Trigger-type liquid dispenser

Abstract

To provide a trigger type liquid sprayer which can stabilize the position of a trigger section (piston) when a stopper is positioned at a lock position and suppress unexpected leakage of content liquid, regardless of a dimensional error and deformation of each member or the like.SOLUTION: A trigger type liquid sprayer includes: a sprayer body which is mounted in a container body for storing liquid; and a nozzle member which has a spray hole formed to spray liquid to the front. The sprayer body has a vertical supply cylinder section, and a trigger mechanism having a main pump section for feeding liquid toward the spray hole through the vertical supply cylinder section by rearward movement of the trigger section. The trigger section is provided with a stopper. The stopper has a rear regulation section abutting on a first abutting section provided in the sprayer body from a front side at a lock position and a front regulation section abutting on a second abutting section provided in the sprayer body from a rear side at the lock position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a trigger-type liquid ejector.

Background Art

[0002] As a trigger-type liquid ejector, a configuration is disclosed that includes a cylinder for storing a liquid, a piston that can move backward in a forward-biased state by a biasing member, and a trigger portion linked to the piston. According to this configuration, when the trigger portion is pulled backward, the inside of the cylinder is pressurized by the piston, and thus the liquid in the cylinder flows toward the ejection hole. As a result, the liquid is ejected through the ejection hole. On the other hand, as the trigger portion returns forward, the inside of the cylinder is depressurized, and thus the liquid in the container body flows into the cylinder.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1 below, a configuration including a stopper that restricts the backward movement of the trigger portion during non-use or the like is disclosed. The stopper is provided rotatably with respect to the trigger portion between a lock position that restricts the backward movement of the trigger portion and an unlock position that allows the backward movement of the trigger portion. In the lock position, the stopper protrudes rearward from the trigger portion and abuts against the cylinder from the front of the cylinder.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the prior art, due to dimensional errors, deformation of each member, etc., there was a variation in the most forward position of the trigger portion (piston) (the state where the biasing member is at its natural length), and there was a possibility that the content liquid would leak out. Specifically, if a gap exists between the stopper and the cylinder at the foremost position, the trigger (and piston) can move backward by the amount of the gap, even if the stopper is in the locked position. When the trigger moves backward in this state, the liquid contents may be unexpectedly ejected through the nozzle. Also, if the piston stops in front of the cylinder at the foremost position, the seal between the piston and the cylinder cannot be ensured, and the liquid contents inside the cylinder may leak out through the gap between the piston and the cylinder.

[0006] The present invention provides a trigger-type liquid dispenser that can stabilize the position of the trigger (piston) when the stopper is in the locked position, regardless of dimensional errors or deformation of each component, thereby suppressing unexpected leakage of the liquid contents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the problem, the present invention employs the following embodiments. A trigger-type liquid dispenser according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a dispenser body attached to a container body for containing liquid, and a nozzle member provided in front of the dispenser body and having a discharge hole formed therein for discharging liquid forward, wherein the dispenser body comprises a vertical supply cylinder portion extending in the vertical direction and through which liquid drawn up from the container body flows, a trigger portion provided in front of the vertical supply cylinder portion so as to be movable backward in a forward biased state, and a trigger mechanism having a main pump portion that sends liquid through the vertical supply cylinder portion toward the discharge hole when the trigger portion moves backward, wherein the main pump portion communicates with the vertical supply cylinder portion and has a main cylinder opening forward, and the main cylinder moves in the forward and backward direction as the trigger portion moves forward and backward The device comprises a main piston that can slide in the front-rear direction on the inner circumferential surface of the main cylinder, and the trigger portion is provided with a stopper that can rotate around an axis along a direction intersecting the front-rear direction between a locked position that restricts the front-rear movement of the trigger portion relative to the main cylinder and an unlocked position that allows the front-rear movement of the trigger portion relative to the main cylinder, the stopper comprising a rear restricting portion that, in the locked position, abuts from the front against a first contact portion provided on the ejector body to restrict the rearward movement of the trigger portion relative to the main cylinder, and a front restricting portion that, in the locked position, abuts from the rear against a second contact portion provided on the ejector body to restrict the forward movement of the trigger portion relative to the main cylinder.

[0008] According to this embodiment, when the stopper is in the locked position, the first contact portion and the rear restricting portion, and the second contact portion and the front restricting portion, come into contact with each other, thereby restricting the movement of the trigger portion (and piston) in both the front-rear direction relative to the cylinder. As a result, even if the foremost position of the trigger portion (piston) is located further forward than the desired position due to dimensional errors or deformation of each component, the trigger portion (piston) can be stopped at the desired position by keeping the stopper in the locked position. Therefore, the position of the trigger portion (piston) in the locked position can be stabilized regardless of dimensional errors or deformation of each component. As a result, unexpected leakage of the contents can be suppressed.

[0009] In the trigger-type liquid dispenser according to this embodiment, the first contact portion and the second contact portion may be integrally formed with the main cylinder. According to this embodiment, compared to the case where the first and second contact portions are formed on parts other than the main cylinder, the stopper can be made more compact, and interference between the stopper and other components can be suppressed.

[0010] Incidentally, in a configuration that includes a storage cylinder and a storage plunger, it is necessary to move the storage plunger to one side in the axial direction, so the pressure of the liquid contents sent out by the pump section needs to be relatively high. For this reason, in a configuration that includes a storage cylinder and a storage plunger, it is preferable to make the biasing member out of metal in order to ensure the biasing force of the main piston. On the other hand, when a metal biasing member is used, the main piston is directly biased by the biasing member, so variations tend to occur in the foremost position of the trigger section (main piston) (it tends to be located forward of the desired position).

[0011] In contrast, in the trigger-type liquid dispenser according to this embodiment, the dispenser body comprises a storage cylinder provided between the vertical supply cylinder and the nozzle member, into which liquid that has passed through the vertical supply cylinder is supplied when the trigger moves backward, and a storage plunger arranged within the storage cylinder so as to be movable in the axial direction along the central axis of the storage cylinder, which moves toward one side of the axial direction as liquid is supplied into the storage cylinder and is biased toward the other side of the axial direction, and a metal biasing member may be provided between the main cylinder and the main piston, which biases the trigger forward via the main piston. According to this embodiment, as described above, when the stopper is in the locked position, the movement of the trigger portion (and main piston) in the front-rear direction relative to the main cylinder can be restricted on both sides. Therefore, even in a trigger-type liquid dispenser equipped with a storage pump, the position of the trigger portion (main piston) in the locked position can be stabilized. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, regardless of dimensional errors or deformation of each component, the position of the trigger part (main piston) when the stopper is in the locked position can be stabilized, thereby suppressing unexpected leakage of the liquid contents. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a trigger-type liquid dispenser showing the stopper in the locked position. [Figure 2] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a trigger-type liquid dispenser showing the stopper in the unlocked position. [Figure 3] This is a front view showing the main cylinder. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the stopper. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a spray container in which a trigger-type liquid dispenser 1 is attached to a container body A will be described as an example. The trigger-type liquid dispenser 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a dispenser body 2 attached to a container A that holds liquid, a nozzle member 3 having a discharge hole 4 for discharging liquid, a cover 5 that covers the dispenser body 2 and the nozzle member 3, and a stopper 100 that controls the discharge of liquid.

[0015] The ejector body 2 includes a vertical supply cylinder section 10, a mounting cap 11, a storage pump section 12, an injection cylinder section 13, and a trigger mechanism 15 having a main pump section 14.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the central axis of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 is referred to as axis O. The direction along axis O is defined as the vertical direction. In the vertical direction, the side of the container body A is the lower side, and the opposite side is the upper side. When viewed from the vertical direction, one direction intersecting axis O is referred to as the front-rear direction L1, and the direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the front-rear direction L1 is referred to as the left-right direction L2. In the front-rear direction L1, the side of the nozzle member 3 is the front side, and the opposite side is the rear side.

[0017] The liquid sucked up from inside the container body A by the main pump portion 14 flows through the vertical supply cylinder portion 10. The vertical supply cylinder portion 10 is attached to the mouth portion A1 of the container body A by the mounting cap 11. The upper part of the pipe 16 is fitted into the lower end opening of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10. The pipe 16 extends downward inside the container body A in a state where the trigger-type liquid ejector 1 is attached to the container body A.

[0018] A ball valve 21 is provided inside the vertical supply cylinder portion 10. The ball valve 21 is provided so as to be able to approach and separate from the lower valve seat portion 10a provided in the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 from above the lower valve seat portion 10a. The ball valve 21 switches the communication and cutoff between the inside of the container body A through the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 and the main pump portion 14. Specifically, the ball valve 21 is a check valve that blocks the communication between the inside of the container body A and the main pump portion 14 during pressurization by the main pump portion 14 and allows the communication between the inside of the container body A and the main pump portion 14 during depressurization by the main pump portion 14.

[0019] Inside the vertical supply cylinder portion 10, a storage valve 26 is provided in a portion located above the ball valve 21. The storage valve 26 is provided so as to be able to approach and separate from the upper valve seat portion 10b provided in the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 from above the upper valve seat portion 10b. The storage valve 26 switches the communication and cutoff between the main pump portion 14 and the storage pump portion 12 through the vertical supply cylinder portion 10. Specifically, the storage valve 26 is a check valve that allows the supply of liquid from the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 into the storage pump portion 12 (storage cylinder 31 described later) during pressurization of the main pump portion 14 and restricts the outflow of liquid from the storage pump portion 12 into the vertical supply cylinder portion 10.

[0020] At the upper end of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10, a connection cylinder portion 29 extending forward is provided. The inside of the connection cylinder portion 29 communicates with the inside of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10. A cylinder cylinder portion 30 is provided in a portion located between the connection cylinder portion 29 and the mounting cap 11 in front of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10. The cylinder cylinder portion 30 protrudes forward from the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 and opens forward.

[0021] The storage pump portion 12 includes a storage cylinder 31, a storage plunger 32, and a biasing member 33. The storage cylinder 31 is provided above the vertical supply cylinder portion 10. The storage cylinder 31 is formed in a toped cylindrical shape that opens to the rear. The liquid sent out by the main pump portion 14 is supplied into the storage cylinder 31 through the inside of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 and the inside of the connection cylinder portion 29. In the present embodiment, the central axis of the storage cylinder 31 is referred to as the axis O1. In the present embodiment, the axis O1 extends in the front-rear direction L1. That is, in the present embodiment, the front-rear direction L1 corresponds to the axial direction along the axis O1. In the present embodiment, the rear side corresponds to one side in the axial direction. Also, in the present embodiment, the front side corresponds to the other side in the axial direction. However, the axial direction does not have to coincide with the front-rear direction L1.

[0022] The storage plunger 32 is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction L1 within the storage cylinder 31. The storage plunger 32 is formed in a toped cylindrical shape that opens to the rear. The storage plunger 32 slides tightly in the front-rear direction within the storage cylinder 31. The storage plunger 32 blocks the communication between the inside of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 and the ejection hole 4 (inside the injection cylinder portion 13) at the most forward position. When the storage plunger 32 moves backward from the most forward position, it communicates the inside of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 with the ejection hole 4 (inside the injection cylinder portion 13). In the storage cylinder 31, the space located in front of the storage plunger 32 functions as a storage space 31a.

[0023] The storage space 31a is always in communication with the vertical supply cylinder 10 through the connecting cylinder 29, while also being able to communicate with the injection cylinder 13 by the movement of the storage plunger 32. Liquid that has passed through the vertical supply cylinder 10 is stored in the storage space 31a. The storage space 31a expands as the storage plunger 32 moves backward due to the supply of liquid into the storage cylinder 31. When the storage plunger 32 is in its foremost position, the storage space 31a is blocked from communicating with the injection cylinder 13. When the storage plunger 32 moves backward from its foremost position, the storage space 31a communicates with the injection cylinder 13.

[0024] The biasing member 33 is located behind the storage plunger 32. The biasing member 33 is interposed between the storage plunger 32 and the storage cylinder 31, biasing the storage plunger 32 forward. The biasing member 33 is, for example, a metal coil spring.

[0025] The injection cylinder portion 13 extends forward from the storage cylinder 31. The inside of the injection cylinder portion 13 is in communication with the storage space 31a. In this embodiment, the central axis of the injection cylinder portion 13 is called axis O2. Axis O2 extends in the front-rear direction L1 parallel to axis O1. However, axis O2 may be arranged coaxially with axis O1. Also, the axial direction along axis O2 does not have to coincide with the front-rear direction L1.

[0026] The trigger mechanism 15 comprises a main pump section 14 and a trigger section 40. The main pump unit 14 stores and pumps the liquid inside container A in response to the operation of the trigger unit 40. The main pump unit 14 comprises a main cylinder 41 and a main piston 42.

[0027] The main cylinder 41 is fitted into the cylinder portion 30 from the front of the cylinder portion 30. The main cylinder 41 comprises a cylinder body 41a, a piston guide 41b, a flange portion 41c, and an engaging portion 41d. The cylinder body 41a is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens forward, with the pump axis O3 running along the front-rear direction L1 as its center. The main cylinder 41 communicates with the portion of the vertical supply cylinder 10 located above the ball valve 21. In the following description, the direction that intersects the pump axis O3 when viewed from the front-rear direction L1 is referred to as the pump radial direction, and the direction that circles around the pump axis O3 is referred to as the pump circumferential direction.

[0028] The piston guide 41b protrudes forward from the bottom of the cylinder body 41a. The piston guide 41b is formed in a cylindrical shape and is positioned coaxially with the pump axis O3. The flange portion 41c protrudes outward in the radial direction of the pump from the front end opening edge of the cylinder body 41a. The flange portion 41c is in close proximity to or in contact with the front end edge of the cylinder portion 30 from the front of the cylinder portion 30.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, multiple engaging portions 41d are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the pump on the portion of the flange portion 41c located below the pump axis O3. In the illustrated example, each engaging portion 41d is formed on both sides in the circumferential direction of the pump, flanking the portion located directly below the pump axis O3. Each engaging portion 41d protrudes outward from the flange portion 41c in the radial direction of the pump. In the illustrated example, each engaging portion 41d is formed in a triangular shape, with its width in the circumferential direction of the pump gradually tapering outward as viewed from the front-rear direction L1 in the radial direction of the pump. Note that there may be one engaging portion 41d or three or more. Furthermore, the position and shape of the engaging portions 41d can be changed as appropriate.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the main piston 42 is provided within the main cylinder 41 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction L1. The main piston 42 includes a linking portion 42a and a sliding portion 42b. The linkage section 42a is formed as a top-opening cylindrical shape that is positioned coaxially with the pump axis O3. The linkage section 42a is supported by the piston guide 41b so as to be movable back and forth. A biasing member 43 is interposed between the linkage section 42a and the piston guide 41b. The biasing member 43 biases the main piston 42 forward via the linkage section 42a. As a result, the main piston 42 can move backward while biased forward. The biasing member 43 is a metal coil spring. However, the biasing member 43 is not limited to a metal coil spring; a resin spring or the like can also be used.

[0031] The sliding portion 42b is connected to the rear end of the linking portion 42a. The sliding portion 42b is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the pump axis O3. The sliding portion 42b surrounds the linking portion 42a. The sliding portion 42b is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the main cylinder 41. The sliding portion 42b slides closely on the inner circumferential surface of the main cylinder 41 as the main piston 42 moves back and forth relative to the main cylinder 41.

[0032] The trigger section 40 extends forward from the front of the vertical supply cylinder section 10, as it goes downward. Specifically, the trigger section 40 comprises a trigger body section 40a and a push-in projection 40b. The trigger body 40a is formed in a box shape that opens towards the rear. The upper end of the side wall of the trigger body 40a is supported by a bearing 48 located below the injection cylinder 13, so as to be rotatable around an axis along the left-right direction L2. As a result, the trigger 40 is configured to move in the front-rear direction L1 with the bearing 48 as a pivot point.

[0033] The push-in projection 40b protrudes rearward from the front wall of the trigger body 40a at the upper part of the trigger body 40a. The push-in projection 40b approaches or abuts against the front end of the linkage part 42a from the front. Therefore, the push-in projection 40b pushes the linkage part 42a rearward. As a result, the main piston 42 moves rearward relative to the main cylinder 41 as the trigger part 40 rotates rearward. The push-in projection 40b is provided with plate-like portions that protrude rearward at both ends in the left-right direction L2. The front end of the linkage part 42a is housed in the portion of the push-in projection 40b located between the plate-like portions. In this way, the rotation of the linkage part 42a in the pump circumferential direction relative to the trigger part 40 is restricted by the plate-like portions.

[0034] In the trigger body portion 40a, the portion located below the push-in projection 40b has an upper partition wall 40c and a lower partition wall 40d. Each partition wall 40c and 40d divides the inner space of the trigger body portion 40a in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the portion of the inner space of the trigger body portion 40a enclosed by the upper partition wall 40c and the lower partition wall 40d constitutes the stopper housing portion 40e. The lower partition wall 40d has an engaging projection 40f that protrudes upward.

[0035] A pair of shaft support walls 40g are formed at the upper end of the housing space 40e. The pair of shaft support walls 40g are provided on both sides in the left-right direction L2 within the housing space 40e. Each shaft support wall 40g has a shaft housing portion 40h that opens toward the rear.

[0036] The nozzle member 3 is assembled to the injection cylinder 13 from the front. The nozzle member 3 is formed in a top-opening cylindrical shape that opens towards the rear. The inside of the nozzle member 3 is in communication with the inside of the injection cylinder 13. A ejection hole 4 is formed in the top wall of the nozzle member 3. The ejection hole 4 penetrates the top wall of the nozzle member 3 in the front-rear direction L1.

[0037] The cover 5 is formed in a T-shape when viewed from the side, and is also box-shaped with openings facing forward and downward. The cover 5 surrounds the ejector body 2 and nozzle member 3 from above, behind, and from the sides, with the ejection holes 4 exposed to the front.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the stopper 100 is supported on the trigger portion 40 so as to be rotatable around an axis along the left-right direction L2, between a locked position P1 that restricts the forward and backward movement of the trigger portion 40 relative to the main cylinder 41, and an unlocked position P2 that allows the forward and backward movement of the trigger portion 40 relative to the main cylinder 41. Specifically, the stopper 100 comprises a base portion 101, a rear wall portion 102, a surrounding wall portion 103, a side wall portion 104, and an operating portion 105. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the configuration of the stopper 100 will be described with the stopper 100 in the locked position P1.

[0039] The base portion 101 is formed in a plate shape extending in the front-rear direction. At the front end of the base portion 101, a pair of shaft portions 101a are formed, protruding on both sides in the left-right direction L2. Each shaft portion 101a is fitted into the corresponding shaft housing portion 40h from the rear of the shaft housing portion 40h. As a result, the stopper 100 is supported by the trigger portion 40 so as to be rotatable around an axis along the left-right direction L2. When the stopper 100 is in the unlocked position P2, the base portion 101 is housed inside the stopper housing portion 40e.

[0040] The rear wall portion 102 extends upward from the rear end edge of the base portion 101. The rear wall portion 102 has a projection 102a that protrudes toward the rear. When the stopper 100 is in the unlocked position P2, the projection 102a engages with the engaging projection 40f from the front of the engaging projection 40f. This prevents the stopper 100 from unexpectedly rotating toward the locked position P1. The rear wall portion 102 has a relief portion 102b. The relief portion 102b is a recess that is arc-shaped and recessed relative to the upper end surface of the rear wall portion 102. The radius of curvature of the relief portion 102b is the same as the radius of curvature of the connecting portion 42a. When the stopper 100 is in the locked position P1, the outer surface of the connecting portion 42a is in close proximity to or in contact with the inner surface of the relief portion 102b from below.

[0041] The surrounding walls 103 extend upward from both ends of the base portion 101 in the left-right direction L2. The rear end of each surrounding wall 103 is connected to both ends of the rear wall portion 102 in the left-right direction L2. Each surrounding wall 103 protrudes outward in the left-right direction L2 relative to the base portion 101. An entry groove 103a is formed in the portion of each surrounding wall 103 that protrudes outward from the base portion 101. The entry groove 103a opens downward in the corresponding surrounding wall 103 and penetrates the surrounding wall 103 in the front-rear direction L1. When the stopper 100 is in the unlocked position P2, the side walls of the trigger body portion 40a are housed in each entry groove 103a.

[0042] The side wall portions 104 are connected to each of the surrounding walls 103 on the outside in the left-right direction L2. Each side wall portion 104 has a length in the front-rear direction L1 that is longer than that of the surrounding wall 103. A hook portion 104a is formed on the portion of each side wall portion 104 that protrudes rearward from the surrounding wall 103. The hook portion 104a opens on the upper edge of the side wall portion 104 and is formed in a concave shape that penetrates the hook portion 104a in the left-right direction L2.

[0043] The hook portion 104a accommodates the corresponding engaging portion 41d when the stopper 100 is moved to the locked position P1, for example, when the trigger portion 40 is in its foremost position. Specifically, when the stopper 100 is in the locked position P1, the front surface of the engaging portion 41d is close to or in contact with the rear surface (rear restricting portion: the rearward-facing surface of the inner surface) of the hook portion 104a. The stopper 100 restricts the forward movement of the trigger portion 40 by the rear surface of the hook portion 104a contacting the front surface (first contact portion) of the engaging portion 41d. On the other hand, when the stopper 100 is in the locked position P1, the rear surface of the engaging portion 41d is close to or in contact with the front surface (forward restricting portion: the forward-facing surface of the inner surface) of the hook portion 104a. The stopper 100 restricts the backward movement of the trigger portion 40 by the front surface of the hook portion 104a contacting the rear surface (second contact portion) of the engaging portion 41d. In other words, in the locked position P1, the stopper 100 of this embodiment restricts the movement of the trigger portion 40 in the forward / backward direction L1 by engaging the engagement portion 41d with the hook portion 104a, which clamps the engagement portion 41d from both sides in the forward / backward direction L1.

[0044] The operating section 105 is for rotating the stopper 100. The operating section 105 is connected to the rear of each side wall 104 (the part located in front of the hook section 104a) in the left-right direction L2 outward. Each operating section 105 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the left-right direction L2. Each operating section 105 is located outward in the left-right direction L2 relative to the trigger body 40a.

[0045] Next, the operation of the trigger-type liquid dispenser 1 described above will be explained. In the following explanation, the initial state will be described as the stopper 100 being in the locked position P1. First, the stopper 100, which is in the locked position P1, is moved to the unlocked position P2. Specifically, the stopper 100 is pulled down while the operating part 105 is grasped from both sides in the left-right direction L2. This causes the stopper 100 to rotate downward around the shaft part 101a. As a result, the hook part 104a retracts downward from the engaging part 41d, and the engagement between the hook part 104a and the engaging part 41d is released. Consequently, the rearward movement of the main piston 42 relative to the main cylinder 41 is permitted. After the hook part 104a retracts downward from the engaging part 41d, the stopper 100 is pushed into the housing space 40e. As a result, the side wall of the trigger body part 40a enters the entry groove 103a, and the stopper 100 is housed in the housing space 40e. At this time, the protruding portion 102a overcomes the engaging projection 40f from the rear, causing the protruding portion 102a and the engaging projection 40f to engage. This prevents the stopper 100, which is in the unlocked position P2, from rotating unexpectedly.

[0046] Next, in the trigger-type liquid dispenser 1, to dispense liquid, the user places their hand on the mounting cap 11 and twists it, then hooks their finger onto the trigger part 40. While holding the trigger-type liquid dispenser 1, the user pulls the trigger part 40 backward. This pushes the main piston 42 backward via the trigger part 40, causing both the trigger part 40 and the main piston 42 to move backward. As a result, the inside of the main cylinder 41 is pressurized. This causes the liquid inside the main cylinder 41 to be supplied into the vertical supply cylinder part 10. The liquid supplied into the vertical supply cylinder part 10 pushes the ball valve 21 downward and pushes the storage valve 26 upward. As a result, with the ball valve 21 in contact with the lower valve seat part 10a, the storage valve 26 moves upward away from the upper valve seat part 10b.

[0047] The liquid in the vertical supply cylinder 10 is supplied to the storage cylinder 31 (storage space 31a) through the connecting cylinder 29. When liquid is supplied to the storage space 31a, the storage space 31a is pressurized. As a result, the storage plunger 32 moves backward against the biasing force of the biasing member 33. Consequently, liquid is stored in the storage space 31a.

[0048] As the storage plunger 32 moves backward, the storage space 31a and the inside of the injection cylinder 13 are connected. As a result, the liquid stored in the storage space 31a flows through the injection cylinder 13 towards the ejection hole 4. After passing through the injection cylinder 13, the liquid is ejected to the outside through the ejection hole 4. When the operation of the trigger unit 40 is released, the biasing force of the biasing member 43 causes the main piston 42 to return to its original position forward within the main cylinder 41, and the trigger unit 40 also returns to its original position forward. As a result, the pressure inside the main cylinder 41 is reduced. Then, the ball valve 21 lifts up from the lower valve seat 10a, and the inside of the container body A and the main cylinder 41 are connected through the vertical supply cylinder 10. On the other hand, the storage valve 26 maintains its seated position on the upper valve seat 10b, thereby blocking communication between the inside of the main cylinder 41 and the inside of the storage cylinder 31 through the vertical supply cylinder 10. As a result, the liquid in container A is drawn up into the vertical supply cylinder 10. The liquid that flows into the vertical supply cylinder 10 is then introduced into the main cylinder 41, preparing it for the next dispensing operation.

[0049] In this embodiment, with a storage pump unit 12, each time the trigger unit 40 is operated, some of the liquid supplied from the main cylinder 41 is ejected through the ejection hole 4, and some of the liquid is stored in the storage space 31a. Therefore, when the operation of the trigger unit 40 is stopped, although the supply of liquid to the storage space 31a stops, the storage plunger 32 moves forward due to the biasing force of the biasing member 33, and the liquid stored in the storage space 31a is continuously supplied to the injection cylinder unit 13. This allows the liquid to continue to be ejected through the ejection hole 4.

[0050] When the trigger portion 40 is released, the trigger portion 40 and the main piston 42 move forward to a position where the biasing member 43 is at its natural length. This state is defined as the foremost position of the trigger portion 40 (main piston 42). In this embodiment, when the trigger portion 40 is moved to its foremost position, the engaging portion 41d is positioned on a virtual circle centered on the shaft portion 101a and passing through the hook portion 104a.

[0051] After the ejection operation is complete, to move the stopper 100 to the locked position P1, with the trigger portion 40 in its foremost position, the stopper 100 is pulled up toward the locked position P1 via the operating portion 105. As a result, the protruding portion 102a overcomes the engaging projection 40f, and the stopper 100 is released from the housing space 40e. Subsequently, the hook portion 104a engages with the engaging portion 41d from below. This surrounds the engaging portion 41d from both sides in the front-rear direction L1 by the hook portion 104a. Consequently, the movement of the trigger portion 40 in both sides of the front-rear direction L1 is restricted by the stopper 100.

[0052] However, due to dimensional errors or deformation of each component, when the trigger portion 40 is moved to its foremost position, the engaging portion 41d may be located outside (rearward) of the virtual circle passing through the hook portion 104a centered on the shaft portion 101a. In such cases, the trigger portion 40 is moved rearward to a position where the engaging portion 41d is positioned on the virtual circle passing through the hook portion 104a centered on the shaft portion 101a, and the stopper 100 is moved to the locked position P1. Then, the front surface of the hook portion 104a contacts the engaging portion 41d from behind, thereby restricting the trigger portion 40 from moving to its foremost position and maintaining the locked state by the stopper 100.

[0053] Thus, in the trigger-type liquid dispenser 1 of this embodiment, the stopper 100 is configured to contact the front surface of the engaging portion 41d from the front of the engaging portion 41d when in the locked position P1, while contacting the rear surface of the engaging portion 41d from the rear of the engaging portion 41d. With this configuration, when the stopper 100 is in the locked position P1, the movement of the trigger section 40 (and main piston 42) in the front-rear direction L1 relative to the main cylinder 41 can be restricted on both sides. As a result, even if the foremost position of the trigger section 40 (main piston 42) is located further forward than the desired position due to dimensional errors or deformation of each component, the trigger section 40 (main piston 42) can be stopped at the desired position by keeping the stopper 100 in the locked position P1. Therefore, the position of the trigger section 40 (main piston 42) at the locked position P1 can be stabilized regardless of dimensional errors or deformation of each component. As a result, unexpected leakage of the contents can be suppressed.

[0054] In this embodiment, the engaging portion 41d is integrally formed with the main cylinder 41. This configuration allows for a more compact stopper 100 and reduces interference between the stopper 100 and other components, compared to the case where the engaging portion 41d is formed on parts other than the main cylinder 41.

[0055] By the way, in a configuration that includes a storage pump section 12, such as the trigger-type liquid dispenser 1 of this embodiment, it is necessary to move the storage plunger 32 against the biasing member 33, so the pressure of the liquid contents dispensed by the main pump section 14 needs to be relatively high. For this reason, in a configuration that includes a storage pump section 12, it is preferable to use a metal coil spring for the biasing member 43 in order to ensure the biasing force of the main piston 42. On the other hand, when a metal coil spring is used, the main piston 42 is directly biased by the biasing member 43, so there is a tendency for variation to occur in the foremost position of the trigger section 40 (main piston 42) (it tends to be located forward of the desired position).

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, when the stopper 100 is in the locked position P1, the movement of the trigger portion 40 (and main piston 42) relative to the main cylinder 41 in the forward / backward direction L1 to both sides can be restricted. Thus, even in a trigger-type liquid dispenser 1 equipped with a storage pump portion 12, the position of the trigger portion 40 (main piston 42) in the locked position P1 can be stabilized.

[0057] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but only by the appended claims. In the embodiments described above, a configuration in which the trigger-type liquid dispenser 1 includes a storage pump unit 12 was described, but the configuration is not limited to this. The trigger-type liquid dispenser 1 according to the present invention may also be configured in which the liquid sent from the main pump unit 14 is dispensed without being stored.

[0058] In the embodiment described above, a configuration in which the engaging portion 41d is formed on the main cylinder 41 was explained, but the configuration is not limited to this. The engaging portion can be provided on a part of the ejector body 2 other than the main piston 42. In the embodiment described above, the front surface of the engaging portion 41d was designated as the first contact portion and the rear surface as the second contact portion, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the first contact portion and the second contact portion may be formed on separate members. In this case, in the embodiment described above, the front surface of the hook portion 104a was designated as the rear restricting portion and the rear surface as the front restricting portion, but the rear restricting portion and the front restricting portion may be formed on separate parts.

[0059] In the embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which the stopper 100 rotates around an axis along the left-right direction, but the configuration is not limited to this. The stopper 100 may rotate around an axis along a direction intersecting the front-rear direction L1, for example, a configuration in which it rotates around an axis along the up-down direction. In the embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which the biasing member 43 is provided between the main cylinder 41 and the main piston 42, but the configuration is not limited to this. The biasing member may also be connected to the trigger portion.

[0060] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modifications may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1: Trigger-type liquid dispenser 2: Squirt body 3: Nozzle component 4:Blowout hole 10: Vertical supply cylinder section 14: Main pump section 15: Trigger mechanism 31: Storage cylinder 32: Storage Plunger 33: Biasing member 40: Trigger section 41: Main cylinder 42: Main piston 43: Biasing member 100: Stopper A: Container O1: Axis line (center axis line) P1: Lock position P2: Unlock position

Claims

1. A sprayer body attached to a container body that holds liquid, The device comprises a nozzle member provided at the front of the ejector body, having an ejection hole formed therein for ejecting liquid forward, The aforementioned ejector body is A vertical supply cylinder section that extends in the vertical direction and through which the liquid drawn up from the container body flows, The system comprises a trigger mechanism having a trigger portion provided in front of the vertical supply cylinder portion so as to be movable backward in a forward biased state, and a main pump portion that sends liquid through the vertical supply cylinder portion toward the ejection hole by the backward movement of the trigger portion, The main pump section is, A main cylinder that communicates with the aforementioned vertical supply cylinder and opens forward, The main cylinder comprises a sliding portion that can slide in the front-rear direction on the inner circumferential surface of the main cylinder as the trigger portion moves in the front-rear direction, and a main piston that protrudes forward from the sliding portion and has a connecting portion that engages with the trigger portion in front of the opening, The trigger portion is provided with a stopper that can rotate around an axis along a direction intersecting the front-rear direction, between a locked position that restricts the forward and backward movement of the trigger portion relative to the main cylinder, and an unlocked position that allows the forward and backward movement of the trigger portion relative to the main cylinder. The stopper is, In the locked position, a rear restricting portion contacts a first contact portion provided on the ejector body from the front to restrict the rearward movement of the trigger portion relative to the main cylinder, In the locked position, the device includes a forward restricting portion that contacts a second contact portion provided on the ejector body from the rear, thereby restricting the forward movement of the trigger portion relative to the main cylinder. The first contact portion and the second contact portion are integrally formed with the main cylinder. The stopper has a relief portion formed therein, which has an inner circumferential surface that approaches or abuts the linkage portion when in the locked position, in a trigger-type liquid dispenser.

2. The aforementioned ejector body is A storage cylinder is provided between the vertical supply cylinder and the nozzle member, and when the trigger moves backward, the liquid that has passed through the vertical supply cylinder is supplied to the inside of the storage cylinder, The storage cylinder comprises a storage plunger which is disposed within the storage cylinder so as to be movable in the axial direction along the central axis of the storage cylinder, and which moves toward one side of the axial direction and is biased toward the other side of the axial direction in response to the supply of liquid into the storage cylinder, A trigger-type liquid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein a metal biasing member is provided between the main cylinder and the main piston, which biases the trigger portion forward via the main piston.

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