discharger including a container body having a built-in pump capable of sucking and pumping a liquid, an operation lever for operating the pump, and a liquid discharge nozzle for discharging the liquid by the operation of the pump, wherein the liquid discharge nozzle has a discharge port capable of discharging a liquid, a nozzle flow path for flowing the liquid pumped from the pump toward the discharge port, and a space formed between the discharge port and the nozzle flow path and communicating with the discharge port and the nozzle flow path, and a cross-sectional area of the space is larger than a cross-sectional area of the nozzle flow path.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the trigger-type liquid discharger of the present invention, it becomes possible to increase the discharge distance of a liquid.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to each claim, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the invention. Also, in the first embodiment, there may be cases where the scales and dimensions of each component are exaggeratedly shown, or some components are omitted.

[0010] [Overall Configuration of Trigger-Type Spray Container] As shown in FIG. 1, the trigger-type spray container 1' according to the first embodiment includes a container body 100' capable of accommodating a liquid, and a trigger-type liquid discharger 200' that can be attached to the container body 100' and can discharge the liquid in the container body 100' by a manual operation of the user. Further, the trigger-type spray container 1' according to the first embodiment can be used, for example, for applications such as discharging liquids such as household detergents, fungicides, hair styling agents, fragrances, and deodorants.

[0011] Hereinafter, in the first embodiment, for convenience of explanation, there may be cases where the discharge direction of the liquid by the trigger-type liquid discharger 200' (the liquid discharge direction of the discharge port 311a' described later) is referred to as "forward", and the opposite direction is referred to as "backward". Also, in the state where the trigger-type liquid discharger 200' is attached to the container body 100' (the state in FIG. 1), there may be cases where the side where the trigger-type liquid discharger 200' is located is referred to as "upper", and the side where the container body 100' is located is referred to as "lower".

[0012] [Configuration of Container Body] As shown in FIG. 1, the container body 100' is a bottomed cylindrical container having a small-diameter cylindrical mouth tube 110' at the upper part, and is configured to be able to accommodate a liquid in its internal space. It should be noted that since such a container body 100' can adopt various known configurations, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0013] [Configuration of Trigger-Type Liquid Discharger] As shown in Fig. 1, the trigger-type liquid ejector 200' according to the first embodiment includes an ejector body 210' having a built-in pump 220' capable of sucking and pumping the liquid in the container body 100', an operation lever 230' (trigger) for operating the pump 220', and a liquid ejection nozzle 240' for ejecting the liquid by the operation of the pump 220'.

[0014] In the trigger-type liquid ejector 200' according to the first embodiment, for the configurations other than the configuration related to the liquid ejection nozzle 240', since the configurations of various known trigger-type liquid ejectors can be adopted, the following will be limited to a brief description of an example, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0015] The ejector body 210' includes a cap member 211' configured to be attachable to the mouth cylinder 110' of the container body 100', a vertical cylinder 212' extending upward from the cap member 211', a horizontal cylinder 213' extending forward from the upper end of the vertical cylinder 212' and connected to the liquid ejection nozzle 240', a cylindrical holding portion 214' extending forward from the middle of the vertical cylinder 212', a pump 220' held in the holding portion 214', and a head cover 215' covering a part of the vertical cylinder 212', the horizontal cylinder 213', the holding portion 214', the pump 220' and the operation lever 230'.

[0016] The vertical cylinder 212' has a cylindrical neck portion 212a' at its lower end, which is inserted into the upper opening (not shown) of the cap member 211'. The neck portion 212a' has a smaller width (i.e., diameter) in a direction intersecting the swinging direction of the operation lever 230' compared to the cap member 211'. The vertical cylinder 212' also has a cylindrical intake 212b' inside. The lower end of the intake 212b' communicates with a pipe 216' extending into the container body 100', and its upper end communicates with the rear end of the horizontal cylinder 213'. Thus, a feeding path from the container body 100' to the liquid discharge nozzle 240' is formed by the pipe 216', the intake 212b', and the horizontal cylinder 213'. A communication hole 212c' communicating with a pump chamber 224' described later is formed in the intake 212b'. A suction valve 212d' and a discharge valve 212e' are respectively arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side of the communication hole 212c'. By the operation of the pump 220', it is configured to suck liquid from the container body 100' into the pump chamber 224' and to pump the liquid from the pump chamber 224' to the liquid discharge nozzle 240'.

[0017] The pump 220' includes a cylindrical cylinder 221' fitted and held by a holding portion 214' and a piston 222' reciprocally accommodated inside the cylinder 221'. The piston 222' is formed with a smaller diameter than the cylinder 221', thereby forming a gap between its outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 221'. An annular seal portion 223' is protrudingly provided at the rear end portion of the piston 222' to slidably and liquid-tightly contact the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 221'. By sealing the inside of the cylinder 221' with the seal portion 223', a pump chamber 224' is formed on the rear side of the seal portion 223'. The front end portion of the piston 222' is engaged with the operation lever 230', and it is biased by a coil spring 225' provided inside it in a direction to push back the operation lever 230' (the expanding direction of the pump chamber 224').

[0018] The operation lever 230' is pivotally attached at its upper end (base end) to be swingable on the tip side of the horizontal cylinder 213' of the ejector body 210', and is provided to hang downward (toward the container body 100') from the horizontal cylinder 213' so as to face the vertical cylinder 212', the holding part 214', and the cap member 211'. The rear surface of the operation lever 230' is engaged with the front end of the piston 222' as described above, and is configured to reciprocate the piston 222' by the reciprocating motion of the operation lever 230'. The trigger-type liquid ejector 200' according to the first embodiment forms a space between the operation lever 230' and the cap member 211', the vertical cylinder 212', and the horizontal cylinder 213' of the ejector body 210' by the operation lever 230' thus hung, and the piston 222' of the pump 220' is disposed in the space.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the liquid discharge nozzle 240' includes a nozzle body 300' provided at the tip of the horizontal cylinder 213' of the ejector body 210', and a nozzle cover 400' covering the nozzle body 300'. Note that the nozzle body 300' may be configured to be detachable or non-detachable from the ejector body 210'.

[0020] The nozzle body 300' includes an outer body (first member) 310' having a discharge port 311a' capable of discharging liquid, and an inner body (second member) 320' provided inside and on the rear side of the outer body 310'.

[0021] The outer main body 310' has a circular front wall 311' and a peripheral wall 312' extending rearward from the entire outer peripheral edge of the front wall 311', and is formed in a cylindrical shape with the rear side open as a whole. A discharge port 311a' is formed at the center of the front wall 311'. The discharge port 311a' is an opening formed to penetrate from the outer surface to the inner surface of the front wall 311'. In the first embodiment, the front wall 311' has been described as being circularly formed, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it may have a square shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, or other shapes. However, from the viewpoint of uniformly distributing the pumped liquid to the nozzle, it is more preferably circularly formed.

[0022] The inner main body 320' has a circular front surface 321' facing the front wall 311' of the outer main body 310' and a circular rear surface 322' facing the front surface 321', and a peripheral surface 323' provided from the outer peripheral edge of the front surface 321' to the outer peripheral edge of the rear surface 322', and is formed in a columnar shape as a whole. The front surface 321' and the rear surface 322' are formed to have the same shape and size, and have a size that allows the inner main body 320' to be fitted into the outer main body 310'. The inner main body 320' is provided inside and on the rear side of the outer main body 310', and is formed to be shorter in the front-rear direction than the outer main body 310'. In the first embodiment, the inner main body 320' has been described as being columnar, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it may be formed in a prismatic shape.

[0023] In addition, the inner main body 320' has nozzle flow paths 324' at its upper and lower ends for causing the liquid pumped from the pump 220' to flow toward the discharge port 311a'. That is, in the first embodiment, the discharge port 311a' and the nozzle flow paths 324' are not arranged on the same straight line. The nozzle flow paths 324' are openings formed to penetrate from the front surface 321' to the rear surface 322' and communicate with the feeding path of the ejector main body 210'. In the first embodiment, the nozzle flow paths 324' have been described as being provided at the upper and lower ends of the inner main body 320', but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the nozzle flow paths 324' may be provided at any position of the inner main body 320', or one or more than three nozzle flow paths 324' may be provided.

[0024] Further, the nozzle main body 300' has a flow velocity buffer region 330' formed between the discharge port 311a' and the nozzle flow paths 324' and communicating with the discharge port 311a' and the nozzle flow paths 324'. Here, the "flow velocity buffer region" is a space having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the nozzle flow paths 324' and is a space for making the flow velocity of the liquid flowing from the nozzle flow paths 324' uniform. Further, the "cross-sectional area of the nozzle flow paths 324'" referred to here means the total cross-sectional area of these plurality of nozzle flow paths 324' when a plurality of nozzle flow paths 324' are provided, and means the cross-sectional area of the largest part when the cross-sectional area of the nozzle flow paths 324' is locally different. In the first embodiment, the flow velocity buffer region 330' is a columnar space defined by the inner surface of the front wall 311', the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 312', and the front surface 321'. Note that the cross-sectional area of the flow velocity buffer region 330' is preferably formed to be constant from the front end to the rear end. From such a viewpoint, the flow velocity buffer region 330' is preferably formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a cross-sectional view along the axis of the discharge port 311a' as shown in FIG. 3. In the first embodiment, the flow velocity buffer region 330' has been described as being a columnar space, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, it may be a prismatic space.

[0025] Further, in the first embodiment, it is preferable that the size of the cross-sectional area of the flow velocity buffer region 330' relative to the cross-sectional area of the discharge port 311a' is 5 times or more and 2000 times or less, more preferably 10 times or more and 1000 times or less, and most preferably 15 times or more and 500 times or less. By having the cross-sectional area of the flow velocity buffer region 330' be such a size, there is an advantage that the flow velocity of the liquid flowing through the nozzle flow path 324' can be made uniform. Also, the larger the size of the cross-sectional area of the flow velocity buffer region 330', the more uniform the flow velocity of a lower-viscosity liquid can be made.

[0026] Further, in the first embodiment, it is preferable that the size of the spatial volume of the flow velocity buffer region 330' relative to the opening volume (volume at the minimum diameter of the discharge port 311a') of the discharge port 311a' is 5 times or more and 3000 times or less, more preferably 20 times or more and 1500 times or less, and most preferably 50 times or more and 800 times or less. For example, if the minimum diameter of the discharge port 311a' is 0.8 mm, the length along the liquid discharge direction at the minimum diameter of the discharge port 311a' (length of the discharge path) is 0.25 mm, and the opening volume of the discharge port 311a' is (0.8 / 2) 2 ×3.14 (pi) ×0.25 mm, which is 0.1256 mm 3 and the diameter of the flow velocity buffer region 330' is 3.5 mm, the length along the liquid discharge direction of the flow velocity buffer region 330' is 9.2 mm, and the spatial volume of the flow velocity buffer region 330' is (3.5 / 2) 2 ×3.14 (pi) ×9.2, which is 88.4695 mm 3 in this case, the size of the spatial volume of the flow velocity buffer region 330' relative to the opening volume of the discharge port 311a' is 88.4695 / 0.1256, which is 704.375 times, and the above relationship is satisfied. By having the spatial volume of the flow velocity buffer region 330' be such a size, there is an advantage that the flow velocity of the liquid flowing through the nozzle flow path 324' can be made uniform. Also, the larger the size of the spatial volume of the flow velocity buffer region 330', the more uniform the flow velocity of a lower-viscosity liquid can be made.

[0027] [Method of Using the Trigger-Type Spray Container According to the First Embodiment] First, the operation of the trigger-type spray container 1' according to the first embodiment will be described. The trigger-type spray container 1' according to the first embodiment pressurizes the liquid in the pump chamber 224' by pulling the operation lever 230' of the trigger-type liquid discharger 200' closer to the container body 100' to move the piston 222' backward with respect to the cylinder 221'. By pressing the suction valve 212d' against the valve seat by the pressing force and maintaining the closed state while separating the discharge valve 212e' from the valve seat and displacing it to the open state, the liquid in the pump chamber 224' can be discharged to the outside from the discharge port 311a' of the liquid discharge nozzle 240' through the feed path.

[0028] In the first embodiment, since the flow velocity buffer region 330' is formed between the discharge port 311a' and the nozzle flow path 324', the liquid with a strong or weak flow state is not discharged from the discharge port 311a', and the liquid with high straightness is discharged. Therefore, the discharge distance of the liquid discharged from the discharge port 311a' increases.

[0029] Further, when the trigger-type spray container 1' releases the operation lever 230' after discharging the liquid, the piston 222' and the operation lever 230' are pushed back forward by the biasing force of the coil spring 225'. As a result, the inside of the pump chamber 224' becomes negative pressure, and by separating the suction valve 212d' from the valve seat and displacing it to the open state while pressing the discharge valve 212e' against the valve seat to make it closed, the liquid in the container body 100' can be made to flow into the pump chamber 224' through the pipe 216'. By repeating such pulling and releasing of the operation lever 230', the liquid in the container body 100' can be continuously discharged from the liquid discharge nozzle 240'.

[0030] Since the trigger-type spray container 1' operates in this way, a user who uses the trigger-type spray container 1' can discharge the liquid in the container body 100' toward the object to be discharged by pulling the operation lever 230' of the trigger-type liquid discharger 200' toward the container body 100' while holding the trigger-type spray container 1'.

[0031] Note that the trigger-type liquid ejector 200' according to the first embodiment can increase the liquid ejection distance regardless of the viscosity of the liquid. However, especially when the liquid has a low viscosity, the difference from a conventional trigger-type liquid ejector (for example, the trigger-type liquid ejector described in Patent Document 1) becomes more prominent. In this case, the viscosity of the liquid is preferably 1 mPa·s or more and 500 mPa·s or less, more preferably 1 mPa·s or more and 100 mPa·s or less, and most preferably 1 mPa·s or more and 10 mPa·s or less.

[0032] [Advantages of the trigger-type liquid ejector according to the first embodiment] As described above, the trigger-type liquid ejector 200' according to the first embodiment includes a discharge body 210' incorporating a pump 220' capable of sucking and pumping the liquid in the container body 100', an operation lever 230' for operating the pump 220', and a liquid discharge nozzle 240' for discharging the liquid by the operation of the pump 220'. The liquid discharge nozzle 240' has a discharge port 311a' capable of discharging the liquid, a nozzle flow path 324' for flowing the liquid pumped from the pump 220' toward the discharge port 311a', and a flow velocity buffer region 330' formed between the discharge port 311a' and the nozzle flow path 324' and communicating with the discharge port 311a' and the nozzle flow path 324'.

[0033] According to the trigger-type liquid ejector 200' having such a configuration, since no groove is formed between the discharge port 311a' and the nozzle flow path 324' and the flow velocity buffer region 330' is formed, the liquid in a state where the flow has strength and weakness is not discharged from the discharge port 311a', and a liquid with high straightness is discharged. As a result, there is an advantage that the liquid ejection distance can be increased, and there is an advantage that the ejection distance can be at least twice or more compared to the liquid ejection distance of a conventional trigger-type liquid ejector. Further, since a liquid with high straightness can be discharged, there is an advantage that the liquid can be accurately discharged toward a target location.

[0034] Also, in the trigger-type liquid ejector 200' according to the first embodiment, a plurality of nozzle channels 324' are provided. According to the trigger-type liquid ejector 200' having such a configuration, there is an advantage that a large amount of liquid can be ejected in a single ejection operation.

[0035] Furthermore, in the trigger-type liquid ejector 200' according to the first embodiment, the discharge port 311a' and the nozzle channel 324' are not arranged on the same straight line. According to the trigger-type liquid ejector 200' having such a configuration, even if the discharge port 311a' and the nozzle channel 324' are not arranged on the same straight line and the structure is such that it is difficult to eject a highly straight liquid, in the flow velocity buffer region 330', the flow velocity of the liquid can be made uniform, so there is an advantage that a highly straight liquid can be ejected.

[0036] Also, in the trigger-type liquid ejector 200' according to the first embodiment, the liquid discharge nozzle 240' further includes an outer body 310' having a circular front wall 311' and a peripheral wall 312' extending rearward from the entire outer peripheral edge of the front wall 311', and an inner body 320' provided inside and rearward of the outer body 310' and having a circular front surface 321' facing the front wall 311' and a circular rear surface 322' facing the front surface 321'. The discharge port 311a' is provided at the center of the front wall 311', the nozzle channel 324' is formed to penetrate from the front surface 321' to the rear surface 322', and the flow velocity buffer region 330' is a cylindrical space defined by the inner surface of the front wall 311', the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 312', and the front surface 321'. According to the trigger-type liquid ejector 200' having such a configuration, the flow velocity buffer region 330' is a cylindrical space defined by the inner surface of the front wall 311', the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 312', and the front surface 321', and there is no groove or the like that would impede the uniformization of the flow velocity of the liquid between the discharge port 311a' and the nozzle channel 324'. Therefore, there is an advantage that the flow velocity of the liquid flowing through the nozzle channel 324' can be made uniform, and thereby a highly straight liquid can be ejected.

[0037] [Configuration of Trigger-Type Liquid Ejector According to Second Embodiment] Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 16, the configuration of the trigger-type liquid ejector according to the second embodiment will be described. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, the downward direction in FIG. 6 may be referred to as the lower direction, and the upward direction may be referred to as the upper direction. More specifically, in the state where the trigger-type liquid ejector 100 is attached to the container body 210 (the state in FIG. 6), the side where the trigger-type liquid ejector 100 is located may be referred to as the upper side, and the side where the container body 210 is located may be referred to as the lower side. Also, the side in the liquid ejection direction (the liquid ejection direction of the ejection port 42 described later) by the trigger-type liquid ejector 100 may be referred to as the front or tip side, and the side opposite to the ejection direction may be referred to as the rear or base end side. In FIG. 6, in the configuration of the trigger-type liquid ejector 100, only the outer contour line is shown for the portion outside the curve H. Also, in FIGS. 8 and 9, only a part of the first member 60 and the second member 70 (more specifically, the insertion portion 73 described later) is excerpted and shown. Also, in FIG. 13, the pattern of the liquid sprayed by the trigger-type liquid ejector 100 is shown by a broken line.

[0038] The trigger-type liquid ejector 100 according to the present embodiment is a trigger-type liquid ejector that is used by being attached to a container body 210 that stores a liquid, and ejects the liquid in a mist form by operating a trigger (operation lever 30 described later). As shown in FIG. 6, the trigger-type liquid ejector 100 includes an ejector body 10 having a built-in pump 20 that can suck and send out the liquid in the container body 210, and a liquid ejection nozzle 40 that ejects the liquid sent from the ejector body 10 in a mist form (spray).

[0039] Here, the adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface 310 (FIG. 13) installed at a spray distance of 80 cm from the liquid ejection nozzle 40 is 25% or more and 100% or less, and the outer diameter of the liquid adhesion pattern to the target surface 310 is 90 mm or more and 210 mm or less. From the perspective of spraying an appropriate amount of liquid onto the target surface, preferably, the upper limit value of the adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface 310 installed at a spraying distance of 80 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle 40 is 75% or less, more preferably, the upper limit value of the adhesion rate is 65% or less, and even more preferably, the upper limit value of the adhesion rate is 55% or less. From the perspective of spraying an appropriate amount of liquid onto the target surface, preferably, the lower limit value of the adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface 310 installed at a spraying distance of 80 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle 40 is 25% or more, more preferably, the lower limit value of the adhesion rate is 35% or more, and even more preferably, the lower limit value of the adhesion rate is 45% or more. From the perspective of spraying the liquid within a desired range, preferably, the upper limit value of the outer diameter of the liquid adhesion pattern on the target surface 310 installed at a spraying distance of 80 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle 40 is 210 mm or less, more preferably, the upper limit value of the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern is 205 mm or less, and even more preferably, the upper limit value of the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern is 195 mm or less. From the perspective of spraying the liquid within a desired range, preferably, the lower limit value of the outer diameter of the liquid adhesion pattern on the target surface 310 installed at a spraying distance of 80 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle 40 is 90 mm or more, more preferably, the lower limit value of the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern is 120 mm or more, and even more preferably, the lower limit value of the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern is 130 mm or more.

[0040] Also, the adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface 310 installed at a spraying distance of 40 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle 40 is 65% or more and 100% or less, and the outer diameter of the liquid adhesion pattern on the target surface 310 is 75 mm or more and 180 mm or less. From the perspective of spraying an appropriate amount of liquid onto the target surface, preferably, the upper limit value of the adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface 310 installed at a spraying distance of 40 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle 40 is 100% or less, more preferably, the upper limit value of the adhesion rate is 90% or less, and even more preferably, the upper limit value of the adhesion rate is 85% or less. From the perspective of spraying an appropriate amount of liquid onto the target surface, preferably, the lower limit of the adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface 310 installed at a spraying distance of 40 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle 40 is 65% or more, more preferably, the lower limit of the adhesion rate is 70% or more, and even more preferably, the lower limit of the adhesion rate is 75% or more. From the perspective of spraying the liquid within a desired range, preferably, the upper limit of the outer diameter of the liquid adhesion pattern on the target surface 310 installed at a spraying distance of 40 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle 40 is 180 mm or less, more preferably, the upper limit of the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern is 175 mm or less, and even more preferably, the upper limit of the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern is 165 mm or less. From the perspective of spraying the liquid within a desired range, preferably, the lower limit of the outer diameter of the liquid adhesion pattern on the target surface 310 installed at a spraying distance of 40 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle 40 is 75 mm or more, more preferably, the lower limit of the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern is 120 mm or more, and even more preferably, the lower limit of the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern is 145 mm or more.

[0041] Here, the "spraying distance" refers to the horizontal distance L3 (Fig. 13) from the discharge port 42 of the liquid discharge nozzle 40 (details will be described later) to the target surface 310. Also, the "target surface 310" here is a flat, hydrophilic rough surface. More specifically, in the case of this embodiment, the target surface for the "adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface 310" is a paper sheet having water absorption, and the target surface for the "outer diameter of the liquid adhesion pattern on the target surface 310" is a paper sheet having water discoloration property (only the portion where the liquid adheres discolors and returns to the original color due to evaporation of the liquid). Also, the "adhesion rate of the liquid" is the mass of the liquid adhering to the target surface 310 / the mass of the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge nozzle 40 × 100. In addition, the "liquid adhesion pattern" refers to the shape of an aggregate of continuously connected liquid adhesion traces formed immediately after spraying liquid onto the target surface 310 (more specifically, within 5 seconds from the moment the liquid adheres to the target surface 310 when the target surface 310 is a hydrophilic paper sheet) in a state where the axial center AX1 (Fig. 6) of the liquid discharge nozzle 40 faces the horizontal direction and is orthogonal to the target surface 310, and is a substantially circular shape including an ellipse. More specifically, the liquid adhesion pattern includes locations where the liquid adhesion traces are directly connected radially outward from the center of the liquid adhesion pattern. And the "outer diameter of the liquid adhesion pattern" is the maximum diameter D2 (Fig. 13) of the adhesion pattern formed on the target surface (more specifically, the locations where the above-mentioned liquid adhesion traces are directly connected). In addition, "discharging the liquid in a mist form" means aerosolizing the liquid (in a state of floating in the air as minute particles) and discharging it.

[0042] According to the trigger-type liquid discharger 100 having such a configuration, the liquid can be sprayed to a longer distance while sufficiently maintaining the adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface 310 and the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern. Therefore, it becomes easier to spray a sufficient amount of liquid evenly onto an object located at a long distance. More specifically, for example, when spraying liquid onto an object having a large area such as a carpet, a curtain, and bedding (such as a comforter and sheets), or an object such as a wall separated by an obstacle such as a bathtub and a bed, since it is possible to spray the liquid even from a long distance, it becomes easy to widely spray the liquid onto these objects without having to appropriately move around the object or take an unnatural posture that burdens the body.

[0043] In the present invention, the trigger-type liquid ejector 100 only needs to have at least one of the following features: the adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface 310 installed at a spray distance of 80 cm is 25% or more and 100% or less, and the outer diameter of the liquid adhesion pattern on the target surface 310 is 90 mm or more and 210 mm or less; the adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface 310 installed at a spray distance of 40 cm is 65% or more and 100% or less, and the outer diameter of the liquid adhesion pattern on the target surface 310 is 75 mm or more and 180 mm or less. In the case of the present embodiment, the trigger-type liquid ejector 100 has both of the above two features. That is, the trigger-type liquid ejector 100 according to the present embodiment has an adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface 310 installed at a spray distance of 80 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle 40 of 25% or more and 100% or less, and the outer diameter of the liquid adhesion pattern on the target surface 310 is 90 mm or more and 210 mm or less. At the same time, the adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface 310 installed at a spray distance of 40 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle 40 is 65% or more and 100% or less, and the outer diameter of the liquid adhesion pattern on the target surface 310 is 75 mm or more and 180 mm or less.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, the trigger-type spray container 200 according to the present embodiment includes a container body 210 capable of storing a liquid and the above-described trigger-type liquid ejector 100. In other words, the trigger-type liquid ejector 100 is constituted by a part of the configuration of the trigger-type spray container 200 excluding the container body 210. The shape of the container body 210 is not particularly limited. For example, it is a bottomed cylindrical container having a small-diameter cylindrical mouth cylinder 220 at the upper part, and its internal space is configured to be able to accommodate a liquid. In FIG. 6, the container body 210 is illustrated by a two-dot chain line. The trigger-type liquid ejector 100 includes a cap member 11 attached to the mouth cylinder 220 of the container body 210, the above-described ejector body 10, and a liquid discharge nozzle 40. The ejector body 10 and the liquid discharge nozzle 40 are held by the cap member 11. When the container body 210 of the trigger-type spray container 200 is filled with liquid, the liquid-filled trigger-type spray container 300 according to the present embodiment is configured.

[0045] That is, the liquid-filled trigger-type spray container 300 according to the present embodiment is a liquid-filled trigger-type spray container including the trigger-type spray container 200 according to the present embodiment. The trigger-type spray container 200 includes a container body 210 and a trigger-type liquid discharger 100 attached to the container body 210, and the container body 210 is filled with liquid.

[0046] In the present embodiment, examples of the liquid include, but are not limited to, liquids such as fragrances, deodorants, household detergents, fungicides, and hair styling agents, and various substances that are discharged in a mist form and used can be exemplified.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, the trigger-type liquid discharger 100 includes the above-described discharger body 10 and liquid discharge nozzle 40, and an operation lever 30 (trigger) for operating the pump 20. By operating the trigger (operation lever 30 described later), the pump 20 is operated to discharge the liquid in a mist form (spray). In addition, in the trigger-type liquid discharger 100 according to the present embodiment, for the configuration other than the configuration related to the liquid discharge nozzle 40, since the configurations of various known trigger-type liquid dischargers can be adopted, the following will be limited to a brief description of an example, and detailed description will be omitted in this specification. Further, the structure of the trigger-type liquid discharger 100 (including the pump 20) described below is an example, and as the structure of the trigger-type liquid discharger 100, structures of other widely known types may be applied without departing from the gist of the present invention. Further, the trigger-type liquid discharger 100 according to the present embodiment is preferably a direct pressure type or a pressure accumulation type, and more preferably a pressure accumulation type.

[0048] In the case of this embodiment, the ejector main body 10 includes a cap member 11 configured to be attachable to the mouth cylinder 220 of the container main body 210, a vertical cylinder 12 held by the cap member 11 and extending vertically, a horizontal cylinder 13 extending forward from the upper end portion of the vertical cylinder 12 and connected to the liquid discharge nozzle 40, a cylindrical holding portion 14 extending forward from the vertical cylinder 12, a pump 20 held within the holding portion 14, and a head cover 15 that covers a part of the vertical cylinder 12, the horizontal cylinder 13, the holding portion 14, the pump 20, and the operation lever 30.

[0049] The vertical cylinder 12 has, at its lower end, a cylindrical neck portion 12a that is inserted into an upper opening (not shown) of the cap member 11. The neck portion 12a has a smaller width (i.e., diameter) in a direction intersecting the swing direction of the operation lever 30 compared to the cap member 11. Further, the vertical cylinder 12 has a cylindrical intake 12b inside thereof. The intake 12b has its lower end communicating with a pipe 16 extending into the container main body 210 and its upper end communicating with the rear end of the horizontal cylinder 13. Thus, a liquid feeding path from the container main body 210 to the liquid discharge nozzle 40 is formed by the pipe 16, the intake 12b, and the horizontal cylinder 13. A communication hole 12c that communicates with a pump chamber 24 described later is formed in the intake 12b, and a suction valve 12d and a discharge valve 12e are respectively arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side of the communication hole 12c. By the operation of the pump 20, it is configured to be capable of sucking liquid from the container main body 210 into the pump chamber 24 and sending (pressurizing and sending) the liquid from the pump chamber 24 to the liquid discharge nozzle 40.

[0050] The pump 20 includes a cylindrical cylinder 21 that is fitted and held by the holding portion 14, and a piston 22 that is reciprocally accommodated inside the cylinder 21. The piston 22 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the cylinder 21, whereby a gap is formed between its outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 21. An annular seal portion (not shown) that slidably and liquid-tightly abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 21 protrudes from the rear end portion of the piston 22, and by sealing the inside of the cylinder 21 with the seal portion, a pump chamber 24 is formed on the rear side of the seal portion. The front end portion of the piston 22 is engaged with the operation lever 30, and is biased by a coil spring 25 provided inside thereof in a direction to push back the operation lever 30 (the expansion direction of the pump chamber 24).

[0051] The upper end portion of the operation lever 30 is pivotally attached to the tip end side of the lateral cylinder 13 of the ejector body 10 so as to be swingable, and is provided so as to hang downward (toward the container body 210 side) from the lateral cylinder 13 so as to face the vertical cylinder 12, the holding portion 14, and the cap member 11. The upper end portion of the operation lever 30 is engaged with the front end portion of the piston 22 as described above, and is configured to reciprocate the piston 22 by the reciprocation of the operation lever 30. In the trigger-type liquid ejector 100 according to the present embodiment, a space is formed between the operation lever 30 and the cap member 11, the vertical cylinder 12, and the lateral cylinder 13 of the ejector body 10 by the thus-hung operation lever 30, and the piston 22 of the pump 20 is disposed in the space.

[0052] In the trigger-type liquid ejector 100 according to the present embodiment, by pulling the operation lever 30 so as to approach the container body 210, the piston 22 is retracted with respect to the cylinder 21. Thereby, the liquid in the pump chamber 24 is pressurized, and by this pressurization, the discharge valve 12e is pushed up from the valve seat to an open state, and the liquid in the pump chamber 24 can be discharged to the outside from the discharge port 42 (FIG. 7) of the liquid discharge nozzle 40 via the supply path. Also, when the trigger-type liquid ejector 100 releases the operation lever 30 after discharging the liquid, the piston 22 and the operation lever 30 are pushed back forward by the biasing force of the coil spring 25. As a result, the inside of the pump chamber 24 becomes negative pressure, and the suction valve 12d is pushed up from the valve seat by the negative pressure and becomes open, allowing the liquid in the container body 210 to flow into the pump chamber 24. By repeating such pulling and releasing of the operation lever 30, the liquid in the container body 210 can be continuously discharged from the liquid discharge nozzle 40.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, the liquid discharge nozzle 40 includes a discharge portion 45 that discharges the liquid toward the outside (outside the trigger-type liquid ejector 100), and a nozzle flow path 81 that supplies the liquid sent from the ejector body 10 toward the discharge portion 45. The discharge portion 45 includes a discharge path 83 that narrows and discharges the liquid flowing in from the nozzle flow path 81, and a discharge port 42 that discharges the liquid passing through the discharge path 83 toward the outside of the trigger-type liquid ejector.

[0054] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the opening end portion of the discharge port 42 is formed in a curved surface shape with a gradually increasing diameter. In this way, when the opening end portion of the discharge port 42 is formed in a curved surface shape, there is an advantage that it is easy to expand the outer shape of the liquid adhesion pattern on the target surface 310. However, it is not limited to this, and the opening end portion of the discharge port 42 does not have to gradually increase in diameter, nor does it have to be formed in a curved surface shape. In the following paragraphs, specific numerical values of the opening diameter D1 of the discharge port 42 and the length dimension L1 of the discharge path 83 will be described. However, the following numerical values are calculated on the premise that the discharge path 83 is formed linearly from the base end portion to the tip end portion, and the opening end portion of the discharge port 42 is not formed in a curved surface shape.

[0055] Here, in the case of the present embodiment, the length dimension L1 of the discharge path 83 is larger than the opening diameter D1 of the discharge port 42. Specifically, the ratio of the length dimension L1 of the liquid discharge path 83 to the opening diameter D1 of the discharge port 42 (length dimension L1 of the liquid discharge path 83 / opening diameter D1 of the discharge port 42) is 1.75 or more and 10.0 or less. More preferably, the ratio of the length dimension L1 of the liquid discharge path 83 to the opening diameter D1 of the discharge port 42 is 2.0 or more and 4.0 or less. Here, the "opening diameter D1 of the discharge port 42" refers to the length in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction along the axis of the discharge port 42. When the discharge port 42 is elliptical or the length varies depending on the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the discharge port 42, the minimum length is used as the reference. Also, when the length in the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction varies in the axial direction of the discharge port 42, the length at the tip of the discharge port 42 is used as the reference. Further, in the present embodiment, the "length dimension L1 of the liquid discharge path 83" is the length along the front-rear direction from the base end portion to the tip end portion of the liquid discharge path 83. That is, in the present embodiment, the length dimension L1 is the length along the front-rear direction from the base end portion to the tip end portion of the through hole 65 that penetrates the plate-like portion 63 described later in the front-rear direction. According to such a configuration, the length dimension L1 of the liquid discharge path 83 can be sufficiently ensured, and the straightness of the liquid discharged from the discharge port 42 can be enhanced, so that the liquid can be sprayed to a longer distance. On the other hand, the size of the opening diameter D1 of the discharge port 42 can be appropriately suppressed, and a sufficient swirling flow can be imparted to the liquid passing through the discharge port 42, so that the liquid can be discharged in a good atomized state.

[0056] The opening diameter D1 of the discharge port 42 is 0.1 mm or more from the viewpoint of ensuring the discharge amount, preferably 0.15 mm or more, more preferably 0.2 mm or more, and still more preferably 0.25 mm or more. Also, from the viewpoint of imparting a sufficient swirling flow to the liquid passing through the discharge port 42, it is 1 mm or less, preferably 0.9 mm or less, more preferably 0.5 mm or less, and still more preferably 0.35 mm or less. The length dimension L1 of the discharge path 83 is 0.175 mm or more, preferably 0.2 mm or more, more preferably 0.4 mm or more, and still more preferably 0.5 mm or more, from the viewpoint of enhancing the straightness of the liquid. Also, from the viewpoint of imparting a sufficient swirling flow to the liquid passing through the discharge port 42, it is 3 mm or less, preferably 2 mm, more preferably 1 mm or less, and still more preferably 0.70 mm or less. Also, in the case of this embodiment, the opening diameter D1 of the discharge port 42 is 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less, and the length dimension L1 of the discharge path 83 is 0.175 mm or more and 3.00 mm or less. The opening diameter D1 of the discharge port 42 is preferably 0.15 mm or more and 0.9 mm or less, more preferably 0.2 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, and still more preferably 0.25 mm or more and 0.35 mm or less. The length dimension L1 of the discharge path 83 is preferably 0.2 mm or more and 2 mm or less, more preferably 0.4 mm or more and 1 mm or less, and still more preferably 0.5 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less. Even with such a configuration, the length dimension L1 of the discharge path 83 can be sufficiently ensured, and the straightness of the liquid discharged from the discharge port 42 can be enhanced, so that the liquid can be sprayed to a farther distance. On the other hand, the size of the opening diameter D1 of the discharge port 42 can be appropriately suppressed, and a sufficient swirling flow can be imparted to the liquid passing through the discharge port 42, so that the liquid can be discharged in a good atomized state.

[0057] Here, the discharge portion 45 has, for example, a swirling flow path 87 that swirls the liquid flowing in from the nozzle flow path 81 and supplies it to the discharge path 83. Thereby, the liquid with a sufficient swirling flow imparted in the swirling flow path 87 can flow into the discharge path 83. Therefore, the liquid discharged from the discharge port 42 can be sufficiently atomized (into fine particles). Furthermore, between the nozzle flow path 81 and the swirling flow path 87, a flow velocity buffer region 85 is formed where the liquid flowing in from the nozzle flow path 81 spreads into the internal space. The flow rate buffer region 85 can equalize the flow rate of the liquid flowing from the nozzle flow path 81 and appropriately suppress the swirling flow of the liquid flowing into the discharge path 83. As a result, the liquid discharged from the discharge port 42 diffuses well, and the outer diameter D2 of the adhesion pattern of the liquid can be sufficiently ensured. Here, in the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the flow rate buffer region 85 is formed larger than the cross-sectional area of the swirling flow path 87. Note that the "cross-sectional area of the swirling flow path 87" is the cross-sectional area in the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction. When a plurality of swirling flow paths 87 are provided, it refers to the total cross-sectional area of these plurality of swirling flow paths 87. When the cross-sectional area of the swirling flow path 87 varies locally, it refers to the cross-sectional area of the largest part. In the present invention, the structure for discharging the liquid in a mist shape from the liquid discharge nozzle 40 is not limited to this example. For example, the liquid discharge nozzle 40 may not include the swirling flow path 87, and instead, compressed air may be fed into the liquid discharge nozzle 40 and mixed with the liquid so that the liquid is discharged in a mist shape. Also, in the present invention, the flow rate buffer region 85 may not be formed between the nozzle flow path 81 and the swirling flow path 87. For example, the nozzle flow path 81 and the swirling flow path 87 may be directly connected.

[0058] In the case of the present embodiment, the swirling flow path 87 includes, for example, a circumferential flow path 87a that extends in a circumferential shape along the circumferential direction of the liquid discharge nozzle 40, and a plurality of radial flow paths 87b that extend radially from the circumferential flow path 87a toward the discharge path 83. A part of the liquid that has flowed into the flow rate buffer region 85 flows into the discharge path 83 through the circumferential flow path 87a and the plurality of radial flow paths 87b. According to such a configuration, a part of the liquid that has spread within the flow rate buffer region 85 can flow into the circumferential flow path 87a and be guided to each of the plurality of radial flow paths 87b by flowing through the circumferential flow path 87a. Therefore, a sufficient amount of liquid can flow into the swirling flow path 87.

[0059] Furthermore, the nozzle body 50 includes, for example, a first member 60 forming the discharge portion 45 and a second member 70 to which the first member 60 is assembled. As shown in FIG. 7, each of the first member 60 and the second member 70 has an opposing surface that faces the other in the axial direction of the liquid discharge nozzle 40. On the opposing surface of the first member 60 (hereinafter, the first opposing surface 64), groove portions (in the case of this embodiment, a first groove portion 66 and a second groove portion 67 described later) that are recessed toward the side opposite to the second member 70 side are formed, and the groove portions constitute the swirling flow path 87. Also, a gap 76 is formed between the opposing surface (the first opposing surface 64) of the first member 60 and the opposing surface of the second member 70 (hereinafter, the second opposing surface 74), the gap 76 constitutes the flow velocity buffer region 85, and the groove portions and the gap 76 communicate directly with each other. According to such a configuration, the liquid with the swirling flow suppressed inside the flow velocity buffer region 85 and the liquid with the swirling flow imparted by the swirling flow path 87 can be integrally combined and flow into the discharge path 83. Therefore, the straightness of the liquid flowing into the discharge path 83 is increased to such an extent that the liquid can be sprayed to a farther distance while sufficiently maintaining the adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface 310 and the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern, and a swirling flow can be imparted to the liquid passing through the discharge port 42. Here, the "axial direction of the liquid discharge nozzle 40" is the axial direction of the discharge path 83 (more specifically, the through-hole 65 described later), and in the case of this embodiment, it is the front-rear direction. Also, in FIGS. 6 and 7, the axis AX1 of the liquid discharge nozzle 40 is illustrated by a two-dot chain line. Also, when explaining the positional relationship of each component of the first member 60 and the second member 70, the axial direction of the discharge path 83 (through-hole 65) may be simply referred to as the axial direction, the radial direction of the discharge path 83 (through-hole 65) may be simply referred to as the radial direction, and the circumferential direction of the discharge path 83 (through-hole 65) may be simply referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0060] More specifically, in the case of this embodiment, the liquid discharge nozzle 40 is directly communicated with the swirling flow path 87 and the flow velocity buffer region 85 respectively, and further includes a confluence flow path 88 disposed between the swirling flow path 87 and the flow velocity buffer region 85 and the discharge path 83. Then, the liquid with the swirling flow suppressed inside the flow velocity buffer region 85 and the liquid with the swirling flow imparted by the swirling flow path 87 merge in the confluence flow path 88 and then flow into the discharge path 83. According to such a configuration, it becomes easy to sufficiently impart a swirling flow to the liquid passing through the discharge port 42 while enhancing the straightness of the liquid flowing into the discharge path 83. More specifically, a part of the liquid flowing into the confluence flow path 88 flows into the discharge path 83 while swirling in one direction in the circumferential direction (the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 11). Also, another part of the liquid flowing into the confluence flow path 88 flows into the discharge path 83 while advancing straight from the base end side to the tip end side.

[0061] In the case of this embodiment, it is preferable that the ratio of the volume of the flow velocity buffer region 85 to the volume of the discharge path 83 (volume of the flow velocity buffer region 85 / volume of the discharge path 83) is 0.05 or more and 500 or less. According to such a configuration, it is possible to impart a swirling flow to the liquid passing through the discharge port 42 to such an extent that the liquid can be sprayed to a longer distance while sufficiently maintaining the adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface 310 and the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern.

[0062] Also, it is preferable that the ratio of the volume of the flow velocity buffer region 85 to the volume of the swirling flow path 87 (volume of the flow velocity buffer region 85 / volume of the swirling flow path 87) is 0.1 or more and 100 or less. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the swirling flow of the liquid flowing into the discharge path 83 to such an extent that the liquid can be sprayed to a longer distance while sufficiently maintaining the adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface 310 and the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern. to the liquid flowing into the discharge path 83.

[0063] In addition, in the axial direction of the liquid ejection nozzle 40, the separation distance L2 (FIG. 7) between the first opposing surface 64 of the first member 60 and the second opposing surface 74 of the second member 70, that is, the length dimension of the flow velocity buffer region 85, is preferably 0.03 mm or more and 0.15 mm or less, and more preferably 0.06 mm or more and 0.12 mm or less. According to such a configuration, the swirling flow of the liquid in the flow velocity buffer region 85 can be suppressed to such an extent that the liquid can be sprayed to a longer distance while sufficiently maintaining the adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface and the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern.

[0064] More specifically, as shown in any one of FIGS. 6 to 8, the liquid ejection nozzle 40 includes a nozzle body 50 provided at the tip of the lateral cylinder 13 of the ejector body 10, and a nozzle cover 110 that covers the nozzle body 50. Note that the nozzle body 50 may be configured to be detachable or non-detachable with respect to the ejector body 10.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, the second member 70 is attached to the tip of the lateral cylinder 13 of the ejector body 10, and the first member 60 is assembled to the tip of the second member 70. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 to 12, the first member 60 includes a cylindrical portion 61 formed in a cylindrical shape, and a plate-like portion 63 formed at the tip of the cylindrical portion 61. The axis of the cylindrical portion 61 extends in the front-rear direction. The inner diameter of the base end portion of the cylindrical portion 61 expands in two steps toward the base end side. Further, the outer diameter of the base end portion of the cylindrical portion 61 gradually decreases toward the base end side. The plate-like portion 63 is formed in a disk shape, and its plate surface is arranged facing the front-rear direction. Of the two plate surfaces of the plate-like portion 63, the rear surface constitutes the above-described opposing surface (first opposing surface 64). A through-hole 65, which is a round hole penetrating the plate-like portion 63 in the thickness direction (front-rear), is formed in the plate-like portion 63. The plate-like portion 63 closes the tip side of the cylindrical portion 61 except for the location where the through-hole 65 is formed. Here, the base end portion of the through hole 65 constitutes a diameter-reducing portion 68 that is reduced in diameter in a mortar shape toward the tip side. More specifically, the diameter-reducing portion 68 includes a first portion 68a adjacent to the flow velocity buffer region 85 and a second portion 68b disposed on the tip side of the first portion 68a. The inner diameter of the first portion 68a is constant regardless of the position in the axial direction. The inner diameter of the second portion 68b gradually tapers and reduces in diameter toward the tip side. The inner diameter of the middle portion (the middle in the axial direction) of the through hole 65 is constant regardless of the position in the axial direction. The inner diameter of the tip portion of the through hole 65 gradually increases in diameter toward the tip side. As shown in FIG. 10, the inner diameter of the tip of the second portion 68b is larger than the inner diameter of the middle portion of the through hole 65, and a stepped surface 68c is formed at the boundary between the second portion 68b and the middle portion of the through hole 65. When the first member 60 is viewed from the base end side, the stepped surface 68c is formed in an annular shape, and its plate surface faces the base end side. The outer peripheral edge of the stepped surface 68c is connected to the tip of the second portion 68b, and the inner peripheral edge of the stepped surface 68c is connected to the base end of the middle portion of the through hole 65. The opening on the tip side of the through hole 65 constitutes the discharge port 42 and has a larger diameter than the opening on the base end side of the through hole 65.

[0066] As described above, a groove portion that is recessed toward the side opposite to the second member 70 side is formed on the first facing surface 64 of the first member 60. More specifically, in the case of this embodiment, the rear surface of the plate-like portion 63 constitutes the first facing surface 64, and a first groove portion 66 and a plurality (for example, three) of second groove portions 67 that are recessed toward the tip side are formed on the rear surface of the plate-like portion 63 as groove portions, for example. The rear surface (the first facing surface 64) of the plate-like portion 63 is formed flat except for the formation locations of the first groove portion 66, the plurality of second groove portions 67, and the through hole 65, and the plate surface is arranged facing the axial direction. The first groove portion 66 is formed in a 360-degree circumferential shape along the outer peripheral edge of the plate-like portion 63. Each of the plurality of second groove portions 67 is formed from the inner peripheral edge of the first groove portion 66 to the outer peripheral edge of the base end portion of the through hole 65. Each of the plurality of second groove portions 67 is formed, for example, to have the same width and the same depth as each other. When the first member 60 is viewed from the proximal end side, the through hole 65 is disposed inside (radially inward) the first groove portion 66 and concentric with the first groove portion 66. Also, when the first member 60 is viewed from the proximal end side, the plurality of second groove portions 67 are radially arranged with the axis of the through hole 65 as the center C1. More specifically, the outer (radially outward) ends of each of the plurality of second groove portions 67 communicate with the first groove portion 66, and the inner (radially inward) ends of each of the plurality of second groove portions 67 communicate with the reduced diameter portion 68 of the through hole 65. Each of the plurality of second groove portions 67 is arranged at equal angular intervals around the center C1.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second member 70 has a cylindrical portion 71 formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The inner cavity of the cylindrical portion 71 communicates indirectly or directly with the inner cavity of the lateral cylinder 13 of the ejector body 10. In the case of the present embodiment, the axis of the cylindrical portion 71 is arranged coaxially with the axis of the lateral cylinder 13. However, in the present invention, the axis of the cylindrical portion 71 and the axis of the lateral cylinder 13 may be arranged at positions offset from each other. The tip of the cylindrical portion 71 constitutes a holding portion 72 for holding the first member 60. The second member 70 further has an insertion portion 73 to be inserted into the inner cavity of the first member 60. The insertion portion 73 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The insertion portion 73 is disposed in the inner cavity of the tip (holding portion 72) of the cylindrical portion 71, and a part of the insertion portion 73 is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 71. In the case of the present embodiment, in the axial direction of the liquid discharge nozzle 40, the front surface of the insertion portion 73 is parallel and opposed to the rear surface (the first opposed surface 64) of the plate-like portion 63 of the first member 60, and constitutes the second opposed surface 74 of the second member 70. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the insertion portion 73 is formed with a plurality (for example, three) of notch-shaped portions 75 penetrating therethrough in the front-rear direction from the front surface to the rear surface of the insertion portion 73. As shown in Fig. 7, the cross-sectional area of the internal space of each of the plurality of notch-shaped portions 75 is relatively large at the tip of the notch-shaped portion 75 and relatively small at the base end side portion rather than the tip, and a step 75a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the notch-shaped portion 75. Each of the plurality of notch-shaped portions 75 is arranged at equal angular intervals around the axis AX1 of the liquid discharge nozzle 40. Each of the plurality of notch-shaped portions 75 is formed, for example, to have the same width and the same depth as each other. Each of the front surface (second facing surface 74) and the rear surface of the insertion portion 73 is formed flat except for the formation positions of the plurality of second facing surfaces 74, and the plate surface is arranged facing the axial direction.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 7, the cylindrical portion 61 of the first member 60 is fitted into the inner cavity of the holding portion 72 of the second member 70, and the insertion portion 73 of the second member 70 is fitted into the inner cavity of the cylindrical portion 61 of the first member 60, whereby the first member 60 and the second member 70 are assembled to each other. In addition, the cylindrical portion 61, the plate-shaped portion 63, and the through-hole 65 of the first member 60 and the cylindrical portion 71 and the insertion portion 73 of the second member 70 are arranged coaxially with each other with reference to a common axis (axis AX1 of the liquid discharge nozzle 40). By bringing the cylindrical portion 71 of the first member 60 and the second member 70 closer to each other in the direction of the axis AX1, the first member 60 and the second member 70 are assembled to each other.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 7, in the axial direction of the liquid ejection nozzle 40, the rear surface (first opposing surface 64) of the plate-like portion 63 of the first member 60 and the front surface (second opposing surface 74) of the insertion portion 73 of the second member 70 are arranged parallel to and facing each other, forming a gap 76 therebetween. And the gap 76 between the rear surface (first opposing surface 64) of the plate-like portion 63 of the first member 60 and the front surface (second opposing surface 74) of the insertion portion 73 of the second member 70 constitutes a flow velocity buffer region 85. Here, it should be noted that the internal spaces of the groove portions (first groove portion 66 and second groove portion 67) formed on the rear surface (first opposing surface 64) of the plate-like portion 63 are not included in the flow velocity buffer region 85. That is, the gap 76 (flow velocity buffer region 85) referred to here is the gap between the non-groove region on the rear surface (first opposing surface 64) of the plate-like portion 63 and the front surface (second opposing surface 74) of the insertion portion 73 of the second member 70. And the flow velocity buffer region 85 is a flat disk-shaped space defined by the rear surface (first opposing surface 64) of the plate-like portion 63, the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 61, and the front surface (second opposing surface 74) of the insertion portion 73. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the flow velocity buffer region 85 may be a cylindrical space or a prismatic space. In the cylindrical portion 71 of the second member 70, the internal space on the base end side of the front surface (second opposing surface 74) of the insertion portion 73 of the second member 70 constitutes the above-described nozzle flow path 81 and communicates with the feeding path of the ejector body 10. More specifically, the liquid sent out by the pump 20 flows into the cylindrical portion 71 of the second member 70 through the lateral cylinder 13, and after passing through the internal spaces of the plurality of notch-shaped portions 75 and being narrowed down, it flows into the flow velocity buffer region 85 while spreading. In the through-hole 65 of the first member 60, the internal spaces of the portions (tip portion and intermediate portion) on the tip side of the diameter-reducing portion 68 constitute the discharge path 83, and the tip-side opening of the through-hole 65 constitutes the discharge port 42. Also, the internal space of the diameter-reducing portion 68 of the through-hole 65 constitutes the confluence flow path 88. The tip of the confluence flow path 88 communicates directly with the discharge path 83, and the base end of the confluence flow path 88 communicates directly with the swirling flow path 87 and the flow velocity buffer region 85, respectively. On the first opposing surface 64 of the first member 60, the internal space of the first groove portion 66 constitutes the circumferential flow path 87a, and the internal spaces of the plurality of second groove portions 67 each constitute the radial flow path 87b. The proximal ends of the circumferential return flow path 87a and the proximal ends of the plurality of radial flow paths 87b are each in direct communication with the flow velocity buffer region 85. Also, the inner (radially inner) ends of each of the plurality of radial flow paths 87b are in direct communication with the confluence flow path 88. In the case of this embodiment, among the liquids sent to the nozzle flow path 81 through the feeding path of the ejector body 10 by the pump 20, a part of the liquid is supplied to the discharge path 83 through the flow velocity buffer region 85, the swirling flow path 87, and the confluence flow path 88 in this order, and another part of the liquid flows directly from the flow velocity buffer region 85 into the confluence flow path 88 and is supplied to the discharge path 83. According to such a configuration, the liquid with the swirling flow suppressed inside the flow velocity buffer region and the liquid with the swirling flow imparted by the swirling flow path 87 merge in the confluence flow path 88, and the merged liquid can flow into the discharge path 83 while being narrowed down through the confluence flow path 88. Thereby, while sufficiently maintaining the adhesion rate and the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern of the liquid sprayed from the discharge port 42 to the target surface 310, the liquid can be sprayed to a farther distance.

[0070] Here, in the case of this embodiment, the width dimension (the dimension in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the radial flow path 87b) of each of the plurality of radial flow paths 87b gradually narrows as it goes toward the discharge path 83. According to such a configuration, a sufficient swirling flow can be imparted to the liquid flowing through the plurality of radial flow paths 87b. More specifically, the width dimension of each of the plurality of second groove portions 67 gradually narrows as it goes toward the through hole 65.

[0071] Also, as described above, a step surface 68c is formed at the boundary portion between the second portion 68b of the diameter-reducing portion 68 and the intermediate portion of the through hole 65. That is, a step surface 68c is formed at the boundary portion between the confluence flow path 88 and the discharge path 83. According to such a configuration, a part of the liquid that directly flows in while going straight from the flow velocity buffer region 85 toward the confluence channel 88 can flow into the discharge channel 83 along the step surface 68c after colliding with the step surface 68c. Similarly, a part of the liquid that swirls in a circular motion along the second part 68b of the reduced diameter portion 68 can flow into the discharge channel 83 along the step surface 68c after colliding with the step surface 68c. Therefore, the swirling flow of the liquid flowing into the discharge channel 83 can be appropriately suppressed.

[0072] Further, as shown in FIG. 11, when the first member 60 is viewed from the proximal end side, each of the plurality of second groove portions 67 (radial flow paths 87b) linearly extends inward from the outer periphery of the first facing surface 64 and in a direction offset radially outward with respect to the center C1 of the cylindrical portion 61. More specifically, each of the plurality of second groove portions 67 has a pair of inner side surfaces 67a and 67b that face each other in parallel in a direction including a circumferential component. Among the pair of inner side surfaces 67a and 67b, the leading edge of the inner side surface 67a on the side of the swirling direction (arrow A shown in FIG. 11) of the liquid in the confluence channel 88 is in contact with the leading edge of the first part 68a of the reduced diameter portion 68 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Further, when the first member 60 is viewed from the proximal end side, a virtual straight line 410 passing through the inner side surface 67b on the side opposite to the swirling direction side intersects each of the inner peripheral edge of the second part 68b of the reduced diameter portion 68 and the step surface 68c as shown in FIG. 11. According to such a configuration, the liquid flowing linearly along the inner surface 67a on the turning direction side can smoothly flow from the second groove portion 67 into the first portion 68a of the reduced diameter portion 68 and flow toward the discharge path 83 while sufficiently turning along the inner peripheral surface of the first portion 68a. On the other hand, the liquid flowing linearly along the inner surface 67b on the side opposite to the turning direction is quickly guided toward the discharge path 83 by the second portion 68b of the reduced diameter portion 68 that gradually reduces in diameter toward the tip side and collides with the stepped surface 68c. Thereby, while sufficiently ensuring the flow velocity of the liquid flowing into the confluence channel 88 along the inner surface 67a on the turning direction side, the flow velocity of the liquid flowing into the confluence channel 88 along the inner surface 67b on the side opposite to the turning direction can be appropriately suppressed. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the turning of the liquid that first flows into the confluence channel 88 along the inner surface 67a on the turning direction side from being obstructed by the flow of the liquid that later flows into the confluence channel 88 along the inner surface 67b on the side opposite to the turning direction. That is, a sufficient swirling flow can be imparted to the liquid flowing into the confluence channel 88 along the inner surface 67a on the turning direction side.

[0073] Also, in the axial direction of the nozzle body, the length dimension of the confluence channel 88 is smaller than the length dimension of the discharge path 83. The maximum value of the inner diameter of the confluence channel 88 is larger than the maximum value of the inner diameter of the discharge path 83. Further, in a cross section along the axis AX1 of the liquid discharge nozzle 40, the inclination angle of the inner peripheral surface of the second portion 68b of the reduced diameter portion 68 with respect to the axis AX1 of the liquid discharge nozzle 40 is, for example, 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less. According to such a configuration, the liquid flowing into the confluence channel 88 can be well swirled in the circumferential direction and the liquid can be sufficiently throttled and flow into the discharge path 83.

[0074] Furthermore, as described above, the inner diameter of the tip portion of the through hole 65 gradually increases toward the tip side. Thereby, when the liquid throttled by the discharge path 83 is discharged from the discharge port 42, it can be diffused better.

[0075] [Modification Example] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications, improvements, and the like as long as the object of the present invention is achieved.

[0076] For example, in the present invention, the number of the radiation channels 87b provided in the trigger-type liquid ejector 100 and the width dimension of the radiation channels 87b are not limited to the above examples, and can be appropriately set according to a desired spraying distance, the adhesion rate and adhesion pattern of the liquid, the type of the liquid, and the like.

[0077] Also, in the present invention, an example in which the flow velocity buffer region 85 is constituted by a gap between opposing surfaces of separate members (the first member 60 and the second member 70) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and the flow velocity buffer region 85 may be constituted by a gap between a pair of opposing surfaces provided in one member, for example.

[0078] Also, the various components of the trigger-type liquid ejector 100 do not necessarily exist independently of each other, and it is allowed that a plurality of components are formed as one member, one component is formed of a plurality of members, a certain component is a part of another component, a part of a certain component and a part of another component overlap, and the like.

[0079] Also, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the discharge ports (311a and 42) of the liquid discharge nozzles (240′ and 40) have been described as being formed in a circular or disk shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and they may be formed in various shapes including an elliptical shape. Hereinafter, a modified example of the discharge port will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 20.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the liquid ejection nozzle 40'' according to the modification example includes a discharge portion 45'' that discharges liquid outward, similar to the liquid ejection nozzle 40 according to the second embodiment described above, and the discharge portion 45'' is provided with a discharge port 42''. Further, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the liquid ejection nozzle 40'' according to the modification example includes a nozzle body 50'' that is detachable from the tip of a horizontal cylinder (not shown) of a discharger body (not shown).

[0081] As shown in FIG. 18, the liquid ejection nozzle 40'' according to the modification example includes a flow velocity buffer region 85''. On the other hand, the discharge port 42'' included in the discharge portion 45'' of the liquid ejection nozzle 40'' according to the modification example is formed in an elliptical shape having a major axis and a minor axis in a front view (see FIG. 19) or a rear view (see FIG. 18).

[0082] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, in the liquid ejection nozzle 40'' according to the modification example, a disk-shaped discharge portion 45'' is formed inside the nozzle body 50'' in the radial direction, and a linear notch extending in the radial direction and having a V-shaped cross section is formed in the discharge portion 45''. Further, a discharge port 42'' is formed in the discharge portion 45'' along the vertical direction within the notch.

[0083] In the liquid ejection nozzle 40'' according to the modification example, the discharge port 42'' is formed in an elliptical shape that is long in the vertical direction in a front view or a rear view shown in FIG. 19. Note that the discharge port 42'' according to the modification example is formed in an arc-shaped cross section in which the central portion curves forward (in the discharge direction) as shown in FIG. 20. In this way, since the central portion of the discharge port 42'' curves in the discharge direction, the liquid discharged from the discharge port 42'' can be diffused better than when the discharge port 42'' is formed in a linear cross section.

[0084] It is clear from the claims that the above-described modification examples are included in the scope of the present invention.

[0085] Regarding the above-described embodiments, the present invention further discloses the following trigger-type liquid ejector and trigger-type spray container.

[0086] <1> A trigger-type liquid ejector comprising a discharge body having a built-in pump capable of sucking and pumping a liquid in the container body, an operation lever for operating the pump, and a liquid discharge nozzle for discharging the liquid by the operation of the pump, wherein the liquid discharge nozzle has a discharge port capable of discharging a liquid, a nozzle flow path for flowing the liquid pumped from the pump toward the discharge port, and a space formed between the discharge port and the nozzle flow path and communicating with the discharge port and the nozzle flow path and the cross-sectional area of the space is larger than the cross-sectional area of the nozzle flow path Trigger-type liquid ejector.

[0087] <2> The cross-sectional area of the space relative to the cross-sectional area of the discharge port is 5 times or more and 2000 times or less The trigger-type liquid ejector according to <1> above.

[0088] <3> The size of the space volume relative to the opening volume of the discharge port is 5 times or more and 3000 times or less The trigger-type liquid ejector according to <1> or <2> above.

[0089] <4> A plurality of the nozzle flow paths are provided The trigger-type liquid ejector according to any one of <1> to <3> above.

[0090] <5> The discharge port and the nozzle flow path are not arranged on the same line The trigger-type liquid ejector according to any one of <1> to <4> above.

[0091] <6> The opening diameter of the discharge port is 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less. The trigger-type liquid ejector according to any one of <1> to <5> above.

[0092] <7> The discharge port is elliptical when viewed from the front or the back. The trigger-type liquid ejector according to any one of <1> to <6> above.

[0093] <8> The liquid discharge nozzle has an outer body having a circular front wall and a peripheral wall extending rearward from the entire outer peripheral edge of the front wall, and an inner body provided inside and rearward of the outer body, having a circular front surface facing the front wall and a circular rear surface facing the front surface, and further includes the discharge port is provided at the center of the front wall, the nozzle flow path is formed to penetrate from the front surface to the rear surface, the space is a cylindrical space defined by the inner surface of the front wall, the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall, and the front surface. The trigger-type liquid ejector according to any one of <1> to <7> above.

[0094] <9> The liquid discharge nozzle further includes a discharge path for narrowing and discharging the liquid flowing in from the nozzle flow path and the ratio of the length dimension of the discharge path to the opening diameter of the discharge port (length dimension of the discharge path / opening diameter of the discharge port) is 1.75 or more and 10.0 or less. The trigger-type liquid ejector according to any one of <1> to <8> above.

[0095] <10> The liquid discharge nozzle further includes a discharge path for narrowing and discharging the liquid flowing in from the nozzle flow path and The length of the discharge path is greater than the opening diameter of the discharge port. The aforementioned <1> ~ <8> 10. The trigger-type liquid dispenser according to claim 1,

[0096] <11> The length of the discharge passage is 0.175 mm or more and 3 mm or less. The aforementioned <9> or <10> The trigger-type liquid dispenser according to claim 1.

[0097] <12> the discharge port has a swirling flow path that swirls the liquid that has flowed in from the nozzle flow path and supplies it to the discharge path, The space is provided between the nozzle flow path and the swirl flow path. The aforementioned <9> ~ <11> 10. The trigger-type liquid dispenser according to claim 1,

[0098] <13> A first member; a second member to which the first member is assembled; Equipped with the first member and the second member each have opposing surfaces that face each other in the axial direction of the liquid ejection nozzle, a groove portion recessed toward a side opposite to the second member is formed on the opposing surface of the first member, and the groove portion constitutes the swirl flow path, a gap is formed between the opposing surface of the first member and the opposing surface of the second member, and the gap constitutes the space; The groove and the gap are directly connected to each other. The aforementioned <12> The trigger-type liquid dispenser according to claim 1.

[0099] <14> The cross-sectional area of the space is larger than the cross-sectional area of the swirl flow path. The aforementioned <12> or <13> The trigger-type liquid dispenser according to claim 1.

[0100] <15> The ratio of the volume of the space to the volume of the swirling flow path (volume of the space / volume of the swirling flow path) is 0.1 or more and 100 or less. The trigger-type liquid ejector according to any one of <12> to <14> above.

[0101] <16> The swirling flow path A circumferential flow path that extends in a circumferential shape along the circumferential direction of the liquid discharge nozzle, and a plurality of radial flow paths that extend radially from the circumferential flow path toward the discharge path, and a part of the liquid that has flowed into the space flows into the discharge path through the circumferential flow path and the plurality of radial flow paths. The trigger-type liquid ejector according to <12> to <15> above.

[0102] <17> The width dimension of each of the plurality of radial flow paths gradually narrows as it goes toward the discharge path. The trigger-type liquid ejector according to <16> above.

[0103] <18> The adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface installed at a spray distance of 80 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle is 25% or more and 100% or less, and the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern of the liquid to the target surface is 90 mm or more and 210 mm or less. The trigger-type liquid ejector according to any one of <1> to <17> above.

[0104] <19> The adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface installed at a spray distance of 40 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle is 65% or more and 100% or less, and the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern to the target surface is 75 mm or more and 180 mm or less. The trigger-type liquid ejector according to <1> to <18> above.

[0105] <20> The container body is configured to be able to contain a liquid having a viscosity of 1 mPa·s or more and 500 mPa·s or less. The trigger-type liquid discharger according to any one of <1> to <19> above.

[0106] <21> A container body capable of containing liquid, The trigger-type liquid discharger according to any one of <1> to <21> above and A trigger-type spray container comprising the same.

[0107] <22> The container body includes a pump having a cylinder and a piston The trigger-type spray container according to <21> above.

[0108] <23> The container body includes a mounting cap configured to be attachable to the mouth tube of the container body, A vertical tube extending upward from the mounting cap, A holding portion extending forward from the upper end of the vertical tube and having The trigger-type spray container according to <21> or <22> above.

[0109] <24> The container body has a trigger, The trigger extends downward from a horizontal tube extending in the width direction from the mounting cap. The trigger-type spray container according to <23> above.

[0110] <25> Configured in a pressure accumulation type The trigger-type spray container according to any one of <21> to <24> above.

Example

[0111] Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described based on examples, but these do not limit the object of the present invention.

[0112] [Example 1 and Comparative Example 1] The inventor used a trigger-type liquid ejector (Example 1) having the same configuration as the trigger-type liquid ejector 200' according to this embodiment, and a trigger-type liquid ejector (Comparative Example 1) having the same configuration as the trigger-type liquid ejector 200' according to this embodiment except that it is provided with the second groove portion and the spin groove described in Patent Document 1 without the flow rate buffer region 330', and conducted a comparative experiment on the straightness of the liquid ejected from the discharge port 311a'. The trigger-type liquid ejectors according to Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 were both used in a state of being attached to a container body having the same configuration as the container body 100' according to this embodiment, and the liquid used was a deodorant for clothing (manufactured by P&G Co., Ltd.; trade name: Febreze) with a viscosity of 3.5 mPa·s.

[0113] For the trigger-type liquid ejectors according to Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, the minimum diameter of the discharge port 311a' was 0.8 mm, the length along the liquid discharge direction at the minimum diameter of the discharge port 311a' (the length of the discharge path) was 0.25 mm, and the opening volume of the discharge port 311a' was 0.1256 mm3, which was (0.8 / 2)2×3.14 (pi)×0.25 mm. In addition, for the trigger-type liquid ejector according to the example, the size of the space volume of the flow rate buffer region 330' with respect to the opening volume of the discharge port 311a' was 704.375 times. The flow rate buffer region 330' had a diameter of 3.5 mm, a length along the liquid discharge direction of 9.2 mm, and a space volume of 88.4695 mm3, which was (3.5 / 2)2×3.14 (pi)×9.2.

[0114] In the comparative experiment, the liquid immediately after discharge was photographed with a high-speed camera (manufactured by Vision research Co., Ltd.; trade name: Phantom LC310), and the straightness of the liquid ejected from the discharge port 311a' was compared. As shown in FIG. 4, when the liquid was ejected with the trigger-type liquid ejector according to Example 1, there was no strength difference in the flow of the ejected liquid, and it was in a state of advancing straight. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the liquid was ejected with the trigger-type liquid ejector according to Comparative Example 1, there was a strength difference in the flow of the ejected liquid, so scattering occurred.

[0115] From the above comparative experiments, it can be seen that the liquid discharged from the trigger-type liquid discharger according to Example 1 has higher straightness. Therefore, by providing the trigger-type liquid discharger with the flow velocity buffer region 330′, it becomes possible to discharge a liquid with high straightness, and as a result, it can be seen that the discharge distance of the liquid can be increased.

[0116] [Examples 2 to 7 and Comparative Examples 2 to 4] Hereinafter, Examples 2 to 7 and Comparative Examples 2 to 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16B and Tables 1 and 2.

[0117] In Examples 2 to 6 and Comparative Examples 2 and 3, an evaluation test was conducted to evaluate the adhesion rate and adhesion pattern of the liquid sprayed by the trigger-type spray container, respectively. As the evaluation test, with the trigger-type spray container arranged such that the axis of the liquid discharge nozzle is perpendicular to the target surface, the first target surface (as an example, a paper sheet having water absorbency) and the second target surface (as an example, a paper sheet having water discoloration property) were each sprayed with the liquid. Then, the mass of the liquid discharged from the trigger-type spray container, the mass of the liquid adhering to the first target surface, and their ratio (adhesion rate) were measured. Note that the "mass of the discharged liquid" is a value obtained by multiplying the liquid volume discharged by one discharge operation by the specific gravity of the liquid, and the "mass of the liquid adhering to the first target surface" is the difference between the mass of the second target surface before the liquid adheres and the mass of the second target surface after the liquid adheres. Also, within 5 seconds from the moment the liquid adheres to the second target surface, the adhesion pattern formed on the second target surface was photographed, and the maximum outer diameter of the adhesion pattern on the photographed image was measured. In Example 7 and Comparative Example 4, in order to measure the maximum spray distance of the liquid in the trigger-type spray container, the trigger-type spray container was used to spray the liquid toward the hollow, and the spray pattern of the sprayed liquid was photographed. Note that in Examples 2 to 7 and Comparative Examples 2 to 4, a pressure accumulation type was used for the trigger-type spray container. In Examples 2 to 4 and 7, a trigger-type spray container was used in which the ratio of the length dimension of the discharge path to the opening diameter of the discharge port (length dimension of the discharge path / opening diameter of the discharge port) was 2.0. In Examples 2 to 4 and 7, the length dimension of the discharge path was 0.6 mm, the opening diameter of the discharge port was 0.3 mm, the length dimension of the flow rate buffer region was 0.1 mm, and the volume of the flow rate buffer region was 0.962 mm3. In Example 5, a trigger-type spray container was used in which the ratio of the length dimension of the discharge path to the opening diameter of the discharge port (the same as above) was 2.5. In Example 5, the length dimension of the discharge path was 0.75 mm, the opening diameter of the discharge port was 0.3 mm, the length dimension of the flow rate buffer region was 0.1 mm, and the volume of the flow rate buffer region was 0.962 mm3. In Example 6, a trigger-type spray container was used in which the ratio of the length dimension of the discharge path to the opening diameter of the discharge port (the same as above) was 3.0. In Example 6, the length dimension of the discharge path was 0.9 mm, the opening diameter of the discharge port was 0.3 mm, the length dimension of the flow rate buffer region was 0.1 mm, and the volume of the flow rate buffer region was 0.962 mm3. In Comparative Examples 2 to 4, compared with the trigger-type spray container used in Examples 2 to 7, the ratio of the length dimension of the discharge path to the opening diameter of the discharge port (length dimension of the discharge path / opening diameter of the discharge port) was 1.5, and there was no flow rate buffer region (the length dimension of the flow rate buffer region was 0 mm). A trigger-type spray container having the same configuration in other respects was used. In Comparative Examples 2 to 4, the length dimension of the discharge path was 0.6 mm, and the opening diameter of the discharge port was 0.4 mm. In Examples 2 and Comparative Example 2, as the first target surface, a target surface installed at a spray distance of 40 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle and a target surface installed at a spray distance of 80 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle were prepared, and the above-described evaluation tests were performed on both target surfaces. Similarly, as the second target surface, a target surface installed at a spray distance of 40 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle and a target surface installed at a spray distance of 80 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle were prepared, and the above-described evaluation tests were performed on both target surfaces. In Examples 3 to 6 and Comparative Example 3, as the first target surface, a target surface installed at a spraying distance of 20 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle, a target surface installed at a spraying distance of 40 cm, a target surface installed at a spraying distance of 60 cm, a target surface installed at a spraying distance of 70 cm, a target surface installed at a spraying distance of 80 cm, a target surface installed at a spraying distance of 90 cm, and a target surface installed at a spraying distance of 100 cm were each prepared, and the above-described evaluation tests were performed on each target surface. Similarly, as the second target surface, a target surface installed at a spraying distance of 20 cm from the liquid discharge nozzle, a target surface installed at a spraying distance of 40 cm, a target surface installed at a spraying distance of 60 cm, a target surface installed at a spraying distance of 70 cm, a target surface installed at a spraying distance of 80 cm, a target surface installed at a spraying distance of 90 cm, and a target surface installed at a spraying distance of 100 cm were each prepared, and the above-described evaluation tests were performed on each target surface.

[0118] First, the results of Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 are shown in Table 1 below.

[0119]

Table 1

[0120] As shown in Table 1, on the target surface installed at a spraying distance of 40 cm, in Example 2, it was found that the adhesion rate of the liquid was higher and the adhesion pattern diameter of the liquid was also larger than in Comparative Example 2. Also on the target surface installed at a spraying distance of 80 cm, in Example 2, it was found that the adhesion rate of the liquid was higher than in Comparative Example 2. Further, in this case, in Example 2, the adhesion pattern diameter of the liquid was 138 mm, whereas in Comparative Example 2, since sufficient liquid to form an adhesion pattern did not adhere to the target surface, the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern could not be measured.

[0121] Next, the results of Example 3 and Comparative Example 3 are shown in the graph of FIG. 14. In FIG. 14, the vertical axis on the left shows the outer diameter (mm) of the adhesion pattern, and the horizontal axis shows the spraying distance (cm) from the liquid ejection nozzle. More specifically, the graph of FIG. 14 shows the change in the maximum outer diameter of the adhesion pattern for each spraying distance, based on the height position of the discharge port with respect to the placement surface of the trigger-type spray container in the vertical direction (gravity direction) (for example, a position 200 mm above the placement surface). Also, in FIG. 14, the unadhesion rate (%) of the liquid is plotted on the vertical axis on the right, and the spraying distance (cm) from the liquid ejection nozzle is plotted on the horizontal axis. As described above, the "adhesion rate of the liquid" is the mass of the liquid adhering to the target surface / the mass of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection nozzle × 100, and the "unadhesion rate of the liquid" here can be obtained from the adhesion rate calculated by the above calculation formula. As shown in FIG. 14, in Example 3, the adhesion rate to the target surface installed at a spraying distance of 40 cm was about 100%, and the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern was about 175 mm. In contrast, in Comparative Example 2, the adhesion rate to the target surface installed at a spraying distance of 40 cm was about 70%, and the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern was about 150 mm. It was also found that in Example 3, the adhesion rate to the target surface installed at a spraying distance of 60 cm was about 80%, and the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern was about 190 mm. In contrast, in Comparative Example 3, the adhesion rate to the target surface installed at a spraying distance of 60 cm was about 35%, and the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern was about 135 mm. Also, in Comparative Example 3, for the target surface installed at a spraying distance of 80 cm, the liquid did not reach (adhere) sufficiently, and the adhesion rate and the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern could not be measured. On the other hand, in Example 3, it was found that even for the target surface installed at a spraying distance of 80 cm, an adhesion rate of about 55% could be maintained, and an outer diameter of the adhesion pattern of about 150 mm could be maintained. Furthermore, in Example 3, it was found that even for the target surface installed at a spraying distance of 100 cm, an adhesion rate of about 30% could be maintained, and an outer diameter of the adhesion pattern of about 125 mm could be maintained.

[0122] Next, the results of Examples 4 to 6 are shown in Table 2 below and the graph of FIG. 15. In FIG. 15, similar to FIG. 14, the left vertical axis indicates the outer diameter (mm) of the adhesion pattern, the right vertical axis indicates the non-adhesion rate (%) of the liquid, and the horizontal axis indicates the spraying distance (cm) from the liquid discharge nozzle.

[0123] [Table 2]

[0124] As shown in FIG. 15 and Table 2, it was found that in any of Examples 4 to 6, the adhesion rate to the target surface installed at a spraying distance of 80 cm was 50% or more, and the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern was 110 mm or more. Similarly, in any of Examples 4 to 6, it was found that the adhesion rate to the target surface installed at a spraying distance of 40 cm was 90% or more, and the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern was 80 mm or more.

[0125] Next, the images of the spraying patterns of the liquid taken in Example 7 and Comparative Example 4 are shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, when the liquid was sprayed toward the hollow, it was found that in Example 7, the liquid reached a farther distance compared to Comparative Example 4.

[0126] From these results, it is considered that a trigger-type liquid discharger capable of spraying the liquid to a farther distance while sufficiently maintaining the adhesion rate of the liquid adhering to the target surface and the outer diameter of the adhesion pattern can be realized by setting the ratio of the length dimension of the discharge path 83 to the opening diameter of the discharge port 42 (length dimension of the discharge path 83 / opening diameter of the discharge port 42) to be 2.0 or more and 4.0 or less. [Explanation of Signs]

[0127] 1': Trigger-type spray container 100': Container body 110': Mouth cylinder 200': Trigger-type liquid discharger 210': Discharger body 211': Cap member 212a': neck part 212b': Intake 212c′ :Communication hole 212d': Intake valve 212e′: Discharge valve 212′: Vertical tube 213′:Horizontal tube 214′: Holding part 215': Headcover 216′: Pipe 220': Pump 221': Cylinder 222': Piston 223′: Seal part 224': Pump room 230': Operating lever 240': Liquid discharge nozzle 300': Nozzle body 310′ :Outer body 311a′:Discharge port 311′: front wall 312′: Peripheral wall 320': Inner body 321′ :Front 322′: Rear 323′: Peripheral surface 324′: Nozzle flow path 330′ :Flow velocity buffer area 400': Nozzle cover 10 Main body 11 Cap member 12 Vertical tube 13 Horizontal tube 14 Holding part 20 Pump 21 cylinders 22 Piston 30 Operating lever 40 Liquid discharge nozzle 42 Discharge port 45 Discharge part 50 Nozzle body 60 First member 64 First opposing surface (opposing surface of first member) 65 through holes 70 Second member 74 Second opposing surface (opposing surface of the second member) 76 Gap 81 Nozzle flow path 83 Discharge path 85 Flow velocity buffer region 87 Swirl flow path 87a Peripheral flow path 87b Radial flow path 88 Confluence flow path 100 Trigger-type liquid ejector 200 Trigger-type spray container 300 Liquid-filled trigger-type spray container 40′′: Liquid discharge nozzle 42′′: Discharge port 45′′: Discharge part 50′′: Nozzle body 85′′: Flow velocity buffer region

Claims

1. A trigger-type liquid discharger comprising a discharger body having a built-in pump capable of sucking and pumping the liquid in the container body, an operation lever for operating the pump, and a liquid discharge nozzle for discharging the liquid by the operation of the pump, wherein the liquid discharge nozzle, has a discharge port capable of discharging the liquid, a nozzle flow path for flowing the liquid pumped from the discharger body toward the discharge port, and a space formed between the discharge port and the nozzle flow path and communicating with the discharge port and the nozzle flow path, and has, the cross-sectional area of the space is larger than the cross-sectional area of the nozzle flow path, the liquid discharge nozzle, has an outer body having a circular front wall and a peripheral wall extending rearward from the entire outer peripheral edge of the front wall, and an inner body provided inside and rearward of the outer body and having a circular front surface facing the front wall and a circular rear surface facing the front surface, and further includes, the discharge port is provided at the center of the front wall, the nozzle flow path is formed to penetrate from the front surface to the rear surface, the space is a cylindrical space defined by the inner surface of the front wall, the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall, and the front surface trigger-type liquid discharger.

2. A trigger-type liquid discharger comprising a discharger body having a built-in pump capable of sucking and pumping the liquid in the container body, an operation lever for operating the pump, and a liquid discharge nozzle for discharging the liquid by the operation of the pump, wherein the liquid discharge nozzle, has a discharge port capable of discharging the liquid, a nozzle flow path for flowing the liquid pumped from the discharger body toward the discharge port, and a space formed between the discharge port and the nozzle flow path and communicating with the discharge port and the nozzle flow path, and has, the cross-sectional area of the space is larger than the cross-sectional area of the nozzle flow path, the liquid discharge nozzle further includes a discharge path for narrowing and discharging the liquid flowing in from the nozzle flow path, the discharge port has a swirling flow path for swirling the liquid flowing in from the nozzle flow path and supplying it to the discharge path, the swirling flow path, has a circumferential flow path extending circumferentially along the circumferential direction of the liquid discharge nozzle, and a plurality of radial flow paths extending radially from the circumferential flow path toward the discharge path, the space is provided between the nozzle flow path and the swirling flow path, a part of the liquid flowing into the space flows into the discharge path through the circumferential flow path and the plurality of radial flow paths trigger-type liquid discharger.

3. The cross-sectional area of the space with respect to the cross-sectional area of the discharge port is 5 times or more and 2,000 times or less. The trigger-type liquid discharger according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The size of the volume of the space with respect to the volume of the opening of the discharge port is 5 times or more and 3,000 times or less. The trigger-type liquid discharger according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A plurality of the nozzle flow paths are provided. The trigger-type liquid discharger according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The discharge port and the nozzle flow path are not arranged on the same line. The trigger-type liquid discharger according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The opening diameter of the discharge port is 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less. The trigger-type liquid discharger according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The discharge port is elliptical when viewed from the front or the back. The trigger-type liquid discharger according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The ratio of the length dimension of the discharge path to the opening diameter of the discharge port (length dimension of the discharge path / opening diameter of the discharge port) is 1.75 or more and 10.0 or less. The trigger-type liquid discharger according to claim 2.

10. The cross-sectional area of the space is larger than the cross-sectional area of the swirling flow path. The trigger-type liquid discharger according to claim 2.

11. The width dimension of each of the plurality of radial flow paths gradually narrows as it approaches the discharge path. The trigger-type liquid discharger according to claim 2.

12. The container body is configured to be able to contain a liquid having a viscosity of 1 mPa·s or more and 500 mPa·s or less. The trigger-type liquid discharger according to claim 1 or 2.

13. A container body capable of containing a liquid, The trigger-type liquid discharger according to claim 1 or 2, A trigger-type spray container comprising the same.

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