Quantitative dispensing container

Abstract

The present invention relates to a quantitative dispensing container comprising: a tube (110) having an open upper side, accommodating sample fluid therein, and having, at the lower portion thereof, a dispensing port (113) having a sample fluid discharge hole (113-1), through which the sample fluid is discharged, and a dispensing port cap (114), which opens / closes the dispensing port (113); a sample collection part (120) having a sample collection head (122), which wipes the surface of a subject so that a sample is collected on the surface thereof, and a sample collection rod (121), which extends from the upper portion of the sample collection head (122); a cap part (130) which is coupled to the open upper side of the tube (110), and is coupled to the upper end of the sample collection rod (121) so that the sample collection head (122) and the sample collection rod (121) are accommodated in the tube (110); and a dispensing amount adjustment part (140), which is coupled to the upper portion of the cap part (130) so as to adjust a sample fluid discharge amount such that a fixed amount of the sample fluid is discharged through the dispensing port (113), wherein the dispensing amount adjustment part (140) includes: a push cap (141) coupled to the cap part (130), and elastically deformed when pressed by a user; a cylinder (142), which is made of a hard material, has an upper end fitted and coupled to the upper inner wall surface of the push cap (141), and has a lower end disposed in the cap part (130) so as to be movable vertically; and a fixer (143) for fixing the push cap (141) to the cap part (130).

Description

quantitative dispensing container

[0001] The present invention relates to a quantitative dispensing container, and more particularly, to a quantitative dispensing container capable of accurately dispensing a set amount of a sample solution for sample culture.

[0002] Cleanliness testing has traditionally been performed to assess the cleanliness of objects such as fingers, equipment, food processing facilities, and medical facilities. Bacterial culture is one of the cleanliness testing methods used.

[0003] The bacterial culture method involves wiping the surface of the specimen to be tested for cleanliness using a cotton swab. The swab is then placed in a container containing a storage solution, sealed, and the specimen on the swab is stirred with the storage solution to form a sample solution in which the specimen is evenly diluted with the storage solution. To measure the number of bacteria such as Escherichia coli or coliform bacteria, the sample solution is cultured on film culture media or agar plates, and the cleanliness is determined based on the number of cultured bacteria.

[0004] For bacterial culture, it is important to dispense a quantitative amount of the sample solution contained in the container onto film culture media or KEPCO media. For this purpose, a variety of dispensing containers are conventionally used.

[0005] An example of a conventional dispensing container is disclosed in Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0140930, "Pipette Device." In the disclosed conventional pipette device, when a user presses a pressing plate, a pumping member provided under the pressing plate is elastically pressed, supplying air (A) to the container, so that a sample liquid is dispensed in proportion to the amount that the pumping member is pressed.

[0006] However, the disclosed conventional pipette device has a limitation in that the pumping member is formed of an elastic material, so that if the user does not pressurize the upper center but presses in the side or other direction, the set amount of sample liquid is not dispensed.

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the above-described problem, and to provide a quantitative dispensing container that can always dispense a set quantity of sample liquid regardless of the pressing direction and skill level.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a quantitative dispensing container that can confirm by sound that a quantitative sample liquid has been dispensed after a user performs a pressing motion with a finger.

[0009]

[0010] The object of the present invention can be achieved by a quantitative dispensing vessel. The quantitative dispensing vessel of the present invention comprises: a tube (110) having a dispensing port (113) which is open at the top, a specimen liquid is accommodated therein, and a specimen liquid discharge hole (113-1) formed at the bottom for discharging the specimen liquid; and a dispensing port cap (114) which opens and closes the dispensing port (113); a specimen collection unit (120) which has a specimen collection head (122) for wiping the surface of a specimen to collect a specimen on the surface, and a specimen collection rod (121) which is extended to the upper portion of the specimen collection head (122); a cap unit (130) which is coupled to the open upper portion of the tube (110) and is coupled to the upper end of the specimen collection rod (121) so that the specimen collection head (122) and the specimen collection rod (121) are accommodated inside the tube (110); It includes a dispensing amount control unit (140) that is coupled to the upper part of the cap part (130) and controls the amount of sample liquid discharged so that a fixed amount of sample liquid is discharged through the dispensing port (113), and the dispensing amount control unit (140) preferably includes: a push cap (141) that is coupled to the cap part (130) and elastically deformed when pressed by a user; a cylinder (142) made of a hard material whose upper end is fitted into the upper inner wall surface of the push cap (141) and whose lower end is arranged to be movable up and down on the cap part (130); and a fixer (143) that fixes the push cap (141) to the cap part (130).

[0011] According to one embodiment, it is preferable that the internal volume of the cylinder (142) corresponds to the standard dispensing amount of the sample liquid.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the cap part (130) comprises: a cap body (131) coupled to the upper end of the tube (110); a horizontal support plate (132) formed horizontally within the cap body (131) at a predetermined depth below the inner wall surface of the cap body (131); a rod coupling tube (133) formed vertically penetrating the center area of ​​the horizontal support plate (132) and into which the upper end of the specimen collection rod (121) of the specimen collection unit (120) is fitted; a cylinder guide tube (134) formed to protrude upward in a concentric shape with the rod coupling tube (133) on the horizontal support plate (132); The inner horizontal support plate (132a) between the cylinder guide tube (134) and the load coupling tube (133) includes an air flow hole (132-3) formed at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction to allow air (A) to move toward the tube (110), the push cap (141) is inserted between the inner wall surface of the cap body (131) and the cylinder guide tube (134), the upper end of the cylinder (142) is fitted into the upper inner wall surface of the push cap (141) and the lower end is arranged to be able to move up and down between the push cap (141) and the cylinder guide tube (134), and the fixer (143) is inserted between the inner wall surface of the cap body (131) and the lower end of the push cap (141) to fix the push cap (141) to the cap body (131).

[0013] According to one embodiment, the inner horizontal support plate (132a) corresponding to the position where the lower end of the cylinder (142) is lowered may further include a dispensing completion sound generating protrusion (132-1) that is elastically movable up and down and makes contact with the lower end of the cylinder (142) when the cylinder (142) is lowered, thereby generating a sound to notify the user that quantitative dispensing of the sample liquid has been completed.

[0014] According to one embodiment, a hook insertion hole (142-1) may be formed through the upper center of the cylinder (142), and a hook (141-3) may be provided at the upper center of the push cap (141) to be inserted into the hook insertion hole (142-1) and to support the cylinder (142) so that the cylinder (142) moves up and down in conjunction with the upper and lower parts of the push cap (141).

[0015] According to one embodiment, the surface of the tube (110) may be provided with a scale (111-3) indicating the amount of the sample liquid.

[0016] Meanwhile, the object of the present invention can be achieved by a quantitative dispensing container. The quantitative dispensing container of the present invention comprises: a tube (210) having a dispensing port (213) which is open at the top, contains a sample liquid inside, and has a sample liquid discharge hole (213-1) formed at the bottom through which the sample liquid is discharged; and a dispensing port cap (214) which opens and closes the dispensing port (213); a sample collection unit (220) having a sample collection head (222) which wipes the surface of a subject to collect a sample from the surface; and a sample collection rod (221) which is extended to the top of the sample collection head (222); A cap part (230) that is openably coupled to the open upper part of the tube (210) and coupled to the upper part of the specimen collection rod (221) so that the specimen collection head (222) and the specimen collection rod (221) are accommodated inside the tube (210); and a dispensing amount control part (240) that is coupled to the upper part of the cap part (230) and controls the amount of specimen liquid discharged so that a fixed amount of specimen liquid is discharged through the dispensing port (213), and the dispensing amount control part (240) includes a push cap (241) that is coupled to the cap part (230) and is elastically deformed when pressed by a user; It includes a cylinder (242) made of a hard material, the upper part of which is fitted into the upper inner wall surface of the push cap (241) and the lower part of which is arranged to be movable up and down on the cap part (230), and the cap part (230) includes a main cap (231) that is coupled to the upper part of the tube (210) and supports the push cap (241) so that it is exposed to the outside; a fixer (232-3) that is coupled to the upper part of the main cap (231) and fixes the lower part of the push cap (241) between the main cap (231) and the subcap (232) that is rotatably coupled to the fixer (232-3) and has a subcap body (232-1) that opens and closes the upper part of the push cap (241), and the internal volume of the cylinder (242) is characterized in that it is provided to correspond to a standard dispensing amount of a sample liquid.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the main cap (231) comprises: a main cap body (231-1) that is screw-connected to the upper end of the tube (210) and has a flange mounting jaw (231-1a) having a predetermined area extended radially inwardly in the central region along the height direction; a cylinder guide tube (231-5) formed on the inside of the main cap body (231-1) to have an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the cylinder (242) so that the cylinder (242) can vertically descend while making contact along the outer circumference; a support shaft coupling tube (231-7) that is provided in the central region of the cylinder guide tube (231-5) and into which the upper end of the specimen collection rod (221) of the specimen collection unit (220) is fitted; It may include a cylinder lowering limiting skirt (231-9) that connects the flange bracket (231-1a) and the lower end of the cylinder guide tube (231-5) to limit the maximum depth at which the cylinder (242) is lowered; and a connecting cone (231-9a) that connects the cylinder lowering limiting skirt (231-9) and the support shaft coupling tube (231-7).

[0018] According to one embodiment, a lower flange (241-1) is formed at the lower portion of the push cap (241) to be mounted on the flange mounting jaw (231-1a), a hook (241-3) protruding downward is provided on the upper inner wall surface, the cylinder (242) has an upper portion that is hooked to the hook (241-3) and a lower portion that is arranged to be movable up and down between the inner wall surface of the push cap (241) and the outer wall surface of the cylinder guide tube (231-5), and the fixer (232-3) is screw-connected to the upper inner wall surface of the main cap body (231-1) so that the lower portion contacts and presses the lower flange (241-1) mounted on the flange mounting jaw (231-1a) to fix the push cap (241) to the main cap (231), and the upper portion of the fixer (232-3) is provided with the A sub-cap support wall (232-3b) may be provided that protrudes upwardly higher than the main cap body (231-1) and contacts and supports the lower inner wall surface of the sub-cap body (232-1) when the sub-cap body (232-1) is closed to the fixer (232-3) to fix the closed position of the sub-cap (232).

[0019] According to one embodiment, a plurality of water flow holes (211-1a) may be formed radially recessed relative to the surface on the bottom surface of the tube (210) to allow the sample liquid to flow toward the dispensing port (213).

[0020] The quantitative dispensing container according to the present invention has a cylinder made of a hard material placed under a push cap made of an elastic material so that a quantitative sample liquid equivalent to the volume of the cylinder can be discharged.

[0021] In particular, since the cylinder is moved vertically by the cylinder guide tube, a fixed amount of sample liquid can be discharged regardless of the direction in which the push cap is pressed, so there is an advantage in that fixed amount dispensing is possible regardless of the user's skill level or the direction of pressurization.

[0022] In addition, a dispensing completion sound generating projection that rises and falls according to the up and down movement of the cylinder and generates a “click” sound is provided, which has the effect of allowing the user to recognize by sound that the push cap has been pressed until the specified amount of sample liquid is dispensed.

[0023] In addition, a quantitative dispensing container according to another embodiment can be manufactured by separating the cap portion into a main cap and a sub-cap, thereby resolving the complexity of a mold for injection molding, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and reducing product defects.

[0024] In addition, when the push cap is pressurized, the vibration generated when the hook touches the upper surface of the cylinder guide tube is transmitted to the user's finger, so that the user can recognize that the push cap has been pressed until a predetermined amount of sample liquid is dispensed.

[0025]

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the storage state configuration of a quantitative dispensing container according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the sample liquid discharge state of the quantitative dispensing container according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a quantitative dispensing container according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional configuration of a quantitative dispensing container according to the present invention in a storage state.

[0030] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional configuration of the sample liquid discharge state of the quantitative dispensing container according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the upper and lower configurations of the cap portion of the quantitative dispensing container according to the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the dispensing amount control unit of Fig. 4.

[0033] Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the dispensing amount control unit of Fig. 5.

[0034] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a storage state of a quantitative dispensing container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a sample liquid discharge state of a quantitative dispensing container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a quantitative dispensing container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 12 is an enlarged view showing the lower part of the tube of a quantitative dispensing container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional configuration of a quantitative dispensing container in a storage state according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional configuration of a sample liquid discharge state of a quantitative dispensing container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a cap portion of a quantitative dispensing container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the dispensing amount control unit of Fig. 12.

[0042] Fig. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the dispensing amount control unit of Fig. 13.

[0043]

[0044] To fully understand the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments of the present invention may be modified in various forms, and the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described in detail below. These embodiments are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those with average knowledge in the art. Therefore, the shapes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated to emphasize a clearer description. It should be noted that in each drawing, the same parts are sometimes depicted with the same reference numerals. Detailed descriptions of well-known functions and configurations that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention are omitted.

[0045]

[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state when storing a sample liquid in a quantitative dispensing container (100) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state when dispensing a sample liquid from a quantitative dispensing container (100), FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a quantitative dispensing container (100), FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional configuration of a quantitative dispensing container (100) of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional configuration of a quantitative dispensing container (100) of FIG. 2.

[0047] As illustrated, a quantitative dispensing container (100) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a tube (110) that receives a specimen solution (M) in which a storage solution and a specimen are mixed and dispenses the specimen solution (M) to the outside, a specimen collection unit (120) that wipes the specimen from the surface of a subject and receives it inside the tube (110), a cap unit (130) that is coupled to the upper portion of the tube (110) and to which the specimen collection unit (120) is fixed, and a dispensing amount control unit (140) that is coupled to the cap unit (130) and controls the dispensing amount so that a fixed amount of the specimen solution (M) is discharged to the outside from the tube (110).

[0048] A quantitative dispensing container (100) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided with a dispensing amount control unit (140) provided inside a cap unit (130) in a form in which a push cap (141) having elasticity and a cylinder (142) made of a hard material provided at the lower portion of the push cap (141) are double-joined. Accordingly, when a user presses the push cap (141), the cylinder (142) descends in conjunction with this, and a fixed amount of air (A) corresponding to the volume of the cylinder (142) is supplied to the tube (110), thereby causing a fixed amount of sample liquid (M) to be dispensed from the tube (110).

[0049]

[0050] The tube (110) contains a storage solution inside. When the specimen collection unit (120) from which the specimen is collected is inserted inside the tube (110), the tube stores the specimen solution, which is a mixture of the specimen and the storage solution, and discharges the specimen solution to the outside by the operation of the dispensing amount control unit (140).

[0051] The tube (110) includes a tube body (111) in which a storage liquid is contained, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a cap coupling member (112) that extends from the upper portion of the tube body (111) and is coupled to a cap portion (130), a dispensing port (113) provided at the lower portion of the tube body (111) to discharge a sample liquid (M) to the outside, and a dispensing port cap (114) that opens and closes the dispensing port (113).

[0052] The tube body (111) is provided in the form of a tube having a certain length. The tube body (111) is provided with a transparent synthetic resin material. A graduation (111-3) is formed on the front and back of the tube body (111) so that the user can visually check the volume of the sample liquid (M). When the user operates the dispensing amount control unit (140) to discharge the sample liquid to the outside, the user can check whether the specified amount of the sample liquid has been discharged through the graduation (111-3).

[0053] The cap joint (112) extends a certain length to the upper portion of the tube body (111) and is screw-connected to the interior of the cap body (131). The outer circumference of the cap joint (112) is provided with a first screw thread (112-1). The first screw thread (112-1) is screw-connected with the second screw thread (131-1) formed on the inner wall surface of the cap body (131) when the cap portion (130) is connected to the tube (110).

[0054]

[0055] The specimen collection unit (120) collects a specimen from the surface of the subject surface while being coupled to the cap portion (130) and is then accommodated inside the tube (110). The specimen collection unit (120) includes a specimen collection rod (121), a specimen collection head (122) provided at the lower portion of the specimen collection rod (121) to contact the subject surface and collect a specimen from the surface, and a specimen collection support shaft (123) that extends from the upper portion of the specimen collection rod (121) and is fixedly coupled to the cap portion (130).

[0056] The specimen collection head (122) is provided in a form having a certain area to facilitate specimen collection. The specimen collection head (122) may be formed of cotton material, PU (Polyurethane) material, or nylon material.

[0057] The specimen collection rod (121) extends from the specimen collection head (122) by the length of the tube (110). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the specimen collection rod (121) is inserted into the rod coupling tube (133) of the cap portion (130) so that the specimen collection portion (120) is fixed to the cap portion (130).

[0058] The specimen collection rod (121) is formed in an elliptical cross-section, and the specimen collection support shaft (123) is provided in a circular cross-section in the central area of ​​the specimen collection rod (121). The specimen collection support shaft (123) is joined in a stepwise manner with a smaller area than the specimen collection rod (121).

[0059] The specimen collection rod (121) is fixed in position by being inserted into the rod coupling tube (133) formed in the cap portion (130) as shown in (a) of Fig. 6.

[0060]

[0061] The cap (130) is detachably connected to the upper end of the tube (110). The cap (130) has a dispensing amount control unit (140) connected to the inside, and a sample collection unit (120) connected to the lower end. The cap (130) supports the sample collection head (122) so that it can collect a sample while being fixed to the sample collection unit (120), and supports the dispensing amount control unit (140) so that the sample liquid (A) can be discharged to the outside after being connected to the tube (110).

[0062] Fig. 6 (a) is a top perspective view of the cap portion (130), Fig. 6 (b) is a bottom perspective view of the cap portion (130), Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the periphery of the cap portion (130) of Fig. 4, and Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the periphery of the cap portion (130) of Fig. 5.

[0063] As illustrated, the cap part (130) includes a cap body (131) that is screw-connected to a tube (110), a horizontal support plate (132) that is provided horizontally inside the cap body (131) and is recessed from the top of the cap body (131) to a certain depth, a load coupling tube (133) that is formed vertically in the center area of ​​the horizontal support plate (132) to have a certain length in the vertical direction and into which the specimen collection support shaft (123) of the specimen collection part (120) is inserted, a cylinder guide tube (134) that is formed to protrude upward in a concentric shape with the load coupling tube (133) on the horizontal support plate (132) and guides the cylinder (142) of the dispensing amount control part (140) to move up and down, and an auxiliary cap (135) that is detachably connected to the cap body (131) and opens and closes the cap body (131).

[0064] The cap body (131) is coupled to the sample collection unit (120) while being separated from the tube (110), so that a user can hold the cap body (131) with his / her hand and press the sample collection unit (120) to collect a sample from the sample collection head (122). This prevents the user's hand from coming into contact with the sample collection head (122) and the sample collection rod (121), thereby preventing contamination of the sample collection unit (120).

[0065] A second screw thread (131-1) is formed on the inner wall surface of the cap body (131) and is screw-connected with the first screw thread (112-1) of the tube body (111). On the outer surface of the cap body (131), vertical protrusions may be formed along the circumferential direction to prevent slipping.

[0066]

[0067] As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 6, a horizontal support plate (132) is horizontally provided on the cap body (131) to limit the height at which the cylinder (142) descends. Here, an internal horizontal support plate (132a) provided horizontally between the cylinder guide tube (134) and the rod coupling tube (133) is provided with a dispensing completion sound generating protrusion (132-1) and an air flow hole (132-3), respectively.

[0068] A plurality of air flow holes (132-3) are formed at regular intervals along the circumference of the inner horizontal support plate (132a) so that when the cylinder (142) is raised and lowered, the air (A) inside the cylinder (142) that is pressurized and moved moves into the tube (110). When the air (A) moves into the tube (110) through the air flow holes (132-3), the amount of the moved air (A) is discharged to the outside through the dispensing port (113).

[0069]

[0070] Meanwhile, the dispensing completion sound generating protrusion (132-1) causes the cylinder (142) to descend by the pressure of the push cap (141), and when the user fully presses the push cap (141) with the thumb, the lower end of the cylinder (142) and the dispensing completion sound generating protrusion (132-1) come into contact with each other and generate a "click" sound, thereby notifying the user that the discharge of the specified amount of sample liquid through the dispensing port (113) is complete. Upon hearing the "click" sound, the user recognizes that the push cap (420) has been pressed until the standard amount of sample liquid is discharged, and takes his / her hand off.

[0071] As shown in the enlarged view in Fig. 3, a projection flow hole (132-1a) having a certain area cut along the circumference of the internal horizontal support plate (132a) is provided, and a division completion sound generating projection (132-1) bent in the shape of the letter “ㄱ” is provided in each projection flow hole (132-1a).

[0072] The burst completion sound generating protrusion (132-1) is arranged in a folded state by the folding line (132-1b), and as shown in Fig. 8, when the cylinder (142) is lowered, it is pressed by the cylinder (142) and generates a “click” sound.

[0073] The user will hear a "click" sound to indicate that the discharge of a quantitative amount, for example 1 ml of sample liquid, has been completed.

[0074] The sound generating projection (132-1) for completing the busy period can be changed into various shapes within a range that can generate sound in conjunction with the up and down movement of the cylinder (142).

[0075]

[0076] The load coupling tube (133) is formed vertically and at a certain length in the central area of ​​the internal horizontal support plate (132a). The load coupling tube (133) is formed to penetrate toward the tube (110), and as illustrated in FIG. 3, the specimen collection support shaft (123) of the specimen collection unit (120) is inserted into the load coupling tube (133) to fix the specimen collection unit (120) to the cap portion (130). The inner diameter of the load coupling tube (133) is provided to correspond to the shape of the load coupling tube (133), so that the load coupling tube (133) is forcibly fitted and its position is fixed.

[0077]

[0078] The cylinder guide tube (134) guides the elevation of the cylinder (142) so that the cylinder (142) can move up and down in the vertical direction when the cylinder (142) is moved up and down by the operation of the push cap (141). The cylinder guide tube (134) is provided with an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the cylinder (142). Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 7, in the initial state in which the cylinder (142) is elevated, the lower outer wall surface of the cylinder (142) is positioned to contact the upper end of the inner wall surface of the cylinder guide tube (134).

[0079] And, as shown in Fig. 8, when the push cap (141) is pressed by the user and the cylinder (142) is lowered, the outer wall surface of the cylinder (142) is lowered vertically in contact with the inner wall surface of the cylinder guide tube (134).

[0080] The cylinder (142) is lowered until the lower end of the cylinder (142) contacts the internal horizontal support plate (132a), and when the user separates the finger (f) from the push cap (141) and the push cap (141) elastically returns to its initial state, the cylinder (142) rises upward together with the push cap (141). At this time, the cylinder (142) is also raised vertically while being in contact with the cylinder guide tube (134).

[0081]

[0082] The auxiliary cap (135) rotates up and down on the cap body (131) to open and close the cap body (131). When the auxiliary cap (135) is closed, the push cap (141) is concealed, thereby preventing the specimen liquid from being discharged due to the push cap (141) being manipulated by carelessness, external force, wind, etc. when the push cap (141) is exposed to the outside.

[0083]

[0084] The dispensing amount control unit (140) controls the dispensing amount so that only the set exact amount (quantity) of the sample liquid (M) is discharged through the dispensing port (113). The dispensing amount control unit (140) includes a cylinder (142) made of a hard material having an internal volume formed to correspond to the quantity, a push cap (141) made of an elastic material that covers the upper part of the cylinder (142) and is pressed by the user, and a fixer (143) that fixes the push cap (141) to the cap body (131).

[0085] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the push cap (141) is provided in a cap shape with the lower part open and the upper part closed. A lower flange (141-1) formed along the circumferential direction is provided on the lower outer wall surface of the push cap (141), and a hook (141-3) for fixing a cylinder (142) to the push cap (141) is coupled to the upper central region so as to protrude downward.

[0086] The push cap (141), lower flange (141-1), and hook (141-3) are integrally formed of an elastic material having elasticity by injection molding. The push cap (141) is elastically compressed and deformed by the user's pressure.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 7, the push cap (141) is joined by a lower flange (141-1) inserted between the cap body (131) and the cylinder guide tube (134). The lower end of the push cap (141) is supported by contacting the internal horizontal support plate (132a).

[0088] As shown in Fig. 1, in a state of sample liquid storage where the user does not apply pressure, the initial shape is maintained, and as shown in Fig. 2, when the user applies pressure with a finger (f) to dispense the sample liquid, the shape is elastically compressed and crushed, and the pressure is transmitted to the cylinder (142).

[0089] The hook (141-3) is inserted into the hook insertion hole (142-1) of the cylinder (142) as illustrated in FIG. 7 to fix the push cap (141) and the cylinder (142). The push cap (141) is provided with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the cylinder (142) and is elastically spread and forcibly fitted to the outside of the cylinder (142). When the user presses the push cap (141), the push cap (141) is crushed and the cylinder (142) descends. When the user releases the pressure on the push cap (141), the push cap (141) is restored to its initial shape by the elastic restoring force of the push cap, and the cylinder (142) also rises together with the push cap (141).

[0090] In this process, in order to prevent the cylinder (142) from being lifted due to the gap between the cylinder (142) and the push cap (141), the hook (141-3) connects the upper part of the cylinder (142) and the upper part of the push cap (141) so that the cylinder (142) is lifted together with the rise of the push cap (141).

[0091]

[0092] The cylinder (142) is accommodated inside the push cap (141) and is lowered together by the pressurization of the push cap (141) to move air (A) inside the tube (110) so that the sample liquid (M) is discharged through the dispensing port (113). The cylinder (142) is fitted to the inner wall surface of the push cap (141) and the lower end is placed in contact with the inner wall surface of the cylinder guide tube (134).

[0093] The cylinder (142) is made of a hard material having a volume corresponding to the quantity specified in the test standard. For example, the cylinder (142) is provided to have a volume of 1 ml, so that 1 ml of the sample liquid can be dispensed.

[0094] The cylinder (142) is made of plastic or metal so that the push cap (141) is elastically compressed and maintains its shape even when deformed. That is, when the cylinder (142) is lowered, air (A) equivalent to the fixed internal volume of the cylinder (142) is moved to the tube (110), and a predetermined amount of the sample liquid (M) is discharged to the outside. Accordingly, regardless of the skill level and the direction in which the push cap (141) is pressed, a predetermined amount of the sample liquid (M) can be discharged to the outside by lowering the cylinder (142).

[0095]

[0096] The fixer (143) is fitted into the upper portion of the push cap (141) which is fitted between the cap body (131) and the cylinder guide tube (134) to fix the push cap (141) to the cap body (131). The fixer (143) is provided in a ring shape and is fitted between the outer wall surface of the cap body (131) and the push cap (141), so that the push cap (141) is stably fixed in position without being separated from the cap body (131) even during repeated operations in which the user presses the push cap (141) and the push cap (141) is elastically restored.

[0097]

[0098] The assembly process and operation process of a quantitative dispensing container (100) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention having such a configuration are described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0099] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the tube (110) is prepared with the dispensing cap (114) closed at the bottom of the tube body (111). The cap portion (130) is fixed to the specimen collection portion (120) by inserting the specimen collection support shaft (123) into the load coupling tube (133). Then, the lower flange (141-1) of the push cap (141) is inserted between the cylinder guide tube (134) of the cap portion (130) and the inner wall surface of the cap body (131). At this time, the cylinder (142) is inserted and fixed inside the push cap (141) by a hook (141-3).

[0100] When the push cap (141) is fitted to the lower flange (141-1), the cylinder (142) is arranged with its lower end in contact with the inner wall surface of the cylinder guide tube (134) as shown in FIG. 7.

[0101] The user holds the cap part (130) in which the specimen collection rod (121) and the dispensing amount control part (140) are combined by hand and collects the specimen by wiping the specimen surface with the specimen collection head (122). Then, as shown in Fig. 1, the cap part (130) is combined with the upper part of the tube (110) so that the specimen collection part (120) from which the specimen is collected is accommodated inside the tube (110).

[0102] As shown in Fig. 4, when the specimen collection unit (120) is inserted into the tube (110), the tube (110) is shaken so that the specimen in the specimen collection head (122) is mixed with the storage liquid. The specimen liquid mixed with the specimen is stored in the tube (110).

[0103] When dispensing a sample solution onto a film culture medium or agar culture medium for sample culture in a laboratory, the user opens the dispensing port cap (114) and exposes the sample solution discharge hole (113-1) of the dispensing port (113) to the outside.

[0104] Then, the auxiliary cap (135) of the cap body (131) is opened to expose the push cap (141) upward. In this state, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, when the user presses the upper portion of the push cap (141) with a finger (f), the lower portion of the push cap (141) is fixed by the fixer (143), so only the upper surface of the push cap (141) is compressed downward and crushed.

[0105] As illustrated in Fig. 5, the cylinder (142) positioned inside the push cap (141) descends vertically along the cylinder guide tube (134). When the user presses the push cap (141) with his / her hand and feels the lower end of the cylinder (142) touching the internal horizontal support plate (132a), he / she separates his / her finger (f) from the push cap (141).

[0106] Here, the cylinder (142) is lowered vertically along the inner wall surface of the cylinder guide tube (134), so that regardless of which direction the user presses on the push cap (141), the cylinder (142) moves vertically, so that a fixed amount of air (A) equal to the internal volume of the cylinder (142) moves to the tube (110).

[0107] As the cylinder (142) descends, a fixed amount of air (A) inside the cylinder (142) is pushed downward and moves to the tube (110) along the air flow hole (132-3) of the internal horizontal support plate (132a), and a fixed amount of the sample liquid (M) inside the tube (110) is discharged through the sample liquid discharge hole (113-1).

[0108] During this process, when the lower end of the cylinder (142) comes into contact with the internal horizontal support plate (132a), the dispensing completion sound generating protrusion (132-1) is pressed and comes into contact, generating a "click" sound. Upon hearing the "click" sound, the user recognizes that the push cap (141) has been pressed all the way down with the thumb, and separates the finger (f) from the push cap (141).

[0109] The user can recognize that the quantitative dispensing of the sample liquid (M) is completed by hearing a "click" sound, and can recognize the quantitative dispensing because the cylinder (142) comes into contact with the internal horizontal support plate (132a). At the same time, the user can confirm that the quantitative sample liquid (M) has been discharged by checking the graduation (111-3) on the surface of the tube (110).

[0110]

[0111] As described above, the quantitative dispensing container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention has a cylinder made of a hard material placed under a push cap made of an elastic material so that a quantitative sample liquid equivalent to the volume of the cylinder can be discharged.

[0112] In particular, since the cylinder is moved vertically by the cylinder guide tube, a fixed amount of sample liquid can be discharged regardless of the direction in which the push cap is pressed, so there is an advantage in that fixed amount dispensing is possible regardless of the user's skill level or the direction of pressurization.

[0113] In addition, a dispensing completion sound generating projection that rises and falls according to the up and down movement of the cylinder and generates a “click” sound is provided, which has the effect of allowing the user to recognize by sound that the push cap has been pressed until the specified amount of sample liquid is dispensed.

[0114]

[0115] Meanwhile, FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state when storing a sample liquid in a quantitative dispensing container (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state when dispensing a sample liquid from a quantitative dispensing container (200), FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a quantitative dispensing container (200), FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing the lower configuration of a tube (210) of a quantitative dispensing container (200), FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional configuration of a quantitative dispensing container (200) of FIG. 9, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional configuration of a quantitative dispensing container (200) of FIG. 10.

[0116]

[0117] As illustrated, a quantitative dispensing container (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a tube (210) that receives a specimen solution (M) in which a storage solution and a specimen are mixed and dispenses the specimen solution (M) to the outside, a specimen collection unit (220) that wipes the specimen from the surface of a subject and receives it inside the tube (210), a cap unit (230) that is coupled to the upper portion of the tube (210) and to which the specimen collection unit (220) is fixed, and a dispensing amount control unit (240) that is coupled to the cap unit (230) and controls the dispensing amount so that a fixed amount of the specimen solution (M) is discharged to the outside from the tube (210).

[0118] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a quantitative dispensing container (200) is formed by separating the cap portion (230) into a main cap (231) and a subcap (232). If the main cap (231) and the subcap (232) are formed integrally, the mold structure for injection molding becomes complicated, which increases manufacturing costs and may increase the defect rate. Therefore, the main cap (231) and the subcap (232) are separated, and the fixer (232-3) for fixing the dispensing amount control portion (240) is formed integrally with the subcap (232), which has the advantage of reducing the total number of components.

[0119] In addition, the dispensing amount control unit (240) provided inside the cap (230) is provided in a double-combined form with an elastic push cap (241) and a hard cylinder (242) provided at the lower portion of the push cap (241). Accordingly, when the user presses the push cap (241), the cylinder (242) descends in conjunction with this, and a fixed amount of air (A) corresponding to the volume of the cylinder (242) is supplied to the tube (210), so that a fixed amount of sample liquid (M) can be dispensed from the tube (210).

[0120]

[0121] The tube (210) contains a storage solution inside. When the specimen collection unit (220) from which the specimen is collected is inserted inside the tube (210), the tube stores the specimen solution, which is a mixture of the specimen and the storage solution, and discharges the specimen solution to the outside by the operation of the dispensing amount control unit (240).

[0122] The tube (210) includes a tube body (211) in which a storage liquid is contained, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, a cap coupling member (212) that extends to the upper portion of the tube body (211) and is coupled to a cap portion (230), a dispensing port (213) provided at the lower portion of the tube body (211) to discharge a sample liquid (M) to the outside, and a dispensing port cap (214) that opens and closes the dispensing port (213).

[0123] The tube body (211) is provided in the form of a tube having a certain length. The tube body (211) is provided with a transparent synthetic resin material.

[0124] The cap joint (212) extends a certain length to the upper part of the tube body (211) and is screw-connected to the inside of the main cap (231). The outer surface of the cap joint (212) is provided with a tube screw thread (212-1). The tube screw thread (212-1) is screw-connected with the lower screw thread (231-3) formed on the inner wall surface of the main cap (231) when the cap portion (230) is connected to the tube (210).

[0125] At the lower part of the cap joint (212), a main cap mounting protrusion (212-3) is provided that protrudes outward in a radial direction by a certain area and on which the lower part of the screw-joined main cap (231) is mounted.

[0126]

[0127] The dispensing port (213) protrudes downward from the central area of ​​the bottom surface of the tube body (211) to discharge the sample liquid (M) to the outside. A sample liquid discharge hole (213-1) is formed through the dispensing port (213). Here, the quantitative dispensing container (200) of the present invention can reduce the droplet-like falling of the sample liquid (M) when it is discharged to the outside by forming the dispensing port (213) long.

[0128] Meanwhile, as illustrated in Fig. 12, the bottom surface (211-1) of the tube (210) is formed to be inclined toward the dispensing port (213) so that the sample liquid (M) can easily flow into the dispensing port (213). In addition, a plurality of water flow holes (211-1a) are formed radially at regular angle intervals along the circumference in the bottom surface (211-1). The water flow holes (211-1a) form a faster flow of the sample liquid (M).

[0129] The dispensing port cap (214) is openably coupled to the lower part of the tube body (211) to open and close the dispensing port (213). The dispensing port cap (214) is rotatably coupled to the tube body (211) by a lower hinge (214-1). As shown in Fig. 13, the inner central region of the dispensing port cap (214) is provided with a discharge hole sealing projection (214-3) that surrounds the inside and outside of the sample liquid discharge hole (213-1) of the dispensing port (213) to seal the sample liquid discharge hole (213-1) when the dispensing port (213) is closed.

[0130]

[0131] The specimen collection unit (220) collects a specimen from the surface of the subject surface while being coupled to the cap portion (230) and is then accommodated inside the tube (210). The specimen collection unit (220) includes a specimen collection rod (221), a specimen collection head (222) provided at the lower portion of the specimen collection rod (221) to contact the subject surface and collect a specimen from the surface, and a specimen collection support shaft (223) that extends to the upper portion of the specimen collection rod (221) and is fixedly coupled to the cap portion (230).

[0132] The specimen collection head (222) is provided in a form having a certain area to facilitate specimen collection. The specimen collection head (222) may be formed of cotton material, PU (Polyurethane) material, or nylon material.

[0133] The specimen collection rod (221) extends from the specimen collection head (222) by the length of the tube (210). As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the specimen collection rod (221) is inserted into the rod coupling tube (330) of the cap portion (230) so that the specimen collection portion (220) is fixed to the cap portion (230).

[0134] The specimen collection rod (221) is formed in an elliptical cross-section, and the specimen collection support axis (223) is provided in a circular cross-section in the central area of ​​the specimen collection rod (221). The specimen collection support axis (223) is joined in a stepwise manner with a smaller area than the specimen collection rod (221).

[0135] The specimen collection rod (221) is fixed in position by being inserted into the rod coupling tube (317) formed in the cap portion (230) as shown in (a) of Fig. 15.

[0136]

[0137] The cap (230) is detachably coupled to the upper end of the tube (210) to open and close the dispensing amount control unit (240). In addition, the cap (230) fixes the dispensing amount control unit (240) and fixes the sample collection unit (220). The cap (230) supports the sample collection head (222) so that it can collect a sample while being fixed to the sample collection unit (220), and fixes the dispensing amount control unit (240) so that the sample liquid (A) can be discharged to the outside after being coupled to the tube (210).

[0138] Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the cap portion (230). As shown in Figs. 11, 15, and 16, the cap portion (230) includes a main cap (231) detachably coupled to the upper end of the tube (210), and a sub cap (232) detachably coupled to the upper end of the main cap (231).

[0139] The main cap (231) is attached to the top of the tube (210) to fix the sample collection unit (220) and support the cylinder (242) of the dispensing amount control unit (240) so that it can be lowered stably. The main cap (231) includes a main cap body (231-1) in a ring shape with the upper and lower sides open and coupled to the cap coupling end (212) of the tube (210), a cylinder guide tube (231-5) provided inside the main cap body (231-1) to guide the up and down movement of the cylinder (242) of the dispensing amount control unit (240), a support shaft coupling tube (231-7) provided in the central area of ​​the cylinder guide tube (231-5) to which the specimen collection support shaft (223) of the specimen collection unit (220) is coupled, a cylinder lowering restriction skirt (231-9) connecting the lower end of the cylinder guide tube (231-5) from the inner wall surface of the main cap body (231-1), and a connecting cone (231-9a) connecting the lower end of the support shaft coupling tube (231-7) from the cylinder lowering restriction skirt (231-9) at an angle.

[0140] The main cap body (231-1) is joined in a ring shape having an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the cap joint (212) and is joined to the outer wall surface of the cap joint (212). The inner wall surface of the main cap body (231-1) is provided with a flange mounting jaw (231-1a) that extends radially inwardly from the central area by a certain area and on which the lower flange (241-1) of the push cap (241) of the dispensing amount control unit (240) is mounted.

[0141] And, as illustrated in Fig. 16, the lower inner wall surface of the main cap body (231-1) is provided with a lower screw thread (231-3) that is screw-connected with a tube screw thread (212-1) centered on the flange mounting bracket (231-1a), and the upper inner wall surface is provided with an upper screw thread (231-2) that is screw-connected with a fixer (232-3).

[0142] The cap joint (212) of the tube (210) screwed into the lower screw thread (231-3) is inserted between the main cap body (231-1), the flange mounting bracket (231-1a), and the cylinder lowering restriction skirt (231-9) to be fixed in position. The lower end of the main cap body (231-1) is fixed stably by being placed on the main cap mounting bracket (212-3).

[0143] The fixer screw thread (232-3a) of the fixer (232-3) is screwed into the upper screw thread (231-2). The fixer (232-3) is screwed into the inner wall surface of the main cap (231) and is embedded into the interior of the main cap (231). At this time, the push cap (241) in which the lower flange (241-1) is mounted on the flange mounting jaw (231-1a) is fixed in position between the main cap (231) and the fixer (232-3) by the lower end of the fixer (232-3) being screwed into the lower flange (241-1).

[0144]

[0145] The cylinder guide tube (231-5) is formed in a concentric shape inside the main cap body (231-1). The cylinder guide tube (231-5) is provided in the shape of a cylindrical tube whose outer diameter corresponds to the inner diameter of the cylinder (242), so that when the cylinder (242) is lowered by the push cap (241) as shown in FIG. 17, the cylinder (242) is guided to be lowered stably in the vertical direction.

[0146] When the push cap (241) is pressed by the user and the cylinder (242) is lowered, the inner wall surface of the cylinder (242) is lowered vertically in contact with the outer wall surface of the cylinder guide tube (231-5).

[0147] The cylinder (242) is lowered until the lower end of the cylinder (242) is caught by the cylinder lowering restriction skirt (231-9), and when the user separates his / her finger (f) from the push cap (241) and the push cap (241) elastically returns to its initial state, the cylinder (242) rises upward together with the push cap (241). At this time, the cylinder (242) is also raised vertically while being in contact with the cylinder guide tube (231-5).

[0148] As illustrated in FIG. 15, a plurality of air flow holes (231-5a) are formed through the upper surface of the cylinder guide tube (231-5) to introduce air (A) into the inside of the tube (210). A plurality of air flow holes (231-5a) are formed at regular intervals along the circumferential direction on the upper surface of the cylinder guide tube (231-5) so that when the cylinder (242) is raised and lowered, the air (A) inside the cylinder (242) that is pressurized and moved moves into the inside of the tube (210). As illustrated in FIG. 17, the air (A) moved through the air flow holes (231-5a) moves into the inside of the tube (210) through the lower air flow holes (231-9b) formed in the cylinder lowering restriction skirt (231-9). When air (A) moves inside the tube (210), the amount of sample liquid equivalent to the amount of air moved is discharged to the outside through the dispensing port (213).

[0149]

[0150] The support shaft coupling tube (231-7) is formed with a certain length vertically in the central area of ​​the cylinder guide tube (231-5). The support shaft coupling tube (231-7) is formed with a lower end that is open toward the tube (210), and as illustrated in FIG. 13, the specimen collection support shaft (223) of the specimen collection unit (220) is inserted into the support shaft coupling tube (231-7) to fix the specimen collection unit (220) to the cap portion (230). The inner diameter of the support shaft coupling tube (231-7) is provided to correspond to the shape of the specimen collection support shaft (223), so that the specimen collection support shaft (223) is forcibly fitted and its position is fixed.

[0151]

[0152] The cylinder lowering limit skirt (231-9) fixes the positions of the cylinder guide tube (231-5) and the support shaft coupling tube (231-7) with respect to the main cap body (231-1) together with the connecting cone (231-9a), and limits the lowering height of the cylinder (242). As illustrated in FIG. 16, the cylinder lowering limit skirt (231-9) is formed to extend circumferentially from the flange mounting bracket (231-1a) to the lower portion of the cylinder guide tube (231-5), and the connecting cone (231-9a) connects the lower portion of the support shaft coupling tube (231-7) from the lower portion of the cylinder lowering limit skirt (231-9) in a conical shape.

[0153] The cylinder (242) is lowered between the cylinder lowering restriction skirt (231-9) and the cylinder guide tube (231-5) as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. At this time, the cylinder lowering restriction skirt (231-9) is formed to be inclined toward the inside, so that the width gradually decreases as it goes downward (W1>W2). Accordingly, the lower end of the cylinder (242) is sandwiched between the cylinder lowering restriction skirt (231-9) and the cylinder guide tube (231-5) with the reduced width, thereby restricting the lowering of the cylinder (242).

[0154] As illustrated in Fig. 15, a plurality of lower air flow holes (231-9b) are formed on the plate surface of the connecting cone (231-9a) along the circumferential direction. The lower air flow holes (231-9b) are formed coaxially with the air flow holes (231-5a). Accordingly, as illustrated in Fig. 17, when the cylinder (242) is pressurized and lowered by the push cap (241), the air (A) introduced into the air flow holes (231-5a) moves to the tube (210) via the lower air flow holes (231-9b).

[0155]

[0156] The subcap (232) is coupled to the upper part of the main cap (231) to fix the dispensing amount control unit (240) to the main cap (231) and open and close the dispensing amount control unit (240). As shown in FIGS. 11 and 15, the subcap (232) includes a fixer (232-3) that is screw-coupled to the upper part of the main cap (231) and fixes the push cap (241), and a subcap body (232-1) that is hinge-coupled to the fixer (232-3) to open and close the dispensing amount control unit (240).

[0157] The sub-cap body (232-1) is provided to have the same outer diameter as the main cap body (231-1) so that no step is formed in the boundary area with the main cap body (231-1) when closed, as shown in FIG. 13.

[0158] The fixer (232-3) is provided in the form of a ring that is inscribed in the main cap body (231-1), and a fixer screw thread (232-3a) that is screw-connected to the upper screw thread (231-2) of the main cap body (231-1) is formed on the outer periphery. As illustrated in Fig. 16, the fixer (232-3) is screw-connected between the outer wall of the main cap body (231-1) and the flange mounting jaw (231-1a), and pressurizes and fixes the lower flange (241-1) of the push cap (241) mounted on the flange mounting jaw (231-1a).

[0159] Meanwhile, a sub-cap support wall (232-3b) protrudes vertically upward from the upper portion of the fixer (232-3) to fix the sub-cap (232) in a closed state. The sub-cap support wall (232-3b) protrudes to a height higher than the upper portion of the main cap body (231-1) and has an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the sub-cap (232). Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 13, when the sub-cap (232) is closed on the fixer (232-3), it is fitted into the sub-cap support wall (232-3b) and the closed state is fixed.

[0160]

[0161] The dispensing amount control unit (240) controls the dispensing amount so that only the set exact amount (quantity) of the sample liquid (M) is discharged through the dispensing port (213). The dispensing amount control unit (240) includes a cylinder (242) made of a hard material whose internal volume corresponds to the quantity, and a push cap (241) made of an elastic material that covers the upper part of the cylinder (242) and is pressed by the user.

[0162] As illustrated in Fig. 11, the push cap (241) is provided in a cap shape with the lower part open and the upper part closed. A lower flange (241-1) formed along the circumferential direction is provided on the lower outer wall surface of the push cap (241), and a hook (241-3) is provided to protrude downward in the upper central area of ​​the push cap (241) and is coupled to fix the cylinder (242) to the push cap (241).

[0163] The push cap (241), lower flange (241-1), and hook (241-3) are integrally formed from an elastic material having elasticity by injection molding. The push cap (241) is elastically compressed and deformed by the user's pressure.

[0164] The push cap (241) is joined by a lower flange (241-1) being fitted between the main cap (231) and the fixer (232-3), as illustrated in Fig. 16. The lower end of the push cap (241) is mounted on a flange mounting bracket (231-1a).

[0165] As shown in FIG. 9, the push cap (241) maintains its initial shape in a sample liquid storage state when the user does not apply pressure, and as shown in FIG. 10, when the user applies pressure with a finger (f) to dispense the sample liquid, the push cap is elastically compressed and crushed, transmitting the pressure to the cylinder (242).

[0166] The hook (241-3) is inserted into the hook insertion hole (242-1) of the cylinder (242) as illustrated in FIG. 16 to fix the push cap (241) and the cylinder (242). The push cap (241) is provided with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the cylinder (242) and is elastically spread and forcibly fitted to the outside of the cylinder (242). When the user presses the push cap (241), the push cap (241) is crushed and the cylinder (242) descends. When the user releases the pressure on the push cap (241), the push cap (241) is restored to its initial shape by the elastic restoring force of the push cap, and the cylinder (242) also rises together with the push cap (241).

[0167] In this process, in order to prevent the cylinder (242) from being lifted due to the gap between the cylinder (242) and the push cap (241), the hook (241-3) connects the upper part of the cylinder (242) and the upper part of the push cap (241) so that the cylinder (242) is lifted together with the rise of the push cap (241).

[0168] In addition, when the push cap (241) is lowered by the user's pressure, the hook (241-3) comes into contact with the cylinder guide tube (231-5) as shown in Fig. 17, and informs the user that the push cap (241) has been lowered to the maximum depth. The user receives the contact shock applied when the elastic hook (241-3) collides with the upper surface of the hard cylinder guide tube (231-5) through his fingers, and informs the user that the push cap (241) has been lowered to the maximum depth.

[0169]

[0170] The cylinder (242) is accommodated inside the push cap (241) and is lowered together with the pressurization of the push cap (241) to move air (A) inside the tube (210) so that the sample liquid (M) is discharged through the dispensing port (213). The cylinder (242) is fitted to the inner wall surface of the push cap (241) and the lower end is placed in contact with the inner wall surface of the cylinder guide tube (231-5).

[0171] The cylinder (242) is made of a hard material having a volume corresponding to the quantity specified in the test standard. For example, the cylinder (242) is provided to have a volume of 1 ml, so that 1 ml of the sample liquid can be dispensed.

[0172] The cylinder (242) is made of plastic or metal so that the push cap (241) is elastically compressed and maintains its shape even when deformed. That is, when the cylinder (242) is lowered, air (A) corresponding to the fixed internal volume of the cylinder (242) is moved to the tube (210), and a predetermined amount of the sample liquid (M) is discharged to the outside. Accordingly, regardless of the skill level and the direction in which the push cap (241) is pressed, a predetermined amount of the sample liquid (M) can be discharged to the outside by lowering the cylinder (242).

[0173]

[0174] The assembly process and operation process of a quantitative dispensing container (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention having such a configuration are described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 17.

[0175] As illustrated in Fig. 11, the tube (210) is prepared with the dispensing cap (214) closed at the bottom of the tube body (211). The cap portion (230) is fixed to the specimen collection portion (220) by inserting the specimen collection support shaft (223) into the load coupling tube (317). Then, a rubber ring (233) is inserted into the lower end of the cap coupling end (212) of the tube (210), and the main cap (231) is screwed onto the tube screw thread (212-1) of the cap coupling end (212) to couple the main cap (231) to the tube (210).

[0176] When the main cap (231) is coupled to the tube (210), the lower flange (241-1) of the push cap (241) is placed on the flange mounting bracket (231-1a) of the main cap (231). At this time, a cylinder (242) is inserted and fixed inside the push cap (241) by a hook (241-3).

[0177] When the push cap (241) is mounted on the lower flange (241-1), the worker screws the fixer (232-3) into the upper screw thread (231-2) of the main cap (231) to attach the sub cap (232) to the main cap (231), and fixes the dispensing amount control unit (240) to the main cap (231).

[0178] The user holds the cap part (230) in which the specimen collection rod (221) and the dispensing amount control part (240) are combined by hand and collects the specimen by wiping the specimen surface with the specimen collection head (222). Then, as shown in Fig. 9, the cap part (230) is combined with the upper part of the tube (210) so that the specimen collection part (220) from which the specimen is collected is accommodated inside the tube (210).

[0179] As shown in Fig. 13, when the specimen collection unit (220) is inserted into the tube (210), the tube (210) is shaken so that the specimen in the specimen collection head (222) is mixed with the storage liquid. The specimen liquid mixed with the specimen is stored in the tube (210).

[0180] When dispensing a sample solution onto a film culture medium or agar culture medium for sample culture in a laboratory, the user opens the dispensing port cap (214) and exposes the sample solution discharge hole (213-1) of the dispensing port (213) to the outside.

[0181] Then, the subcap body (232-1) is opened from the fixer (232-3) so that the push cap (241) is exposed to the outside as shown in FIG. 9. In this state, when the user presses the upper part of the push cap (241) with a finger (f) as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 17, since the lower part of the push cap (241) is fixed by the fixer (232-3), only the upper surface of the push cap (241) is compressed downward and crushed.

[0182] The cylinder (242) located inside the push cap (241) descends vertically along the cylinder guide tube (231-5) and the cylinder lowering restriction skirt (231-9). When the user presses the push cap (241) with his / her hand and feels the hook (241-3) touching the upper surface of the cylinder guide tube (231-5), he / she separates his / her finger (f) from the push cap (241).

[0183] Here, the cylinder (242) is lowered vertically along the inner wall surface of the cylinder guide tube (231-5) and the cylinder lowering restriction skirt (231-9), so that regardless of which direction the user presses on the push cap (241), the cylinder (242) moves vertically, so that a fixed amount of air (A) equal to the internal volume of the cylinder (242) moves to the tube (210).

[0184] As the cylinder (242) descends, a fixed amount of air (A) inside the cylinder (242) is pushed downward and moves to the tube (210) along the air flow hole (231-5a) of the cylinder guide tube (231-5) and the lower air flow hole (231-9b) of the connecting cone (231-9a), and a fixed amount of the sample liquid (M) inside the tube (210) is discharged through the sample liquid discharge hole (213-1).

[0185] At this time, as illustrated in Fig. 12, the sample liquid (M) can be discharged more quickly and accurately to the dispensing port (213) by the water flow hole (211-1a) formed on the bottom surface of the tube (210). In addition, the length of the dispensing port (213) is formed longer than the conventional dispensing port, so that the sample liquid (M) can be supplied by flowing without falling in the form of a liquid crystal.

[0186]

[0187] As described above, a quantitative dispensing container according to another embodiment of the present invention has a cylinder made of a hard material placed under a push cap made of an elastic material so that a quantitative sample liquid equivalent to the volume of the cylinder can be discharged.

[0188] In particular, since the cylinder is guided vertically by the cylinder guide tube and the cylinder lowering restriction skirt, a fixed amount of sample liquid can be discharged regardless of the direction in which the push cap is pressed, so there is an advantage in that fixed amount dispensing is possible regardless of the user's skill level or the direction of pressurization.

[0189] In addition, the cap part can be manufactured separately into a main cap and a sub cap, thereby resolving the complexity of the mold for injection molding, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and reducing product defects.

[0190] In addition, when the push cap is pressurized, the vibration generated when the hook touches the upper surface of the cylinder guide tube is transmitted to the user's finger, so that the user can recognize that the push cap has been pressed until a predetermined amount of sample liquid is dispensed.

Claims

1. A tube (110) having a dispensing port (113) formed at the bottom, in which a sample liquid is received inside and a sample liquid discharge port (113-1) through which the sample liquid is discharged, and a dispensing port cap (114) for opening and closing the dispensing port (113); A specimen collection unit (120) having a specimen collection head (122) that collects a specimen by wiping the surface of the specimen and a specimen collection rod (121) formed as an extension on the upper portion of the specimen collection head (122); A cap portion (130) coupled to the open upper portion of the tube (110) and coupled to the upper portion of the sample collection rod (121) so that the sample collection head (122) and the sample collection rod (121) are accommodated inside the tube (110); It includes a dispensing amount control unit (140) that is coupled to the upper part of the cap unit (130) and controls the amount of sample liquid discharged so that a fixed amount of sample liquid is discharged through the dispensing port (113). The above dispensing amount control unit (140) is A push cap (141) that is coupled to the above cap portion (130) and is elastically deformed when pressed by a user; A cylinder (142) made of a hard material, the upper part of which is fitted into the upper inner wall surface of the push cap (141) and the lower part of which is arranged to be able to move up and down on the cap part (130); A quantitative dispensing container characterized by including a fixer (143) for fixing the push cap (141) to the cap portion (130).

2. In paragraph 1, A quantitative dispensing container characterized in that the internal volume of the cylinder (142) is provided to correspond to the standard dispensing amount of the sample liquid.

3. In paragraph 2, The above cap part (130) is, A cap body (131) coupled to the upper end of the above tube (110); A horizontal support plate (132) formed horizontally at a certain depth below the inner wall surface of the cap body (131) inside the cap body (131); A rod connecting tube (133) that is formed vertically through the center area of ​​the horizontal support plate (132) and into which the upper end of the sample collection rod (121) of the sample collection section (120) is fitted; A cylinder guide tube (134) protruding upward in a concentric shape with the load coupling tube (133) on the horizontal support plate (132); It includes an air flow hole (132-3) formed at a certain interval in the circumferential direction through the plate surface of the internal horizontal support plate (132a) between the cylinder guide tube (134) and the load coupling tube (133) to allow air (A) to move toward the tube (110). The above push cap (141) is inserted between the inner wall surface of the cap body (131) and the cylinder guide tube (134). The cylinder (142) is fitted at the upper end to the upper inner wall surface of the push cap (141) and the lower end is positioned so as to be able to move up and down between the push cap (141) and the cylinder guide tube (134). A quantitative dispensing container characterized in that the fixer (143) is inserted between the inner wall surface of the cap body (131) and the lower end of the push cap (141) to fix the push cap (141) to the cap body (131).

4. In paragraph 3, A quantitative dispensing container characterized in that it further includes a dispensing completion sound generating protrusion (132-1) that is elastically movable up and down on the plate surface of the internal horizontal support plate (132a) corresponding to the position where the lower end of the cylinder (142) is lowered, and that makes contact with the lower end of the cylinder (142) when the cylinder (142) is lowered, thereby generating a sound to notify the user that quantitative dispensing of the sample liquid is complete.

5. In paragraph 4, A hook insertion hole (142-1) is formed through the upper center of the cylinder (142). A quantitative dispensing container characterized in that a hook (141-3) is provided at the upper center of the push cap (141) to support the cylinder (142) so that the cylinder (142) moves up and down by being inserted into the hook insertion hole (142-1) and linked to the upper and lower parts of the push cap (141).

6. In paragraph 5, A quantitative dispensing container characterized in that the surface of the tube (110) is provided with a scale (111-3) indicating the amount of the sample liquid.

7. A tube (210) having a dispensing port (213) formed at the bottom, in which a sample liquid is received inside and a sample liquid discharge port (213-1) through which the sample liquid is discharged, and a dispensing port cap (214) for opening and closing the dispensing port (213); A specimen collection unit (220) having a specimen collection head (222) that collects a specimen by wiping the surface of the specimen and a specimen collection rod (221) formed as an extension on the upper portion of the specimen collection head (222); A cap portion (230) that is openably coupled to the open upper portion of the tube (210) and is coupled to the upper portion of the sample collection rod (221) so that the sample collection head (222) and the sample collection rod (221) are accommodated inside the tube (210); It includes a dispensing amount control unit (240) that is coupled to the upper part of the cap unit (230) and controls the amount of sample liquid discharged so that a fixed amount of sample liquid is discharged through the dispensing port (213). The above dispensing amount control unit (240) is A push cap (241) that is coupled to the above cap portion (230) and is elastically deformed when pressed by a user; It includes a cylinder (242) made of a hard material, the upper part of which is fitted into the upper inner wall surface of the push cap (241) and the lower part of which is arranged to be movable up and down in the cap part (230). The above cap part (230) is, A main cap (231) that is coupled to the upper part of the above tube (210) and supports the push cap (241) so that it is exposed to the outside; It includes a fixer (232-3) that is coupled to the upper part of the main cap (231) to fix the lower part of the push cap (241) between the main cap (231) and the subcap (232) that is rotatably coupled to the fixer (232-3) and has a subcap body (232-1) that opens and closes the upper part of the push cap (241). A quantitative dispensing container characterized in that the internal volume of the cylinder (242) is provided to correspond to the standard dispensing amount of the sample liquid.

8. In paragraph 7, The above main cap (231) is A main cap body (231-1) that is screw-connected to the top of the above tube (210) and has a flange mounting jaw (231-1a) of a certain area extended radially inward in the center area along the height direction; A cylinder guide tube (231-5) formed inside the main cap body (231-1) to have an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the cylinder (242) and to guide the cylinder (242) to descend vertically while making contact along the outer surface; A support shaft coupling tube (231-7) provided in the central area of ​​the above cylinder guide tube (231-5) and into which the upper end of the sample collection rod (221) of the sample collection unit (220) is fitted; A cylinder lowering limiting skirt (231-9) that connects the flange bracket (231-1a) and the lower end of the cylinder guide tube (231-5) to limit the maximum depth to which the cylinder (242) is lowered; A quantitative dispensing container characterized by including a connecting cone (231-9a) connecting the cylinder lowering restriction skirt (231-9) and the support shaft coupling pipe (231-7).

9. In paragraph 8, A lower flange (241-1) that is mounted on the flange mounting jaw (231-1a) is formed at the lower portion of the above push cap (241), and a hook (241-3) that protrudes downward is provided on the upper inner wall surface. The cylinder (242) is hung on the hook (241-3) at the top and is positioned so as to be able to move up and down between the inner wall surface of the push cap (241) and the outer wall surface of the cylinder guide tube (231-5) at the bottom. The above fixer (232-3) is screw-connected to the upper inner wall surface of the main cap body (231-1) and presses the lower flange (241-1) mounted on the flange mounting jaw (231-1a) at the lower end to fix the push cap (241) to the main cap (231). A quantitative dispensing container characterized in that a sub-cap support wall (232-3b) is provided on the upper end of the fixer (232-3) to protrude upwards higher than the main cap body (231-1) and to contact and support the lower inner wall surface of the sub-cap body (232-1) when the sub-cap body (232-1) is closed to the fixer (232-3) to fix the closed position of the sub-cap (232).

10. In paragraph 9, A quantitative dispensing container characterized in that a plurality of water flow holes (211-1a) are formed radially and sunken into the surface of the bottom surface of the tube (210) to allow the sample liquid to flow toward the dispensing port (213).

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