Inside plug and suction-type liquid container

An inside plug (10) includes: an inside plug body (12) held at an opening; a liquid absorbent wick holding section (17); and a ring (18) which (i) is held by the liquid absorbent wick holding section (17), (ii) is located in an inner space of a container body (2) in a state where the inside plug body (12) is held at the opening, and (iii) is brought closer to a flat surface (15) by gravity in a case where a suction-type liquid container (1) has fallen sideways.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Section 371 of International Application No. PCT/JP2014/076396 filed Feb. 10, 2014, which was published in the Japanese language on Apr. 9, 2015, under International Publication No. WO 2015/050198 A1, and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an inside plug and a suction-type liquid container including the inside plug.

BACKGROUND ART

There has been conventionally known a liquid evaporating/diffusing device from which a liquid (e.g., an aromatic etc.) stored in a container body is evaporated and diffused to an outside of the container body by utilizing capillary action which is caused by a liquid absorbent wick that (i) is held by an inside plug and (ii) is made of a porous material such as felt.

According to the liquid evaporating/diffusing device, an opening of the container body, the inside plug, and the liquid absorbent wick are in close contact with each other. Thus, in a case where the inside plug does not have a ventilation structure, a volatilization rate becomes non-uniform due to a change in atmospheric pressure in the container body. Further, in a case where the inside plug does not have a ventilation structure, an atmospheric pressure in the container body may excessively increase due to an influence of a temperature or the like, and this may cause leakage of a liquid via the liquid absorbent wick. For these reasons, a conventional liquid evaporating/diffusing device includes an inside plug having a ventilation structure so as to keep an atmospheric pressure in a container body stable.

Meanwhile, a ventilation hole provided in the inside plug of the liquid evaporating/diffusing device may cause leakage of a liquid via the ventilation hole in a case where the container body has fallen sideways. In regard to this point, the conventional liquid evaporating/diffusing device is configured to prevent leakage of a liquid. Patent Literatures 1 through 3 disclose such a technique for preventing leakage of a liquid.

A liquid storage container of Patent Literature 1 includes (i) a container body for storing therein a liquid, (ii) a holder which is fixed to an opening of a neck section of the container body, and (iii) a felt wick which is held in the holder. The liquid storage container has an air hole which is provided only on one lateral wall side of the holder. Further, the liquid storage container has, in the vicinity of the air hole, a liquid returning groove which communicates with an inside of the container body.

A suction-type container body of Patent Literature 2 includes (i) a container body in which an outside plug is removably attached to an opening of the container body and (ii) a liquid suction wick which is attached to an inside plug held at the opening of the container body. A lower end of the liquid suction-type wick is sunk in a liquid stored in the container body, and an upper end of the liquid suction-type wick is projected outward from an upper end of the inside plug. According to the suction-type container body of Patent Literature 2, a ventilation passage is formed as a recess on an inner peripheral surface of the inside plug. An upper end of the ventilation passage is open upward from an upper end of the inside plug, and a lower end of the ventilation passage communicates with a ventilation hole passing through from inside to outside of the inside plug. Further, an inner surface of the ventilation passage is formed by a liquid suction-type wick.

A liquid absorbent wick holding plug of Patent Literature 3 includes (i) a cylindrical body which is fitted into an opening of a chemical container and (ii) a stopping section which is connected to an end of the cylindrical body. According to the liquid absorbent wick holding plug of Patent Literature 3, (i) a groove is provided on an outer periphery of the cylindrical body and (ii) a ventilation hole which communicates with the groove is provided in the stopping section. In a state where the liquid absorbent wick holding plug is attached to the chemical container, (i) a liquid absorbent wick passes through the cylindrical body and is supported by the cylindrical body and (ii) an inner space of the chemical container communicates with outside air via the groove and the ventilation hole.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literatures

Patent Literature 1

Patent Literature 2

Patent Literature 3

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

However, the techniques of Patent Literatures 1 through 3 relate to a technique for preventing leakage of a liquid by use of a groove, a ventilation passage, or the like which is provided in an inside plug. On the other hand, the inside plug of the present application provides a technique for preventing leakage of a liquid by a new method.

The present invention has been made in view of the problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide (i) an inside plug for preventing leakage of a liquid and (ii) a suction-type liquid container including the inside plug.

Solution to Problem

In order to attain the object, an inside plug in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is an inside plug for holding, at an opening of a container body of a suction-type liquid container, a liquid absorbent wick for sucking up a liquid stored in the container body, the inside plug being inserted in the container body, the inside plug including: an inside plug body which is held at the opening; a liquid absorbent wick holding section for holding the liquid absorbent wick, the liquid absorbent wick holding section being connected to the inside plug body; and a movable section which (i) is located in an inner space of the container body in a state where the inside plug body is held at the opening and (ii) is movable in a direction along the liquid absorbent wick holding section, the inside plug body having, on a liquid-side surface thereof, a through hole through which the inner space of the container body communicates with outside air, the liquid-side surface being a surface of the inside plug body and being located on a side of the liquid stored in the container body, and the movable section being brought closer to the liquid-side surface by gravity in a case where the suction-type liquid container has fallen sideways.

According to the inside plug in accordance with the present invention, the inside plug body has, on the liquid-side surface thereof, the through hole through which the inner space of the container body communicates with outside air. That is, according to the inside plug in accordance with the present invention, the through hole functions as a ventilation structure, and this prevents a decrease in internal pressure of the container body due to absorption of the liquid by a liquid absorbent section. Further, according to the inside plug in accordance with the present invention, the through hole functions as a ventilation structure, and this prevents an increase in internal pressure of the container body due to an increase in temperature or the like. As such, according to the inside plug in accordance with the present invention, the through hole is provided on the liquid-side surface, and this (i) allows the internal pressure of the container body to be stable and (ii) prevents unevenness in diffusion rate of the liquid diffused from the suction-type liquid container.

The inside plug in accordance with the present invention includes the movable section which (i) is located in an inner space of the container body in a state where the inside plug body is held at the opening and (ii) is movable in a direction along the liquid absorbent wick holding section. This allows the inside plug in accordance with the present invention to prevent leakage of a liquid from the suction-type liquid container.

In order to explain the above effect, the following description discusses a case where the suction-type liquid container has fallen sideways.

In general, in a case where (i) there is an air conduit extending from outside to inside of a container body, in other words, air flows from outside to inside of the container body and (ii) a suction-type liquid container has fallen sideways, a liquid stored in the container body easily leaks out from the container body. Thus, in a case where the suction-type liquid container has fallen sideways, air flows from outside to inside of the container body via a through hole provided on a liquid-side surface, and the liquid leaks out from the container body. In a case where a plurality of through holes are provided on the liquid-side surface and the suction-type liquid container has fallen sideways, air flows from outside to inside of the container body via a through hole located above a liquid surface. This causes the liquid to leak out from the container body.

According to the inside plug in accordance with the present invention, however, in a case where the suction-type liquid container has fallen sideways, the movable section is brought closer to the liquid-side surface of the inside plug body by gravity, and this reduces a clearance between the movable section and the liquid-side surface. Further, the liquid stored in the container body rises between the movable section and the liquid-side surface by the capillary action, so that the through hole provided on the liquid-side surface is filled with the liquid.

As such, in a case where the suction-type liquid container has fallen sideways, the inside plug in accordance with the present invention prevents leakage of the liquid from the container body by blocking, with the liquid, the through hole (i.e., air conduit) provided on the liquid-side surface, by utilizing the capillary action.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The inside plug in accordance with the present invention includes: an inside plug body which is held at the opening; a liquid absorbent wick holding section for holding the liquid absorbent wick, the liquid absorbent wick holding section being connected to the inside plug body; and a movable section which (i) is located in an inner space of the container body in a state where the inside plug body is held at the opening and (ii) is movable in a direction along the liquid absorbent wick holding section, the inside plug body having, on a liquid-side surface thereof, a through hole through which the inner space of the container body communicates with outside air, the liquid-side surface being a surface of the inside plug body and being located on a side of the liquid stored in the container body, and the movable section being brought closer to the liquid-side surface by gravity in a case where the suction-type liquid container has fallen sideways.

This makes it possible to bring about an effect of providing an inside plug that prevents leakage of a liquid.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following description discusses, with reference to the drawings, a suction-type liquid container1in accordance with the present embodiment. In the following description, identical parts and components are given identical reference numerals, and have identical names and functions. Accordingly, detailed descriptions thereof are not repeated.

FIG. 2is an external perspective view illustrating the suction-type liquid container1. The suction-type liquid container1includes a container body2, an outside plug3, an inside plug10, and a liquid absorbent wick30. In the suction-type liquid container1, a liquid stored in the container body2is sucked up by capillary action which is achieved by the liquid absorbent wick30. The liquid thus sucked-up is then diffused to an outside of a device by being, for example, heated, evaporated, or vibrated.

According to the present embodiment, the “liquid” means a liquid having an aromatic function, a deodorizing function, or an insecticidal function, that is, the “liquid” can be an aromatic, a deodorant, an insecticide, or the like. Note, however, that the liquid is not limited to a liquid having any of the above functions. For example, the liquid can be water to be used for humidification.

The container body2stores therein a liquid. The container body2can be made of a material such as glass, plastic, or the like. The container body2has a cylindrical shape and has an opening which is narrower than a body part of the container body2. The inside plug10holding the liquid absorbent wick30is attached to an inside of the opening of the container body2. Further, the outside plug3is removably attached to an outside of the opening of the container body2.

A shape of the container body2is not limited to the cylindrical shape and can be any of various shapes. For example, the container body2can (i) be freely designed in accordance with a usage, a used situation, an appearance, and the like and (ii) have a shape such as a quadrangular prism shape, a spherical shape, or a hemispherical shape. The outside plug3can be attached to the container body2by a well-known method such as twisting or fitting.

The outside plug3is removably attached to the opening of the container body2and functions as a lid. That is, the outside plug3can be also referred to as a cap for preventing leakage of a liquid from the container body2. The outside plug3can be made of a material such as glass or plastic.

The following description discusses the inside plug10with reference toFIG. 1etc.FIG. 1is an external view illustrating the inside plug10.FIG. 3is a cross sectional view illustrating the inside plug10.

According to the present embodiment, a direction of gravity is defined as a downward direction and a direction opposite to the direction of gravity is defined as an upward direction. InFIGS. 1 and 3, lower sides ofFIGS. 1 and 3are each a direction of gravity (i.e., the downward direction), and the container body2(not illustrated) is located below the inside plug10.

The inside plug10holds the liquid absorbent wick30and is attached to the opening of the container body2. The inside plug10includes an inside plug body12, a bottle plug14, a protrusion section16, a liquid absorbent wick holding section17, a ring18(movable section), and a ring stopping section20.

The inside plug body12, the bottle plug14, the protrusion section16, the liquid absorbent wick holding section17, and the ring stopping section20can be integrally formed or can be separately formed. Note, however, that, in terms of production, cost, and the like, it is preferable to integrally form the above members by injection molding by use of a plastic resin. The following description discusses a case where the inside plug body12, the bottle plug14, the protrusion section16, the liquid absorbent wick holding section17, and the ring stopping section20are integrally formed. In a case where the inside plug body12, the bottle plug14, the protrusion section16, the liquid absorbent wick holding section17, and the ring stopping section20are integrally formed, it is possible to express that the inside plug body12includes the bottle plug14, the protrusion section16, the liquid absorbent wick holding section17, and the ring stopping section20.

Note that the inside plug body12, the bottle plug14, the protrusion section16, the liquid absorbent wick holding section17, the ring18, and the ring stopping section20are not necessarily made of plastic and can be made of a material such as metal.

The following description discusses each of the members with reference toFIGS. 1 and 3.

The inside plug body12has a cylindrical shape, and the cylindrical part of the inside plug body12is slightly smaller in diameter than the opening of the container body2. Thus, in a case where the inside plug body12is fitted into the opening of the container body2, the inside plug body12is brought into close contact with the opening of the container body2. This prevents leakage of a liquid from between the container body2and the inside plug body12even in a case where the container body2is inverted (i.e., upside down).

The bottle plug14and the liquid absorbent wick holding section17are provided so as to be integrated with the inside plug body12. Alternatively, it is possible to express that the bottle plug14and the liquid absorbent wick holding section17are connected to the inside plug body12. A facing surface of the inside plug body12, which facing surface faces the ring18, is flat or substantially flat (i.e., a flat surface15illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3). In other words, the flat surface15is a surface of the inside plug body12and is a liquid-side surface provided on a side of the liquid stored in the container body2.

A shape of the inside plug body12is not limited to the cylindrical shape. The inside plug body12can have another shape such as a quadrangular shape or a triangular shape, provided that the inside plug body12is brought into close contact with the opening of the container body2in a case where the inside plug body12is fitted into the opening of the container body2.

The inside plug body12is hollow and communicates with an inside of the container body2via a through hole which passes through the protrusion section16in an up-and-down direction.

The bottle plug14is provided so as to be integrated with the inside plug body12, and there is a gap G between the bottle plug14and the inside plug body12. In a case where the inside plug body12is fitted into the container body2, an end of the opening of the container body2is fitted into the gap G. In this arrangement, the inside of the opening of the container body2is in close contact with an outer surface of the inside plug body12, and the outside of the opening of the container body2and an upper end of the opening of the container body2are in close contact with the bottle plug14. Thus, in a case where the container body2is fitted into the inside plug body12, the inside, the upper end, and the outside of the opening of the container body2are in close contact with the inside plug body12and/or the bottle plug14. This prevents leakage of the liquid from between the opening of the container body2and the inside plug body12even in a case where the container body2is held in an inverted (i.e., upside down) position.

The following description discusses the protrusion section16with reference toFIG. 4.FIG. 4is an external view illustrating the inside plug body12viewed from below.

The protrusion section16is provided on the flat surface (liquid-side surface)15located in a lower part of the inside plug body12. In a case where the inside plug body12is held at the opening of the container body2, the protrusion section16is located in an inner space of the container body2. The protrusion section16protrudes from the flat surface15. A through hole (seeFIG. 3) extending in the up-and-down direction is provided inside of the protrusion section16. In other words, the through hole is provided so as to pass through the flat surface15and the protrusion section16. Thus, in a case where the inside plug body12is fitted into the opening of the container body2, an inside of the inside plug body12communicates with the inside of the container body2via the through hole of the protrusion section16. The protrusion section16can be provided at any position on the flat surface15.

The through hole provided in the protrusion section16is preferably tapered so that an upper side of the through hole is wider than a lower side of the through hole in a state where the suction-type liquid container1is standing (seeFIG. 3). The through hole provided in the protrusion section16has, for example, a diameter of 2 mm on the upper side and a diameter of 1.8 mm on the lower side.

A shape of the through hole is not limited to the circular shape and can be another shape such as a quadrangular shape or a triangular shape. The protrusion section16has, for example, a height of 0.5 mm to 1 mm from the flat surface15.

The protrusion section16has the through hole for the following reasons. That is, in a case where a liquid is diffused from the suction-type liquid container1, an internal pressure of the container body2is reduced, and this makes it difficult to diffuse the liquid from the suction-type liquid container1. In view of this, the through hole is provided in the protrusion section16so that the inside of the container body2communicates with outside air, and this allows the internal pressure of the container body2to be kept constant. This makes it possible to keep a stable amount of liquid to be diffused from the suction-type liquid container1.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the liquid absorbent wick holding section17is provided so as to (i) be integrated with the inside plug body12and (ii) be elongated from the inside of the inside plug body12toward the container body2. The liquid absorbent wick holding section17(i) has a through hole extending in a longitudinal direction and (ii) holds, by an inner wall of the through hole or the like, the liquid absorbent wick30which is inserted into the through hole. This allows the liquid absorbent wick holding section17to hold the liquid absorbent wick30such that (i) one end of the liquid absorbent wick30is located inside the inside plug body12and (ii) the other end of the liquid absorbent wick30is located in the liquid stored in the container body2.

The ring stopping section20is provided in the liquid absorbent wick holding section17, and controls a downward movement of the ring18in a state where the suction-type liquid container1is standing. InFIG. 1, the liquid absorbent wick holding section17includes two ring stopping sections20. Note, however, that the number of ring stopping sections20is not limited to two. Alternatively, the liquid absorbent wick holding section17can have one ring stopping section20or three or more ring stopping sections20. Further, a shape and a structure of the ring stopping section20are not limited to particular ones, provided that the ring stopping section20controls the downward movement of the ring18in a state where the suction-type liquid container1is standing.

The liquid absorbent wick30(i) is inserted in the container body2and (ii) sucks up, from one end of the liquid absorbent wick30by the capillary action, the liquid stored in the container body2. The liquid thus sucked-up is then diffused from the other end of the liquid absorbent wick30to the outside of the suction-type liquid container1by being heated, evaporated, vibrated, or the like.

The liquid absorbent wick30is preferably made of, for example, a porous body having continuous holes, an open-cell resin body, or a resin fiber assembly. Specific examples of materials of which the liquid absorbent wick30is made encompass, but not limited to: an open-cell resin body made of polyurethane, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl formal, polystyrene, or the like; a porous body obtained by tableting and sintering, as a main component, resin fine particles of polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or the like; a porous body made of polyethylene fluoride or the like; a felt member made of polyester, polypropylene, nylon, acrylic, rayon, wool, or the like; a resin fiber assembly such as nonwoven fabric made of polyolefin fibers, polyester fibers, nylon fibers, rayon fibers, acrylic fibers, vinylon fibers, polychlal fibers, aramid fibers, or the like; and a porous inorganic powder sintered body obtained by tableting and sintering inorganic powder such as ceramic or the like as a main component. The specific examples of the materials further encompass the above materials treated with a surfactant.

The following description discusses the ring18with reference toFIGS. 5 and 1.FIG. 5is an external view illustrating the ring18.

The ring18has a ring shape, and the liquid absorbent wick holding section17is fitted inside an inner periphery of the ring18. In other words, the ring18has a ring shape surrounding the liquid absorbent wick holding section17. The ring18(i) is not fixed to the liquid absorbent wick holding section17and (ii) moves in the longitudinal direction of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17in a range defined by (a) the protrusion section16and the flat surface15and (b) the ring stopping section20. The ring18is loosely attached to the liquid absorbent wick holding section17so that the ring18is highly movable (slidable) with respect to the liquid absorbent wick holding section17.

Thus, in a state in which the suction-type liquid container1is standing, the ring18moves in the downward direction by gravity, i.e., a weight of the ring18itself. The downward movement of the ring18is stopped by the ring stopping section20. Meanwhile, in a case where the protrusion section16is located below the ring stopping section20, for example, in a case where the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways, the ring18moves toward the flat surface15and the protrusion section16so as to come closer to the flat surface15and the protrusion section16.

The term being “closer to encompasses an action of approaching an object, a state of being in contact with an object, and a state of being present extremely near an object. Accordingly, the phrase the ring18is brought closer to the flat surface15and the protrusion section16” means, for example, that the ring18is in contact with the flat surface15and the protrusion section16or that the ring18is located extremely near the flat surface15and the protrusion section16.

The ring18has specific gravity higher than that of the liquid stored in the container body2. Since the ring18has specific gravity higher than that of the liquid stored in the container body2, the ring18(i) is sunk in the liquid and (ii) allows the through hole, which is provided in the protrusion section16, to serve as the ventilation structure.

In a case where the inside plug body12, the bottle plug14, the protrusion section16, the liquid absorbent wick holding section17, the ring18, and the ring stopping section20are made of plastic materials, such plastic materials are preferably selected in the following manner. That is, the inside plug body12, the bottle plug14, the protrusion section16, the liquid absorbent wick holding section17, and the ring stopping section20are made of a plastic material different from that of the ring18. This allows the ring18to have higher mobility and slidability with respect to the liquid absorbent wick holding section17and the like. For example, (i) the inside plug body12, the bottle plug14, the protrusion section16, the liquid absorbent wick holding section17, and the ring stopping section20are made of polypropylene and (ii) the ring18is made of polyacetal.

Note that, in a case where the ring18is made of a material different from that of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17, it is possible to increase mobility and slidability of the ring18with respect to the liquid absorbent wick holding section17. This is because molecular bonding strength (e.g., van der Waals forces etc.) is typically higher between identical materials and is smaller between different materials. The ring18and the liquid absorbent wick holding section17can be made of, for example, different kinds of materials such as metal and resin.

A thickness and a material of the ring18are not limited to particular ones, provided that the ring18serves a function described in the section [Operation of ring18and effect2thereof] (described later). Thus, the ring18can be made up of a thin ring-shaped member such as a washer. Moreover, the ring18does not necessarily have a completely-closed ring shape and can have, for example, an incomplete ring shape (i.e., a shape of a Roman alphabet “C”) or the like, provided that the ring18serves the function described in the section [Operation of ring18and effect2thereof].

The following description discusses, in terms of relation with the ring18, a reason that the protrusion section16is provided. As described above, the protrusion section16protrudes from the flat surface15. In the following description, a case where the protrusion section16is provided on the flat surface15is compared with a case where the protrusion section16is not provided on the flat surface15and only a through hole is provided on the flat surface15.

In a case where (i) the protrusion section16is not provided on the flat surface15and only the through hole is provided on the flat surface15and (ii) the ring18has once stuck to the flat surface15, it may be difficult for the ring18to separate from the flat surface15. In such a case, the through hole provided on the flat surface15loses a ventilation function of allowing the inside plug body12to communicate with the container body2, and this may prevent a stable operation of the suction-type liquid container1. Moreover, in such a case, a liquid accumulated in the inside plug body12cannot return to the container body2. For these reasons, according to the suction-type liquid container1, the protrusion section16is provided on the flat surface15so that the ring18easily separates from the flat surface15.

Note, however, that the flat surface15does not necessarily need to have the protrusion section16. This is because, by causing the flat surface15to have slight roughness, it is possible to facilitate separation between the flat surface15and the ring18. In a case where the flat surface15does not have the protrusion section16, the through hole of the protrusion section16can be substituted by a configuration provided on the flat surface15.

The following description discusses, with reference toFIG. 6, a liquid discharge hole22provided in the liquid absorbent wick holding section17.FIG. 6is a cross sectional view illustrating the inside plug10. Note thatFIG. 6illustrates a cross section which (i) is perpendicular to a line segment connecting (a) a center of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17and (b) the protrusion section16and (ii) passes through the center of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, two liquid discharge holes22are provided in the liquid absorbent wick holding section17. The two liquid discharge holes22are provided (i) on a wall surface of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17which wall surface is located near a bottom surface part of the inside plug body12which is hollow and (ii) at positions facing each other. The liquid discharge holes22are provided in the liquid absorbent wick holding section17for the following reasons.

The following description discusses a case where the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways. In such a case, the liquid stored in the container body2is sucked up by the liquid absorbent wick30, and the liquid thus sucked up may leak from the container body2. In view of this, by the presence of the liquid discharge holes22, the liquid absorbed by the liquid absorbent wick30is discharged to the inside plug body12via the liquid discharge holes22and is then accumulated in the inside plug body12. The liquid accumulated in the inside plug body12passes through the through hole of the protrusion section16and thus returns to the container body2. In this manner, even in a case where the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways, the liquid discharge holes22provided in the liquid absorbent wick holding section17make it possible to prevent leakage of the liquid to the outside of the suction-type liquid container1.

In particular, in a case where a large amount of liquid is diffused from the suction-type liquid container1, it is necessary to increase a speed at which the liquid absorbent wick30absorbs the liquid by the capillary action, and therefore the liquid absorbent wick30is configured to have high porosity. In this case, when the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways, a problem is easily caused which is leakage of a liquid via the liquid absorbent wick30. In view of this, the liquid discharge holes22are provided in the liquid absorbent wick holding section17, and this makes it possible to (i) prevent leakage of the liquid from the suction-type liquid container1and (ii) cause the liquid which has leaked from the container body2to promptly return into the container body2.

Note that the number of liquid discharge holes22provided in the liquid absorbent wick holding section17is not limited to two and can be one or three or more. Moreover, the positions of the liquid discharge holes22provided in the liquid absorbent wick holding section17are not necessarily the positions facing each other and can be determined as appropriate. A diameter of each of the liquid discharge holes22can be approximately 0.5 mm to 1 mm. Each of the liquid discharge holes22does not need to have a circular shape and can be determined as appropriate to have another shape such as a quadrangular shape or a triangular shape.

The following description discusses, with reference toFIG. 7etc., an operation of the ring18in a case where the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways.FIG. 7is a view illustrating a position of the ring18immediately after the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways while the protrusion section16is located above the liquid absorbent wick30.FIG. 8is a view illustrating a position of the ring18at a given time point after the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways while the protrusion section16is located above the liquid absorbent wick30.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, immediately after the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways, the ring18is away from the protrusion section16.

However, at a given time point after the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways, the ring18moves toward the protrusion section16by gravity and then makes contact with the protrusion section16(seeFIG. 8). In this case, inFIG. 8, the ring18is in contact with the protrusion section16so as to block the through hole provided in the protrusion section16. This allows the suction-type liquid container1to prevent leakage of a liquid via the through hole provided in the protrusion section16.

The following description discusses, with reference toFIGS. 9 and 10, a case where the protrusion section16is located below the liquid absorbent wick30when the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways.FIG. 9is a view illustrating a position of the ring18immediately after the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways while the protrusion section16is located below the liquid absorbent wick30.FIG. 10is a view illustrating a position of the ring18at a given time point after the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways while the protrusion section16is located below the liquid absorbent wick30.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, immediately after the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways, the ring18is away from the protrusion section16.

However, at a given time point after the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways, the ring18moves toward the protrusion section16by gravity and then makes contact with the protrusion section16(seeFIG. 10). In this case, inFIG. 10, the ring18is in contact with the protrusion section16so as to block the through hole provided in the protrusion section16. This allows the suction-type liquid container1to prevent leakage of a liquid via the through hole provided in the protrusion section16.

As described above, in a case where the ring18blocks the through hole provided in the protrusion section16, the suction-type liquid container1can prevent leakage of the liquid via the through hole provided in the protrusion section16.

Note, however, that, depending on (i) a manner in which the ring18is in contact with the protrusion section16and/or (ii) a residual amount of liquid stored in the container body2, the ring18may not block the through hole provided in the protrusion section16. In view of this, the following description discusses, in sections [Relationship between gas-liquid exchange and leakage of liquid] and [Operation of ring18and effect2thereof], a principle on which the suction-type liquid container1prevents leakage of the liquid via the through hole provided in the protrusion section16in a state in which the ring18is not completely blocking the through hole provided in the protrusion section16.

[Relationship Between Gas-Liquid Exchange and Leakage of Liquid]

The following description discusses, with reference toFIG. 11, a state in which the liquid stored in the container body2passes through the through hole and leaks out of the container body, on the basis of a relationship between a liquid surface level in the container body2and leakage of the liquid.

FIG. 11is a view for explaining a relationship between (i) liquid surface levels (liquid surface1, liquid surface2) and (ii) leakage of a liquid via a through hole H. Note thatFIG. 11illustrates a case where the through hole H is located above the liquid absorbent wick30when the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways. For convenience, the ring18is not illustrated inFIG. 11. InFIG. 11, for convenience, the through hole H is directly provided on the flat surface15.

As illustrated inFIG. 11, the liquid surface1is located above the through hole H. That is, the through hole H is filled with a liquid. In this case, gas-liquid exchange hardly occurs via the through hole H. Specifically, according to a state of the liquid surface1illustrated inFIG. 11, the through hole H is filled with the liquid. Therefore, air is less likely to flow from the inside plug body12to the container body2, and this makes it difficult for the liquid to flow from the container body2to the inside plug body12.

The following description discusses a case of the liquid surface2. The through hole H is located at a same height as the liquid surface2and is not completely filled with the liquid. In this case, gas-liquid exchange easily occurs via the through hole H. Specifically, according to a state of the liquid surface2illustrated inFIG. 11, the through hole H is not filled with the liquid. Therefore, air is more likely to flow from the inside plug body12to the container body2, and this makes it easy for the liquid to flow from the container body2to the inside plug body12.

That is, in a case where air flows from the inside plug body12to the container body2, the liquid easily flows from the container body2toward the inside plug body12. Conversely, leakage of a liquid from the container body2to the inside plug body12can be prevented merely by preventing airflow from the container body2to the inside plug body12. Therefore, it is possible to prevent leakage of the liquid from the container body2by causing the liquid surface level of the liquid stored in the container body2to be located above the through hole H, like the liquid surface1illustrated inFIG. 11.

The following description discusses, with reference toFIG. 12, a case which is different from that illustrated inFIG. 11.FIG. 12is a view for explaining a relationship between a liquid surface level (liquid surface3) and leakage of a liquid via the through hole H. Note thatFIG. 12illustrates a case where the through hole H is located below the liquid absorbent wick30when the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways. For convenience, the ring18is not illustrated inFIG. 12. InFIG. 12, for convenience, the through hole H is directly provided on the flat surface15.

As illustrated inFIG. 12, the liquid surface3is located at a same height as the through hole H and is not completely filled with the liquid. In this case, gas-liquid exchange easily occurs via the through hole H. In a case where the through hole H is located below the liquid absorbent wick30, air may enter the container body2via a gap between the liquid absorbent wick30and the liquid absorbent wick holding section17or the like and therefore leakage of the liquid may occur. Note, however, that, also in such a case, the ring18is brought closer to the flat surface15, and this causes the liquid surface between the flat surface15and the ring18to rise. With this arrangement, leakage of the liquid via the through hole H can be prevented.

The section [Operation of ring18and effect1thereof] has discussed that, after the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways, the ring18blocks the through hole provided in the protrusion section16and thus prevents leakage of the liquid from the container body2.

Note, however, that there is a case where the ring18cannot completely block the through hole provided in the protrusion section16after the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways. Even in such a case, the suction-type liquid container1can prevent leakage of the liquid from the container body2by a method described below with reference toFIG. 13and the like.

FIG. 13is a view illustrating a state in which the ring18has fallen toward the protrusion section16while the protrusion section16is located above the liquid absorbent wick30.

According to the example illustrated inFIG. 13, after the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways, the ring18does not completely block the through hole provided in the protrusion section16. Therefore, it is expected that gas-liquid exchange which occurs via the through hole of the protrusion section16causes leakage of the liquid from the container body2via the through hole provided in the protrusion section16.

Note, however, that the ring18is brought closer to the protrusion section16by gravity. Therefore, a liquid rises between the flat surface15and the ring18by the capillary action, and this causes a liquid film to be formed at a position indicated by a broken line inFIG. 13. That is, the position at which the liquid film is located is a liquid surface level of the liquid existing between the flat surface15and the ring18.

This causes the through hole of the protrusion section16to be filled with the liquid, and gas-liquid exchange hardly occurs via the through hole of the protrusion section16. This makes it possible to prevent leakage of the liquid from the container body2.

FIG. 14is a photograph showing a liquid surface level in a case where the ring18has been brought closer to the flat surface15. (a) ofFIG. 14is a photograph showing a liquid surface level in the suction-type liquid container1viewed from a side of the opening of the container body2in a state where the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways. (b) ofFIG. 14is a photograph showing a liquid surface level at the opening of the container body2in a state where the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways.

An arrow shown in (a) ofFIG. 14indicates the through hole of the protrusion section16. As shown in (a) ofFIG. 14, a liquid surface (i.e., L1shown in (a) ofFIG. 14) of a liquid stored in the container body is located lower than a position of the through hole of the protrusion section16.

As shown in (b) ofFIG. 14, however, at the opening of the container body2, the liquid surface level changes from L1to L2, which is located above the through hole of the protrusion section16. This is because, in a case where the ring18has been brought closer to the flat surface15, the liquid rises between the flat surface15and the ring18by the capillary action. As a result, at the opening of the container body2, the liquid surface level rises from L1to L2. Consequently, as described above, this allows the suction-type liquid container1to prevent leakage of the liquid from the container body2to the inside plug body12.

FIG. 15is a view for simply explaining the state shown in (b) ofFIG. 14. As illustrated inFIG. 15, in a case where the ring18has been brought closer to the flat surface15, the capillary action occurs between the flat surface15and the ring18, so that the liquid surface level rises from L1to L2. This causes the through hole of the protrusion section16to be filled with the liquid. In a case where the through hole of the protrusion section16is filled with the liquid, gas-liquid exchange hardly occurs via the through hole of the protrusion section16. This consequently prevents leakage of the liquid from the container body2to the inside plug body12. This effect of preventing leakage of the liquid is particularly effective in a case where a liquid surface level is equal to that of the liquid surface2illustrated inFIG. 11(i.e., a case where the liquid surface level is at a position of the through hole of the protrusion section16).

FIG. 16is a view illustrating a state in which the ring18has fallen toward the protrusion section16while the protrusion section16is located below the liquid absorbent wick30.

Also in this case, due to the reasons discussed with reference toFIGS. 13 through 15, the capillary action which is caused in a case where the ring18has been brought closer to the flat surface15prevents leakage of the liquid from the container body2.

The following description discusses leakage of the liquid caused in a case where the suction-type liquid container1does not include a ring, with reference toFIGS. 17 and 18as comparative examples of the cases illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 15, respectively.

FIG. 17is a photograph showing a liquid surface level in a case where the suction-type liquid container1does not include the ring18. (a) ofFIG. 17is a photograph showing a liquid surface level in the suction-type liquid container1viewed from the side of the opening of the container body2in a state where the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways. (b) ofFIG. 17is a photograph showing a liquid surface level at the opening of the container body2in a state where the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways.FIG. 18is a view for simply explaining a state shown in (b) ofFIG. 17.

InFIG. 17, the suction-type liquid container does not include the ring18. Therefore, although a liquid surface level of a liquid surface L3rises from L3to L4by a surface tension (see (b) ofFIG. 17), the liquid surface L4is not high enough to block the through hole of the protrusion section16. In this case, the through hole of the protrusion section16is not filled with the liquid. In the case where the through hole of the protrusion section16is not filled with the liquid, gas-liquid exchange via the through hole of the protrusion section16is more likely to occur. This easily causes leakage of the liquid from the container body2to the inside plug body12.

As described above, in a case where the ring18has fallen toward, i.e., brought closer to the flat surface15, the suction-type liquid container1prevents leakage of the liquid from occurring via the through hole of the protrusion section16by the capillary action which is caused between the flat surface15and the ring18. This means that it is unnecessary to design in detail the suction-type liquid container1so that the ring18completely blocks the through hole of the protrusion section16in a case where the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways. Also in regard to this point, (i) the inside plug body12and (ii) the suction-type liquid container1including the inside plug body12facilitate a simplification of design.

The suction-type liquid container1can store therein any of various liquids different in liquid characteristic, i.e., a liquid such as an aromatic, a deodorant, an insecticide, or water. In regard to this, the suction-type liquid container1employs the ring18which is movable and can be brought closer to the flat surface15, and therefore the suction-type liquid container1can effectively prevent leakage of the liquid even in a case where a liquid characteristic, such as viscosity, of the liquid changes.

As such, the suction-type liquid container1in accordance with the present embodiment (i) is based on a technique utilizing natural phenomena such as the surface tension and the capillary action and (ii) is not based on a technique taking into consideration only force of gravity. A distance between the flat surface15and the ring18is a very important factor for the surface tension and the capillary action which play important roles for the suction-type liquid container1to stably operate. In regard to this, the suction-type liquid container1provides a mechanism for preventing leakage of the liquid by utilizing the capillary action which is caused by bringing the ring18closer to the flat surface15.

The following description discusses, based on comparison with the ring18, another ring40which differs from the ring18.FIG. 19is a cross sectional view illustrating the ring18.FIG. 20is a cross sectional view illustrating the ring40.

The ring18is a cylindrical body, and the liquid absorbent wick holding section17is fitted into the cylindrical body. The ring18(i) is not fixed to the liquid absorbent wick holding section17and (ii) is movable in the longitudinal direction of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17in a range defined by (a) the protrusion section16and the flat surface15and (b) the ring stopping section20. The ring18is loosely attached to the liquid absorbent wick holding section17so that the ring18is highly movable (slidable) with respect to the liquid absorbent wick holding section17.

Note that the cylindrical body means a shape which is hollow, like a tube or a pipe. Moreover, a shape of a cross section of an inner space of the cylindrical body is not limited to a particular one and may be any of various shapes such as a circular shape, a quadrangular shape, and a triangular shape. The cylindrical body has a given length (width) in a direction in which a hollow extends (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17illustrated inFIG. 18). Further, the cylindrical body has a ring shape.

The following description discusses a case where the ring18, the ring40(described later), and a ring50(described later) each have a cylindrical body. Further, in the following description, a surface of the ring18which surface faces the liquid absorbent wick holding section17is referred to as an inner peripheral surface of the ring18.

The inner peripheral surface of the ring18is flat. Specifically, a projection section, a groove, or the like is not provided on the inner peripheral surface of the ring18. Therefore, in a case where the ring18moves in the longitudinal direction of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17, the inner peripheral surface of the ring18entirely makes contact with the liquid absorbent wick holding section17.

The following description discusses the ring40. Note that descriptions identical to those of the ring18are not repeated.

As illustrated inFIG. 20, the ring40has a projection section41projecting on an inner peripheral surface of the ring40. The projection section41projects toward the liquid absorbent wick holding section17. The projection section41is provided so as to surround the liquid absorbent wick holding section17throughout an entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the ring40.

The ring40is loosely attached to the liquid absorbent wick holding section17so that the ring40is highly slidable with respect to the liquid absorbent wick holding section17. A height of the projection section41can be determined as appropriate in accordance with a distance between the inner peripheral surface of the ring40and the liquid absorbent wick holding section17so that the ring40can keep slidability thereof with respect to the liquid absorbent wick holding section17. The projection section41has a sufficiently short width in the longitudinal direction of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17, as compared with a width of the inner peripheral surface of the ring40in the longitudinal direction of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17.

The inner peripheral surface of the ring40is substantially flat except for the projection section41, and the projection section41is provided so as to be integrated with the inner peripheral surface. Note, however, that the projection section41is not limited to this configuration.

The projection section “projecting on an inner peripheral surface” indicates that the projection section projects from the inner peripheral surface. In other words, “projecting on the inner peripheral surface” means that the projection section projects toward the liquid absorbent wick holding section17over a line connecting a first end and a second end, where (i) the first end is one end of the inner peripheral surface in the longitudinal direction of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17and (ii) the second end is the other end of the inner peripheral surface in the longitudinal direction of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17. The same applies to a peak51adescribed in a section [Ring50] (later described).

The following description discusses an effect which is brought about by a feature that the ring40has the projection section41projecting on the inner peripheral surface of the ring40.

The following description first discusses the ring18. The ring18does not have the projection section41and makes contact with the liquid absorbent wick holding section17so that the inner peripheral surface itself of the ring18serves as a contact surface.

Meanwhile, with regard to the ring40, the projection section41projecting on the inner peripheral surface of the ring40makes contact with the liquid absorbent wick holding section17. Therefore, in a case where the ring40moves toward the through hole of the protrusion section16, it is possible for the ring40to have a smaller contact area with the liquid absorbent wick holding section17, as compared with the ring18.

This reduces a sliding resistance between the ring40and the liquid absorbent wick holding section17. Therefore, in a case where the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways, the ring40is more likely to be brought closer to the through hole of the protrusion section16. As a result, as compared with the ring18, the ring40can further prevent leakage of the liquid to an outside of the container body2.

Each ofFIGS. 21 and 22is a view for explaining an operation of the ring40in a case where the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways.FIG. 21is a view illustrating the ring40immediately after the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways.FIG. 22is a view illustrating the ring40at a time point slightly after the state illustrated inFIG. 21occurs.

As described above, the ring18makes contact with the liquid absorbent wick holding section17so that the inner peripheral surface of the ring18entirely makes contact with the liquid absorbent wick holding section17. Meanwhile, with regard to the ring40, the projection section41projecting from the inner peripheral surface of the ring40makes contact with the liquid absorbent wick holding section17. Therefore, a sliding resistance between the ring40and the liquid absorbent wick holding section17is smaller than the sliding resistance between the ring18and the liquid absorbent wick holding section17. From this, in a case where the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways, the ring40can be brought closer to the protrusion section16faster than the ring18. As a result, use of the ring40makes it possible to further prevent leakage of the liquid via the through hole provided in the protrusion section16.

Note that, as the width of the projection section41in the longitudinal direction of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17becomes smaller relative to the width of the inner peripheral surface of the ring40in the longitudinal direction of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17, the sliding resistance becomes smaller between the ring40and the liquid absorbent wick holding section17.

The projection section41can be continuously provided throughout the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the ring40so as to surround the liquid absorbent wick holding section17. Alternatively, the projection section41can be intermittently provided in a similar manner.

[Relationship Between Projection Section41and Center of Gravity]

The following description discusses other configuration and effect of the ring40.

As illustrated inFIG. 20, the ring40changes in thickness in the longitudinal direction of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17. The ring40is thicker on a side (i.e., a right side ofFIG. 20) of the protrusion section16than a side (i.e., a left side ofFIG. 20) opposite to the side of the protrusion section16. From this, a center of gravity of the ring40in the longitudinal direction of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17is closer to the side of the protrusion section16. InFIG. 20, the center of gravity of the ring40in the longitudinal direction of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17is indicated by CG (Center of Gravity).

The projection section41is provided so that the projection section41and the protrusion section16are located opposite sides of the CG. With the configuration, in a case where the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways, the ring40is more likely to be tilted while the projection section41serves as a fulcrum. Therefore, even in a case where slidability is poor between the liquid absorbent wick holding section17and the projection section41, the ring40easily falls toward the protrusion section16. Such a state is illustrated inFIG. 23.FIG. 23is a view illustrating a state in which the ring40has fallen toward the protrusion section16while the protrusion section16is located above the liquid absorbent wick30.

As illustrated inFIG. 23, in a case where the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways, the ring40(i) is easily tilted while the projection section41serves as a fulcrum and (ii) is thus more likely to fall toward the protrusion section16. This makes it easy for the ring40to be brought closer to the through hole of the protrusion section16. Further, the liquid stored in the container body2rises between the ring40and the flat surface15by the capillary action, and the through hole of the protrusion section16is filled with the liquid. This makes it possible to further prevent leakage of the liquid to the outside of the container body2.

The ring40is thicker on the side of the protrusion section16than on the side opposite to the side of the protrusion section16. Note, however, that, even in a case where another ring having a constant thickness is employed, the effect described above can be brought about by arranging the projection section41so that the CG is located between the projection section41and the protrusion section16.

The following description discusses still other configuration and effect of the ring40by comparing the ring40with the ring18illustrated inFIG. 19. Note that, in the following description, surfaces of the ring18and the ring40which surfaces face the protrusion section16are each referred to as a facing surface.

As illustrate inFIG. 19, the entire facing surface of the ring18is flat. Specifically, a projection section, a groove, or the like is not provided on the facing surface of the ring18.

Meanwhile, as illustrated inFIG. 20, a projection section42is provided on the facing surface of the ring40. The projection section42is located at a prescribed position on the facing surface. The prescribed position means a position facing (i) the protrusion section16or (ii) the through hole of the protrusion section16in a case where the ring40has been brought closer to the protrusion section16. The projection section42is provided so as to have a ring shape on the facing surface.

Note that the facing surface of the ring40can be substantially flat, except for the projection section42. Further, a height of the projection section42can be minute. The projection section42is provided so as to be integrated with the inner peripheral surface of the ring40but is not limited to this.

The following description discusses an effect which is brought about by the configuration in which the ring40has the projection section42on the facing surface.

As compared with the ring18which does not have the projection section42on the facing surface, the ring40which has the projection section42projecting on the facing surface can (i) reduce a distance between the projection section42and the protrusion section16and (ii) be brought closer to the protrusion section16earlier. This causes the liquid stored in the container body2to easily permeate between the projection section42and the protrusion section16, and therefore it becomes easy to suck up the liquid between the projection section42and the protrusion section16. This consequently makes it possible to further prevent leakage of the liquid via the through hole provided in the protrusion section16.

As described above, the ring40, which is obtained by adding various features to the ring18, makes it possible to further prevent leakage of the liquid via the through hole provided in the protrusion section16.

The following description discusses still another ring50based on comparison with the ring18and the ring40.FIG. 24is a cross sectional view illustrating the ring50. Note that descriptions identical to those of the ring18and the ring40are not repeated.

As described above, the inner peripheral surface of the ring18is flat. That is, an inner diameter of the ring18is constant (or substantially constant), regardless of positions in the inner peripheral surface of the ring18in the longitudinal direction of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17.

The ring40has the projection section41on the inner peripheral surface of the ring40. The projection section41is provided throughout the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the ring40. The inner peripheral surface of the ring40is substantially flat, except for the projection section41. That is, an inner diameter of the ring40is constant (or substantially constant), except for a part at which the projection section41is provided, regardless of positions in the inner peripheral surface of the ring40in the longitudinal direction of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17.

Meanwhile, the ring50has an inclination51on an inner peripheral surface of the ring50. Specifically, in the longitudinal direction of the liquid absorbent wick holding section17, the ring50has an inner diameter which (i) is smallest at the peak51aand (ii) becomes larger as a distance from the peak51aincreases (seeFIG. 24).

The following description discusses an effect which is brought about by the configuration in which the inner peripheral surface of the ring50has the inclination51and the peak51a.

Since the ring50has the inclination51on its inner peripheral surface, the ring50makes contact with the liquid absorbent wick holding section17via the peak51a, which is a peak of the inclination51. Therefore, in a case where the ring50moves toward the through hole of the protrusion section16, it is possible for the ring50to have a smaller contact area with the liquid absorbent wick holding section17, as compared with the ring18which makes contact with the liquid absorbent wick holding section17so that the inner peripheral surface of the ring18entirely makes contact with the liquid absorbent wick holding section17. This allows a sliding resistance between the ring50and the liquid absorbent wick holding section17to be smaller than that between the ring18and the liquid absorbent wick holding section17. Therefore, in a case where the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways, the ring50can (i) be brought closer to the protrusion section16earlier than the ring18or (ii) more easily fall toward the protrusion section16than the ring18. Therefore, use of the ring50makes it possible to further prevent leakage of the liquid via the through hole provided in the protrusion section16.

As such, as with the ring40, the ring50reduces the sliding resistance between the ring50and the liquid absorbent wick holding section17by the reduced contact area with the liquid absorbent wick holding section17. This further prevents leakage of the liquid via the through hole provided in the protrusion section16.

Note that the configuration in which the sliding resistance with respect to the liquid absorbent wick holding section17is lowered by reducing the contact area with the liquid absorbent wick holding section17is not limited to the ring40and the ring50. Alternatively, another configuration can be naturally employed, and the ring40and the ring50are merely examples of such a configuration.

The following description discusses, based on comparison with the liquid absorbent wick holding section17, another liquid absorbent wick holding section60which differs from the liquid absorbent wick holding section17.FIG. 25is an external view illustrating the inside plug10. (a) ofFIG. 25is a front view illustrating the inside plug10. (b) ofFIG. 25is a bottom view illustrating the inside plug10. Further,FIG. 26is an external view illustrating the inside plug10a. (a) ofFIG. 26is a front view illustrating the inside plug10a. (b) ofFIG. 26is a bottom view illustrating the inside plug10a.

As illustrated inFIGS. 25 and 26, the liquid absorbent wick holding section60differs from the liquid absorbent wick holding section17in that the liquid absorbent wick holding section60has projection sections24whereas the liquid absorbent wick holding section17does not have such projection section24.

Specifically, as illustrated in (a) ofFIG. 26, the liquid absorbent wick holding section60has two projection sections24which (i) extend in the longitudinal direction of the liquid absorbent wick holding section60and (ii) are provided on a surface of the liquid absorbent wick holding section60which surface faces an inner peripheral surface of a ring. As illustrated in (b) ofFIG. 26, the projection sections24are provided so as to have a minute height on the surface of the liquid absorbent wick holding section60which surface faces the inner peripheral surface of the ring.

Note that each of the projection sections24can be either continuously or intermittently provided so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the liquid absorbent wick holding section60. InFIG. 24, the liquid absorbent wick holding section60has the two projection sections24. Note, however, that the liquid absorbent wick holding section60can have one projection section24or three or more projection sections24. Further, it is possible to determine as appropriate a height of each of the projection sections24in accordance with a distance between the inner peripheral surface of the ring and the liquid absorbent wick holding section60.

The following description discusses an effect which is brought about by the configuration in which the liquid absorbent wick holding section60has the projection sections24.

With the configuration, in a case where the ring18moves toward the through hole of the protrusion section16, the projection sections24of the liquid absorbent wick holding section60make contact with the inner peripheral surface of the ring18. This makes it possible for the ring18to have a smaller contact area with the liquid absorbent wick holding section60, as compared with the case where the ring18makes contact with the liquid absorbent wick holding section17. This reduces a sliding resistance between the ring18and the liquid absorbent wick holding section60and therefore, in a case where the suction-type liquid container1has fallen sideways, the ring18is more easily brought closer to the through hole of the protrusion section16. From this, the liquid stored in the container body2rises between the ring18and the flat surface15by the capillary action, and thus the through hole of the protrusion section16is filled with the liquid. This further prevents leakage of the liquid to the outside of the container body2.

Note that, in the description above, the ring18can be replaced with the ring40or the ring50.

As described above, not only by employing the ring40or the ring50but also by adding features to the liquid absorbent wick holding section, it is possible to (i) reduce a contact area between the liquid absorbent wick holding section and the ring and (ii) bring about an effect of further preventing leakage of the liquid to the outside of the container body2. The liquid absorbent wick holding section60is an example of such a configuration, and another configuration can be naturally employed.

The suction-type liquid container1in accordance with the present embodiment has the following usage. Note that the usage of the suction-type liquid container1is not limited to the following usage.

According to the suction-type liquid container1, one end of the liquid absorbent wick30is soaked in the liquid stored in the container body2and the other end of the liquid absorbent wick30extends upward from the inside plug body12.

In this case, the suction-type liquid container1can be incorporated into a heat evaporating/diffusing device for evaporating and diffusing a liquid from the other end of the liquid absorbent wick30by heating, with use of a heater or the like, the other end of the liquid absorbent wick30extending upward from the inside plug body12. Alternatively, the suction-type liquid container1can be incorporated into a vibration spraying device for spraying a liquid from the other end of the liquid absorbent wick30. In such a vibration spraying device, (i) a vibration plate is (a) brought into contact with the other end of the liquid absorbent wick30extending upward from the inside plug body12or (b) brought closer to the other end of the liquid absorbent wick30and (ii) the vibration plate is vibrated by an oscillator so that the liquid is sprayed from the other end of the liquid absorbent wick30. Alternatively, the suction-type liquid container1can be incorporated into a liquid diffusing device for diffusing a liquid to an outside of the liquid diffusing device by causing the liquid to be naturally evaporated from the other end of the liquid absorbent wick30.

As described above, the suction-type liquid container1is applicable to various types of usage and can prevent leakage of a liquid in any usage.

The present invention can be configured in the following manners.

The inside plug in accordance with an aspect of the present invention can be configured such that the movable section is a cylindrical body; and the liquid absorbent wick holding section is fitted into the cylindrical body.

A suction-type liquid container is typically small in size, and spatial restriction on an inner space of its container body is high.

In regard to this, the movable section is a cylindrical body, and the liquid absorbent wick holding section is fitted into the cylindrical body. Therefore, the inside plug body does not need to newly include a member for attaching the movable section. This provides sufficient space at the opening of the container body at which opening the inside plug body is held, and this allows a higher degree of freedom for design such as an increase in size of the movable section.

Note that the cylindrical body means a shape which is hollow, like a tube or a pipe. Moreover, a shape of a cross section of an inner space of the cylindrical body is not limited to a particular one and may be any of various shapes such as a circular shape, a quadrangular shape, and a triangular shape.

The inside plug in accordance with an aspect of the present invention can be configured such that the movable section includes a first projection section which projects on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body; and the first projection section makes contact with the liquid absorbent wick holding section in a case where the movable section has moved toward the liquid-side surface.

The following discusses a case where the movable section does not include the first projection section which projects on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body. In such a case, the movable section makes contact with the liquid absorbent wick holding section so that the inner peripheral surface itself of the movable section serves as a contact surface.

Meanwhile, the following discusses a case where the movable section includes the first projection section which projects on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body and the first projection section makes contact with the liquid absorbent wick holding section in a case where the movable section has moved toward the liquid-side surface. In such a case, in a case where the movable section has moved toward the liquid-side surface, the first projection section makes contact with the liquid absorbent wick holding section. This makes it possible for the movable section to have a smaller contact area with the liquid absorbent wick holding section, as compared with a case where the first projection section is not provided on the inner peripheral surface of the movable section, which is the cylindrical body.

This makes it possible to reduce a sliding resistance between the movable section and the liquid absorbent wick holding section and, in a case where the suction-type liquid container has fallen sideways, the movable section is more likely to be brought closer to the through hole. The liquid stored in the container body rises between the movable section and the liquid-side surface by the capillary action, so that the through hole provided on the liquid-side surface is filled with the liquid. This makes it possible to further prevent leakage of the liquid to an outside of the container body.

The inside plug in accordance with an aspect of the present invention can be configured such that the first projection section is provided so that the first projection section and the through hole are located opposite sides of a center of gravity of the movable section in a direction along the liquid absorbent wick holding section.

With the configuration, in a case where the suction-type liquid container has fallen sideways, the movable section is more likely to be tilted while the first projection section serves as a fulcrum. Therefore, even in a case where (i) the suction-type liquid container has fallen sideways and (ii) slidability is poor between the liquid absorbent wick holding section and the first projection section, the movable section easily falls toward the through hole. This reduces a distance between the movable section and the liquid-side surface. The liquid stored in the container body rises between the movable section and the liquid-side surface by the capillary action, so that the through hole provided on the liquid-side surface is filled with the liquid. This makes it possible to further prevent leakage of the liquid to the outside of the container body.

The inside plug in accordance with an aspect of the present invention can be configured such that the movable section includes a second projection section which projects on a surface of the movable section, the surface facing the liquid-side surface; and the second projection section is aligned such that the second projection section faces the through hole in a case where the movable section has been brought closer to the liquid-side surface.

The movable section includes the second projection section on the surface (hereinafter referred to as facing surface) facing the liquid-side surface. This allows the movable section to further reduce a distance between the second projection section and the through hole, as compared with a movable section which does not have the second projection section on the facing surface. In addition, the second projection section is aligned such that the second projection section faces the through hole in a case where the movable section has been brought closer to the liquid-side surface.

Therefore, the liquid stored in the container body rises between the movable section and the liquid-side surface by the capillary action, so that the through hole provided on the liquid-side surface is filled with the liquid. This makes it possible to further prevent leakage of the liquid to the outside of the container body.

The inside plug in accordance with an aspect of the present invention can be configured such that the liquid absorbent wick holding section includes a third projection section which projects on a surface that (i) is of the liquid absorbent wick holding section and (ii) faces an inner peripheral surface of the movable section; and the third projection section makes contact with the movable section in a case where the movable section has moved toward the liquid-side surface.

With the configuration, the third projection section makes contact with the inner peripheral surface of the movable section. Therefore, in a case where the movable section moves toward the liquid-side surface, it is possible for the movable section to have a smaller contact area with the liquid absorbent wick holding section, as compared with a liquid absorbent wick holding section which does not have the third projection section.

This reduces a sliding resistance between the movable section and the liquid absorbent wick holding section. Therefore, in a case where the suction-type liquid container has fallen sideways, the movable section is more likely to be brought closer to the through hole. As a result, the movable section can further prevent leakage of the liquid to the outside of the container body.

The inside plug in accordance with an aspect of the present invention can further includes, on the liquid-side surface, a protrusion section for facilitating separation between the liquid-side surface and the movable section.

According to the inside plug in accordance with the present invention, in a case where the suction-type liquid container has fallen sideways, the movable section is brought closer to the liquid-side surface of the inside plug body. In this case, the movable section may stick to the liquid-side surface and it may become difficult for the movable section to separate from the liquid-side surface. In a case where the movable section has stuck to the liquid-side surface so as not to separate from the liquid-side surface, the through hole provided on the liquid-side surface does not function as an air conduit. This causes the through hole not to serve a ventilation function of keeping the internal pressure of the container body stable.

With the configuration, the inside plug in accordance with the aspect of the present invention facilitates separation between the liquid-side surface and the movable section. This allows the through hole provided on the liquid-side surface to serve the ventilation function of keeping the internal pressure of the container body stable.

The inside plug in accordance with an aspect of the present invention can be configured such that the through hole passes through the protrusion section

With the configuration, the inside plug in accordance with the aspect of the present invention has the protrusion section having the through hole through which the inner space of the container body communicates with outside air.

This allows the protrusion section itself to have both of (i) the ventilation function of keeping the internal pressure of the container body stable and (ii) the function of facilitating separation between the liquid-side surface and the movable section. With the configuration, it is possible to simplify a configuration of the liquid-side surface of the inside plug body.

The inside plug in accordance with an aspect of the present invention can be configured such that the movable section is made of a material different from that of the liquid absorbent wick holding section.

The movable section is brought into closer to the liquid-side surface in a case where the suction-type liquid container has fallen sideways.

In regard to this, since the movable section is made of a material different from that of the liquid absorbent wick holding section, the movable section can have higher mobility and slidability with respect to the liquid absorbent wick holding section. For example, the movable section is made of a material which (i) has specific gravity higher than that of the liquid stored in the suction-type liquid container and (ii) differs from the material of the liquid absorbent wick holding section.

The inside plug in accordance with an aspect of the present invention can be configured such that the movable section has a ring shape; and the liquid absorbent wick holding section is fitted inside an inner periphery of the movable section.

A suction-type liquid container is typically small in size, and spatial restriction on an inner space of its container body is high.

In regard to this, the movable section has a ring shape, and the liquid absorbent wick holding section is fitted into the inner periphery of the movable section. Therefore, the inside plug body does not need to newly include a member for attaching the movable section. This provides sufficient space at the opening of the container body at which opening the inside plug body is held, and this allows a higher degree of freedom for design such as an increase in size of the movable section.

A suction-type liquid container in accordance with an aspect of the present invention can include an inside plug of any one of the aspects.

This makes it possible to provide a user with a suction-type liquid container which brings about the above described various effects.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but can be altered by a skilled person in the art within the scope of the claims. An embodiment derived from a proper combination of technical means each disclosed in a different embodiment is also encompassed in the technical scope of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention relates to an inside plug and is applicable to a suction-type liquid container.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST