Quantitative dispensing mechanism, and product equipped with this quantitative dispensing mechanism

Abstract

In a fixed amount discharge mechanism which is for a liquid content and in which a measurement mode and a discharge mode are switched by an operation, prevention of content leakage, enhancement of design flexibility, and reduction in manufacturing costs are facilitated.　A fixed amount chamber A is demarcated by: an upstream-side cylindrical inner circumferential surface 13d which is provided to a movable plug 13, and a downstream-side cylindrical inner circumferential surface 13f which is continuous to the upstream-side cylindrical inner circumferential surface; and an upstream-side piston 12d which is provided to a shoulder cover 12, slides along the upstream-side cylindrical inner circumferential surface 13d, and has a downstream-side surface with a bulging center, and a downstream-side skirt part 12h which slides along the downstream-side cylindrical inner circumferential surface 13f. An upstream-side skirt part 13e, which is provided to an edge part of the upstream-side cylindrical inner circumferential surface 13d, and the upstream-side piston 12d constitute an upstream valve of the fixed amount chamber A. A groove part 13g, which is provided in the downstream-side cylindrical inner circumferential surface 13f, and the downstream-side skirt part 12h constitute a downstream valve of the fixed amount chamber. The need for a configuration which enables relative movement from the fixed amount chamber A to the periphery of a discharge port 13b is eliminated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a metering and discharging mechanism provided at the upper part of a container, which can meter a liquid content in a fixed amount for each operation and discharge it.

[0002] Particularly, it relates to a metering and discharging mechanism in which after a user switches the metering and discharging mechanism to the metering mode, the entire container including the container is turned upside down to allow the content to flow into the metering chamber, and then the discharging mode is switched to make the content part in the metering chamber dischargeable.

[0003] In this specification, for the convenience of description only, the state where the bottom of the bottle-shaped container body is downward is referred to as "upright", and the state where the bottom of the container body is upward is referred to as "upside down". That is, FIG. 1 shows the metering and discharging container in the upright state, and FIG. 3 shows the metering and discharging container in the upside-down state. In the description of each figure, the upward direction of the figure is referred to as "up" and the downward direction is referred to as "down".

Background Art

[0004] Conventionally, various container products have been used for applying a preset amount of a chemical solution to the skin such as the head or feet.

[0005] In such a product, after a user removes the cap that protects the discharge part from the container to pull out the discharge part and set it to the metering mode, and then turns it upside down with the bottom side up, and presses the discharge part against the application target surface, it enters the discharge mode and only a preset amount of the chemical solution is discharged from the discharge port of the discharge part (see Patent Document 2).

[0006] By the operations of removing the cap and pressing the discharge part against the application target surface, the valve of the metering chamber for metering the content is operated, so that the user can use it without being conscious of a special operation for metering.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

[0008] However, in the measuring mode after removing the cap, the cylindrical part around the dispensing nozzle is pulled out from the internal mechanism where the contents are located and exposed to the outside. This posed a problem: when the user pressed the dispensing nozzle against the surface to be applied, the contents adhering to the cylindrical part could transfer to unintended areas, or contaminated contents that came into contact with hair or fingers could be drawn into the internal mechanism as the dispenser switched to dispensing mode, contaminating the contents inside the container.

[0009] Furthermore, because the dispensing section drives the piston valve in the metering chamber, the dispensing section that drives the piston valve needs to be narrower than the cross-section of the housing and cylinder it contains. If the contact area that presses against the surface to be coated is to be enlarged, an additional component must be attached to the dispensing section, which presents a cost problem.

[0010] Furthermore, the discharge valve, located at the tip of the discharge section and independent of the valve in the metering chamber, remains closed unless pressed against the surface to be coated by the user. This causes fluctuations in the volume of the space between the discharge valve and the upstream valve due to the operation of the upstream components, leading to a problem where contents easily leak out from gaps in various parts and contaminate the surrounding area.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention aims to prevent leakage of contents from the downstream valve to the discharge port by configuring the downstream valve of the quantitative chamber with a movable cylindrical inner surface on the discharge side and a piston enclosed therein and fixed to the container body side, and switching between open and closed states by separating and closing these components.

[0012] Furthermore, since the movable discharge section is located on the cylindrical inner surface, i.e., the cylinder side, the aim is to eliminate restrictions on the shape of its outer circumference, thereby improving design flexibility and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0013] Furthermore, in models equipped with a discharge valve, the discharge valve is opened when transitioning to metering mode. This reduces the pressure difference between the space between the discharge valve and the downstream valve and the external space, thereby preventing backflow of the contents and reducing contamination of the contents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The present invention solves the above problems as follows.

[0015] (1) A container body for containing liquid contents (for example, a container body 11 described later), a fixed stopper provided at the mouth of the container body (for example, a shoulder cover 12 described later), a liquid-tight and linearly movable fixed stopper having a discharge port for the contents (for example, a discharge port 13b described later), a quantitative chamber (for example, a quantitative chamber A described later) for measuring the contents between the fixed stopper and the fixed stopper, and an upstream valve (for example, a cylindrical outer surface 12f described later, upstream skirt) that controls communication between the inside of the container body and the quantitative chamber. A metering and dispensing mechanism comprising: a section 13e) and a downstream valve (for example, a downstream skirt section 12h, a downstream cylindrical inner surface 13f, and a groove section 13g, described later) that controls communication between the metering chamber and the passage to the discharge port, and a movable plug (for example, a movable plug 13, described later) that can switch between a metering mode in which the upstream valve is open and the downstream valve is closed and a dispensing mode in which the upstream valve is closed and the downstream valve is open, depending on the relative position with respect to the fixed plug operated by the user, The aforementioned quantitative chamber is The movable plug is divided into an upstream cylindrical inner surface (for example, the upstream cylindrical inner surface 13d described later) and a downstream cylindrical inner surface (for example, the downstream cylindrical inner surface 13f described later) that follows it, and an upstream piston (for example, the upstream piston 12d described later) provided on the fixed plug that slides against the upstream cylindrical inner surface and has a bulge in the center of its downstream side, and a downstream piston (for example, the downstream skirt portion 12h described later) that slides against the downstream cylindrical inner surface. The upstream valve is, It consists of the upstream cylindrical inner surface and the upstream piston, which are in a closed state when they are in liquid-tight contact with each other and in an open state when they are partially or completely separated. The downstream valve is, It consists of the downstream cylindrical inner surface and the downstream piston, which are in a closed state when they are in liquid-tight contact with each other and in an open state when they are partially or completely separated. The aforementioned discharge port is It has a contact portion (for example, the contact portion 13a described later) that the user presses against the surface to be coated (for example, the surface to be coated B described later) to operate it, When transitioning from the discharge mode to the metering mode, the downstream valve closes before the upstream valve opens. When transitioning from the metering mode to the discharge mode, the upstream valve closes before the downstream valve opens. Use one with a specific configuration. (2) In (1) above, The aforementioned upstream piston is It consists of a bowl-shaped portion that bulges downstream (for example, the bowl-shaped portion 12e described later) and a cylindrical outer surface that extends upstream from its periphery (for example, the cylindrical outer surface 12f described later), The upstream cylindrical inner surface is, In the discharge mode, the upstream end has an annular sealing portion (for example, the upstream skirt portion 13e described later) that can contact the cylindrical outer surface. The downstream cylindrical inner surface is, In the aforementioned discharge mode, it has a groove (for example, a groove 13g described later) that allows the contents to pass through while being partially separated from the downstream piston. Use one with a specific configuration. (3) In the above (1) and (2), The downstream piston is, It is connected to the downstream center of the aforementioned upstream piston in an integrated manner. Use one with a specific configuration. (4) In the above (1) to (3), The cross-sectional area of ​​the upstream piston and the cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream piston are the same. Use one with a specific configuration. (5) In the above (1) to (3), The cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream piston is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the upstream piston. Use a configuration aspect. (6) In the above (1) to (5), A cap (for example, the cap 14 described later) that covers the movable plug having a pulling engagement portion (for example, the pulling engagement portion 14b described later) that detachably engages with the movable plug is provided. When the cap is attached to the container body or the fixed plug, the pulling engagement portion engages with the movable plug. When the cap is removed from the container body or the fixed plug, the pulling engagement portion disengages from the movable plug after the movable plug has shifted to the metering mode. Use a configuration aspect. (7) In the above (6), The cap and the container body or the fixed plug each have a screwing portion (for example, the outward screwing portion 11b and the inward screwing portion 14a described later) that engages with each other. When the engagement of the screwing portion is released, the pulling engagement portion disengages from the movable plug after the movable plug has shifted to the metering mode. Use a configuration aspect. (8) In the above (6), The pulling engagement portion Engages with the inner surface of the discharge port. Use a configuration aspect. (9) In the above (1) to (8), The upstream piston and the downstream piston are integrally formed. Use a configuration aspect. (10) In the above (1) to (9), A discharge valve is provided at the downstream end of the downstream cylindrical inner peripheral surface, consisting of a discharge valve seat (for example, the discharge valve seat 13m described later) leading to the discharge port and a discharge valve body (for example, the discharge valve body 12m described later) connected to the downstream piston via an elastic portion (for example, the elastic portion 12n described later). In the metering mode, the discharge valve body and the discharge valve seat are separated and the discharge valve is in an open state. By shifting to the discharge mode, the discharge valve body abuts against the discharge valve seat and the discharge valve is in a closed state. When the user presses the discharge port against the surface to be coated, the discharge valve body exposed from the discharge port moves against the biasing force of the elastic part, causing the discharge valve to open. Use one with a specific configuration. (11) In the above (1) to (10), The aforementioned movable plug is The upstream cylindrical inner surface has a cylindrical portion (for example, the outer cylindrical portion 13j described later) on its outer circumference, with an annular space in between. The aforementioned fixing plug is The upstream piston has an outward-facing skirt portion (for example, an outer skirt portion 12k described later) that slides liquid-tightly on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, Use one with a specific configuration.

[0016] The present invention relates to a quantitative release mechanism having such a configuration and a product using the same. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] By adopting the above configuration, the present invention To prevent leakage of contents, improve design flexibility, and reduce manufacturing costs, It is possible to measure this. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the non-use mode of the metering and dispensing mechanism of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the state after the cap of the metering and dispensing mechanism in Figure 1 has been removed, and the system has transitioned to metering mode. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing the inverted state of the metering and dispensing mechanism in Figure 2, with the cap removed and the top and bottom reversed. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the state after the metering of the contents has been completed by pressing the area around the discharge port of the metering and dispensing mechanism against the surface to be coated. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a dispensing mode in which the area around the dispensing port of the metering and dispensing mechanism is further pressed against the surface to be coated, allowing the contents to flow out from the dispensing port. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing the non-use mode of the metering and dispensing mechanism equipped with the nozzle tip of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing the non-use mode of the metering and dispensing mechanism equipped with the discharge valve of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the state after removing the cap of the metering and dispensing mechanism and switching to metering mode. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing the non-use mode of the metering and dispensing mechanism with an integrally molded fixed stopper according to the present invention. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing the non-use mode of the slimmed-down metering and dispensing mechanism of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram showing the non-use mode of the slimmed-down metering and dispensing mechanism of the present invention, which has an integrally molded fixed stopper. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11.

[0020] In addition, the components of the following alphabetical reference symbols (e.g., the annular protrusion 11a) generally indicate that they are part of the components of the numerical part of the reference symbol (e.g., the container body 11).

[0021] Here, in Figures 1 to 11, 11 is a bottle-shaped container body that holds liquid contents. 11a is an annular projection provided on the outer circumferential surface of the opening of the container body 11. 11b is an outward-facing threaded portion provided on the outer circumferential surface of the opening of the container body 11. 12 is a shoulder cover that engages liquid-tightly with the opening of the container body 11 and serves as a passage for the contents to be discharged. 12a engages with the annular projection 11a of the container body 11 to resist the external force that occurs when removing the cap 14, as described later. 12b is a hanging cylindrical part that engages liquid-tightly with the inner circumferential surface of the opening of the container body 11. 12c is a communication port provided in the partition between the upstream and downstream sides, which connects the inside of the container body 11 with the upstream valve. 12d is an upstream piston located in the center of the partition and bulging outwards from the container body 11 towards the downstream side. 12e is the downstream portion of the upstream piston 12d and is a bulging bowl-shaped portion. 12f is the outer circumferential surface that extends upstream from the bowl-shaped portion 12e of the upstream piston 12d, and is the cylindrical outer circumferential surface that constitutes the upstream valve. 12g is a central rod that stands upright downstream from the apex of the bowl-shaped part 12e. 12h is the downstream skirt portion that forms the downstream valve, located around the tip of the central rod 12g. 12i is an inward-facing locking portion intermittently provided on the inner side of the outer peripheral wall of the shoulder cover 12. 12j is an outer cylindrical part (Figures 1 to 9) that rises from the partition and provides a liquid-tight seal between itself and the movable plug 13 described later. 12k is an outer skirt portion (Figures 10 and 11) provided at the end of the cylindrical portion that rises from the partition and provides a liquid-tight seal between it and the movable plug 13. 12m is provided at the tip of the central rod 12g and forms a discharge valve body (Figure 7) that constitutes the discharge valve with the discharge valve seat 13m described later. 12n is an elastic part (Figure 7) provided between the central rod 12g and the discharge valve body 12m that biases the discharge valve body 12m toward the discharge valve seat 13m. 13 is a movable plug that slides vertically relative to the shoulder cover 12. 13a is an operating part for switching to the dispensing mode, and is a contact part that the user presses against the object to be coated. 13b is the outlet for dispensing the contents. 13c is a flange portion in which the stepped portion on the outer circumference engages with the lifting engagement portion 14b described later. 13d is an upstream cylindrical inner surface provided at the upstream end of the upstream cylindrical inner surface 13d, 13e is the upstream skirt portion that constitutes the upstream valve. 13f is provided in a manner continuous with the upstream cylindrical inner surface 13d and constitutes the downstream valve, 13g is the groove portion that constitutes the downstream valve. 13h is an outward-facing locking portion that abuts against the inward-facing locking portion 12i to prevent the movable plug 13 from coming out (Figures 1-5, 9-11). 13i is an outer skirt portion (Figures 1 to 9) that provides a liquid-tight seal between the shoulder cover 12 and the movable plug 13. 13j is an outer cylindrical part (Figures 10, 11) that provides a liquid-tight seal between the shoulder cover 12 and the movable plug 13. 13k is a nozzle tip with a conical cup shape at the bottom, having a discharge port 13b in the center of the bottom and a contact portion 13a around its outer circumference (Figures 6-8). 13m is a discharge valve seat (Figures 7 and 8) located upstream of the discharge port 13b of the nozzle tip 13k, which constitutes a discharge valve. 13n is an annular projection provided on the outer circumference of the cylindrical part of the nozzle tip 13k (Figures 7 and 8). 14 is a sheath-shaped cap that screws onto the container body 11. 14a is an inward-facing threaded portion provided on the lower end side of the inner circumferential surface of the cap 14 and screwing into the outward-facing threaded portion 11b of the container body 11. 14b is a lifting engagement part provided on the top surface of the cap 14 that moves the movable stopper 13 together with the cap 14 when the cap 14 is removed from the container body 11, thereby transitioning to the weighing mode. A is a quantitative chamber partitioned by an upstream cylindrical inner surface 13d and a downstream cylindrical inner surface 13f provided on the movable plug 13, and an upstream piston 12d provided on the fixed plug that slides against the upstream cylindrical inner surface 13d and has a bulge in the center of its downstream surface, and a downstream skirt portion 12h that slides against the downstream cylindrical inner surface 13f. B is the surface to be coated against which the contact portion 13a is pressed. These are shown respectively.

[0022] Here, the shoulder cover 12, movable plug 13, central rod 12g, discharge valve body 12m, and cap 14 are made of plastic, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyacetal, nylon, or polybutylene terephthalate.

[0023] Furthermore, the container body 11 may be made of, for example, plastic, metal, or glass, and the elastic part 12n may be made of, for example, plastic or metal.

[0024] Figure 1 shows the non-use mode of the metering and dispensing mechanism.

[0025] The cap 14 is screwed onto the container body 11, pressing the movable stopper 13 against the shoulder cover 12. The cylindrical outer surface 12f of the upstream piston 12d, which constitutes the upstream valve between the container body 11 and the metering chamber A, and the upstream skirt portion 13e of the upstream cylindrical inner surface 13d are in liquid-tight contact, so the upstream valve is closed. Also, the downstream skirt portion 12h, which constitutes the downstream valve between the metering chamber A and the discharge port 13b, is in contact with the downstream cylindrical inner surface 13 which has a groove 13g, so the groove 13g communicates with the downstream skirt portion 12h by bypassing its upper and lower sides, so the downstream valve is open. The pull-up engagement portion 14b of the cap 14 is engaged with the lower side of the flange portion 13c.

[0026] The positional relationship between the shoulder cover 12 and the movable plug 13 is the same as that of the discharge mode shown in Figure 5.

[0027] In this state, the contents contained in the container body 11 do not flow into the metering chamber A. Furthermore, even when the downstream valve is open, the discharge port 13b is closed by the cap 14 contacting the contact portion 13a, so any residual contents inside the discharge port 13b or in the metering chamber A will flow out of the discharge port 13b and will not leak out through the gap between the cap 14 and the container body 11 and contaminate the outside.

[0028] When the cap 14 is rotated relative to the container body 11 as shown by the arrow in the diagram, the outward-facing threaded portion 11b and the inward-facing threaded portion 14a work together to detach the cap 14 upward from the container body 11. At this time, the movable plug 13 also moves upward together with the cap 14 due to the action of the lifting engagement portion 14b which engages with the flange portion 13c.

[0029] The dimensions and volumes of each part of the metering and dispensing mechanism in Figure 1 are, for example, The diameter of the downstream cylindrical inner surface 13f is 10.6 millimeters. The diameter of the cylindrical outer surface 12f is equivalent to that of the downstream cylindrical inner surface 13f. The movable distance between the shoulder cover 12 and the movable plug 13 is 6 millimeters. The distance from the shoulder cover 12 and the movable plug 13 in the furthest distance when they are in weighing mode until the upstream valve of the weighing chamber A closes is 3 millimeters. The distance from when the downstream valve of the quantitative chamber A is open until the shoulder cover 12 and the movable plug 13 come into contact in the vertical direction is 3 millimeters. The volume of quantitative chamber A is approximately 1 milliliter at its maximum.

[0030] Figure 2 shows the metering mode in which the user rotates the cap 14 of the metering and dispensing mechanism in Figure 1 relative to the container body 11, causing the cap 14 to move upward together with the movable stopper 13.

[0031] From this state, if the cap 14 is rotated further as shown by the arrow in the diagram, it will move upward and the screw connection with the container body 11 will be completely undone. However, the movable stopper 13 will not be able to move upward as the inward locking portion 12i and the outward locking portion 13h come into contact, and the engagement between the flange portion 13c and the pull-up engaging portion 14b will be disengaged.

[0032] Therefore, the engagement between the annular projection 11a and the annular recess 12a is set to be less likely to disengage than the engagement between the flange portion 13c and the lifting engagement portion 14b.

[0033] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the inverted state of the metering and dispensing mechanism in Figure 2 with the cap removed and the top and bottom reversed.

[0034] The contents of the container body 11 flow into the quantitative chamber A through the communication port 12c, the cylindrical outer surface 12f which is the upstream valve, and the upstream skirt portion 13e, as shown by the solid arrow, and the air in the quantitative chamber A flows out into the container body 11 in the opposite direction to the contents, as shown by the dashed arrow.

[0035] The lower surface of the upstream piston 12d has a bowl-shaped portion 12e that bulges downward, and the upper end of the uppermost upstream cylindrical inner surface 13d that partitions the quantitative chamber A is open. As air rises, it is pushed outwards by the bowl-shaped portion 12e and naturally guided to this upper end, where it is discharged from the quantitative chamber A.

[0036] Furthermore, since the central rod 12g is located at the center of the most bulging lower surface of the bowl-shaped portion 12e, it does not obstruct the buoyancy of air.

[0037] In this way, when the container is inverted, the air in the quantitative chamber A and the contents of the container body 11 are reliably replaced, so that only the contents are stored in the quantitative chamber A, and the quantitative accuracy of the discharged contents for each measurement is ensured.

[0038] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the state after the contact portion 13a of the metering and dispensing mechanism in Figure 3 has been pressed against the surface B to be coated, and the metering of the contents has been completed.

[0039] In this state, both the upstream and downstream valves are closed, and the metering chamber A becomes a separate space from the inside of the container body 11 and the discharge port 13b, ensuring accurate metering of the contents.

[0040] Furthermore, since the upstream and downstream valves do not open simultaneously, the contents do not flow directly from the container body 11 through the metering chamber A to the discharge port 13b.

[0041] Furthermore, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream cylindrical inner surface 13f and the cross-sectional area of ​​the cylindrical outer surface 12f are almost the same, the volume of the quantitative chamber A does not change even if the upstream piston 12d and the downstream skirt portion 12h move while both the upstream and downstream valves remain closed. As a result, the distance that both the upstream and downstream valves can travel while closed can be set to be longer, thereby improving the durability against valve deterioration.

[0042] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a discharge mode in which the contact portion 13a of the metering and dispensing mechanism in Figure 4 is further pressed against the surface B to be coated, allowing the contents to flow out from the discharge port.

[0043] In this state, the downstream valve is open, and the contents of the metering chamber A can flow out to the discharge port 13b through the groove 13g as shown by the solid arrow in the figure. The user applies the contents of the metering chamber A by shaking the metering mechanism up and down or by touching the contact part 13a to the surface B to be coated.

[0044] Since the downstream valve is housed inside the cylindrical section with the downstream cylindrical inner circumferential surface 13f, the contents do not directly come into contact with or leak from the outer circumferential surface of this cylindrical section. Furthermore, since the outer circumferential surface of this cylindrical section does not function as a sealing surface, it can take on any shape.

[0045] After this, the metering and dispensing mechanism is returned to its upright position, and then the cap 14 is screwed onto the container body 11 to return to the non-use mode shown in Figure 1.

[0046] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a non-use mode of the metering and dispensing mechanism equipped with the nozzle tip of the present invention.

[0047] In Figure 1, a nozzle tip 13k is provided instead of the flange portion 13c, and a contact portion 13a and a discharge port 13b are provided on the nozzle tip 13k.

[0048] Since the inner circumference of the discharge port 13b is engaged with the pull-up engaging portion 14b, the discharge port 13b can be stably closed without pressure from the cap 14 by appropriately setting the diameter of the inserted pull-up engaging portion 14b.

[0049] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the non-use mode of the metering and dispensing mechanism equipped with the discharge valve of the present invention.

[0050] In addition to the configuration of the metering and dispensing mechanism shown in Figure 6, the nozzle tip 13k is provided with an upward-pulling annular projection 13n, and an elastic part 12n and a discharge valve body 12m are provided on the downstream skirt part 12h, forming a discharge valve at the discharge port 13b together with the discharge valve seat 13m of the nozzle tip 13k.

[0051] In this non-use mode, and in the discharge mode where the relative positions of the shoulder cover 12 and the movable plug 13 are the same, the discharge valve body 12m contacts the discharge valve seat 13m due to the biasing force of the elastic part 12n, and the discharge valve is closed.

[0052] In this state, when the user presses the contact portion 13a against the surface B to be coated, the discharge valve body 12m protruding from the discharge port 13b is pushed in, separating from the discharge valve seat 13m, opening the discharge valve and allowing the contents to be discharged.

[0053] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the state after removing the cap of the metering and dispensing mechanism shown in Figure 7 and switching to metering mode.

[0054] If the movable plug 13 moves slightly upward from the state shown in Figure 7, the elastic part 12n will not stretch any further, the discharge valve body 12m will separate from the discharge valve seat 13m, and the discharge valve will open.

[0055] In this measuring mode, even if the user interrupts use and attaches the cap 14 to the container body 11 and moves the movable plug 13 downward, the discharge valve remains open, so the space between the downstream valve and the discharge valve is not compressed. Therefore, the movement of the movable plug 13 is not hindered, and a sudden backflow of residual contents does not occur when the downstream valve opens.

[0056] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the unused mode of the metering and dispensing mechanism with an integrally molded fixed stopper of the present invention, in which the central rod 12g in Figure 1 is integrally molded with the upstream piston 12d.

[0057] Since the central rod 12g is integrally molded with the upstream piston 12d, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0058] Furthermore, because the cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream cylindrical inner surface 13f is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the cylindrical outer surface 12f, when the contact portion 13a is pressed against the surface B to be coated, the volume of the metering chamber A decreases due to the movement of the movable plug 13 after the downstream valve opens, and a fixed amount is discharged onto the surface B to be coated without the user having to shake it.

[0059] By reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream cylindrical inner surface 13f, it becomes easier to integrally mold the central rod 12g and the downstream skirt portion 12h when manufacturing the shoulder cover 12.

[0060] The dimensions and volumes of each part of the metering and dispensing mechanism in Figure 9 are, for example, The diameter of the downstream cylindrical inner surface 13f is 5.2 millimeters. The diameter of the cylindrical outer surface 12f is 10.7 millimeters. The movable distance between the shoulder cover 12 and the movable plug 13 is 6 millimeters. The distance from the shoulder cover 12 and the movable plug 13 in the furthest distance when they are in weighing mode until the upstream valve of the weighing chamber A closes is 3 millimeters. The distance from when the downstream valve of the quantitative chamber A is open until the shoulder cover 12 and the movable plug 13 come into contact in the vertical direction is 3 millimeters. The volume of quantitative chamber A is approximately 1 milliliter at its maximum.

[0061] This meters 1 milliliter of the contents into the metering chamber A. As the contact portion 13a is pressed by the surface to be coated B or the like, the shoulder cover 12 and the movable plug 13 come into contact in the vertical direction, and 0.2 milliliters, which is 1 / 5 of the total volume, is discharged due to the volume change in metering chamber A. Subsequently, the remaining 0.8 milliliters are discharged from metering chamber A by shaking the metering mechanism up and down.

[0062] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the unused mode of the slimmed-down metering and dispensing mechanism of the present invention, in which an outer skirt portion 12k and an outer cylindrical portion 13j are provided instead of the outer cylindrical portion 12j and outer skirt portion 13i of Figure 1.

[0063] In Figure 1, the movable plug 13 has two sealing skirt sections, the upstream skirt section 13e and the outer skirt section 13i, which are adjacent to each other on the inner and outer circumferences. While this offers the advantage of standardizing the lubricant application process, it makes it difficult to narrow the width further while maintaining functionality.

[0064] However, by providing the outer skirt portion 13i as the outer skirt portion 12k on the shoulder cover 12 as shown in Figure 10, it becomes possible to narrow the gap between the upstream skirt portion 13e and the outer skirt portion 12k, and at the same time, the outer circumference of the movable plug 13 can also serve as the outer cylindrical portion 13j, thereby making the metering and dispensing mechanism more slender.

[0065] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the non-use mode of the slimmed-down metering and dispensing mechanism of the present invention, which has an integrated fixing plug.

[0066] Similar to Figure 9, the central rod 12g is integrally molded with the upstream piston 12d, and similar to Figure 10, an outer skirt portion 12k and an outer cylindrical portion 13j are provided, thus offering both the advantage of reducing the number of parts and making the metering and dispensing mechanism slimmer.

[0067] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. (11) The outward-facing threaded portion 11b is provided on the outer surface of the shoulder cover 12, rather than on the container body 11. (12) Increase the width and number of grooves 13g in the circumferential direction of the downstream cylindrical inner surface 13f to make the downstream cylindrical inner surface 13f between the grooves 13g into a rib shape. (13) Instead of the bottle-shaped container body 11, a flexible container such as a tube-shaped container or a pouch container is used. (14) The container body 11 is always used in an inverted state with the top surface of the cap 14 facing upwards relative to the shoulder cover 12, by suspending the container body 11 or by other means. You may do so.

[0068] Products to which the present invention is applied include a wide range of products such as detergents, cleaning agents, antiperspirants, coolants, muscle anti-inflammatory agents, hair styling agents, hair treatment agents, hair dyes, hair growth agents, cosmetics, shaving foams, food products, pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, paints, horticultural agents, repellents (insecticides), cleaners, deodorizers, laundry starch, urethane foam, fire extinguishers, adhesives, and lubricants.

[0069] The contents to be contained in the container body 11 are in liquid form. The components to be blended into the contents may include, for example, powders, oil components, alcohols, surfactants, polymer compounds, active ingredients according to the application, and water.

[0070] Powdered materials include metal salt powders, inorganic powders, and resin powders. For example, talc, kaolin, aluminum hydroxychloride (aluminum salt), calcium alginate, gold powder, silver powder, mica, carbonate, barium sulfate, cellulose, and mixtures thereof are used.

[0071] The oil components used include silicone oil, palm oil, eucalyptus oil, camellia oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, paraffin oil, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid.

[0072] Examples of alcohols used include monohydric lower alcohols such as ethanol, monohydric higher alcohols such as lauryl alcohol, and polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, glycerin, and 1,3-butylene glycol.

[0073] As surfactants, anionic surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate, nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene oleyl ether, amphoteric surfactants such as lauryldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine, and cationic surfactants such as alkyltrimethylammonium chloride are used.

[0074] Examples of polymer compounds used include methylcellulose, gelatin, starch, casein, hydroxyethylcellulose, xanthan gum, and carboxyvinyl polymer.

[0075] Depending on the application, the active ingredients used may include anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents such as methyl salicylate and indomethacin, disinfectants such as sodium benzoate and cresol, insect repellents such as pyrethroids and diethyltoluamide, antiperspirants such as zinc paraphenolsulfonate, cooling agents such as camphor and menthol, anti-asthma drugs such as ephedrine and adrenaline, sweeteners such as sucralose and aspartame, adhesives and paints such as epoxy resins and urethanes, dyes such as paraphenylenediamine and aminophenols, oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide, and fire extinguishing agents such as ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and sodium / potassium bicarbonate.

[0076] Furthermore, other substances besides those listed above, such as suspending agents, UV absorbers, emulsifiers, humectants, antioxidants, and metal ion chelating agents, can also be used. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 11: Container body 11a: Annular protrusion 11b: Outward threaded portion 12: Shoulder cover 12a: Annular recess 12b: Hanging cylindrical part 12c: Communication port 12d: Upstream piston 12e: Bowl-shaped part 12f: Cylindrical outer surface 12g: medium stick 12h: Downstream skirt section 12i: Inward locking part 12j: Outer cylindrical part 12k: Outer skirt section 12m: Discharge valve body 12n: Elastic part 13: Movable plug 13a: Contact part 13b: Discharge port 13c: Flange section 13d: Upstream cylindrical inner peripheral surface 13e: Upstream skirt section 13f: Downstream cylindrical inner circumferential surface 13g:Groove 13h: Outward-facing locking part 13i: Outer skirt section 13j: Outer cylindrical part 13k: Nozzle tip 13m:Discharge valve seat 13n: Pulled-up annular protrusion 14: Cap 14a: Inward threaded portion 14b: Lifting engagement part A: Quantification room B: Surface to be coated

Claims

1. A measuring and dispensing mechanism comprising: a container body for containing liquid contents; a fixed stopper provided at the mouth of the container body; a metering chamber having a discharge port for the contents and provided liquid-tight and linearly movable to the fixed stopper, with a metering chamber between it and the fixed stopper for measuring the contents; an upstream valve for controlling communication between the inside of the container body and the metering chamber; and a downstream valve for controlling communication between the metering chamber and the passage to the discharge port; and a movable stopper that can switch between a metering mode in which the upstream valve is open and the downstream valve is closed and a dispensing mode in which the upstream valve is closed and the downstream valve is open, depending on the relative position with respect to the fixed stopper operated by the user, The aforementioned quantitative chamber is The movable plug is divided into an upstream cylindrical inner surface and a downstream cylindrical inner surface thereafter, and the fixed plug is divided into an upstream piston that slides against the upstream cylindrical inner surface and has a bulge in the center of its downstream side, and a downstream piston that slides against the downstream cylindrical inner surface. The upstream valve is, It consists of the upstream cylindrical inner surface and the upstream piston, which are in a closed state when they are in liquid-tight contact with each other and in an open state when they are partially or completely separated. The aforementioned downstream valve is It consists of the downstream cylindrical inner surface and the downstream piston, which are in a closed state when they are in liquid-tight contact with each other and in an open state when they are partially or completely separated. The aforementioned discharge port is It has a contact portion around it that the user presses against the surface to be coated to operate it. When transitioning from the discharge mode to the metering mode, the downstream valve closes before the upstream valve opens. When transitioning from the metering mode to the discharge mode, the upstream valve closes before the downstream valve opens. A measuring and dispensing container characterized by the following features.

2. The upstream piston is, It consists of a bowl-shaped section that bulges downstream and a cylindrical outer surface that extends upstream from its periphery. The upstream cylindrical inner surface is, The upstream end has an annular seal portion that can contact the cylindrical outer surface during the discharge mode, The downstream cylindrical inner surface is, In the aforementioned discharge mode, it has a groove that allows the contents to pass through while being partially separated from the downstream piston. The metering and dispensing mechanism according to feature 1.

3. The downstream piston is, It is connected to the downstream center of the aforementioned upstream piston in an integrated manner. The metering and dispensing mechanism according to feature 1.

4. The cross-sectional area of ​​the upstream piston and the cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream piston are the same. The metering and dispensing mechanism according to feature 1.

5. The cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream piston is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the upstream piston. The metering and dispensing mechanism according to feature 1.

6. The movable plug is covered by a cap having an upward engaging portion that detachably engages with the movable plug, When the cap is attached to the container body or the fixed stopper, the lifting engagement portion engages with the movable stopper. When the cap is removed from the container body or the fixed stopper, the lifting engagement part disengages from the movable stopper after the movable stopper has been moved to the measuring mode. The metering and dispensing mechanism according to feature 1.

7. The cap and the container body or the fixing stopper each have a threaded portion that connects them to each other. When the connection of the screw portion is released, the lifting engagement portion moves the movable plug to the metering mode before disengaging from the movable plug. The metering and dispensing mechanism according to feature 6.

8. The aforementioned lifting engagement portion is Engaged to the inner surface of the discharge port, Measuring and dispensing mechanism according to feature 6

9. The upstream piston and the downstream piston are molded as a single unit. The metering and dispensing mechanism according to feature 1.

10. A discharge valve is provided at the downstream end of the downstream cylindrical inner surface, consisting of a discharge valve seat leading to the discharge port and a discharge valve body connected to the downstream piston via an elastic portion. In the aforementioned metering mode, the discharge valve body and the discharge valve seat are separated and the discharge valve is in an open state. By transitioning to the aforementioned discharge mode, the discharge valve body comes into contact with the discharge valve seat and the discharge valve becomes closed. When the user presses the discharge port against the surface to be coated, the discharge valve body exposed from the discharge port moves against the biasing force of the elastic part, causing the discharge valve to open. The metering and dispensing mechanism according to feature 1.

11. The aforementioned movable plug is The upstream cylindrical inner surface has a cylindrical portion on its outer circumference, with an annular space in between. The aforementioned fixing plug is The upstream piston has an outward-facing skirt portion that slides liquid-tightly on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion on its outer side, The metering and dispensing mechanism according to feature 1.

12. A measuring and dispensing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and a container body containing liquid contents, A product characterized by the following features.

Images