Fluid supply device and method for manufacturing a fluid supply device

Abstract

To provide a fluid supply tool capable of minimizing a fluid remaining in a storage part in use while keeping strength, and a method for producing the fluid supply tool.SOLUTION: A fluid supply tool 1 comprises: a storage part 2 formed to be hollow to store a fluid; and a supply part 6 provided at the storage part 2. The supply part 6 has: a supply port 62 for putting out the fluid to the outside; and a supply path 61 for communication between the supply port 62 and the inside of the storage part 2. The storage part 2 has a pressing part 5 deformed when external force is applied. The pressing part 5 is formed to be thinner than portions other than the pressing part 5 in the storage part 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid supply device and a method for manufacturing the fluid supply device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a conventional fluid supply device. The extrusion-type injection ointment container described in Patent Document 1 includes a hollow injection container body and a cylindrical injection container injection part protruding from the central part in the thickness direction of the injection container body.

[0003] The extrusion-type injection ointment container is formed of a flexible material. When a user applies an external force to the injection container body, the injection container body is deformed, the internal pressure of the ointment increases, and the ointment stored inside the injection container body exits from the injection container injection part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, the extrusion-type injection ointment container described in Patent Document 1 is formed with substantially the same thickness throughout. For this reason, if the overall thickness is too thin, the strength cannot be maintained, while if it is too thick, when the user applies an external force, it is difficult to extrude the ointment, and in this case, the ointment may remain in the injection container body.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a fluid supply device capable of reducing the fluid remaining in the storage part as much as possible during use while maintaining the strength, and a method for manufacturing the fluid supply device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A fluid supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a storage section formed in a hollow shape for storing fluid, and a supply section provided in the storage section. The supply section has a supply port for releasing the fluid and a supply passage connecting the supply port to the inside of the storage section. The storage section has a pressing section that deforms when an external force is applied. The pressing section is formed to be thinner than the rest of the storage section.

[0008] Furthermore, in the above-described fluid supply device, it is preferable that the supply section is provided in a part other than the pressing section.

[0009] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned fluid supply device, it is preferable that the pressing portion is formed in a dome shape.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above-described fluid supply device, it is preferable that the storage portion has a bottom portion facing the pressing portion, and the pressing portion is formed to become thinner as it approaches the portion furthest from the bottom portion.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above-described fluid supply device, it is preferable that the storage portion has a bottom portion facing the pressing portion, and that the bottom portion is formed in a dome shape such that it moves away from the pressing portion as it approaches the center of the bottom portion.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned fluid supply device, the thickness dimension of the portion of the pressing part to which the external force is applied is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above-described fluid supply device, the supply unit is preferably a cylindrical nozzle having the supply port at its tip.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above-described fluid supply device, it is preferable that the pressing portion has a marking portion to indicate that it is a portion in the storage portion to which external force is applied.

[0015] Furthermore, in the above-described fluid supply device, it is preferable that the storage portion is a part in which fluid for vaginal cleansing is stored, and that the supply portion is configured to be insertable into the vagina.

[0016] A method for manufacturing a fluid supply device according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing the fluid supply device. The method for manufacturing the fluid supply device involves molding by direct blow molding using a mold having a first molding surface that forms a surface including the pressing portion and a second molding surface that faces the first molding surface and forms a surface including the bottom portion in the storage portion that faces the pressing portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The fluid supply device and method for manufacturing the fluid supply device according to the above embodiment of the present invention have the advantage of being able to reduce as much fluid remaining in the storage section as possible during use while maintaining strength. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fluid supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a partially broken side view of the fluid supply device shown above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of section A in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a partially broken side view of the fluid supply device shown above, with an external force applied to the pushing portion. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view of the fluid supply device described above. [Figure 6] Figure 6(a) is a schematic diagram of the first step in the manufacturing method of the fluid supply device described above. Figure 6(b) is a schematic diagram of the second step in the manufacturing method of the fluid supply device described above. Figure 6(c) is a schematic diagram of the third step in the manufacturing method of the fluid supply device described above. Figure 6(d) is a schematic diagram of the fourth step in the manufacturing method of the fluid supply device described above. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] (1) Embodiment (1.1) Overview The fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment is a container for storing a fluid, and can supply the stored fluid to the body. As shown in FIG. 1, the fluid supply device 1 includes a storage portion 2 and a supply portion 6.

[0020] The storage portion 2 is formed in a hollow shape for storing a fluid. The supply portion 6 has a supply port 62 for discharging the fluid to the outside and a supply path 61 that connects the supply port 62 and the inside of the storage portion 2. The supply portion 6 is provided on the storage portion 2.

[0021] The storage portion 2 has a pressing portion 5. The pressing portion 5 is a portion that deforms when an external force is applied. As shown in FIG. 2, the pressing portion 5 is formed thinner than the other portions of the storage portion 2 other than the pressing portion 5.

[0022] In the fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment, the pressing portion 5 is formed thin and is more likely to deform than the other portions of the storage portion 2. Therefore, a sufficient external force can be applied to the pressing portion 5. For this reason, according to the fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to make the pressing portion 5 easily deformable while maintaining the strength of the storage portion 2. Further, in the fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment, by applying an external force to the pressing portion 5 while supporting the portions other than the pressing portion 5 in the storage portion 2, the pressing portion 5 can be deformed more greatly than other portions, so that the fluid remaining in the storage portion 2 during use can be reduced as much as possible. In short, according to the fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce as much as possible the fluid remaining in the storage portion 2 during use while maintaining the strength.

[0023] (1.2) Details Hereinafter, the fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0024] The fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment is a medical device that supplies fluid to the body, as shown in Figure 1. The fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment can supply fluid by inserting the supply unit 6 into an opening in the body. In this disclosure, "opening in the body" includes openings that are present in the body from birth and holes that are made in the body later in life, such as nostrils, oral cavity, pharynx, ear canal, anus, urethral opening, vaginal opening, wound, piercing hole, etc. The fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment is a vaginal cleansing device that can supply a cleansing body to the vagina when the supply unit 6 is inserted into the vaginal opening.

[0025] The fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment cleanses the vagina by supplying a cleansing fluid into the vagina. Examples of the cleansing fluid supplied into the vagina include purified water, deionized water, ultrapure water, pure water, distilled water, tap water, and pharmaceuticals. The cleansing fluid includes low-viscosity fluids such as liquids and high-viscosity fluids such as ointments, creams, and gels.

[0026] However, the fluid supply device 1 according to this disclosure does not have to be for the purpose of cleaning, and may supply fluids for purposes such as applying medicinal solutions to affected areas such as inflammation or wounds, or supplying lubricants. Furthermore, when the fluid supply device 1 supplies fluids to areas other than the vagina, a fluid suitable for the area to be supplied to will be selected. In short, with the fluid supply device 1 according to this disclosure, the fluid will be appropriately selected according to the purpose of supply, the target area, etc. Furthermore, the fluid may be a highly viscous fluid such as an ointment, cream, gel, or lotion, or a low-viscosity fluid such as a liquid or water.

[0027] The fluid dispenser 1 according to this embodiment is made of synthetic resin. The fluid dispenser 1 according to this embodiment is molded by direct blow molding, as will be described in detail in "(1.4) Manufacturing Method" below. The fluid dispenser 1 according to this embodiment is made of polyethylene. Examples of synthetic resins used when direct blow molding is performed include polyethylene and polypropylene. Examples of synthetic resins used when other molding methods are used include silicone rubber and soft polyvinyl chloride. As shown in Figure 1, the fluid dispenser 1 comprises a storage section 2 and a supply section 6.

[0028] For the sake of explanation, as shown in Figure 1, the direction in which the storage unit 2 and the supply unit 6 are aligned is defined as the "front-to-back direction." Within the front-to-back direction, the direction from the storage unit 2 towards the supply unit 6 is defined as the "forward direction," and the opposite direction is defined as the "rear direction." Furthermore, the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 1 is defined as the "up-down direction," and the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back and up-and-down directions is defined as the left-to-right direction. However, these definitions are made solely for the sake of explanation and are not intended to specify a particular mode of use.

[0029] (1.2.1) Storage section The storage section 2 is a hollow portion formed to store fluid. In this embodiment, the storage section 2 has flexibility in at least a part (in this case, the pressing section 5), and deforms when an external force is applied to this part. In this disclosure, "external force" refers to a unidirectional force from the outside to the inside of the storage section 2, and means a force that a user can apply with their finger. In this embodiment, the external force is, as an example, a downward force applied to the pressing section 5. As shown in Figure 2, the storage section 2 comprises a storage body 3, a bending point 4, and a pressing section 5.

[0030] (1.2.1.1) Storage body The storage body 3 is the main part of the storage unit 2. In this embodiment, the storage body 3 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening surface 34 on its upper surface. However, the opening surface 34 of the storage body 3 is closed by the push portion 5, and in this state, the storage body 3 holds the push portion 5. As shown in Figure 2, the storage body 3 comprises a bottom portion 31, a side portion 32, and an intermediate portion 33.

[0031] The bottom portion 31 is the part that constitutes the lower end of the storage portion 2. In this embodiment, the bottom portion 31 is formed at a position opposite to the pressing portion 5. The lower surface of the bottom portion 31 (in short, the lower surface of the storage portion 2) is a surface that faces downward. Here, "a surface that faces downward" means a surface in which, when the normal vector of the lower surface of the bottom portion 31 is decomposed into vertical and horizontal components, the downward component is greater than the horizontal component.

[0032] The bottom portion 31 in this embodiment is formed in a dome shape that bulges downward. More specifically, the bottom portion 31 is formed in a dome shape that goes downward as it approaches the intersection of the line D1 and the bottom portion 31. Here, "line D1" is parallel to the direction of the external force applied to the pressing portion 5 and passes through the center of the pressing portion 5. In this embodiment, "the intersection of line D1 and the bottom portion 31" corresponds to the center of the bottom portion 31 when viewed from above (hereinafter, in plan view), and "the center of the bottom portion 31" means the centroid of the bottom portion 31 in plan view. That is, the bottom portion 31 in this embodiment is formed in a dome shape that goes downward (i.e., to the opposite side from the pressing portion 5) as it approaches the center of the bottom portion 31 in plan view.

[0033] Furthermore, the term "dome-shaped" as used in this disclosure refers to a curved surface that forms an arc shape in both the cross section perpendicular to the front-to-back direction and the cross section perpendicular to the left-to-right direction. Therefore, the dome-shaped bottom 31 according to this disclosure also includes, for example, hemispherical and toroidal bottom 31s. A toroidal surface, as used here, is a curved surface in which the curvature of the lower surface of the bottom 31 in the cross section perpendicular to the front-to-back direction is different from the curvature of the lower surface of the bottom 31 in the cross section perpendicular to the left-to-right direction. Although the bottom 31 according to this embodiment is formed in a toroidal shape, the bottom 31 according to this disclosure may be formed in shapes other than dome-shaped, such as planar or cylindrical.

[0034] The side portion 32 is the part that surrounds the bottom portion 31 and the pressing portion 5 in a plan view. The surface of the side portion 32 according to this embodiment is a surface facing horizontally. Here, "surface facing horizontally" means a surface in which, when the normal vector of the surface of the side portion 32 is decomposed into vertical and horizontal components, the horizontal component is greater than the vertical component. The side portion 32 and the bottom portion 31 may be separated by an edge, or they may be continuous without a visible boundary.

[0035] In this embodiment, the side portion 32 rises from around the bottom portion 31. The side portion 32 has an opening 321 that penetrates the side portion 32 in the front-rear direction. The opening 321 is connected to the supply passage 61 of the supply unit 6, which will be described later, and is in fact connected to the supply port 62. Therefore, the fluid stored in the storage unit 2 passes through the opening 321 and the supply passage 61 and exits from the supply port 62.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the center of the opening 321 is shifted downward with respect to the virtual plane 35. The virtual plane 35 is perpendicular to the direction in which the push portion 5 is pushed (downward in this case) and passes through the center of the storage portion 2 in the direction in which the push portion 5 is pushed. The entire opening 321 according to this embodiment is located below the virtual plane 35. Here, the "center of the opening 321" as used in this disclosure means the centroid of the opening surface of the opening 321 that faces the storage portion 2. Therefore, for example, if the opening 321 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that it moves upward as it moves forward, then the centroid of the opening surface of the opening 321 that faces the storage portion 2 should be shifted downward with respect to the virtual plane 35. Furthermore, although the opening surface of the opening 321 according to this embodiment is substantially circular, in this disclosure it is not limited to a circle, but may be, for example, a polygon, an ellipse, a star shape, a cross shape, etc.

[0037] In this embodiment, the virtual plane 35 is parallel to the horizontal plane. However, the virtual plane 35 according to this disclosure is not limited to being parallel to the horizontal plane. For example, if the direction in which the push portion 5 is pressed is inclined with respect to the vertical plane, the virtual plane 35 will also be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0038] The intermediate portion 33 is a part provided between the side portion 32 and the pressing portion 5. The provision of the intermediate portion 33 allows a rib effect to be applied to the side portion 32, thereby increasing the rigidity of the side portion 32. As a result, even if an external force is applied to the pressing portion 5, deformation of the storage body portion 3 can be suppressed, and only the pressing portion 5 can be deformed. In this embodiment, the intermediate portion 33 extends from the upper end of the side portion 32 toward the center of the storage body portion 3 in a plan view. The intermediate portion 33 is formed integrally with the side portion 32 and is formed to be approximately the same thickness as the side portion 32.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the intermediate portion 33 in this embodiment intersects with the side portion 32; specifically, the intermediate portion 33 is substantially perpendicular to the side portion 32. The intermediate portion 33 in this embodiment is formed around the entire circumference of the side portion 32, or in other words, it is formed around the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the pressing portion 5.

[0040] In Figure 3, the boundaries of the side portion 32, the middle portion 33, and the pressing portion 5 are indicated by dashed lines 36 and 37. Dasted line 36 is the boundary between the side portion 32 and the middle portion 33, and dashed line 37 is the boundary between the middle portion 33 and the pressing portion 5. The width dimension H1 of the middle portion 33 (here, the width dimension of the surface perpendicular to the surface of the side portion 32) is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less, and more preferably 1.0 mm or more and 3 mm or less. Note that the dashed lines 36 and 37 shown in Figure 3 do not appear in the actual product.

[0041] (1.2.1.2) Starting point of the bend The bending point 4 is located between the intermediate section 33 and the pressing section 5, and is the part that bends when an external force is applied to the pressing section 5. As a result, when an external force is applied to the pressing section 5 in multiple different fluid supply devices 1, all fluid supply devices 1 bend at the bending point 4, as shown in Figure 4, so that the amount of fluid coming out of the supply port 62 of the supply section 6 can be made to be approximately constant. In short, according to the fluid supply device 1 of this embodiment, the amount of fluid supplied can be made approximately uniform in multiple different fluid supply devices 1.

[0042] In this disclosure, "breaking" means that when an external force is applied to the pressing portion 5, the breaking point portion 4 undergoes plastic deformation and does not elastically return to its original state even after the force applied to the pressing portion 5 is removed.

[0043] The bending point 4 in this embodiment is the boundary between the intermediate portion 33 and the pressing portion 5, and is formed to be thin. As shown in Figure 3, the bending point 4 is the same thickness as or thinner than the side portion 32 and the intermediate portion 33. When an external force is applied to the pressing portion 5, as shown in Figure 4, the pressing portion 5 is displaced downwards and the bending point 4 bends. At this time, the shape of the intermediate portion 33 is maintained. When the bending point 4 bends, the displaced state of the pressing portion 5 is maintained, so in the fluid supply device 1 of this embodiment, it is easy to tell that it is a used fluid supply device 1.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the thickness dimension H2 of the folding initiation portion 4 is preferably 1 mm or less, and more preferably 0.9 mm or less. While making the folding initiation portion 4 thinner can improve its ease of folding, from the viewpoint of the strength of the storage portion 2 and the ease of folding at the folding initiation portion 4, it is preferable that the thickness dimension of the folding initiation portion 4 be set to 0.6 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

[0045] Although the bending point portion 4 in this embodiment is formed with thin walls, in this disclosure, any structure that is easily bent when an external force is applied to the pressing portion 5 is acceptable, and may be composed of, for example, steps, grooves, V-notches, etc. Furthermore, the bending point portion 4 does not have to be continuous along its entire length in the longitudinal direction, and may be intermittent, for example.

[0046] (1.2.1.3) Pressing part The pressing section 5 is the part that is pressed by the user in order to send the fluid stored in the storage section 2 to the supply section 6 and the supply port 62. The pressing section 5 deforms when an external force is applied. In this embodiment, the pressing section 5 has an upward-facing surface, and an external force is applied to this upward-facing surface along the downward direction.

[0047] In this context, "a surface facing upwards" refers to a surface where, when the normal vector of the surface of the pressing part 5 is decomposed into vertical and horizontal components, the upward component is greater than the horizontal component.

[0048] The pressing portion 5 is formed in a dome shape, as shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the pressing portion 5 is formed in a dome shape that rises upward as it approaches the center of the storage portion 2 in a plan view. However, the pressing portion 5 according to this disclosure, like the bottom portion 31, may be formed in a shape other than a dome, such as a planar shape or a cylindrical surface shape.

[0049] In this embodiment, the pressing portion 5 is formed to become thinner as it approaches the portion furthest from the bottom portion 31 (in this case, the upper end). In this embodiment, the pressing portion 5 is formed to become continuously thinner as it approaches the upper end, but in this disclosure, it may be formed to become progressively thinner as it approaches the upper end.

[0050] The upper end of the pressing portion 5 is formed in a flat shape and is substantially parallel to the opening surface 34 of the storage body portion 3. The thickness dimension of the end of the pressing portion 5 on the storage body portion 3 side is preferably formed to be 0.5 mm or more and 1 mm or less, and more preferably 0.65 mm or more and 0.9 mm or less.

[0051] Furthermore, the thickness of the portion of the pressing part 5 to which force is directly applied by the user (in this case, the upper end) is preferably formed to be 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, and more preferably 0.25 mm or more and 0.35 mm or less. By forming the thickness of the portion of the pressing part 5 to which force is directly applied by the user to be 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, when the user applies an external force to the pressing part 5, that portion elastically stretches and makes it easier to contact the bottom part 31. In the pressing part 5 according to this disclosure, the entire pressing part 5 may be formed to be 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.

[0052] In the storage section 2 according to this embodiment, the thickness of the storage body 3 is formed to be between 0.65 mm and 1 mm, and is formed to be substantially uniform in thickness. The thickness of the folding point portion 4 is the same as or thinner than the thickness of the storage body 3. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pressing portion 5 is formed to become thinner as it approaches the upper end from the folding point portion 4. Therefore, the pressing portion 5 according to this embodiment is formed to be thinner than the other parts of the storage section 2 (in this embodiment, the storage body 3 and the folding point portion 4). Here, "the pressing portion 5 is thinner than the other parts" means that the average thickness of the pressing portion 5 is thinner than the average thickness of the other parts.

[0053] This allows the storage body 3 to be supported by a finger (for example, the second to fifth fingers) while an external force is applied to the pressing part 5 with a finger (for example, the first finger), thereby deforming the pressing part 5 while maintaining the shape of the storage body 3. As a result, when an external force is applied to the pressing part 5, the pressing part 5 deforms easily along the surface facing the pressing part 5 (the upper surface of the bottom part 31), allowing the fluid to be effectively sent from the storage part 2 to the supply part 6, and the amount of fluid remaining in the storage part 2 to be reduced as much as possible.

[0054] When an external force is applied to the pressing portion 5, it is preferable that the angle α between the pressing portion 5 and the intermediate portion 33 be set to 90° or more and less than 180°, from the viewpoint of promoting deformation of the pressing portion 5 and bending at the bending initiation point portion 4, as shown in Figure 3. In this embodiment, the angle α between the pressing portion 5 and the intermediate portion 33 is set to 115° ± 10°. Here, "angle α between the pressing portion 5 and the intermediate portion 33" means the angle between the surface of the end of the pressing portion 5 on the intermediate portion 33 side and the surface of the intermediate portion 33. If the surface of the pressing portion 5 is composed of a curved surface such as a dome shape, it means the angle between the tangent to the surface of the end of the pressing portion 5 on the intermediate portion 33 side and the surface of the intermediate portion 33.

[0055] By setting the angle between the pressing portion 5 and the intermediate portion 33 to 90° or more and less than 180°, when an external force is applied to the pressing portion 5, the pressing portion 5 is more likely to deform and displace downwards, and the bending point portion 4 is more likely to break.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the pressing portion 5 according to this embodiment has a marker portion 51 that indicates the part in the storage portion 2 where an external force is applied. By pressing the marker portion 51, the user can appropriately apply an external force to the storage portion 2 and appropriately cause deformation of the pressing portion 5 and bending at the bending point portion 4. As a result, with the fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment, the amount of fluid supplied can be made substantially uniform across multiple different fluid supply devices 1.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5, the marking portion 51 in this embodiment is a flat portion 511. The flat portion 511 is partially formed on the surface of the pressing portion 5. The flat portion 511 is formed in a substantially elliptical shape in plan view, but there are no restrictions on its shape; for example, it may be circular, polygonal, etc. The flat portion 511 is formed at the upper end of the pressing portion 5, in short, it is formed at the position furthest from the bottom portion 31 on the pressing portion 5. The flat portion 511 in this embodiment is perpendicular to the direction of the external force applied to the pressing portion 5 and is formed substantially parallel to the opening 321.

[0058] Therefore, when applying external force to the pressing section 5, the user can be informed in advance of the point in the pressing section 5 where the stroke is longest. As a result, the fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment allows the user to understand the appropriate position in the storage section 2 where external force is applied.

[0059] The marking portion 51 according to this disclosure is not limited to a flat portion 511, but may also be composed of, for example, a recess, one or more protrusions, a textured surface with fine irregularities, etc. A marking portion 51 composed of a shape such as a recess has the advantage that when a user presses the push portion 5, their finger can easily catch on the marking portion 51, thus preventing the finger from slipping. However, the marking portion 51 is not limited to a shape, but may also be made using, for example, printing, painting, light, etc.

[0060] (1.2.2) Supply section The supply unit 6 is provided in the storage unit 2 and discharges the fluid stored in the storage unit 2. In this embodiment, the supply unit 6 is a cylindrical nozzle and is inserted into the vagina. As shown in Figure 2, the supply unit 6 comprises a supply passage 61 and a supply port 62.

[0061] The supply passage 61 passes through the opening 321 of the storage section 2 and the supply port 62. The supply passage 61 is formed along the central axis of the supply section 6 (nozzle). In this embodiment, the supply section 6 is formed in a straight line, so the supply passage 61 is also formed in a straight line. However, the supply section 6 and the supply passage 61 may be formed in a curved shape.

[0062] The supply port 62 is formed at the tip of the supply unit 6. In this embodiment, the supply port 62 is the opening surface of the tip surface of the supply unit 6 and faces forward. However, the supply port 62 according to this disclosure may open in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the supply path 61 (i.e., in the radial direction of the supply unit 6). In this case, multiple supply ports 62 may be formed at intervals around the central axis. Furthermore, while the tip of the supply unit 6 is preferred as the location where the supply port 62 is formed, multiple supply ports 62 may be formed, for example, at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the supply unit 6.

[0063] In this embodiment, the central axis of the supply unit 6 is parallel to the front-rear direction and perpendicular to the direction (one direction) of the external force applied to the push unit 5. This makes it easy for the user to press the push unit 5 with their finger while the supply unit 6 is inserted into the vagina. Here, "perpendicular" means substantially "perpendicular," and includes an error of a few degrees, not just strictly "perpendicular." Here, "perpendicular" means that the user can easily press the push unit 5 with their finger while the supply unit 6 is inserted into the vagina, so an error of, for example, 90° ± 10° is also within the range of "perpendicular."

[0064] The supply section 6 protrudes forward from the side section 32 and is fixed to the side section 32. The supply section 6 according to this embodiment is formed in a circular cross-section, and is essentially a cylindrical nozzle. The supply section 6 comprises a small diameter section 63 and a large diameter section 64. The large diameter section 64 is a portion with a larger outer diameter than the small diameter section 63 and is formed in front of the small diameter section 63.

[0065] As shown in Figure 1, the fluid dispenser 1 according to this embodiment has a cap 7. The cap 7 is removably attached to the tip of the dispenser 6. By being attached to the dispenser 6, the cap 7 can close the dispenser opening 62.

[0066] (1.3) Usage example The fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment is used, for example, as follows: The user holds the fluid supply device 1, in which the cleansing fluid is stored, so that the front-to-back direction is aligned with the horizontal plane and the up-to-down direction is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The user moves the fluid supply device 1 in the forward direction while keeping its orientation the same, and inserts the supply unit 6 into the vagina.

[0067] Subsequently, the user applies external force to the pressing part 5 by pressing the marked part 51 of the pressing part 5 downward with their first finger. As a result, the pressing part 5 is displaced downward, the bending point part 4 bends, and the cleaning substance in the storage part 2 is discharged from the supply port 62. The cleaning substance discharged from the supply port 62 is supplied into the vagina, allowing for vaginal cleansing.

[0068] Next, the fluid supply device 1 is moved parallel to the rear, and the supply part 6 is withdrawn from the vagina. In this state, the pushing part 5 remains displaced downward, so it is immediately clear that the fluid supply device 1 has been used.

[0069] In the above example, the direction in which the external force was applied was downward, but this direction may be either left or right, or it may be inclined with respect to a vertical or horizontal plane.

[0070] (1.4) Manufacturing method Next, the manufacturing method of the fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment is formed by direct blow molding. As shown in Figures 6(a) to (d), an extruder 81, a mold 9, and a blow molding machine 82 are used for the direct blow molding according to this embodiment.

[0071] The extruder 81 is a device that extrudes molten resin material. The extruder 81 extrudes the resin material to form a parison 100. A parison 100 refers to a pipe-shaped resin material. The parison 100 extruded by the extruder 81 is supplied to the mold 9.

[0072] The mold 9 molds the parison 100 into a molded product by blowing air into it from the blow molding machine 82 while the parison 100 is sandwiched between the molds. The mold 9 according to this embodiment comprises a first mold 91 having a first molding surface 911 and a second mold 9 having a second molding surface 921.

[0073] The first molding surface 911 forms one side of the fluid supply device 1, including the pressing portion 5. The second molding surface 921 forms the other side, including the bottom portion 31. The first molding surface 911 and the second molding surface 921 form the outer surface of the fluid supply device 1.

[0074] When the first mold 9 and the second mold 9 are closed, a cavity is formed between the first molding surface 911 and the second molding surface 921. As shown in Figure 6(b), a parison 100 is placed in the cavity, and in this state, air is blown in from the blow molding machine 82 to form the molded product.

[0075] The blow molding machine 82 is a device that supplies air to the parison 100 placed inside the mold 9. The blow molding machine 82 has a discharge nozzle 821 for discharging air.

[0076] The manufacturing method for the fluid supply device 1 is as follows. In the first step, a parison 100 is formed as shown in Figure 6(a). In this embodiment, the resin material is melted using an extruder 81 and the resin material is extruded from the die 811. At this time, the extruded resin material forms a parison 100 that is formed in the shape of a pipe.

[0077] Next, in the second step, as shown in Figure 6(b), the parison 100 is placed between the first mold 91 and the second mold 92, and the first mold 91 and the second mold 92 are closed. When the first mold 91 and the second mold 92 are closed, both longitudinal ends of the parison 100 are sandwiched between the first mold 91 and the second mold 92.

[0078] Next, in the third step, as shown in Figure 6(c), air is blown into the parison 100 from the discharge nozzle 821 of the blow molding machine 82. As a result, the parison 100 expands along the molding surface of the mold 9, and the molded product is formed.

[0079] Next, in the fourth step, the molded product is cooled and hardened, and after opening the mold, unnecessary parts 93 (e.g., burrs) are cut off as shown in Figure 6(d). This yields the fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0080] According to this manufacturing method, the thickness of the parison 100 becomes thinner in areas far from the center, i.e., at the upper end of the pressing portion 5, and thicker in areas close to the center, i.e., at the storage body portion 3. Therefore, according to the manufacturing method of this embodiment, a fluid supply device 1 with different thicknesses in the pressing portion 5 and the storage body portion 3 can be suitably manufactured.

[0081] (2) Appearance As described above, the fluid supply device 1 according to the first embodiment comprises a storage section 2 formed in a hollow shape for storing fluid, and a supply section 6 provided in the storage section 2. The supply section 6 has a supply port 62 for releasing fluid to the outside and a supply passage 61 that connects the supply port 62 to the inside of the storage section 2. The storage section 2 has a pressing section 5 that deforms when an external force is applied. The pressing section 5 is formed to be thinner than the rest of the storage section 2.

[0082] In this embodiment, the pressing portion 5 is formed thinly and is more easily deformed than the other parts of the storage portion 2, so that sufficient external force can be applied to the pressing portion 5. Therefore, in this embodiment, while maintaining strength, the amount of fluid remaining in the storage portion 2 during use can be reduced as much as possible. In addition, because the pressing portion 5 is more easily deformed than the other parts of the storage portion 2, when an external force is applied to the pressing portion 5, it is difficult for the pressing portion 5 to return to its original shape. For this reason, it is easy to tell that the fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment is a used fluid supply device 1.

[0083] In the fluid supply device 1 according to the second embodiment, the supply section 6 is provided in a part other than the pressing section 5, as in the first embodiment.

[0084] According to this embodiment, even if force is applied to the supply unit 6, such as by inserting the supply unit 6 into an opening in the body, deformation and damage can be suppressed, and the strength of the fluid supply device 1 can be maintained.

[0085] In the third embodiment of the fluid supply device 1, the pressing portion 5 is formed in a dome shape, as in the first or second embodiment.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the pressing portion 5 can be made into a shape that is easily deformable, making it easier to send the fluid to the supply portion 6.

[0087] In the fourth embodiment of the fluid supply device 1, in the third embodiment, the storage section 2 has a bottom section 31 facing the pressing section 5. The pressing section 5 is formed to become thinner as it approaches the part furthest from the bottom section 31.

[0088] According to this embodiment, the part furthest from the bottom 31 can be easily deformed, so when force is applied to the pressing part 5, the part furthest from the bottom 31 can be brought closer to the bottom 31. As a result, with the fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment, the amount of fluid remaining in the storage part 2 during use can be reduced as much as possible.

[0089] In the fifth embodiment of the fluid supply device 1, in any one of the first to third embodiments, the storage section 2 has a bottom section 31 facing the pressing section 5. The bottom section 31 is formed in a dome shape such that it moves away from the pressing section 5 as it approaches the center of the bottom section 31.

[0090] According to this embodiment, when an external force is applied to the pressing portion 5 and the pressing portion 5 is deformed to a position close to the bottom portion 31, the bottom portion 31 conforms to the shape of the pressing portion 5, thereby reducing the amount of fluid remaining in the storage portion 2 as much as possible.

[0091] In the sixth embodiment of the fluid supply device 1, in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the thickness dimension of the part of the pressing section 5 to which the external force is applied is 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.

[0092] According to this embodiment, the pressing portion 5 can be made to have a structure that is easily deformable.

[0093] In the seventh embodiment of the fluid supply device 1, in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, the supply unit 6 is a cylindrical nozzle having a supply port 62 at its tip.

[0094] According to this embodiment, the fluid can be injected with the supply unit 6 inserted into an opening in the body.

[0095] In the eighth embodiment of the fluid supply device 1, in any one of the first to seventh embodiments, the pressing portion 5 has a marking portion 51 that indicates that it is a portion in the storage portion 2 to which an external force is applied.

[0096] In this embodiment, the user can visually or tactilely confirm the point where external force should be applied and then apply force to the pushing section 5, thereby effectively sending fluid to the supply section 6. As a result, in this embodiment, the amount of fluid remaining in the storage section 2 can be reduced as much as possible.

[0097] In the fluid supply device 1 according to the ninth embodiment, in any one of the first to eight embodiments, the storage section 2 is a section in which fluid for vaginal douching is stored. The supply section 6 is configured to be insertable into the vagina.

[0098] According to this embodiment, the amount of fluid remaining in the storage section 2 of the vaginal cleansing device can be reduced as much as possible.

[0099] The manufacturing method for the fluid dispenser 1 according to the tenth embodiment is the manufacturing method for the fluid dispenser 1 according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments. The manufacturing method for the fluid dispenser 1 involves molding using a mold 9 by direct blow molding. The mold 9 has a first molding surface 911 and a second molding surface 921 facing the first molding surface 911. The first molding surface 911 forms the surface of the fluid dispenser 1 that includes the pressing portion 5. The second molding surface 921 forms the surface of the fluid dispenser 1 that includes the bottom portion 31.

[0100] According to this embodiment, the fluid supply device 1 according to the above embodiment can be manufactured with good manufacturability.

[0101] The configurations relating to the second to ninth aspects are not essential to the fluid supply device 1 and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0102] (3) Variant The above embodiments are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. The embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. For example, the fluid dispenser 1 according to the present invention can be used not only for vaginal cleansing devices but also for injectable ointments (pharmaceuticals), nasal sprays (pharmaceuticals), lubricants to alleviate painful intercourse (general merchandise), portable anal cleansing devices (general merchandise), toothpaste (quasi-drugs, cosmetics), etc. The following lists some modifications of the embodiments. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the downward direction was described as one example of the direction in which an external force is applied to the pressing portion 5. However, the direction in which the external force is applied can be appropriately set depending on the position of the pressing portion 5. For example, if the main surface of the pressing portion 5 faces downward, the direction in which the external force is applied is upward. Alternatively, the main surface of the pressing portion 5 may be configured to face backward.

[0104] In the above embodiment of the fluid supply device 1, the supply unit 6 was a nozzle, but in the fluid supply device 1 according to this disclosure, the supply unit 6 may be, for example, a flexible tube, needle, shower head, etc.

[0105] In the above embodiment of the fluid supply device 1, the opening 321 is formed in the side portion 32. However, in the fluid supply device 1 according to this disclosure, the opening 321 may be formed in the bottom portion 31 as well as the side portion 32. In other words, the opening 321 according to this disclosure only needs to be formed in a location other than the pressing portion 5. In short, the supply portion 6 only needs to be provided in a location other than the pressing portion 5.

[0106] In the above embodiment of the fluid supply device 1, at least the pushing portion 5 was flexible, but in this disclosure, the storage body portion 3 and the supply portion 6 may also be flexible.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the entire pressing portion 5 was formed to be thinner than the storage body portion 3. However, in this disclosure, only the end of the pressing portion 5 on the storage body portion 3 side may be formed to be thinner than the storage body portion 3.

[0108] In this disclosure, expressions containing "approximately" or "approximately perpendicular" may be used. For example, "approximately parallel" means substantially parallel, and includes an error of a few degrees, not just strictly parallel. The same applies to other expressions containing "approximately".

[0109] Furthermore, this disclosure uses expressions that distinguish between "…end" and "…end," such as "front end" and "front edge." For example, "front end" refers to a portion that includes the "front edge" and encompasses a certain range. The same applies to other expressions that include "…end." [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1 Fluid supply equipment 2 Storage section 31 Bottom 5 Pressing part 51 Marker section 6 Supply section 61 Supply route 62 supply ports 9 molds 91 First mold 911 First molding surface 92 Second mold 921 Second molding surface

Claims

1. A storage section formed in a hollow shape for storing fluids, The supply unit provided in the storage unit has a supply port for releasing the fluid to the outside and a supply passage that connects the supply port to the inside of the storage unit, Equipped with, The storage section is, A pressing part that deforms when an external force is applied, It is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, with a bottom facing the pressing portion and sides that rise from around the bottom and surround the bottom and the pressing portion in a plan view, The intermediate portion and the bending point portion are formed between the upper end of the side portion and the base end of the pressing portion, It has, The aforementioned side surface is a surface in which, when the normal vector of the surface is decomposed into vertical and horizontal components, the horizontal component is greater than the vertical component. The aforementioned intermediate portion is formed to extend inward, substantially perpendicular to the side portion, without interruption, around the entire circumference of the upper end of the side portion. The aforementioned bending point is formed between the tip of the intermediate portion and the base end of the pressing portion, and bends when an external force is applied to the pressing portion. The pressing portion is formed in a dome shape, The pressing portion is formed to be thinner than the portion of the storage portion other than the pressing portion, including the bottom portion. The pressing portion is formed to become thinner as it approaches the part furthest from the bottom, The supply unit is provided only on the side portion. Fluid supply equipment.

2. The storage portion has a bottom portion facing the pressing portion, The bottom portion is formed in a dome shape such that it moves away from the pressing portion as it approaches the center of the bottom portion. The fluid supply device according to claim 1.

3. The thickness of the portion of the pressing area to which the external force is applied is 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. The fluid supply device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The supply unit is a cylindrical nozzle having the supply port at its tip. A fluid supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The pressing portion has a marking portion that indicates that it is the part to which external force is applied in the storage portion. A fluid supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned storage section is a part in which a fluid for vaginal douching is stored. The supply unit is configured to be insertable into the vagina. A fluid supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A method for manufacturing a fluid supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A first mold has a first molding surface that forms the bending point, the intermediate portion, and the side portion from the surface including the pressing portion, and a second mold has a second molding surface that faces the first molding surface and forms the bottom portion of the storage portion that faces the pressing portion. A parison is placed between the first mold and the second mold and molded by direct blow molding. A method for manufacturing a fluid supply device.

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