Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a container with an instillation discharge flow
velocity mechanism that easily allows, when contents (liquid) are discharged from
the container body, the container body to be pressurized, for example, squeezed by
hand so that liquid can be discharged in the form of instillation.
[0002] The present invention also relates to a fixed quantity measurement flow velocity
control container that has a discharge flow velocity control mechanism and that has
a fixed quantity measurement container for measuring a fixed quantity.
Prior Art
[0003] Recently, PET bottles mainly used as a drinkable water container have been widely
used on the market in various shapes. Plastic bottles mainly used for cleaner containers
have a larger variety of container shapes than in the case of PET bottles. Specifically,
pouched containers have been widely used as for-repacking containers in view of reduction
in waste and reuse of resources.
[0004] However, regarding conventional containers, more attention has been paid to container
body but little attention to the outlet. Specifically, such little attention has caused
accidents in which the contents spurt out from the container, for example, when a
user attempted to tilt a PET bottle having a large capacity, the user failed to control
the discharged amount to cause the contents in the container to overflow; or when
a user attempted to repackage the contents in a for-repacking pouched container into
a plastic bottle, the user improperly grabbed the pouched container to cause the contents
to burst out of the outlet or the container body was bent to cause the outlet to deviate
from the intended direction, thus causing the contents to splatter onto the surroundings
despite the user's intention.
[0005] Thus, there has been a need for improving the structure of the outlet so that the
liquid in the container is prevented from being improperly discharged from the container.
To provide such an improved structure, the present applicant suggested in Japanese
Published Unexamined Patent Application No. H10-338278 a technique for controlling
the flow velocity of liquid in the outlet.
[0006] On the other hand, there is another kind of container (especially eye drop containers)
that requires the contents in the liquid container to be discharged in a manner of
instillation. Such a liquid requiring an instillation-like discharge includes, in
addition to eye drops, various products such as beauty products and food additives.
[0007] A conventional instillation discharge container is designed, as representedby the
instillation discharge container for eye drops, to simply allow the container outlet
to have a reduced diameter so that the surface tension of the liquid stops the liquid
at the outlet. In this design, the contents are forced out of the container when the
container body is squeezedby fingers or the like to increase the inner pressure. A
conventional container forbeautyproducts or food additives alsohas a similar design
as that for eye drops in which the outlet has a reduced diameter of an outlet. Such
a conventional container for beauty products or food additives frequently had a design
in which the contents of the container are discharged by shaking the container body
rather than squeezing the container body.
[0008] However, as anyone has experienced, a force for discharging one drop of the contents
out of a container body for eye drops proves difficult to adjust, causing a situation
where two drops are discharged even when only one drop is required. In this manner,
a conventional container body for eye drops required a user to adjust the discharging
force slightly. This prevented the container body from having a wide selection of
materials, for example, a hardness or rigidity of the container. This has caused a
condition in which only a plastic or glass-made container having appropriate hardness
and rigidity can be used because it is very difficult for a soft container body, for
example, a laminated tube to discharge therefrom the contents in a manner of instillation.
Accordingly, it was inevitable that only a plastic or glass container with an appropriate
hardness and rigidity was used.
[0009] In view of the above-described, the container with an instillation discharge flow
velocity mechanism according to the present invention solves the above-described conventional
problems. This container with an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism allows
the contents therein to be very easily discharged in the manner of instillation. This
container with an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism also provides fewer
limitations on the container body and has an outlet that canbe applied to various
soft containers and that easilyprovides instillation-like discharge.
[0010] Conventionally, pump-type resin-made bottles have been used as a liquid container
for cleaners or the like. This bottle is one in which the resin-made bottle container
body has at the upper opening section a hand-push-type pump that is squeezed by hand
if required to allow the contents to be discharged.
[0011] The pump is a so-called plunger pump having a structure in which, when the hand-push
section is squeezed, the contents retained in the pump are forced out of the outlet
and, when the hand is discharged from the hand-push section, then a return spring
forces back the hand-push section and the contents in the container body are suctionedby
the outlet. The pump normally has therein a check ball that functions as a check valve
for preventing the contents once suctioned into the pump from flowing back into the
container body. The pump body also has at the lower end a narrow tube for suctioning
the contents from the bottom section of the container body. This container is very
popular and is frequently used for liquids having a relatively high viscosity, for
example, cleaners, and shampoos.
[0012] However, since this pump requires the use of different materials because the return
spring is made of metal, this type of pump is unrealistic in view of cost or the like,
although the pump can be technically constructed with a single material. With society
increasing demands for environmental protection, such a pump is unrealistic also because
the problem of waste must be considered.
[0013] This type of pump has therein a check valve for preventing the contents from flowing
back. This caused a problem in which the contents in a tube running from the pump
to the discharge outlet were retained and dried, causing the dried contents to burst
out of the discharge outlet.
[0014] Thus, the liquid container of the present invention solves the above-described conventional
problems. This liquid container can be constructed with a single material and can
have a simple structure. In spite of the simple structure, this liquid container controls
the flow velocity to prevent discharge due to carelessness and allows the contents
in the discharge tube to be suctioned in the container body, thus preventing the contents
from being retained and dried in the tube.
[0015] Furthermore, there have conventionally been various liquids required to be measured
such as drugs, beauty products, coating materials, and cleaners. In most cases, a
drug is measured by pouring the drug out of a bottle into a measuring cup. There have
also been liquid containers for storing liquid used in larger amounts than in the
case of ones for drugs, for example, ones for cleaners that have a bottle cap functioning
as a measurement cup or that are constructed to have a pump-type synthetic resin-made
bottle. In such a container having a bottle cap functioning as a measurement cup,
the measurement cup is detached from the container body when used and a user is allowed
to measure the required amount freely. However, such a container is not suitable when
an accurate amount needs to be measured. In the container having a synthetic resin-made
bottle container body, the container body has at the upper opening section a hand-push-type
pump that is squeezed by hand if required to discharge the contents. Inmost cases,
this type of container allows the contents to be dischargedby a one-hand-push operation
in a fixed amount.
[0016] However, such a container having a measurement cup is not suitable for accurate measurement
because the container requires a user to pour the contents from the container body
while reading the scale provided on the measurement cup. Such a container also had
a problem in which an inappropriate pouring operation causes the contents to overflow
or a loosely-tightened cap causes the contents to be leaked from the container when
the container falls.
[0017] Similarly, since the pump-type bottle requires the use of different materials because
the return spring is made of metal, the pump-type bottle is unrealistic in view of
cost or the like, although the pump can be technically constructed with a single material.
[0018] This type of pump has therein a check valve for preventing the contents from flowing
back. This caused a problem in which the contents in a tube running from the pump
to the discharge outlet are retained and dried, causing the dried contents to burst
out of the discharge outlet at the next discharge.
[0019] Thus, the fixed quantitymeasurement flow velocity control container of the present
invention solves the above-described conventional problems. This container can be
constructed with a single material and can have a simple structure. In spite of the
simple structure, this container controls the flow velocity to prevent discharge due
to carelessness and allows the contents in the discharge tube to be suctioned in the
container body, thus preventing the contents from being retained and dried in the
tube. This liquid container also provides an accurate measurement of a fixed quantity
of liquid.
Disclosure of the Invention
[0020] In other words, the container having a discharge flow velocity control mechanism
of the present invention has the characteristics as described below.
(1) A liquid container comprises a discharge route for discharging the contents; this
discharge route has a flow velocity control passage having an opening area that allows
the surface tension of the contents to block the contents under atmospheric pressure;
andwhen the contents are discharged, then the contents having passed through this
flow velocity control passage once has a flow velocity of zero in the passage direction
and then fills the main passage of the discharge route provided at the outlet of this
flow velocity control passage to be subsequently discharged from the outlet.
(2) The flow velocity control passage is provided in the direction parallel with the
main passage of the above-described discharge route.
(3) The flow velocity control passage is provided in the direction orthogonal to the
main passage of the above-described discharge route.
(4) The flow velocity control passage is a hole.
(5) The flow velocity control passage is a clearance.
(6) When there are two or more flow velocity control passages with an even number,
each pair of flow velocity control passages are provided at opposite positions or
are arranged in a radial pattern.
(7) A means for changing the opening area is provided so that the opening area of
the flow velocity control passage can be increased or decreased in a stepwise or stepless
manner.
(8) The influx inlet of the contents of the flow velocity control passage is opened
to the container body and the contents directly flow from the container body into
the flow velocity control passage.
(9) The influx inlet of the contents of the flow velocity control passage has a guide
route for guiding the contents from the container body; this guide route has at the
outlet side the flux inlet; and the contents flow via this guide route into the flow
velocity control passage.
The container with the discharge flow velocity mechanism of the present invention
has the characteristics as provided below.
(10) A liquid container comprises a discharge route for discharging the contents;
this discharge route has a flow velocity control passage having an opening area that
allows the surface tension of the contents to block the contents under atmospheric
pressure; when the contents are discharged, then the contents having passed through
this flow velocity control passage once have a flow velocity of zero in the passage
direction and then fill the main passage of the discharge route provided at the outlet
side of this flow velocity control passage to be subsequently discharged from the
outlet; and when the discharge step is completed, then the contents in the discharge
route are suctioned into the container body to prevent the contents under a normal
condition from being retained in the discharge route.
(11) The flow velocity control passage and the container body have therebetween a
cover member for separating this flow velocity control passage in the container body;
this cover member has at the inner side a space having a desired capacity; this space
is communicated with the container body only by a narrow tube; fluid pressure in the
container has no direct influence on the flow velocity control passage; and resistance
in this narrow tube causes the inner pressure of the container body to be attenuated
to prevent the inner pressure from reaching the flow velocity control passage.
The fixed quantity measurement flow velocity control container of the present invention
also has the characteristics as provided below.
(12) A liquid container, comprising an outlet for discharging contents; the discharge
route further comprising a flow velocity control passage having an opening area of
such a degree that it is sealed by the contents themselves by the surface tension
of the contents under atmospheric pressure, wherein, when the contents are discharged,
the flow velocity of the contents passing through the flow velocity control passage
in the direction of the passage once becomes zero, and the contents are discharged
from an outlet after filling the main passage of the discharge route provided on the
outlet side of the flow velocity control passage; when the discharge step is completed,
then the contents in the discharge route are suctioned into the container body to
prevent the contents under a normal condition from being retained in the discharge
route; and a measurement container having therein the above-described main passage
is provided.
(13) After the contents are discharged from the outlet into the measurement container,
the restitutive force of the container causes a negative pressure in the container
to allow excessive contents equal to or larger than a fixed quantity to be measured
to be collected in the container body so that the fixed quantity to be measured remains
in the measurement container for measurement.
(14) The fixed quantity to be measured is determined by the height from the bottom
surface of the measurement container of the outlet provided in the measurement container
in a protruded manner; and this measurement container can be moved in the upward and
downward directions so that the height of the outlet from the bottom surface of the
measurement container can be arbitrarily adjusted.
[0021] The flow velocity control passage and the container body have therebetween a cover
member for separating this flow velocity control passage in the container body; this
cover member has at the inner side a space having a desired capacity; this space is
communicated with the container body only by a narrow tube; fluid pressure in the
container has no direct influence on the flow velocity control passage; and resistance
in this narrow tube causes the inner pressure of the container body to be attenuated
to prevent the inner pressure from reaching the flow velocity control passage.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.
(Embodiment 1)
[0023] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a container with an instillation discharge
flow velocity mechanism having an instillation discharge liquid outlet. The container
body 1 has at the upper part the discharge tube 3 having the outlet 2 and the retaining
cap 4 for fixing this discharge tube 3 to the container body 1. The retaining cap
4 has at the upper end a cap 5 for preventing the contents from being improperly discharged
when the container is not being used and for protecting the outlet 2. This cap 5 is
designed to fit the stepped portion 6 provided at the outer circumference of the upper
end of the above-described retaining cap 4. The cap 5 and the stepped portion 6 are
both designed to have some convex form and concave form so that they are retained
together when applied with an appropriate squeezing force.
[0024] Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the main section in the vicinity of
the outlet. The bottle-like container body 1 has at the upper part the opening 7 and
the discharge tube 3. The discharge tube 3 is fixed such that the flange 8 is provided
on the upper end surface of the opening section 7 of the container body 1 and is screwed
by the retaining cap 4 to the container body 1. This container body 1 is made of relatively
soft and easily-flexible material, for example, synthetic resin. More specifically,
the container body 1 is preferably made of synthetic resin material, for example,
polypropylene, a laminated tube, and a composite film.
[0025] The discharge tube 3 is made of a hard synthetic resin and has a shape having the
flange 8 as shown in Fig. 3 to fit the opening section 7 of the container body 1.
The discharge tube 3 is a tube-like member that has at the center the discharge passage
(hereinafter referred to as amain passage) 9. As shown in Fig. 3, the lower part of
this main passage 9 does not penetrate the discharge tube 3 and the lower end is blocked
by the bottom section 10. The bottom section 10 has in the vicinity thereof a cross
section having micro sectional holes (hereinafter referredtoasmicropassage) 12 as
a flow velocity control pas sage that is provided at the side wall 11 in the direction
orthogonal to the above-described main passage 9. This micro passage 12 has a diameter
that is closed by surface tension or a capillary phenomenon of the stored liquid.
When the stored liquid includes air bubbles, then the micro passage 12 has a so-called
vapor lock condition in which the liquid under atmospheric pressure does not easily
pass through the micro passage 12. The diameter of the micro passage 12 is desirably
determined depending on the surface tension or viscosity of the liquid and preferably
is 0.3mm to 1.5mm when the liquid is a water-like fluid having a low viscosity.
[0026] This micro passage 12 in Fig. 3 has a length that is the same as the thickness of
the discharge tube 3. The micro passage 12 is not limited to any particular shape
and has a cross section that may be freely selected to be circular, triangular, square
or other shapes. Themicropassage 12 preferably has a sufficient length that allows
the contents at the outlet of this passage to flow out in a stabilized manner (in
a rectified manner). Specifically, the micro passage 12 having an excessively short
length causes the contents to be diffused at the outlet, thus preventing the contents
from colliding with one another in an intended manner.
[0027] The reason will be described below.
[0028] As shown in Fig. 4, the micro passages 12 are provided so as to oppose each other
with an intention of allowing the contents (liquid) discharged from the micro passage
12 into the main passage 9 to collide with one another almost at the center of the
main passage 9 as shown in Fig. 5 so that the discharge flow velocity is 0 (zero).
This prevents the contents having a flow velocity when the contents pass through the
micro passage 12 from being discharged from the outlet 2.
[0029] Furthermore, the more the diameter of the micro passage 12 is reduced, the greater
the restriction on the amount of the contents passing through the micro passage 12.
However, this requires more time to allow the main passage 9 to be filled with the
contents and also reduces the sensitivity of the container body 1 to an external pressure
(finger squeezing force). Specifically, this allows adjustment of the number of drips
of the contents dripped from the outlet 2 to be dependent on the length of time during
which the container body 1 is squeezed by fingers rather than the force for squeezing
the container body 1, thus providing drip control in a very easy manner. The drip
speed depends on the flow velocity of the contents when the contents pass through
the micro passage, depending on the level of external pressure (force for squeezing
the container body 1). However, the drip control can put emphasis either on the time
during which the container body 1 is squeezed or the force for squeezing the container
body 1 by changing the effective area of the opening (hole diameter) of the micro
passage 12. The size of the opening area of the micro passage 12 can be appropriately
balanced by the flexibility of the container body 1, thus providing fine adjustment
to the characteristics of the contents stored in the container and the drip conditions.
[0030] When the container with an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism of Embodiment
1 thus constructed is used, the container body 1 is reversed and applied with pressure
by squeezing the container with fingers as shown in Fig. 6. Then, the container body
1 deforms as shown by the broken line in Fig. 6 to allow the inner pressure of the
container to increase. Then, contents (liquid) flow from the container body 1 into
the micro passage 12 as shown in Fig. 7. Then, the contents are squeezed as shown
in Fig. 5 from the micro passage 12 to the center of the main passage 9 and are discharged
with the same speed and collide with one another, thus once having a speed of 0 (zero)
. Thereafter, the surface tension allows, without causing the contents to burst out
of the outlet 2, the contents to slide along the inner wall of the main passage 9
and then to be gradually filled in the main passage 9 as shown by the broken line
in Fig. 7, after which the contents overflow and are dripped from the outlet 2.
[0031] In this manner, the contents in front of the outlet 2 are allowed to have a discharge
velocity (flow velocity) of 0 (zero) . This prevents the contents from being discharged
from the outlet 2 with a flow velocity when the contents pass through the micro passage
12. This allows the contents to flow out of the container in a very slow manner to
prevent, even when the container body 1 is improperly applied with an external pressure,
the contents from bursting out of the outlet 2, thus providing fine adjustment of
the drip amount in a very easy manner. Specifically, the timing at which one drop
is dripped can be easily anticipated, the number of drips can be easily counted, and
the contents can be discharged continuously.
[0032] After the contents are discharged, when the external pressure applied to the container
body 1 is removed, restitutive force of the container body 1 allows the forced air
to be suctioned into the container body 1 and allows the contents in the discharge
route to be returned into the container body 1. This prevents the contents from being
left in the main passage 9, provides the outlet 2 with a very good ability to stop
the liquid, and prevents excessive drip.
[0033] Furthermore, the main passage 9 has no retained contents, thus preventing the contents
from flowing out of the outlet 2 unless the main passage 9 is filled with the contents,
even when the container body 1 is improperly applied with an external pressure. The
micro passage 12 has the diameter which is closed by surface tension or capillary
phenomenon or has a so-called vapor lock condition when having therein air bubbles
in which the liquid under atmospheric pressure does not easily pass through the micro
passage 12, as above-described. The micro passage 12 also has no retained contents
by the suctioning power when the container recovers.
[0034] The diameter of the outlet 2 may be one that allows the contents under atmospheric
pressure to remain by the capillary phenomenon and that prevents the contents from
dripping. For example, the diameter of the outlet 2 for a water-like liquid having
a low viscosity is preferably 1.5mm to 3mm but may be appropriately changed depending
on the characteristics of the contents or the application of the container. There
is, of course, no need to use the same inner diameter for the outlet 2 and the main
passage 9 and the main passage 9 may have a reduced or increased inner diameter.
[0035] Although the number of the micro passage 12 may be one, it then requires a means
for reducing the flow velocity when there is a spurting out of the liquid from the
micro passage 12 to zero by allowing the liquid to collide with the wall surface,
for example. However, it is desirable in an actual case to provide a plurality of
micro passages 12 so as to oppose one another, as shown in Fig. 8 and each drawing.
This intends to provide, when there is a further reduced distance from the outlet
of the micro passage 12 to a position at which the flow velocity is 0 (zero), the
resistance in the flow passage, thereby preventing the spurting out in an improved
manner. As shown in Fig. 8(b), when there are three or more micro passages 12, the
micro passages 12 may be provided in a radial pattern so that the contents spurting
out of the micro passage 12 can collide almost at the center. Furthermore, Fig. 8(c)
illustrates the case where there are four micro passages 12. When the number of the
micro passages is an even number, pairs of micro passages may be provided in a parallel
manner, as shown in Fig. 8(a).
[0036] The micro passage 12 also may have another configuration as shown in Fig. 9. Specifically,
when the velocity at which the liquid flow from the micro passage 12 in the influx
direction is eliminated (or reduced to zero) , various cases may be assumed in which
influx of the contents from the micro passage 12 collides with a wall or another opposing
influx of the contents or the flow direction must be changed. For example, cases as
shown in Fig. 9 may be assumed in which: "(a)" denotes a case in which the influx
of the contents from the micro passage 12 of the side wall 11 collides with the opposing
inner wall; "(b)" denotes a case in which the main passage 9 has at the center of
the bottom section the collision wall 13 that is sandwichedby the direction along
which the micro passage 12 of the side wall 11 is provided so that the influx of the
contents collides with this wall in this direction; "(c)" denotes a case in which
the influx of the contents from the micro passage 12 provided at a position not opposing
to the side wall 11 collide with the opposing inner wall of a not-right angle and
this case allows the contents to change the flowing direction to flow along the inner
wall of the main passage 9, thus causing a vortex in the main passage 9; and "(d)"
denotes a case in which the micro passage 12 is the same as that described in "(c)"
but the inner wall of the front surface to which the contents flow has the wall 14
provided in an orthogonal direction to which the influx of contents collides. The
number "1" added to the reference numbers of Fig. 9 denotes a longitudinal sectional
view and the number "2" denotes a transverse sectional view at the position of the
micro passage. "(e)" denotes a case in which a position opposing the angle of the
lower end edge portion of the discharge tube 3 has a notch to provide the micro passage
12 and this case allows, as shown in "(e)-2," the contents to flow into the main passage
9 almost along the bottom surface and "(e)-3" denotes a transverse sectional view
at the position of the micro passage; "(f)" denotes a case in which the micro passage
12 is provided at a position dislocated from the opposing side wall in the longitudinal
direction; "(g)" denotes a case in which the above-described "(b)" in which the micro
passages 12 are provided so as to be dislocated from each other in the longitudinal
direction; "(h)" denotes a case in which the micro passage 12 is provided running
from the side wall 11 to the corner of the bottom surface of the main passage 9 in
an oblique direction; and "(I)" denotes a case in which the micro passage 12 is provided
running from the side wall 11 or the bottom surface to the inner wall in an oblique
direction. The case "(I)" desirably has the collision wall 15 as shown (I) to prevent
the contents from flowing in an upward direction when colliding with the inner wall.
(Embodiment 2)
[0037] Fig. 10 is a front surface longitudinal sectional view of the discharge tube 3 illustrating
Embodiment 2 of the container with an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism
according to the present invention. The method for attaching this discharge tube 3
to the upper opening section 7 of container body 1 is the same as that in Embodiment
1. This embodiment has a structure that simplifies the processing of the micro passage
12 in Embodiment 1. Although Embodiment 1 described that the micro passage desirably
has a diameter of 1mm or less, it is very difficult in an actual manufacturing step
to provide a diameter of 1mm or less. Thus, this embodiment improves the problem of
the above-described Embodiment 1.
[0038] Specifically, the main passage 9 of the discharge tube 3 penetrates the upper and
lower ends as shown in Fig. 10 and the bottom end surface 16 has the groove 17 providing
the micro passage 12 as shown in Fig. 11. This bottom end surface 16 is fitted with
the cap 18. The cap 18 has at the side surface and at a position engageable with the
micro passage 12 the lateral hole 19 that has a cross sectional area larger than that
of the micro passage 12. The cap 18 has the inner bottom surface 20 (Fig. 12) that
is fitted so as to have close contact with the bottom end surface 16 of the discharge
tube 3 and the close contact part is welded or adhered to provide integration. The
groove 17 is blocked by the inner bottom surface 20 of the cap 18 to have a tube-like
closed section, thereby providing the micro passage 12. Fig. 12 is a front view illustrating
when the discharge tube 3 is separated from the cap 18.
[0039] This micro passage 12 in Fig. 10 has a length that is the same as the thickness of
the discharge tube 3. The micro passage 12 is not limited to any particular shape
and has a cross section that may be freely selected to be circular, triangular, square
or other shapes. Themicropassage 12 preferablyhas a sufficient length that allows
the contents at the outlet of this passage to flow out in a stabilized manner (in
a rectified manner). Specifically, the micro passage 12 having an excessively short
length causes the contents to be diffused at the outlet, thus preventing the contents
from colliding with one another in an intended manner.
[0040] The container with an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism of Embodiment
2 thus constructed can be used as in the above-described Embodiment 1.
[0041] Fig. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the positional relation between the lateral
hole 19 provided in the cap 18 and the micro passage 12. In Fig. 13, "(a)" denotes
the most basic structure; and "(b)" denotes a case in which two pairs of micro passages
are provided in an orthogonal direction as shown in Fig. 8(c). In the case where pairs
of a plurality of micro passages 12 are provided in a radial pattern in this way,
the above-described pairs of micro passages are allowed to respectively have different
cross sectional areas and the cap 18 is rotatably engaged with the bottom end surface
16 of the discharge tube 3 without being welded or adhered thereto. This allows as
shown in Fig. 13 (b) the rotation of the cap 18 to provide selection of the micro
passage 12 fittable to the lateral hole 19. This allows a step-wise change of discharge
in accordance with the number of the pairs of micro passages.
[0042] Even the case "(a)" allows the cap 18 to be rotatable to move the lateral hole 19
to a position having no micro passage 12 so that the fit of the lateral hole 19 to
the micro passage 12 can be cancelled, thereby allowing the cap 18 to function as
an inner stopper for prohibiting discharge.
[0043] The structure as above-described allows the micro passage 12 to have a groove-like
shape rather than a hole-like shape, thus allowing the micro passage 12 to be formed
by a mold in an easier manner. Similarly, the lateral hole of the cap 18 also may
be larger than the cross sectional area of the micro passage 12 and does not require
strict accuracy. As a result, the lateral hole of the cap 18 may be provided by either
drilling or molding and thus can be easily processed.
[0044] However, although both of the above-described two embodiments are very preferable
ones for an instillation-like discharge, these two embodiments cause, when the container
is reversed, the contents to remain at the height of the influx inlet of the micro
passage 12, for example, position "WL" shown by the broken line, as shown in Fig.
7. This causes a new problem in which, once the contents remain in this way, the retaining
cap 4 must be detached to remove the discharge tube 3 from the container body 1 so
that the contents are discharged.
(Embodiment 3)
[0045] Fig. 14 is a front view of the discharge tube 3 illustrating Embodiment 3 of the
container with an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism according to the
present invention. In Fig. 14, "(a)" represents a front view and "(b)" represents
a center longitudinal sectional view. The method for attaching this discharge tube
3 to the upper opening section of the container body is the same as that in Embodiment
1. This embodiment provides a structure for solving the above-described problem. Specifically,
this embodiment provides a structure in which all of the contents can be discharged
while the container is being reversed.
[0046] As shown in Fig. 14(b) and Fig. 15, the main passage 9 penetrates the upper and lower
ends as in Embodiment 2; the bottom end surface 16 has the groove 17 for providing
the micro passage 12; and the longitudinal groove 21 is provided that extends from
the influx inlet position of this micro passage 12 (lower end edge portion of the
discharge tube 3) to the external wall of the discharge tube 3 and toward the upper
flange 8. This longitudinal groove 21 has a cross sectional area that is larger than
that of the micro passage 12. This bottom end surface 16 is engaged with the cap 18
the inner bottom surface 20 of which is provided so as to have close contact with
the bottom end surface 16 of the discharge tube 3 so that the close contact part is
welded or adhered to provide integration. The above-described groove 17 is blocked
by the inner bottom surface 20 of the cap 18 to have a tube-like closed section, thereby
providing the micro passage 12. The inner side wall of the cap 18 has close contact
with the longitudinal groove 21 to block this, thereby providing the tube-like passage
22 having a closed section. Then, the upper end position 23 of the cap 18 functions
as the influx inlet to the tube-like passage 22. Thus, the change in the height of
the cap 18 (depth) "h" provides the adjustment of the height of the position at which
the contents flow in.
[0047] When the container with an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism of Embodiment
3 thus constructed is used, the container is reversed as in the above-described Embodiment
1 and as shown in Fig. 6 to apply a pressure to the container body 1 by squeezing
the container body 1 by fingers. Then, the container body 1 deforms as shown by the
broken line in Fig. 6 to allow the inner pressure of the container to increase. Then,
the contents (liquid) flow as shown in Fig. 16 from the container body 1 via a position
of the discharge tube 3 in the vicinity of the flange 8 into the tube-like passage
22 to once flow back to the tube-like passage 22 toward the container body 1 (upper
direction in the drawing), after which the contents reach the influx inlet of the
micro passage 12 (lower end edge portion of the discharge tube 3). Then, the contents
flow into the micro passage 12 and are squeezed as shown in Fig. 5 from the micro
passage 12 to the center of the main passage 9 and are discharged at the same speed
and collide with one another, thus once having a speed of 0 (zero). Thereafter, the
surface tension allows, without causing the contents to burst out of the outlet 2,
the contents to slide along the inner wall of the main passage 9 and then to be gradually
filled in the main passage 9 as shown by the broken line in Fig. 7, after which the
contents overflow and are dripped from the outlet 2.
[0048] The structure as above-described allows the contents in the reversed container to
be securely discharged without remaining in the container.
[0049] The existence of this tube-like passage 22 additionally provides the resistance in
the tube passage, thus contributing to more effective prevention of the spurting out
of the contents due to improper pressurization to the container body 1.
(Embodiment 4)
[0050] Fig. 17 is a center longitudinal sectional view of the discharge tube 3 illustrating
Embodiment 4 of the container with an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism
according to the present invention. Fig. 18 is a bottom surface view illustrating
the bottom end surface 16 of the discharge tube 3. The method for attaching this discharge
tube 3 to the upper opening section 7 of the container body 1 is the same as that
in Embodiment 1. Although the above-described three embodiments described a case in
which the flow velocity control passage is the tube-like, this embodiment illustrates
a case where the flow velocity control passage is a clearance. Specifically, this
embodiment is the same as the above-described Embodiment 2 except for that flow velocity
control passage is provided to have a clearance.
[0051] Specifically, the discharge tube 3 penetrates the upper and lower ends as shown in
Fig. 17 and as in Embodiment 2, and the cap 18 is fitted into the bottom end surface
16. The bottom end surface 16 has therein, in order to allow the end surfaces 16 and
the bottom surface of the cap 18 to have therebetween the clearance passage 25 working
as a flow velocity control passage, the projection or protruded part (hereinafter
projection) 24 having a height the same as that of the clearance. This clearance passage
desirably has a height that has a cross sectional area similar to that of the micro
passage 12 in each of the above-described embodiments. The cap 18 has at the side
surface the lateral hole 19 that is provided to fit the clearance passage 25 and that
has an opening area larger than the effective area of the opening of this clearance
passage. The cap 18 is fitted so that the inner bottom surface 20 (Fig. 12) has a
close contact with the above-described projection 24 of the discharge tube 3 and the
close contact part is welded or adhered to provide integration. The contents flow
into the main passage 9 so as to enter from the lateral hole 19 of the cap 18 into
the clearance passage 25 to exude therefrom. If the contents flowing through the clearance
passage 25 in this case have a high flow velocity, then a structure for allowing the
contents flowing from opposing positions in the main passage 9 to collide with one
another can control the flow velocity, thus preventing the spurting out of the contents
from the outlet 2 and providing fine adjustment of drip in an easy manner.
[0052] When a plurality of pairs of clearance passages 25 in this case are provided to have
a radial pattern as in Embodiment 2 and as shown in Fig. 8, the above-described pairs
of clearance passages 25 are allowed to respectively have different cross sectional
areas (or widths) and the cap 18 is rotatably engaged with the bottom end surface
16 of the discharge tube 3 without being welded or adhered thereto. This allows as
shown in Fig. 13(b) the rotation of the cap 18 to provide the selection of the micro
passage 12 fittable to the lateral hole 19. This allows a step-wise change of discharge
in accordance with the number of the pairs of clearance passages.
[0053] Even in the case of Fig. 13(a) in which one pair of flow velocity control (clearance)
passages is provided, the cap 18 is allowed to be rotatable to move the lateral hole
19 to a position having no clearance passage 25 so that the fit of the lateral hole
19 to the clearance passage 25 can be cancelled, thereby allowing the cap 18 to function
as an inner stopper for prohibiting discharge. When the clearance height of the clearance
passage 25 is changed in the width direction, then the opening area can be arbitrarily
changed depending on the fit condition with the above-described lateral hole 19, thus
providing a discharge control in a stepless manner.
(Embodiment 5)
[0054] Fig. 19 is a center longitudinal sectional view of the discharge tube 3 illustrating
Embodiment 5 of the container with an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism
according to the present invention. Fig. 20 shows the bottom end surface 16 of the
discharge tube 3. The method for attaching this discharge tube 3 to the upper opening
section 7 of the container body 1 is as in Embodiment 1. This embodiment is a combination
of the above-described Embodiment 3 and the above-described Embodiment 4.
[0055] Specifically, the main passage 9 penetrates the upper and lower ends as shown in
Fig. 19 and as in Embodiment 2 and the bottom end surface 16 has the clearance passage
25 for providing a flow velocity control passage. The longitudinal groove 21 is provided
from the influx inlet position of this clearance passage 25 (lower end edge portion
of the discharge tube 3) via the external wall of the discharge tube 3 toward the
upper flange 8. This longitudinal groove 21 has a cross sectional area that is larger
than the opening area of the clearance passage 25. This bottom end surface 16 is engaged
with the cap 18 the inner bottom surface 20 of which is provided so as to have a close
contact with the bottom end surface 16 of the discharge tube 3 so that the close contact
part is welded or adhered to provide integration. The above-described groove 17 is
blocked by the inner bottom surface 20 of the cap 18 to have a tube-like closed section,
thereby providing the clearance passage 25. The inner side wall of the cap 18 has
a close contact with the longitudinal groove 21 to block this, thereby providing the
tube-like passage 22 having a closed sectional area. Then, the upper end position
23 of the cap 18 functions as the influx inlet of the contents to the tube-like passage
22. Thus, the change in the height of the cap 18 (depth) "h" provides the adjustment
of the height of the position at which the contents flow in.
[0056] According to such a structure as above-described, the contents flow from the container
body 1 via a position of the discharge tube 3 in the vicinity of the flange 8 into
the tube-like passage 22 to once flow back to the tube-like passage 22, after which
the contents reach the influx inlet of the clearance passage 25. The existence of
this tube-like passage 22 additionally provides the resistance in the tube passage,
thus contributing to more effective prevention of spurting out of the contents due
to improper pressurization to the container body 1.
(Embodiment 6)
[0057] Fig. 21 is a center longitudinal sectional view of the discharge tube 3 illustrating
Embodiment 6 of the container with an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism
according to the present invention. The method for attaching this discharge tube 3
to the upper opening section 7 of the container body 1 is as in Embodiment 1.
[0058] As shown in Fig. 21, the main passage 9 penetrates the upper and lower ends and the
main passage 9 has a diameter that is enlarged in the vicinity of the lower end. The
stopper 27 engaged with this enlarged section 26 is provided. The stopper 27 has at
the side surface the longitudinal groove 28 as shown in Fig. 22(a) for providing a
micro passage. The stopper 27 is sized and provided so that the stopper 27 has some
clearance when the upper end bumps against the stepped portion of the enlarged section
26 of the above-described discharge tube 3. Then, the longitudinal groove 28 has a
cross sectional area that is almost the same as the cross sectional area of the tubular
micro passage 12 having a diameter of 1mm or less in each of the above-described embodiments.
[0059] Specifically, the longitudinal groove and the micro passage 28 are provided from
the lower end edge portion of the discharge tube 3 to be parallel with the main passage
9 and then to reach via the orthogonal clearance to the main passage 9.
[0060] As shown in Fig. 22(b), the stopper 27 has therein the longitudinal groove 2 8 and
has at the upper end the lateral groove 29. In this case, the lateral groove 29 may
be used as a flow velocity control passage and the longitudinal groove 28 may have
a cross sectional area larger than that of the lateral groove 29. Alternatively, the
longitudinal groove 28 and the lateral groove 29 may be both used as a flow velocity
control passage if resistance in the tube passage needs to be strong. The reference
numeral "30" in Fig. 22 (b) denotes a dent functioning a chamber in which the liquid
collides. This dent is desirably provided and is applicable to all embodiments of
the present invention.
[0061] When the structure as above-described is used, the contents (liquid) having been
pressurized when the container body 1 is squeezed flow into the above-described longitudinal
groove 28 in a limited amount due to the large resistance in the tube passage. Additional
resistance is provided by the ending point of the longitudinal groove 28 bent at a
right angle and another resistance is added by the flow velocity control passage or
a clearance from the ending point to the main passage 9. After passing through these
clearance and/or flow velocity control passage, the liquid collides in the main passage
9 to once have a zero flow velocity, after which the liquid is filled in the main
passage 9 and is dripped from the outlet 2.
[0062] Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating Embodiment 7 of the present invention.
In Embodiment 7, the container body is called the tube container 31. Specifically,
the upper end opening section 7 of the tube container 31 is fixed with the discharge
tube 3 by the retaining cap 4, as shown in each of the above-described embodiments.
The discharge tube 3 also has at the upper circumference the screw 32 to which the
cap 5 is screwed and fixed to protect the outlet 2.
[0063] In this manner, the discharge tube 3 of the instillation discharge flow velocity
control of the present invention also can be applied to a soft container. Specifically,
the discharge tube 3 also can be applied to the pouched container.
(Embodiment 7)
[0064] Fig. 24 is a perspective view illustrating the container with discharge flow velocitymechanism
of the present invention. The container body 1 has at the upper part the outlet cap
34 having the outlet 33 and the retaining cap 4 for fixing the discharge tube 3 into
which this outlet cap 34 is engaged to the container body 1.
[0065] Fig. 25 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the main part in the vicinity of the
outlet. The bottle-like container body 1 has at the upper part the opening 7 and the
discharge tube 3. The discharge tube 3 is fixed such that the flange 8 is provided
on the end surface of the opening section 7 of the container body 1 and is screwed
by the retaining cap 4 to the container body 1. This container body 1 is provided
by a relatively-flexible material, for example, synthetic resin. More specifically,
this container body 1 is preferably made of synthetic resin material, for example,
polypropylene, polyethylene, or a laminate tube.
[0066] The flange 8 of the discharge tube 3 has at the lower part a cover member 35 for
covering the lower part that is provided to isolate this discharge tube 3 in the container
body. The lower end edge portion of the cover member 35 is inserted with the narrow
tube 36. The cover member 35 and the discharge tube 3 have therebetween the space
37 having a desired capacity. This space 37 is communicated with the interior of the
container body only via this narrow tube 36. The lower end edge portion of this narrow
tube 36 reaches as shown in Fig. 24 the bottom section of the container body 1 in
order to suction the contents from the bottom section.
[0067] The structure as above-described prevents the fluid pressure in the container from
directly influencing on the micro passage (which is described later); allows the inner
pressure of the container to be attenuatedbyresistance in the tubepassage of the narrow
tube 36; and the existence of the inner space 37 of the cover member 35 (which has
no retained contents under a normal condition) prevents spurting out of the contents
from the outlet 33 even when the container body 1 is improperly squeezed strongly
to cause the inner pressure to rapidly increase. Even when the container body 1 is
caused to fall or to tumble, the lower end edge portion of the narrow tube 36 is allowed
to be placed above the fluid level, thus preventing the pressure of the contents.
from being applied to the micro passage and preventing spurting out or leakage of
the contents.
[0068] The discharge tube 3 is a tube-like member that has an external shape having the
flange 8 as shown in Fig. 26(a) in order to fit to the opening section 7 of the container
and that has at the center the main passage (hereinafter referred to as main passage)
9. As shown in Fig. 26, this main passage 9 does not penetrate the upper end. The
upper endhas at the side surface the discharge opening 2 to which the outlet cap 34
is engaged. This outlet cap 34 is engaged in a rotatable manner and can be provided
to a position fittable with the discharge passage inlet 38 and the above-described
discharge opening 2. Thus, the discharge opening cap 34 when not being used can be
rotated to cancel the fitting relation between the discharge passage inlet 38 and
the discharge opening 2, thereby preventing the contents from flowing out.
[0069] On the other hand, the lower end is blocked by the bottom cap 18. The bottom end
surface 16 and the bottom cap 18 of the discharge tube 3 have at the interface the
cross section micro holes (hereinafter referred to as micro passage) 12 functioning
as a micro passage in the direction orthogonal to the above-described main passage
9. This micro passage 12 has a size or the like that is the same as that of the above-described
Embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 26(b), the method as shown in the above-described Embodiment
2. is used in which the discharge tube 3 forms at the lower end surfaces 16 the groove
17 so that the groove 17 is closed by the bottom cap 18 to provide the tube-like passage
12. The arrangement and operation of the tube-like passage 12 are similar to the above-described
Embodiment 1.
[0070] When the liquid container of Embodiment 7 thus constructed is used, the container
body 1 is appliedwithpressurebysqueezing the container body 1 with fingers as shown
in Fig. 27. Then, the container body 1 deforms to allow the inner pressure of the
container to increase. Then, the contents (liquid) flow from the bottom section of
the container body 1 via the narrow tube 36 into the space in the cover member 35
and then flow into the micro passage 12, as shown in Fig. 28. Then, the contents are
squeezed as shown in Fig. 5 from the micro passage 12 to the center of the main passage
9 and are discharged at the same speed and collide with one another, thus once having
a speed of 0 (zero) . Thereafter, the surface tension allows, without causing the
contents to burst out of the outlet 33, the contents to slide along the inner wall
of the main passage 9 and then to be gradually filled in the main passage 9 as shown
by the broken line in Fig. 5, after which the contents overflow and is leaked from
the outlet 33.
[0071] In this manner, the contents in front of the outlet 33 are allowed to have a discharge
velocity (flow velocity) of 0 (zero). This allows the contents to flow out of the
outlet 33 in a very slow manner to prevent, even when the container body 1 is improperly
applied with an unexpected external pressure, the contents from bursting out of the
outlet 33, thus providing fine adjustment of the drip amount in a very easy manner.
[0072] When the discharge is completed, a hand is separated from the container body 1 to
allow the restitutive force of the container body 1 to cause the interior of the container
body to have a negative pressure. Then, the negative pressure allows as shown in Fig.
29 the contents in all of the passages from the outlet 33 to the narrow tube 36 to
be returned into the container body 1. A tube having a diameter similar to that of
this micro passage originally retains the liquidby the capillary phenomenon. However,
Embodiment 7 allows the contents to be returned into the container body 1 without
being retained by the negative pressure in the container body. To be accurate, the
lower end edge portion of the narrow tube 36 even in this case has therein a small
amount of retained contents due to the capillary phenomenon, depending on the balance
between the atmosphere pressure and the inner pressure of the container.
[0073] As a result, most of the discharge route running from the outlet 33 to the lower
end edge portion of the narrow tube 36 under a normal condition has no retained contents.
This prevents, although the contents in the container body 1 reaches the outlet 33
with a slightly-increased time when the container body 1 is squeezed by hand, the
spurting out of the contents even when the container body 1 is improperly applied
with an external pressure.
[0074] This also prevents the contents in the discharge route from being retained and dried.
This prevents the spurting out of the contents fixed to the outlet 33 even when the
container once used is reused. Furthermore, unnecessary dripping of the contents also
can be prevented.
[0075] In addition, the diameter of the outlet 33 may be one that allows the contents under
atmospheric pressure to be retained by the capillary phenomenon and prevents the contents
from being dripped. For example, the diameter of the outlet 33 for a water-like liquid
having a low viscosity is preferably 1.5mm to 3mm but may be appropriately changed
depending on the characteristics of the contents or the application of the container.
(Embodiment 8)
[0076] Fig. 30 (a) is a center longitudinal sectional view of the discharge tube 3 illustrating
Embodiment 8 of the container with discharge flow velocitymechanismof the present
invention. Fig. 30 (b) illustrates the bottom end surface of the discharge tube 3.
The method for attaching this discharge tube 3 to the upper opening section of the
container body 1 is as in Embodiment 7. The above-described Embodiment 7 showed a
case in which the micro passage is tube-like. This embodiment shows a case in which
the micro passage is a clearance.
[0077] As shown in Fig. 30 (a) , the main passage penetrates the upper and lower ends and
the cap 18 is fitted into the bottom end surface 16. The bottom end surface 16 has
therein, in order to allow this end surfaces 16 and the inner bottom surface of the
cap 18 to form therebetween the clearance passage 25 working as a micro passage, the
proj ection or protruded part (hereinafter projection) 24 having a height identical
to the clearance. The size, layout and operation of this clearance passage 25 are
the same as those in the above-described Embodiment 4.
(Embodiment 9)
[0078] Fig. 31 is a front surface longitudinal sectional view of the discharge tube illustrating
the container with discharge flow velocitymechanism of Embodiment 9 of the present
invention. The method for attaching this discharge tube to the upper opening section
of the container body 1 is as in Embodiment 7.
[0079] As shown in Fig. 31, the main passage 9 of the discharge tube 3 penetrates the upper
and lower ends and the main passage 9 has a diameter that is provided to be enlarged
in the vicinity of the lower end. This enlarged section 26 is engaged with the stopper
27. The stopper 27 has a structure as shown in Fig. 22 (a) that is the same as that
of the above-described Embodiment 6.
(Embodiment 10)
[0080] Fig. 32 is a perspective view illustrating the fixed quantity measurement flow velocity
control container of the present invention. The container body 1 has at the upper
part the discharge opening 2; the retaining cap 4 for fixing the discharge tube 3
having this discharge opening 2 to the container body 1; and the measurement container
42.
[0081] Fig. 33 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the main part in the vicinity of the
measurement container. The bottle-like container body 1 has at the upper part the
opening section 7 and the discharge tube 3. The discharge tube 3 and the container
body 1 have structures the same as those of the above-described Embodiment 7 but differ
in that the discharge opening 2 is directed directly above.
[0082] The discharge tube 3 is equipped with the tube-like section 43 having a desired length
as shown in Fig. 33 the tip end of which is provided as the discharge opening 2. This
tube-like section 43 is axially inserted into the measurement container 42. The upper
end of the measurement container 42 is provided at a position higher than this discharge
opening 2. Fig. 34 (a) is a center longitudinal sectional view of the discharge tube
3 and Fig. 34 (b) is a bottom surface view of the discharge tube 3.
[0083] When the fixed quantity measurement flow velocity control container of Embodiment
10 thus constructed is used, then the container body 1 is applied with pressure by
squeezing the container body 1 with fingers as shown in Fig. 35. Then, the container
body 1 deforms to allow the inner pressure of the container to increase. Then, the
contents (liquid) flow from the bottom section of the container body 1 via the narrow
tube 36 into the space in the cover member 35 and then flow into the micro passage
12, as shown in Fig. 36. Then, the contents are forced as shown in Fig. 5 from the
micro passage 12 to the center of the main passage 9 and are discharged at the same
speed and collide with one another, thus once having a speed of 0 (zero). Thereafter,
the surface tension allows, without causing the contents to burst out of the discharge
opening 2, the contents to slide along the inner wall of the main passage 9 and then
to be gradually filled in the main passage 9 as shown by the broken line in Fig. 5,
after which the contents overflow and are dripped from the discharge opening 2.
[0084] According to a conventional concept, when the contents are discharged from the protruded
discharge tube 43 in the measurement container, the discharge opening 2 must collide
with the inner wall of the measurement container 42 as shown in Fig. 37 because the
discharge of the contents toward the opening section of the measurement container
42 causes a risk of spurting out of the contents.
[0085] However, the fixed quantity measurement flow velocity control container of the present
invention allows the contents in front of the discharge opening 2 to once have a discharge
velocity (flowvelocity) of 0 (zero). This prevents the contents from being discharged
from the discharge opening 2 with a flow velocity when the contents pass through the
micro passage 12. This allows the contents to flow in a very slow manner to prevent,
even when the container body 1 is improperly applied with an unexpected external pressure,
the contents from bursting out of the discharge opening 2, thus providing fine adjustment
of the discharge amount in a very easy manner. Specifically, the discharge amount
of the contents can be easily adjusted even when the contents are discharged slowly.
This perfectly prevents the spurting out of the contents even when the opening of
the measurement container 42 is directed in the upward direction as shown in Fig.
36.
[0086] As shown in Fig. 36, the contents discharged from the discharge opening 2 overflow
in the measurement container to raise the water level WL higher than the height of
this discharge opening 2. When a user releases force by hand after grabbing the container
body 1 in this condition, then the restitutive force of the container body 1 allows
container body 1 to have therein a negative pressure. Then, the negative pressure
allows as shown in Fig. 38 the contents having a water level higher than the height
of this discharge opening 2 to be suctioned again into the discharge opening 2, thus
the contents in all of the passages to the narrow tube 36 are returned into the container
body 1. The water level WL is determined by the height of the discharge opening 2.
A tube having a diameter similar to that of this micro passage originally retains
the liquid by the capillary phenomenon. However, Embodiment 10 allows the contents
to be returned into the container body 1 without being retained by the negative pressure
in the container body 1.
[0087] As a result, this allows the contents retained (remained) in the measurement container
to always have a fixed amount and prevents the contents from being influenced by the
discharge amount or discharge velocity from the container body 1.
[0088] Also, the discharge route running from the discharge opening 2 to the lower end edge
portion of the narrow tube 36 under a normal condition has therein no retained contents.
This prevents, even when the container is tilted to discharge the measured contents
from the measurement container, excessive contents from flowing out of the discharge
opening 2 and also prevents the contents from being discharged even when the container
1 falls unexpectedly.
[0089] This also prevents the contents in the discharge route from being retained and dried.
This prevents the spurting out of the contents fixed to the discharge opening 2 even
when the container once used is reused.
[0090] In addition, the diameter of the discharge opening 2 may be one that allows the contents
under atmospheric pressure to be retained by the capillary phenomenon and prevents
the contents from being dripped. For example, the diameter of the discharge opening
2 for a water-like liquid having a low viscosity is preferably 1.5mm to 3mm but may
be appropriately changed depending on the characteristics of the contents or the application
of the container.
(Embodiment 11)
[0091] Fig. 39 is a perspective view illustrating the fixed quantity measurement flow velocity
control container of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The method for discharging
the contents from the container body 1 and the basic structure of the discharge route
are the same as those of the above-described Embodiment 10.
[0092] As shown in Fig. 40 and Fig. 41, this embodiment allows the measurement container
42 to be movable in the upward and downward directions. Specifically, almost the entire
lower part of the tube-like section 43 of the discharge tube 3 is screwed with the
screw 44 and the measurement container 42 is screwed with the screw 45 fitted for
the screw 44 of this tube-like section 43. The upper end of the screw section 45 of
the measurement container 42 has at the center a cap-like shape having an opening.
This opening is inserted with the tube-like section 43. The opening has at a part
making a contact with tube-like section 43 at the O-ring 4 6 for preventing the contents
in the measurement container from being leaked.
[0093] The structure as above-described allows the measurement container 42 to move in the
upward and downward directions while being rotated. A fixed quantity to be measured
in themeasurement container is determined by the height h from the bottom of the measurement
container 42 to the discharge opening 2, that is, to the water level WL. Thus, when
the measurement container 42 is raised to the upper limit as shown in Fig. 40, the
minimum fixed quantity to be measured is provided. On the other hand, when the measurement
container 42 is lowered to the lower limit as shown in Fig. 41, then the maximum fixed
quantity to be measured is provided. Thus, the length of the tube-like section 43
and the screw sections 44 and 45 and the inner diameter and height of the measurement
container 42 can be appropriately changed to measure various capacities.
[0094] In addition, the tube-like section 43 has at the exterior the scale 49 as shown in
Fig. 39, thereby arbitrarily determining the fixed quantity to be measured.
[0095] Also, a means for moving the measurement container 42 in the upward and downward
directions is not limited to the screw as above-described. This means may be the method
for merely sliding the measurement container 42 unless the method is one for preventing
the contents from being leaked without moving the measurement container 42 without
careful consideration.
(Embodiment 12)
[0096] Fig. 42 (a) is a front surface longitudinal sectional view of the discharge tube
illustrating the fixed quantity measurement flow velocity control container of Embodiment
12 of the present invention. Fig. 42(b) shows the bottom end surface of the discharge
tube.
[0097] The method for attaching this discharge tube to the upper opening section of the
container body 1 is as in Embodiment 1. Although the above-described Embodiment 1
described a case in which the micro passage is the tube-like, this embodiment describes
a case in which the micro passage is a clearance.
(Embodiment 13)
[0098] Fig. 43 is a front surface longitudinal sectional view of the discharge tube illustrating
Embodiment 13 of the liquid container of the present invention. This discharge tube
3 uses the stopper structure of the above-described Embodiment 6. The method for attaching
the discharge tube 3 to the upper opening section of the container body 1 is as in
Embodiment 12.
[0099] Another structure also may be provided as shown in Fig. 44 in which the measurement
container 42 is rotated to block the discharge opening 2. Specifically, as shown in
Fig. 44 (a) , the upper end of the tube-like section 43 of the discharge tube 3 is
closed, the main passage 9 does not penetrate the upper and lower ends, and the discharge
opening 2 is provided in the side wall. Specifically, the contents are discharged
in the lateral direction, as shown in Fig. 37. The measurement container 42 has at
the inner side the projected opening 46 that has the slit 51 at a position corresponding
to this lateral discharge opening 2.
[0100] The structure as above-described allows the measurement container 42 to be rotated
so that the position of the discharge opening 2 is fitted to the position of the slit
51 as shown in Fig. 44 (a). This allows the contents to flow from the discharge opening
2. After the measurement container 42 is used, then the measurement container 42 is
appropriately rotated to cancel the fitting relation between the slit 51 and the discharge
opening 2 as shown in Fig. 44 (b) , thereby preventing the contents from flowing out
of the discharge opening 2. The tube-like section 43 and a part having no slit 51
have therebetween a seal for preventing the contents from being leaked from the measurement
container. This prevents cleaning liquid or water from entering the discharge opening
2 when the measurement container 42 is to be washed, for example.
Industrial Applicability
[0101] The container with an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism according to
the present invention constructed as above-described can be applied to various containers
so long as the container is a flexible liquid container and provides the instillation-like
discharge of the contents easily.
[0102] Specifically, in the case of a conventional instillation discharge container a representative
example of which is a container for eye drops, the container has a problem in which
a force added to the container for instillation discharge requires tobe cautiously
adjusted. However, the container with an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism
according to the present invention provides a flow velocity control to control the
discharge flow velocity. This reduces the sensitivity of the container body to the
pressurization due to carelessness. This allows the drip discharge amount to be adjusted
very easily. This also prevents the spurting out of the contents from the outlet.
[0103] Thus, one drop can be discharged without having a cautious attitude. A user is also
allowed to count a few drops while discharging the contents in an easy manner.
[0104] The present invention does not necessarily require a hard container as in a conventional
instillation container and also can be applied to a flexible container, for example,
tube container.
[0105] The present invention also can be applied to various containers so long as the container
is a flexible liquid container, thus providing adjustment of the discharge amount
of the contents in an easy manner.
[0106] The present invention also prevents the contents under a normal condition from being
retained in the discharge route. This prevents the contents from being discharged
even when the container body is pressurized due to carelessness.
[0107] Also, when the discharge is completed, the restitutive force of the container body
causes a negative pressure in the container body to allow the contents in the discharge
route to be suctioned into the container body. This prevents the contents from being
retained or fixed to the outlet, thus preventing the spurting out of the fixed contents
even when the contents are discharged at the next discharge.
[0108] Furthermore, any flexible liquid container can be used to provide an easy measurement
while adjusting the discharge amount of the contents in an easy manner.
[0109] Also, the combination of such a discharge control container with the measurement
container allows the fixed quantity to be measured to be determined by the.height
of the outlet in the measurement container. This securely provides the measurement
of a fixed quantitywhilebeingperfectlyblockedby the influence of the discharge amount
or the discharge velocity.
[0110] The contents under a normal condition are prevented from being retained in the discharge
route. This prevents the contents from being discharged even when the container body
is pressurized due to carelessness. This prevents an excessive discharge larger than
the measured amount from being discharged, thus providing a higher measurement accuracy.
[0111] After the discharge is completed, the restitutive of the container body causes a
negative pressure in the container body to allow the contents in the discharge route
to be suctioned into the container body. This prevents the contents from being retained
or fixed to the outlet, thus preventing the spurting out of the fixed contents even
when the contents are discharged at the next discharge.
[0112] Furthermore, the measurement container can be detached and washed, thus the container
is made hygienic.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0113] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the container with an instillation dischargeflow
velocity mechanism according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross
sectional view of the main part in the vicinity of the outlet. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal
sectional view illustrating the discharge tube. Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view
taken at the line A-A in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the
main part illustrating the flow velocity control liquid passage. Fig. 6 is a perspective
views illustrating when the container is used. Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional
view of the main part of the container being used. Fig. 8 (a) to Fig. 8 (c) are bottom
surface views of the discharge tube illustrating the pattern of the flow velocity
control liquid passage. Fig. 9(a) to Fig. 9(I) are cross sectional views illustrating
the structure of the micro passage. Fig. 10 is an enlarged cross sectional view of
the main part illustrating Embodiment 2. Fig. 11 shows the bottom surface of the discharge
tube. Fig. 12 is an assembly diagram illustrating the structure of the discharge tube.
Fig. 13 (a) and Fig. 13(b) are perspective views illustrating the cap attached to
the container. Fig. 14 (a) and Fig. 14 (b) are a front view and a longitudinal sectional
view illustrating the discharge tube of Embodiment 3, respectively. Fig. 15 shows
a bottom surface of the discharge tube. Fig. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of
the main part of the discharge tube being used. Fig. 17 is a longitudinal sectional
view of the main part illustrating Embodiment 4. Fig. 18 shows the bottom surface
of the discharge tube. Fig. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view of the main part illustrating
Embodiment 5. Fig. 20 shows the bottom surface of the discharge tube. Fig. 21 is a
longitudinal sectional view of the main part illustrating Embodiment 6. Fig. 22 (a)
and Fig. 22 (b) are perspective views illustrating an exemplary structure of the stopper.
Fig. 23 is a perspective view illustrating Embodiment 7. Fig. 24 is a perspective
view illustrating the container with discharge flow velocity mechanism of the present
invention. Fig. 25 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the main part in the vicinity
of the outlet. Fig. 26(a) is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the discharge
tube and Fig. 26 (b) is a bottom surface view illustrating the discharge tube. Fig.
27 is a perspective view illustrating the container being used. Fig. 28 is a longitudinal
sectional view of the main part illustrating the container being used (during discharge).
Fig. 29 is a longitudinal sectional view of the main part illustrating the container
being used (while the contents are being suctioned) . Fig. 30(a) is a longitudinal
sectional view illustrating the discharge tube of Embodiment 2 and Fig. 30 (b) is
a bottom surface view illustrating the discharge tube of Embodiment 2. Fig. 31 is
a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the discharge tube of Embodiment 3. Fig.
31 is a perspective view illustrating the fixed quantity measurement flowout control
container of the present invention. Fig. 32 is an enlarged cross sectional view of
the main part in the vicinity of the outlet. Fig. 33 (a) is a longitudinal sectional
view illustrating the discharge tube and Fig. 33 (b) is a bottom surface view illustrating
the discharge tube. Fig. 34 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the main part illustrating
the micro passage. Fig. 35 is a perspective view illustrating the container being
used. Fig. 36 is a longitudinal sectional view of the main part illustrating the container
being used (during discharge). Fig. 37 is a cross sectional view illustrating the
conventional concept. Fig. 38 is a longitudinal sectional view of the main part illustrating
the container being used (while the contents are suctioned). Fig. 39 is a perspective
view illustrating Embodiment 2. Fig. 40 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the
main part in the vicinity of the outlet illustrating the measurement container at
the upper limit. Fig. 41 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the main part in the
vicinity of the outlet illustrating the measurement container at the lower limit.
Fig. 42 (a) and Fig. 42(b) are a longitudinal sectional view and a bottom surface
view illustrating the discharge tube of Embodiment 3, respectively. Fig. 43 is a longitudinal
sectional view illustrating the discharge tube of Embodiment 4. Fig. 44 is a perspective
view illustrating the structure for closing the outlet.
1. An instillation container with discharge flow velocity mechanism, wherein:
a liquid container comprises a discharge route for discharging contents;
the discharge route has a flow velocity control passage having an opening area that
allows the surface tension of the contents to block the contents under atmospheric
pressure; and
when the contents are discharged, then the contents having passed through the
flow velocity control passage once have a flow velocity of zero in the passage direction
and then fill a main passage of the discharge route provided at an outlet of the flow
velocity control passage to be subsequently discharged from an outlet.
2. The container with an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism according to
Claim 1, wherein the flow velocity control passage is provided in the direction parallel
with the main passage of the discharge route.
3. The container with an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism according to
Claim 1, wherein the flow velocity control passage is provided in the direction orthogonal
to the main passage of the discharge route.
4. The container with an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism according to
any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow velocity control passage is a hole.
5. The container with an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism according to
any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow velocity control passage is a clearance.
6. The container withaninstillation discharge flow velocity mechanism according to any
of Claims 1 or 3 to 5, wherein, when there are two or more flow velocity control passages
with an even number, each pair of flow velocity control passages are arranged at opposite
positions or are arranged in a radial pattern.
7. The container with aninstillation discharge flow velocity mechanism according to any
of Claims 1 to 6, wherein a means for changing the opening area is provided so that
the opening area of the flow velocity control passage can be increased or decreased
in a stepwise or stepless manner.
8. The container with aninstillation discharge flow velocity mechanism according to any
of Claims 1 to 7, wherein an influx inlet of the contents of the flow velocity control
passage is opened to a container body and the contents directly flow from the container
body into the flow velocity control passage.
9. A container with an instillation discharge flow velocity mechanism according to any
of Claims 1 to 7, wherein:
the influx inlet of the contents of the flow velocity control passage has a guide
route for guiding the contents from the container body;
the guide route has at the outlet side the influx inlet; and
the contents flow via this guide route into the flow velocity control passage.
10. A container with a discharge flow velocity mechanism, wherein:
a liquid container comprises a discharge route for discharging the contents;
the discharge route has a flow velocity control passage having an opening area that
allows the surface tension of the contents to block the contents under atmospheric
pressure;
when the contents are discharged, then the contents having passed through the
flow velocity control passage once have a flow velocity of zero in the passage direction
and then fill a main passage of the discharge route provided at an outlet of this
flow velocity control passage to be subsequently discharged from an outlet; and
when the discharge step is completed, then the contents in the discharge route
are suctioned into a container body to prevent the contents under a normal condition
from being retained in the discharge route.
11. The container with the discharge flow velocity mechanism according to Claim 10, wherein:
the flow velocity control passage and the container body have therebetween a covermember
for separating the flow velocity control passage in the container body;
the cover member has at the inner side a space having a desired capacity;
the space is communicated with the container body only by a narrow tube;
fluid pressure in the container has no direct influence on the flow velocity control
passage; and
resistance in the narrow tube causes the inner pressure of the container body to be
attenuated to prevent the inner pressure from directly reaching the flow velocity
control passage.
12. A fixed quantity measurement flow velocity control container, wherein:
a liquid container comprises an outlet for discharging the contents;
the discharge route has a flow velocity control passage having an opening area that
allows the surface tension of the contents to block the contents under atmospheric
pressure;
when the contents are discharged, then the contents having passed through this flow
velocity control passage once have a flow velocity of zero in the passage direction
and then fill a main passage of the discharge route provided at an outlet of the flow
velocity control passage to be subsequently discharged from an outlet;
when the discharge step is completed, then the contents in the discharge route are
suctioned into a container body to prevent the contents under a normal condition frombeing
retained in the discharge route; and
a measurement container having therein the main passage in a protruded manner is provided.
13. The fixed quantity measurement flow velocity control container according to Claim
12, wherein, after the contents are discharged from the outlet into the measurement
container, the restitutive force of the container causes a negative pressure in the
container to allow excessive contents equal to or larger than a fixed quantity to
be measured to be collected in the container body so that the fixed quantity to be
measured remains in the measurement container for measurement.
14. The fixed quantity measurement flow velocity control container according to Claim
12 or 13, wherein:
the fixed quantity to be measured is determined by the height from a bottom surface
of the measurement container of the outlet provided in the measurement container in
a protruded manner; and
the measurement container can be moved in the upward and downward directions so that
the height of the outlet from the bottom surface of the measurement container can
be arbitrarily adjusted.
15. The container with the discharge flow velocity mechanism according to any of Claim
12 to 14, wherein:
the flow velocity control passage and the container body have therebetween a cover
member for separating the flow velocity control passage in the container body;
the cover member has at the inner side a space having a desired capacity;
the space is communicated with the container body only by a narrow tube;
fluid pressure in the container has no direct influence on the flow velocity control
passage; and
resistance in the narrow tube causes the inner pressure of the container body to be
attenuated to prevent the inner pressure from reaching the flow velocity control passage.