JP3709181B2

JP3709181B2 - Discharge device

Info

Publication number: JP3709181B2
Application number: JP2002244792A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 浩道植田; 和浩市川
Original assignee: Top KK
Current assignee: Top KK
Priority date: 2002-08-26
Filing date: 2002-08-26
Publication date: 2005-10-19
Anticipated expiration: 2022-08-26
Also published as: JP2004083049A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、芳香剤等の薬品や、香水、整髪剤等の化粧品の流動媒体の容器として使用される吐出装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種の吐出装置として、実公平７−５２０６８号公報、実登２５０４３０８号公報等に記載されたものが知られている。
【０００３】
前記公報に記載された吐出装置１５は、図５に示すように、底部に開口部１６を備える円筒状の容器１７と、容器１７の頂部１７ａに装着されたポンプ１８と、容器１７の周壁内面に沿って摺動自在に設けられたガスケット１９とによって構成されている。ポンプ１８は、頭部２０を押圧して上下動を繰り返すことによりポンプ作用を発生させ、容器１７内に収納された液体を吸引口２１から吸引し、頭部２０に設けられた吐出口２２から吐出する。
【０００４】
ガスケット１９は、適度の弾性を有する合成樹脂により形成され、外周側には肉薄の舌片状に形成された圧接部２３を備えている。ガスケット１９は、容器１７の底部開口部１６から容器１７内に挿入され、圧接部２３が容器１７の周壁内面に圧接されることにより底部開口部１６を密封する。
【０００５】
このように構成された従来の吐出装置１５では、ポンプ１８を操作することにより液体が吐出され、容器１７内の液体の減少に伴ってガスケット１９が容器１７の頂部１７ａに向って移動する。これにより、容器１７内に空気を導入することなく、液体を吐出させることができ、容器１７内に保管されている液体の変質等を防止することができる。そして、該吐出装置１５は、空気との接触による液体の変質等を防止できることから、香水や化粧品を収容するのに好適である。
【０００６】
しかし、この種の吐出装置１５においては、容器１７内部を移動するガスケット１９が常に容器１７内の密封状態を維持するように、容器１７内部は、少なくともガスケット１９の移動範囲の内径が一定とされた円筒状に形成されている必要がある。このため、この種の容器を香水や化粧品を収容する容器として採用する場合に、美観を向上させる等の目的で容器外形を円筒形状以外の形状に形成しても、ガスケット１９を密封状態で移動させるために容器内部は円筒形状以外の形状とすることができない不都合がある。
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
本発明は、かかる事情に鑑み、容器の形状が円筒状でなくても容器内に空気を導入することなく容器内の液体を円滑に吐出させることができ、デザイン性の高い容器を採用することが可能な吐出装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
かかる目的を達成するために、前記ガスケットに代えて容器の底部に延伸性を備える膜状弾性部材を設け、前記容器内の液体が吐出されて減少するに従って、該膜状弾性部材が該容器の頂部方向に伸展するようにすることが考えられる。ところが、該膜状弾性部材は容器の底部内側の広さに対応する大きさとなるために、例えば、容器の内部形状が円筒状であっても、その容器の内部形状が高さ方向に細長いデザインである場合に該容器の底部内側の面積に対応して膜状弾性部材が比較的小さくなり、容器内の液体が少なくなったときに膜状弾性部材が伸びきれずに破断するおそれがある。
【０００９】
そこで、本発明は、容器内に収容された液体を、該容器の頂部に装着されたポンプ手段により吐出する吐出装置であって、前記容器は、略上半部に形成されて前記液体を収容可能な第１中空部と、略下半部に形成されて前記液体を収容可能な第２中空部と、前記第１中空部と前記第２中空部との境界位置において前記第１中空部を閉塞する伸展自在の膜状弾性部材と、前記第２中空部に形成されて外部から第２中空部内に空気を導入自在とする連通孔部とを備え、前記膜状弾性部材は、その中央部が周縁部より肉厚となる形状に形成されており、前記第２中空部においては該第２中空部内に伸展した前記膜状弾性部材の内側に液体が収容され、該膜状弾性部材は、前記ポンプ手段の吐出による容器内の液体の減少に応じて、第２中空部内においては収縮し第１中空部内においては容器頂部に向って伸展することを特徴とする。
【００１０】
本発明の吐出装置によれば、前記容器が第１中空部と第２中空部とによって構成され、前記膜状弾性部材が、容器の底部ではなく第１中空部と第２中空部との境界位置に設けられている。そして、容器内に液体が充填されたときに、第１中空部の内部に液体が収容されると共に、前記膜状弾性部材が第２中空部側に膨らむように伸展してその内側に液体が収容される。
【００１１】
前記ポンプ手段が操作されて容器内の液体が吐出されると、先ず、該液体の減少に応じて第２中空部の膜状弾性部材が収縮する。更に容器内の液体が減少すると、膜状弾性部材は第１中空部と第２中空部との境界位置において元の形状に復元した後、更なる液体の減少に応じて第１中空部側に膨らむように伸展する。このように、本発明の構成によれば、液体の吐出時に膜状弾性部材が収縮した後第１中空部と第２中空部との境界位置を介して伸展に転じるので、容器の底部に膜状弾性部材を設けた場合に比して膜状弾性部材の伸び量を小とすることができ、該膜状弾性部材の不用意な破れを防止することができる。
【００１２】
なお、本発明においては、前記第２中空部に前記連通孔部が設けられているので、該連通孔部を介して第２中空部と膜状弾性部材との間に空気が円滑に導入され、膜状弾性部材の収縮及び伸展が阻害されることなく容器内の液体を円滑に吐出させることができる。
【００１３】
また、本発明者は、膜状弾性部材が伸展する過程において、その周縁部から徐々に前記容器の周壁内面に密着しつつ伸展が進行すると、容器の周壁内面に密着した部分の膜状弾性部材の伸びが抑制されるのに対して、膜状弾性部材の中央部の伸び量が増大することを試験により知見した。これによって、膜状弾性部材が伸びきった状態となるとポンプ手段による吐出が円滑に行なえなくなるおそれがある。
【００１４】
そこで、本発明においては、膜状弾性部材をその中央部が周縁部より肉厚となる形状とし、該膜状弾性部材の中央部が十分に伸びるように構成した。これにより、該膜状弾性部材は中央部において伸びきることなくポンプ手段による吐出を円滑に行なうことができる。
【００１５】
更に、本発明によれば、上記構成によって、容器の内部形状を円筒状に形成することが不要となる。即ち、前記膜状弾性部材は、その伸展によって第１中空部の形状及び第２中空部の形状に沿って変形自在であるので、第１中空部と第２中空部とを所望の形状とすることができ、第１中空部と第２中空部とが異なる形状であってもよい。
【００１６】
そこで、本発明の容器形状の一態様として、前記第１中空部と前記第２中空部との境界位置においてその内周壁全周にわたって縮径された縮径部を形成し、前記膜状弾性部材を該縮径部に設けることが挙げられる。該容器内部の具体的形状の一例を挙げれば、前記縮径部を介して前記第１中空部と前記第２中空部とを大略球状に形成することができる。このときには、容器の外形状を内部形状に対応させて例えば所謂ひょうたん型とすることが極めて容易に行なえ、これによって容器を視覚的に美観が高い形状とすることができる。そして、該縮径部に前記膜状弾性部材が設けられる。ここで、比較のために、例えば膜状弾性部材を容器の底部（第２中空部の底部）に設けた場合を説明すれば、液体の減少に応じて第２中空部から膨らむように伸展した膜状弾性部材は、第１中空部に向って伸展するとき縮径部に当接され、第１中空部内部への伸展が阻止されたり、また、第２中空部と膜状弾性部材との間に液体が封じ込められたりするおそれがある。それに対して、本発明によれば、前記縮径部に膜状弾性部材が設けられていることによって、伸展途中の膜状弾性部材が縮径部に当接することがなく、円滑に且つ確実に容器内の液体を吐出させることができる。
【００１７】
また、本発明における前記膜状弾性部材は、十分な伸び量が得られてしかも高い耐久性を有する材料によって形成されることが好ましい。そこで、前記膜状弾性部材の好ましい材料の一つとして、水素添加スチレン系エラストマーを挙げることができる。
【００１８】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の一実施形態を図面に基づいて説明する。図１は本実施形態の吐出装置の構成を示す説明的縦断面図、図２は本実施形態の吐出装置の作動を示す説明図、図３は他の膜状弾性部材を示す説明的断面図、図４は他の実施形態を示す説明的断面図である。
【００１９】
本実施形態の吐出装置１は、図１示のように、外形状に対応する中空の内部形状を有する容器２と、容器２の頂部２ａに装着されたポンプ３とによって構成されている。容器２は、図示するように略中央部の全周にわたる縮径部４が形成され、所謂瓢箪型とされている。容器２の内部において、縮径部４を介して上部（略上半部）は略球形状の第１中空部５とされ、縮径部４を介して下部（略下半部）は平坦な底部を備える第２中空部６とされている。縮径部４に位置する第１中空部５と第２中空部６との間には第１中空部５を閉塞して伸展自在の膜状弾性部材７が設けられている。
【００２０】
該膜状弾性部材７は、図１に示すように、容器２が空の状態では略平板状に第１中空部５と第２中空部６との間を水密に仕切っている。そして、容器２の内部に液体が充填されると、図２に示すように、液体は、膜状弾性部材７によって閉塞された第１中空部５内に収容されると共に、膜状弾性部材７が第２中空部６の内面に沿って伸展して、液体が膜状弾性部材７の内部に収容される。
【００２１】
図１に示すように、前記ポンプ３は、それ自体公知の構造を備えており、頭部８を押圧して上下動を繰り返すことによりポンプ作用を発生させ、吸引口９から容器２内の液体を吸引し、頭部８に設けられた吐出口１０から吐出する。
【００２２】
前記膜状弾性部材７は、比較的大きな伸び量（具体的には、５００〜２０００％の伸び率）を備える柔軟な材料から形成されている。また、膜状弾性部材７は、液体と直接に接触するので、液体との接触により膨潤、硬化等の変質を示さない耐薬品性を備えている。さらに、膜状弾性部材７は、液体との接触により、液体の色、香り等を変質させるような成分が溶出したり、逆に液体の成分を吸着したりすることが無い材料により形成されている。本実施形態においては、膜状弾性部材７の材料として、水素添加スチレン系エラストマー等のエラストマーを採用した。また、容器２の第２中空部６の底部には、該第２中空部６と膜状弾性部材７との間に空気を導入するための連通孔部１１が形成されている。
【００２３】
次に、本実施形態の吐出装置１の作動を説明する。該吐出装置１によれば、ポンプ３を上下動させることにより液体を吐出することができる。このときの吐出により容器２内の液体が減少すると、図２に示すように、それに応じて第２中空部６内の膜状弾性部材７が収縮して第２中空部６の内面から離反し、第１中空部５と第２中空部６との間において一旦平板状に復元する。このとき、膜状弾性部材５と第２中空部６との間には連通孔部１１から空気が流入し、膜状弾性部材７は円滑に収縮される。
【００２４】
そして更に容器２内の液体が減少すると、図２に示すように、膜状弾性部材７は第１中空部５の内部に向って略球状に伸展し、液体の減少に良好に追従して液体を最後まで円滑に吐出させることができる。
【００２５】
なお、本実施形態の容器２における第１中空部５は略球状に形成されている。これによって、膜状弾性部材７の伸展形状に略対応する。これによれば、膜状弾性部材５の伸展過程における第１中空部５の内面との接触が極めて少なく、第１中空部５内部で伸展する膜状弾性部材７は、その周縁部から中央部まで略均一に抵抗無く引き伸ばされるので、液体の吐出を円滑に行なうことができる。
【００２６】
ところで、膜状弾性部材７は、その伸展過程において容器の内面等に密着すると、その接触摩擦によって伸びが抑制される。そこで、膜状弾性部材７を、その中央部７ａが周縁部７ｂより肉厚となる形状に形成することにより、引き伸ばし限界を一層大とすることができる。即ち、吐出されることによって減少する液体に追従して膜状弾性部材７が伸展するとき、膜状弾性部材７の周縁部７ｂが容器２の周壁内面に密着しても、膜状弾性部材７の中央部７ａは容器２の内面と接触していないので十分な伸び量を得ることができる。
【００２７】
前記形状を備える膜状弾性部材７は、図３（ａ）に断面視して示すように、その周縁部７ｂから中央部７ａに向って次第に肉厚となるように形成してもよく、図３（ｂ）に示すように、周縁部７ｂより肉厚の中央部７ａが段差を介して肉薄の周縁部７ｂに連接された形状であってもよい。
【００２８】
また、第１中空部５と第２中空部６との境界位置に膜状弾性部材７を設けることにより、第１中空部５と第２中空部６との形状に殆ど影響されることなく、内部の液体を残らず効率良く吐出することができる。例えば、図示しないが、第１中空部と第２中空部との形状を互いに異なるものとして、その境界位置に膜状弾性部材７を設けることで、美観に優れて香水や化粧品を収容するために好適とすることができる。
【００２９】
また、例えば図４に示すように、容器１２を円筒状に形成し、第１中空部１３と第２中空部１４とを連続する円筒形状とすることもできる。この場合には、前述した略球形の第１中空部５と異なり、膜状弾性部材７は、その伸展に伴う第１中空部１３の内周面及び第２中空部１４の内周面との接触面積が比較的大きくなる。そこで、前述したように、膜状弾性部材７を、その中央部７ａが周縁部７ｂより肉厚となる形状に形成することにより、第１中空部１３の内周面及び第２中空部１４の内周面との接触が小となる中央部７ａの伸び量が十分に確保され、液体を円滑に吐出することができる。しかも、膜状弾性部材７は第１中空部１３と第２中空部１４との境界位置にあって、容器１２全体に液体が充填されているときには第２中空部１４内に伸展状態とされ、液体が減少すると第１中空部１３内に伸展するので、容器１２の容量に対して約１／２の伸び量で内部の液体の減少に追従させることができるので、例えば、デザイン性を向上させるために容器を高さ方向に細長く形成しても膜状弾性部材７の破れ等を防止して液体を円滑に吐出させることができる。
【００３０】
このように、本発明の構成を採用することにより、容器の内部の液体を円滑に吐出させることができるだけでなく、容器のデザイン性を容易に向上させることができる。
【００３１】
なお、上記の各実施形態により示した容器２，１２は、外形状と内部形状とが互いに対応するものを挙げたが、本発明における容器の外形状はひょうたん型や円筒状といった形状に限られるものではない。この場合には、容器を透明に形成すれば、容器の外形状と異なる形状の内部が外部から視認可能となり、これによっても美観を向上させることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施形態の吐出装置の構成を示す説明的縦断面図。
【図２】本実施形態の吐出装置の作動を示す説明図。
【図３】他の膜状弾性部材を示す説明的断面図。
【図４】他の実施形態を示す説明的断面図。
【図５】従来の吐出装置を示す説明的縦断面図。
【符号の説明】
１…吐出装置、２，１２…容器、３…ポンプ（ポンプ手段）、４…縮径部、５，１３…第１中空部、６，１４…第２中空部、７…膜状弾性部材、１１…連通孔部。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a discharge device used as a container for a fluid medium of chemicals such as fragrances and cosmetics such as perfumes and hairdressing agents.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as this type of discharge device, those described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-52068, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2504308, and the like are known.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 5, the discharge device 15 described in the publication includes a cylindrical container 17 having an opening 16 at the bottom, a pump 18 mounted on a top 17 a of the container 17, and an inner surface of the peripheral wall of the container 17. And a gasket 19 slidably provided along the surface. The pump 18 presses the head 20 and repeats vertical movement to generate a pump action, sucks the liquid stored in the container 17 from the suction port 21, and discharges it from the discharge port 22 provided in the head 20. Discharge.
[0004]
The gasket 19 is formed of a synthetic resin having moderate elasticity, and includes a pressure contact portion 23 formed in a thin tongue shape on the outer peripheral side. The gasket 19 is inserted into the container 17 from the bottom opening 16 of the container 17, and the bottom contact 16 is sealed by the pressure contact 23 being pressed against the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the container 17.
[0005]
In the conventional discharge device 15 configured as described above, the liquid is discharged by operating the pump 18, and the gasket 19 moves toward the top 17 a of the container 17 as the liquid in the container 17 decreases. As a result, the liquid can be discharged without introducing air into the container 17, and alteration of the liquid stored in the container 17 can be prevented. And since this discharge device 15 can prevent the quality change of the liquid by the contact with air, etc., it is suitable for storing perfume and cosmetics.
[0006]
However, in this type of discharge device 15, at least the inner diameter of the moving range of the gasket 19 is constant inside the container 17 so that the gasket 19 moving inside the container 17 always maintains a sealed state in the container 17. It must be formed in a cylindrical shape. For this reason, when this type of container is used as a container for storing perfume and cosmetics, the gasket 19 is moved in a sealed state even if the outer shape of the container is formed in a shape other than a cylindrical shape for the purpose of improving aesthetics. Therefore, there is a disadvantage that the inside of the container cannot be made into a shape other than a cylindrical shape.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In view of such circumstances, the present invention can smoothly discharge the liquid in the container without introducing air into the container even if the shape of the container is not cylindrical, and employs a highly designable container. An object of the present invention is to provide a discharge device capable of performing the above.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve such an object, a film-like elastic member having stretchability is provided at the bottom of the container in place of the gasket, and the film-like elastic member is attached to the container as the liquid in the container is discharged and reduced. It can be considered to extend in the top direction. However, since the film-like elastic member has a size corresponding to the size of the inner side of the bottom of the container, for example, even if the inner shape of the container is cylindrical, the inner shape of the container is elongated in the height direction. In such a case, the film-like elastic member becomes relatively small corresponding to the area inside the bottom of the container, and when the liquid in the container is reduced, the film-like elastic member may not be stretched and may break.
[0009]
Accordingly, the present invention provides a discharge device for discharging a liquid contained in a container by a pump means attached to the top of the container, wherein the container is formed in a substantially upper half portion and contains the liquid. A first hollow portion that can be formed, a second hollow portion that is formed in a substantially lower half portion and can store the liquid, and the first hollow portion at a boundary position between the first hollow portion and the second hollow portion. a film-like elastic member of a universal extension for closing, and a communicating hole for freely introducing air from the second formed in a hollow portion outside the second hollow portion, the film-like elastic member, the central portion Is formed in a shape that is thicker than the peripheral portion, and in the second hollow portion, liquid is accommodated inside the membranous elastic member that extends into the second hollow portion, and the membranous elastic member is In response to a decrease in the liquid in the container due to the discharge of the pump means, Characterized in that it extended toward the top of the vessel in the contracted within the first hollow portion Te.
[0010]
According to the discharge device of the present invention, the container is constituted by the first hollow part and the second hollow part, and the film-like elastic member is not the bottom part of the container but the boundary between the first hollow part and the second hollow part. In the position. When the container is filled with the liquid, the liquid is accommodated inside the first hollow part, and the film-like elastic member is expanded so as to swell toward the second hollow part, so that the liquid is inside the container. Be contained.
[0011]
When the liquid in the container is discharged by operating the pump means, first, the film-like elastic member of the second hollow portion contracts according to the decrease in the liquid. When the liquid in the container further decreases, the membrane-like elastic member is restored to the original shape at the boundary position between the first hollow portion and the second hollow portion, and then moved toward the first hollow portion according to the further decrease in the liquid. Extend to swell. As described above, according to the configuration of the present invention, the membrane-like elastic member contracts during the discharge of the liquid and then turns into extension through the boundary position between the first hollow portion and the second hollow portion. The amount of elongation of the film-like elastic member can be reduced compared with the case where the film-like elastic member is provided, and the film-like elastic member can be prevented from being carelessly broken.
[0012]
In the present invention, since the communication hole is provided in the second hollow part, air is smoothly introduced between the second hollow part and the membrane elastic member through the communication hole. The liquid in the container can be smoothly discharged without hindering the contraction and extension of the film-like elastic member.
[0013]
Further, the present inventor, in the process of extending the film-like elastic member, when the extension proceeds while gradually adhering to the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the container from the peripheral portion thereof, the portion of the film-like elastic member in close contact with the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the container It has been found by tests that the amount of elongation at the center of the film-like elastic member increases while the elongation of the film is suppressed. Accordingly, when the film-like elastic member is in a fully extended state, there is a possibility that the discharge by the pump means cannot be performed smoothly.
[0014]
Therefore, in the present invention, the membranous elastic member is formed in such a shape that the central portion is thicker than the peripheral portion, and the central portion of the membranous elastic member is sufficiently extended. As a result, the film-like elastic member can be smoothly discharged by the pump means without extending in the central portion.
[0015]
Furthermore, according to this invention, it becomes unnecessary to form the internal shape of a container in a cylindrical shape with the said structure. That is, the film-like elastic member can be deformed along the shape of the first hollow portion and the shape of the second hollow portion by extension thereof, so that the first hollow portion and the second hollow portion are formed in desired shapes. The first hollow portion and the second hollow portion may have different shapes.
[0016]
Therefore, as one aspect of the container shape of the present invention, a reduced diameter portion that is reduced in diameter over the entire inner peripheral wall at the boundary position between the first hollow portion and the second hollow portion is formed, and the membrane elastic member Is provided in the reduced diameter portion. If an example of the specific shape inside this container is given, the said 1st hollow part and the said 2nd hollow part can be formed in a substantially spherical shape through the said reduced diameter part. At this time, it is very easy to make the outer shape of the container corresponding to the inner shape, for example, a so-called gourd type, and thus the container can be visually shaped with high aesthetics. And the said film-like elastic member is provided in this reduced diameter part. Here, for comparison, for example, the case where a film-like elastic member is provided at the bottom of the container (the bottom of the second hollow portion) will be described so as to expand from the second hollow portion in response to a decrease in liquid. When the membrane-like elastic member extends toward the first hollow portion, the membrane-like elastic member is brought into contact with the reduced-diameter portion to prevent extension into the first hollow portion, or between the second hollow portion and the membrane-like elastic member. There is a risk of liquid being trapped in between. On the other hand, according to the present invention, since the film-like elastic member is provided in the reduced diameter portion, the film-like elastic member in the middle of the extension does not come into contact with the reduced diameter portion, and smoothly and reliably. The liquid in the container can be discharged.
[0017]
Moreover, it is preferable that the said film-like elastic member in this invention is formed with the material which has sufficient elongation amount and has high durability. Therefore, as one of preferable materials for the film-like elastic member, a hydrogenated styrene elastomer can be exemplified.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the ejection device of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the operation of the ejection device of the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory sectional view showing another film-like elastic member. FIG. 4 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing another embodiment.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 1, the discharge device 1 of the present embodiment includes a container 2 having a hollow inner shape corresponding to the outer shape, and a pump 3 attached to the top 2 a of the container 2. As shown in the figure, the container 2 is formed with a reduced diameter portion 4 over the entire circumference of a substantially central portion, and has a so-called bowl shape. Inside the container 2, the upper part (substantially upper half part) is a substantially spherical first hollow part 5 through the reduced diameter part 4, and the lower part (substantially lower half part) is flat through the reduced diameter part 4. It is set as the 2nd hollow part 6 provided with a bottom part. Between the 1st hollow part 5 and the 2nd hollow part 6 which are located in the reduced diameter part 4, the 1st hollow part 5 is obstruct | occluded and the film-like elastic member 7 which can be extended is provided.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 1, the membrane-like elastic member 7 partitions the first hollow portion 5 and the second hollow portion 6 in a watertight manner in a substantially flat plate shape when the container 2 is empty. When the inside of the container 2 is filled with the liquid, as shown in FIG. 2, the liquid is accommodated in the first hollow portion 5 closed by the film-like elastic member 7 and the film-like elastic member 7. Extends along the inner surface of the second hollow portion 6, and the liquid is accommodated in the film-like elastic member 7.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 1, the pump 3 has a known structure per se and generates a pump action by pressing the head 8 and repeatedly moving up and down to generate liquid in the container 2 from the suction port 9. Is discharged from a discharge port 10 provided in the head 8.
[0022]
The film-like elastic member 7 is formed of a flexible material having a relatively large amount of elongation (specifically, an elongation rate of 500 to 2000%). Further, since the film-like elastic member 7 is in direct contact with the liquid, the film-like elastic member 7 has chemical resistance that does not show alteration such as swelling and curing due to contact with the liquid. Furthermore, the film-like elastic member 7 is formed of a material that does not elute components that change the color, fragrance, etc. of the liquid by contact with the liquid, or conversely adsorb the components of the liquid. Yes. In the present embodiment, an elastomer such as a hydrogenated styrene-based elastomer is employed as the material for the film-like elastic member 7. In addition, a communication hole portion 11 for introducing air between the second hollow portion 6 and the membrane elastic member 7 is formed at the bottom of the second hollow portion 6 of the container 2.
[0023]
Next, the operation of the discharge device 1 of this embodiment will be described. According to the discharge device 1, the liquid can be discharged by moving the pump 3 up and down. When the liquid in the container 2 is reduced by the discharge at this time, as shown in FIG. 2, the film-like elastic member 7 in the second hollow portion 6 is contracted and separated from the inner surface of the second hollow portion 6 accordingly. The first hollow portion 5 and the second hollow portion 6 are once restored to a flat plate shape. At this time, air flows from the communicating hole portion 11 between the membrane elastic member 5 and the second hollow portion 6, and the membrane elastic member 7 is smoothly contracted.
[0024]
When the liquid in the container 2 further decreases, as shown in FIG. 2, the membranous elastic member 7 extends in a substantially spherical shape toward the inside of the first hollow portion 5, and follows the decrease in the liquid well. Can be discharged smoothly to the end.
[0025]
In addition, the 1st hollow part 5 in the container 2 of this embodiment is formed in the substantially spherical shape. This substantially corresponds to the extended shape of the film-like elastic member 7. According to this, the contact with the inner surface of the first hollow portion 5 during the extension process of the membrane-like elastic member 5 is extremely small, and the membrane-like elastic member 7 extending inside the first hollow portion 5 Since the film is stretched substantially uniformly without resistance, the liquid can be discharged smoothly.
[0026]
By the way, when the film-like elastic member 7 is in close contact with the inner surface of the container in the extension process, the elongation is suppressed by the contact friction. Therefore, the film-like elastic members 7, by forming into a shape central portion 7a of that is thick circumferential edge portion 7b, it is possible to further large a stretching limit. That is, even when the peripheral edge portion 7b of the film-like elastic member 7 adheres to the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the container 2 when the film-like elastic member 7 extends following the liquid that is reduced by being discharged, the film-like elastic member 7 Since the central portion 7a is not in contact with the inner surface of the container 2, a sufficient amount of elongation can be obtained.
[0027]
The film-like elastic member 7 having the above-mentioned shape may be formed so as to gradually increase in thickness from the peripheral portion 7b toward the central portion 7a as shown in a cross-sectional view in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3 (b), the central part 7a thicker than the peripheral part 7b may be connected to the thin peripheral part 7b via a step.
[0028]
Further, by providing the film-like elastic member 7 at the boundary position between the first hollow portion 5 and the second hollow portion 6, the shape of the first hollow portion 5 and the second hollow portion 6 is hardly affected, Efficient ejection can be performed without leaving any internal liquid. For example, although not shown in the drawing, the first hollow portion and the second hollow portion are different from each other, and the membrane-like elastic member 7 is provided at the boundary position so as to accommodate perfume and cosmetics with excellent aesthetics. Can be preferred.
[0029]
Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the container 12 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the first hollow portion 13 and the second hollow portion 14 may be formed in a continuous cylindrical shape. In this case, unlike the substantially spherical first hollow portion 5 described above, the membranous elastic member 7 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the first hollow portion 13 and the inner peripheral surface of the second hollow portion 14 due to its extension. The contact area is relatively large. Therefore, as described above, the film-like elastic members 7, by forming into a shape central portion 7a of that is thick circumferential edge portion 7b, the inner peripheral surface of the first hollow part 13 and the second hollow portion 14 A sufficient amount of elongation of the central portion 7a where the contact with the inner peripheral surface of the liquid is small is ensured, and the liquid can be discharged smoothly. Moreover, the membrane-like elastic member 7 is located at the boundary between the first hollow portion 13 and the second hollow portion 14 and is in an extended state in the second hollow portion 14 when the entire container 12 is filled with liquid, When the liquid decreases, the liquid expands into the first hollow portion 13, so that it is possible to follow the decrease in the internal liquid with an extension amount of about ½ with respect to the capacity of the container 12. Therefore, even if the container is formed to be elongated in the height direction, it is possible to prevent the film-like elastic member 7 from being broken and to smoothly discharge the liquid.
[0030]
Thus, by adopting the configuration of the present invention, it is possible not only to smoothly discharge the liquid inside the container, but also to improve the design of the container easily.
[0031]
In addition, although the container 2 and 12 shown by said each embodiment mentioned what the external shape and an internal shape respond | correspond to each other, the external shape of the container in this invention is restricted to shapes, such as a gourd type and a cylindrical shape. It is not a thing. In this case, if the container is formed to be transparent, the inside of the shape different from the outer shape of the container can be visually recognized from the outside, and this also improves the aesthetic appearance.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of a discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the operation of the discharge device of the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing another film-like elastic member.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing another embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory longitudinal sectional view showing a conventional discharge device.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Discharge device, 2,12 ... Container, 3 ... Pump (pump means), 4 ... Reduced diameter part, 5,13 ... 1st hollow part, 6,14 ... 2nd hollow part, 7 ... Membrane-shaped elastic member, 11 ... Communication hole part.

Claims

容器内に収容された液体を、該容器の頂部に装着されたポンプ手段により吐出する吐出装置であって、
前記容器は、略上半部に形成されて前記液体を収容可能な第１中空部と、略下半部に形成されて前記液体を収容可能な第２中空部と、前記第１中空部と前記第２中空部との境界位置において前記第１中空部を閉塞する伸展自在の膜状弾性部材と、前記第２中空部に形成されて外部から第２中空部内に空気を導入自在とする連通孔部とを備え、
前記膜状弾性部材は、その中央部が周縁部より肉厚となる形状に形成されており、
前記第２中空部においては該第２中空部内に伸展した前記膜状弾性部材の内側に液体が収容され、該膜状弾性部材は、前記ポンプ手段の吐出による容器内の液体の減少に応じて、第２中空部内においては収縮し第１中空部内においては容器頂部に向って伸展することを特徴とする吐出装置。A discharge device that discharges liquid stored in a container by pump means attached to the top of the container,
The container is formed in a substantially upper half portion and can contain the liquid, a first hollow portion that is formed in a substantially lower half portion and can contain the liquid, and the first hollow portion. A stretchable membrane-like elastic member that closes the first hollow portion at a boundary position with the second hollow portion, and a communication that is formed in the second hollow portion and allows air to be introduced into the second hollow portion from the outside. With holes,
The film-like elastic member is formed in a shape in which the central part is thicker than the peripheral part,
In the second hollow portion, liquid is accommodated inside the membranous elastic member that extends into the second hollow portion, and the membranous elastic member responds to a decrease in the liquid in the container due to discharge of the pump means. The discharge device is characterized in that it contracts in the second hollow part and extends toward the top of the container in the first hollow part.

前記容器には、前記第１中空部と前記第２中空部との境界位置においてその内周壁全周にわたって縮径された縮径部が形成されており、
前記膜状弾性部材は該縮径部に設けられていることを特徴とする請求項１記載の吐出装置。The container is formed with a reduced diameter portion that is reduced in diameter over the entire inner peripheral wall at the boundary position between the first hollow portion and the second hollow portion,
The discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the film-like elastic member is provided in the reduced diameter portion.

前記膜状弾性部材は、水素添加スチレン系エラストマーからなることを特徴とする請求項１又は２記載の吐出装置。The discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the film-like elastic member is made of a hydrogenated styrene elastomer.