Ejector

Abstract

To provide a springless discharger excellent in operability.SOLUTION: A discharger comprises: a first pump having a first cylinder and a first piston; a second pump having a second cylinder and a second piston; a linkage mechanism for moving one of the first piston and the second piston upward as the other piston is moved downward; a common flow path which is connected to both the first cylinder and the second cylinder, and allows a content fluid sent out by the first pump and a content fluid sent out by the second pump to flow therein; and a nozzle which has a discharge port for discharging the content fluid and allows the content fluid having passed through the common flow path to flow thereinto.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, there is known a dispenser that includes a pump unit having a stem that is biased upward and movable downward at the mouth of a container body containing a liquid content, a discharge head that is attached to the upper end of the stem and has a discharge port formed therein, and an attachment cap that attaches the pump unit to the mouth. With this type of dispenser, when attached to the mouth, the discharge head is pressed down to move the stem downward and operate the pump unit, and the content that has passed through the stem is dispensed from the discharge port. Generally, the biasing member that biases the stem upward is made of a metal material and is housed within the cylinder of the pump portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-34838 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Recently, there has been a demand for so-called springless dispensers that do not use a biasing member made of a metal material.

[0005] The present invention provides a springless dispenser that is easy to operate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following aspects. (1) A dispenser according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first pump unit having a first cylinder into which content liquid from a container body flows and a first piston arranged to be movable up and down relative to the first cylinder, and discharging the content liquid from the first cylinder as the first piston moves downward relative to the first cylinder; a second pump unit having a second cylinder into which content liquid from the container body flows and a second piston arranged to be movable up and down relative to the second cylinder, and discharging the content liquid from the second cylinder as the second piston moves downward relative to the second cylinder; a linkage mechanism arranged between the first piston and the second piston, and moving one of the first piston and the second piston upward as the other piston moves downward; a common flow path connected to both the first cylinder and the second cylinder, into which the content liquid discharged by the first pump unit and the content liquid discharged by the second pump unit flows; and a nozzle having a discharge port from which the content liquid is discharged and into which the content liquid that has passed through the common flow path flows.

[0007] According to this aspect, by moving one piston downward and the other piston upward, the liquid content delivered from one pump unit can be discharged from the discharge port, while the liquid content can be sucked up by the other pump unit. This allows the pump unit to be repeatedly operated without using a metal biasing member that biases the piston upward as in the past. As a result, separation at the time of disposal or recycling can be eliminated. Furthermore, by using a single material (such as polypropylene) for all components, recycling can be expected. Furthermore, since the up and down movement of one piston causes the other piston to move up and down, durability can be improved compared to a configuration in which the pistons are moved up and down by elastically deforming a biasing member made of, for example, a synthetic resin material.

[0008] In particular, according to this aspect, the configuration is such that it is connected to both the first cylinder and the second cylinder, and is provided with a common flow path into which the content liquid pumped out by the first pump section and the content liquid pumped out by the second pump section flow. With this configuration, compared to a case where separate flow paths are provided for each cylinder, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed and the size can be reduced in plan view.

[0009] (2) In the dispenser according to the aspect (1) above, it is preferable that a storage section is provided that surrounds the first cylinder and the second cylinder together, and the common flow path is formed between the first cylinder, the second cylinder and the storage section. According to this aspect, the content liquid can be easily delivered uniformly from the first pump unit and the second pump unit to the common flow path. For example, compared to a case where the common flow path is provided so as to protrude in one direction from the first pump unit and the second pump unit, the volume of the common flow path can be secured while achieving a smaller size in plan view.

[0010] (3) In the dispenser according to the aspect (2) above, it is preferable that the storage section is provided with a first inlet valve that switches between communication and blocking between the inside of the first cylinder and the inside of the container body, a first outlet valve that switches between communication and blocking between the inside of the first cylinder and the inside of the common flow path, a second inlet valve that switches between communication and blocking between the inside of the second cylinder and the inside of the container body, and a second outlet valve that switches between communication and blocking between the inside of the second cylinder and the inside of the common flow path. According to this aspect, it is possible to reliably switch between communication between the inside of each cylinder and the inside of the container body, and communication between the inside of each cylinder and the common flow path, thereby improving the operational reliability when operating the pump unit.

[0011] (4) In the dispenser according to the aspect (3) above, it is preferable that the first inlet valve and the first outlet valve are integrally formed, and the second inlet valve and the second outlet valve are integrally formed. According to this aspect, the number of parts can be reduced compared to when the inlet valve and the outlet valve are provided separately.

[0012] (5) In the dispenser according to any one of the above aspects (1) to (4), it is preferable that the linkage mechanism comprises a first rack provided on the first piston and extending in the vertical direction, a second rack provided on the second piston and extending in the vertical direction, and a pinion rotatably provided between the first rack and the second rack around an axis, with which the first rack and the second rack mesh, respectively. According to this aspect, the linear motion of one rack provided on one piston is converted into rotational motion by the pinion, thereby converting the other rack provided on the other piston into linear motion in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the one rack. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to an aspect of the present invention, a spring-less dispenser with excellent operability can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the left-right direction of the discharge container. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the discharge container taken along the front-rear direction. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the left-right direction of the discharge container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments and modifications described below, the same reference numerals will be used to designate corresponding components, and the description thereof may be omitted. 1, the discharge container 1 of this embodiment includes a container body A that contains the liquid content, and a discharger 10 that is assembled to the container body A. The discharger 10 includes an attachment cap 11 and a discharger main body 12. In this embodiment, all of the components that make up the discharger 10 are made of synthetic resin material.

[0016] The attachment cap 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a top having a peripheral wall portion 11a and a top wall portion 11b. The attachment cap 11 of this embodiment is formed in an oval shape in a plan view. In the following description, the direction along the central axis O of the attachment cap 11 is referred to as the up-down direction. In the discharge container 1, the bottom side of the container body A along the up-down direction is referred to as the lower side, and the side opposite the mouth portion A1 of the container body A is referred to as the upper side. Furthermore, the direction intersecting the central axis O when viewed from the up-down direction is referred to as the radial direction, and the direction going around the central axis O is sometimes referred to as the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the minor axis direction of the radial direction will be referred to as the front-rear direction L1, and the major axis direction will be referred to as the left-right direction L2.

[0017] The attachment cap 11 is detachably attached to the mouth A1 of the container A with a packing sandwiched between the top wall 11b and the mouth A1. A reduced diameter portion 11c having a smaller outer diameter than the lower portion is formed at the upper portion of the peripheral wall 11a. A through hole 11d is formed in the top wall 11b, penetrating the top wall 11b in the vertical direction. The through hole 11d is formed in an elliptical shape with its major axis extending in the left-right direction L2.

[0018] The dispenser main body 12 includes a holding member 21 , a first dispenser module 22 , a second dispenser module 23 , a nozzle member 24 , and a linking mechanism 25 .

[0019] The holding member 21 holds the first discharge module 22 and the second discharge module 23. The holding member 21 includes a storage portion 31, a first mounting cylinder 32, and a second mounting cylinder 33. The storage portion 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom and is disposed coaxially with the attachment cap 11. Specifically, the storage portion 31 includes a storage tube 31a and a bottom wall portion 31b.

[0020] The accommodating tube 31a is fitted into the passage hole 11d while vertically penetrating the passage hole 11d. An upper inlet hole 31a1 is formed in a portion of the accommodating tube 31a located above the top wall portion 11b. The upper inlet hole 31a1 penetrates the accommodating tube 31a in the radial direction (left-right direction L2). A lower inlet hole 31a2 is formed in a portion of the accommodating tube 31a located below the top wall portion 11b. The lower inlet hole 31a2 penetrates the accommodating tube 31a in the radial direction (left-right direction L2). In other words, the lower inlet hole 31a2 constantly communicates the inside of the container body A with the inside of the accommodating section 31. In this embodiment, the upper inlet hole 31a1 and the lower inlet hole 31a2 are formed at the same position in the circumferential direction. However, the upper inlet hole 31a1 and the lower inlet hole 31a2 may be formed at different positions in the circumferential direction.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a communication opening 31a3 is formed in a portion of the housing tube 31a located on one side in the front-rear direction L1 (hereinafter referred to as the front) and in the center in the left-right direction L2. The communication opening 31a3 penetrates a portion of the housing tube 31a located above the top wall portion 11b in the front-rear direction L1. The inner diameter of the communication opening 31a3 is larger than the inner diameters of the upper introduction hole 31a1 and the lower introduction hole 31a2. In the illustrated example, the lower end of the communication opening 31a3 is located lower than the lower end of the upper introduction hole 31a1.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom wall portion 31b closes the lower end opening of the housing tube 31a. A first suction hole 31b1 and a second suction hole 31b2 are formed in the bottom wall portion 31b. The first suction hole 31b1 and the second suction hole 31b2 penetrate the bottom wall portion 31b in the up-down direction. The first suction hole 31b1 and the second suction hole 31b2 are arranged with an interval in the left-right direction L2. A first annular groove 31b3 is formed in a portion of the bottom wall portion 31b surrounding the first suction hole 31b1. The first annular groove 31b3 is formed in a circular shape coaxial with the first axis P1 of the first suction hole 31b1. A second annular groove 31b4 is formed in a portion of the bottom wall portion 31b surrounding the second suction hole 31b2. The second annular groove 31b4 is formed in a circular shape coaxial with the second axis P2 of the second suction hole 31b2. The first axis P1 is located on one side of the central axis O in the left-right direction L2 and extends parallel to the central axis O. The second axis P2 is located on the other side of the central axis O in the left-right direction L2 and extends parallel to the central axis O.

[0023] The first mounting cylinder 32 extends downward coaxially with the first axis P1 from a portion of the bottom wall portion 31b located between the first suction hole 31b1 and the first annular groove 31b3. A first suction cylinder 35 is fitted into the first mounting cylinder 32. The first suction cylinder 35 extends downward within the container body A. The second mounting cylinder 33 extends downward coaxially with the second axis P2 from a portion of the bottom wall portion 31b located between the second suction hole 31b2 and the second annular groove 31b4. A second suction cylinder 36 is fitted into the second mounting cylinder 33. The second suction cylinder 36 extends downward within the container body A.

[0024] The first discharge module 22 includes a first pump section 43 having a first cylinder 41 and a first piston 42, a first operating head 44, and a first valve member 45. The second discharge module 23 includes a second pump section 53 having a second cylinder 51 and a second piston 52, a second operating head 54, and a second valve member 55.

[0025] First, in this embodiment, the first cylinder 41 and the second cylinder 51 are integrally formed as a cylinder forming member 60. That is, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the cylinder forming member 60 includes a frame portion 61, an outer flange portion 62, the first cylinder 41, the second cylinder 51, an upper closing portion 63, and a pair of side closing portions 64. The frame portion 61 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the housing cylinder 31a. The frame portion 61 is inserted into the housing cylinder 31a. The outer flange portion 62 projects radially outward from the upper opening edge of the frame portion 61. The outer flange portion 62 is tightly fitted into a step portion formed on the upper opening edge of the housing tube 31a.

[0026] The first cylinder 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending coaxially with the first axis P1. An upper end portion of the first cylinder 41 is configured such that a portion located on one side in the left-right direction with respect to the first axis P1 (hereinafter referred to as one half) is shared as a frame portion 61, and a portion located on the other side in the left-right direction (hereinafter referred to as the other half) is separated from the frame portion 61 and extends vertically within the housing cylinder 31a. The second cylinder 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending coaxially with the second axis P2. An upper end portion of the second cylinder 51 has a portion located on the other side in the left-right direction with respect to the second axis P2 (hereinafter referred to as the other half) which is shared as a frame portion 61, and a portion located on one side in the left-right direction (hereinafter referred to as the one half) which is separated from the frame portion 61 and extends in the vertical direction within the housing cylinder 31a.

[0027] The upper closing portion 63 is continuous with a portion surrounded by the upper edge of the frame portion 61 and the portions of the upper opening edges of the first cylinder 41 and the second cylinder 51 that face each other in the left-right direction L2. The upper closing portion 63 closes the portion surrounded by the upper edge of the frame portion 61 and the portions of the upper opening edges of the first cylinder 41 and the second cylinder 51 that face each other in the left-right direction L2.

[0028] Each lateral blocking section 64 is a portion of the frame 61 located between the first cylinder 41 and the second cylinder 51, and extends downward from each portion facing each other in the front-to-rear direction L1. The lateral blocking section 64 located at the front of each lateral blocking section 64 connects the front ends of the cylinders 41, 51 in the left-to-right direction L2. The lateral blocking section 64 located on the other side of the front-to-rear direction L1 (hereinafter referred to as the rear) of each lateral blocking section 64 connects the rearmost ends of the cylinders 41, 51 in the left-to-right direction L2. Therefore, each lateral blocking section 64, one half of the first cylinder 41, and the other half of the second cylinder 51 are formed in an elliptical shape centered on the central axis O in a plan view.

[0029] A common flow path S is formed between the cylinder-forming member 60 and the housing portion 31 in a portion of the cylinder-forming member 60 located below the outer flange portion 62. The common flow path S includes a lower flow path S1 formed between the cylinder-forming member 60 and the bottom wall portion 31b and a side flow path S2 formed between the cylinder-forming member 60 and the housing tube 31a. The lower flow path S1 is capable of communicating with both the first suction hole 31b1 and the second suction hole 31b2. The side flow path S2 is provided so as to surround the entire circumference of the cylinder-forming member 60. Therefore, the side flow path S2 surrounds both the first cylinder 41 and the second cylinder 51. The side flow path S2 is connected to each of the introduction holes 31a1, 31a2 and the communication port 31a3. The lower end of the side flow path S2 is connected to the lower flow path S1. On the other hand, the upper end of the side flow passage S2 is sealed by the outer flange portion 62 and the step portion of the accommodating cylinder 31a.

[0030] Next, the configuration of the first discharging module 22 and the second discharging module 23 will be described in detail. The first discharging module 22 and the second discharging module 23 are configured symmetrically in the left-right direction L1 with respect to the central axis O. Therefore, in the following description, the configuration of the discharging modules 22, 23 will be described using the first discharging module 22 as an example. Then, description of the configuration of the second discharging module 23 that corresponds to the first discharging module 22 may be omitted as appropriate. In addition, the following description will be based on a state in which the first operating head 44 (and the first piston 42) is at the lowest position and the second operating head 54 (and the second piston 52) is at the highest position, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0031] The first cylinder 41 includes a cylinder tube 65 , a piston stopper 66 , and a valve stopper 67 . The cylinder 65 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the upper end (frame portion 61) of the first cylinder 41. The piston stopper 66 protrudes toward the first axis P1 from the edge of the lower end opening of the cylinder 65. The piston stopper 66 may be formed around the entire circumference of the cylinder 65, or may be formed on a part of the cylinder 65. The valve stopper 67 is formed in a cylindrical shape coaxial with the first axis P1. The valve stopper 67 extends downward from a portion of the piston stopper 66 that is closer to the first axis P1 than the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder 65. The lower edge of the valve stopper 67 is spaced upward from the bottom wall portion 31b. Therefore, the first cylinder 41 can communicate with the lower flow path S1 through the lower end opening of the valve stopper 67.

[0032] The first piston 42 is configured to be able to move up and down relative to the first cylinder 41 while sliding on the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder tube 65. Specifically, the first piston 42 includes an outer mounting portion 71, an inner mounting portion 72, a sliding tube 73, and an abutment portion 74. The outer mounting portion 71 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom that is disposed coaxially with the first axis P1. The inner mounting portion 72 is formed in the shape of a cylinder with a top that extends upward from the bottom wall portion of the outer mounting portion 71.

[0033] The sliding cylinder 73 surrounds the outer mounting portion 71. The sliding cylinder 73 slides on the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder barrel 65 when the first piston 42 moves up and down relative to the first cylinder 41. The abutment portion 74 extends downward from the outer mounting portion 71. The lower edge of the abutment portion 74 is located below the sliding cylinder 73. When the first piston 42 is at its lowest position, the abutment portion 74 abuts against the piston stopper 66 from above, thereby restricting downward movement of the first piston 42 relative to the first cylinder 41.

[0034] The first operating head 44 is used to press down the first piston 42. The first operating head 44 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a top that is arranged coaxially with the first axis P1. Specifically, the first operating head 44 includes a connecting cylinder 76 and an operating portion 77. The connecting cylinder 76 is disposed coaxially with the first axis P1. The connecting cylinder 76 is inserted into the first cylinder 41 in a state in which it protrudes above the first cylinder 41. The lower end of the connecting cylinder 76 is fitted between the inner mounting portion 72 and the outer mounting portion 71. The operating portion 77 closes the upper end opening of the connecting tube 76. The operating portion 77 is formed to be larger than the connecting tube 76 in a plan view.

[0035] The first valve member 45 includes a first base cylinder 81 , a first inlet valve 82 , and a first outlet valve 83 . The first base cylinder 81 is disposed coaxially with the first axis P1. The first base cylinder 81 is fitted into the first annular groove 31b3.

[0036] The first inlet valve 82 is provided inside the first base cylinder 81 so as to be elastically displaceable in the vertical direction relative to the first base cylinder 81. The first inlet valve 82 is integrally connected to the upper end opening edge of the first base cylinder 81. The first inlet valve 82 is configured such that a closure plate is provided via multiple connecting pieces extending from the first base cylinder 81 toward the first axis P1. The first inlet valve 82 opens and closes the first suction hole 31b1 in response to an increase or decrease in pressure within the first cylinder 41. Specifically, the first inlet valve 82 is a check valve that communicates between the inside of the first cylinder 41 and the inside of the container body A through the first suction hole 31b1 when the pressure within the first cylinder 41 is reduced, and blocks communication between the inside of the first cylinder 41 and the inside of the container body A through the first suction hole 31b1 when the pressure within the first cylinder 41 is increased.

[0037] The first discharge valve 83 protrudes from the upper open edge of the first base cylinder 81 in a direction away from the first axis P1. The first discharge valve 83 is integrally connected to the first base cylinder 81 around the entire circumference of the first base cylinder 81. The first discharge valve 83 is configured to be elastically deformable in the vertical direction, starting from the connection point with the first base cylinder 81. The first discharge valve 83 switches between communication between the inside of the first cylinder 41 and the lower flow path S1 by moving toward and away from the lower open edge of the valve stopper 67 from below. Specifically, the first discharge valve 83 is a check valve that connects the inside of the first cylinder 41 to the common flow path S (lower flow path S1) when the inside of the first cylinder 41 is pressurized, and blocks communication between the inside of the first cylinder 41 and the lower flow path S1 when the pressure in the first cylinder 41 is reduced.

[0038] Next, the second discharging module 23 will be described. Similar to the first cylinder 41, the second cylinder 51 includes a cylinder tube 91, a piston stopper 92, and a valve stopper 93. The second cylinder 51 can communicate with the lower flow path S1 through the lower end opening of the valve stopper 93.

[0039] The second piston 52 is configured to be able to move up and down relative to the second cylinder 51 while sliding on the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder tube 91. Similar to the first piston 42, the second piston 52 includes an outer mounting portion 95, an inner mounting portion 96, a sliding tube 97, and an abutment portion 98.

[0040] The second operating head 54 is used to press down the second piston 52. Similar to the first operating head 44, the second operating head 54 includes a connecting tube 101 and an operating portion 102.

[0041] Similar to the first valve member 45, the second valve member 55 includes a second base cylinder 105, a second inlet valve 106, and a second outlet valve 107. The second base cylinder 105 is disposed coaxially with the second axis P2. The second base cylinder 105 is fitted into the second annular groove 31b4.

[0042] The second inlet valve 106 is a check valve that connects the inside of the second cylinder 51 to the inside of the container body A through the second suction hole 31b2 when the pressure inside the second cylinder 51 is reduced, and blocks communication between the inside of the second cylinder 51 and the inside of the container body A through the second suction hole 31b2 when the pressure inside the second cylinder 51 is increased. The second discharge valve 107 is a check valve that connects the inside of the second cylinder 51 to the common flow path S (lower flow path S1) when the pressure inside the second cylinder 51 is increased, and blocks the communication between the inside of the second cylinder 51 and the lower flow path S1 when the pressure inside the second cylinder 51 is reduced.

[0043] 1 to 4, the nozzle member 24 is a cylindrical member with a top that is formed so that its outer shape in a plan view is the same as that of the attachment cap 11. The nozzle member 24 includes an outer cylinder 110, a top wall portion 111, an inner cylinder 112, a first seal cylinder 113, a second seal cylinder 114, and a nozzle 115.

[0044] The reduced diameter portion 11c of the mounting cap 11 is fitted inside the outer cylinder 110. The top wall 111 closes the upper end opening of the outer tube 110. A first withdrawal hole 111a is formed in the top wall 111 at a portion that overlaps with the first operation head 44 in a plan view. The connecting tube 76 of the first operation head 44 passes through the first withdrawal hole 111a in the vertical direction. A second withdrawal hole 111b is formed in the top wall 111 at a portion that overlaps with the second operation head 54 in a plan view. The connecting tube 101 of the second operation head 54 passes through the second withdrawal hole 111b in the vertical direction. A finger hook 111c that protrudes outward in the left-right direction L2 is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the top wall 111 (at the boundary with the outer tube 110).

[0045] The inner cylinder 112 extends downward from a portion of the top wall portion 111 that is located radially inward of the outer cylinder 110. The inner cylinder 112 is formed in an oval shape that is coaxial with the central axis O. The upper end portion of the accommodating cylinder 31a is fitted into the inner cylinder 112. As shown in FIG. 1 , a connecting hole 112a is formed in the inner cylinder 112 at a portion that overlaps with the upper introduction hole 31a1 in a side view. The connecting hole 112a communicates with the outside of the discharge container 1 through the withdrawal holes 111a, 111b, etc. Therefore, the connecting hole 112a communicates between the inside of the accommodating portion 31 and the outside of the discharge container 1 through the upper introduction hole 31a1.

[0046] The first seal cylinder 113 extends downward from a position of the top wall portion 111 that overlaps with the first cylinder 41 in a plan view. The first seal cylinder 113 is fitted tightly inside the first cylinder 41. The second seal cylinder 114 extends downward from a position of the top wall portion 111 that overlaps with the second cylinder 51 in a plan view. The second seal cylinder 114 is fitted tightly inside the second cylinder 51.

[0047] 2 to 4, the nozzle 115 extends forward from a portion of the outer cylinder 110 that is located between the first discharging module 22 and the second discharging module 23 in the left-right direction L2 and that is located forward of the first discharging module 22 and the second discharging module 23. The rear end of the nozzle 115 penetrates the outer cylinder 110 and the inner cylinder 112 in the front-rear direction L1 and communicates with the common flow path S (side flow path S2) through the communication port 31a3. The front end opening of the nozzle 115 forms a discharge port 115a.

[0048] 1 and 3, the linking mechanism 25 links the first operation head 34 and the second operation head 54. The linking mechanism 25 uses a so-called rack and pinion mechanism to move either the first operation head 34 or the second operation head 54 upward as the other operation head moves downward. The linking mechanism 25 includes a base wall 121, a support wall 122, a pinion 123, a first rack 124, and a second rack 125.

[0049] The base wall 121 is a portion of the top wall portion 111 that is located between the first operation head 34 and the second operation head 54 in the left-right direction L2, and extends upward from a portion that is located rearward of the first operation head 34 and the second operation head 54. A first bearing hole 121a is formed in the upper end of the base wall 121. The first bearing hole 121a penetrates the base wall 121 in the front-rear direction L1.

[0050] The support wall 122 is provided in a portion of the top wall portion 111 that is located forward of the base wall 121. A second bearing hole 122a is formed in a portion of the support wall 122 that faces the first bearing hole 121a. The second bearing hole 122a opens on the upper edge of the support wall 122.

[0051] The pinion 123 is supported between the base wall 121 and the support wall 122 so as to be rotatable about an axis Q along the front-rear direction L1. Specifically, the pinion 123 includes a gear main body portion 123a and a shaft portion 123b. The gear main body 123a is formed in a disk shape and arranged coaxially with the axis Q. A plurality of teeth are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the gear main body 123a around the axis Q. The gear main body 123a is arranged between the base wall 121 and the support wall 122.

[0052] The shaft portion 123b extends coaxially with the axis Q so as to protrude on both sides in the front-to-rear direction L1 relative to the gear main body 123a. A portion of the shaft portion 123b located rearward relative to the gear main body 123a is inserted into the first bearing hole 121a. A portion of the shaft portion 123b located forward relative to the gear main body 123a is fitted from above into the second bearing hole 122a. The pinion 123 is configured to be rotatable about the axis Q by having the shaft portion 123b held in the corresponding bearing holes 121a, 122a.

[0053] The first rack 124 is provided across the vertical direction on a surface facing the other side in the left-right direction L2 of the connecting cylinder 76 of the first operation head 34. The first rack 124 meshes with the pinion 123 (gear main body portion 123a) from one side in the left-right direction L1. The second rack 125 is provided across the vertical direction on a surface of the connecting tube 101 of the second operation head 54 facing one side in the left-right direction L2. That is, the first rack 124 and the second rack 125 face each other in the left-right direction L2 with the pinion 123 (axis Q) sandwiched between them. The second rack 125 meshes with the pinion 123 from the other side in the left-right direction L2.

[0054] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the above-mentioned discharge container 1. In the following description, the initial state will be described as a state in which the first operating head 44 (and the first piston 42) is at the lowest end position and the second operating head 54 (and the second piston 52) is at the highest end position, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0055] 1 and 5, with the discharge container 1 in an initial state, the second operating head 54 is pressed down via the operating unit 102 with a finger hooked on the finger grip 111c. Then, the second operating head 54 and the second piston 52 descend relative to the second cylinder 51 while the second piston 52 slides on the inner circumferential surface of the second cylinder 51 (cylinder tube 91). This causes the inside of the second cylinder 51 to be pressurized. Then, the second inlet valve 106 is pressed against the opening edge of the second suction hole 31b2, thereby maintaining a state in which communication between the inside of the container body A and the inside of the second cylinder 51 is blocked.

[0056] Meanwhile, as the inside of the second cylinder 51 is pressurized, the second discharge valve 107 moves away from the edge of the lower end opening of the valve stopper 93. This places the inside of the second cylinder 51 in communication with the common flow path S (lower flow path S1). Then, the liquid in the second cylinder 51 flows into the common flow path S (lower flow path S1) from between the second discharge valve 107 and the valve stopper 93. The liquid that has flowed into the lower flow path S1 flows radially outward within the lower flow path S1 and then flows upward within the side flow path S2. The liquid then flows into the nozzle 115 through the connection hole 112a and is then discharged through the discharge port 115a.

[0057] Here, as the second operating head 54 descends, the second rack 125 descends together with the second operating head 54, causing the pinion 123 to rotate to one side about the axis Q. As a result, the rotational force of the pinion 123 is transmitted to the first rack 124, causing the first rack 124 to move upward together with the first operating head 44 and the first piston 42.

[0058] The first piston 42 slides on the inner circumferential surface of the first cylinder 41 and rises relative to the first cylinder 41. This reduces the pressure inside the first cylinder 41. The first discharge valve 83 is then pressed against the lower opening edge of the valve stopper 67, maintaining a state in which communication between the inside of the first cylinder 41 and the common flow path S (lower flow path S1) is blocked. Meanwhile, the first inlet valve 82 is pulled upward and moves away from the first suction hole 31b1. This opens the first suction hole 31b1, connecting the inside of the container body A to the inside of the first cylinder 41. As a result, the liquid in the container body A flows into the first cylinder 41 through the first suction tube 35. As the liquid in the container body A flows into the first cylinder 41, negative pressure is created inside the container body A. This causes outside air to be introduced into the side flow path S2 through the connection hole 112a and the upper inlet hole 31a1. The outside air introduced into the side flow path S2 is introduced into the container body A through the lower introduction hole 31a2.

[0059] Then, when the second operation head 54 reaches its lowest end position, the first operation head 34 reaches its highest end position. That is, during the next discharge operation, by pressing down the first operation head 34, the content liquid in the first cylinder 41 flows into the nozzle 115 through the common flow path S and is then discharged from the discharge port 115a. Meanwhile, as the first operation head 44 descends, the first rack 124 descends together with the first operation head 44, causing the pinion 123 to rotate in the other direction around the axis Q. As a result, the rotational force of the pinion 123 is transmitted to the second rack 125, and the second rack 125 moves upward together with the second operation head 54. As a result, as the first operation head 44 descends, the second operation head 54 rises, and the content liquid is filled in the second cylinder 51.

[0060] In this manner, in this embodiment, the linking mechanism 25 is provided, which moves one of the first piston 42 and the second piston 52 upward as the other piston moves downward. With this configuration, by moving one piston downward and the other piston upward, the liquid content delivered from one pump unit can be discharged from the discharge port 115a, while the liquid content can be sucked up by the other pump unit. This allows the pump unit to be operated repeatedly without using a metal biasing member that biases the piston upward, as in the past. As a result, separation at the time of disposal or recycling is not required. Furthermore, using a single material (such as polypropylene) for all components makes it easy to recycle. Furthermore, since the up and down movement of one piston causes the other piston to move up and down, durability can be improved compared to a configuration in which the pistons are moved up and down by elastically deforming a biasing member made of, for example, a synthetic resin material.

[0061] In particular, the discharger 10 of this embodiment is configured to be connected to both the first cylinder 41 and the second cylinder 51, and to have a common flow path S into which the content liquid discharged by the first pump section 43 and the content liquid discharged by the second pump section 53 flow. According to this configuration, compared to the case where separate flow paths are provided for the cylinders 41 and 51, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed and the size can be reduced in plan view.

[0062] The dispenser 10 of this embodiment is provided with a storage section 31 that surrounds the first cylinder 41 and the second cylinder 51 together, and a common flow path S is formed between the first cylinder 41, the second cylinder 51 and the storage section 31. This configuration makes it easier to uniformly pump the content liquid from the first pump section 43 and the second pump section 53 to the common flow path S. For example, compared to a case where the common flow path S is provided so as to protrude in one direction from the first pump section 43 and the second pump section 53, the volume of the common flow path S can be secured while achieving a smaller size in plan view.

[0063] In the dispenser 10 of this embodiment, the storage section 31 is configured to be provided with a first inlet valve 82 that switches between connecting and blocking communication between the inside of the first cylinder 41 and the inside of the container body A, a first outlet valve 83 that switches between connecting and blocking communication between the inside of the first cylinder 41 and the inside of the common flow path S, a second inlet valve 106 that switches between connecting and blocking communication between the inside of the second cylinder 51 and the inside of the container body A, and a second outlet valve 107 that switches between connecting and blocking communication between the inside of the second cylinder 51 and the inside of the common flow path S. This configuration makes it possible to reliably switch between communication and cut-off between the interior of each cylinder 41, 51 and the interior of the container body A, and between communication and cut-off between the interior of each cylinder 41, 51 and the common flow path S. This improves the operational reliability when the pump units 43, 53 are operated.

[0064] In the dispenser 10 of this embodiment, the first inlet valve 82 and the first outlet valve 83 are integrally formed, and the second inlet valve 106 and the second outlet valve 107 are integrally formed. This configuration allows for a reduction in the number of parts compared to when the inlet valve and the outlet valve are provided separately.

[0065] In this embodiment, the linkage mechanism 25 is configured to include a first rack 124 provided on the first piston 42, a second rack 125 provided on the second piston 52, and a pinion 123 that is rotatable around an axis Q along the front-to-rear direction L1 and that meshes with the first rack 124 and the second rack 125 at positions facing each other across the axis Q. According to this configuration, the linear motion of one rack provided on one piston is converted into rotational motion by pinion 123, and the other rack provided on the other piston can be converted into linear motion in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the one rack.

[0066] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the appended claims. In the above embodiment, the cylinders 41, 51 are formed to have the same shape and size, but the cylinders 41, 51 may have different capacities or the like. In the above-described embodiment, the cylinders 41 and 51 are attached to the same container body A, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The cylinders 41 and 51 may be attached to different container bodies. In the above embodiment, a rack and pinion mechanism is used as the linkage mechanism 25, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The linkage mechanism 25 may be, for example, a link mechanism.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment, the common flow path S is formed so as to surround the periphery of each of the cylinders 41, 51. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The common flow path S may be configured to be connected to both of the cylinders 41, 51. In the above-described embodiment, the inlet valve and the outlet valve are integrally formed as a valve member, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The inlet valve and the outlet valve may be provided separately.

[0068] In addition, within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 10:Dispenser 25: Coordination mechanism 31: Storage unit 41: First cylinder 42: First piston 43: First pump section 51: Second cylinder 52: Second piston 53: Second pump section 82: First inlet valve 83: First discharge valve 106: Second inlet valve 107: Second discharge valve 115: Nozzle 115a: Discharge port 123: Pinion 124: First rack 125: Second rack A: Container body S: Common flow path

Claims

1. a first pump unit having a first cylinder into which the liquid in the container body flows and a first piston that is movable up and down relative to the first cylinder, and that pumps out the liquid in the first cylinder as the first piston moves downward relative to the first cylinder; a second pump unit including a second cylinder into which the liquid in the container body flows and a second piston that is movable up and down relative to the second cylinder, and that pumps out the liquid in the second cylinder as the second piston moves downward relative to the second cylinder; a linking mechanism provided between the first piston and the second piston, the linking mechanism moving one of the first piston and the second piston upward as the other piston moves downward; a common flow path connected to both the first cylinder and the second cylinder, into which the content liquid pumped by the first pump unit and the content liquid pumped by the second pump unit flow; a nozzle having a discharge port through which the content liquid is discharged and into which the content liquid that has passed through the common flow path flows; a housing portion that collectively surrounds the first cylinder and the second cylinder, The discharger, wherein the common flow path is formed between the first cylinder and the second cylinder and between the housing portion and the first and second cylinders.

2. The storage section includes: a first inlet valve that switches between communication and cutoff between the first cylinder and the container body; a first discharge valve that switches between communication and blocking between the first cylinder and the common flow path; a second inlet valve that switches between communication and cut-off between the second cylinder and the container body; The discharger according to claim 1 , further comprising a second discharge valve that switches between communication and blocking between the second cylinder and the common flow path.

3. the first inlet valve and the first outlet valve are integrally formed, The dispenser according to claim 2 , wherein the second inlet valve and the second outlet valve are integrally formed.

4. The linking mechanism includes: a first rack provided on the first piston and extending in a vertical direction; a second rack provided on the second piston and extending in the vertical direction; 4. The dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising: a pinion rotatably disposed between the first rack and the second rack around an axis, the pinion meshing with the first rack and the second rack, respectively.

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