JP7777014B2 - Flow path opening and closing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a flow path opening and closing device.

Aerosol containers are known that have an inner bag filled with a liquid and a canister containing the inner bag and gas. The aerosol container is capable of discharging the liquid using gas pressure. Before filling the aerosol container with the liquid, treatment is sometimes carried out to reduce or eliminate any remaining oxygen in the inner bag. Such treatment involves, for example, repeatedly filling the container with nitrogen and vacuuming it.

To achieve this process, a component is used that opens the flow path while nitrogen is being filled and vacuuming is being performed, and closes the flow path while neither nitrogen filling nor vacuuming is being performed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a component that has a female component with a through hole that connects to the content storage space, and a plug that seals the through hole. When a male component for filling and dispensing fluid is inserted into the through hole, the tip of the male component engages with the connecting portion of the plug and pushes the plug out of the through hole. Furthermore, when the male component is pulled out, the plug seals the through hole and is detached from the male component.

JP 2014-144782 A

However, with the component disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the plug may be damaged due to repeated insertion and removal of the male component.

The present invention relates to a flow path opening and closing device with improved durability.

In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention relates to a flow path opening and closing device comprising: a tubular portion having a hollow region that is inserted into a spout portion attached to a container body that forms a storage space; an engaging portion having a through hole formed therein that engages with the spout portion; an elastic body provided within the hollow region of the tubular portion; and a movable portion that is supported by the elastic body and that, in response to a pressing force, moves from a closed position that closes the flow path that passes through the hollow region to one side in the axial direction of the tubular portion to open the flow path, and returns to the closed position in response to the elastic force of the elastic body when the pressing force is released.

As described above, the flow path opening and closing device of the present invention can improve durability.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing the external configuration of a container 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the external configuration of the container 10 without the pump device 30 attached. FIG. 2. The cross-sectional structure of the bag container holder 40 obtained by cutting along line II in FIG. 2 is shown. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the pump device 30. The cross-sectional configuration obtained when the valve cap 50 and the spout portion 70 are cut along line II shown in FIG. 2 is shown. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a cylinder 520. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a piston 530. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the piston 530 and the cylinder 520. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the flow path of the valve cap 50 is closed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the flow passage of the valve cap 50 is open. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the container 10.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

<Overall configuration of the container>
An embodiment of the present invention relates to a container for storing a liquid material. The overall configuration of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the external configuration of a container 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the external configuration of the container 10 without the pump device 30 attached. As shown in Figure 1, the container 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the pump device 30 and a bag container holder 40. Also, as shown in Figure 2, the container 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a valve cap 50, a spout 70, a bag container 80, and a dip tube 90. As shown in Figure 2, the bag container 80 is housed in the bag container holder 40, and the pump device 30 shown in Figure 1 is attached to the valve cap 50.

The container 10 may be sold without the pump device 30 attached, as shown in Figure 2. A user who purchases a container 10 without the pump device 30 and bag container holder 40 attached can use the container 10 by attaching the pump device 30 and bag container holder 40 to the container 10.

(Bag container holder 40)
The bag container holder 40 is an example of an outer container that forms a storage space for storing the bag container 80. The configuration of the bag container holder 40 will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 3 .

Figure 3 shows the cross-sectional structure of the bag container holder 40 obtained by cutting along line I-I in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, the bag container holder 40 has a body portion 420, a top surface portion 451, a recess side wall 455, and a bottom portion 456.

The body 420 has a cylindrical shape. This cylindrical shape has a pair of opposing openings, the opening 427 and the insertion port 457, and a hollow portion connecting the pair of openings. This hollow portion serves as the storage space for the bag container 80. As a specific example of the cylindrical shape, the body 420 may have a cylindrical shape or a rectangular cylindrical shape. In this specification, the direction parallel to the axial direction of the body 420 is referred to as the up-down direction, and the side on which the top surface 451 is located when viewed from the body 420 is referred to as the upper side, and the opposite side may be referred to as the lower side.

The top surface 451 protrudes inward from the upper end of the body 420 and has a hollow donut shape. The hollow portion of the top surface 451 functions as an insertion opening 457 into which the spout 70 is inserted.

The recess sidewall 455 protrudes downward from the inner edge of the top surface 451. The bottom 456 is an annular area that protrudes inward from the lower end of the recess sidewall 455.

The user can attach this bag container holder 40 to the bag container 80 by placing it over the bag container 80 through the opening 427 on the bottom of the body 420. At this time, the spout 70 attached to the bag container 80 is inserted into the insertion opening 457 formed in the top surface 451.

The bag container holder 40 may be an injection-molded product made of synthetic resin, such as PP (polypropylene), ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer synthetic resin), acrylic, polyester, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or SAN (styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer). From the standpoint of moldability, the outer and inner diameters of the body 420 may gradually decrease toward the top. For example, the outer and inner surfaces of the body 420 may have a gradient of 1% relative to the axial direction.

(Bag container 80)
The bag container 80 is an example of a container body that forms a storage space. The bag container 80 is a flexible packaging body, and may be, for example, a film container made of a top film, a bottom film, a front film, and a back film that are bonded together. The top film forms the top surface of the bag container 80, and an opening is formed in the top film.

The contents of such a bag container 80 may be a liquid. Examples of liquids include liquids, gels, and pastes. Liquids, gels, and pastes all have fluidity, but liquids do not have a fixed shape, while gels and pastes are semi-solid and may temporarily have a fixed shape. Specifically, liquids contained in the bag container 80 may be liquid detergent, fabric softener, bleach, shampoo, rinse, conditioner, body soap, cosmetic liquid, hair dye, medicine, liquid seasoning, etc.

In addition, examples of the top, bottom, front and back films include, but are not limited to, single-layer or multi-layer films or laminated sheets made of synthetic resins such as polyolefin, polyester or polyamide, or combinations thereof, or laminated sheets to which a metal vapor-deposited layer such as aluminum has been added.

(Spout part 70)
The spout 70 is attached to the top film of the bag container 80 and is a member that protrudes from an opening in the top film. The tip of the spout 70 is open.

(Valve cap 50)
The valve cap 50 is an example of a flow path opening and closing device that opens and closes a flow path within the valve cap 50. The valve cap 50 is attached to the spout 70. Furthermore, a second engagement portion 514 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the valve cap 50, and the pump device 30 is attached to the valve cap 50 by screwing the pump device 30 into the second engagement portion 514. Since one embodiment of the present invention particularly relates to the configuration of the valve cap 50, the configuration of the valve cap 50 will be described in detail below.

(Dip tube 90)
The dip tube 90 is connected to the valve cap 50 and is present within the storage space of the bag container 80. Fluid such as a liquid flows in and out of the bag container 80 via the dip tube 90.

(Pump device 30)
The pump device 30 draws liquid from the bag container 80 and discharges the drawn-in liquid. As shown in FIG. 1 , the pump device 30 includes a cap 310, a liquid dome 360, a handle 370, and a discharge port 390. The cap 310 includes an upper section 311 and a lower section 312. A threaded portion (threaded portion 313 shown in FIG. 4 ) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lower section 312, and this threaded portion threadably engages with a second engagement portion 514 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the valve cap 50. The liquid dome 360 is an example of an elastically deformable lid portion that forms part of a liquid pump chamber that stores liquid. The handle 370 is a portion that is gripped by the user. The discharge port 390 is an opening that connects to the liquid pump chamber and discharges the liquid that flows out of the liquid pump chamber. The configuration of the pump device 30 will now be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4 .

Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the pump device 30. As shown in Figure 4, the pump device 30 has a cap 310, a depression portion 318, a cylindrical portion 320, a main body portion 330, a liquid dome 360, a handle portion 370, and a nozzle 380. As shown in Figure 4, a liquid pump chamber P is formed between the main body portion 330 and the liquid dome 360, and the liquid stored in the liquid pump chamber P flows out from the liquid pump chamber P toward the discharge port 390 via the outflow path 333.

- Cap 310
4, the cap 310 has an upper stage portion 311 and a lower stage portion 312. The inner peripheral surface of the lower stage portion 312 is formed with a threaded portion 313 that threadably engages with a second engagement portion 514 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the valve cap 50.

The outer diameter d2 of the lower section 312 is larger than the inner diameter d1 of the insertion opening 457 shown in Figure 3. As a result, the lower end of the lower section 312 abuts against the bottom section 456 of the bag container holder 40, and the bottom section 456 is sandwiched between the lower section 312 and the flange section 740 (described below) of the spout section 70. This prevents the spout section 70 and cap 310 from rotating relative to the bag container holder 40. Furthermore, sandwiching the bottom section 456 between the lower section 312 and the flange section 740 of the spout section 70 also prevents the spout section 70 from falling off.

The upper section 311 has a cylindrical section 314 and a protruding section 316. The protruding section 316 protrudes inward from the upper end of the cylindrical section 314.

- Cylindrical portion 320
4, the cylindrical portion 320 has an outer cylinder portion 324, an inner cylinder portion 325, a protruding portion 326, and a liquid suction valve 328. A gap is formed between the outer cylinder portion 324 and the inner cylinder portion 325, into which the main body portion 330 fits.

The protruding portion 326 protrudes from the upper end of the outer tube portion 324 toward the tube portion 314 of the cap 310. The outer diameter of the protruding portion 326 is larger than the inner diameter of the protruding portion 316 of the cap 310. Therefore, when the protruding portion 326 is pressed against the protruding portion 316 of the cap 310, airtightness is achieved inside the cap 310.

A liquid suction valve 328 is provided between the upper end of the inner cylinder 325 and the main body 330. The liquid suction valve 328 has a cylindrical base and a plate-shaped valve body. The valve body is connected to one axial end of the base via a connecting part, and is elastically movable in the axial direction relative to the base.

When the internal pressure of the main body 330 (liquid pump chamber P) becomes lower than the internal pressure of the bag container 80 and the thrust caused by the pressure difference exceeds the elastic force of the connecting portion, the valve element of the liquid suction valve 328 moves, opening the liquid suction valve 328 and connecting the bag container 80 and the main body 330. When the internal pressure of the main body 330 rises and the thrust caused by the pressure difference falls below the elastic force of the connecting portion, the liquid suction valve 328 closes, returning the bag container 80 and the main body 330 to a state where they are separated by the liquid suction valve 328. As long as the internal pressure of the main body 330 exceeds the internal pressure of the bag container 80, the liquid suction valve 328 remains closed.

- Press-down portion 318
The depressing portion 318 is a cylindrical member. The inner diameter of the hollow region of the depressing portion 318 may be constant. The depressing portion 318 is located inside the cylindrical portion 320 and protrudes downward beyond the lower end of the cylindrical portion 320. An opening 319 is formed near the lower end of the depressing portion 318 in at least a portion of the circumferential direction. The number of openings 319 may be one or more. The depressing portion 318 is an example of an insertion portion that is inserted into a through-hole 517 (described later) of the valve cap 50 and presses against the piston 530.

-Main body portion 330
As shown in FIG. 4 , the main body 330 has a recess 331 , a spring holding portion 332 , an outlet channel 333 , and a protrusion 336 .

The recess 331 forms part of the liquid pump chamber P, which stores the liquid that flows in from the bag container 80. An intake port 331h is formed in the recess 331, and the liquid flows from the bag container 80 into the liquid pump chamber P via the intake port 331h and the liquid intake valve 328.

The spring retaining portion 332 is an annular protrusion that protrudes from the bottom surface of the recessed portion 331. The spring 342 is retained by engaging with the outer periphery of the spring retaining portion 332.

The outflow path 333 is a flow path through which the liquid flows out of the liquid pump chamber P. The upstream opening of the outflow path 333 is formed in the side wall of the recess 331.

The protrusion 336 protrudes forward from the area surrounding the downstream opening of the outflow channel 333. The nozzle 380 fits into the protrusion 336.

As shown in Figure 4, a liquid outflow valve 338 is provided inside the protrusion 336, between the nozzle 380 and the downstream opening of the outflow channel 333. The liquid outflow valve 338 has a cylindrical base and a plate-shaped valve body. The valve body is connected to one axial end of the base via a connecting portion, and is elastically movable in the axial direction relative to the base.

When the internal pressure of the main body 330 (liquid pump chamber P) becomes higher than the internal pressure of the nozzle 380 and the thrust caused by the pressure difference exceeds the elastic force of the connecting portion, the valve element of the liquid outflow valve 338 moves, opening the liquid outflow valve 338 and connecting the nozzle 380 to the main body 330. When the internal pressure of the main body 330 decreases and the thrust caused by the pressure difference falls below the elastic force of the connecting portion, the liquid outflow valve 338 closes, and the nozzle 380 and main body 330 return to a state where they are separated by the liquid outflow valve 338. As long as the internal pressure of the main body 330 falls below the internal pressure of the nozzle 380, the liquid outflow valve 338 remains closed.

- Liquid Dome 360
The liquid dome 360 covers the opening formed by the recess 331 and forms a liquid pump chamber P together with the recess 331. The liquid dome 360 is an example of a lid and is capable of elastic deformation. In its initial state before elastic deformation, the liquid dome 360 has a dome shape that bulges out on the side opposite the recess 331. The dome shape includes a curved portion obtained by, for example, cutting out a portion of a sphere. The liquid dome 360 may also be circular or elliptical in plan view. As shown in FIG. 4 , the edge of the liquid dome 360 fits into a groove formed in the main body 330, and the ring 348 fits into the groove from above the edge of the liquid dome 360. This firmly connects the liquid dome 360 to the main body 330.

The liquid dome 360 also has a spring retaining portion 362. The spring retaining portion 362 is an annular convex portion that protrudes downward from the top surface of the liquid dome 360. The spring 342 is retained by engaging with the outer periphery of the spring retaining portion 362.

The spring 342 is an example of an elastic body that expands and contracts in the vertical direction. The lower end of the spring 342 abuts the bottom surface of the recess 331, and the upper end of the spring abuts the top surface of the liquid dome 360. When the user presses down on the top surface of the liquid dome 360, the spring 342 contracts, and when the user releases the pressure on the top surface of the liquid dome 360, the spring 342 expands due to its elastic force, and the shape of the liquid dome 360 returns to its initial shape.

Handle portion 370
The handle 370 is a portion that is gripped by a user and extends rearward from the rear end of the recess 331.

Nozzle 380
Nozzle 380 is attached to main body 330 by fitting into protrusion 336 of main body 330. Nozzle 380 has outlet 390, and discharges the liquid that has flowed into nozzle 380 from liquid pump chamber P via outflow path 333 and liquid outflow valve 338 from outlet 390. Note that, at the time of sale, a nozzle cap that closes outlet 390 may be attached to nozzle 380 to prevent the liquid from being discharged from outlet 390 when liquid dome 360 is pressed down.

The overall configuration of the container 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above. One embodiment of the present invention relates particularly to the configuration of the valve cap 50 of the container 10 described above. Below, after explaining the background of one embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of the valve cap 50 will be described in detail.

<Background>
There are liquids whose quality or appearance changes when they come into contact with oxygen. When filling such liquids into the bag container 80, an oxygen removal process is carried out before filling the bag container 80 with the liquid to reduce or eliminate the remaining oxygen in the bag container 80. The oxygen removal process is, for example, repeated filling with nitrogen and vacuuming.

To achieve this oxygen removal process, a component is used that opens the flow path while nitrogen is being filled and vacuuming is being performed, and closes the flow path while neither nitrogen is being filled nor vacuuming is being performed.

However, with conventional components, there was a risk of the component being damaged or the film being caught during vacuuming.

The inventors of this invention have taken the above circumstances into consideration and have come up with the creation of a valve cap 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The valve cap 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention achieves improved durability and does not pinch the film that constitutes the bag container 80. The configuration of this valve cap 50 is described in detail below.

<Configuration of valve cap 50>
Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional configuration obtained when the valve cap 50 and the spout 70 are cut along line II in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 5, the spout 70 has a tubular portion 720 and a flange portion 740. The upper and lower ends of the tubular portion 720 are open. The flange portion 740 extends outward from the lower end of the tubular portion 720. The upper surface of the flange portion 740 is joined to the lower surface of the top film of the bag container 80, thereby fixing the spout 70 to the bag container 80.

The valve cap 50 has an engagement portion 510, a cylinder 520, a spring 526, a piston 530, and a gasket 540.

The engagement portion 510 is a portion that engages with the outlet 70 and the pump device 30. The engagement portion 510 has a top surface 511, an engagement tube portion 512 that extends downward from the outer edge of the top surface 511, and an abutment tube portion 515 that sandwiches the outlet 70 between the engagement tube portion 512 and the engagement tube portion 512 and abuts against the outlet 70. A through hole 517 and a groove 518 that surrounds the through hole 517 are formed in the top surface 511. A first engagement portion 513 that threadably engages with the outlet 70 is formed on the inner surface of the engagement tube portion 512, and a second engagement portion 514 that threadably engages with the cap 310 of the pump device 30 is formed on the outer surface of the engagement tube portion 512.

In the example shown in Figure 5, the outer diameter of the abutting tubular portion 515 is constant. However, the abutting tubular portion 515 may have a first region and a second region having an outer diameter larger than that of the first region. The second region may be located closer to the top surface portion 511 than the first region. Furthermore, the difference in outer diameter between the second region and the first region may be 0.3 mm or less. By forming such a second region, the spout portion 70 can be more tightly sandwiched between the engaging tubular portion 512 in the second region, thereby improving the seal between the outer periphery of the spout portion 70 and the abutting tubular portion 515.

A ring-shaped protrusion may be formed on the underside of the top surface 511, between the engaging cylindrical portion 512 and the abutting cylindrical portion 515. By having this protrusion abut against the upper end of the spout 70, it is possible to improve the sealing performance between the spout 70 and the top surface 511.

Cylinder 520 is an example of a cylindrical portion having a hollow region that is inserted into the spout portion 70. An annular protrusion 522 that protrudes inward is formed on the inner surface of cylinder 520. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of ribs 524 that are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction of the inner circumference of cylinder 520 are formed on the upper side of annular protrusion 522. Each of the plurality of ribs 524 is formed along the axial direction (up-down direction) of cylinder 520. Note that while FIG. 6 shows an example in which six ribs 524 are formed at equal intervals, the number of formed ribs 524 may be five or less, or seven or more.

Spring 526 is an example of an elastic body provided within the hollow region of cylinder 520. The lower end of spring 526 is supported by an annular protrusion 522 of cylinder 520. Spring 526 is also sandwiched between multiple ribs 524 formed on the inner surface of cylinder 520. Spring 526 can expand and contract along the axial direction of cylinder 520.

Piston 530 is supported by spring 526 and is an example of a movable part that can move up and down along the axial direction of cylinder 520. In FIG. 5, piston 530 abuts against gasket 540. That is, in FIG. 5, piston 530 is located in a closed position that closes the flow path that passes through the hollow region of cylinder 520. Here, the configuration of piston 530 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of piston 530. Figure 8 is a plan view of piston 530 and cylinder 520. As shown in Figure 7, piston 530 has a cylindrical portion 532 and a tubular portion 536. A plurality of protrusions 534 are formed on the side of cylindrical portion 532, spaced at equal intervals from one another. In the example shown in Figure 7, six protrusions 534 are formed on the side of cylindrical portion 532, but the number of protrusions 534 may be fewer or more. The outer diameter of tubular portion 536 is smaller than the inner diameter of spring 526. Therefore, spring 526 fits around the outer periphery of tubular portion 536, as shown in Figure 5.

Such a piston 530 has a petal-shaped plan view as shown in Figure 8. The diameter d3 of the cylindrical portion 532 is larger than the diameter of the through-hole 517 and the inner diameter of the gasket 540. Furthermore, the diameter d4, which is the sum of the diameter d3 of the cylindrical portion 532 and the protruding length of the two convex portions 534, is smaller than the inner diameter d5 of the upper portion of the cylinder 520 (see Figure 6).

The gasket 540 is a flexible annular member. The annular shape surrounds a certain area, and the shape may be circular or rectangular. The gasket 540 is positioned between the piston 530 and the through-hole 517, and is fixed between the upper end of the cylinder 520 and the engagement portion 510. The inner diameter of the gasket 540 may be the same as the diameter of the through-hole 517 of the engagement portion 510, or may be slightly larger than the diameter of the through-hole 517 of the engagement portion 510.

<Oxygen removal treatment>
9 and 10, an oxygen removal process using the above-described valve cap 50 will be described. Note that the oxygen removal process is, as described above, a process of repeatedly filling with nitrogen and vacuuming, for example.

Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the flow path of the valve cap 50 is closed. In Figure 9, the piston 530 is pressed against the gasket 540 by the elastic force of the spring 526. As a result, the flow path passing through the hollow region of the cylinder 520 is closed by the piston 530. With this flow path closed, fluid does not flow into the bag container 80, and fluid does not flow out of the bag container 80.

Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the flow path of the valve cap 50 is open. In Figure 10, the nozzle 92 is inserted through the through-hole 517, and the tip of the nozzle 92 presses against the piston 530, forcing it down. This causes the piston 530 to move away from the gasket 540, opening the flow path through the hollow region of the cylinder 520. When the flow path is open in this way, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 10, nitrogen can be filled into the bag container 80 through the opening 94 formed near the tip of the nozzle 92, the valve cap 50, and the dip tube 90. Furthermore, when the flow path is open, it is possible to perform a vacuum to suck out the nitrogen filled in the bag container 80 through the opening 94 formed near the tip of the dip tube 90, the valve cap 50, and the nozzle 92.

When the nozzle 92 is removed from the through-hole 517 while the flow path is open, the pressure on the piston 530 is released, and the piston 530 returns to the closed position in contact with the gasket 540 in response to the elastic force of the spring 526. After the oxygen removal process is performed in this manner, the liquid is filled into the bag container 80 through the opening 94 formed near the tip of the nozzle 92, the valve cap 50, and the dip tube 90, just as when filling with nitrogen.

When the pump device 30 is attached to the valve cap 50, as shown in Figure 11, the depressing portion 318 of the cap 310 is inserted into the through-hole 517, and the depressing portion 318 depresses the piston 530. This opens a flow path that passes through the hollow region of the cylinder 520.

The pressing down portion 318 may have a third region and a fourth region having an outer diameter larger than that of the third region within the region facing the inner wall of the through hole 517. The third region may be located closer to the piston 530 than the fourth region, and the fourth region may be located on the opposite side, on the edge 511a side of the through hole 517 on the upper surface of the top surface portion 511. The outer diameter of the third region is equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 517. The outer diameter of the fourth region may be equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 517 before the pressing down portion 318 is inserted into the through hole 517. More specifically, before the pressing down portion 318 is inserted into the through hole 517, it is desirable that the difference between the outer diameter of the fourth region and the inner diameter of the through hole 517 be 0.3 mm or less.

With this configuration, the press-down portion 318 comes into stronger contact with the inner wall of the through hole 517 in the fourth region, improving the seal between the press-down portion 318 and the inner wall of the through hole 517. Furthermore, by not making the outer diameter of the fourth region too large compared to the inner diameter of the through hole 517, the press-down portion 318 can be smoothly inserted into the through hole 517.

In addition, an O-ring may be attached or formed on the outer periphery of the push-down portion 318, or an annular structure (e.g., cylindrical portion 320) on the pump device 30 side may be fitted into the groove 518 on the top surface portion 511. These configurations may also improve the sealing performance of the bag container 80.

Furthermore, the total area of the openings 319 formed at the lower end of the press-down portion 318 may be equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of the hollow region of the press-down portion 318. In this case, the amount of liquid taken in through the openings 319 is less likely to become a bottleneck compared to the amount of liquid passing through the press-down portion 318, thereby achieving smooth discharge of the liquid.

<Action and effect>
According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, various operational effects can be achieved. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the piston 530 rises and falls within the cylinder 520 in response to the elastic force of the spring 526, thereby opening and closing the flow path passing through the hollow region of the cylinder 520. This improves the durability of the flow path against repeated opening and closing. Therefore, the valve cap 50 can be recycled and replaced with the spout 70 of a new bag container 80. Furthermore, by providing a container 10 having such a valve cap 50, spout 70, bag container 80, and pump device 50, a user can dispense the liquid without removing the cap 310, preventing air from entering the bag container 80. This allows the liquid to be used in a fresh state with minimal contact with air.

In addition, because the piston 530 moves up and down within the area surrounded by the cylinder 520, it is possible to prevent the piston 530 from catching on the film of the bag container 80 during vacuuming. Furthermore, because the piston 530 moves up and down according to the elastic force of the spring 526, it is possible for the piston 530 to return to the closed position with sufficient reliability after opening the flow path.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, a gasket 540 is provided between the piston 530 and the through-hole 517, and the piston 530 is pressed against the gasket 540 by the elastic force of the spring 526. If the piston 530 directly contacts the engagement portion 510, which is made of plastic, for example, it is difficult to ensure smoothness with plastic, which can easily result in insufficient sealing. However, in one embodiment of the present invention, the use of a flexible gasket 540 makes it possible to improve sealing when the flow path is closed.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the gasket 540 is fixed between the upper end of the cylinder 520 and the engagement portion 510. This makes it possible to prevent the gasket 540 from shifting out of position.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of ribs 524 are formed on the inner periphery of the cylinder 520, spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. Each of the plurality of ribs 524 is formed along the axial direction (vertical direction) of the cylinder 520, and these plurality of ribs 524 sandwich the spring 526. This prevents the spring 526 from shifting position, and makes it possible to limit the movement of the spring 526 to expansion and contraction in the vertical direction.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, a first engagement portion 513 is formed on the inner surface of the engagement cylindrical portion 512, which threadably engages with the spout portion 70. That is, the valve cap 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a cap structure that allows for easy attachment to the spout portion 70. Furthermore, a second engagement portion 514 is formed on the outer surface of the engagement cylindrical portion 512, which threadably engages with the cap 310 of the pump device 30. This allows the pump device 30 to be attached to the valve cap 50. Therefore, it is possible to dispense liquid from the pump device 30 without removing the valve cap 50. Furthermore, this type of valve cap 50 is easy to assemble.

When the pump device 30 is attached to the valve cap 50, the depressing portion 318 of the cap 310 is inserted into the through-hole 517, and the depressing portion 318 presses down on the piston 530. Therefore, a flow path passing through the hollow region of the cylinder 520 is open, allowing the pump device 30 to suck the liquid from the bag container 80 through the flow path and dispense the liquid. Furthermore, with an aerosol container, the dispensing speed of the liquid decreases as the internal pressure of the can decreases. However, with the dispensing performed by the pump device 30 used in one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to maintain a generally constant dispensing speed regardless of the amount of liquid remaining in the bag container 80.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the bag container holder 40 to which the bag container 80 is attached has an opening 427 at its bottom end, allowing the user to easily determine the remaining amount of liquid by visually checking the degree of crushing of the bag container 80 through this opening 427.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, a dip tube 90 is attached to the valve cap 50, making it possible to reduce the amount of liquid remaining at the bottom of the bag container 80.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the piston 530 has a cylindrical portion 532 with multiple protrusions 534 formed on its side surface. The diameter d3 of the cylindrical portion 532 is larger than the diameter of the through-hole 517 and the inner diameter of the gasket 540. If the diameter d3 of the cylindrical portion 532 were smaller than the diameter of the through-hole 517 and the inner diameter of the gasket 540, the cylindrical portion 532 would not completely close the flow path, allowing air to enter through gaps. In contrast, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the diameter d3 of the cylindrical portion 532 satisfies the above conditions, allowing the cylindrical portion 532 to completely close the flow path. Furthermore, the diameter d4 (maximum diameter of the piston), which is the diameter obtained by adding the protruding lengths of the two protrusions 534 to the diameter d3 of the cylindrical portion 532, is smaller than the inner diameter d5 of the upper portion of the cylinder 520. If diameter d4, which is the sum of diameter d3 of cylindrical portion 532 and the protruding length of two convex portions 534, is larger than the inner diameter d5 of the upper portion of cylinder 520, piston 530 will not be able to fit into cylinder 520. In contrast, according to one embodiment of the present invention, diameter d4 satisfies the above condition, making it possible to assemble piston 530 so that it can fit into cylinder 520.

Furthermore, by forming multiple protrusions 534 on the side of the cylindrical portion 532, it is possible to ensure a wide flow path while achieving smooth movement of the piston 530 up and down within the cylinder 520. More specifically, the larger the diameter of the piston 530, the more it can be prevented from tilting. However, if the diameter of the piston 530 is made closer to the inner diameter d5 of the cylinder 520 while remaining circular, the flow path for the liquid will become narrow. In this regard, the multiple protrusions 534 formed on the side of the cylindrical portion 532 suppress tilting while ensuring a flow path for the liquid in the spaces between the multiple protrusions 534. By ensuring a wide flow path, the liquid can flow smoothly into the liquid pump chamber P, thereby shortening the time between when the liquid is discharged from the discharge port 390 and when new liquid flows into the liquid pump chamber P.

<Additional Information>
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art of the present invention can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

Furthermore, in relation to the above-described embodiment, the present invention further discloses the following flow path opening and closing device and container.

<1>
a cylindrical portion having a hollow region, which is inserted into a spout portion attached to a container body that forms an accommodation space;
an engaging portion having a through hole formed therein and adapted to engage with the spout portion;
an elastic body provided in the hollow region of the cylindrical portion;
a movable part that is supported by the elastic body, moves in response to a pressing force from a closing position at which the flow path passing through the hollow region is closed to one side in the axial direction of the cylindrical part to open the flow path, and returns to the closing position in response to the elastic force of the elastic body when the pressing force is released;
A flow path opening and closing device comprising:
<2>
the flow path opening and closing device has an annular gasket between the movable part and the through hole,
The flow path opening and closing device according to <1>, wherein the movable portion abuts against the gasket at the closed position.
<3>
The flow path opening and closing device according to <2>, wherein the gasket is fixed between an end of the cylindrical portion and the engaging portion.
＜4＞
The flow path opening and closing device according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the elastic body is a spring that expands and contracts along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion.
<5>
An annular protrusion protruding inward is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion,
The flow path opening and closing device according to <4>, wherein the spring is supported by the annular protrusion.
<6>
A plurality of ribs spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction are formed on the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion,
Each of the plurality of ribs is formed along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion,
The flow path opening and closing device according to <4>, wherein the plurality of ribs sandwich the spring.
＜７＞
The flow path opening and closing device according to <6>, wherein the plurality of ribs are formed at equal intervals on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion.
＜8＞
The flow path opening and closing device according to <6> or <7>, wherein the plurality of ribs are six ribs.
＜９＞
The flow path opening and closing device according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein the engaging portion has an engaging cylindrical portion having a first engaging portion formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof to engage with the spout portion, and a second engaging portion formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof to engage with the pump device.
<10>
the engaging portion includes a contacting cylindrical portion that sandwiches the spout portion with the engaging cylindrical portion and contacts an inner circumferential surface of the spout portion, and a top surface portion that connects the engaging cylindrical portion and the contacting cylindrical portion,
The container according to <9>, wherein the contact tubular portion has a first region and a second region having an outer diameter larger than that of the first region.
<11>
The container according to <10>, wherein the second region is located closer to the top surface portion than the first region.
<12>
The container according to <10> or <11>, wherein the difference between the outer diameter of the second region and the outer diameter of the first region is 0.3 mm or less.
<13>
The container according to <10>, wherein a ring-shaped protrusion is formed on the surface of the top surface portion on the side of the spout.
<14>
the movable portion has a cylindrical portion having a plurality of protrusions formed on a side surface thereof,
The diameter of the cylindrical portion is larger than the diameter of the through hole,
<14> The flow path opening and closing device according to any one of <1> to <13>, wherein a diameter obtained by adding a diameter of the columnar portion to a protruding length of the two convex portions is smaller than an inner diameter of the cylindrical portion.
＜15＞
The flow path opening and closing device according to <14>, wherein the plurality of protrusions are formed at equal intervals on a side surface of the cylindrical portion.
<16>
The flow path opening and closing device according to <14> or <15>, wherein the plurality of protrusions are six protrusions.
＜17＞
The flow path opening and closing device according to any one of <1> to <16>,
a container body that forms a storage space;
a pouring outlet portion attached to the container body and into which a cylindrical portion of the flow path opening and closing device is inserted;
A container comprising:
＜18＞
The container according to <17>, further comprising a pump device attached to the flow path opening and closing device, which sucks the contents of the storage space from the storage space via the flow path opening and closing device, and discharges the contents.
＜19＞
The container according to <18>, wherein the pump device includes an insertion part that is inserted into the through hole and presses the movable part when the pump device is attached to the flow path opening and closing device.
＜20＞
The container according to <19>, wherein the insertion portion has a third region and a fourth region having an outer diameter larger than that of the third region within a region facing the inner wall of the through hole.
＜21＞
The container according to <20>, wherein the outer diameter of the fourth region is equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the through hole before the insertion portion is inserted into the through hole.
<22>
The container according to <21>, wherein the difference between the outer diameter of the fourth region and the inner diameter of the through hole is 0.3 mm or less before the insertion portion is inserted into the through hole.
＜23＞
The container according to any one of <20> to 22, wherein the third region is located closer to the movable part than the fourth region.
＜24＞
The container according to <19>, wherein an O-ring is attached to the outer periphery of the insertion part.
＜25＞
a groove surrounding the through hole is formed on the top surface of the engagement portion,
The container according to <19>, wherein the pump device has an annular structure that fits into the groove.
<26>
The container according to <19>, wherein an opening is formed in at least a part of the circumferential direction of the end of the insertion part on the movable part side.
＜27＞
The container according to <26>, wherein a plurality of the openings are formed at an end of the insertion part on the movable part side.
＜28＞
The container according to <26> or <27>, wherein the total area of the openings formed at the end of the insertion portion on the movable portion side is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of the hollow region of the insertion portion.

10 Container 30 Pump device 94 Opening 310 Cap 311 Upper stage portion 312 Lower stage portion 313 Threaded portion 314 Cylinder portion 316 Protruding portion 318 Press-down portion 319 Opening 320 Cylindrical portion 324 Outer cylinder portion 325 Inner cylinder portion 326 Protruding portion 328 Liquid suction valve 330 Main body portion 331 Recess 331h Suction port 332 Spring holding portion 333 Outflow path 336 Protruding portion 338 Liquid outflow valve 342 Spring 348 Ring 360 Liquid dome 362 Spring holding portion 370 Handle portion 380 Nozzle 390 Discharge port 40 Bag container holder 420 Body portion 427 Opening 451 Top surface portion 455 Recess wall portion 456 Bottom portion 457 Insertion port 50 Valve cap 510 Engagement portion 511 Top surface portion 511a, edge 512, engaging cylindrical portion 513, first engaging portion 514, second engaging portion 515, abutting cylindrical portion 517, through-hole 518, groove 520, cylinder 522, annular convex portion 524, rib 526, spring 530, piston 532, cylindrical portion 534, convex portion 536, cylindrical portion 540, gasket 92, nozzle 70, outlet portion 720, cylindrical portion 740, flange portion 80, bag container 90, dip tube P, liquid pump chamber d1, insertion hole inner diameter d2, lower portion outer diameter d3, cylindrical portion diameter d4, piston maximum diameter d5, cylinder inner diameter

Claims (12)

a cylindrical portion having a hollow region, which is inserted into a spout portion attached to a container body that forms an accommodation space;
an engaging portion having a through hole formed therein and adapted to engage with the spout portion;
an elastic body provided in the hollow region of the cylindrical portion;
a movable part that is supported by the elastic body, moves in response to a pressing force from a closing position at which the flow path passing through the hollow region is closed to one side in the axial direction of the cylindrical part to open the flow path, and returns to the closing position in response to the elastic force of the elastic body when the pressing force is released;
a ring-shaped gasket between the movable portion and the through hole;
Equipped with
the movable portion abuts against the gasket in the closed position;
The gasket is fixed between the end of the cylindrical portion and the engaging portion . a cylindrical portion having a hollow region, which is inserted into a spout portion attached to a container body that forms an accommodation space;
an engaging portion having a through hole formed therein and adapted to engage with the spout portion;
an elastic body provided in the hollow region of the cylindrical portion;
a movable part that is supported by the elastic body, moves in response to a pressing force from a closing position at which the flow path passing through the hollow region is closed to one side in the axial direction of the cylindrical part to open the flow path, and returns to the closing position in response to the elastic force of the elastic body when the pressing force is released;
Equipped with
The engagement portion has an engagement cylindrical portion having a first engagement portion formed on its inner surface that engages with the spout portion and a second engagement portion formed on its outer surface that engages with the pump device. a cylindrical portion having a hollow region, which is inserted into a spout portion attached to a container body that forms an accommodation space;
an engaging portion having a through hole formed therein and adapted to engage with the spout portion;
an elastic body provided in the hollow region of the cylindrical portion;
a movable part that is supported by the elastic body, moves in response to a pressing force from a closing position at which the flow path passing through the hollow region is closed to one side in the axial direction of the cylindrical part to open the flow path, and returns to the closing position in response to the elastic force of the elastic body when the pressing force is released;
Equipped with
the movable portion has a cylindrical portion having a plurality of protrusions formed on a side surface thereof,
The diameter of the cylindrical portion is larger than the diameter of the through hole,
a diameter of the columnar portion plus the protruding lengths of the two protrusions is smaller than an inner diameter of the tubular portion. the flow path opening and closing device has an annular gasket between the movable part and the through hole,
The flow path opening and closing device according to claim 2 , wherein the movable portion abuts against the gasket when in the closed position. The flow path opening and closing device according to claim 4 , wherein the gasket is fixed between the end of the cylindrical portion and the engaging portion. The flow path opening and closing device according to claim 1 , wherein the elastic body is a spring that expands and contracts along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion. A plurality of ribs spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction are formed on the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion,
Each of the plurality of ribs is formed along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion,
The flow path opening and closing device according to claim 6 , wherein the plurality of ribs sandwich the spring. 4. The flow path opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion has an engaging cylindrical portion having a first engaging portion formed on an inner surface thereof that engages with the spout portion and a second engaging portion formed on an outer surface thereof that engages with the pump device. the movable portion has a cylindrical portion having a plurality of protrusions formed on a side surface thereof,
The diameter of the cylindrical portion is larger than the diameter of the through hole,
The flow path opening and closing device according to claim 1 , wherein a diameter of the columnar portion plus the protruding lengths of the two protrusions is smaller than an inner diameter of the cylindrical portion. A flow path opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ;
a container body that forms a storage space;
a pouring outlet portion attached to the container body and into which a cylindrical portion of the flow path opening and closing device is inserted;
A container comprising: The container according to claim 10, further comprising a pump device attached to the flow path opening and closing device, which sucks the contents of the storage space from the storage space via the flow path opening and closing device , and discharges the contents. The container according to claim 11 , wherein the pump device includes an insertion portion that is inserted into the through hole and presses the movable portion when the pump device is attached to the flow path opening and closing device.