JP2005212801A - Pump mechanism for discharging stored content - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a seal action for both upper valve for use in discharging a stored content in an accumulating space to an outer space and a lower valve for taking in the stored content into a main body of a container into the accumulating space at a pump mechanism for discharging the stored content. <P>SOLUTION: This pump mechanism for discharging the stored content is constituted of a helical upper valve 18 arranged to cause a valve acting part 18a to be biased against a receiving part 19b of a piston through its resilient force, and an elastic tarbular lower valve 26 integrally formed with an intermediate operating member 25 by an elastic supporting piece 26b under a state in which a bar-shaped valve acting part 25a is brought into close contact with an annular raising portion 20a. The intermediate operating member 25 is provided with a rod-like part 25a forcibly pressing against the valve acting part 18a of the upper valve under an operating mode. Each of both upper valve 18 and lower valve 26 positively seals between a flowing-out port 24a and a flowing-in port 20b of a storing space 24. Under the operating mode, the upper valve 18 is positively opened with pressure in the storing space 24 and a protrusion 25a and at the same time the storing space 24 is formed by a bellows member 23 to prevent the stored content from being contacted with either a spring 21 or a piston 19 and the like and also to improve its movable performance or sealing performance. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a content discharge pump mechanism that discharges the contents of a storage space formed between an upstream valve and a downstream valve to an external space, and more particularly, to improve the sealing action of the upstream valve and the downstream valve. The present invention relates to an object discharge pump mechanism.

In addition, as an operation member of the pump mechanism for discharging contents of the present invention,
-A trigger lever type that rotates during operation,
-Push button type that moves linearly during operation,
・ Tilt type that tilts during operation,
However, in the following description, for the convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the content discharge pump mechanism uses a push button type operation member.

  Generally, a pump-type container having a lower ball valve (upstream valve) for taking the contents of the container body into a storage space and an upper ball valve (downstream valve) for releasing the taken contents to the external space Is used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the stationary mode, the lower ball valve and the upper ball valve close the inlet and the outlet of the storage space by their own weights, respectively.

  In the operation mode in which the operation button is pressed, the volume of the storage space is reduced and the pressure is increased. As a result, the upper ball valve moves upward, the outlet is opened, and the contents of the storage space are discharged to the external space. At this time, the lower ball valve closes the inlet while receiving the pressure, and the contents of the container body do not flow into the storage space.

  When the discharge of the contents is completed, the upper ball valve moves down by its own weight and closes the outlet, and when the operation button is released, the volume of the storage space increases and the pressure decreases, so the lower ball valve moves up. As a result, the inlet opens and the contents of the container body flow into the storage space again.

When the contents sufficiently flow into the storage space, the lower ball valve falls again by its own weight and closes the inlet.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-94744

  Thus, in the conventional pump-type container, the upper ball valve and the lower ball valve are not based on the weight of the reservoir space (not positively biased in the direction of closing the outlet or inlet of the storage space). The outlet and inlet are closed.

  Therefore, when the contents exhibit a high viscosity, such as an emulsion, cream, jelly, or foam (mousse), the drop speed of the ball valve is reduced due to the viscosity, and the content of the storage space outlet is reduced. The start timing of the sealing action of the upper ball valve will be delayed, leaving room for improvement in this respect.

In addition, there is a problem that the upper ball valve or the lower ball valve opens when the pump-type container is accidentally tilted, and the contents may leak to the external space.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the upstream valve and the downstream valve are set to the respective closed states based on the elastic force to improve the sealing action, and the pump type container is in an inclined state or an inverted state. In some cases, the contents are intended to prevent leakage.

The present invention solves this problem as follows.
(1) The contents of a storage space (for example, a storage space 24 to be described later) formed between an upstream valve (for example, a later-described lower valve 26) and a downstream valve (for example, an upper valve 18 to be described later) inside the container In a content discharge pump mechanism (for example, a pump mechanism 1 described later) having a function of discharging to the external space by an operation, the upstream valve and the downstream valve are set to a closed state based on elastic force. It has an action part (for example, valve action parts 26a and 18a described later).
(2) In the above (1), a spiral elastic valve member (for example, an upper valve 18 to be described later) is used as the downstream valve, and the valve action portion (for example, the elastic member) (eg An operation member (for example, an intermediate operation member 25 described later) for pressing and holding the valve action portion 18a) described later in an open state is also provided.
(3) In the above (1) or (2), a valve action part (for example, a valve action part 26a described later) of the upstream valve is connected to the storage space via a plurality of elastic pieces (for example, an elastic support piece 26b described later). So that it is supported by the inner surface.
(4) In said (1) thru | or (3), the said storage space is made to consist of the inner side space area of the bellows member (for example, bellows member 23 mentioned later) which expands / contracts according to the said operation.

  In the present invention, the upstream valve and the downstream valve have the valve action part that is set to the closed state based on the elastic force in this way, so that, for example, the high-viscosity contents are the upstream valve and the inlet of the storage space, It is easy to prevent solidification between the downstream valve and the outlet of the storage space, and the sealing action of the upstream valve and the downstream valve can be made perfect.

  In addition, since a spiral elastic member is used as the downstream valve and an operation member for holding the open state by pressing the valve action portion of the elastic member at the time of transition to the operation mode, the downstream valve in the operation mode is provided. The valve is reliably set to the open state, and the internal space of the elastic member also becomes a passage for the contents, and the contents can be discharged stably.

  In addition, since a downstream valve made of an elastic member is used, the downstream valve quickly returns to its closed state when returning from the operation mode to the stationary mode, and the residual contents near the discharge port are moved toward the passage portion. Therefore, it is possible to positively prevent dripping of the residual contents.

  Further, since the valve action portion of the upstream valve is attached to the inner surface of the storage space via an elastic support piece (which urges to the closed state), that is, the entire valve action portion is not attached. The valve action part can also be smoothly opened when returning from the operation mode to the stationary mode.

  Furthermore, since the storage space consists of the inner space of the bellows member, for example, the highly viscous content does not solidify or leak from the movable part involved in the discharge operation, and the pump mechanism can be operated normally. It can be operated.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
1 is an explanatory view showing a stationary mode of the pump mechanism of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing an operation mode of the pump mechanism of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of a valve member of the pump mechanism of FIGS. Yes (a) is an upper valve, (b) is an intermediate operating member having a lower valve, (c) is a lower valve, and FIG. 4 shows a state when the pump mechanism returns from the operation mode to the stationary mode. ing.

In these figures,
1 is the pump mechanism,
11 is an operation button, 11a is a tapered surface for releasing a content by retreating a valve member 14 described later in the right direction in the figure when the operation button is pressed,
Reference numeral 12 denotes a head that is linked (down) after a predetermined state is reached after the operation button 11 is moved downward, for example, 12a is a longitudinal passage for passing contents,
13 is a nozzle, 13a is a discharge port,
14 is a valve member for opening and closing the discharge port 13a, 14a is a rear end portion of the valve member,
A spring 15 biases the valve member 14 toward the discharge port 13a.
16 is a lateral passage between the valve member 14 and the nozzle 13;
17 is a cap attached to the container body 29 described later,
Reference numeral 18 denotes a spiral upper valve (downstream valve) accommodated in a piston 19 described later in a manner that resists the elastic force in the vertical direction shown in the figure, and reference numeral 18a denotes a close contact with a receiving portion 19b of the piston 19 described later in a stationary mode. The valve action portion of the upper valve, 18b is a passage for the contents of the upper valve,
19 is a piston that moves down (interlocks) with the head 12, 19a is an annular protrusion that restricts the set position of the upper end of the upper valve 18, 19b is a receiving portion of the upper valve 18, and 19c is an inner peripheral surface of the piston. A groove for passing the contents formed in the vertical direction of
Reference numeral 20 denotes a housing fitted and fixed to the cap 17, and 20a forms an inflow port 20b for contents to a storage space 24 to be described later and receives a valve action portion 26a of a lower valve 26 to be described later when in a stationary mode. An annular upright part to be sealed, 20b is an inlet for contents,
21 is a spring that urges the piston 19 upward,
22 is an annular seal member provided between the housing 20 and an inner bag 29 described later,
23 is a bellows member which is attached between the lower part of the piston 19 and the lower part of the internal space of the housing 20, and forms a storage space 24 which will be described later, and 23a is formed in the vertical direction of the inner peripheral surface of the upper cylindrical part of the bellows member. Slits for passing the contents,
24 is a storage space for the contents formed by the bellows member 23 and an intermediate actuating member 25 (partition wall 25b, etc.), which will be described later. ,
Reference numeral 25 denotes an intermediate actuating member which is attached to the internal space of the housing 20 and acts as a lower valve itself or a rod-shaped portion for holding the upper valve, 25a is a rod-shaped portion for the upper valve, and 25b is a lower portion following the rod-shaped portion. A partition wall formed in the center, 25c is a vertically long concave portion that is present on both sides of the partition wall and serves as a passage for contents, and 25d is a space area that is a part of the storage space 24 and extends to the upstream side of the vertically long concave portion , 25e are intermittent space regions formed between elastic support pieces 26a of the lower valve 26, which will be described later, and serve as passages for the contents,
26 is a plate-like lower valve (upstream valve) that is stable in a substantially horizontal state in the drawing, 26a is a valve action portion of the lower valve, and 26b is attached integrally to the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate actuating member 25. Elastic support pieces for
27 is a gap that is stably generated between the receiving part 19b of the piston 19 and the valve action part 18a when the rod-like part 25a of the intermediate actuating member 25 presses the valve action part 18a of the upper valve 18.
28 is a gap in which the valve action portion 26a opens away from the annular upright portion 20a when the pressure in the storage space 24 decreases when the operation mode returns to the stationary mode.
29 is a container main body, 29a is a hole for taking outside air into the container main body that becomes negative pressure as the contents are released,
30 is a flexible inner bag provided inside the container body 29 and containing the contents,
Respectively.

The feature of the pump mechanism 1 is that instead of the conventional upper ball valve and lower ball valve that seal the outlet and the inlet of the storage space based on its own weight,
Using a spiral upper valve 18 that positively seals the outlet 24a of the storage space 24 by its own elastic force,
The plate-like lower valve 26 is attached to the intermediate operating member 25 in a position mode in which the inlet 20b to the storage space 24 is positively sealed by the action of the elastic support piece 26b.

  Thereby, it is easy to prevent the high-viscosity contents from solidifying between the upper valve 18 and the outlet 24a and between the lower valve 26 and the inlet 20b, and the sealing action of these upper and lower valves is sufficient. It will be a thing.

  Further, when the pump mechanism 1 is inverted, the upper valve 18 and the lower valve 26 are difficult to open, and leakage of contents is prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the upper valve 18 has a spiral shape (see FIG. 3A) in which a content passage 18b is formed, and its upper end portion is restrained by an annular projecting portion 19a and contracted. It is accommodated in the piston 19 in the form.

  The lower valve 26 is integrated with the intermediate actuating member 25 by three elastic support pieces 26b in such a manner that the valve action portion 26a is in close contact with the annular upright portion 20a. An interstitial space region 25e is formed between the three elastic support pieces 26b (see FIGS. 3B and 3C).

  Further, the intermediate operation member 25 is provided with a rod-like portion 25a for forcibly pressing the upper valve 18 upward in the operation mode to open the outlet 24a. Accordingly, the upper valve 18 that is positively biased by the self-elastic force toward the receiving portion 19b of the piston 19 is also surely opened in the operation mode.

  A bellows member 23 that forms a storage space 24 is provided between the housing 20 and the intermediate actuating member 25.

  The storage space 24 is formed by the bellows member 23 because the high-viscosity contents are accommodated in the internal space of the bellows member 23 so that the contents are the spring 21 and the piston 19 (contact portion with the inner peripheral surface of the housing). In order to prevent the content of the movable element from hitting and solidifying there, as a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the movable performance of the piston and the like, and to prevent a deterioration in the sealing performance of the contact portion of the piston. .

In the still mode of FIG.
The valve action portion 18a of the upper valve 18 closes the outlet 24a of the storage space 24 in close contact with the receiving portion 19b of the piston 19 by its own elastic force,
The valve action portion 26a of the lower valve 26 is in close contact with the annular upright portion 20a of the housing 20,
Since the valve member 14 closes the discharge port 13a,
The contents are not released into the external space.

  In addition, the contents of the inner bag 30 are taken into the storage space 24 of FIG. 1 by the opening operation of the lower valve 26 accompanying the return of the piston 19 after the previous release operation.

As shown in FIG. 2, when shifting to the operation mode when the operation button 11 is pressed,
First, the taper surface 11a moves the valve member 14 in the right direction in the figure to open the discharge port 13a,
After the rear end portion 14 a of the valve member 14 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the operation button 11, the head 12 moves down integrally with the operation button 11.

  Then, the piston 19 moves downward against the urging force of the spring 21 and the bellows member 23 is contracted to reduce the volume of the storage space 24. Therefore, the internal pressure is increased to push up the upper valve 18 and The rod-shaped part 25a of the operating member 25 forcibly presses the valve action part 18a of the upper valve 18.

  Since the upward movement of the upper valve 18 is restricted by the annular protrusion 19a, the upper valve 18 contracts against the self-elastic force, and a gap 27 between the valve action portion 18a of the upper valve and the receiving portion 19b of the piston 19 is formed. The

  Therefore, the content of the storage space 24 passes through the slit 23a-outlet 24a-gap 27-passage 18b and groove 19c-longitudinal passage 12a-lateral passage 16 of the bellows member 23 as indicated by the solid arrow by the pressure. And discharged from the discharge port 13a to the external space.

  In this operation mode, the pressure in the storage space 24 increases as described above, so the valve action portion 26a of the lower valve 26 is in close contact with the upright portion 20a of the housing 20, and the inlet 20b is closed. The contents of the inner bag 30 do not flow into the storage space 24.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the pressing operation of the operation button 11 is stopped, the piston 19 is moved upward by the elastic force of the spring 21.

  At this time, the upper valve 18 is released from being pressed by the intermediate actuating member 25, so that it is immediately restored by its own elastic force, and its valve action portion 18a comes into close contact with the receiving portion 19b again.

  Further, since the bellows member 23 is extended by the upward movement of the piston 19 and the volume of the storage space portion 24 is increased and the pressure thereof is lowered, the valve action portion 26a of the lower valve 26 is annularly raised in a form that resists its elastic force. As shown by the solid arrow, the contents of the inner bag 30 away from the portion 20a pass through the inlet 20b-valve action portion 26a and the gap 28-interval space region 25e between the upright portion 20a, the space region 25d, and the vertically elongated concave portion. 25 c flows into the storage space 24 surrounded by the bellows member 23.

  In addition, as the contents stored in the inner bag 30 are taken into the storage space 24, the volume of the inner bag 30 is reduced by that amount. Flows in through.

  Further, as the operation button 11 moves upward, the valve member 14 moves to the left in the figure by the restoring force of the spring 15 and closes the discharge port 13a. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the contents from dripping from the discharge port 13a after the contents are released, or the contents remaining in the vicinity of the discharge ports from touching the outside air to be solidified to make it difficult to discharge the contents.

  When the contents sufficiently flow into the storage space 24, the lower valve 26 is restored to the state shown in FIG. 1 again by its elastic force, the valve action portion 26a is in close contact with the annular upright portion 20a, and the inlet 20b is closed. .

Of course, the pump mechanism of the present invention is not limited to the one using the above-described inner bag.
For example,
-The contents are stored directly in the container body without using the inner bag, and the outside air flows into the container body that is negatively pressured after the contents are discharged.
-A movable member is provided inside the container body, the contents are accommodated in the upper space, and the movable member rises due to the negative pressure in the container body after the content discharge operation is completed,
It is also applicable to.

  Products with the above pump mechanisms include cleaning agents, cleaning agents, deodorants, antiperspirants, repellents (insecticides), pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, cooling agents, muscle anti-inflammatory agents, cosmetics, and hair products. , Hair dyes, laundry glue, etc.

  As the contents stored in the container body, metal salt powder, inorganic powder, resin powder, or the like is used. For example, talc, kaolin, aluminum hydroxychloride (aluminum salt), barium sulfate, cellulose, and a mixture thereof. In addition, ultraviolet absorbers, oily raw materials, surfactants, humectants, polymer compounds, antioxidants, sequestering agents, and the like are also used.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the stationary mode of the pump mechanism of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation mode of the pump mechanism of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the valve member of the pump mechanism of this invention, (a) is an upper valve, (b) is the intermediate | middle actuating member provided with the lower valve, (c) has each shown the lower valve. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transition state from the operation mode of the pump mechanism of this invention to a stationary mode.

Explanation of symbols

1: Pump mechanism 11: Operation button 11a: Tapered surface 12: Head 12a: Vertical passage 13: Nozzle 13a: Release port 14: Valve member 15: Spring 16: Horizontal passage 17: Cap 18: Upper valve 18a: Valve action portion 18b : Content passage,
19: Piston 19a: Annular projection 19b: Receiving part 19c: Groove 20: Housing 20a: Annular standing part 20b: Inlet 21: Spring 22: Seal member 23: Bellows member 23a: Slit 24: Reservation space 24a: Outlet 25: Intermediate actuating member 25a: Rod-like part 25b: Partition wall 25c: Longitudinal concave part 25d: Space area 25e: Intermittent space area 26: Lower valve 26a: Valve action part 26b: Elastic support piece 27: Gap 28: Gap 29: Container Main body 29a: Hole 30: Inner bag

Claims (4)

In the contents discharge pump mechanism having a function of discharging the contents of the storage space formed between the upstream valve and the downstream valve inside the container to the external space by a predetermined operation,
The upstream valve and the downstream valve each have a valve action portion that is set to a closed state based on an elastic force.
A pump mechanism for discharging contents. Using a spiral elastic valve member as the downstream valve,
An operation member for pressing and holding the valve action part of the elastic member at the time of transition to the operation mode for releasing the contents,
The content discharge pump mechanism according to claim 1. The valve action part of the upstream valve is supported on the inner surface of the storage space via a plurality of elastic pieces,
The content discharge pump mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The storage space consists of an inner space area of the bellows member that expands and contracts according to the operation,
The content discharge pump mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images