Ejector

Abstract

To stably and properly operate a push-down head even when drop impact or the like is applied.SOLUTION: There is provided a discharge device 1 which is configured in such a manner that a push-down head 30 can be switched between a restricted position where downward movement is restricted and an allowable position P2 where downward movement is allowed, a stopper projection 33 and a restricting projection 38 are formed on a head peripheral wall 32, a guide tube 24 is provided with a vertical groove 51 which allows the movement of the stopper projection at the allowable position, and a peripheral groove 52 in which the stopper projection is arranged at the restricted position, the bottom wall surface of the peripheral groove is a restricting wall 58 which restricts the downward movement of the stopper projection, a slide groove 26 which allows the movement of the restricting projection is formed in a restricting tube 23, a portion of the upper end opening edge of the restricting tube which is circumferentially adjacent to the slide groove is a restricting surface which restricts the downward movement of the restricting projection, and the restricting projection is arranged so as to face the slide groove in the vertical direction at the allowable position and so as to face the restricting surface in the vertical direction at the restricted position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a dispenser that includes a stem arranged inside the mouth of a container body so as to be movable downward while being biased upward, a cylinder into which the stem is inserted, a piston that is linked to the up and down movement of the stem and is fitted into the cylinder so as to be able to slide up and down, and a push-down head that is attached to the upper end of the stem and has a nozzle hole for discharging the contents. In this type of dispenser, measures are taken to prevent the depression head from being accidentally depressed during, for example, product distribution or storage.

[0003] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, a dispenser is known in which a cover that restricts the depression operation of the push-down head is removably attached between the attachment cap that attaches the cylinder to the mouth of the container body and the push-down head. However, in this case, the cover needs to be attached and detached every time the dispenser is used, which can be time-consuming. Furthermore, the removed cover needs to be stored separately, and there is a risk of losing the cover.

[0004] Therefore, as a measure to prevent the push-down head from being accidentally depressed without using removable parts such as a cover, a dispenser is also known that is configured to be switchable between a restricted position in which the push-down operation is restricted and an allowed position in which the push-down operation is allowed, for example, by rotating the push-down head around the container axis. In this dispenser, for example, a stopper protrusion is formed on the press-down head, and a vertical groove and a stopper recess are formed on a member combined with an attachment cap or the like. When the press-down head is in the permitted position, the stopper protrusion is positioned in the vertical groove to allow downward movement. Furthermore, when the press-down head is in the restricted position, the stopper protrusion is positioned in the stopper recess to restrict downward movement. Therefore, by simply switching the press-down head between the restricting position and the permitting position, it is possible to switch between preventing an accidental press-down operation of the press-down head and permitting the press-down operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-078255 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the conventional dispenser described above, if an external force such as a drop impact is applied to the press-down head during product distribution or storage, the press-down head may be pushed too hard into the regulated position. In this case, for example, the stopper protrusion may come into strong contact with the stopper recess, causing the press-down head to be pushed too hard, making it difficult for the press-down head to return to its original position. This can make it difficult to operate the press-down head stably and appropriately.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a dispenser that can operate the push-down head stably and appropriately even when subjected to a drop impact or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) A dispenser according to the present invention includes a pump section having a stem arranged to be movable downward in an upward biased state and combined with the mouth of a container body that contains contents via an attachment cap attached to the mouth of the container body; a push-down head having a nozzle hole for discharging the contents, attached to the upper end of the stem, and rotatable around the container axis of the container body; a regulating tube combined with the attachment cap and extending upward; and a guide tube that surrounds the regulating tube from the outside in the radial direction and guides the movement of the push-down head. The guide tube has a head peripheral wall surrounding the regulating tube from the outside in the radial direction, and is switchable between a regulating position where downward movement is regulated and an allowable position where downward movement is allowed by rotation around the container axis. The head peripheral wall is formed with a stopper protrusion formed to protrude radially outward, and a regulating protrusion that protrudes radially inward and faces the upper end opening edge of the regulating tube in the vertical direction. The guide tube has an inner circumferential surface formed with a guide groove that movably accommodates the stopper protrusion, and the guide groove is positioned when the push-down head is in the allowable position. a vertical groove that allows downward movement of the stopper protrusion when the pressing head is positioned at the restricting position, and a circumferential groove that extends in a circumferential direction around the container axis, communicates with the vertical groove, and in which the stopper protrusion is disposed when the pressing head is positioned at the restricting position, a bottom wall surface of the circumferential groove serves as a restricting wall that contacts the stopper protrusion from below to restrict downward movement of the stopper protrusion, and a vertically elongated slide groove that allows downward movement of the restricting protrusion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the restricting tube so as to open upward, and a portion adjacent to the slide groove in the circumferential direction serves as a restricting surface that restricts downward movement of the restricting protrusion by contacting the restricting protrusion from below, the restricting protrusion is disposed so as to face the slide groove in the up-down direction when the press-down head is positioned at the permitted position, and is disposed so as to face the restricting surface in the up-down direction when the press-down head is positioned at the restricting position, the vertical groove is formed so that the radial recess amount is larger than the radial protrusion amount of the stopper protrusion in the container axial direction, circumferential grooveWhen the pressing head is positioned at the regulating position, one of the peripheral end walls defining the Stopper protrusion The pressing head is brought into contact with a positioning surface that positions the pressing head at the regulating position, and the area of ​​the circumferential groove excluding the portion where the vertical groove and the positioning surface are formed is formed to have a smaller radial recession when viewed in a plan view from the container axial direction than the portion where the vertical groove and the positioning surface are formed.

[0009] According to the dispenser of the present invention, when the press-down head is in the restricted position, the stopper protrusion contacts the restricting wall, restricting the downward movement of the stopper protrusion, and the restricting protrusion faces the restricting surface in the vertical direction. As a result, even if an unexpected external force, such as a drop impact, acts on the press-down head, the restricting protrusion contacts the restricting surface, so the external force acting on the press-down head can be absorbed by the restricting tube. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the press-down head from being pushed downward by an unexpected external force, as in the conventional case. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the stopper wall from pressing strongly against, for example, the regulating wall, and it is difficult for the press-down head to become caught, etc. Therefore, unlike the conventional case, it is possible to prevent the press-down head from becoming difficult to return to its original position.

[0010] When dispensing the contents, the presser head is rotated around the container axis to move the presser head from the restricting position to the allowing position. As a result, the stopper protrusion can be moved from within the circumferential groove into the vertical groove as the presser head rotates. Therefore, the vertical groove can be used to allow the stopper protrusion to move downward. Furthermore, as the presser head rotates, the restricting protrusion can be moved from above the restricting surface to face the opening of the slide groove in the vertical direction. As a result, the slide groove can be used to allow the restricting protrusion to move downward. As a result, the push-down head can be pushed down against the upward bias of the stem, causing the stopper protrusion to move downward within the vertical groove and the restricting protrusion to move downward within the slide groove, thereby pushing down the stem, and as a result, the contents can be dispensed through the nozzle hole using the pump part.

[0011] As described above, the press-down head cannot be pressed down unless the operation to switch the press-down head from the restricting position to the allowing position is performed, so 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. In particular, when the press-down head is positioned in the restricting position, the restricting tube combined with the attached cap can be used to appropriately absorb the external force acting on the press-down head, so it is possible to effectively prevent the press-down head from being pushed downward. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the push-down head from getting caught due to the stopper wall pressing hard against the regulating wall, allowing the push-down head to operate stably and appropriately, resulting in a dispenser with improved operational reliability. Furthermore, the head peripheral wall is formed with stopper protrusions facing radially outward and regulating protrusions facing radially inward. Therefore, since the head peripheral wall has portions on both the outer and inner peripheral surfaces that can absorb external forces, it is possible to effectively prevent problems such as deformation of the head peripheral wall even if a strong external force, such as a drop impact, acts on the push-down head. In this respect, it is also possible to prevent the push-down head from being pushed downward.

[0012] (2) The restricting protrusion and the slide groove may be formed to extend in the circumferential direction.

[0013] In this case, since the restricting protrusion and the slide groove are formed to extend in the circumferential direction, even if an unexpected external force such as a drop impact is applied to the presser head when the presser head is in the restricting position, a large contact area between the restricting protrusion and the restricting surface can be ensured. Therefore, the external force acting on the presser head can be absorbed over a wide area by the restricting tube, and the presser head can be more effectively prevented from being pushed downward. Furthermore, because a large contact area between the restricting protrusion and the restricting surface can be ensured, problems such as tilting of the presser head are less likely to occur. Furthermore, when the press-down head is pressed down at the permitted position, the restricting protrusion with a large circumferential width can be moved downward within the slide groove, so the press-down head can be stably pressed down with little rattle, thereby improving operability.

[0014] (3) The regulating protrusion may be formed vertically extending in the up-down direction, and may be accommodated in the slide groove so as not to be able to move in the circumferential direction when the pressing head is pressed down at the permissible position.

[0015] In this case, when the push-down head is pressed down at the permitted position, the restricting protrusion can be accommodated along the entire length of the slide groove and can be accommodated within the slide groove without moving circumferentially. Therefore, rattle of the push-down head around the container axis during the content dispensing operation can be suppressed, and the push-down head can be smoothly pressed downward. Therefore, operability can be further improved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, even when subjected to a drop impact or the like, the press-down head can be operated stably and appropriately, and a dispenser with improved operational reliability can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispenser according to the present invention, showing a state in which the press-down head is located in an allowable position. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a top view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1 when the press-down head is in a restricted position. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view of the dispenser shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a front view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the nozzle cylindrical portion side. [Figure 6] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the press-down head is pressed down from the state shown in FIG. 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a dispenser 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the dispenser 1 of this embodiment comprises a pump section 10 having a stem 11, an attachment cap 20 that is attached to the mouth 3 of a container body 2 containing the contents and combines the pump section 10 with the mouth 3 of the container body 2, and a push-down head 30 that is attached to the stem 11. 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 30 and the attachment cap 20.

[0019] The stem 11 and the attachment cap 20 are arranged coaxially with the container axis O of the container body 2. Hereinafter, the push-down head 30 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 going around the container axis O clockwise when viewed from above the dispenser 1 is referred to as a first direction M1, and the direction going around the container axis O counterclockwise is referred to as a second direction M2. Furthermore, among the radial directions, one direction that is perpendicular to the other is referred to as a front-rear direction L1, and the other direction is referred to as a left-right direction L2.

[0020] (Container body) The container body 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, with a mouth 3, a shoulder 4, a body 5, and a bottom (not shown) arranged in this order from above. A male thread 6 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the mouth 3 of the container body 2.

[0021] (Attachment cap) The mounting cap 20 comprises a mounting tube 21 that surrounds the mouth portion 3 of the container body 2 from the radial outside, a ring-shaped cap top wall 22 that protrudes radially inward from the upper end of the mounting tube 21, and a regulating tube 23 and a guide tube 24 that extend upward from the cap top wall 22.

[0022] An internal thread portion 25 that screws onto the external thread portion 6 formed on the mouth portion 3 of the container body 2 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the attachment tube 21. As a result, the attachment cap 20 is attached to the mouth portion 3 of the container body 2 by screwing together the external thread portion 6 and the internal thread portion 25. However, the method of attaching the attachment cap 20 is not limited to screwing, and it may be attached to the mouth portion 3 of the container body 2 by, for example, undercut fitting.

[0023] The regulating tube 23 is formed integrally with the inner peripheral edge of the cap top wall 22 and extends upward from the inner peripheral edge. However, the regulating tube 23 does not have to be formed integrally with the attachment cap 20, and may be formed separately and then combined with the attachment cap 20. The restricting tube 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is larger than the outer diameter of the stem 11. In the illustrated example, the restricting tube 23 is formed to surround the stem 11 with an annular gap between it and the stem 11. Furthermore, the restricting tube 23 extends upward from the cap top wall 22 so that its length is approximately the same as the length of the mounting tube 21 in the vertical direction.

[0024] A vertically elongated slide groove 26 that opens upward is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the regulating tube 23, allowing downward movement of a regulating protrusion 38 (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 L1 with the container axis O in between. 2, the slide groove 26 is formed 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. In the illustrated example, it is formed to have a circumferential width that is about ¼ of that of the regulating tube 23 in plan view.

[0025] In the regulating tube 23 configured as described above, a portion of the upper end opening edge adjacent to the slide groove 26 in the circumferential direction comes into contact with a regulating protrusion 38 (described later) from below, thereby functioning as a regulating surface 27 that regulates the downward movement of the regulating protrusion. Therefore, in this embodiment, a portion of the upper end opening edge of the regulating tube 23 that is located between the pair of slide grooves 26 and arranged to face each other in the left-right direction L2 across the container axis O functions as the regulating surface 27.

[0026] 1, the guide tube 24 is formed to extend upward from the cap top wall 22 so as to surround the regulating tube 23 from the outside in the radial direction. However, the guide tube 24 does not have to be formed integrally with the attachment cap 20, and may be formed separately and then combined with the attachment cap 20. The guide tube 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is larger than the outer diameter of the regulating tube 23 and smaller than the outer diameter of the attachment tube 21. In the illustrated example, the guide tube 24 is formed to surround the regulating tube 23 with an annular gap between it and the regulating tube 23, and is formed so that its protruding height is lower than that of the regulating tube 23.

[0027] The guide cylinder 24 serves to guide the movement (up and down movement and rotational movement around the container axis O) of the press-down head 30. A guide mechanism 40 for guiding the press-down head 30 is provided between the guide cylinder 24 and a head peripheral wall 32 (described later) of the press-down head 30. The guide mechanism 40 will be described later.

[0028] (Pump section) The pump section 10 mainly includes a stem 11, a cylinder 12, a support tube 13, a valve member 15, a piston guide 16, a piston 17, and a biasing member (not shown). 1, the cylinder 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a cylinder peripheral wall 12a and is disposed coaxially with the container axis O. An annular flange portion 12b that protrudes radially outward is formed at the upper end of the cylinder peripheral wall 12a. The flange portion 12b is positioned on the upper opening edge of the mouth portion 3 of the container body 2 via a gasket 14, and is sandwiched vertically between the flange portion 12b and the upper opening edge of the mouth portion 3 by an attachment cap 20 attached to the mouth portion 3 of the container body 2.

[0029] As a result, the entire pump section 10 including the cylinder 12 is attached to the mouth 3 of the container body 2 via the attachment cap 20. The cylinder 12 extends downward beyond the mouth 3 of the container body 2 and is attached to the mouth 3 of the container body 2 via the attachment cap 20 so as to enter the inside of the container body 2. The cylinder peripheral wall 12a opens upward through the inside of the cap top wall 22. As a result, the stem 11 is inserted into the inside of the cylinder peripheral wall 12a from above.

[0030] The valve member 15 functions as a lower valve body in the pump section 10, and plays a role in switching between communication and cut-off between the inside of the container body 2 and the inside of the cylinder 12. Specifically, the valve member 15 prevents the contents in the cylinder 12 from flowing back into the container body 2 when the inside of the cylinder 12 is pressurized, and allows the contents in the container body 2 to flow into the cylinder 12 when the inside of the cylinder 12 is depressurized.

[0031] The stem 11 is erected inside the mouth 3 of the container body 2 in an upwardly biased state so as to be movable downward. The stem 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction, and is disposed inside the cap top wall 22 and the cylinder peripheral wall 12a. Before the pressing head 30 is pressed down, the stem 11 is disposed so that its upper end protrudes above the regulating cylinder 23 and the guide cylinder 24, and its lower end is accommodated within the cylinder 12. The lower end of the stem 11 is formed as an expanded diameter portion 11a whose diameter expands radially outward, so that the stem 11 is formed in a two-stage cylindrical shape whose outer diameter changes in the vertical direction.

[0032] The piston guide 16 is disposed coaxially with the container axis O, and is positioned below the stem 11. The piston guide 16 functions as an upper valve body in the pump section 10 in cooperation with the piston 17. The piston 17 is linked to the up and down movement of the stem 11 and is fitted inside the cylinder 12 so as to be able to slide up and down. The stem 11 is biased upward via the piston guide 16 by a biasing member (not shown).

[0033] The support tube 13 functions as a retaining member for the components arranged inside the cylinder 12, such as the piston 17. The support tube 13 is attached to the inside of the upper end of the cylinder peripheral wall 12a, and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O.

[0034] (Pressing head) As shown in FIG. 1, the push-down head 30 is disposed above the pump portion 10 and is attached to the upper end of the stem 11. The push-down head 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a top, having a head top wall 31 and a head peripheral wall 32, and is disposed coaxially with the container axis O and is rotatable around the container axis O.

[0035] The head peripheral wall 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the stem 11 and the regulating tube 23 from the outside in the radial direction, and is disposed between the regulating tube 23 and the guide tube 24. The head peripheral wall 32 is movable downward inside the guide tube 24 when the push-down head 30 is pressed down (see FIG. 6). As a result, the entire push-down head 30 is movably guided by the guide tube 24.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a first protrusion (stopper protrusion according to the present invention) 33 and a second protrusion 34 (stopper protrusion according to the present invention) are formed at the lower end of the head peripheral wall 32 so as to protrude radially outward. 2, the first protrusion 33 and the second protrusion 34 are formed to face each other in the radial direction across the container axis O, and are disposed inside the guide tube 24. In the illustrated example, the first protrusion 33 and the second protrusion 34 are formed vertically at the lower end of the head peripheral wall 32.

[0037] The first protrusion 33 and the second protrusion 34 are formed to extend in the circumferential direction with a predetermined circumferential width in a plan view seen from the direction of the container axis O. In the example shown, the second protrusion 34 is formed to have a circumferential width longer than that of the first protrusion 33. However, this is not limited to this case, and the circumferential width of the second protrusion 34 may be equal to the circumferential width of the first protrusion 33, or may be smaller than the circumferential width of the first protrusion 33.

[0038] 1, before the push-down head 30 is pressed down, the first protrusion 33 and the second protrusion 34 are located inside the upper end of the guide tube 24. As a result, the first protrusion 33 and the second protrusion 34 are hidden inside the guide tube 24 and are not exposed to the outside. This improves the appearance of the dispenser 1 and prevents deterioration of the design and aesthetic appeal.

[0039] A connecting tube 35 is formed inside the head peripheral wall 32, extending downward from the head peripheral wall 32 and coaxial with the container axis O. The connecting tube 35 is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the upper end of the stem 11 from the outside in the radial direction, and is disposed inside the regulating tube 23. The connecting tube 35 is fitted onto the stem 11. As a result, the push-down head 30 is attached to the upper end of the stem 11.

[0040] The press-down head 30 includes a nozzle tube portion 36 extending radially outward from the head peripheral wall 32 . The nozzle cylinder portion 36 is formed to a length that protrudes radially outward beyond the mounting cylinder 21 of the mounting cap 20. Furthermore, the nozzle cylinder portion 36 is formed to extend toward the inside of the head peripheral wall 32 and communicates with the inside of the connecting cylinder 35. The length of the nozzle tube portion 36 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a length that does not protrude radially outward beyond the mounting tube 21 of the mounting cap 20.

[0041] A nozzle hole 37 for discharging the contents to the outside is formed at the tip of the nozzle tube portion 36. Therefore, the nozzle hole 37 communicates with the inside of the stem 11 through the nozzle tube portion 36 and the connecting tube 35. Therefore, the contents supplied into the stem 11 can be discharged to the outside through the nozzle hole 37.

[0042] The push-down head 30 configured as described above can be switched by rotation about the container axis O between a restricted position P1 where downward movement is restricted and an allowed position P2 where downward movement is allowed.

[0043] 2, the restriction position P1 refers to a state in which a restriction protrusion 38, which will be described later and is formed on the presser head 30, is positioned above the restriction surface 27 of the restriction tube 23 (a state in which the restriction protrusion 38 faces the restriction surface 27 in the up-down direction). When the presser head 30 is positioned at the restriction position P1, the first protrusion 33 and the second protrusion 34, which are formed on the presser head 30, are positioned within the first circumferential groove 52 and the second circumferential groove 57, which will be described later, as shown in FIG.

[0044] 1 and 2, the permissible position P2 refers to a state in which a regulating protrusion 38, which will be described later and is formed on the presser head 30, is positioned above the slide groove 26 formed on the regulating tube 23 (a state in which the regulating protrusion 38 faces the slide groove 26 in the up-down direction). When the presser head 30 is positioned at the permissible position P2, the first protrusion 33 and the second protrusion 34 formed on the presser head 30 are positioned within the first vertical groove 51 and the second vertical groove 56, which will be described later, as shown in FIG.

[0045] In this embodiment, when the push-down head 30 is located at the permissible position P2, the nozzle tube portion 36 is generally aligned with the front-rear direction L1, and the nozzle hole 37 opens forward, as shown in Figures 1 and 4. Furthermore, by rotating the push-down head 30 in a first direction M1 about the container axis O, it is possible to switch from the permissible position P2 to the restricting position P1. Conversely, by rotating the push-down head 30 in a second direction M2, it is possible to switch from the restricting position P1 to the permissible position P2.

[0046] In this embodiment, when the press-down head 30 is located at the restricting position P1, the nozzle cylinder portion 36 faces in the left-right direction L2 in a plan view seen from the direction of the container axis O, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Therefore, by rotating the press-down head 30 by 90 degrees around the container axis O, switching between the restricting position P1 and the allowing position P2 can be performed. However, the switching angle of the press-down head 30 is not limited to 90 degrees.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the head peripheral wall 32 of the press-down head 30 configured as described above is formed with a restricting protrusion 38 that protrudes radially inward. The restricting protrusions 38 are formed as a pair so as to face each other in the radial direction across the container axis O, and are formed so as to extend vertically along the inner peripheral surface of the head peripheral wall 32. As a result, the restricting protrusions 38 are formed in the shape of vertical ribs. The upper end of the restricting protrusions 38 is formed integrally with the head top wall 31.

[0048] The restricting protrusion 38 is formed so that, before the press-down head 30 is pressed down, it is positioned above the upper opening edge of the restricting tube 23. In the illustrated example, before the press-down head 30 is pressed down, the lower end of the restricting protrusion 38 is in contact with or close to the upper opening edge of the restricting tube 23 from above. Furthermore, the restricting protrusion 38 is formed to extend in the circumferential direction in accordance with the shape of the slide groove 26 formed in the restricting tube 23, and is formed in an arc shape in a plan view seen from the direction of the container axis O. The circumferential width of the restricting protrusion 38 is formed to be slightly shorter than the circumferential width of the slide groove 26.

[0049] When the press-down head 30 is located at the permitted position P2, the restricting protrusion 38 configured as described above is positioned above the opening of the slide groove 26. This allows the restricting protrusion 38 to move downward within the slide groove 26, making it possible to press down the press-down head 30 at the permitted position P2. On the other hand, when the press-down head 30 is located at the restricting position P1, the restricting protrusion 38 is disposed so as to face above the restricting surface 27 of the restricting tube 23. As a result, the downward movement of the restricting protrusion 38 is restricted by the restricting surface 27, so that the press-down operation of the press-down head 30 can be restricted at the restricting position P1.

[0050] (Guide mechanism) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a guide mechanism 40 is provided between the head peripheral wall 32 of the press-down head 30 and the guide tube 24, which guides the press-down head 30 movably in the circumferential direction between a restricted position P1 and an allowable position P2. The guide mechanism 40 cooperates with the above-described restricting protrusion 38 and slide groove 26 to permit downward movement of the presser head 30 at the permitted position P2 and restrict downward movement of the presser head 30 at the restricting position P1.

[0051] Specifically, the guide mechanism 40 includes a first guide groove (guide groove according to the present invention) 50 and a second guide groove (guide groove according to the present invention) 55 formed in the guide tube 24. The first guide groove 50 and the second guide groove 55 movably accommodate the first protrusion 33 and the second protrusion 34 formed on the head peripheral wall 32, respectively. The first protrusion 33 and the second protrusion 34 constitute the guide mechanism 40.

[0052] The first guide groove 50 includes a first vertical groove (vertical groove according to the present invention) 51 that allows the first protrusion 33 to move downward when the pressing head 30 is positioned at the permitted position P2, and a first circumferential groove (circumferential groove according to the present invention) 52 that extends circumferentially and is connected to the first vertical groove 51, and in which the first protrusion 33 is positioned when the pressing head 30 is positioned at the restricted position P1.

[0053] Similarly, the second guide groove 55 has a second vertical groove (vertical groove according to the present invention) 56 that allows the second protrusion 34 to move downward when the pressing head 30 is positioned at the permissible position P2, and a second circumferential groove (circumferential groove according to the present invention) 57 that extends circumferentially and communicates with the second vertical groove 56, and in which the second protrusion 34 is positioned when the pressing head 30 is positioned at the regulated position P1.

[0054] The first longitudinal groove 51, the first circumferential groove 52, the second longitudinal groove 56, and the second circumferential groove 57 will be described in detail below. 1 and 2, a first vertical groove 51 and a second vertical groove 56, which open upward, are formed at a distance from each other in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the guide tube 24. The first vertical groove 51 and the second vertical groove 56 are formed to face each other in the radial direction across the container axis O, and are aligned in the left-right direction L2 in a plan view seen from the direction of the container axis O. Furthermore, the first vertical groove 51 and the second vertical groove 56 are formed over the entire length of the guide tube 24.

[0055] 2, the first vertical groove 51 is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the first protrusion 33 in a plan view seen from the direction of the container axis O, and is formed so as to have a circumferential width slightly larger than that of the first protrusion 33. Furthermore, the depth (amount of radial recession) of the first vertical groove 51 is larger than the amount of radial protrusion of the first protrusion 33. The second vertical groove 56 is formed in the same manner as the first vertical groove 51. That is, the second vertical groove 56 is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the second protrusion 34 in a plan view seen from the direction of the container axis O, and is formed so as to have a circumferential width slightly larger than that of the second protrusion 34. Furthermore, the depth (amount of radial recession) of the second vertical groove 56 is larger than the amount of radial protrusion of the second protrusion 34.

[0056] Therefore, when the press-down head 30 is positioned at the permitted position P2, the restricting protrusion 38 is positioned above the opening of the slide groove 26, the first protrusion 33 is positioned within the first vertical groove 51, and the second protrusion 34 is positioned within the second vertical groove 56. This allows the press-down head 30 to be pressed down.

[0057] 1 and 2, the first circumferential groove 52 is formed on the inner circumferential surface at the upper end of the guide tube 24. The first circumferential groove 52 is formed to communicate with the inside of the first vertical groove 51 and to extend circumferentially from the first vertical groove 51 in the first direction M1. Furthermore, the first circumferential groove 52 opens upward.

[0058] The upward-facing bottom wall surface of the wall surfaces defining the first circumferential groove 52 functions as a regulating wall 58 that regulates the downward movement of the first protrusion 33 by contacting the first protrusion 33 from below when the pressing head 30 is positioned at the regulating position P1. Therefore, when the first protrusion 33 is positioned within the first circumferential groove 52, the first protrusion 33 rides up onto the restricting wall 58, thereby restricting the downward movement of the first protrusion 33. This makes it possible to restrict the pressing down operation of the press-down head 30.

[0059] The peripheral end wall that defines the first circumferential groove 52 faces the second direction M2 and serves as a positioning surface 53 that comes into contact with the first protrusion 33 when the first protrusion 33 moves in the first direction M1. This makes it possible to restrict rotation of the press-down head 30 in the first direction M1, and to appropriately position the press-down head 30 at the restriction position P1.

[0060] 2, the wall surface that defines the first longitudinal groove 51 and faces the first direction M1 serves as a positioning surface 54 that comes into contact with the first protrusion 33 when the first protrusion 33 moves in the second direction M2. This makes it possible to restrict rotation of the press-down head 30 in the second direction M2, and to appropriately position the press-down head 30 at the permissible position P2.

[0061] Of the first circumferential groove 52 configured as described above, the area excluding the portion where the first vertical groove 51 and positioning surface 53 are formed (the portion where the first protrusion portion 33 is located at the regulating position P1) is formed to have a smaller depth (radial recession) than the portion where the first vertical groove 51 and positioning surface 53 are formed. This makes it possible to prevent the first protrusion 33 from moving in the circumferential direction when the press-down head 30 is positioned at the restricted position P1 or the permitted position P2, thereby preventing the press-down head 30 from unintentionally rotating from the restricted position P1 or the permitted position P2. Furthermore, when switching the presser head 30 between the restricted position P1 and the permitted position P2, for example, the first circumferential groove 52 presses against the outer circumferential surface of the first protrusion 33 with an appropriate frictional resistance, thereby applying a resistance force to the first protrusion 33. Therefore, it is possible to perform the switching operation of the presser head 30 while feeling the sensation of operation.

[0062] The second guide groove 55 has the same configuration as the above-described first guide groove 50. Therefore, detailed description of the second guide groove 55 will be omitted, and components corresponding to the first guide groove 50 will be given the same reference numerals.

[0063] (Effect of the dispenser) Next, a case where the content is discharged using the dispenser 1 configured as described above will be described.

[0064] 2, when the presser head 30 is located at the restricting position P1, the restricting protrusion 38 is disposed above the restricting surface 27 of the restricting tube 23 and faces the restricting surface 27 in the vertical direction. As a result, even if an unexpected external force, such as a drop impact, acts on the presser head 30, the restricting protrusion 38 comes into contact with the restricting surface 27, and the external force acting on the presser head 30 can be absorbed by the restricting tube 23. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the presser head 30 from being pushed downward by an unexpected external force, as in the conventional case.

[0065] In particular, when the presser head 30 is located at the restriction position P1, as shown in FIG. 3 , the first protrusion 33 and the second protrusion 34 formed on the presser head 30 ride on the restriction walls 58 of the first circumferential groove 52 and the second circumferential groove 57. Even in this situation, the restriction protrusion 38 and the restriction surface 27 can prevent the presser head 30 from being pushed downward, and therefore, for example, the first protrusion 33 and the second protrusion 34 can be prevented from strongly pressing against the restriction walls 58 of the first circumferential groove 52 and the second circumferential groove 57. Therefore, it is possible to prevent problems such as deformation of the first protrusion 33 and the second protrusion 34. This makes it less likely that problems such as the presser head 30 getting stuck can occur.

[0066] Next, the case where the contents are discharged will be described. In this case, the press-down head 30 is rotated in the second direction M2 around the container axis O, and the press-down head 30 is moved from the restricted position P1 shown in Fig. 3 to the permitted position P2 shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 4. At this time, the press-down head 30 is guided in its circumferential movement by the guide mechanism 40, so that it moves smoothly to the permitted position P2 with little rattle. Furthermore, when the press-down head 30 reaches the permitted position P2, it is permitted to move downward.

[0067] Specifically, by rotating the press-down head 30 in the second direction M2, as shown in Fig. 4, the first protrusion 33 can be moved from inside the first circumferential groove 52 into the first longitudinal groove 51, and the second protrusion 34 can be moved from inside the second circumferential groove 57 into the second longitudinal groove 56. This allows the first longitudinal groove 51 and the second longitudinal groove 56 to be used to allow the first protrusion 33 and the second protrusion 34 to move downward. Furthermore, by positioning the pressing head 30 at the permitted position P2, the restricting protrusion 38 can be moved from above the restricting surface 27 to above the opening of the slide groove 26, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. This allows the slide groove 26 to be used to permit downward movement of the restricting protrusion 38.

[0068] As a result, the restriction on the downward movement of the presser head 30 can be released, and the downward movement of the presser head 30 can be permitted. Since the first protrusion 33 can be brought into contact with the positioning surface 54 of the first longitudinal groove 51 and the second protrusion 34 can be brought into contact with the positioning surface 54 of the second longitudinal groove 56, the press-down head 30 can be appropriately positioned at the permissible position P2. Furthermore, when the press-down head 30 is positioned at the permissible position P2, the nozzle cylinder 36 switches to a position facing forward.

[0069] 5, a first vertically elongated alignment groove 60 is formed in a forward-facing portion of the outer peripheral surface of the guide tube 24. Furthermore, a second vertically elongated alignment groove 61 is formed in a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the head peripheral wall 32 of the press-down head 30 that is positioned below the nozzle tube portion 36. As a result, when the press-down head 30 is positioned at the permissible position P2, the first alignment groove 60 and the second alignment groove 61 can be aligned in a straight line in the vertical direction. Therefore, by visually recognizing the positional relationship between the first alignment groove 60 and the second alignment groove 61, the press-down head 30 can be appropriately positioned at the permissible position P2, and the nozzle cylinder portion 36 can be appropriately directed forward.

[0070] Next, after switching the push-down head 30 to the permitted position P2, as shown in Figure 6, the push-down head 30 can be pressed down against the upward bias of the stem 11. This moves the restricting protrusion 38 downward within the slide groove 26, and the first protrusion 33 and the second protrusion 34 downward within the first longitudinal groove 51 and the second longitudinal groove 56, while pressing down the stem 11. As a result, the contents can be discharged through the nozzle hole 37 using the pump part 10.

[0071] As described above, according to the dispenser 1 of this embodiment, the push-down head 30 cannot be pressed down unless the push-down head 30 is switched from the restricting position P1 to the permissible position P2. This makes it possible to prevent the contents from being unintentionally dispensed due to unexpected external forces such as a drop impact, for example, during product distribution or storage. In particular, when the press-down head 30 is positioned at the restricting position P1, the restricting tube 23 combined with the attachment cap 20 can be used to properly absorb external forces acting on the press-down head 30, effectively preventing the press-down head 30 from being pushed downward. Therefore, as described above, problems such as deformation of the first protrusion 33 and the second protrusion 34 can be prevented, and problems such as the press-down head 30 becoming stuck can be prevented. This prevents the press-down head 30 from being difficult to return to its original position, as in the conventional case. Therefore, the press-down head 30 can be operated stably and appropriately, resulting in a dispenser 1 with improved operational reliability.

[0072] Furthermore, the head peripheral wall 32 is formed with a first protrusion 33 and a second protrusion 34 facing radially outward, and a restricting protrusion 38 facing radially inward. Therefore, the head peripheral wall 32 has portions on both the outer and inner peripheral surfaces that can withstand external forces, so that even if a strong external force, such as a drop impact, acts on the press-down head 30, it is possible to effectively prevent problems such as deformation of the head peripheral wall 32. This also makes it possible to prevent the press-down head 30 from being pushed downward.

[0073] Furthermore, in the dispenser 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the regulating protrusion 38 and the slide groove 26 are formed in a circular arc shape in a plan view extending in the circumferential direction, so that, for example, when the pressing head 30 is positioned at the regulating position P1, even if an unexpected external force such as a drop impact is applied to the pressing head 30, a large contact area between the regulating protrusion 38 and the regulating surface 27 can be ensured. Therefore, the external force acting on the presser head 30 can be received over a wide area by the restricting tube 23, and the presser head 30 can be more effectively prevented from being pushed downward. Furthermore, a large contact area between the restricting protrusion 38 and the restricting surface 27 can be ensured, making it less likely that the presser head 30 will tilt or other such inconveniences will occur.

[0074] Furthermore, when the press-down head 30 is pressed down at the allowable position P2, the restricting protrusion 38, which has a large circumferential width, can be moved downward within the slide groove 26, so the press-down head 30 can be stably pressed down with little rattle, thereby improving operability.

[0075] Furthermore, the restricting protrusion 38 is formed in the shape of a vertical rib, and is accommodated in the slide groove 26 so as not to move circumferentially when the push-down head 30 is pressed down at the permitted position P2. This prevents the push-down head 30 from rattling around the container axis O when discharging the contents, allowing the push-down head 30 to be pressed down smoothly. This further improves operability.

[0076] 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.

[0077] For example, in the above embodiment, two restricting protrusions 38 and two slide grooves 26 are provided, but this is not limited to this case, and for example, one or three or more may be formed. Similarly, in the above embodiment, the configuration is provided with a first protrusion 33 and a second protrusion 34, but the number of protrusions is not limited to two, and for example, it may be one, or three or more may be formed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] P1: Restriction position P2: Allowable position 1...Dispenser 2...Container body 3...Mouth of container body 11...Stem 10...Pump section 20...Attached cap 23...Regulator 24...Guide tube 26...Slide groove 27...Regulatory aspects 30...Pressing head 32...Head wall 33...First protrusion (stopper protrusion) 34...Second protrusion (stopper protrusion) 37...Nozzle hole 38...Regulating protrusion 50...First guide groove (guide groove) 51...First vertical groove (vertical groove) 52...1st circumferential groove (circumferential groove) 55...Second guide groove (guide groove) 56...Second vertical groove (vertical groove) 57…Second circumferential groove (circumferential groove) 58...Regulatory barriers

Claims

1. a pump section having a stem arranged to be able to move downward in an upward biased state, the pump section being combined with the mouth of a container body through an attachment cap attached to the mouth of the container body for accommodating contents; a push-down head having a nozzle hole for discharging the contents, attached to the upper end of the stem, and rotatable around the container axis of the container body; a regulating tube that is combined with the mounting cap and extends upward; a guide tube that surrounds the regulating tube from the outside in the radial direction and guides the movement of the pressing head, The pressing head has a head peripheral wall that surrounds the regulating tube from the radial outside, and is switchable between a regulating position where downward movement is regulated and an allowable position where downward movement is allowed by rotation around the container axis, The head peripheral wall is formed with a stopper projection formed to project radially outward, and a regulating projection that projects radially inward and faces an upper end opening edge of the regulating cylinder in the up-down direction, a guide groove for movably accommodating the stopper projection is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the guide cylinder; The guide groove is a vertical groove that allows downward movement of the stopper protrusion when the push-down head is located at the permitted position, and a circumferential groove that extends in a circumferential direction around the container axis, communicates with the vertical groove, and in which the stopper protrusion is disposed when the push-down head is located at the restricted position, a bottom wall surface of the circumferential groove serves as a restricting wall that restricts downward movement of the stopper projection by contacting the stopper projection from below, a vertically elongated slide groove that allows downward movement of the restriction protrusion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the restriction tube so as to open upward; a portion of an upper end opening edge of the regulating tube that is adjacent to the slide groove in the circumferential direction serves as a regulating surface that contacts the regulating protrusion from below to regulate downward movement of the regulating protrusion, the regulating protrusion is disposed so as to face the slide groove in the up-down direction when the press-down head is positioned at the permitted position, and is disposed so as to face the regulating surface in the up-down direction when the press-down head is positioned at the regulating position, the longitudinal groove is formed so that the radial recess amount is larger than the radial protrusion amount of the stopper projection in a plan view seen from the container axial direction, one peripheral end wall defining the circumferential groove serves as a positioning surface that contacts the stopper protrusion when the press-down head is positioned at the regulating position, thereby positioning the press-down head at the regulating position; A dispenser characterized in that the area of ​​the circumferential groove excluding the portion where the vertical groove and the positioning surface are formed is formed with a smaller radial recession when viewed in a plan view from the container axial direction than the portion where the vertical groove and the positioning surface are formed.

2. The dispenser of claim 1 , The restricting protrusion and the slide groove are formed to extend in the circumferential direction.

3. The dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, The regulating protrusion is formed vertically extending in the up-down direction, and is accommodated in the slide groove so as not to be able to move in the circumferential direction when the pressing head is pressed down at the permissible position.

Images