JP7728633B2 - Fluid food supply device and method for manufacturing the fluid food supply device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a fluid dispenser and a method for manufacturing a fluid dispenser.

Patent Document 1 describes a conventional fluid supplying device. The extrusion-type injection ointment container described in Patent Document 1 comprises a hollow injection container body and a cylindrical injection container injection part that protrudes from the center of the injection container body in the thickness direction.

The extrusion-type injection ointment container is made of a flexible material. When a user applies external force to the injection container body, the injection container body deforms, increasing the internal pressure of the ointment, causing the ointment stored inside the injection container body to come out of the injection part of the injection container.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-235937

The extrusion-type injection ointment container described in Patent Document 1 is made entirely of a flexible material, and when a user applies force to the injection container body, not only the area where the force is applied but also the surrounding area gradually deforms.

In other words, the extrusion-type injection ointment container described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the extent of deformation varies for each extrusion-type injection ointment container, which can easily lead to variations in the amount of ointment dispensed from the injection part of the injection container.

The object of the present invention is to provide a fluid dispenser that can reduce variation in the amount of fluid dispensed among multiple different fluid dispensers, and a method for manufacturing such a fluid dispenser.

One embodiment of the fluid dispenser according to the present invention comprises a storage section formed in a hollow shape for storing a fluid, and a supply section provided in the storage section. The supply section has a supply port for discharging the fluid and a supply path connecting the supply port with the interior of the storage section. The storage section has a dome-shaped pushing section that is the part to which an external force is applied. The pushing section has a linear bending section that is more likely to bend than other parts when the external force is applied.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the above-mentioned fluid supply device has a plurality of the intended bending portions, the storage portion has a bottom portion facing the pushing portion, and the plurality of intended bending portions are formed radially in a plan view from the part of the pushing portion farthest from the bottom portion.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned fluid dispenser, it is preferable that the intended bending portion is formed thinner than other portions of the pushing portion.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned fluid dispenser, it is preferable that the intended bending portion is a groove formed on the surface of the pushing portion.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned fluid dispenser, it is preferable that the pushing portion has a marking portion indicating that it is the portion to which external force is applied.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned fluid supply device, it is preferable that the reservoir section is a section in which fluid for vaginal cleansing is stored, and that the supply section is configured to be insertable into the vagina.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a fluid food dispenser. The method for manufacturing the fluid food dispenser involves direct blow molding using a mold having a first molding surface that forms a surface including the pushing portion, and a second molding surface that faces the first molding surface and forms a surface including a bottom portion of the reservoir that faces the pushing portion.

The fluid dispenser and manufacturing method for a fluid dispenser according to the above aspects of the present invention have the advantage of being able to reduce variation in the amount of fluid dispensed among multiple different fluid dispensers.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the same fluid dispenser with a part cut away. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway side view of the fluid dispenser in a state where an external force is applied to the pushing portion. Fig. 5(a) is a plan view of the fluid dispenser, and Fig. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 5(a). Fig. 6(a) is a schematic diagram of a first step of the method for manufacturing the fluid supply device of the same, Fig. 6(b) is a schematic diagram of a second step of the method for manufacturing the fluid supply device of the same, Fig. 6(c) is a schematic diagram of a third step of the method for manufacturing the fluid supply device of the same, and Fig. 6(d) is a schematic diagram of a fourth step of the method for manufacturing the fluid supply device of the same. Fig. 7(a) is a plan view of the fluid dispenser of Modification 1. Fig. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 7(a). FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion to be bent in a further modified example.

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

The storage section 2 is hollow to store the fluid. The storage section 2 has a dome-shaped push section 5, which is the part that applies external force. The supply section 6 is provided in the storage section 2. As shown in Figure 2, the supply section 6 has a supply port 62 for discharging the fluid and a supply path 61 that connects the supply port 62 to the interior of the storage section 2.

As shown in Figure 1, the pressing portion 5 has a linear bending portion 52 formed therein. The bending portion 52 is a portion that is more likely to bend than other portions when an external force is applied.

In the fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment, when an external force is applied to the pushing portion 5, the intended bending portion 52 bends, causing the pushing portion 5 to deform. In other words, because it is possible to predict in advance how the pushing portion 5 will deform when an external force is applied, it is possible to deform the pushing portion 5 in as similar a manner as possible across multiple fluid supply devices 1. As a result, the fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment can reduce variation in the amount of fluid supplied across multiple fluid supply devices 1. Furthermore, since the bent state at the intended bending portion 52 is maintained after use, it is easy to tell at a glance that the fluid supply device 1 has been used.

(1.2) Details The fluid food dispenser 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment is a medical instrument that supplies a fluid to the body. The fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment can supply a fluid by inserting the supply unit 6 into an opening in the body. In this disclosure, the term "opening in the body" includes openings that are present in the body from birth and holes that are opened in the body after birth, such as the nostrils, oral cavity, pharynx, ear canal, anus, urethral opening, vaginal opening, wounds, and piercing holes. The fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment is a vaginal cleanser that can supply a cleanser to the vagina with the supply unit 6 inserted into the vaginal opening.

The fluid dispenser 1 according to this embodiment cleanses the inside of the vagina by supplying a fluid cleanser into the vagina. Examples of cleanser supplied into the vagina include purified water, ion-exchanged water, ultrapure water, pure water, distilled water, tap water, and medicine. Cleanser includes low-viscosity fluids such as liquids, and high-viscosity fluids such as ointments, creams, and gels.

However, the fluid supply device 1 according to the present disclosure does not have to be intended for cleansing purposes, and may supply fluids for purposes such as applying medicinal liquids to areas affected by inflammation, wounds, etc., or supplying lubricants. Furthermore, when the fluid supply device 1 is used to supply fluids to areas other than the vagina, a fluid appropriate for the area to be supplied is selected. In short, for the fluid supply device 1 according to the present disclosure, the fluid is selected appropriately depending on the purpose of supply, the target area, etc. Furthermore, the fluid may be, for example, a highly viscous fluid such as an ointment, cream, gel, or lotion, or a less viscous fluid such as a liquid or water.

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

For ease of explanation, the direction in which the storage unit 2 and supply unit 6 are aligned as shown in Figure 1 is defined as the "front-to-back direction," the direction from the storage unit 2 toward the supply unit 6 is defined as the "forward direction," and the opposite direction is defined as the "rear direction." Furthermore, the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 1 is defined as the "up-down direction," and the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back and up-down directions is defined as the left-to-right direction. However, these definitions are provided merely for ease of explanation and are not intended to specify specific usage modes.

(1.2.1) Storage Section The storage section 2 is a hollow section formed to store fluid. At least a portion of the storage section 2 according to this embodiment (here, the pushing section 5) is flexible, and is deformed when an external force is applied to this portion. The term "external force" as used in this disclosure refers to a unidirectional force directed from the outside to the inside of the storage section 2, and refers to a force that can be applied by a user's finger. As an example, the external force according to this embodiment refers to a downward force applied to the pushing section 5. As shown in FIG. 2 , the storage section 2 includes a storage main body section 3, a folding origin section 4, and a pushing section 5.

(1.2.1.1) Storage Main Body The storage main body 3 is the part that constitutes the main body of the storage section 2. The storage main body 3 according to this embodiment is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening surface 34 on the top surface. However, the opening surface 34 of the storage main body 3 is closed by the pushing portion 5, and in this state, the storage main body 3 holds the pushing portion 5. As shown in FIG. 2 , the storage main body 3 has a bottom portion 31, a side portion 32, and a middle portion 33.

The bottom 31 is a portion that constitutes the lower end of the storage section 2. In this embodiment, the bottom 31 is formed in a position facing the pushing section 5. The lower surface of the bottom 31 (in other words, the lower surface of the storage section 2) is a surface that faces downward. Here, "a surface that faces downward" means a surface where, when the normal vector of the lower surface of the bottom 31 is resolved into the vertical and horizontal directions, the downward component force is greater than the horizontal component force.

The bottom 31 according to this embodiment is formed in a dome shape that bulges downward. More specifically, the bottom 31 is formed in a dome shape that slopes downward as it approaches the intersection of line D1 and the bottom 31. Here, "line D1" is parallel to the direction of the external force applied to the pressing portion 5 and passes through the center of the pressing portion 5. In this embodiment, the "intersection of line D1 and the bottom 31" corresponds to the center of the bottom 31 when viewed from above (hereinafter referred to as a planar view), and the "center of the bottom 31" refers to the centroid of the bottom 31 in a planar view. In other words, the bottom 31 according to this embodiment is formed in a dome shape that slopes downward (i.e., toward the opposite side from the pressing portion 5) as it approaches the center of the bottom 31 in a planar view.

In addition, the term "dome-shaped" as used herein refers to a curved surface that forms an arc in both a cross section perpendicular to the front-to-back direction and a cross section perpendicular to the left-to-right direction. Therefore, the dome-shaped bottom 31 according to the present disclosure includes, for example, a hemispherical or toroidal bottom 31. A toroidal surface here refers to a curved surface in which the curvature of the lower surface of the bottom 31 in a cross section perpendicular to the front-to-back direction differs from the curvature of the lower surface of the bottom 31 in a cross section perpendicular to the left-to-right direction. While the bottom 31 according to the present embodiment is formed into a toroidal surface, the bottom 31 according to the present disclosure may be formed into a dome shape or, for example, a flat or cylindrical surface.

The side portion 32 is a portion that surrounds the bottom portion 31 and the pressing portion 5 in a plan view. In this embodiment, the surface of the side portion 32 faces horizontally. Here, "a surface facing horizontally" means a surface where the horizontal component is greater than the vertical component when the normal vector of the surface of the side portion 32 is resolved into vertical and horizontal directions. The side portion 32 and the bottom portion 31 may be separated by a ridge line, or may be continuous with no apparent boundary.

In this embodiment, the side portion 32 rises from the periphery of the bottom portion 31. The side portion 32 has an opening 321 that penetrates the side portion 32 in the front-to-rear direction. The opening 321 is connected to the supply channel 61 of the supply portion 6 (described below), i.e., the supply port 62. Therefore, the fluid stored in the storage portion 2 passes through the opening 321 and the supply channel 61 and exits from the supply port 62.

As shown in FIG. 2, the center of the opening 321 is offset downward relative to the imaginary plane 35. The imaginary plane 35 is perpendicular to the direction in which the pusher 5 is pushed (here, downward), and passes through the center of the storage section 2 in the direction in which the pusher 5 is pushed. The entire opening 321 in this embodiment is located below the imaginary plane 35. Here, the "center of the opening 321" referred to in this disclosure means the centroid of the opening surface of the opening 321 facing the storage section 2. Therefore, for example, if the opening 321 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that it extends upward in the forward direction, it is sufficient that the centroid of the opening surface of the opening 321 facing the storage section 2 is offset downward relative to the imaginary plane 35. Furthermore, although the opening surface of the opening 321 in this embodiment is substantially circular, in this disclosure it is not limited to a circle and may be, for example, polygonal, elliptical, star-shaped, cross-shaped, etc.

The imaginary plane 35 in this embodiment is parallel to the horizontal plane, but the imaginary plane 35 in this disclosure is not limited to being parallel to the horizontal plane. For example, if the direction in which the push unit 5 is pushed is inclined relative to the vertical plane, the imaginary plane 35 will also be inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

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

As shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate portion 33 in this embodiment intersects with the side portion 32; specifically, the intermediate portion 33 is approximately perpendicular to the side portion 32. The intermediate portion 33 in this embodiment is formed around the entire periphery of the side portion 32; in other words, it is formed around the entire outer periphery of the pressing portion 5.

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

(1.2.1.2) Folding origin 4 is provided between the middle portion 33 and the pushing portion 5, and is the portion that breaks when an external force is applied to the pushing portion 5. As a result, when an external force is applied to the pushing portion 5 in a plurality of different fluid feeders 1, all of the fluid feeders 1 will commonly break at the folding origin 4, as shown in Fig. 4, and the amount of fluid that comes out of the supply port 62 of the supply portion 6 can be made approximately constant. In short, according to the fluid feeder 1 of this embodiment, the amount of fluid that is supplied can be made approximately uniform in a plurality of different fluid feeders 1.

In this disclosure, "break" means that when an external force is applied to the pushing portion 5, the breaking point 4 undergoes plastic deformation and does not elastically return to its original shape even when the force applied to the pushing portion 5 is removed.

The fold start portion 4 according to this embodiment is the boundary between the middle portion 33 and the pushing portion 5, and is formed to be thin. As shown in FIG. 3, the fold start portion 4 is the same thickness as or thinner than the side portion 32 and the middle portion 33. When an external force is applied to the pushing portion 5, as shown in FIG. 4, the pushing portion 5 is displaced downward and the fold start portion 4 breaks. At this time, the shape of the middle portion 33 is maintained. When the fold start portion 4 breaks, the pushing portion 5 is maintained in its displaced state, making it easy to tell that the fluid food dispenser 1 according to this embodiment has been used.

As shown in Figure 3, the thickness H2 of the fold start point 4 is preferably 1 mm or less, and more preferably 0.9 mm or less. Making the fold start point 4 thinner can improve the ease of folding at the fold start point 4, but from the perspective of the strength of the storage section 2 and the ease of folding at the fold start point 4, it is preferable that the thickness of the fold start point 4 be set to 0.6 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

The break point 4 according to this embodiment is formed to be thin, but in the present disclosure, any structure that allows it to break easily when an external force is applied to the pushing portion 5 may be used, for example, a step, groove, V-notch, etc. Furthermore, the break point 4 does not have to be continuous over the entire length in the longitudinal direction, and may be, for example, intermittent.

(1.2.1.3) Pushing section The pushing section 5 is a section that is pushed by a user to send the fluid stored in the storage section 2 to the supply section 6 and the supply port 62. The pushing section 5 is deformed when an external force is applied. The pushing section 5 according to this embodiment has a surface that faces upward, and an external force is applied in a downward direction to this upward surface.

Here, "surface facing upward" refers to a surface where the upward component of force is greater than the horizontal component of force when the normal vector of the surface of the pressing part 5 is resolved into vertical and horizontal directions.

As shown in FIG. 2, the push portion 5 is formed in a dome shape. The push portion 5 according to this embodiment is formed in a dome shape that slopes upward toward the center of the storage portion 2 in a plan view. However, like the bottom portion 31, the push portion 5 according to the present disclosure may be formed in a dome shape, for example, a flat shape, a cylindrical surface shape, or the like.

The pressing portion 5 according to this embodiment is formed so that it becomes thinner as it approaches the portion furthest from the bottom portion 31 (here, the upper end). The pressing portion 5 according to this embodiment is formed so that it becomes continuously thinner as it approaches the upper end, but in the present disclosure, it may also be formed so that it becomes thinner in stages as it approaches the upper end.

The upper end of the pushing portion 5 is flat and approximately parallel to the opening surface 34 of the storage body portion 3. The thickness of the end of the pushing portion 5 facing the storage body portion 3 is preferably 0.5 mm to 1 mm, and more preferably 0.65 mm to 0.9 mm.

Furthermore, the thickness of the portion of the pressing part 5 to which the user directly applies force (here, the upper end) is preferably formed to be 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, and more preferably 0.25 mm or more and 0.35 mm or less. By forming the thickness of the portion of the pressing part 5 to which the user directly applies force to be 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, when the user applies an external force to the pressing part 5, that portion elastically stretches and is more likely to come into contact with the bottom part 31. In the pressing part 5 according to the present disclosure, the entire pressing part 5 may be formed to be 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.

In the storage section 2 according to this embodiment, the thickness of the storage main body section 3 is 0.65 mm or more and 1 mm or less, and is formed to have a substantially uniform thickness. The thickness of the fold origin 4 is the same as or thinner than the thickness of the storage main body section 3. In this embodiment, the pressing section 5 is formed to become thinner from the fold origin 4 toward the upper end. Therefore, the pressing section 5 according to this embodiment is formed thinner than the portions of the storage section 2 other than the pressing section 5 (in this embodiment, the storage main body section 3 and the fold origin 4). Here, "the pressing section 5 is thinner than the portions other than the pressing section 5" means that the average thickness of the pressing section 5 is thinner than the average thickness of the portions other than the pressing section 5.

As a result, when an external force is applied to the pusher 5 with a finger (e.g., the first finger) while supporting the storage main body 3 with fingers (e.g., the second to fifth fingers), the pusher 5 can be deformed while maintaining the shape of the storage main body 3. As a result, when an external force is applied to the pusher 5, the pusher 5 is likely to deform along the surface facing the pusher 5 (the upper surface of the bottom 31), allowing the fluid to be effectively sent from the storage portion 2 toward the supply portion 6 and minimizing the amount of fluid remaining in the storage portion 2.

From the perspective of promoting deformation of the pressing portion 5 and folding at the folding start point 4 when an external force is applied to the pressing portion 5, it is preferable that the angle α between the pressing portion 5 and the intermediate portion 33 be set to be greater than or equal to 90° and less than 180°, as shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the angle α between the pressing portion 5 and the intermediate portion 33 is set to 115°±10°. Here, the "angle α between the pressing portion 5 and the intermediate portion 33" refers to the angle between the surface of the end of the pressing portion 5 on the intermediate portion 33 side and the surface of the intermediate portion 33. If the surface of the pressing portion 5 is curved, such as dome-shaped, it refers to the angle between the tangent to the surface of the end of the pressing portion 5 on the intermediate portion 33 side and the surface of the intermediate portion 33.

By setting the angle between the pressing portion 5 and the intermediate portion 33 to be greater than or equal to 90° and less than 180°, when an external force is applied to the pressing portion 5, the pressing portion 5 is more likely to deform and displace downward, making the folding start portion 4 more likely to break.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the pressing portion 5 according to this embodiment has a plurality of intended bending portions 52. The intended bending portions 52 are not bent before an external force is applied to the pressing portion 5 (before use), but can bend when an external force is applied to the pressing portion 5. Each intended bending portion 52 is formed linearly as shown in FIG. 5. Each intended bending portion 52 has a structure that makes it easier to bend than portions of the pressing portion other than the intended bending portions 52, and in this embodiment, is composed of grooves 521 formed on the surface of the pressing portion 5.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of part B of the portion to be bent 52 according to this embodiment. The portion to be bent 52 according to this embodiment is a groove 521 with a V-shaped cross section recessed from the surface of the pressing portion 5. The groove 521 is formed on the surface of the pressing portion 5 and is open to the outside. By forming the groove 521 in the pressing portion 5, the thickness of the portion where the groove 521 is formed is thinner than the other portions. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the pressing portion 5, the groove 521 begins to bend while the other portions of the pressing portion 5 other than the groove 521 are displaced.

The groove 521 in this embodiment is formed with a generally V-shaped cross section, but in the present disclosure, it may also be formed with, for example, a generally U-shaped cross section, a generally rectangular cross section, a trapezoidal cross section, an arc-shaped cross section, etc.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the grooves 521 (i.e., the intended bending portions 52) are formed radially from the upper end of the pressing portion 5 (i.e., the portion farthest from the bottom). In this embodiment, the multiple grooves 521 are four grooves 521 extending in directions that are approximately perpendicular to each other. However, in the present disclosure, five or more grooves 521 may extend in directions that intersect with each other.

The groove 521 according to this embodiment is formed continuously in the pressing portion 5 from the upper end to the entire length of the middle portion 33. However, the groove 521 according to the present disclosure may be formed in the range from the upper end to the area between the upper end and the middle portion 33, or may be formed intermittently.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the pressing portion 5 according to this embodiment has a marking portion 51 that indicates that this is the portion of the storage portion 2 where an external force is applied. By pressing the marking portion 51, the user can appropriately apply an external force to the storage portion 2, and can also appropriately cause the pressing portion 5 to deform and fold at the fold start portion 4. As a result, according to the fluid dispenser 1 according to this embodiment, the amount of fluid dispensed can be made approximately uniform across multiple different fluid dispensers 1.

As shown in FIG. 5, the mark portion 51 according to this embodiment is a flat portion 511. The flat portion 511 is formed partially on the surface of the pressing portion 5. The flat portion 511 is formed in a generally elliptical shape when viewed from above, but there are no limitations on the shape, and it may be, for example, a perfect circle or a polygon. The flat portion 511 is formed at the upper end of the pressing portion 5, in other words, it is formed at the position on the pressing portion 5 farthest from the bottom portion 31. The flat portion 511 according to this embodiment is perpendicular to the direction of the external force applied to the pressing portion 5 and is formed generally parallel to the opening 321.

For this reason, when applying an external force to the pushing part 5, the user can be informed in advance of the location on the pushing part 5 where the stroke will be the longest. As a result, the fluid food dispenser 1 according to this embodiment allows the user to know the appropriate location in the reservoir 2 to apply the external force.

The mark portion 51 according to the present disclosure is not limited to a flat portion 511, but may be configured, for example, as a recess, one or more protrusions, a textured surface with fine irregularities, or the like. A mark portion 51 configured with a shape such as a recess has the advantage that when a user presses the press portion 5, the user's finger can easily catch on the mark portion 51, thereby preventing the finger from slipping. However, the mark portion 51 is not limited to one based on shape, and may also be one that utilizes, for example, printing, painting, light, etc.

(1.2.2) Supply Unit The supply unit 6 is provided in the storage unit 2 and discharges the fluid stored in the storage unit 2. The supply unit 6 according to this embodiment is a tubular (cylindrical here) nozzle and is inserted into the vagina. As shown in FIG. 2 , the supply unit 6 includes a supply channel 61 and a supply port 62.

The supply channel 61 connects the opening 321 of the storage section 2 with the supply port 62. The supply channel 61 is formed along the central axis of the supply section 6 (nozzle). Since the supply section 6 in this embodiment is formed linearly, the supply channel 61 is also formed linearly. However, the supply section 6 and supply channel 61 may also be formed in a curved shape.

The supply port 62 is formed at the tip of the supply unit 6. The supply port 62 according to this embodiment is an opening on the tip surface of the supply unit 6 and faces forward. However, the supply port 62 according to the present disclosure may also open in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the supply path 61 (i.e., in the radial direction of the supply unit 6). In this case, multiple supply ports 62 may be formed at intervals around the central axis. Furthermore, the supply port 62 is preferably formed at the tip of the supply unit 6, but multiple supply ports 62 may also be formed, for example, at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the supply unit 6.

In this embodiment, the central axis of the supply unit 6 is parallel to the front-to-rear direction and perpendicular to the direction (one direction) of the external force applied to the pushing unit 5. This makes it easier for the user to press the pushing unit 5 with their fingers while the supply unit 6 is inserted into the vagina. "Perpendicular" here means essentially "perpendicular," and includes not only "perpendicular" in the strict sense, but also an error of several degrees. As for "perpendicular" here, an error of approximately 90°±10° falls within the category of "perpendicular," as long as it has the effect of making it easier for the user to press the pushing unit 5 with their fingers while the supply unit 6 is inserted into the vagina.

The supply unit 6 protrudes forward from the side portion 32 and is fixed to the side portion 32. The supply unit 6 in this embodiment has a circular cross section, and is essentially a cylindrical nozzle. The supply unit 6 has a small diameter portion 63 and a large diameter portion 64. The large diameter portion 64 has a larger outer diameter than the small diameter portion 63 and is formed further forward than the small diameter portion 63.

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

(1.3) Example of Use The fluid supply device 1 according to this embodiment is used, for example, as follows: The user holds the fluid supply device 1 containing the cleaning body so that the front-to-back direction is along a horizontal plane and the up-to-down direction is approximately perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The user keeps the fluid supply device 1 in the same orientation and moves it forward in parallel to insert the supply part 6 into the vagina.

The user then presses the marking portion 51 of the pressing portion 5 downward with their first finger, applying an external force to the pressing portion 5. As a result, the pressing portion 5 is displaced downward, at least one of the multiple intended bending portions 52 bends, the folding start portion 4 breaks, and the cleaning body in the storage portion 2 comes out of the supply port 62. The cleaning body coming out of the supply port 62 is supplied into the vagina, allowing it to be used to clean the inside of the vagina.

Then, the fluid supply device 1 is moved backward in a parallel motion, and the supply part 6 is removed from the vagina. In this state, the pushing part 5 remains displaced downward, so it is clear at a glance that the fluid supply device 1 has been used.

In the above example, the external force was applied downward, but the direction may be either left or right, or may be inclined relative to a vertical or horizontal plane.

(1.4) Manufacturing Method Next, a manufacturing method of the fluid food dispenser 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The fluid food dispenser 1 according to this embodiment is molded by direct blow molding. For direct blow molding according to this embodiment, an extruder 81, a mold 9, and a blow molding machine 82 are used, as shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(d).

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

The mold 9 sandwiches the parison 100 and blows air into it from the blow molding machine 82, molding the parison 100 into a molded product. The mold 9 of this embodiment includes a first mold 91 having a first molding surface 911 and a second mold 921.

The first shaping surface 911 forms one side of the fluid dispenser 1, including the pushing portion 5. The second shaping surface 921 forms the other side, including the bottom portion 31. The first shaping surface 911 and the second shaping surface 921 form the outer surface of the fluid dispenser 1.

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

The blow molding machine 82 is a device that blows air into the parison 100 placed in the mold 9. The blow molding machine 82 has an outlet nozzle 821 that discharges air.

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

Next, in the second step, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the first mold 91 and the second mold 92 are closed together with the parison 100 placed between them. When the first mold 91 and the second mold 92 are closed together, both longitudinal ends of the parison 100 are sandwiched between the first mold 91 and the second mold 92.

Next, in the third step, as shown in Figure 6(c), air is blown into the parison 100 from the discharge nozzle 821 of the blow molding machine 82. This causes the parison 100 to expand along the molding surface of the mold 9, forming a molded product.

Next, in the fourth step, the formed product is cooled and hardened, the mold is opened, and then unnecessary portions 93 (e.g., flash, etc.) are cut off, as shown in Figure 6(d). This results in the fluid food dispenser 1 according to this embodiment.

This manufacturing method results in a thinner thickness at the area far from the center of the parison 100, i.e., the upper end of the pushing section 5, and a thicker thickness at the area close to the center of the parison 100, i.e., the reservoir main body 3. Therefore, the manufacturing method according to this embodiment makes it possible to suitably manufacture a fluid dispenser 1 in which the pushing section 5 and reservoir main body 3 have different thicknesses.

(2) Aspects As described above, the fluid food dispenser 1 according to the first aspect includes a storage section 2 formed in a hollow shape for storing a fluid, and a supply section 6 provided in the storage section 2. The supply section 6 has a supply port 62 for discharging the fluid to the outside, and a supply path 61 that connects the supply port 62 with the interior of the storage section 2. The storage section 2 has a dome-shaped pushing section 5 that is a section to which an external force is applied. The pushing section 5 is formed with a linear bending section 52 that is more likely to bend than other sections when an external force is applied.

In this embodiment, when an external force is applied to the pushing portion 5, it bends at the intended bending portion 52, so the deformation pattern of the pushing portion 5 can be made as common as possible among multiple fluid supply devices 1. As a result, with this embodiment of the fluid supply device 1, it is possible to reduce variation in the amount of fluid supplied among multiple fluid supply devices 1. Furthermore, because it is possible to cause deformation as designed, it is possible to reduce as much fluid as possible remaining in the storage portion 2. Moreover, with this embodiment of the fluid supply device 1, it is clear that it has been bent at the intended bending portion 52 even after use, making it easy to tell that it is a used fluid supply device 1.

The fluid supply device 1 according to the second aspect is the same as the first aspect, but has multiple intended bending portions 52. The storage portion 2 has a bottom portion 31 facing the pushing portion 5. The multiple intended bending portions 52 are formed radially in a plan view from the portion of the pushing portion 5 farthest from the bottom portion 31.

This configuration allows the deformation pattern of the pusher 5 to be more accurately consistent across multiple fluid dispensers 1, further reducing variation in the amount of fluid dispensed.

In the fluid food dispenser 1 according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, each of the multiple bending portions 52 is formed thinner than the other portions of the pushing portion 5.

In this embodiment, bending at the intended bending portion 52 is more likely to occur when an external force is applied to the pushing portion 5.

In the fluid food dispenser 1 according to the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, each of the multiple intended bending portions 52 is a groove 521 formed on the surface of the pushing portion 5.

In this embodiment, when an external force is applied to the pressing portion 5, bending occurs easily at the intended bending portion 52, and the user can tactilely recognize that it is the pressing portion 5.

In the fluid food dispenser 1 according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the pushing part 5 has a marking part 51 that indicates that this is the part to which an external force is applied.

In this embodiment, the user can visually or tactilely confirm the location where external force should be applied before applying force to the pushing unit 5, thereby effectively sending the fluid to the supply unit 6. As a result, this embodiment makes it possible to reduce the amount of fluid remaining in the storage unit 2 as much as possible.

In the fluid supply device 1 according to the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the reservoir 2 is a portion where fluid for vaginal cleansing is stored. The supply part 6 is configured to be insertable into the vagina.

This configuration reduces variations in the amount of fluid dispensed across multiple vaginal cleansers. Furthermore, because the design deformation can be achieved, the amount of fluid remaining in the reservoir 2 can be reduced as much as possible.

The manufacturing method for the fluid food dispenser 1 according to the seventh aspect is the same as the manufacturing method for the fluid food dispenser 1 according to any one of the first to sixth aspects. The manufacturing method for the fluid food dispenser 1 involves molding the fluid food dispenser 1 by direct blow molding using a mold 9. The mold 9 has a first molding surface 911 and a second molding surface 921 opposite the first molding surface 911. The first molding surface 911 forms the surface of the fluid food dispenser 1 that includes the pushing portion 5. The second molding surface 921 forms the surface of the fluid food dispenser 1 that includes the bottom portion 31.

This aspect allows the fluid food dispenser 1 according to the above aspect to be manufactured with good manufacturability.

The configurations according to the second to sixth aspects are not essential to the fluid dispenser 1 and may be omitted as appropriate.

(3) Modifications The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications to the embodiment may be made depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. For example, the fluid supply device 1 according to the present invention can be used not only as a vaginal douche, but also as an injectable ointment (medicine), nasal drops (medicine), a lubricant for relieving pain during intercourse (miscellaneous goods), a portable anal douche (miscellaneous goods), toothpaste (quasi-drug, cosmetic), etc. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

(3.1) Modification 1
As shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), the linear bending portion 52 in the above embodiment is a groove 521, whereas the linear bending portion 52 in variant 1 is a protrusion 522 protruding from the surface of the pressing portion 5, which is the difference between the embodiment and variant 1.

As shown in Figure 7(b), the protrusions 522 protrude outward from the surface of the pressing section 5 (the surface other than the intended bending section 52). The protrusions 522 are formed with a generally triangular cross section. The back surface of the portion corresponding to the protrusions 522 is recessed.

As shown in Figure 7(a), the multiple protrusions 522 in this modified example intersect with each other at the upper end of the pressing portion 5. Therefore, in this modified example, the points where the protrusions 522 intersect form the marker portions 51.

When an external force is applied directly to the protrusion 522, the surface on the back side of the protrusion 522 stretches, and tension is applied in the direction that opens the recess. This causes the protrusion 522 to bend in the pressing portion 5. In other words, even with the protrusion 522 (portion to be bent 52) of this modified example, when an external force is applied to the pressing portion 5, the protrusion 522 bends, thereby achieving the same effect as the groove 521 (portion to be bent 52) of the above embodiment.

(3.2) Other Modifications Modifications of the embodiment are listed below.

In the above embodiment, the intended bending portion 52 is a groove 521 formed on the surface of the pushing portion, but as shown in Figure 8, the groove 521 may also be formed on the back surface of the pushing portion. In this case, the groove 521 is open to the inside of the storage portion 2.

In the above embodiment, the multiple intended bending portions 52 are formed radially, but they may also be one or more grooves and/or ridges formed concentrically.

The pressing portion 5 in the above embodiment has a marking portion 51, but in the present disclosure, the marking portion 51 may be omitted.

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

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

In the fluid food dispenser 1 according to the above embodiment, the opening 321 is formed in the side portion 32, but in the fluid food dispenser 1 according to the present disclosure, the opening 321 may be formed in the bottom portion 31 as well as the side portion 32. In other words, the opening 321 according to the present disclosure may be formed in any portion other than the pushing portion 5, and in other words, the dispensing portion 6 may be provided in any portion other than the pushing portion 5.

In the fluid supply device 1 according to the above embodiment, at least the pushing portion 5 is flexible, but in the present disclosure, the reservoir main body portion 3 and supply portion 6 may also be flexible.

In the above embodiment, the entire pressing portion 5 is formed thinner than the storage main body portion 3, but in the present disclosure, only the end of the pressing portion 5 facing the storage main body portion 3 may be formed thinner than the storage main body portion 3.

In this disclosure, expressions that include "approximately" such as "approximately parallel" or "approximately perpendicular" may be used. For example, "approximately parallel" means that the state is essentially "parallel," and includes not only a strictly "parallel" state but also an error of a few degrees. The same applies to other expressions that include "approximately."

Furthermore, in this disclosure, expressions that distinguish between "end" and "end", such as "front end" and "front end", are used. For example, "front end" means a part with a certain range that includes the "front end". The same applies to other expressions that include "end".

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 fluid supply device 2 storage section 31 bottom section 5 pushing section 51 marking section 52 intended bending section 521 groove 6 supply section 61 supply channel 62 supply port 9 mold 91 first mold 911 first molding surface 92 second mold 921 second molding surface

Claims (5)

a hollow reservoir for storing a fluid;
a supply unit provided in the storage unit, the supply unit having a supply port for discharging the fluid and a supply path connecting the supply port with the inside of the storage unit;
Equipped with
The storage section is
a dome-shaped pushing portion that applies an external force ;
a bottom portion facing the pressing portion;
and
The pressing portion is
a marking portion located at a portion of the pressing portion farthest from the bottom and indicating that the pressing portion is a portion to which an external force is to be applied;
a plurality of linear bending portions formed radially from the mark portion in a plan view, the linear bending portions being more likely to bend than other portions when an external force is applied to the mark portion ;
having
Fluid supply equipment. The portion to be bent is formed thinner than other portions of the pressing portion.
2. The fluid dispenser according to claim 1 . The bending portion is a groove formed on the surface of the pressing portion.
The fluid dispenser according to claim 2 . The reservoir is a portion for storing a fluid for vaginal washing,
The supply unit is configured to be insertable into the vagina.
The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . A method for producing a fluid food dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The molding is performed by direct blow molding using a mold having a first molding surface that forms a surface including the pushing portion, and a second molding surface that faces the first molding surface and forms a surface including a bottom portion that faces the pushing portion in the storage portion.
A method for manufacturing a fluid dispenser.