Trigger-type liquid dispenser

Abstract

To provide a trigger type liquid sprayer which prevents a nozzle member from displacing to the upper side and to the front side due to initial energizing force of an energizing member and, thereby, can secure desirable spraying quantity.SOLUTION: A trigger type liquid sprayer includes a sprayer main body and a nozzle member formed of a spray port which is opened to the front side. The sprayer main body includes a longitudinal supply tube part, a main pump part and a trigger mechanism having a trigger part provided on the rear side movably in a front side energized state by an energizing member arranged between the main pump part and the longitudinal supply tube part. The nozzle member includes a first support part which supports the trigger part front / rear movably and a second support part which regulates movement of the front trigger part to the front side by causing the trigger part to abut from the rear side when the trigger part is located on front-most end position . An initial energizing force of the energizing member when the trigger part is located on the front-most end position is preset to be 4.0 N or more and to be 7.0 N or less.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, there is disclosed a configuration including an ejector body through which a liquid flows, a nozzle member having a jet outlet for jetting the liquid forward and attached to the front end of the ejector body, and a trigger mechanism for causing the liquid in the ejector body to flow toward the jet outlet (see Patent Document 1 below). The trigger mechanism includes a cylinder communicating with the inside of the ejector body, a piston sliding in the front-rear direction on the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder, and a trigger portion biased forward by a biasing member and rotatably supported by the nozzle member. According to this configuration, when the trigger portion is pulled backward, the inside of the cylinder is pressurized by the piston, so that the liquid in the ejector body flows toward the jet outlet. As a result, the liquid is ejected through the jet outlet. On the other hand, in the process of the trigger portion returning forward, the inside of the cylinder is depressurized, so that the liquid in the container body is sucked into the cylinder through the ejector body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Incidentally, when the trigger is in its foremost position, the biasing member is interposed between the cylinder and the trigger in a compressed state relative to its natural length. Therefore, at its foremost position, the trigger is biased forward by the initial biasing force (set load) of the biasing member. In this case, at its foremost position, the trigger is restricted from moving forward relative to the nozzle member by contacting a regulating part provided on the nozzle member from behind.

[0005] However, a moment is generated in the regulating section, originating from the connection point between the nozzle member and the ejector body, due to the forward load received from the trigger section. Therefore, if the initial biasing force of the biasing member is too large, the nozzle member may be displaced upward and forward due to the aforementioned moment. If the nozzle member is displaced beyond the permissible limit for use, the piston may move forward beyond the desired position, potentially causing outside air to enter the cylinder when liquid is drawn into it. In this case, the desired ejection volume cannot be secured, leading to a decrease in reliability.

[0006] The present invention provides a trigger-type liquid dispenser that can suppress upward and forward displacement of the nozzle member caused by the initial biasing force of the biasing member, thereby ensuring a desired discharge volume. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, 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 an outlet formed thereon that opens forward on a nozzle axis along the front-rear direction, wherein the dispenser body comprises a vertical supply cylinder portion extending in the vertical direction through which liquid flows, a main pump portion that sends liquid through the vertical supply cylinder portion toward the outlet, and a trigger mechanism provided so as to be movable backward in a forward-biased state by a biasing member disposed between the main pump portion and the main pump portion, and having a trigger portion that operates the main pump portion, wherein the nozzle member comprises a first support portion located below the nozzle axis that supports the trigger portion so as to be movable back and forth, and a second support portion that restricts the forward movement of the trigger portion by contacting the trigger portion from the rear when the trigger portion is in its foremost position, wherein the initial biasing force of the biasing member when the trigger portion is in its foremost position is set to be 4.0 N or more and 7.0 N or less.

[0008] According to this embodiment, by setting the initial biasing force of the biasing member to 4.0 N or more, a desired load can be applied to the main pump unit when the main pump unit is operated via the trigger unit. This makes it possible to effectively send a desired amount of liquid towards the nozzle. On the other hand, by setting the initial biasing force of the biasing member to 7.0N or less, even if a moment is generated acting on the second support part due to the biasing force of the biasing member, starting from the connection point between the nozzle member and the ejector body when the trigger part is in its foremost position, it is possible to suppress the upward and forward displacement of the nozzle member beyond the permissible limit for use. This ensures the desired ejection volume over a long period of time and provides excellent reliability.

[0009] In the trigger-type liquid dispenser according to the above embodiment, the main pump section preferably comprises a main cylinder that communicates with the vertical supply cylinder section and opens forward, and a main piston that is biased forward by the biasing member interposed between the main cylinder and the main piston, and moves backward relative to the main cylinder as the trigger section moves backward, and the dispenser body preferably comprises a storage cylinder provided between the vertical supply cylinder section and the nozzle member, into which liquid that has passed through the vertical supply cylinder section is supplied as the trigger section moves backward, and a storage plunger that is arranged within the storage cylinder so as to be movable in the axial direction along the axis of the storage cylinder, and 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. In a configuration including a storage cylinder and a storage plunger, as in this embodiment, it is necessary to move the storage plunger to one side in the axial direction, which requires a relatively high pressure for the liquid pumped out by the main pump. For this reason, in a configuration including a storage cylinder and a storage plunger, there is a tendency to set a large initial biasing force for the biasing member in order to ensure the biasing force of the main piston. In response to this, as in the present embodiment, by setting the initial biasing force of the biasing member to 4.0 N or more and 7.0 N or less, it is possible to suppress displacement of the nozzle member upward and forward beyond an allowable value that can withstand use, while making it easier to secure the desired discharge volume.

[0010] In the trigger-type liquid dispenser according to the above embodiment, it is preferable that the dispenser body is connected to the vertical supply cylinder and includes an injection cylinder that extends forward relative to the vertical supply cylinder, and the nozzle member is fitted into the injection cylinder and includes a connecting cylinder that connects the inside of the injection cylinder and the nozzle. In this embodiment, where the nozzle member is connected to the injection cylinder, depending on the bending rigidity of the injection cylinder, the nozzle member is prone to being displaced upward and forward due to the moment acting on the second support portion caused by the biasing force of the biasing member. In response to this, as in the present embodiment, by setting the initial biasing force of the biasing member to 4.0 N or more and 7.0 N or less, it is possible to suppress displacement of the nozzle member upward and forward beyond an allowable value that can withstand use, while making it easier to secure the desired discharge volume.

[0011] In the trigger-type liquid dispenser according to the above embodiment, the biasing member is preferably made of metal. According to this embodiment, there is less deformation compared to the case where a resin biasing member is used, and it is easier to maintain the desired biasing force over a long period of time, even when a relatively high biasing force is required. As a result, the durability of the trigger-type liquid dispenser can be improved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, upward and forward displacement of the nozzle member caused by the initial biasing force of the biasing member can be suppressed, thereby ensuring a desired discharge volume. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a trigger-type liquid dispenser according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a trigger-type liquid dispenser according to an embodiment. [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 Figure 1 comprises a dispenser body 2 attached to a container A that holds liquid, a nozzle member 3 with a nozzle outlet 4 for dispensing liquid, and a cover 100 that covers the dispenser body 2 and the nozzle member 3. In this embodiment, the liquid contained in the container A may include household or dishwashing detergents, deodorizers and air fresheners for use in spaces and on clothing, and disinfectant alcohol containing sodium hypochlorite aqueous solution. Unless otherwise specified, each component of the trigger-type liquid dispenser 1 is a molded product made of resin material. Resin materials such as PP (polyethylene), POM (polyacetal), and soft PE (polyethylene) are selectively used depending on the component.

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

[0017] The vertical supply cylinder section 10 is through which the liquid drawn up from inside the container body A by the main pump section 14 flows. The vertical supply cylinder section 10 is formed in a multi-stage double-cylinder shape, with the outer diameter decreasing towards the upper section. The vertical supply cylinder section 10 is attached to the container body A by a mounting cap 11. The upper part of the pipe 16 is fitted into the lower end opening of the vertical supply cylinder section 10. The pipe 16 extends downward inside the container body A when the trigger-type liquid dispenser 1 is attached to the container body A.

[0018] Inside the vertical supply cylinder portion 10, a ball valve 21 is provided. 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 interruption 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 interrupts the communication between the inside of the container body A and the main pump portion 14 during pressurization by the main pump portion 14 (main cylinder 41 described later), 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, and is a check valve.

[0019] In 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 interruption between the main pump portion 14 and the storage pump portion 12 through the vertical supply cylinder portion 10. Specifically, the storage valve 26 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 is a check valve that restricts the outflow of liquid from the storage pump portion 12 into the vertical supply cylinder portion 10.

[0020] At the upper end portion 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 in front of the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 and located between the connection cylinder portion 29 and the mounting cap 11. 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 located above the vertical supply cylinder 10. The storage cylinder 31 is formed in a top-opening cylindrical shape that opens to the rear. Liquid sent out by the main pump 14 is supplied into the storage cylinder 31 through the vertical supply cylinder 10 and the connecting cylinder 29. A communication port 31c is formed in the front wall 31b of the storage cylinder 31, penetrating the front wall 31b in the front-rear direction L1. The communication port 31c is located on the central axis of the storage cylinder 31 (hereinafter referred to as axis O1). In this embodiment, axis O1 extends in the front-rear direction L1. That is, in this embodiment, the front-rear direction L1 corresponds to the axial direction along axis O1. In this embodiment, the rear corresponds to one side in the axial direction. Also, in this embodiment, the front 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 top-opening cylindrical shape that opens towards the rear. The storage plunger 32 slides tightly in the front-rear direction L1 on the inner circumferential surface of the storage cylinder 31. At its foremost position, the storage plunger 32 blocks communication between the vertical supply cylinder 10 and the nozzle 4 (inside the injection cylinder 13). When the storage plunger 32 moves backward from its foremost position, it connects the vertical supply cylinder 10 and the nozzle 4 (inside the injection cylinder 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 at its foremost position, the storage space 31a is blocked from communicating with the injection cylinder 13. When the storage plunger 32 retracts 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] As shown in Figure 2, the injection cylinder portion 13 extends forward from the storage cylinder 31. The inside of the injection cylinder portion 13 can communicate with the storage space 31a through the communication port 31c of the storage cylinder 31. That is, the injection cylinder portion 13 extends forward from the front wall portion 31b, surrounding the communication port 31c. In this embodiment, the central axis of the injection cylinder portion 13 is called axis O2. Axis O2 extends parallel to axis O1, offset upward from 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. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to axis O2 is sometimes called the nozzle diameter direction, and the direction that circles around axis O2 is sometimes called the nozzle circumferential direction. The injection cylinder 13 is integrally formed from PP or the like, along with the storage cylinder 31 and the outer cylinder portion of the vertical supply cylinder 10.

[0026] The outer diameter of the injection cylinder portion 13 is smaller than the outer diameter of the storage cylinder 31. A rib 35 is formed at the base of the injection cylinder portion 13. The rib 35 protrudes outward in the diameter direction of the nozzle and extends in the front-rear direction L1. The rear end edge of the rib 35 is connected to the front wall portion 31b. In this embodiment, multiple ribs 35 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the nozzle.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the nozzle member 3 is assembled to the injection cylinder 13 from the front. The nozzle member 3 has an outlet 4 that ejects the liquid flowing inside the injection cylinder 13 forward. The nozzle member 3 comprises a connecting cylinder 3a, a regulating wall (second support part) 3b, an engaging piece 3c, a protruding wall 3d, a bearing part (first support part) 3e, and a nozzle cylinder 3g. The nozzle member 3 is integrally formed from PP or the like.

[0028] The connecting cylinder 3a is positioned coaxially with axis O2. The injection cylinder portion 13 is fitted inside the connecting cylinder 3a from the rear. The rear end edge of the connecting cylinder 3a is close to the rib 35 from the front.

[0029] The restricting wall 3b protrudes outward in the nozzle diameter direction from the front end opening edge of the connecting cylinder 3a. The portion of the restricting wall 3b located below the connecting cylinder 3a is longer than the portion located above the connecting cylinder 3a. The engaging piece 3c extends cantilevered rearward from the portion of the regulating wall 3b located above the connecting cylinder 3a. The rear end of the engaging piece 3c engages with the connecting piece 31d, which extends forward from the storage cylinder 31, in the front-rear direction L1.

[0030] The protruding wall 3d extends rearward from the portion of the restricting wall 3b located below the connecting cylinder 3a. The upper edge of the protruding wall 3d is connected to the connecting cylinder 3a. The bearing portions 3e are provided in pairs on both sides of the protruding wall 3d in the left-right direction L2. Each bearing portion 3e is formed in a C-shape in a side view, opening towards the rear. In the illustrated example, each bearing portion 3e is connected to a support wall 3f that extends from the protruding wall 3d on both sides in the left-right direction L2.

[0031] The nozzle cylinder 3g protrudes forward from the regulating wall 3b. The nozzle cylinder 3g is formed in a top-cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the axis O2. The nozzle cylinder 3g communicates with the connecting cylinder 3a through a communication hole 3h formed in the regulating wall 3b. A nozzle outlet 4 is formed on the top wall of the nozzle cylinder 3g. In this embodiment, the central axis (nozzle axis) O4 of the nozzle outlet 4 is arranged coaxially with the axis O2. However, the central axis O4 may be offset from the axis O2. A rib 3i is formed at the base of the nozzle cylinder 3g. The rib 3i protrudes outward from the nozzle cylinder 3g in the diameter direction of the nozzle and extends in the front-rear direction L1. The rear end edge of the rib 3i is connected to the regulating wall 3b. In this embodiment, multiple ribs 3i are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the nozzle.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the trigger mechanism 15 comprises a main pump section 14, a trigger section 40, and a stopper 50. 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. The main cylinder 41 comprises a cylinder body 41a, a piston guide 41b, and a flange portion 41c. The cylinder body 41a is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening facing forward, centered on the pump axis O3 which is along the front-rear direction L1. The cylinder body 41a is fitted into the cylinder section 30 from the front of the cylinder section 30. The cylinder body 41a communicates with the portion of the vertical supply section 10 located above the ball valve 21. An air exchange hole 41d is formed at the front of the cylinder body 41a. The air exchange hole 41d communicates with the space S1 between the cylinder body 41a and the cylinder section 30. The space S1 communicates with the container body A through communication holes 10c and 10d formed in the vertical supply section 10.

[0033] 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 from the front end opening edge of the cylinder body 41a in a direction away from the pump shaft O3. 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.

[0034] 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 linking section 42a extends in the front-rear direction L1 along the pump axis O3. The linking section 42a is formed in a top-cylindrical shape. The linking section 42a is positioned inside the main cylinder 41 (cylinder body 41a) with its front end protruding from the main cylinder 41. A piston guide 41b is fitted inside the linking section 42a. The inner peripheral edge of the rear end of the linking section 42a slides closely on the outer peripheral surface of the piston guide 41b in accordance with the front-rear movement of the main piston 42 relative to the main cylinder 41.

[0035] A biasing member 43 is interposed in the area enclosed by the linkage section 42a and the piston guide 41b. The biasing member 43 is, for example, a metal coil spring arranged coaxially with the pump shaft O3. However, the biasing member 43 may be made of resin depending on the application. The biasing member 43 is interposed between the bottom of the cylinder body 41a and the front end of the linkage section 42a. As a result, the main piston 42 is configured to move in the front-rear direction L1 while biased forward.

[0036] 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 cylinder body 41a. The sliding portion 42b slides closely on the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder body 41a as the main piston 42 moves back and forth relative to the main cylinder 41. The sliding portion 42b blocks the air exchange hole 41d when the main piston 42 is in its foremost position.

[0037] The trigger section 40 is positioned in front of the main piston 42 and is used to push the main piston 42. The trigger section 40 comprises a base section 40a, an operating piece 40b, and a push-in projection 40c. The trigger section 40 is integrally formed from PP or the like. In other words, the trigger section 40, the injection cylinder section 13, and the nozzle member 3 are formed from the same material (PP).

[0038] The base portion 40a constitutes the upper end of the trigger portion 40. The base portion 40a is formed in a box shape that is open upward and to the rear. The base portion 40a includes a base side wall 51, a base front wall 52, and a base bottom wall 53.

[0039] The base side walls 51 are positioned on both sides of the protruding wall 3d in the left-right direction L2. Each base side wall 51 has a shaft portion 51a that protrudes outward in the left-right direction L2. Each shaft portion 51a is fitted into a corresponding bearing portion 3e. As a result, the trigger portion 40 is supported by the nozzle member 3 so as to be rotatable around an axis O5 along the left-right direction L2. In the illustrated example, the vertical distance between axis O2 and axis O5, and the vertical distance between axis O5 and pump axis O3 are equal.

[0040] The base front wall 52 connects the front edges of the base side walls 51 in a left-right direction L2. When the trigger portion 40 is in its foremost position, the base front wall 52 abuts from the rear against the portion of the restricting wall 3b that is located below the connecting cylinder 3a. As a result, when the trigger portion 40 is in its foremost position, forward movement of the nozzle member 3 is restricted. The base bottom wall 53 connects its lower edges in the left-right direction L2. A relief section 55 is formed in the part of the base portion 40a that overlaps with the protruding wall 3d. The relief section 55 is formed across the base front wall 52 and the base bottom wall 53.

[0041] The operating piece 40b extends downward from the base bottom wall 53. Specifically, the operating piece 40b curves forward as it extends downward. The operating piece 40b is formed in a box shape that opens towards the rear. The push-in projection 40c protrudes rearward from the front wall of the operating piece 40b at the upper part of the operating piece 40b. The push-in projection 40c engages (for example, contacts) with the front end of the linking portion 42a from the front of the linking portion 42a. The push-in projection 40c is biased forward by the biasing member 43 via the main piston 42. As a result, the trigger portion 40 is configured to be movable rearward while biased forward.

[0042] The stopper 50 is supported on the operating piece 40b in a portion located below the push-in projection 40c, so as to be rotatable about an axis along the left-right direction L2. The stopper 50 rotates between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the stopper 50 is positioned between the operating piece 40b and the main cylinder 41 (flange portion 41c). In the locked position, the stopper 50 abuts the lower part of the flange portion 41c from the front, thereby restricting the rearward movement of the trigger portion 40. In the unlocked position, the stopper 50 is housed inside the operating piece 40b. This allows the trigger portion 40 to move backward.

[0043] The cover 100 is formed in a T-shape when viewed from the side, and is also formed in a box shape that opens forward and downward. The cover 100 surrounds the ejector body 2 and nozzle member 3 from above, behind, and from the side, with the nozzle outlet 4 exposed to the front.

[0044] 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 state in which the stopper 50 is in the locked position. First, as shown in Figure 1, the stopper 50, which is in the locked position, is moved to the unlocked position. This allows the main piston 42 to move backward relative to the main cylinder 41.

[0045] 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 causes the main piston 42 to move backward from its foremost position. As the main piston 42 moves backward inside the main cylinder 41, the inside of the main cylinder 41 is pressurized. As a result, the liquid inside the main cylinder 41 is 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.

[0046] When the storage valve 26 moves upward away from the upper valve seat portion 10b, the liquid in the vertical supply cylinder portion 10 is supplied to the storage cylinder 31 (storage space 31a) through the connecting cylinder portion 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 cylinder 31.

[0047] As the storage plunger 32 moves backward, the storage space 31a and the inside of the injection cylinder 13 communicate through the communication port 31c. As a result, the liquid stored in the storage cylinder 31 flows through the injection cylinder 13 towards the nozzle 4. After passing through the injection cylinder 13, the liquid is ejected to the outside from the nozzle 4 through the connecting cylinder 3a and the nozzle cylinder 3g. 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 and move forward inside the main cylinder 41, and the trigger unit 40 also returns to its original position and moves forward accordingly. As a result, the pressure inside the main cylinder 41 is reduced. Then, the ball valve 21 floats up from the lower valve seat 10a, and the inside of the container body A and the main cylinder 41 communicate through the inside of the vertical supply cylinder 10. Meanwhile, the storage valve 26 maintains its seated position on the upper valve seat 10b, thereby blocking communication between the main cylinder 41 and 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 ejection operation. When the liquid in container A is drawn up by the negative pressure in the main cylinder 41, outside air is introduced into container A in place of the liquid drawn up by the main pump 14. Specifically, the outside air flows into space S1 through the air exchange hole 41d, and then into container A through the communication holes 10c and 10d.

[0048] 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 nozzle 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 nozzle 4.

[0049] Here, the trigger portion 40 is configured to be rotatable around the axis O5 while being biased forward by the biasing member 43. Specifically, the foremost position of the trigger portion 40 is defined by the base front wall 52 contacting the regulating wall 3b from the rear. At the foremost position, the trigger portion 40 is biased forward by at least the initial biasing force of the biasing member 43. In this embodiment, the initial biasing force of the biasing member 43 is set to 4.0 N or more and 7.0 N or less. The initial biasing force is the biasing force generated simply by assembling the biasing member 43 in a compressed state between the main cylinder 41 and the main piston 42, and is a value that excludes increases or decreases in biasing force due to the stroke of the main piston 42, expansion of the liquid, etc., as will be described later.

[0050] Incidentally, when a load is applied to the nozzle member 3 in the vertical or horizontal direction L1, a moment is generated in the nozzle member 3 originating from the connection point between the connecting cylinder 3a and the injection cylinder portion 13 (the base portion of the injection cylinder portion 13). Therefore, if the initial biasing force of the biasing member 43 is too large, the injection cylinder portion 13 may bend and deform upward due to the aforementioned moment, potentially causing the nozzle member 3 to be displaced upward and forward. If the nozzle member 3 is displaced beyond the allowable limit for use, the main piston 42 may move forward beyond the desired position, potentially causing the air exchange hole 41d and the inside of the main cylinder 41 to communicate at the foremost position of the main piston 42. In this case, when liquid is drawn into the main cylinder 41, outside air (air) from inside container A may flow into the main cylinder 41 through the communication holes 10c, 10d and the air exchange hole 41d, or through the space between the main cylinder 41 and the main piston 42. In this case, the desired injection volume cannot be secured, leading to a decrease in reliability.

[0051] For example, in the trigger-type liquid dispenser 1 of this embodiment, if a load of 10.0 N or more is applied upward to the tip of the nozzle member 3 (nozzle cylinder 3g), the nozzle member 3 will begin to displace upward and forward. Furthermore, if a load of 35.0 N or more is applied to the tip of the nozzle member 3, the nozzle member 3 may displace beyond the permissible limit for use. On the other hand, when the main cylinder 41 contains liquid (for example, an aqueous solution containing a surfactant), a load of 15.0 N to 30.0 N is required to move the main piston 42 from the foremost position to the rearmost position. Furthermore, in the trigger-type liquid dispenser 1, if the main cylinder 41 is left at high temperatures with the liquid contained inside, the pressure inside the main cylinder 41 will fluctuate due to the expansion of the liquid. Therefore, the forward biasing force applied to the trigger part 40 when the trigger part 40 is in the foremost position (for example, the sum of the initial biasing force of the biasing member 43 and the force acting on the main piston 42 due to the expansion force of the liquid) may be greater than the initial biasing force of the biasing member 43.

[0052] Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, the initial biasing force of the biasing member 43 is set to 4.0 N or more and 7.0 N or less. In this way, by setting the initial biasing force of the biasing member 43 to 4.0 N or more, a desired load can be applied to the main pump unit 14 when the main pump unit 14 is operated via the trigger unit 40. This makes it possible to effectively send a desired amount of liquid towards the nozzle 4. On the other hand, by setting the initial biasing force of the biasing member 43 to 7.0 N or less, even if a moment is generated acting on the restricting wall 3b due to the biasing force of the biasing member 43, starting from the connection point between the nozzle member 3 and the ejector body 2 (the base of the injection cylinder 13) when the trigger part 40 is at its foremost position, it is possible to suppress the nozzle member 3 from being displaced upward and forward beyond an allowable value that can withstand use. As a result, the desired ejection volume can be secured over a long period of time, and excellent reliability can be obtained.

[0053] Here, the inventors of the present invention prepared several samples of the trigger-type liquid dispenser 1, using the initial biasing force of the biasing member 43 as a variable, and measured the change in the amount dispensed (g) over time by setting them in a constant temperature bath at 40°C. The initial biasing forces of each sample are as follows. Comparative Example 1: 7.5N Comparative Example 2: 3.0N Example 1: 6.8N Example 2: 4.0N The amount of liquid ejected was measured immediately after assembly (immediately after setting in the constant temperature bath), after 1 day, after 3 days, and after 1 week. The values ​​for the amount of liquid ejected shown below are the average values ​​obtained from multiple samples (e.g., 5 samples). The liquid contained in container A is water.

[0054] The measurement results showed that in Comparative Example 1, a discharge volume of 11.26g was secured immediately after assembly, and the discharge volume tended to gradually increase until 3 days had passed. This is thought to be because, as time passed, the restoring force of the biasing member 43 caused the main piston 42 to gradually move forward, allowing liquid to flow into the main cylinder 41. On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, the discharge volume decreased after 1 week compared to immediately after assembly (measurement result: 9.476g). This is thought to be because the initial biasing force of the biasing member 43 was too large, causing the nozzle member 3 to displace upward and forward as described above, and allowing air to flow into the main cylinder 41 through the air exchange hole 41d and the gap between the main piston 42 and the main cylinder 41.

[0055] In Comparative Example 2, only 7.82g was ejected immediately after assembly, and the desired ejection volume could not be secured. This was because the initial biasing force of the biasing member 43 was too low, preventing sufficient liquid from being drawn into the main cylinder 41.

[0056] In contrast, in Examples 1 and 2, a sufficient discharge volume was secured at all points, from immediately after assembly to one week later. This indicates that the initial biasing force of the biasing member 43 was sufficient, and the displacement of the nozzle member 3 was also below the permissible value. In particular, as in Example 1, by setting the initial biasing force of the biasing member 43 to 6.8N, it was possible to secure a discharge volume of 11.28g immediately after assembly, and a discharge volume of 12.0124g even after one week. Thus, by setting the initial biasing force to between 4N and 6.8N (especially 6.8N), the displacement of the nozzle member 3 can be reliably suppressed and the desired discharge volume can be secured regardless of manufacturing variations.

[0057] In the trigger-type liquid dispenser 1 of this embodiment, the dispenser body 2 is configured to include a storage cylinder 31 into which liquid that has passed through the vertical supply cylinder 10 is supplied, and a storage plunger 32 that can move in the front-rear direction L1 within the storage cylinder 31. In a configuration including a storage cylinder 31 and a storage plunger 32, as in this embodiment, it is necessary to move the storage plunger 32 backward (to one side in the axial direction), so the pressure of the liquid sent out by the main pump unit 14 needs to be relatively high. For this reason, in a configuration including a storage cylinder 31 and a storage plunger 32, there is a tendency to set a large initial biasing force of the biasing member 43 in order to ensure the biasing force of the main piston 42. In response to this, as in this embodiment, by setting the initial biasing force of the biasing member 43 to 4.0 N or more and 7.0 N or less, it is possible to suppress displacement of the nozzle member 3 upward and forward beyond an allowable value that can withstand use, while making it easier to secure the desired discharge volume. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a metal coil spring is used for the biasing member 43, there is less wear and tear compared to when a resin biasing member is used, and it is easier to maintain the desired biasing force over a long period of time, even when a relatively high biasing force is required. As a result, the durability of the trigger-type liquid dispenser 1 can be improved.

[0058] In the trigger-type liquid dispenser 1 of this embodiment, the nozzle member 3 is configured to have an injection cylinder portion 13 fitted into it, and also to have a connecting cylinder 3a that connects the inside of the injection cylinder portion 13 and the nozzle opening 4. In this embodiment, where the nozzle member 3 is connected to the injection cylinder portion 13, depending on the bending rigidity of the injection cylinder portion 13, the nozzle member 3 is prone to being displaced upward and forward due to the moment acting on the restricting wall 3b caused by the biasing force of the biasing member 43. In response to this, as in this embodiment, by setting the initial biasing force of the biasing member 43 to 4.0 N or more and 7.0 N or less, it is possible to suppress displacement of the nozzle member 3 upward and forward beyond an allowable value that can withstand use, while making it easier to secure the desired discharge volume.

[0059] 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. In the embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which the nozzle member 3 is connected to the ejector body 2 via the injection cylinder portion 13, but the configuration is not limited to this. The nozzle member 3 may be formed integrally with the ejector body 2, for example.

[0060] In the embodiment described above, a bearing portion 3e that rotatably supports the trigger portion 40 was used as the first support portion of the nozzle member 3, but the configuration is not limited to this. The first support portion may also support the trigger portion 40 so that it can slide in the front-rear direction L1. In the embodiment described above, the regulating wall 3b, which the upper end (base portion 40a) of the trigger portion 40 abuts against from the rear, was used as an example of the second support portion of the nozzle member 3, but the configuration is not limited to this. The second support portion may support any position in the vertical direction of the trigger portion 40.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Examples of the present invention are as follows: <1> A sprayer body attached to a container body that holds liquid, The nozzle member is provided in front of the ejector body and has an outlet formed thereon that opens forward along the nozzle axis in the front-rear direction, The aforementioned spray body is, A vertical supply cylinder section extending in the vertical direction through which liquid flows, The system comprises a main pump section that sends liquid towards the nozzle through the vertical supply cylinder section, and a trigger mechanism that is provided to be movable backward in a forward-biased state by a biasing member positioned between the main pump section and the trigger section, and has a trigger section that operates the main pump section. The nozzle member is A first support portion is provided in the portion located below the nozzle axis, which supports the trigger portion so that it can move back and forth. The system includes a second support portion that restricts the forward movement of the trigger portion by contacting it from the rear when the trigger portion is in its foremost position, A trigger-type liquid dispenser in which the initial biasing force of the biasing member is set to 4.0 N or more and 7.0 N or less when the trigger portion is in its foremost position. <2> The main pump section is, A main cylinder that communicates with the aforementioned vertical supply cylinder and opens forward, The system comprises a main piston which is biased forward by the biasing member interposed between it and the main cylinder, and which moves backward relative to the main cylinder as the trigger portion moves backward, The aforementioned spray 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 is equipped with a storage plunger which is axially movable within the storage cylinder along the axis of the storage cylinder, 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. <1> The trigger-type liquid dispenser described in [reference]. <3> The ejector body is connected to the vertical supply cylinder and includes an injection cylinder that extends forward relative to the vertical supply cylinder. The nozzle member includes a connecting cylinder into which the injection cylinder portion is fitted, and which connects the inside of the injection cylinder portion and the nozzle opening. <1> or <2> The trigger-type liquid dispenser described in [reference]. <4> The biasing member is made of metal. <1> from <3> A trigger-type liquid dispenser as described in any of the following. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 1: Trigger-type liquid dispenser 2: Squirt body 3: Nozzle component 3a: Connecting tube 3b: Regulation wall (second support part) 3e: Bearing part (first support part) 4: Spout 10: Vertical supply cylinder section 13: Injection cylinder part 14: Main pump section 15: Trigger mechanism 31: Storage cylinder 32: Storage Plunger 40: Trigger section 41: Main cylinder 42: Main piston 43: Biasing member A: Container O1: Axis line O4: Central axis (nozzle axis)

Claims

1. A sprayer body attached to a container body that holds liquid, The nozzle member is provided in front of the ejector body and has an outlet formed thereon that opens forward along the nozzle axis in the front-rear direction, The aforementioned ejector body is A vertical supply cylinder section extending in the vertical direction through which liquid flows, An injection cylinder portion that communicates with the vertical supply cylinder portion and extends forward relative to the vertical supply cylinder portion, The system comprises a main pump section that sends liquid towards the nozzle through the vertical supply cylinder section, and a trigger mechanism that is provided to be movable backward in a forward-biased state by a biasing member positioned between the main pump section and the trigger section, and has a trigger section that operates the main pump section. The nozzle member is The injection cylinder portion is fitted into a connecting cylinder that connects the inside of the injection cylinder portion and the nozzle, A first support portion is provided in the portion located below the nozzle axis, which supports the trigger portion so that it can move back and forth. A second support portion extends radially outward from the front end opening edge of the connecting cylinder with respect to the nozzle axis, and when the trigger portion is in its foremost position, the trigger portion contacts the second support portion from the rear, thereby restricting the forward movement of the trigger portion. The device comprises a nozzle cylinder that protrudes forward from the second support portion and has the nozzle outlet formed therein, The trigger portion is supported by the nozzle member so as to be rotatable around an axis along the left-right direction, A trigger-type liquid dispenser in which the initial biasing force of the biasing member is set to 4.0 N or more and 7.0 N or less when the trigger portion is in its foremost position.

2. The main pump section is, A main cylinder that communicates with the aforementioned vertical supply cylinder and opens forward, The system comprises a main piston which is biased forward by the biasing member interposed between it and the main cylinder, and which moves backward relative to the main cylinder as the trigger portion moves backward, 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 trigger-type liquid dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage plunger disposed within the storage cylinder so as to be movable in the axial direction along the axis of the storage cylinder, which moves toward one side of the axial direction and is biased toward the other side of the axial direction in conjunction with the supply of liquid into the storage cylinder.

3. The trigger-type liquid dispenser according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the biasing member is made of metal.

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