Ejector

Abstract

To be able to change the discharge volume of the contents as desired and to discharge the desired volume in a stable manner.SOLUTION: A discharger 1 includes a mounting cylinder 10, a push-down head 11 that is movable in the vertical direction, a pump part 12, and an operating ring 13 that is rotatable with respect to the mounting cylinder and the push-down head and controls the downward movement amount of the push-down head. The operating ring includes a guide cylinder 100, connecting pieces 101, 102 formed at a first opening end face 103 and a second opening end face 104, a first guide groove 121 and a third guide groove 123 opening in the first opening end face, and a second guide groove and a fourth guide groove opening in the second opening end face. The second guide groove has a length different from that of the first guide groove. The third and fourth guide grooves are longer than the first and second guide grooves and allow a maximum downward movement of the push-down head. The operating ring can be rotated to move each guide groove to a position opposite to a control portion formed on the push-down head in the vertical direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, for example, a dispenser that is attached to the mouth of a container body that contains contents has been known. This type of dispenser comprises an attachment tube that is attached to the mouth of the container body, a push-down head that has a discharge hole through which the contents are dispensed and that can move up and down relative to the attachment tube, and a pump that dispenses the contents from the discharge hole by moving the push-down head downward. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-035654 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there has been a demand for this type of dispenser to be able to switch the amount of content dispensed between large and small amounts. In this regard, with conventional dispensers, the user has no choice but to adjust the amount of content dispensed by adjusting the amount the depression head is pressed down. As a result, it is difficult to stably dispense a constant amount (desired amount) of content. Therefore, there has been a demand for a dispenser that can easily change the amount of content dispensed during the manufacturing (assembly) stage depending on, for example, the type of content or its intended use, and that can be manufactured inexpensively.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a dispenser that can easily change the amount of content dispensed and that can be manufactured inexpensively. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A dispenser according to the present invention comprises an attachment tube attached to the mouth of a container body that contains the contents; a push-down head having a discharge hole for discharging the contents and movable in the vertical direction relative to the attachment tube; a pump unit that discharges the contents from the discharge hole by downward movement of the push-down head; and an operation ring combined with the attachment tube and rotatable around the container axis of the container body relative to the attachment tube and the push-down head to control the amount of downward movement of the push-down head, wherein the operation ring is formed to extend in the vertical direction and guides the movement of the push-down head; and connecting pieces formed on first and second opening end faces of the guide tube that face the vertical direction, respectively, that connect to the attachment tube. and a first guide groove and a longest groove formed in the guide tube along the vertical direction so as to open onto the first opening end face and the inner peripheral surface of the guide tube, and a second guide groove and the longest groove formed in the guide tube along the vertical direction so as to open onto the second opening end face and the inner peripheral surface of the guide tube, wherein the second guide groove has a length different from that of the first guide groove, and the longest groove is formed longer than the first guide groove and the second guide groove, and is capable of allowing a maximum downward movement of the push-down head, and the operating ring is capable of moving the first guide groove, the longest groove, or the second guide groove to a position that is vertically opposite to a regulating portion formed on the push-down head by rotating the operating ring around the container axis.

[0007] According to the dispenser of the present invention, a connecting piece is formed on each of the first and second open end faces of the operating ring, so that during the manufacturing stage (product assembly stage), the operating ring can be attached to the attachment tube while selecting the up or down orientation using either connecting piece. For example, when the operating ring is attached to the attachment tube using the connecting piece formed on the second open end face, the operating ring can be set with the first open end face facing upward (toward the press-down head). Conversely, when the operating ring is attached to the attachment tube using the connecting piece formed on the first open end face, the operating ring can be set with the second open end face facing upward (toward the press-down head).

[0008] When the container is manufactured with the operating ring set with the first opening end surface facing upward, when the user dispenses the contents, they can rotate the operating ring around the container axis relative to the mounting tube and the push-down head, so that the first guide groove or the longest groove faces the restricting part in the vertical direction. This allows the user to press down the push-down head while moving the restricting part downward within the first guide groove or the longest groove, and the contents can be dispensed through the discharge hole using the pump part. In particular, when the first guide groove is used, the press-down head can be moved downward by the length of the first guide groove, so that only the amount of ink ejected corresponds to the length of the first guide groove. Also, when the longest groove is used, the press-down head can be moved downward by the maximum downward movement amount (full stroke amount), so that a large amount of ink ejected can be ejected.

[0009] Next, if the device is manufactured with the operating ring set with the second opening end surface facing upward, when the user dispenses the contents, they can rotate the operating ring in the same manner as described above to make the second guide groove or the longest groove face the restricting part in the vertical direction. This allows the user to press down the press-down head while moving the restricting part downward within the second guide groove or the longest groove. In particular, when the second guide groove is used, the length is different from that of the first guide groove, so the content can be dispensed at a different amount than when the first guide groove is used. Also, when the longest groove is used, the press-down head can be moved downward by the maximum downward movement amount (full stroke amount), so a large amount can be dispensed.

[0010] As described above, by manufacturing the dispenser while selecting the up-down orientation of the operating ring, the user can use the first guide groove and the longest groove, or the second guide groove and the longest groove. Therefore, by manufacturing the dispenser while selecting the orientation of the operating ring depending on the type of content, application, etc., the dispensed amount of the content can be easily changed during the manufacturing stage. Furthermore, because the dispensed amount can be easily changed simply by changing the up-down orientation of a single operating ring, manufacturing costs can be reduced, and the dispenser can be manufactured inexpensively.

[0011] Furthermore, regardless of whether the operation ring is set upside down or upside down when manufactured, the longest groove can be used to move the press-down head downward by the maximum downward movement amount. Therefore, by rotating the operation ring, it is possible to use either a discharge mode that discharges an amount corresponding to the first guide groove or the second guide groove, or a discharge mode that discharges a large amount using the longest groove, making it easy to use. Furthermore, unlike conventional devices that rotate a push-down head, the amount of content dispensed can be changed by rotating the operating ring, making it difficult for fingers to come into contact with the dispenser hole in the push-down head, resulting in a dispenser that is hygienic.

[0012] (2) The operating ring may have a stopper portion that faces the regulating portion in the vertical direction when the pressing head is positioned at the highest position, and the stopper portion may be positioned at a position offset circumferentially from the first guide groove, the longest groove, and the second guide groove.

[0013] In this case, when the push-down head is at its highest position, the restricting portion and the stopper portion of the push-down head can be made to face each other in the vertical direction, thereby restricting the push-down of the push-down head. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the contents from being unintentionally discharged due to an unexpected external force such as a drop impact during product distribution or storage, for example.

[0014] (3) The outer peripheral surface of the operation ring is a smoothly formed smooth surface, and the outer peripheral surface of the operation ring is decorated with display portions that indicate the amount of the content to be discharged, and the display portions may be aligned circumferentially with reference marks formed on the pressing head or the mounting tube when the first guide groove or the second guide groove is opposed to the regulating portion in the vertical direction.

[0015] In this case, the display unit can be displayed with a sufficient display area on the outer peripheral surface of the operation ring, and the discharge amount can be clearly recognized by visually checking the relative positional relationship between the reference mark and the display unit. In particular, during the manufacturing stage of the dispenser, for example, after the operation ring is molded, the display unit can be decorated on the outer peripheral surface of the operation ring, which has a smooth surface. Therefore, various methods such as heat sealing, transfer, engraving, and printing can be used to display the display unit reliably and clearly.

[0016] (4) The pump section may include a cylindrical cylinder extending in the vertical direction, a valve body that switches between communication and cut-off between the inside of the cylinder and the inside of the container body, a piston that is arranged in the cylinder and is slidable in the vertical direction relative to the cylinder as the push-down head is pressed down, a pressure-accumulating cylinder that is connected to the piston and is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction, the interior of which is in communication with the inside of the cylinder, a pressure-accumulating piston that is arranged in the pressure-accumulating cylinder and is slidable in the vertical direction relative to the pressure-accumulating cylinder, a pressure-accumulating valve body that contacts the pressure-accumulating piston from below and switches between communication and cut-off between the inside of the pressure-accumulating cylinder and the discharge hole, and a pressure-accumulating biasing member that biases the pressure-accumulating piston downward, and when the internal pressure of the pressure-accumulating cylinder increases as the push-down head is pressed down, the pressure-accumulating piston moves upward from the pressure-accumulating valve body against the biasing force of the pressure-accumulating biasing member, and the inside of the pressure-accumulating cylinder and the discharge hole are in communication.

[0017] In this case, the pump unit is equipped with a so-called pressure accumulator mechanism. Therefore, by pressing down the depression head, the piston can be moved downward within the cylinder, thereby increasing the internal pressure of the cylinder. Since the cylinder and the pressure accumulator cylinder are internally connected, the internal pressure of the cylinder also increases as the internal pressure of the cylinder increases. The accumulator piston is biased downward by the pressure-accumulator biasing member and is seated on the pressure-accumulator valve body, blocking communication between the inside of the accumulator cylinder and the discharge hole. When the internal pressure of the accumulator cylinder rises above a certain level by pressing down the depression head, the accumulator piston moves upward against the biasing force of the pressure-accumulator biasing member and moves upward away from the pressure-accumulator valve body. This allows communication between the inside of the accumulator cylinder and the discharge hole, and the accumulator cylinder and the contents stored in the cylinder can be discharged from the discharge hole under pressure.

[0018] In particular, the pump section has a pressure accumulation mechanism inside the piston, so the diameter of the pressure accumulation biasing member can be reduced, and therefore the force applied to move the pressure accumulation piston upward can be reduced.As a result, when the depression head is pressed down, the pressure accumulation valve body is opened with a small force, so the pressing force (pressing down force) can be reduced. Furthermore, since the pressure accumulator piston moves upward at the beginning of pressing down the depression head, the initial pressing force of the operation is reduced. Furthermore, since the depression head can be pressed down as is, the user feels (experiences) the pressing force reduced. Therefore, a large amount of contents can be discharged with a light pressing force, improving operability. Specifically, the pressure accumulator piston, which has a small sliding resistance, moves before the piston, which has a large sliding resistance, resulting in the user feeling a reduction in the pressing force. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the dispenser of the present invention, the amount of content dispensed can be easily changed and the dispenser can be manufactured at low cost. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a dispenser according to the present invention, showing a state in which an operating ring is attached with a first opening end surface facing upward. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the operation ring shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a side view of the operation ring shown in FIG. 2 as viewed in the direction of arrow A. [Figure 4] 2 is a top view of the operation ring shown in FIG. 1 in a state where the operation ring is turned upside down and the second opening end surface faces upward. [Figure 5] 5 is a side view of the operation ring shown in FIG. 4, seen from the direction of arrow B. [Figure 6] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the operation ring is switched to a small amount dispensing position from the state shown in FIG. 1 and then the press-down head is pressed down. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the restricting protrusion and the first guide groove in the state shown in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8] 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the operation ring is switched to a large amount discharging position from the state shown in FIG. 6 and then the press-down head is pressed down. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the operation ring, which is attached with the second opening end surface facing upward, is switched to a medium amount discharge position, and then the press-down head is pressed down. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the restricting protrusion and the second guide groove in the state shown in FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the dispenser according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a dispenser according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1, a dispenser 1 of this embodiment is detachably attached to a mouth 2a of a container body 2 that contains a content (not shown), and dispenses the content to the outside of the container body 2. The content is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include liquids such as cosmetics, medicines, fragrances, disinfectants, cleaning agents, and food.

[0022] The dispenser 1 comprises an attachment tube 10 attached to the mouth 2a of the container body 2, a push-down head 11 having a discharge hole 11a for discharging the contents, a pump section 12 for discharging the contents from the discharge hole 11a, and an operating ring 13 that can be rotated. Unless otherwise specified, each component of the dispenser 1 is a molded product made of synthetic resin material. The dispenser 1 may further include a cylindrical cover cap that covers the press-down head 11, the mounting tube 10, and the operation ring 13.

[0023] The mounting tube 10, push-down head 11, and operating ring 13 are arranged coaxially with the container axis O of the container body 2. Hereinafter, the push-down head 11 side along the container axis O will be referred to as the upper side, and the container body 2 side along the container axis O will be referred to as the lower side, and the direction along the container axis O will be referred to as the up-down direction. Furthermore, in a plan view seen from the up-down direction, the direction intersecting the container axis O will be referred to as the radial direction, and the direction going around the container axis O will be referred to as the circumferential direction. Furthermore, among the circumferential directions, the direction that rotates clockwise around the container axis O when viewed from above the dispenser 1 is referred to as a first rotation direction M1, and the direction that rotates counterclockwise around the container axis O is referred to as a second rotation direction M2. Furthermore, among the radial directions, the directions that are perpendicular to each other are referred to as a front-rear direction L.

[0024] (Container body) The container body 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, with a mouth 2a, a shoulder 2b, a body 2c, and a bottom (not shown) arranged in this order from above. A male screw 3 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mouth 2a of the container body 2.

[0025] (Mounting tube) The mounting tube 10 includes a surrounding tube 20 that surrounds the mouth 2a of the container body 2 from the outside in the radial direction, an annular top wall 21 that protrudes radially inward from the upper end of the surrounding tube 20, an inner guide tube 22 that extends upward from the top wall 21, an annular connecting wall 23 that protrudes radially outward from the surrounding tube 20, and a decorative tube 24 that is formed to extend downward from the outer periphery of the connecting wall 23. As a result, the mounting tube 10 is formed into a double-cylinder shape as a whole.

[0026] An internal thread portion 25 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding tube 20, and is threadedly engaged with the external thread portion 3 formed on the mouth portion 2a of the container body 2. As a result, the attachment tube 10 is attached to the mouth portion 2a of the container body 2 by screwing together the external thread portion 3 and the internal thread portion 25. However, the method of attaching the attachment tube 10 is not limited to screwing, and it may be attached to the mouth portion 2a of the container body 2 by, for example, undercut fitting.

[0027] The inner guide tube 22 is formed integrally with the top wall 21. However, the inner guide tube 22 does not have to be formed integrally with the top wall 21, and may be formed separately and then combined with the mounting tube 10. In the illustrated example, the inner guide tube 22 extends upward from the top wall 21 at a length that is shorter than the vertical length of the surrounding tube 20.

[0028] A vertically elongated slide groove 26 that opens upward is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner guide tube 22, allowing downward movement of a guide protrusion 34 (described later). A pair of slide grooves 26 are formed to face each other in the radial direction with the container axis O in between. In the illustrated example, the slide grooves 26 are formed to face each other in the front-rear direction L with the container axis O in between. The slide groove 26 is formed, for example, to extend in the circumferential direction and is formed in an arc shape in plan view as seen from the direction of the container axis O. As a specific example, the slide groove 26 is formed to have a circumferential width that is about ¼ of that of the inner guide tube 22 in plan view.

[0029] The inner guide cylinder 22 in which the slide groove 26 is formed restricts the rotational movement of the press-down head 11 around the container axis O while allowing the press-down head 11 to move in the vertical direction.

[0030] The decorative tube 24 surrounds the surrounding tube 20 from the radial outside with a gap between them, and the lower end opening edge is formed so as to be close to or abut against the shoulder 2b of the container body 2 from above. An annular step 27 that opens upward and radially outward is formed at the connection between the upper end of the decorative tube 24 and the outer periphery of the connecting wall 23. Therefore, the step 27 is formed by a bottom surface 27a facing upward and a peripheral surface 27b facing radially outward. A first engagement protrusion 28 that protrudes radially outward is formed on the upper end of the peripheral surface 27b. The first engagement protrusion 28 is formed in an annular shape that extends around the entire circumference in the circumferential direction.

[0031] (Pressing head) 1, the push-down head 11 is disposed above the mounting tube 10 and the pump unit 12, and is movable in the vertical direction relative to the mounting tube 10. Specifically, the push-down head 11 can be pushed downward from the highest position shown in FIG. 1, and can be restored by being pushed up toward the highest position by the action of the pump unit 12.

[0032] The press-down head 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a top, having a head top wall 30 and a head peripheral wall 31 . The head peripheral wall 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the inner guide tube 22 in the mounting tube 10 and an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the operation ring 13 attached to the mounting tube 10. The lower end of the head peripheral wall 31 fits from above between the inner guide tube 22 and the operation ring 13. As a result, the head peripheral wall 31 is disposed inside the operation ring 13 while surrounding the inner guide tube 22 from the outside in the radial direction. The outer peripheral surface of the head peripheral wall 31 is in close proximity to or in contact with the inner peripheral surface of a guide tube 100 (described later) of the operation ring 13 from the radially inner side. As a result, the entire press-down head 11 is guided in its vertical movement by the operation ring 13.

[0033] The head peripheral wall 31 has an outer peripheral surface formed with a restricting protrusion (restricting portion according to the present invention) 32 that protrudes radially outward. The restricting protrusions 32 are formed as a pair so as to face each other in the radial direction with the container axis O in between. In the illustrated example, the restricting protrusions 32 are formed so as to face each other in the front-rear direction L with the container axis O in between. Furthermore, the restricting protrusions 32 are formed so as to extend vertically along the outer peripheral surface of the head peripheral wall 31. As a result, the restricting protrusions 32 are formed in the shape of vertical ribs.

[0034] The restricting protrusion 32 is formed so as to extend in the circumferential direction with a predetermined circumferential width in a plan view seen from the direction of the container axis O (see FIG. 8). Note that the length of the restricting protrusion 32 along the circumferential width may be changed as appropriate.

[0035] A connecting tube 33 extending downward from the head top wall 30 is formed inside the head peripheral wall 31 coaxially with the container axis O. The connecting tube 33 is formed in a cylindrical shape that radially surrounds the upper end of a stem 60 (described later) that constitutes the pump section 12, and is fitted onto the stem 60. Therefore, the entire push-down head 11 is attached to the upper end of the stem 60.

[0036] Furthermore, a guide protrusion 34 extending downward from the head top wall 30 is formed on the inside of the head peripheral wall 31. The guide protrusion 34 is located radially outward of the connecting tube 33 and radially inward of the inner guide tube 22 of the mounting tube 10. The guide protrusion 34 is disposed so as to face the slide groove 26 formed in the inner guide tube 22 in the up-down direction, and its lower end is inserted from above into the slide groove 26. Therefore, the guide protrusion 34 is formed so as to extend in the circumferential direction in accordance with the shape of the slide groove 26, and is formed in an arc shape in a plan view seen from the container axis O direction. The circumferential width of the restricting projection 32 is formed to be slightly shorter than the circumferential width of the slide groove 26 .

[0037] In this way, since the guide protrusion 34 enters the slide groove 26 from above, the pressing head 11 is allowed to move in the vertical direction, but its rotational movement around the container axis O is restricted.

[0038] The press-down head 11 further includes a nozzle cylinder 35 extending forward from the head peripheral wall 31 and a nozzle portion 36 disposed inside the nozzle cylinder 35 . The nozzle cylinder 35 is disposed below the head top wall 30 and communicates with the inside of the connecting cylinder 33. A part of the head top wall 30 constitutes the nozzle cylinder 35. Furthermore, the length of the nozzle cylinder 35 is not particularly limited, and it may be long enough to protrude forward beyond the operating ring 13 and the mounting cylinder 10, for example.

[0039] The nozzle portion 36 is disposed inside the nozzle cylinder 35 and has a discharge hole 11a that opens forward. The discharge hole 11a communicates with the inside of the stem 60 through the inside of the nozzle cylinder 35 and the inside of the connecting cylinder 33. The nozzle portion 36 has a function of changing the liquid content, for example, into a desired property (state). Specifically, the nozzle portion 36 can change the content into a mist, spray, foam, or the like, and then discharge it to the outside through the discharge hole 11a. However, this is not limited to this, and the nozzle portion 36 may also discharge the content in liquid form from the discharge hole 11a.

[0040] (Pump section) 1, pump unit 12 discharges the contents from discharge hole 11a by moving downward in response to the depression operation of press-down head 11. Pump unit 12 of this embodiment is equipped with a so-called pressure accumulation mechanism 15, which enables the contents to be forcefully discharged from discharge hole 11a in a pressurized state.

[0041] The pump section 12 includes a cylinder 40, a suction tube 45, a valve body 50, an annular member 55, a stem 60, a biasing member 65, a piston 70, a pressure accumulator cylinder 75, a pressure accumulator piston 80, a pressure accumulator valve body 85, and a pressure accumulator biasing member 90.

[0042] The cylinder 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom that extends in the vertical direction, and is disposed inside the mouth 2a of the container body 2. An annular flange 41 that protrudes radially outward is formed at the upper end of the peripheral wall of the cylinder 40. The flange 41 is disposed on the upper opening edge of the mouth 2a of the container body 2 via an annular packing 42. The flange 41 is sandwiched between the top wall 21 of the mounting tube 10 and the mouth 2a of the container body 2 in the vertical direction. As a result, the entire pump unit 12 is attached to the mouth 2a of the container body 2 by the mounting tube 10.

[0043] The suction tube 45 is formed to extend downward from the bottom wall of the cylinder 40. As a result, the inside of the container body 2 and the inside of the cylinder 40 are in communication with each other through the inside of the suction tube 45.

[0044] The valve element 50 is, for example, a ball valve. The valve element 50 is seated on a seating portion 45a formed on the suction tube 45 so as to be able to move away from above. When the valve element 50 comes into contact with the seating portion 45a, communication between the inside of the cylinder 40 and the inside of the container body 2 is blocked. Furthermore, when the valve element 50 moves upward from the seating portion 45a, communication between the inside of the cylinder 40 and the inside of the container body 2 is permitted. Therefore, the valve element 50 is a check valve that switches between communication between the inside of the cylinder 40 and the inside of the container body 2 and communication between them.

[0045] The valve body 50 is not limited to a ball valve, but may be a multi-point valve such as a three-point valve that is configured to be able to come into releasable contact with the seating portion 45a by elastic deformation, or any other valve structure.

[0046] The annular member 55 is fitted to the inside of the upper end of the peripheral wall of the cylinder 40. The annular member 55 has an annular flange 56 that is sandwiched from above and below between the flange 41 of the cylinder 40 and the inner peripheral edge of the top wall 21 of the mounting tube 10. This positions the annular member 55 in the vertical direction.

[0047] The stem 60 has a stem tube 61 that fits into the connecting tube 33 of the pressing head 11 , and a holding tube 62 that is connected to the stem tube 61 . The stem tube 61 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. The retaining tube 62 is formed in a double-cylinder shape centered on the container axis O, and is disposed radially outside the stem tube 61. The inner peripheral surface of the retaining tube 62 and the outer peripheral surface of the stem tube 61 are connected to each other via multiple connecting pieces arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0048] The biasing member 65 is, for example, a coil spring that elastically deforms in the vertical direction. When the biasing member 65 is compressed and deformed, its lower end contacts the annular member 55 from above, and its upper end contacts the retaining cylinder 62 from below. This allows the biasing member 65 to be held in a stable position and to bias the press-down head 11 upward via the stem 60.

[0049] The piston 70 is disposed within the cylinder 40 so as to be able to slide up and down, and is in liquid-tight contact with the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall of the cylinder 40. The piston 70 is disposed below the annular member 55 so as to overlap with the annular member 55 when viewed from the direction of the container axis O.

[0050] The accumulator cylinder 75 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. The accumulator cylinder 75 is disposed above the piston 70, and its lower end is connected to the piston 70. In the illustrated example, the accumulator cylinder 75 and the piston 70 are integrally formed by a single member. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the accumulator cylinder 75 may be formed separately from the piston 70 and then combined integrally with the piston 70. The pressure accumulator cylinder 75 is disposed inside the annular member 55 and is provided so as to be inserted vertically through the annular member 55. As a result, the inside of the pressure accumulator cylinder 75 is in communication with the inside of the cylinder 40.

[0051] The pressure accumulator cylinder 75 is formed so that its outer diameter is smaller than that of the piston 70. As a result, the pump section 12 of this embodiment includes a so-called pressure accumulator mechanism 15 provided inside the piston 70. The pressure accumulating mechanism 15 is mainly composed of a pressure accumulating cylinder 75, a pressure accumulating piston 80, a pressure accumulating valve body 85, and a pressure accumulating biasing member 90.

[0052] The accumulator piston 80 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction, is arranged in the accumulator cylinder 75 so as to be able to slide up and down, and is in liquid-tight contact with the inner surface of the accumulator cylinder 75. More specifically, the large diameter portion of the accumulator piston 80 located at the bottom is in slidable contact with the inner surface of the accumulator cylinder 75. The small diameter portion of the accumulator piston 80 located at the top is inserted into the lower end opening of the stem tube 61.

[0053] The accumulator valve body 85 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. The accumulator valve body 85 is disposed throughout the interior of the stem tube 61, the interior of the accumulator piston 80, and the interior of the accumulator cylinder 75. The upper end of the accumulator valve body 85 is fixed to the inner periphery of the stem tube 61 by engagement or the like. The accumulator valve body 85 serves to guide the movement of the accumulator piston 80 in the vertical direction.

[0054] The interior of the pressure accumulator cylinder 75 and the discharge hole 11a are connected via the interior of the pressure accumulator piston 80, the interior of the stem tube 61, the communicating groove 61a formed on the inner surface of the stem tube 61, the interior of the connecting tube 33, the interior of the nozzle tube 35, and the nozzle portion 36.

[0055] Furthermore, the accumulator valve body 85 has a pressure accumulator seat portion 85a. The accumulator piston 80 is seated on the pressure accumulator seat portion 85a so as to be able to move away from above. When the accumulator piston 80 comes into contact with the pressure accumulator seat portion 85a, communication between the inside of the accumulator cylinder 75 and the discharge hole 11a is blocked. When the accumulator piston 80 moves away upward from the pressure accumulator seat portion 85a, communication between the inside of the accumulator cylinder 75 and the discharge hole 11a is permitted. As a result, the accumulator valve body 85 cooperates with the accumulator piston 80 to switch between communication and blockage between the inside of the accumulator cylinder 75 and the discharge hole 11a.

[0056] The pressure-accumulation biasing member 90 is, for example, a coil spring that is elastically deformable in the vertical direction, and is disposed inside the pressure-accumulation cylinder 75. In a compressed and deformed state, the lower end of the pressure-accumulation biasing member 90 contacts the pressure-accumulation piston 80 from above, and the upper end of the pressure-accumulation biasing member 90 contacts the stem tube 61 from below. As a result, the pressure-accumulator biasing member 90 biases the pressure-accumulator piston 80 downward, thereby pressing the pressure-accumulator piston 80 against the pressure-accumulator seat portion 85a.

[0057] (Operation ring) As shown in FIG. 1, the operating ring 13 is combined with the mounting tube 10 and is rotatable around the container axis O relative to the mounting tube 10 and the push-down head 11, and serves to control the downward movement of the push-down head 11.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the operating ring 13 is formed to extend in the vertical direction and includes a guide tube 100 that guides the movement of the pressing head 11, and a first connecting piece (connecting piece according to the present invention) 101 and a second connecting piece (connecting piece according to the present invention) 102 that are formed integrally with the guide tube 100 and connected to the mounting tube 10.

[0059] The guide tube 100 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the head peripheral wall 31 of the press-down head 11 and an outer diameter the same as the outer diameter of the decorative tube 24 of the mounting tube 10. The guide tube 100 has a first open end face 103 and a second open end face 104 facing in the vertical direction.

[0060] The first connecting piece 101 is formed so as to stand upright relative to the first opening end face 103 from a portion of the first opening end face 103 that is located on the outer peripheral edge side, and is formed in a ring shape that extends continuously around the entire circumference of the guide tube 100. The outer diameter of the first connecting piece 101 is the same as the outer diameter of the guide tube 100. A second engagement protrusion 105 is formed at the tip of the first connecting piece 101, protruding radially inward and capable of fitting (undercut fitting) with the first engagement protrusion 28 formed on the mounting tube 10. The second engagement protrusion 105 is formed in a ring shape that extends continuously around the entire circumference of the first connecting piece 101. However, this is not limited to this case, and for example, a plurality of second engagement protrusions 105 may be formed at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0061] The second connecting piece 102 is formed in the same manner as the first connecting piece 101 described above, and differs only in that it is formed on the second opening end surface 104 . That is, the second connecting piece 102 is formed so as to stand upright relative to the second opening end face 104 from a portion of the second opening end face 104 that is located on the outer peripheral edge side, and is formed in a ring shape that extends continuously around the entire circumference of the guide tube 100. The outer diameter of the second connecting piece 102 is the same as the outer diameter of the guide tube 100. Furthermore, the second connecting piece 102 has the second engaging projection 105 formed at its tip end in the same manner as described above.

[0062] Since the operating ring 13 is formed as described above, during the manufacturing stage (product assembly stage) of the dispenser 1, it can be attached to the mounting tube 10 using the first connecting piece 101 or the second connecting piece 102 in either position, with the first opening end face 103 facing upward or with the second opening end face 104 facing upward. Therefore, the operation ring 13 is a reversible type that can be turned upside down, and is attached to the attachment tube 10 by selecting the upside down orientation using the first connecting piece 101 or the second connecting piece 102 at the product stage.

[0063] 1 shows a state in which the operation ring 13 is attached to the attachment tube 10 at the product stage with the first opening end face 103 facing upward. In this case, the operation ring 13 can be attached to the attachment tube 10 by undercut-fitting the second engagement protrusion 105 formed on the second connecting piece 102 into the first engagement protrusion 28 with the inner peripheral edge of the second opening end face 104 in contact with the upper surface of the connecting wall 23 of the attachment tube 10 from above.

[0064] Conversely, at the product stage, the inner peripheral edge side of the first opening end face 103 can be brought into contact with the upper surface of the connecting wall 23 of the mounting tube 10 from above, and the second engaging protrusion 105 formed on the first connecting piece 101 can be undercut and fitted into the first engaging protrusion 28, thereby allowing the operating ring 13 to be attached to the mounting tube 10 with the second opening end face 104 facing upward (see Figure 9).

[0065] Regardless of the orientation in which the operating ring 13 is attached, the operating ring 13 is rotatable relative to the attachment tube 10 around the container axis O. Therefore, the first engagement protrusion 28 and the second engagement protrusion 105 prevent the attachment tube 10 and the operating ring 13 from separating in the vertical direction, and engage with each other in a manner that allows relative rotation between the attachment tube 10 and the operating ring 13.

[0066] Furthermore, a plurality of vertically elongated guide grooves extending in the up-down direction are formed in the guide tube 100. In this embodiment, a first stopper groove (stopper portion according to the present invention) 111, a second stopper groove (stopper portion according to the present invention) 112, a first guide groove 121, a second guide groove 122, a third guide groove 123 (the longest groove according to the present invention), and a fourth guide groove 124 (the longest groove according to the present invention) are formed.

[0067] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, of the multiple guide grooves, the first stopper groove 111, the first guide groove 121, and the third guide groove 123 are formed so as to open into the first opening end face 103 and the inner surface of the guide tube 100, respectively. The first stopper groove 111, the first guide groove 121, and the third guide groove 123 are formed to extend with a predetermined circumferential width in a plan view seen from the direction of the container axis O. In this case, the circumferential width of the first stopper groove 111, the first guide groove 121, and the third guide groove 123 is formed to be wider than the circumferential width of the restricting protrusion 32 formed on the press-down head 11.

[0068] Furthermore, the first stopper groove 111, the first guide groove 121, and the third guide groove 123 are arranged at positions shifted from one another in the circumferential direction. Specifically, when the first opening end face 103 is facing upward, the first stopper groove 111, the first guide groove 121, and the third guide groove 123 are arranged in this order at regular intervals in the second rotation direction M2 as viewed from above. In the illustrated example, the first stopper groove 111, the first guide groove 121, and the third guide groove 123 are arranged at an angle of 30° around the container axis O. Furthermore, each of the first stopper groove 111, the first guide groove 121, and the third guide groove 123 is formed in pairs so as to face each other in the radial direction with the container axis O in between.

[0069] Therefore, during the manufacturing stage, when the operating ring 13 is attached to the mounting tube 10 with the first opening end face 103 facing upward, by rotating the operating ring 13 in the first rotation direction M1, it is possible to position the first stopper groove 111, the first guide groove 121 and the third guide groove 123 in this order below (at positions facing each other in the vertical direction) the regulating protrusion 32 formed on the pressing head 11.

[0070] The first stopper groove 111, the first guide groove 121, and the third guide groove 123 have different groove depths. Specifically, the first stopper groove 111 is formed so as to have the shallowest groove depth from the first opening end surface 103. In particular, when the press-down head 11 is positioned at the uppermost position shown in FIG. 1 , the restricting protrusion 32 enters the first stopper groove 111 from above and comes into contact with the bottom surface of the first stopper groove 111. Therefore, when the restricting protrusion 32 is positioned within the first stopper groove 111, it is possible to restrict the press-down operation of the press-down head 11. In this embodiment, the position of the operation ring 13 when the restricting projection 32 is positioned in the first stopper groove 111 is referred to as the lock position.

[0071] The first guide groove 121 is formed to have a greater groove depth from the first opening end face 103 than the first stopper groove 111. As a result, when the operation ring 13 is rotated from the locked position in the first rotation direction M1 to position the first guide groove 121 below the restricting protrusion 32, the restricting protrusion 32 is allowed to move downward within the first guide groove 121. Therefore, the press-down operation of the press-down head 11 can be performed until the restricting protrusion 32 contacts the bottom of the first guide groove 121. In this embodiment, the depth of the first guide groove 121 is formed so that the content can be dispensed in a volume of 0.1 cc by pressing down the press-down head 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, the position of the operating ring 13 when the restricting protrusion 32 is positioned within the first guide groove 121 is referred to as the small volume dispensing position.

[0072] The third guide groove 123 is formed to have a greater groove depth from the first opening end face 103 than the first guide groove 121. As a result, when the operation ring 13 is further rotated in the first rotation direction M1 from the small amount dispensing position to position the third guide groove 123 below the restricting protrusion 32, the press-down head 11 can be pressed down to a large extent until the restricting protrusion 32 contacts the bottom of the third guide groove 123. In particular, the third guide groove 123 has a depth that allows the press-down head 11 to move downward by a maximum amount (full stroke amount). In this embodiment, the groove depth of the third guide groove 123 is formed so that the content can be discharged at a discharge amount of 0.7 cc (maximum discharge amount) by pressing down the press-down head 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, the position of the operating ring 13 when the restricting protrusion 32 is positioned within the third guide groove 123 is referred to as the large-amount discharge position (maximum discharge position).

[0073] The above-described first stopper groove 111, first guide groove 121, and third guide groove 123 communicate with each other through a first circumferential groove 125 extending in the circumferential direction. The first circumferential groove 125 is formed to the same depth as the bottom of the first stopper groove 111, and extends in the circumferential direction from the first stopper groove 111, beyond the first guide groove 121, to reach the third guide groove 123. As a result, by rotating the operating ring 13, it is possible to use the first circumferential groove 125 to switch the restricting protrusion 32 between the first stopper groove 111, the first guide groove 121, and the third guide groove 123.

[0074] 2, the peripheral end wall that defines the first circumferential groove 125 faces the second rotational direction M2 and serves as a positioning surface 126 that the restricting protrusion 32 comes into contact with when the restricting protrusion 32 moves relatively in the first rotational direction M1. This makes it possible to restrict rotation of the operating ring 13 in the second rotational direction M2, and to appropriately position the pressing head 11 at the lock position. Furthermore, the wall surface that faces the second rotation direction M2 among the wall surfaces that define the second guide groove 122 serves as a positioning surface 127 that comes into contact with the restricting protrusion 32 when the restricting protrusion 32 moves relatively in the first rotation direction M1. This makes it possible to restrict the rotation of the operating ring 13 in the first rotation direction M1, and to appropriately position the press-down head 11 at the large-amount dispensing position.

[0075] Furthermore, on the inner peripheral surface of the first circumferential groove 125, a first climbing-over protrusion (climbing portion) 128 is formed, which the restricting protrusion 32 climbs over relatively in the circumferential direction as the operation ring 13 is rotated. The first climbing-over protrusion 128 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first circumferential groove 125 in a portion located between the first stopper groove 111 and the first guide groove 121, and between the first guide groove 121 and the third guide groove 123. The first climbing-over protrusion 128 protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the first circumferential groove 125 and is formed to extend along the circumferential direction. As a result, each time the restricting protrusion 32 travels over the first overtaking protrusion 128 in the circumferential direction, the restricting protrusion 32 receives contact resistance from the first overtaking protrusion 128. Therefore, when the operating ring 13 is operated, a clicking sensation can be obtained.

[0076] The operation ring 13 configured as described above is, for example, a molded product, and has a smooth outer peripheral surface formed smoothly. 3, an indicator 140 is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the operation ring 13, indicating the amount of content to be dispensed that corresponds to at least the lengths (groove depth) of the first guide groove 121 and the third guide groove 123. In this embodiment, the indicators 140, "0.1 cc" and "0.7 cc," are applied to the outer peripheral surface of the operation ring 13 at portions that face radially from the first guide groove 121 and the third guide groove 123. Furthermore, as the display unit 140, a "lock position" display may be decorated on the outer peripheral surface of the operation ring 13 at a portion that faces the first stopper groove 111 in the radial direction.

[0077] When the first guide groove 121 and the third guide groove 123 face the lower side of the restricting protrusion 32, these display portions 140 circumferentially coincide with, for example, a reference mark 141 formed on the press head 11. In the illustrated example, the reference mark 141 is a reference line extending in the up-down direction. However, this is not limited to this, and the reference mark 141 may be, for example, a triangular arrow. The reference mark 141 does not need to be formed on the pressing head 11, but may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the decorative barrel 24 in the attachment barrel 10.

[0078] 4 and 5, the second stopper groove 112, the second guide groove 122, and the fourth guide groove 124 are formed so as to open to the second opening end face 104 and the inner circumferential surface of the guide cylinder 100, respectively. Note that Fig. 4 is a top view of the operation ring 13 shown in Fig. 1 with the second opening end face 104 facing upward. The second stopper groove 112, the second guide groove 122, and the fourth guide groove 124 are formed to extend with a predetermined circumferential width in a plan view seen from the direction of the container axis O. In this case, the circumferential width of the second stopper groove 112, the second guide groove 122, and the fourth guide groove 124 is formed to be wider than the circumferential width of the restricting protrusion 32 formed on the press-down head 11.

[0079] The second stopper groove 112, the second guide groove 122, and the fourth guide groove 124 are arranged at positions shifted from one another in the circumferential direction. Specifically, when the second opening end face 104 is facing upward, the second stopper groove 112, the second guide groove 122, and the fourth guide groove 124 are arranged in this order at regular intervals in the second rotational direction M2 as viewed from above. In the illustrated example, the second stopper groove 112, the second guide groove 122, and the fourth guide groove 124 are arranged at an angle of 30° around the container axis O. Furthermore, each of the second stopper groove 112, the second guide groove 122, and the fourth guide groove 124 is formed in pairs so as to face each other in the radial direction with the container axis O in between.

[0080] Furthermore, the second stopper groove 112, the second guide groove 122 and the fourth guide groove 124 are all formed at a position offset by an angle of 30° in the second rotation direction M2 relative to the first stopper groove 111, the first guide groove 121 and the third guide groove 123.

[0081] Therefore, during the manufacturing stage, when the operating ring 13 is attached to the mounting tube 10 with the second opening end face 104 facing upward (see Figure 9), by rotating the operating ring 13 in the first rotation direction M1, as in the case described above, the second stopper groove 112, the second guide groove 122, and the fourth guide groove 124 can be positioned in this order below the regulating protrusion 32 formed on the pressing head 11.

[0082] The second stopper groove 112, the second guide groove 122, and the fourth guide groove 124 have different groove depths. Specifically, the second stopper groove 112 is formed to have the shallowest groove depth from the second opening end face 104 and has the same groove depth as the first stopper groove 111. In particular, when the presser head 11 is positioned at the highest position, the restricting protrusion 32 enters the second stopper groove 112 from above and comes into contact with the bottom surface of the second stopper groove 112. Therefore, when the restricting protrusion 32 is positioned within the second stopper groove 112, it is possible to restrict the presser head 11 from being pressed down. Therefore, the position of the operation ring 13 when the restricting projection 32 is positioned in the second stopper groove 112 is referred to as the lock position, as in the above case.

[0083] The second guide groove 122 is formed so that its groove depth from the second opening end face 104 is deeper than that of the second stopper groove 112, and has a different length (groove depth) from that of the first guide groove 121. Specifically, the groove depth of the second guide groove 122 is formed so that it is deeper than the groove depth of the first guide groove 121. As a result, when the operating ring 13 is rotated from the locked position in the first rotation direction M1 to position the second guide groove 122 below the restricting protrusion 32, the restricting protrusion 32 is permitted to move downward within the second guide groove 122. Therefore, the press-down operation of the press-down head 11 can be performed until the restricting protrusion 32 contacts the bottom of the second guide groove 122. In this embodiment, the depth of the second guide groove 122 is formed so that the content can be dispensed at a volume of 0.3 cc by pressing down the press-down head 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, the position of the operating ring 13 when the restricting protrusion 32 is positioned within the second guide groove 122 is referred to as the medium volume dispensing position.

[0084] The fourth guide groove 124 is formed to have a greater groove depth from the second opening end face 104 than the second guide groove 122. As a result, when the operation ring 13 is further rotated in the first rotation direction M1 from the medium amount discharge position to position the fourth guide groove 124 below the restricting protrusion 32, it becomes possible to perform a large depression operation of the press-down head 11 until the restricting protrusion 32 contacts the bottom of the fourth guide groove 124. In this embodiment, the groove depth of the fourth guide groove 124 is the same as the groove depth of the third guide groove 123. Therefore, the fourth guide groove 124 has a depth that allows the maximum downward movement (full stroke amount) of the press-down head 11. As a result, the fourth guide groove 124 is formed so that the content can be discharged at a discharge amount of 0.7 cc (maximum discharge amount) by pressing down the press-down head 11. Therefore, the position of the operating ring 13 when the restricting protrusion 32 is positioned within the fourth guide groove 124 is also referred to as the large-amount discharge position (maximum discharge position).

[0085] The second stopper groove 112, the third guide groove 123, and the fourth guide groove 124 described above are in communication with each other through a second circumferential groove 130 extending in the circumferential direction. The second circumferential groove 130 is formed to the same depth as the bottom of the second stopper groove 112, and extends in the circumferential direction from the second stopper groove 112, past the second guide groove 122, and reaching the fourth guide groove 124. This makes it possible to switch the restricting protrusion 32 between the second stopper groove 112, the second guide groove 122, and the fourth guide groove 124 by rotating the operation ring 13, using the second circumferential groove 130.

[0086] The peripheral end wall that defines the second circumferential groove 130 faces the second rotational direction M2 and serves as a positioning surface 131 that the restricting protrusion 32 comes into contact with when the restricting protrusion 32 moves relatively in the first rotational direction M1. This makes it possible to restrict rotation of the operating ring 13 in the second rotational direction M2, and to appropriately position the pressing head 11 at the lock position. Furthermore, among the wall surfaces defining the fourth guide groove 124, the wall surface facing the second rotation direction M2 serves as a positioning surface 132 with which the restricting protrusion 32 comes into contact when the restricting protrusion 32 moves relatively in the first rotation direction M1. This makes it possible to restrict the rotation of the operation ring 13 in the first rotation direction M1, and to appropriately position the press-down head 11 at the large-amount dispensing position.

[0087] Furthermore, on the inner peripheral surface of the second circumferential groove 130, a second climbing-over protrusion (climbing portion) 133 is formed, which the restricting protrusion 32 climbs over relatively in the circumferential direction as the operation ring 13 is rotated. The second overhanging protrusion 133 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second circumferential groove 130 in a portion located between the second stopper groove 112 and the second guide groove 122, and between the second guide groove 122 and the fourth guide groove 124. The second overhanging protrusion 133 protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the second circumferential groove 130 and is formed to extend along the circumferential direction. As a result, each time the restricting protrusion 32 travels over the second over-riding protrusion 133 in the circumferential direction, the restricting protrusion 32 receives contact resistance from the second over-riding protrusion 133. Therefore, when the operating ring 13 is operated, a clicking sensation can be obtained.

[0088] Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface of the operation ring 13 is decorated with a display 140 that indicates the amount of content to be dispensed corresponding to the lengths (groove depth) of the second guide groove 122 and the fourth guide groove 124. In this embodiment, the display 140 is decorated with the indications "0.3 cc" and "0.7 cc" on the portions of the outer circumferential surface that face radially to the second guide groove 122 and the fourth guide groove 124.

[0089] (Effect of the dispenser) Next, a case where the content is discharged using the dispenser 1 configured as described above will be described.

[0090] According to the dispenser 1 of this embodiment, a first connecting piece 101 and a second connecting piece 102 are formed on the first opening end face 103 and the second opening end face 104 of the operation ring 13, respectively. Therefore, during the manufacturing stage of the dispenser 1, the operation ring 13 can be combined with the mounting tube 10 while selecting the up-down orientation. 1, when the operation ring 13 is manufactured by combining it with the mounting tube 10 using the second connecting piece 102, the operation ring 13 can be set with the first opening end face 103 facing upward. Conversely, when the operation ring 13 is manufactured by combining it with the mounting tube 10 using the first connecting piece 101, the operation ring 13 can be set with the second opening end face 104 facing upward (see FIG. 9).

[0091] 1, when the operation ring 13 is set with the first opening end surface 103 facing upward during manufacturing, the restricting protrusion 32 of the presser head 11, which is positioned at the highest position, can be set in the first stopper groove 111. This allows the presser head 11 to be positioned at a lock position where the presser head 11 is restricted from being pressed down, and prevents the presser head 11 from rotating unexpectedly. This prevents the presser head 11 from being pressed down unintentionally.

[0092] Next, when the user wants to dispense a small amount of the contents, the operating ring 13 is rotated in the first rotation direction M1 relative to the mounting tube 10 and the pressing head 11, switching the operating ring 13 from the locked position to the small amount dispensing position. This allows the first guide groove 121 to face the restricting protrusion 32 in the vertical direction, and the first guide groove 121 can be used to allow the restricting protrusion 32 to move downward.

[0093] 6 and 7, the push-down head 11 can be depressed while moving the restricting protrusion 32 downward within the first guide groove 121. As a result, a small amount of the content can be dispensed through the discharge hole 11a using the pump portion 12. Specifically, since the push-down head 11 can be moved downward by the length of the first guide groove 121, a small amount of the content corresponding to the length of the first guide groove 121, i.e., 0.1 cc, can be dispensed.

[0094] When the press-down head 11 is pressed down, the piston 70 can be moved downward in the cylinder 40, thereby increasing the internal pressure of the cylinder 40. Therefore, the internal pressure of the accumulator cylinder 75 can be increased in accordance with the increase in the internal pressure of the cylinder 40.

[0095] The accumulator piston 80 is urged downward by the accumulator biasing member 90 and is therefore seated on the accumulator valve body 85. Therefore, in the initial stage, communication between the inside of the accumulator cylinder 75 and the discharge hole 11a is blocked. Then, when the internal pressure of the accumulator cylinder 75 rises above a certain level by the depression head 11 being pressed down, the accumulator piston 80 moves upward against the biasing force of the accumulator biasing member 90 and moves upward away from the accumulator valve body 85. This allows communication between the inside of the pressure accumulator cylinder 75 and the discharge hole 11a, and the contents stored in the pressure accumulator cylinder 75 and the cylinder 40 can be discharged (in small amounts) from the discharge hole 11a in a pressurized state.

[0096] When the depression of the press-down head 11 is released, the upward biasing force of the biasing member 65 moves the piston 70 upward together with the press-down head 11. This creates a negative pressure inside the cylinder 40, causing the valve body 50 to move upward away from the seating portion 45a. This allows the contents of the container body 2 to flow into the cylinder 40 through the inside of the suction tube 45, preparing for the next discharge.

[0097] Next, when the user wants to dispense a large amount of the contents, the user further rotates the operating ring 13 in the first rotation direction M1 to switch the operating ring 13 from the small amount dispensing position to the large amount dispensing position. This allows the third guide groove 123 to face the restricting protrusion 32 in the vertical direction, and the third guide groove 123 can be used to allow the restricting protrusion 32 to move downward.

[0098] 8, the press-down head 11 can be pressed down while moving the restricting protrusion 32 downward within the third guide groove 123. As a result, the pump portion 12 can be used to discharge a large amount of the content through the discharge hole 11a. Specifically, the press-down head 11 can be moved downward by the length of the third guide groove 123. In other words, the press-down head 11 can be moved downward by the maximum downward movement amount (full stroke amount). Therefore, a large amount of content can be discharged, i.e., a discharge amount corresponding to the length of the third guide groove 123 (maximum discharge amount), i.e., 0.7 cc.

[0099] As described above, when the dispenser is manufactured with the operation ring 13 set so that the first opening end surface 103 faces upward, the user can switch between the locked position, the small amount dispensing position, and the large amount dispensing position by rotating the operation ring 13. Therefore, the contents can be dispensed while selecting either the small amount dispensing or the large amount dispensing.

[0100] In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the display section 140, i.e., "0.1 cc" and "0.7 cc", is displayed with a sufficient display area on the outer surface of the operating ring 13, so that the discharge amount can be clearly recognized by visually checking the relative positional relationship between the reference mark 141 and the display section 140. In addition, during the manufacturing stage of the dispenser 1, after the operation ring 13 is molded, the display unit 140 can be decorated on the outer peripheral surface of the operation ring 13, which has been made smooth, so that various methods such as heat sealing, transfer, engraving, printing, etc. can be used, and the display unit 140 can be displayed reliably and clearly.

[0101] Furthermore, when the operation ring 13 is rotated, the restricting protrusion 32 goes over the first overstepping protrusion 128 in the circumferential direction, so the user can feel a click. Therefore, the rotation of the operation ring 13 can be recognized by touch, improving operability.

[0102] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, a case where the operation ring 13 is set in a state where the second opening end surface 104 faces upward and the product is manufactured will be described. In this case, as in the case described above, the regulating protrusion 32 of the pressing head 11 located at the highest position can be set within the second stopper groove 112, so that the pressing head 11 can be positioned at the locked position.

[0103] When the user wishes to dispense a medium amount of contents, the operating ring 13 is rotated in the first rotation direction M1 relative to the mounting tube 10 and the pressing head 11, switching the operating ring 13 from the locked position to the medium-amount dispensing position. This allows the second guide groove 122 to face the restricting protrusion 32 in the vertical direction, and the second guide groove 122 can be used to allow the restricting protrusion 32 to move downward. 9 and 10, the push-down head 11 can be pushed down while the restricting protrusion 32 is moved downward within the second guide groove 122. As a result, a medium amount of the contents can be dispensed through the dispensing hole 11a by utilizing the pump portion 12. Specifically, since the press-down head 11 can be moved downward by the length of the second guide groove 122, a small amount of ejection corresponding to the length of the second guide groove 122, that is, 0.3 cc, can be performed.

[0104] Next, when the user wishes to dispense a large amount of the contents, the operating ring 13 is further rotated in the first rotation direction M1 to switch the operating ring 13 from the medium-amount dispensing position to the large-amount dispensing position. This allows the fourth guide groove 124 to face the restricting protrusion 32 in the vertical direction, and the fourth guide groove 124 can be used to allow the restricting protrusion 32 to move downward. 8, the presser head 11 can be moved downward by the length of the fourth guide groove 124, so that the presser head 11 can be moved downward by the maximum downward movement amount (full stroke amount). Therefore, a large amount of ejection can be performed, that is, an amount of ejection corresponding to the length of the fourth guide groove 124 (maximum ejection amount), i.e., 0.7 cc.

[0105] Furthermore, in this case as well, as shown in Figure 5, the display section 140 showing "0.3cc" and "0.7cc" is displayed with a sufficient display area on the outer surface of the operating ring 13, so that the discharge volume can be clearly recognized by visually checking the relative positional relationship between the reference mark 141 and the display section 140. Furthermore, when the operation ring 13 is rotated, the restricting protrusion 32 goes over the second over-riding protrusion 133 in the circumferential direction, so the user can feel a click. Therefore, the rotation of the operation ring 13 can be recognized by touch, improving operability.

[0106] In particular, in this case, since the length of the second guide groove 122 is different from the length of the first guide groove 121, the contents can be discharged at a medium amount (0.3 cc) different from the small amount (0.1 cc) discharged using the first guide groove 121.

[0107] As described above, according to the dispenser 1 of this embodiment, by selecting the up-down orientation of the operation ring 13 during manufacturing, it is possible to use the first guide groove 121 and the third guide groove 123, or the second guide groove 122 and the fourth guide groove 124. Therefore, by selecting the orientation of the operation ring 13 during manufacturing depending on the type of content, application, etc., it is possible to easily change the amount of content dispensed during manufacturing. Furthermore, because the amount of dispensed can be easily changed simply by changing the up-down orientation of one operation ring 13, manufacturing costs can be reduced, and the dispenser 1 can be manufactured inexpensively.

[0108] Furthermore, regardless of whether the operation ring 13 is set in the upside down or upside down direction when manufactured, the user can move the press-down head 11 downward by the maximum downward movement distance by using the third guide groove 123 and the fourth guide groove 124. Therefore, by rotating the operation ring 13, a discharge mode in which the discharge amount (small or medium amount) corresponding to the first guide groove 121 and the second guide groove 122 is discharged, and a discharge mode in which the discharge amount is large (maximum) using the third guide groove 123 and the fourth guide groove 124 is discharged, making it easy to use.

[0109] Furthermore, unlike conventional methods in which the push-down head 11 is rotated, the amount of content dispensed can be changed by rotating the operation ring 13, making it difficult for fingers to come into contact with the discharge hole 11a of the push-down head 11. Therefore, the dispenser 1 can be made hygienic. Furthermore, the push-down head 11 cannot be pressed down unless the operation ring 13 is rotated and switched from the locked position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the contents from being unintentionally discharged due to unexpected external forces such as dropping or impact during product distribution or storage, for example.

[0110] Furthermore, in the dispenser 1 of this embodiment, the pump section 12 is provided with a so-called pressure accumulating mechanism 15. In particular, since the pressure accumulating mechanism 15 is provided inside the piston 70, the diameter of the pressure accumulating biasing member 90 can be reduced, and the force applied to the upward movement of the pressure accumulating piston 80 can be reduced. Therefore, when the depression head 11 is depressed, the pressure accumulating valve body 85 is released with a small force, and the pressing force (depressing force) can be reduced.

[0111] Furthermore, at the beginning of the depression operation of the press down head 11, the pressure accumulator piston 80 moves upward, so the pressing force required for the initial operation can be reduced. Then, the press down operation of the press down head 11 can be performed as is, so the pressing force is reduced as a feeling (physical sensation) to the user. Therefore, the press down head 11 can be pressed down with a light pressing force, and operability is good. Specifically, the pressure accumulator piston 80, which has a small sliding resistance, moves before the piston 70, which has a large sliding resistance, so the effect of reducing the pressing force can be felt as a physical sensation.

[0112] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The embodiments and their modifications include, for example, those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are equivalent.

[0113] For example, in the above embodiment, the pump section 12 is configured to include the pressure accumulating mechanism 15, but the pressure accumulating mechanism 15 is not essential and may not be provided.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which the first stopper groove 111, the first guide groove 121, and the third guide groove 123 are formed so as to open into the first opening end face 103, and the second stopper groove 112, the second guide groove 122, and the fourth guide groove 124 are formed so as to open into the second opening end face 104, but this is not limited to this case. For example, a common guide groove having a groove length different from that of first guide groove 121 and second guide groove 122 and shorter than that of third guide groove 123 and fourth guide groove 124 may be formed so as to open into each of first opening end face 103 and second opening end face 104. For example, the common guide groove is formed so that the contents can be dispensed at a rate of 0.5 cc by pressing down press-down head 11. As a result, even if the operation ring 13 is manufactured with the operation ring 13 set in either the upside or downside, the contents can be discharged in a discharge amount of 0.5 cc by rotating the operation ring 13, and the dispenser 1 can be used in a variety of ways.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first stopper groove 111 and the second stopper groove 112 are formed in the operation ring 13, but these first stopper groove 111 and second stopper groove 112 are not essential and may not be provided.

[0116] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the first opening end surface 103 (and the second opening end surface 104) of the operating ring 13 may function as a stopper portion that faces the regulating protrusion 32 in the vertical direction when the pressing head 11 is positioned at the highest position. Even in this case, the downward movement of the restricting protrusion 32 can be restricted by utilizing the first opening end surface 103 (and the second opening end surface 104), so that the depression operation of the depression head 11 can be prevented. In particular, since the first stopper groove 111 and the second stopper groove 112 are no longer necessary, a large contact area can be secured between the first opening end face 103 (and the second opening end face 104) and the regulating protrusion 32, thereby more stably regulating the pressing operation of the pressing head 11.

[0117] 11, a recess 150 is formed in the first opening end surface 103, recessed downward. The recess 150 is formed to be recessed, for example, in a hemispherical shape. A protrusion 151 is formed in the lower end opening surface of the restricting projection 32 so as to bulge downward and fit into the recess 150. The protrusion 151 is formed to bulge, for example, in a hemispherical shape. This allows the convex portion 151 to fit into the concave portion 150 when the restricting protrusion 32 is in contact with the first opening end surface 103, thereby preventing the press-down head 11 from accidentally rotating. In the illustrated example, concave portions 150 are also formed in the bottom of the first guide groove 121 and the bottom of the third guide groove 123.

[0118] Although the above description has been given with respect to the first opening end surface 103, the second opening end surface 104 may be configured in the same manner.

[0119] The present invention includes the following aspects. <1> an attachment tube attached to the mouth of the container body in which the contents are accommodated; a push-down head having a discharge hole for discharging the contents and provided so as to be movable in the up and down direction relative to the mounting tube; a pump unit that discharges the content from the discharge hole by the downward movement of the pressing head; an operation ring that is combined with the mounting tube and is rotatable around the container axis of the container body relative to the mounting tube and the push-down head, and controls the downward movement amount of the push-down head; The operation ring is a guide tube extending in the vertical direction to guide the movement of the pressing head; a connecting piece formed on a first opening end surface and a second opening end surface of the guide tube facing in the up-down direction, the connecting piece being connected to the mounting tube; a first guide groove and a longest groove formed along the vertical direction in the guide tube so as to open onto the first opening end surface and an inner circumferential surface of the guide tube; a second guide groove and the longest groove formed in the guide tube along the up-down direction so as to open onto the second opening end surface and the inner circumferential surface of the guide tube, The second guide groove has a length different from that of the first guide groove, the longest groove is formed longer than the first guide groove and the second guide groove, and is capable of allowing a maximum downward movement of the press-down head; The operating ring is capable of moving the first guide groove, the longest groove, or the second guide groove to a position that faces vertically relative to a regulating portion formed on the pressing head by rotating the operating ring around the container axis. <2> <1> In the dispenser described in The operation ring is formed with a stopper portion that faces the restriction portion in the up-down direction when the depression head is located at the highest position, The stopper portion is disposed at a position circumferentially offset from the first guide groove, the longest groove, and the second guide groove. <3> <1> or <2> In the dispenser described in The outer peripheral surface of the operation ring is a smooth surface formed smoothly, The outer peripheral surface of the operation ring is decorated with display portions that indicate the discharge amount of the content, and the display portions correspond to the lengths of at least the first guide groove and the second guide groove, An ejector in which the display portion circumferentially coincides with a reference mark formed on the pressing head or the mounting tube when the first guide groove or the second guide groove faces the regulating portion in the vertical direction. <4> <1> from <3> In the dispenser according to any one of the above items, The pump unit includes: a cylindrical cylinder extending in the vertical direction; a valve body for switching between communication and blocking between the inside of the cylinder and the inside of the container body; a piston disposed in the cylinder and slidable up and down relative to the cylinder as the depression head is depressed; a pressure accumulator cylinder connected to the piston and formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction, the interior of which communicates with the interior of the cylinder; an accumulator piston disposed in the accumulator cylinder and slidable in the up-down direction relative to the accumulator cylinder; a pressure accumulator valve body that contacts the pressure accumulator piston from below the pressure accumulator piston and switches between communication and blockage between the inside of the pressure accumulator cylinder and the discharge hole; a pressure-accumulator biasing member that biases the pressure-accumulator piston downward, When the internal pressure of the accumulator cylinder increases due to the depression of the depression head, the accumulator piston moves upward away from the accumulator valve body against the biasing force of the accumulator biasing member, thereby connecting the inside of the accumulator cylinder with the discharge hole. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] O…Container axis 1...Dispenser 2...Container body 2a...mouth of container body 10...Attachment tube 11...Pressing head 11a...Discharge hole 12...Pump section 13...Operation ring 32...Regulating protrusion (regulating portion) 40...Cylinder 50...Valve body 70...Piston 75...Accumulator cylinder 80...Accumulator piston 85...Accumulator valve body 90... Accumulation pressure biasing member 100...Guide tube 103...First opening end surface 104…Second opening end surface 111...First stopper groove (stopper portion) 112...Second stopper groove (stopper portion) 121...First guide groove 122...Second guide groove 123...Third guide groove (longest groove) 124...4th guide groove (longest groove) 140...Display section 141...Reference mark

Claims

1. an attachment tube attached to the mouth of the container body in which the contents are accommodated; a push-down head having a discharge hole for discharging the contents and provided so as to be movable in the up and down direction relative to the mounting tube; a pump unit that discharges the content from the discharge hole by the downward movement of the pressing head; an operation ring that is combined with the mounting tube and is rotatable around the container axis of the container body relative to the mounting tube and the push-down head, and controls the downward movement amount of the push-down head; The operation ring is a guide tube extending in the vertical direction to guide the movement of the pressing head; a connecting piece formed on a first opening end surface and a second opening end surface of the guide tube facing in the up-down direction, the connecting piece being connected to the mounting tube; a first guide groove and a longest groove formed along the vertical direction in the guide tube so as to open onto the first opening end surface and an inner circumferential surface of the guide tube; a second guide groove and the longest groove formed in the guide tube along the up-down direction so as to open onto the second opening end surface and an inner circumferential surface of the guide tube, The second guide groove has a length different from that of the first guide groove, the longest groove is formed longer than the first guide groove and the second guide groove, and is capable of allowing a maximum downward movement of the press-down head; The operating ring is capable of moving the first guide groove, the longest groove, or the second guide groove to a position that faces vertically opposite a regulating portion formed on the pressing head by rotating the operating ring around the container axis.

2. The dispenser of claim 1 , The operation ring is formed with a stopper portion that faces the restriction portion in the up-down direction when the depression head is located at the highest position, The stopper portion is disposed at a position offset in a circumferential direction relative to the first guide groove, the longest groove, and the second guide groove.

3. The dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, The outer peripheral surface of the operation ring is a smooth surface formed smoothly, an outer peripheral surface of the operation ring is decorated with indicators indicating the discharge amount of the content, the indicators corresponding to at least the lengths of the first guide groove and the second guide groove; An ejector in which the display portion circumferentially coincides with a reference mark formed on the pressing head or the mounting tube when the first guide groove or the second guide groove faces the regulating portion in the vertical direction.

4. The dispenser of claim 1 , The pump unit includes: a cylindrical cylinder extending in the vertical direction; a valve body for switching between communication and blocking between the inside of the cylinder and the inside of the container body; a piston disposed in the cylinder and slidable up and down relative to the cylinder as the depression head is depressed; a pressure accumulator cylinder connected to the piston and formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction, the interior of which communicates with the interior of the cylinder; an accumulator piston disposed in the accumulator cylinder and slidable in the up-down direction relative to the accumulator cylinder; a pressure accumulator valve body that contacts the pressure accumulator piston from below the pressure accumulator piston and switches between communication and blockage between the inside of the pressure accumulator cylinder and the discharge hole; a pressure-accumulator biasing member that biases the pressure-accumulator piston downward, When the internal pressure of the accumulator cylinder increases due to the depression of the depression head, the accumulator piston moves upward away from the accumulator valve body against the biasing force of the accumulator biasing member, thereby connecting the inside of the accumulator cylinder with the discharge hole.

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