Liquid dispensing container

Abstract

A liquid dispensing container 102 comprises a container body 2a, a lid part 30, and a valve part 140 fitted to a center part of the lid part 30 and rotatably supported. The valve part 140 includes a first channel, a first contact surface 142 configured to be in watertight contact with the lid part 30 irrespectively of the rotational state of the valve part 140, and a second contact surface 144 configured to assume a contact state of being in watertight contact with the lid part 30 or a non-contact state of not being in watertight contact with the lid part 30, depending on the rotational state of the valve part 140. The second contact surface 144 is provided with a communicating opening 47d that connects to the first channel. When the second contact surface 144 assumes the contact state, the communicating opening 47d is closed by the lid part 30, and the interior of the container body 2a and the first channel are blocked. When the second contact surface 144 is in the non-contact state, the interior of the container body 2a and the first channel communicate through the communicating opening 47d. The second contact surface 144 has a level difference with respect to the first contact surface 142 in the radial direction of the valve part 140.

Description

liquid supply container

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid refill container.

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 5,999,623 discloses a conventional refueling unit. The refueling unit includes an annular wall that projects into the refueling unit and defines an outlet from the refueling unit. The annular wall is closable at its innermost end by a valve element that is biased against the annular wall. A hollow plug enters the annular wall, causing the valve element to lift from the annular wall. As a result, a flow path is defined from the refueling unit through the top of the plug, through at least one cutout formed in the bottom of the valve element, and down the hollow plug, with an annular seal sealing between the plug and the annular wall.

[0003] Special Publication No. 2012-508676

[0004] The refill unit described in Patent Document 1 can be attached and detached by inserting it into the water discharge device, but the valve element is forced against the annular wall by elastic deformation, resulting in a complex structure and the risk of malfunction due to foreign matter such as solidified liquid becoming trapped, resulting in liquid leakage. In response to this conventional technology, the present inventor devised a liquid refill container equipped with a mechanism that opens and closes based on the rotation operation of the liquid refill container when attaching and detaching. However, the present inventor recognized a new problem in that the addition of such a mechanism could result in liquid leakage during rotation.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a liquid refill container that can suppress liquid leakage.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a liquid refill container comprising: a container body that stores liquid to be refilled into a water discharge device; a lid that covers an opening of the container body; and a cylindrical valve that is fitted into the center of the lid and rotatably supported. The valve has a first flow path having a connection port that is connected to the water discharge device to refill the liquid, a first abutment surface that is configured to abut watertightly with the lid regardless of the rotational state of the valve, and a second abutment surface that is configured to be able to assume a watertight abutment state with the lid and a non-abutment state without watertight abutment with the lid depending on the rotational state of the valve. The second abutment surface has a communicating opening that leads to the first flow path, and when the second abutment surface is in an abutting state, the communicating opening is blocked by the lid portion, blocking the interior of the container body from the first flow path, and when the second abutment surface is in a non-abutting state, the interior of the container body is connected to the first flow path via the communicating opening, and the second abutment surface has a step between it and the first abutment surface in the radial direction of the valve portion.

[0007] 12. A schematic diagram illustrating the movement of a convex portion in a rotation guide portion. An end view of the lid portion and the valve portion as viewed from the opposite side of the container body. A cross-sectional view of the lid portion and the valve portion as viewed from the opposite side of the container body. A cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 12. A schematic diagram illustrating the movement of a convex portion in a rotation guide portion. An end view of the lid portion and the valve portion as viewed from the opposite side of the container body. A cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 15. An exploded perspective view of a liquid refill container according to a second embodiment. A cross-sectional view of the valve portion as viewed from below. A cross-sectional view of the liquid refill container according to the second embodiment. A cross-sectional view of the valve portion as viewed from above. A cross-sectional view of the main portion of the liquid refill container according to the second embodiment. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of the stopper, a perspective view of the appearance of the container mounting part from which the stopper has been removed, and a perspective view of a cross section of the essential part showing a state in which the stopper has been inserted into the insertion hole of the container mounting part.

[0008] Below, an embodiment for implementing the water discharge device of the present disclosure will be described. Identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. In each drawing, components will be omitted, enlarged, or reduced as appropriate for ease of explanation. The drawings should be viewed according to the orientation of the reference numerals. The structures and shapes referred to in this specification include not only structures and shapes that strictly match the contents referred to, but also structures and shapes that deviate by errors such as dimensional errors and manufacturing errors. In each drawing, some components that are not important for explaining the embodiment will be omitted.

[0009] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second are used to describe various components. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the configuration of the present disclosure. The following embodiments are provided as examples to help understand the contents of the present disclosure, and do not limit the configuration of the present disclosure.

[0010] Referring to Figure 1, the water discharger 1 houses piping and various components inside a rectangular parallelepiped case 10. A hose 81 extending from a water supply device 80 is connected to a water supply port 11 of the water discharger 1, and water is supplied from the water supply device 80. The water supply device 80 has, for example, a temperature adjustment function, a flow rate adjustment function, and a function for switching between water flow and water stop.

[0011] The water discharger 1 has a hose 82 of a shower head 83 connected to the water outlet 12. The water discharger 1 discharges either water or bubbles from the water outlet 12, and either water or bubbles is discharged to the outside from the shower head 83 through the hose 82. The water discharger 1 may be connected to a device other than the shower head 83. The water discharger 1 may also directly discharge either water or bubbles to the outside. The water discharger 1 may be configured to include discharge components such as the shower head 83. The water discharger 1 may have all of the functions of the water supply device 80. The water discharger 1 may have some of the functions of the water supply device 80.

[0012] A liquid supply container 2 for supplying a liquid containing a foaming component is detachably connected to the water discharge device 1. An operation button 13 that can be operated by the user and a display 14 that can be seen by the user are arranged on the front of the case 10. The display 14 is composed of components such as an LED and a liquid crystal display. The size of the case 10 is, for example, approximately 15 cm in height, 20 cm in width, and 5 cm in depth. The size of the case 10 is not limited to this.

[0013] 2 and 3, the water discharge device 1 includes a switch 3, a liquid suction device 4, a foaming device 5, a compressor 6, a container mounting unit 7, a control circuit unit 8, and a power supply unit 9. A check valve 90 is connected downstream of the water supply port 11, and the check valve 90 and the switch 3 are connected by a flow path 110. The check valve 90 prevents water from flowing back from the flow path 110 toward the water supply port 11.

[0014] The switch 3 switches the flow of water to two flow paths 111 and 112 branching from the flow path 110. One of the flow paths 111 is connected to the junction 92. A check valve 91 provided in the flow path 111 prevents backflow from the junction 92 side to the switch 3 side. A flow rate regulator 93 and a check valve 94 are provided in the other flow path 112. The flow path 112 is connected to the liquid aspirator 4. The flow rate regulator 93 is composed of a constant flow valve, a pressure reducing valve, etc. The flow rate regulator 93 adjusts the downstream flow rate to, for example, about 1 liter per minute. The check valve 94 prevents backflow from the liquid aspirator 4 side to the switch 3 side.

[0015] The liquid aspirator 4 is, for example, an ejector. The liquid aspirator 4 aspirates the liquid supplied from the liquid supply container 2 into the water flowing in from the flow path 112, mixes it, and flows it to the downstream flow path 113. The liquid supply container 2 and the liquid aspirator 4 are connected by a flow path 114. A check valve 95 is arranged in the flow path 114 to prevent backflow from the liquid aspirator 4 side to the liquid supply container 2 side.

[0016] The flow path 113 is connected to the foamer 5. The flow path 113 supplies mixed water, which is a mixture of water and a liquid containing a foaming component, to the foamer 5. The foamer 5 generates foam by mixing compressed air from the compressor 6 with the mixed water supplied from the flow path 113, and flows the foam into the flow path 115. The compressor 6 sends compressed air to the foamer 5 through an air flow path 116. A check valve 96 is arranged in the flow path 116 to prevent backflow from the foamer 5 side to the compressor 6 side.

[0017] The junction 92 is a flow path that joins the flow path 111 and the flow path 115 and connects to the water outlet 12. As described above, the hose 82 of the shower head 83 is connected to the water outlet 12.

[0018] The control circuit unit 8 receives power from the power supply unit 9 and operates the switch 3, compressor 6, etc. The power supply unit 9 is, for example, a variety of batteries such as a lithium-ion battery. The power supply unit 9 may also be configured with a power supply circuit for using power supplied from a household power source. The control circuit unit 8 accepts operation input from the connected operation button 13 and operates the switch 3, compressor 6, etc. The control circuit unit 8 also displays information such as the operating status of the water discharger 1 and the remaining power level of the power supply unit 9 on the display 14.

[0019] The water discharger 1 discharges water supplied from the water supply device 80 through the flow path 111 from the water outlet 12 without generating bubbles. By switching with the switch 3, the water discharger 1 generates bubbles through the flow paths 112, 113, and 115 and discharges the bubbles from the water outlet 12. The water discharger 1 discharges fine bubbles by forming fine bubbles with the foaming device 5.

[0020] The water discharger 1 switches between a first discharge state in which supplied water is discharged and a second discharge state in which a fluid containing an additive is discharged. The fluid containing the additive in the second discharge state may contain air. The water discharger 1 may add a liquid having a foaming component to the supplied water as the fluid containing the additive in the second discharge state, and then add air to generate foam, which is discharged from the water outlet 12. The water discharger 1 may add various additives to the supplied water for the purpose of cleansing the user's body, improving beauty and health, etc. When adding an additive other than a liquid having a foaming component to the supplied water, the foamer 5 may be replaced with an ejector, and the compressor 6 may be replaced with an air intake mechanism.

[0021] The liquid supply container 2 contains a liquid additive to be added to the water supplied to the water discharger 1. The liquid supply container 2 is detachable from the water discharger 1, and can be replaced with a new one when the liquid inside the container runs out. The water discharger 1 can be equipped with a plurality of liquid supply containers 2 filled with liquids of different scents, for example, so that the user can change the liquid supply container 2 to suit their mood before the liquid runs out. The water discharger 1 can be made smaller by attaching and detaching the liquid supply container 2 to supply the additive.

[0022] [First embodiment] A liquid refill container 2 according to the first embodiment will be described below. See Fig. 4. The liquid refill container 2 has a container body 2a, a lid portion 30, and a valve portion 40. The container body 2a is a cylindrical hollow container that contains liquid therein. The container body 2a has a cylindrical opening 20. The outer peripheral surface of the opening 20 is provided with a threaded portion 21 formed as a helical ridge. The outer peripheral surface of the opening 20 is formed with a flange portion 22 for preventing the lid portion 30 from loosening.

[0023] Referring to Figure 5, the flange 22 is made up of a plurality of cam portions 22a that are continuous in the circumferential direction. The cam portions 22a extend in the circumferential direction from one end 22b to the other end 22c, and are formed so that the radius from the central axis C gradually increases from the one end 22b to the other end 22c. The other end 22c of each cam portion 22a is continuous with the one end 22b of the circumferentially adjacent cam portion 22a.

[0024] Returning to Figure 4, the lid 30 fits into the opening 20 and is attached to the opening 20 by screw fastening, covering the opening 20. The lid 30 is a flat, cylindrical member having an inner cylinder 31 and an outer cylinder 32. The inner cylinder 31 and the outer cylinder 32 are formed as concentric cylinders. A cylindrical intake pipe attachment portion 39 is provided at the center of the bottom 31a of the inner cylinder 31. The intake pipe 39a is attached to the intake pipe attachment portion 39. When the lid 30 is attached to the container body 2a, the intake pipe 39a extends from the opening 20 of the container body 2a to the bottom 2b. There is a gap between the intake pipe 39a and the inner surface of the bottom 2b.

[0025] The inner cylinder 31 has a first opening 33 that extends axially from the peripheral edge of the bottom 31 a and penetrates the body 31 b by cutting out the body 31 b. The inner cylinder 31 has a second opening 34 that penetrates the body 31 b in the axial direction on the side of the bottom 31 a of the intake pipe mounting portion 39.

[0026] The outer tube portion 32 has a rotation guide portion 35 formed into a recessed shape by drilling into its outer surface. The rotation guide portion 35 extends axially from the bottom portion 30a, bends, and extends circumferentially to the rotation restriction portion 35b. The rotation guide portion 35 has a protrusion 35c protruding from the bottom portion 35a midway to the rotation restriction portion 35b. A claw portion 36 is provided on the inner surface of the outer tube portion 32. When the lid portion 30 is attached to the container body 2a by screw fastening, the claw portion 36 is slidably movable from one end 22b to the other end 22c on the cam portion 22a of the flange portion 22, allowing rotation of the lid portion 30 in the tightening direction. The claw portion 36 engages with the other end 22c of the cam portion 22a of the flange portion 22 provided on the container body 2a, thereby restricting rotation of the lid portion 30 connected to the container body 2a by screw fastening in the loosening direction.

[0027] See Figure 6. The bottom 30a of the lid 30 is provided with a drain hole 37 that drains water that has entered the lid 30 through the gap between the container body 2a and the lid 30. The drain hole 37 penetrates the bottom 30a. The inner cylinder 31 is open on the bottom 30a side. The valve 40 is inserted into the inner cylinder 31 from the bottom 30a side and fitted into the center of the lid 30.

[0028] Returning to Figure 4, the valve portion 40 is cylindrical with a flange-like flared bottom 40a. The valve portion 40 has an inner cylinder 41 and an outer cylinder 42. The inner cylinder 41 and the outer cylinder 42 are formed as concentric cylinders. A notch 43 is provided on the bottom 41a side of the inner cylinder 41 by cutting into the outer surface. A ring-shaped ridge 44 is formed on the bottom 40a side of the outer cylinder 42 and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface.

[0029] See Figure 7. The bottom 40a side of the valve portion 40 is open. The valve portion 40 has meshing portions 45 formed to protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the bottom 40a. The meshing portions 45 are provided at positions that divide the inner peripheral surface of the bottom 40a into four parts in the circumferential direction. A connection port 46 is provided at the center of the bottom 40a side of the valve portion 40. The connection port 46 is formed in a circular shape concentric with the inner cylindrical portion 41 and the outer cylindrical portion 42.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 8 , the connection port 46 of the valve unit 40 is formed at the end of the first flow path 47. The first flow path 47 has a flow path 47a and a flow path 47b. The flow path 47a is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction and having approximately the same diameter as the inner cylindrical portion 41. The flow path 47b communicates with the flow path 47a, bends from the flow path 47a, extends in the radial direction, and penetrates the outer cylindrical portion 42. A second flow path 48 is formed on the outside of the cylindrical flow path wall 47c that defines the flow path 47a therein, but inside the outer cylindrical portion 42. The second flow path 48 is open on the bottom 40a side. The valve unit 40 has an inner bottom 40b. The second flow path 48 communicates with the side of the inner bottom 40b opposite the bottom 40a side via a flow hole 48a that penetrates the inner bottom 40b.

[0031] See Figure 9. The liquid supply container 2 is assembled by attaching the lid portion 30 to the container body 2a by screwing, and inserting the valve portion 40 from the bottom portion 30a side of the lid portion 30. An intake pipe 39a is attached to the lid portion 30 in advance. In the liquid supply container 2, the lid portion 30 is fixed to the container body 2a, and the valve portion 40 is rotatably supported by the lid portion 30. The valve portion 40 rotates relative to the lid portion 30.

[0032] See Figure 10. The container mounting portion 7 of the water discharger 1 is cylindrical, and the liquid supply container 2 is inserted through the upper end opening 7a. The container mounting portion 7 has two protrusions 71 protruding from the inner circumferential surface 7b at positions that bisect the inner circumferential surface 7b in the circumferential direction. The protrusions 71 are fitted into the rotation guide portion 35 on the liquid supply container 2 side. The rotation guide portion 35 and the protrusions 71 have a concave-convex structure, and it is sufficient that one of them is concave and the other is convex.

[0033] The container attachment part 7 has a truncated cone-shaped connection base 72 in the center of the bottom surface 7c. Three recessed mating portions 73 are provided on the edge of the connection base 72. The mating portions 73 are provided at positions corresponding to the mating portions 45 on the liquid supply container 2 side, and mating with the mating portions 45. The mating portions 73 and the mating portions 45 have a concave-convex structure, and it is sufficient if one is concave and the other is convex.

[0034] A cylindrical plug 74 is provided at the center of the connection base 72. An inlet 75 is formed at the upper end of the plug 74. The inlet 75 is connected to the connection port 46 on the liquid supply container 2 side. The liquid flowing out from the connection port 46 of the liquid supply container 2 is supplied to the inside of the water discharger 1 through the inlet 75. In the container mounting part 7, the convex portion 71, the mating portion 73 and the inlet 75 are fixed.

[0035] Next, the operation when attaching the liquid supply container 2 to the water discharger 1 will be described. The state of the liquid supply container 2 before attachment will be described. Refer to Figure 11. The first opening 33 of the lid portion 30 is in the direction of the first rotation position P1. Refer to Figure 12. In the state before attaching the liquid supply container 2 to the water discharger 1, the flow path 47b of the first flow path 47 in the valve portion 40 faces in the direction of the second rotation position P2. The angle between the first rotation position P1 and the second rotation position P2 is 45 degrees. For ease of explanation, the directions of the first rotation position P1 and the second rotation position P2 may be considered to be determined based on the lid portion 30 side.

[0036] See Figure 13. Before the liquid supply container 2 is attached to the water discharger 1, the valve unit 40 is in the second rotational position P2 relative to the lid unit 30, as described above. The valve unit 40 being in the second rotational position P2 relative to the lid unit 30 refers to a positional relationship in which the flow path 47b of the valve unit 40 faces the second rotational position P2 (see Figure 12) and the first opening 33 of the lid unit 30 faces the first rotational position P1 (see Figure 11). The flow path 47b of the first flow path 47 is blocked by the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylindrical portion 31 of the lid unit 30. The first opening 33 and the first flow path 47 are blocked and in a closed state, and liquid does not flow from the container body 2a to the first flow path 47. Furthermore, the ridge 44 provided on the outer cylindrical portion 42 of the valve portion 40 is fitted into an annular recess provided on the inner surface of the inner cylindrical portion 31 of the lid portion 30, preventing the liquid from leaking out.

[0037] The lid portion 30 has a cylindrical partition wall 38 that extends from the bottom portion 31a and fits onto the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 41 of the valve portion 40. The inner peripheral surface of the partition wall 38 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 41. The second opening 34 and the second flow path 48 are blocked and in a closed state by the contact relationship between the partition wall 38 and the inner cylindrical portion 41.

[0038] The state of the liquid refill container 2 when attached will be described with reference to FIG. 14 . The user places the lid portion 30 downward and inserts the liquid refill container 2 from above the container mounting portion 7. The liquid refill container 2 is inserted so that the inlet portion of the rotation guide portion 35 of the lid portion 30 and the convex portion 71 of the container mounting portion 7 are aligned in the circumferential direction. As the liquid refill container 2 is inserted further, the convex portion 71 reaches from the inlet portion to the bent portion within the rotation guide portion 35 and cannot be inserted any further. When the convex portion 71 reaches the bent portion within the rotation guide portion 35, the engaging portion 45 of the valve portion 40 engages with the engaged portion 73 of the container mounting portion 7, and the connection port 46 of the valve portion 40 is connected to the injection port 75 of the container mounting portion 7.

[0039] The user rotates the container body 2a of the liquid supply container 2. The angle of the rotation is 45 degrees. The lid portion 30 rotates together with the container body 2a. As the lid portion 30 rotates, the convex portion 71 moves circumferentially from the bent portion of the rotation guide portion 35 and comes into contact with the rotation regulating portion 35b, stopping it. The convex portion 71 comes into contact with the protrusion 35c on its way to the rotation regulating portion 35b, making the rotation operation heavier, and the user can tell that the end of the rotation operation is near.

[0040] While the lid portion 30 rotates, the valve portion 40 does not rotate because the engaging portion 45 is engaged with the engaged portion 73 of the container attachment portion 7. See FIG. 15 . After the rotation operation, the flow path 47b of the first flow path 47 in the valve portion 40 faces the first rotational position P1. The rotation operation causes the valve portion 40 to move from the second rotational position P2 to the first rotational position P1 relative to the lid portion 30. The valve portion 40 being at the first rotational position P1 relative to the lid portion 30 refers to a positional relationship in which the flow path 47b of the valve portion 40 faces the first rotational position P1 (see FIG. 15 ) and the first opening 33 of the lid portion 30 is in the direction of the first rotational position P1 (see FIG. 11 ).

[0041] 16 , flow path 47b of first flow path 47 aligns with the first opening 33 provided in inner tube portion 31 of lid portion 30 in the circumferential direction, and first opening 33 and first flow path 47 are electrically connected to each other, resulting in an open state. When first opening 33 and first flow path 47 are electrically connected to each other, liquid flows from container body 2a to first flow path 47, and the liquid is supplied to the inside of water discharger 1 through inlet 75 connected to connection port 46.

[0042] The partition wall 38 has a recessed notch 38a formed in the inner peripheral surface at a predetermined location in the circumferential direction. When the valve unit 40 is in a first rotational position P1 relative to the lid unit 30, the notch 38a of the partition wall 38 circumferentially matches a notch 43 provided in the inner cylindrical portion 41 of the valve unit 40. When the notch 38a and the notch 43 match in the circumferential position, the notches are connected, and the second opening 34 and the second flow path 48 are electrically connected to each other and in an open state. When the second opening 34 and the second flow path 48 are electrically connected, the inside of the container body 2a is open to the atmosphere.

[0043] When removing the liquid supply container 2 from the container mounting portion 7, the user rotates the container body 2a of the liquid supply container 2 in the opposite direction to that in which it was attached. After the convex portion 71 reaches the bent portion of the rotation guide portion 35, the user moves the liquid supply container 2 upward to remove it from the container mounting portion 7.

[0044] When the convex portion 71 reaches the bent portion of the rotation guide portion 35, the valve portion 40 returns to the second rotation position P2 in terms of the rotational position relative to the lid portion 30. By the valve portion 40 returning to the second rotation position P2, the first opening 33 and the first flow path 47 are blocked and become closed, and the second opening 34 and the second flow path 48 are blocked and become closed.

[0045] The liquid supply container 2 comprises a container body 2a, a lid portion 30, and a valve portion 40. The container body 2a contains the liquid to be supplied to the water discharger 1. The lid portion 30 covers the opening 20 of the container body 2a, and has a first opening 33 and a second opening 34 that lead to the interior of the container body 2a. The valve portion 40 is cylindrical, fitted into the center of the lid portion 30, and rotatably supported, and has a first flow path 47 and a second flow path 48.

[0046] Based on the user's operation, the valve portion 40 reaches at least a first rotational position P1 and a second rotational position P2 in terms of the relative rotational position with respect to the lid portion 30, and at the first rotational position P1, the first opening 33 and the first flow path 47 are electrically connected and in an open state, and the second opening 34 and the second flow path 48 are electrically connected and in an open state.

[0047] In the second rotation position P2, the valve unit 40 is in a closed state, with the first opening 33 and the first flow path 47 blocked. The first flow path 47 provided in the valve unit 40 has a connection port 46 that is connected to the inlet 75 of the water discharger 1 and refills the liquid. This allows the liquid refill container 2 to be opened and closed based on operation, improving user convenience. Even if the liquid refill container 2 is not completely empty, it can be replaced with one filled with a different liquid, such as a different scent, to suit the user's preferences, improving user convenience. The liquid refill container 2 has a simple component configuration, allowing for low costs.

[0048] The valve part 40 has an engaging part 45 that engages with an engaging part 73 in the container mounting part 7 of the water discharger 1 by means of a concave-convex structure. This prevents the liquid filled in the liquid supply container 2 from leaking or from being exposed to the outside air and deteriorating unless the engaging part 45 is accidentally operated when the liquid supply container 2 is not connected to the water discharger 1.

[0049] The rotation guide portion 35 of the lid portion 30 is fitted with the water discharger 1 by a concave-convex structure, guiding the rotation of the lid portion 30, and allowing the lid portion 30 to be rotated when it is inserted at the position where the engaging portion 45 is engaged with the engaged portion 73 of the water discharger 1. This allows the liquid supply container 2 to be rotated only when it is correctly attached to the water discharger 1, preventing erroneous operation in which the liquid supply container 2 does not open even when rotated.

[0050] The rotation guide portion 35 of the lid portion 30 guides the insertion position so that the connection port 46 connects with the inlet 75 of the water discharger 1 when the valve portion 40 reaches the first rotation position P1 by rotating the lid portion 30, and also restricts removal operation in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. This prevents liquid from leaking to the outside when the liquid supply container 2 is rotated to a position in the open state, and prevents the container from being accidentally removed in the open state.

[0051] The rotation guide part 35 of the lid part 30 has a rotation restriction part 35b that stops the rotation operation on the side of the lid part 30 at the first rotation position P1 after the connection port 46 is connected to the injection port 75 of the water discharger 1. This allows the user to know that the liquid supply container 2 has rotated to a position where it is in the open state.

[0052] The container body 2a and the lid 30 are connected by screw fastening, and the mating portion between the container body 2a and the lid 30 has a claw 36 that allows rotation in the tightening direction and restricts rotation in the loosening direction. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid supply container 2 from leaking due to the fastening of the container body 2a and the lid 30 loosening when opening and closing by rotating the container body 2a and the lid 30.

[0053] The liquid supply container 2 is further provided with an intake pipe 39a that is connected to the second opening 34 and extends from the opening 20 of the container body 2a to the bottom 2b, and the inside of the container body 2a is open to the atmosphere when connected to the water discharger 1. This allows the liquid supply container 2 to be prevented from leaking with a simple configuration when used upside down.

[0054] The lid portion 30 has a drain hole 37 that drains water that has entered through the gap between the container body 2a and the lid portion 30. This allows the liquid supply container 2 to be kept clean by simply draining water that has entered through the gap between the container body 2a and the lid portion 30 when used upside down.

[0055] Second Embodiment Next, a liquid supply container 102 according to a second embodiment will be described. In the liquid supply container 102 according to the second embodiment, components that are the same as or correspond to those of the liquid supply container 2 according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0056] 17, the liquid supply container 102 includes a container body 2a, a lid portion 30, and a valve portion 40.

[0057] The container body 2a is a cylindrical hollow container that contains a liquid. The container body 2a has a cylindrical opening 20. The outer peripheral surface of the opening 20 is provided with a threaded portion 21 formed as a helical ridge. The outer peripheral surface of the opening 20 is also formed with a flange 22 for preventing the lid 30 from loosening.

[0058] The lid 30 fits into the opening 20 and is attached to the opening 20 by screw fastening, covering the opening 20. The lid 30 is a flat, cylindrical member having an inner cylinder 31 and an outer cylinder 32. The inner cylinder 31 and the outer cylinder 32 are formed as concentric cylinders. A cylindrical intake pipe attachment portion 39 is provided at the center of the bottom 31a of the inner cylinder 31. The intake pipe 39a is attached to the intake pipe attachment portion 39. When the lid 30 is attached to the container body 2a, the intake pipe 39a extends from the opening 20 of the container body 2a to the bottom 2b. There is a gap between the intake pipe 39a and the inner surface of the bottom 2b.

[0059] The inner cylinder 31 has a first opening 33 that extends axially from the peripheral edge of the bottom 31 a and penetrates the body 31 b by cutting out the body 31 b. The inner cylinder 31 has a second opening 34 that penetrates the body 31 b in the axial direction on the side of the bottom 31 a of the intake pipe mounting portion 39.

[0060] The outer cylindrical portion 32 has a rotation guide portion 35 formed in a recessed shape by boring into the outer peripheral surface. The rotation guide portion 35 extends in the axial direction from the bottom portion 30a side, bends, and extends in the circumferential direction to reach the rotation restricting portion 35b. The rotation guide portion 35 has a protrusion 35c that protrudes from the bottom portion 35a on the way to the rotation restricting portion 35b.

[0061] The valve portion 40 is cylindrical, with a brim-like flared bottom 40a. The valve portion 40 has an inner cylinder 41 and an outer cylinder 42. The inner cylinder 41 and the outer cylinder 42 are formed as concentric cylinders. A notch 43 is provided on the bottom 41a side of the inner cylinder 41, cutting into the inner surface. A ring-shaped ridge 44 is formed on the bottom 40a side of the outer cylinder 42, projecting from the outer peripheral surface.

[0062] See Figure 18. The bottom 40a side of the valve portion 40 is open. The valve portion 40 has meshing portions 45 formed to protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the bottom 40a. The meshing portions 45 are provided at positions that divide the inner peripheral surface of the bottom 40a into four parts in the circumferential direction. A connection port 46 is provided at the center of the bottom 40a side of the valve portion 40. The connection port 46 is formed in a circular shape concentric with the inner cylindrical portion 41 and the outer cylindrical portion 42.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 19 , the connection port 46 of the valve unit 140 is formed at the end of the first flow path 47. The first flow path 47 has a flow path 47a and a flow path 47b. The flow path 47a is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction and having approximately the same diameter as the inner cylindrical portion 41. The flow path 47b communicates with the flow path 47a, bends from the flow path 47a, extends in the radial direction, and penetrates the outer cylindrical portion 42 to form a communication opening 47d in the outer cylindrical portion 42. A second flow path 48 is formed outside the cylindrical flow path wall 47c that defines the flow path 47a therein, but inside the outer cylindrical portion 42. The second flow path 48 is open to the atmosphere on the bottom 40a side. The valve unit 40 has an inner bottom 40b. The second flow path 48 communicates with the inner bottom 40b on the side opposite the bottom 40a side via a flow hole 48a that penetrates the inner bottom 40b.

[0064] The liquid supply container 2 is assembled by attaching the lid portion 30 to the container body 2a by screwing and inserting the valve portion 40 from the bottom portion 30a side of the lid portion 30. An intake pipe 39a is attached to the lid portion 30 in advance. In the liquid supply container 2, the lid portion 30 is fixed to the container body 2a, and the valve portion 40 is rotatably supported by the lid portion 30. The valve portion 40 rotates relative to the lid portion 30.

[0065] This liquid refill container 102 is also attached to the container attachment part 7 as shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 19 shows the state before the liquid refill container 102 is attached to the container attachment part 7. In the state before the liquid refill container 102 is attached to the container attachment part 7, the communication opening 47d that leads to the flow path 47b of the first flow path 47 is blocked by the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylindrical part 31 of the lid part 30. The first opening 33 and the first flow path 47 are blocked and in a closed state, and liquid does not flow out from the container body 2a side to the first flow path 47. Incidentally, the ridge 44 provided on the outer cylindrical part 42 of the valve part 40 is fitted into an annular recess provided on the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylindrical part 31 of the lid part 30, preventing the liquid from leaking out.

[0066] The lid portion 30 has a cylindrical partition wall 38 that extends from the bottom portion 31a and fits into the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylindrical portion 41 of the valve portion 40. The outer circumferential surface of the partition wall 38 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylindrical portion 41. The second opening 34 and the second flow path 48 are blocked and in a closed state by the contact relationship between the partition wall 38 and the inner cylindrical portion 41.

[0067] The state of the liquid supply container 2 when attached to the container attachment part 7 will now be described. As with the liquid supply container 2 according to the first embodiment, the user places the lid part 30 downward, inserts the liquid supply container 2 from above the container attachment part 7, and rotates the container body 2a. When the container body 2a rotates, the lid part 30 also rotates accordingly, but the valve part 140 does not rotate because the engaging part 45 is engaged with the engaged part 73 of the container attachment part 7.

[0068] After the container body 2a is rotated, the communication opening 47d, which communicates with the flow path 47b of the first flow path 47, aligns with the first opening 33 provided in the inner cylindrical portion 31 of the lid portion 30 in the circumferential direction, and the first opening 33 and the first flow path 47 are in an open state. The connection between the first opening 33 and the first flow path 47 allows liquid to flow from the container body 2a to the first flow path 47, and the liquid is supplied to the inside of the water discharger 1 through the inlet 75 connected to the connection port 46.

[0069] The partition wall 38 of the lid unit 30 has a recessed cutout formed in the outer circumferential surface at a predetermined circumferential position. After the container body 2a is rotated, the cutout of the partition wall 38 aligns with the cutout 43 provided in the inner cylindrical portion 41 of the valve unit 40 in the circumferential direction. When the cutout of the partition wall 38 and the cutout 43 of the inner cylindrical portion 41 align in the circumferential direction, the cutouts are connected, and the second opening 34 and the second flow path 48 are electrically connected and open. When the second opening 34 and the second flow path 48 are electrically connected, the inside of the container body 2a is opened to the atmosphere.

[0070] When removing the liquid supply container 102 from the container mounting part 7, the user rotates the container body 2a of the liquid supply container 102 in the opposite direction to that in which it was attached. After the convex part 71 of the container mounting part 7 reaches the bent part of the rotation guide part 35, the user moves the liquid supply container 2 upward to remove it from the container mounting part 7.

[0071] When the convex portion 71 of the container mounting portion 7 reaches the bent portion of the rotation guide portion 35, the valve portion 40 rotates relative to the lid portion 30, and the first opening 33 and the first flow path 47 are blocked and become closed, and the second opening 34 and the second flow path 48 are blocked and become closed.

[0072] 20 and 21 . In the liquid supply container 102 according to the second embodiment, the structure of the valve unit 140 differs from that of the valve unit 40 according to the first embodiment. As described above, a circular convex rib 44 protruding from the outer peripheral surface is provided on the bottom 40a side of the outer cylindrical portion 42 of the valve unit 140. This convex rib 44 is fitted into a circular concave portion 31d provided in the inner peripheral surface 31c of the inner cylindrical portion 31 of the lid portion 30 to prevent the liquid from leaking out. The surface of the convex rib 44 that abuts against the inner peripheral surface 31c of the inner cylindrical portion 31 is referred to as a first abutment surface 142. The first abutment surface 142 of the valve unit 140 is configured to always abut watertightly against the inner peripheral surface 31c of the lid portion 30, regardless of the rotational state of the valve unit 140 relative to the lid portion 30.

[0073] A second abutment surface 144 is provided above the first abutment surface 142 on the outer tubular portion 42 of the valve portion 140. This second abutment surface 144 is formed so as to protrude from a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the outer tubular portion 42. The second abutment surface 144 is configured to be able to assume two states: a watertight abutment state with the inner circumferential surface 31 c of the inner tubular portion 31 of the lid portion 30, and a non-abutment state where the second abutment surface 144 is not watertight abutted with the inner circumferential surface 31 c of the inner tubular portion 31 of the lid portion 30, depending on the rotational state of the valve portion 140 relative to the lid portion 30. A communication opening 47 d that communicates with the flow path 47 b of the first flow path 47 is provided in the second abutment surface 144.

[0074] When the second abutment surface 144 is in the abutting state, the communication opening 47d is closed by the inner circumferential surface 31c of the inner cylindrical portion 31 of the lid portion 30, thereby blocking the interior of the container body 2a from the first flow path 47. When the circumferential positions of the second abutment surface 144 and the first opening 33 of the lid portion 30 match, the second abutment surface 144 is in a non-abutting state. At this time, the interior of the container body 2a is in communication with the first flow path via the communication opening 47d.

[0075] As described above, the valve portion 140 of the second embodiment has a first abutment surface 142 and a second abutment surface 144. The second abutment surface 144 has a step between it and the first abutment surface 142 in the radial direction of the valve portion 140. That is, the first abutment surface 142 and the second abutment surface 144 have different heights in the radial direction of the valve portion 140. It can also be said that the first abutment surface 142 and the second abutment surface 144 are not formed flush. More specifically, the height of the second abutment surface 144 in the radial direction of the valve portion 140 is lower than the height of the first abutment surface 142.

[0076] In the liquid refill container 2 according to the first embodiment, the first and second contact surfaces have approximately the same height in the radial direction. The inventors recognized that with this configuration, local deformation occurring around the second contact surface during rotation may propagate to the periphery of the first contact surface, potentially resulting in liquid leakage. In their intensive studies to solve this problem, the inventors discovered that by providing a step between the first contact surface 142 and the second contact surface 144, local deformation occurring around the second contact surface 144 during rotation is less likely to propagate to the periphery of the first contact surface 142, thereby suppressing liquid leakage.

[0077] 20, the area of ​​the second abutment surface 144 is very small compared to the entire outer peripheral surface of the outer tube portion 42. By setting the area of ​​the second abutment surface 144 to the minimum area necessary to provide the communication opening 47d, frictional resistance during rotational operation can be reduced, thereby improving operability for the user.

[0078] The valve unit 140 further includes a third abutment surface 146 on the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion 42. The third abutment surface 146 is configured to abut watertightly against the inner cylindrical portion 31 of the lid portion 30 regardless of the rotational state of the valve unit 140 relative to the lid portion 30. The third abutment surface 146 is located higher than the first abutment surface 142. The second abutment surface 144 is disposed between the first abutment surface 142 and the third abutment surface 146 in the radial direction of the valve unit 140. By disposing the rotationally symmetric abutment surfaces (the first abutment surface 142 and the third abutment surface 146) one above the other, the rotation axis of the valve unit 140 can be corrected so that it does not tilt. Although the second abutment surface 144 is not a rotationally symmetric abutment surface, its placement between two rotationally symmetric abutment surfaces provides stable watertightness.

[0079] The valve portion 140 further has a fourth abutment surface 148 above the second abutment surface 144. The fourth abutment surface 148 is configured to be able to assume an abutment state in which the valve portion 140 is in watertight abutment with the lid portion 30 and a non-abutment state in which the valve portion 140 is not in watertight abutment with the lid portion 30, depending on the rotational state of the valve portion 140 relative to the lid portion 30. The fourth abutment surface 148 has a step between it and each of the first abutment surface 142, the second abutment surface 144, and the third abutment surface 146 in the radial direction of the valve portion 140.

[0080] When the fourth abutment surface 148 is in the abutting state, the notch 43 provided in the inner cylindrical portion 41 of the valve portion 140 is blocked by the partition wall 38 of the lid portion 30, thereby blocking the interior of the container body 2a from the second flow path 48. When the circumferential positions of the notch of the partition wall 38 of the lid portion 30 and the notch 43 of the inner cylindrical portion 41 of the valve portion 140 are aligned, the fourth abutment surface 148 is in a non-abutting state. When the fourth abutment surface 148 is in the non-abutting state, the interior of the container body 2a is connected to the second flow path 48, and outside air is taken into the interior of the container body 2a.

[0081] In this way, by providing the first abutment surface 142, the second abutment surface 144, the third abutment surface 146, and the fourth abutment surface 148 on the valve portion 140, it is possible to use the fluid inside the container body 2a without waste when the liquid supply container 102 is used in an inverted state. The distances from the center of rotation of the valve portion 140 decrease in the order of the first abutment surface 142, the second abutment surface 144, the third abutment surface 146, and the fourth abutment surface 148.

[0082] The lid portion 30 and the valve portion 140 may be formed from resin materials with different hardnesses. By using resin materials with different hardnesses, one can elastically deform the other, thereby achieving a watertight function. For example, polyethylene (PE) can be used as one soft resin material, and polypropylene (PP) can be used as the other hard resin material. In the liquid refill container 102 according to the embodiment, the watertight function is achieved by the elastic deformation of the resin material, and a rubber O-ring is not used. This reduces costs, allowing for an inexpensive liquid refill container 102 to be realized.

[0083] The structure of the container mounting part 7 to which the liquid refill container 102 is attached will be described in more detail. See Figure 22. The container mounting part 7 is a cylindrical body with an open top and a closed bottom. The container mounting part 7 has a bottom surface 7c and an inner circumferential surface 7b that rises from the bottom surface 7c. The inner circumferential surface 7b surrounds the entire periphery of the bottom surface 7c. The bottom surface 7c and the inner circumferential surface 7b form a storage space that is open at the top and that stores at least a portion of the liquid refill container 102. The shape of the storage space corresponds to the outer shape of the liquid refill container 102. In this embodiment, the shape of the storage space is approximately columnar, corresponding to the approximately cylindrical shape of the liquid refill container 102.

[0084] The container mounting part 7 has a truncated cone-shaped connection base 72 in the center of the bottom surface 7c. A hollow stopper 74 protrudes from the center of the connection base 72. The stopper 74 is inserted into the connection port 46 of the liquid supply container 102 when the liquid supply container 102 is mounted on the container mounting part 7.

[0085] The stopper 74 is configured to be removable from the connection base 72 on the bottom surface 7c. See FIG. 23 . The stopper 74 includes a flange 74a, a container insertion portion 74b formed above the flange 74a, and a bottom insertion portion 74c formed below the flange 74a. A first O-ring 149 made of an elastic material such as synthetic rubber is held in the container insertion portion 74b. The first O-ring 149 abuts against the flow path wall 47c of the first flow path 47 of the valve portion 140 in a watertight manner.

[0086] An insertion hole 7d is provided in the center of the bottom surface 7c. The bottom surface insertion portion 74c has a generally cylindrical shape, and a convex portion for holding the second O-ring 150 is formed on its outer peripheral surface. The second O-ring 150 is inserted into the insertion hole 7d with the second O-ring 150 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the bottom surface insertion portion 74c. The second O-ring 150 abuts watertightly against the inner wall of the insertion hole 7d.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 24, an inclined portion 152 is provided along the circumferential direction in the insertion hole 7d in the bottom surface 7c of the container attachment portion 7. Also, as shown in Fig. 23, a protrusion 74d is provided below the flange 74a of the stopper 74. Furthermore, the flange 74a of the stopper 74 is provided with an operating portion 74e extending radially from the flange 74a.

[0088] When removing the plug 74 from the bottom surface 7c of the container mounting portion 7, the operating portion 74e is grasped and the plug 74 is rotated around its central axis. This rotation guides the protrusion 74d of the plug 74 along the inclined portion 152, and the circumferential rotation is converted into an upward axial movement. This rotation can easily remove the plug 74, rather than by grasping the container insertion portion 74b and pulling it up to remove it. This makes it easier to perform maintenance such as removing soap scum from the plug 74, improving the hygiene of the water discharger 1.

[0089] It is preferable that the inclined portions 152 and the protrusions 74d are provided at two or more locations, evenly spaced in the rotation direction of the plug 74. In this case, the plug 74 can be lifted in a balanced manner from multiple directions when rotating the plug 74. This prevents the central axis of the plug 74 from tilting during the removal process, causing it to get caught on the inner wall of the insertion hole 7d and become unable to be removed, thereby allowing the plug 74 to be removed smoothly.

[0090] See FIG. 25 . The insertion hole 7d provided on the bottom surface 7c of the container mounting portion 7 has a protrusion 7e protruding from its inner wall in the circumferential direction. The second O-ring 150 held in the bottom surface insertion portion 74c of the plug 74 is positioned further back (lower) than the protrusion 7e when the plug 74 is attached to the bottom surface 7c. Therefore, when attaching or detaching the plug 74, the second O-ring 150 must climb over the protrusion 7e. In this way, by providing the protrusion 7e in the insertion hole 7d and narrowing a portion of the inner diameter of the insertion hole 7d, it is possible to prevent the plug 74 from accidentally coming off when the liquid refill container 102 is pulled out or rotated. Even if the plug 74 comes off when the liquid refill container 102 is removed, the plug 74 can be returned to the correct position the next time the liquid refill container 102 is inserted.

[0091] See FIG. 22 . As described above, the stopper 74 includes a first O-ring 149 provided in the container insertion portion 74b and a second O-ring 150 provided in the bottom insertion portion 74c. When the first flow path 47 is attached, the first O-ring 149 is in watertight contact with the flow path wall 47c of the valve portion 140, and the second O-ring 150 is in watertight contact with the inner wall of the insertion hole 7d. In this embodiment, the area over which the first O-ring 149 is in contact with the flow path wall 47c of the valve portion 140 is smaller than the area over which the second O-ring 150 is in contact with the inner wall of the insertion hole 7d. This makes it possible to reduce the frictional force between the valve portion 140 and the stopper 74 compared to the frictional force between the insertion hole 7d and the stopper 74. This prevents the stopper 74 from accidentally coming off the bottom surface 7c of the container attachment portion 7 when attaching or detaching the liquid supply container 102.

[0092] See Figure 23. The container insertion portion 74b of the stopper 74 is formed with an inlet 75 through which liquid is poured from the connection port 46 of the liquid supply container 102. This inlet 75 opens in the radial direction. By orienting the inlet 75 in this manner, it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the interior of the water discharger 1 when the liquid supply container 102 is not attached to the container attachment portion 7, and it is possible to further improve the hygiene of the water discharger 1.

[0093] See Figure 22. The inside of the stopper 74 is hollow, and contains an orifice 154 for restricting the flow rate of the liquid taken in from the liquid supply container 102, and a filter 156 arranged upstream of the orifice 154. The filter 156 has a finer opening than the orifice 154. In this way, by making both the orifice 154, which affects foam quality, and the filter 156, which affects hygiene, built into the stopper 74 and removable, the maintainability of the water discharger 1 can be improved.

[0094] Any combination of the above components is also valid as an aspect of the technical idea that abstracts the embodiment and the modified examples. For example, any description of another embodiment may be combined with the embodiment, or any description of an embodiment and another modified example may be combined with the modified example.

[0095] The above describes the embodiments and modifications. When understanding the abstract technical concepts of the embodiments and modifications, the technical concepts should not be interpreted as being limited to the contents of the embodiments and modifications. The above-described embodiments and modifications are merely illustrative examples, and many design modifications, such as changes, additions, and deletions of components, are possible. In the embodiments, the content in which such design modifications are possible is emphasized by adding the notation "embodiment." However, design modifications are also permitted even in content without such notation. Hatching on cross sections in the drawings does not limit the material of the hatched object.

[0096] When the technical ideas embodied in the above-described embodiments and modified examples are generalized, it can be said that the technical ideas described in the following items are included.

[0097] The first item is a water dispenser that includes a container body that contains liquid to be supplied to a water discharger, a lid that covers an opening of the container body, and a cylindrical valve that is fitted into the center of the lid and supported rotatably, the valve having a first flow path that is connected to the water discharger and has a connection port for supplying the liquid, a first contact surface that is configured to come into watertight contact with the lid regardless of the rotational state of the valve, and that can take an abutment state in which it comes into watertight contact with the lid and a non-abutment state in which it does not come into watertight contact with the lid depending on the rotational state of the valve. and a second abutment surface configured to be able to be opened and closed by the lid portion, wherein the second abutment surface is provided with a communication opening that leads to the first flow path, and when the second abutment surface is in the abutting state, the communication opening is closed by the lid portion, thereby blocking the interior of the container body and the first flow path, and when the second abutment surface is in the non-abutting state, the interior of the container body and the first flow path are communicated via the communication opening, and the second abutment surface has a step between it and the first abutment surface in the radial direction of the valve portion.

[0098] The second item is a liquid supply container described in the first item, in which the valve portion further has a third abutment surface above the first abutment surface configured to abut watertightly against the lid portion regardless of the rotational state of the valve portion, and the second abutment surface is positioned between the first abutment surface and the third abutment surface in the radial direction of the valve portion.

[0099] The third item is a liquid supply container described in the second item, in which the valve portion further has a fourth abutment surface above the second abutment surface, which is configured to be able to assume a watertight abutment state with the lid portion and a non-abutment state with no watertight abutment with the lid portion depending on the rotational state of the valve portion, and the fourth abutment surface has a step between it and each of the first abutment surface, the second abutment surface and the third abutment surface in the radial direction of the valve portion.

[0100] The fourth item is a liquid supply container described in the third item, in which the valve portion further has a second flow path that is open to the atmosphere, and when the fourth abutment surface is in the abutting state, the interior of the container body is blocked from the second flow path, and when the fourth abutment surface is in the non-abutting state, the interior of the container body is connected to the second flow path.

[0101] A fifth aspect is the liquid supply container according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the lid portion and the valve portion are formed of resin materials having different hardnesses.

[0102] The present disclosure relates to a liquid refill container and can be used for a liquid refill container.

[0103] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Water discharge device, 2, 102 Liquid supply container, 7 Container mounting portion, 20 Opening, 30 Lid portion, 33 First opening, 34 Second opening, 35 Rotation guide portion, 40, 140 Valve portion, 43 Notch portion, 45 Interlocking portion, 46 Connection port, 47 First flow path, 48 Second flow path, 74 Plug, 75 Inlet, 142 First contact surface, 144 Second contact surface, 146 Third contact surface, 148 Fourth contact surface, 149 First O-ring, 150 Second O-ring, 152 Inclined portion, 154 Orifice, 156 Filter.

Claims

1. A container comprising: a container body for containing liquid to be supplied to a water discharge device; a lid portion for covering the opening of the container body; and a cylindrical valve portion fitted into the center of the lid portion and rotatably supported, wherein the valve portion has: a first flow path having a connection port connected to the water discharge device for supplying the liquid; a first abutment surface configured to abut the lid portion in a watertight manner regardless of the rotational state of the valve portion; and a second abutment surface configured to be able to assume an abutment state in which it abuts the lid portion in a watertight manner and a non-abutment state in which it does not abut the lid portion in a watertight manner depending on the rotational state of the valve portion, wherein the second abutment surface is provided with a communication opening that leads to the first flow path; when the second abutment surface is in the abutment state, the communication opening is closed by the lid portion, thereby blocking the interior of the container body from the first flow path; and when the second abutment surface is in the non-abutment state, the interior of the container body is in communication with the first flow path via the communication opening, The second contact surface has a step between it and the first contact surface in a radial direction of the valve portion.

2. A liquid supply container as described in claim 1, wherein the valve portion further has a third abutment surface above the first abutment surface configured to abut the lid portion in a watertight manner regardless of the rotational state of the valve portion, and the second abutment surface is positioned between the first abutment surface and the third abutment surface in the radial direction of the valve portion.

3. A liquid refill container as described in claim 2, wherein the valve portion further has a fourth abutment surface above the second abutment surface, which is configured to be capable of assuming a watertight abutment state with the lid portion and a non-abutment state without watertight abutment with the lid portion depending on the rotational state of the valve portion, and the fourth abutment surface has a step between it and each of the first abutment surface, the second abutment surface and the third abutment surface in the radial direction of the valve portion.

4. A liquid supply container as described in claim 3, wherein the valve portion further has a second flow path that is open to the atmosphere, and when the fourth abutment surface is in the abutting state, the interior of the container body is blocked from the second flow path, and when the fourth abutment surface is in the non-abutting state, the interior of the container body is connected to the second flow path.

5. A liquid supply container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lid portion and the valve portion are formed from resin materials having different hardnesses.

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