Abstract:
A dual storage system-type fluid container in which a liquid pouring tube is securely fitted and a liquid discharging passage formed in a dispenser is easily and securely connected to the liquid pouring tube. A joint for the fluid container comprises a flexible bag ( 12 ) having a neck part ( 11 ) opened such that liquid can be poured through it and also has an outer container ( 13 ) for receiving the bag ( 12 ) with the neck part ( 11 ) supported by a mouth part ( 13   a ). The liquid pouring tube ( 15 ) having a flange part ( 15   a ) can be fitted to the mouth part ( 13   a ) of the outer container ( 13 ) with a retainer ( 14 ) placed between the tube and the mouth part. A flow passage ( 21   a ) formed in the dispenser ( 2 ) can be directly connected to the fluid passage ( 15   b ) of the liquid pouring tube ( 15 ).

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is the National Stage of International Application No, PCT/JP2006/322019, filed Nov. 2, 2006, which claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2006-023762, filed Jan. 31, 2006, the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a container for storing, transporting and distributing fluids such as chemicals for the electronics industry. Particularly, the present invention relates to a fluid container provided with a joint for draining fluids. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     For example, chemicals for the electronics industry such as photo-resist are stored in a chemical container for transport, and are delivered to a factory. Such a chemical container is used in a linking configuration by which the same container is repeatedly used, or in a one way configuration by which a new container is used each time. Particularly, it is preferable to use the container in the one way mode in order not to affect the degree of purity of a high-purity chemical; however, the one way mode has an economic disadvantage. In recent years, a dual storage system-type container, which combines both of the above described modes, has been popular. 
     Generally, the dual storage system-type container has a bag (pouch) consisting of a flexible film which has been washed in advance. This film bag is formed of an inert material and is provided in an outer container. After the chemical is drained from the film bag, this film bag is disposed of, and a new film bag is filled with a chemical. The outer container including the joint and the like is used repeatedly. 
     In a way such as a dual storage system-type container, a container for liquid chemicals has been invented, which makes it possible to safely and securely drain liquid chemicals (for example, see Patent Document 1).
     Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H06-100087   

     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the top end of the container according to Patent Document 1, in a state in which a cap is attached.  FIG. 5  of the present application corresponds to FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1. In addition,  FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the top edge of the container according to Patent Document 1, in a state in which the container and the dispenser are assembled.  FIG. 6  of the present application corresponds to FIG. 6 of Patent Document 1. 
     In  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , the container according to Patent Document 1 includes a container  7  and a dispenser  8 . The container  7  includes an outer container  716  having a port (hereinafter referred to as a mounting body)  718 , a liquid pouring tube  722  having a fluid passage  780 , and a coupling  724 . The coupling  724  is provided at a top edge of a tube  794  so that the coupling  724  is inserted into the mounting body  718 . The coupling  724  has a void space  776  provided at the top edge thereof, and a fluid passage that connects the void space  776  to a fluid passage  780  of the tube  794 . 
     The container  7  further includes a ventilation passage  782  that ventilates gas between the inside of the outer container  716  and the void space  776 , and a breakable seal  727  that is provided on the top end of the mounting body  718 . The dispenser  8  can be inserted into the void space  790  through the seal  727 , and includes a probe  846  having a fluid passage  844 . Moreover, a compressed fluid passage is provided, which is connected to the probe  846 , and which accommodates liquid chemicals that are drained from the outer container  716  through the tube  794 , the coupling  724 , and the fluid passage  844  of the probe  846 . 
     In  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , the outer container  716  has a mouth portion  730  on which external threads are formed, and a retainer  719  and the mounting body  718  are attached inside the mouth portion  730 . The container  7  is provided with a bag  720  consisting of a flexible film inside the outer container  716 . After the mounting body  718 , to which the bag  720  has been attached, is attached to the mouth portion  730  of the outer container  716 , the bag  720  is inflated, preferably with nitrogen or compressed air, before the bag  720  is filled with liquid chemicals. Subsequently, the bag  720  is filled with the liquid chemicals through the mounting body  718 . Thereafter, the liquid pouring tube  722  and the coupling  724  of the liquid pouring tube  722  are inserted into the mounting body  718 . A cover  726  positions a breakable seal  727  on the top end of the mounting body  718 , thereby sealing the void space  776 . Moreover, it is possible to cover the breakable seal  727  by providing a cap  728  to the mouth portion  730  of the container  7 . 
     During the transport and handling of the container  7 , all of the gas generated in the flexible bag  720  can flow through a gas passage formed by the coupling  724  of the liquid pouring tube  722 , and can stay in the void space  776  that is provided on the top edge of the coupling  724  of the liquid pouring tube  722 . 
     The container  7  according to Patent Document 1 includes the breakable seal  727 . Accordingly, the probe  846  provided in the dispenser  8  breaks through the seal  727 , thereby making it possible to insert the probe  846  into the void space  790  (see  FIG. 6 ). However, there is a problem at this time in which fracture pieces of the seal  727  may mix in the bag  720  through the void space  790  (see  FIG. 5 ). Moreover, there has been concern regarding a case in which an operator can not properly break through the seal, causing clogging of the probe, thereby disabling the connection. It is possible to eliminate the aforementioned problem by achieving a structure by which the dispenser is connected to the container without the use of a breakable seal. In addition, it is more preferable if a one-touch connection to the container is made possible without threading to the dispenser. 
     Moreover, the container  7  according to Patent Document 1 is an assembly in which the liquid pouring tube  722  and the coupling  724  are configured as separate units and in which one end of the liquid pouring tube  722  is pressed into to the coupling  724  (see  FIG. 5 ). This liquid pouring tube  722  with the coupling  724  is reused after cleaning; however, there has been trouble in reassembling (press fitting) after disassembling and cleaning in order to remove chemicals that have seeped into the gaps of the press fit points. It is possible to eliminate such trouble by integrating the coupling and the liquid pouring tube into one body. 
     In addition, in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , an edge  787  is formed on a top edge of the coupling  724  as a diameter which is slightly larger than the external diameter of the coupling  724 . Accordingly, there has been a risk in the tube  722  with the coupling  724  getting past a step provided to the void space  776  of the mounting body  718 , thereby falling into the bag  720 . A structure is demanded which makes it possible to easily attach the liquid pouring tube to the container independent of operator adjusting the force. However, these are the problems to be resolved by the present invention. 
     The present invention has been made in view of such problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a dual storage system-type fluid container, which includes a bag made of a flexible film inside an outer container, to which a liquid pouring tube can be securely attached, and in which a liquid discharging passage formed in a dispenser is easily and securely connected to the liquid pouring tube. 
     The inventors have configured a liquid container such that a liquid pouring tube having a collar portion can be attached to a mouth portion of an outer container through a retainer, and further configured the liquid container such that a duct provided to a dispenser can be directly connected to a fluid passage of the liquid pouring tube. Based on this, the inventors have invented the following new liquid container. 
     In a first aspect of the present invention, a fluid container is provided which includes: a flexible bag having a neck portion that is open for making it possible to pour liquid; and an outer container that supports the neck portion with a mouth portion and that accommodates the bag, in which the fluid container further includes: a cylindrical retainer held by the mouth portion, the retainer having a substantially cylindrical header portion protruding from a cylindrical bottom at a first end, a cylindrical portion fitting into an orifice of the neck portion at a second end, and a through hole penetrating from the first end to the second end; a liquid pouring tube having a collar portion adhered to a top face of the header portion at the first end, with the second end being inserted into the through hole, in which the liquid pouring tube has a fluid passage extending from the first end to the second end, and in which liquid in the bag is drained through the fluid passage; a first ventilating means for ventilating gas from an inside of the outer container to the mouth portion, in which the first ventilating means has a plurality of first orifices provided at a bottom of the neck portion, the plurality of first orifices communicating from an inside of the outer container to an inside of the neck portion, and has a plurality of second orifices communicating from a perimeter of the cylindrical portion to the top face of the header portion; a second ventilating means for ventilating gas from the inside of the bag to the mouth portion, in which the second ventilating means has a plurality of third orifices provided to the collar portion, the plurality of third orifices communicating from the mouth portion to an inside of the through hole; and a sealing means for sealing the mouth portion, in which, when the sealing means is attached, the sealing means prevents both liquid and gas from flowing out of the mouth portion, and when the sealing means is removed, gas in the outer container and gas in the bag escape, respectively, through the first and second ventilating means to an outside of the mouth portion, before liquid in the liquid pouring tube is drained to the mouth portion. 
     According to the first aspect of the present invention, the fluid container includes a flexible bag and an outer container. The bag has a neck portion that is open for making it possible to pour liquid. The outer container makes it possible to accommodate the bag with the neck portion supported by a mouth portion. 
     The bag is configured with a pouch of a flexible film formed with an inert material and the neck portion consisting of relatively rigid synthetic resins, in which the neck portion is bonded to an end portion of the pouch. The bag is washed in advance, and is accommodated in the outer container. After draining the liquid from the bag, the bag with the neck portion is discarded, and a new bag with a neck portion is accommodated in the outer container. This fluid container is a dual storage system-type container, in which the outer container is repeatedly used, and in which a new bag is used every time. 
     It is preferable that the outer container be constructed with a strong material in order to make it possible to be used repeatedly. By way of such an outer container, it is possible to use a metal drum which is made by forming and welding stainless steel; however, it is not limited to a metal drum, and other materials including a synthetic resin may be used. A steel storage drum is preferably used as the outer container, the steel storage drum being configured with a base plate, a side wall with a bracelet, and a top plate which bulges in the middle thereof. As for the outer container, external threads are formed on the mouth portion (also referred to as mouth plug), and a pair of molded handles may be provided thereto to facilitate transport. 
     Here, a flange is formed at an orificial side of the neck portion, while a step is provided at an inner wall of the mouth portion, and this flange engages with the step, thereby supporting the neck portion to the mouth portion. The bag is accommodated in the outer container, the neck portion attached to the bag is supported by the mouth portion of the outer container, and thereafter, the bag is expanded preferably with nitrogen or compressed air. Subsequently, liquid is poured through an orifice of the neck portion into the bag. 
     Moreover, the fluid container according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a cylindrical retainer and a liquid pouring tube. The retainer is held to the mouth portion. Moreover, the retainer has a substantially cylindrical header portion in a first end, and has a cylindrical portion in a second end. In addition, the retainer has a through hole penetrating from the first end to the second end. The header portion protrudes from within a cylindrical bottom of the retainer. The cylindrical portion fits in the orifice of the neck portion. The liquid pouring tube has, in the first end thereof, a collar portion adhered to a top face of the header portion. Moreover, the second end of the liquid pouring tube is inserted into the through hole of the retainer. The liquid pouring tube has a fluid passage extending from the first end to the second end, and the liquid in the bag is drained through the fluid passage. 
     The external diameter of the retainer is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the neck portion, and the retainer fits in the neck portion supported by the mouth portion. A flange, which has an external diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the mouth portion, is provided to a first end of the retainer, and an O-ring may be supported by this flange, thereby sealing up the mouth portion. A cover, which is to be described later, is fastened to the mouth portion, thereby holding the retainer in the mouth portion together with the neck portion. A predetermined gap is provided between a bottom external wall of the retainer and a bottom inner wall of the mouth portion. As a result, it is possible to ventilate gas between first orifices (to be described later) provided at the bottom of the neck portion and second orifices (to be described later) provided at the retainer. 
     The cylindrical portion protrudes from the bottom of the retainer, and the cylindrical portion fits in the orifice of the neck portion. For example, an O-ring is supported inside the orifice of the neck portion, and this O-ring adheres to the outer perimeter of the cylindrical portion, thereby making it possible to seal the gas in the bag. The fact that the through hole penetrates from the first end to the second end of the retainer indicates that the through hole penetrates from the top edge of the header portion to the bottom edge of the cylindrical portion, and the liquid pouring tube is inserted into this through hole. In order to make it possible to ventilate gas through third orifices (to be described later), a gap is preferably provided between the through hole and the outer perimeter of the liquid pouring tube. 
     The fluid container according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a first ventilating means for ventilating air from the inside of the outer container to the mouth portion; a second ventilating means for ventilating air from the inside of the bag to the mouth portion; and a sealing means for sealing the mouth portion. The first ventilating means has the plurality of first orifices and the plurality of second orifices. The plurality of first orifices is provided at the bottom of the neck portion and communicates the inside of the outer container to the inside of the neck part. The plurality of second orifices communicates the perimeter of the cylindrical portion to the top face of the header portion. The second ventilating means has the plurality of third orifices. These third orifices are provided to the collar portion of the liquid pouring tube, and communicate the mouth portion to the inside of the through hole of the retainer. 
     The liquid container according to the first aspect of the present invention prevents, when the sealing means is attached thereto, both liquid and gas from flowing out of the mouth portion. Moreover, when the sealing means is removed, the gas in the outer container and the gas in the bag escape through the first and second ventilating means, respectively, to the outside, before the liquid in the liquid pouring tube is drained to the mouth portion. 
     The first orifices may be through holes formed at the bottom of the neck portion, and are provided around the orifices of the neck part into which the cylindrical portion is inserted. The first orifices substantially communicate the internal space of the outer container to the gap provided between the retainer and the mouth portion. The second orifices may be slits penetrating from the perimeter of the cylindrical portion to the top face of the header portion, and are provided between the cylindrical portion and the header portion. The second orifices substantially communicate the gap, which is provided between the retainer and the neck portion, to atmospheric air. 
     The third orifices may be through holes formed at the collar portion of the liquid pouring tube, and penetrate from the top surface of the collar portion to the perimeter of the tube. For example, the O-ring is supported on the under surface of the collar portion, and this O-ring adheres to the top face of the header portion, thereby sealing the through hole. The third orifices substantially communicate the gap, which is provided between the inner wall of the through hole and the external wall of the liquid pouring tube, to atmospheric air. It should be noted that, as explained above, this gap can ventilate the internal space of the bag. 
     The sealing means is a cap, in which the cap includes a cap body and a bushing, the cap body screwing to the cover, the bush protruding to an inside of the cap body, and in which the bushing includes an O-ring which adheres to the surface of the collar portion to seal ventilation from the fluid passage. The sealing means including this O-ring makes it possible to prevent both liquid and gas from flowing out of the mouth portion. 
     Moreover, when the sealing means is removed, the gas in the outer container and the gas in the bag escape through the first and second ventilating means, respectively, to the outside of the mouth portion, before the liquid in the liquid pouring tube is drained to the mouth portion. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid in the liquid pouring tube from being drained to the outside of the mouth portion. 
     The fluid container according to the first aspect of the invention is totally different from the conventional structure according to Patent Document 1. The fluid container according to the first aspect of the present invention does not include an equivalent of “a coupling  724 ” at the top edge of “a liquid pouring tube  722 ” as well as an equivalent of “a void space  776 ” residing at the top edge of “a coupling  724 ” which is “the void space  776  connected to a fluid passage  780  of the liquid pouring tube  722  in Patent Document 1 (see  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 ). 
     In the case of the conventional fluid container according to Patent Document 1, the gas in the liquid pouring tube and the gas in the bag communicate each other through the void space. Accordingly, even if the inside of the outer container is pressurized and the bag shrinks, the pressure in the liquid pouring tube and the pressure in the bag corresponded with each other. Therefore, when the sealing means is removed, the gas in the outer container and the gas in the bag escape through the void space to the outside, before the liquid in the liquid pouring tube is drained to the mouth portion. 
     On the other hand, in the liquid container according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas in the liquid pouring tube, the gas in the outer container and the gas in the bag are sealed individually by way of the sealing means. When the sealing means is removed, the pressure in the liquid pouring tube, the pressure in the outer container and the pressure in the bag promptly correspond with atmospheric pressure. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid in the liquid pouring tube from being drained to the outside of the mouth portion. 
     The fluid container according to the first aspect of the present invention is configured such that the liquid pouring tube having the collar portion can be attached to the mouth portion of the outer container through the retainer. This makes it possible to easily attach the liquid pouring tube without depending upon the adjustment of force to be applied by the operator. 
     In a second aspect of the liquid container as described in the first aspect of the present invention, the liquid pouring tube joins a tube in the middle from the first end having the collar portion to the second end. 
     For example, it is possible to heat weld the liquid pouring tube to the tube in the middle from the first end having the collar portion to the second end, by means of ultrasonic oscillation. In the case of the liquid container according to the first aspect of the present invention, the liquid pouring tube is integrated into the main body. This makes it possible to save the trouble of eliminating chemicals seeping into the gaps of press fit points of the liquid pouring tube as a conventional separate body. 
     In a third aspect of the liquid container as described in the first or second aspect of the present invention, when a pressurized fluid is supplied between the bag and the outer container, liquid is distributed from the bag through a fluid passage of the liquid pouring tube. 
     In a fourth aspect of the liquid container as described in any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, a toric cover is threaded in the mouth portion, in which the toric cover holds the neck portion and the retainer to the mouth portion. 
     In a fifth aspect of the liquid container as described in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the sealing means is a cap, in which the cap includes a cap body and a bushing, the cap body screws to the cover and having a light blocking effect, the bushing protrudes to an inside of the cap body and has corrosion resistance, and in which the bushing includes an O-ring that adheres to the surface of the collar portion to seal ventilation from the fluid passage. 
     The cap body preferably consists of a metal body, and a female screw threaded to the cover is provided to the inner circumference of the cap body. When the cap is closed, the inner wall of the cap body abuts the top face of the retainer. The cap body has a light blocking effect so that chemicals (e.g., a developing solution) accommodated in the bag do not chemically change. Since there is a high possibility that the bushing makes contact with the chemicals accommodated in the bag, it is preferable that the bushing be consisted of synthetic resins with corrosion resistance. For example, a first, end of the bushing is pressed into the cap body, thereby integrating the bushing and the cap body, A second end of the bushing protrudes to the inside of the cap body. The bushing supports the O-ring on the apical surface. The O-ring adheres to the surface of the collar portion, thereby preventing both the liquid and gas from flowing out of the fluid passage. 
     In a sixth aspect of the liquid container as described in the fifth aspect of the present invention, at least one vent hole is provided to a perimeter of the cap body, and when the threading with the cover is released, gas in the outer container and gas in the bag escape through the first and second ventilating means, respectively, to an outside of the mouth portion, before liquid in the liquid pouring tube is drained to the mouth portion. 
     In a seventh aspect of the present invention, a liquid container is provided, in which a dispenser is connected to the fluid container, the fluid container including: a flexible bag having a neck portion that is open for making it possible to pour liquid; an outer container that accommodates the bag by supporting the neck portion with a mouth portion; a cylindrical retainer held by the mouth portion, the retainer having a substantially cylindrical header portion protruding from a cylindrical bottom at a first end, a cylindrical portion fitting into an orifice of the neck portion at a second end, and a through hole penetrating from the first end to the second end; a liquid pouring tube having a collar portion adhered to a top face of the header portion at the first end, with the second end being inserted into the through hole, in which the liquid pouring tube has a fluid passage extending from the first end to the second end and liquid in the bag is drained through the fluid passage; a first ventilating means for ventilating gas from an inside of the outer container to the mouth portion, in which the first ventilating means has a plurality of first orifices provided at a bottom of the neck portion, the plurality of first orifices communicating from an inside of the outer container to an inside of the neck portion, and has a plurality of second orifices communicating from a perimeter of the cylindrical portion to the top face of the header portion; and a second ventilating means for ventilating gas from the inside of the bag to the mouth portion, in which the second ventilating means has a plurality of third orifices provided at the collar portion, the plurality of third orifices communicating from the mouth portion to an inside of the through hole, the dispenser including: a cylindrical outer cylinder; a valve mechanism, which is held in a state where axial advance and retreat are possible inside the outer cylinder, and which has a duct that is open and closable; a sleeve, which is held around an outer perimeter of an orifice side of the outer cylinder, and which has a releasably lockable locking mechanism to cover the header portion; and a means for receiving liquid distributed from the bag through a fluid passage of the liquid pouring tube and the duct of the valve mechanism, in which the valve mechanism is biased to and adheres to the first end of the liquid pouring tube. 
     According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the fluid container is connected with a dispenser, and the fluid container includes a flexible bag and an outer container. The bag has a neck portion that is open for making it possible to pour liquid. The outer container makes it possible to accommodate the bag with the neck portion supported by a mouth portion. 
     Moreover, the fluid container according to the seventh aspect of the present invention includes a cylindrical retainer and a liquid pouring tube. The retainer is held at the mouth portion. Moreover, the retainer has a substantially cylindrical header portion at the first end, and has a cylindrical portion at the second end. In addition, the retainer has a through hole penetrating from the first end to the second end. The header portion protrudes from within a cylindrical bottom of the retainer. The cylindrical portion fits in the orifice of the neck portion. The liquid pouring tube has, in the first end thereof, a collar portion adhered to a top face of the header portion. Moreover, the second end of the liquid pouring tube is inserted into the through hole of the retainer. The liquid pouring tube has a fluid passage extending from the first end to the second end, and the liquid in the bag is drained through the fluid passage. 
     On the other hand, in the case of the fluid container according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the dispenser includes a socket main body, a valve mechanism, and a sleeve. The socket main body has a cylindrical outer cylinder. The valve mechanism is constructed inside the socket main body, and causes the axially penetrating duct to be open and closable. The sleeve is held on the outer perimeter of the orifice side of the socket main body. Moreover, the sleeve has a releasably lockable locking mechanism so as to cover the header portion. In addition, the dispenser includes a means for receiving liquid distributed from the bag through a fluid passage of the liquid pouring tube and the duct of the valve mechanism, in which the valve mechanism is biased to and adheres to the first end of the liquid pouring tube. 
     For example, the valve mechanism may include a valve arranged in the duct, an inner sleeve, a helical compression spring, and a coupling seat. The valve is arranged in the duct, and has a valve at the tip end, and the bottom is fixed to the socket main body. As for the inner sleeve, the inside forms a portion of the duct, and a shank forms a retractable bellows. Furthermore, a first end of the inner sleeve has a seat portion open and closable by the valve, and a second end of the inner sleeve fixed to the socket main body. The helical compression spring applies a force so that the inner sleeve extends. The coupling seat bonds to the side of the seat portion of the inner sleeve, and is biased to and adheres to the first end of the liquid pouring tube. The locking mechanism may be, as described later, a so-called ball catch using balls as a locking element, and the sleeve releasably engages with the header portion of the retainer so as to cover it. 
     As for the dispenser, the duct in the valve mechanism is usually blocked with the seat portion abutting the valve. When the socket main body is inserted into the retainer, the valve mechanism is biased to the first end of the liquid pouring tube and adheres to the top face of the liquid pouring tube. In addition, when the socket main body is inserted, the seat portion separates from the valve, whereby the duct in the valve mechanism becomes passable. In a state where the sleeve is locked to the header portion, the fluid passage of the liquid pouring tube couples directly to the duct of the valve mechanism, thereby making it possible to receive liquid distributed from the bag. 
     The fluid container according to the seventh aspect of the present invention does not use the breakable seal shown in Patent Document 1. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a case in which the probe provided to the dispenser breaks through the seal, causing seal fracture pieces to mix into the bag. Moreover, a concern is eliminated regarding a case in which an operator can not properly break through the seal, causing the clogging of the probe, thereby breaking the connection. In this way, the liquid container according to the seventh aspect of the present invention makes it possible to connect the dispenser to the container without the use of a breakable seal. 
     In an eighth aspect of the liquid container as described in the seventh aspect of the present invention, the liquid pouring tube joins a tube in the middle from a first end having the collar portion to a second end. 
     In a ninth aspect of the liquid container as described in the seventh or eighth aspect of the present invention, the dispenser communicates with a second orifice of the first ventilating means, and a gas passage, to which a pressurized fluid is supplied, is provided between the outer cylinder and the valve mechanism. 
     The gas passage may be a plurality of slits formed in the inner wall of the outer cylinder of the socket main body. Regarding these slits in a locked state, a first end of each communicates with the second orifices of the first ventilating means, and a second end of each is connected to a supply port provided to the dispenser. 
     In a tenth aspect of the liquid container as described in the ninth aspect of the present invention, when a pressurized fluid is supplied between the bag and the outer container through the gas passage, the bag shrinks and liquid is distributed from the bag through a fluid passage of the liquid pouring tube and the duct of the valve mechanism. 
     The fluid container according to the present invention is configured such that the liquid pouring tube having the collar portion can be attached to the mouth portion of the outer container through the retainer. This makes it possible to easily attach the liquid pouring tube independent of the force applied by the operator for adjustment. The liquid container is configured such that the duct provided in the dispenser can be directly connected to the fluid passage of the liquid pouring tube, thereby making it possible to easily connect the dispenser to the container. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a longitudinal section representing an embodiment of a fluid container of the present invention, showing a top end and a dispenser of the container; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional exploded view of the top end of the container according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional exploded view of the container according to the embodiment, showing the top end and dispenser of the container; 
         FIG. 4  is a longitudinal section of the container according to the embodiment, showing an assembled container and dispenser; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the top end of the container according to the prior art, in a state where a cap is attached; and 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the top edge of the container according to the prior art, in a state where the container and the dispenser are assembled. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following, the most preferred embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a longitudinal section representing an embodiment of a fluid container (hereinafter referred to as a container) of the present invention, showing a top end and a dispenser of the container.  FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional exploded view of the top end of the container according to the embodiment.  FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional exploded view of the container according to the embodiment, showing the top end and dispenser of the container.  FIG. 4  is a longitudinal section of the container according to the embodiment, showing an assembled container and dispenser. 
     First, a configuration of a container according to the present invention is explained. In  FIG. 1 , a container  1  includes a flexible bag  12  and an outer container  13 . The bag  12  has a neck portion  11  that is open for making it possible to pour liquid. The outer container  13  makes it possible to accommodate the bag  12  with the neck portion  11  supported by a mouth portion  13   a.    
     In  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 2 , the bag  12  is configured with a pouch of a flexible film formed with an inert material and the neck portion  11  consisting of relatively rigid synthetic resins, in which the neck portion  11  is bonded to an end portion of the pouch of the flexible film. The bag  12  is washed in advance, and is accommodated to the outer container  13 . After draining the liquid from the bag  12 , the bag  12  with the neck portion  11  is discarded, and a new bag  12  with the neck portion  11  is accommodated in the outer container  13 . The fluid container according to the present invention is a dual storage system-type container, in which the outer container is repeatedly used, and in which a new bag is used each time. 
     In  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 2 , a steel drum is preferably used as the outer container  13 , the steel drum being configured with a base plate, a side wall with a ring, and a top plate that bulges in the middle thereof (none of these are shown). As for the outer container  13 , an external thread  131  is formed on the mouth portion  13   a , and a pair of molded handles (not shown) may be provided thereto to facilitate transport. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a flange is formed to an orificial side of the neck portion  11 , while a step is provided to an inner wall of the mouth portion  13   a , and this flange engages with the step, thereby supporting the neck portion  11  to the mouth portion  13   a . The bag  12  is accommodated to the outer container  13 , the neck portion  11  attached to the bag  12  is supported by the mouth portion  13   a  of the outer container  13 , and thereafter the bag  12  is expanded preferably with nitrogen or compressed air. Subsequently, liquid is poured through an orifice  11   a  of the neck portion  11  into the bag  12  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     The container according to the present invention includes a retainer  14  and a liquid pouring tube  15  (see  FIG. 2 ). In  FIG. 2 , the retainer  14  is held by the mouth portion  13   a . Moreover, the retainer  14  has a substantially cylindrical header portion  14   a  in a first end, and has a cylindrical portion  14   b  in a second end. In addition, the retainer  14  has a through hole  14   c  penetrating from the first end to the second end. The header portion  14   a  protrudes from a base of the retainer  14 . The cylindrical portion  14   b  fits in the orifice of the neck portion  11  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     In  FIG. 2 , the liquid pouring tube  15  has, in the first end thereof, a collar portion  15   a  adhered to a top face  141  of the header portion  14   a . Moreover, the second end of the liquid pouring tube  15  is inserted into the through hole  14   c  of the retainer  14 . The liquid pouring tube  15  has a fluid passage  15   b  extending from the first end to the second end, and the liquid in the bag  12  is drained through the fluid passage  15   b  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     In  FIG. 2 , the external diameter of the retainer  14  is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the neck portion  11 , and the retainer  14  fits in the neck portion  11  supported by the mouth portion  13   a  (see  FIG. 3 ). A flange, which has an external diameter which is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the mouth portion  13   a , is provided to a first end of the retainer  14 , and an O-ring is supported by this flange, thereby sealing up the mouth portion  13   a  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     A cover  16  is fastened to the mouth portion  13   a , thereby holding the retainer  14  in the mouth portion  13   a  together with the neck portion  11  (see  FIG. 1 ). A predetermined gap is provided between a bottom external wall of the retainer  14  and a bottom inner wall of the mouth portion  13   a . As a result, it is possible to ventilate gas between a plurality of first orifices  11   b  provided at the bottom of the neck portion  11  and a plurality of second orifices  14   d  provided to the retainer  14  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     In  FIG. 2 , the cylindrical portion  14   b  protrudes from the bottom of the retainer  14 , and the cylindrical portion  14   b  fits in the orifice  11   a  of the neck portion  11 . An O-ring is supported inside the orifice  11   a  of the neck portion  11 , and this O-ring adheres to the outer perimeter of the cylindrical portion  14   b , thereby making it possible to seal the gas in the bag  12  (see  FIG. 3 ). The through hole  14   c  penetrates from the top edge of the header portion  14   a  to the bottom edge of the cylindrical portion  14   b , and the liquid pouring tube  15  is inserted into the through hole  14   c  (see  FIG. 3 ). In order to make it possible to ventilate gas through a plurality of third orifices  15   c , a gap is provided between the through hole  14   c  and the outer perimeter of the liquid pouring tube  15  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     The container according to the present invention includes a first ventilating means for ventilating air from the inside of the outer container  13  to the mouth portion  13   a ; a second ventilating means for ventilating air from the inside of the bag  12  to the mouth portion  13   a ; and a sealing means for sealing the mouth portion  13   a . In  FIG. 2 , the first ventilating means has the plurality of first orifices  11   b  and the plurality of second orifices  14   d . The plurality of first orifices  11   b  is provided at the bottom of the neck portion  11  and communicates the inside of the outer container  13  to the inside of the neck portion  11 . The plurality of second orifices  14   d  communicates the perimeter of the cylindrical part  14   b  to the top face  141  of the header portion  14   a . The second ventilating means has the plurality of third orifices  15   c . The plurality of third orifices  15   c  are provided to the collar portion  15   a  of the liquid pouring tube  15 , and communicate the mouth portion  13   a  to the inside of the through hole  14   c  of the retainer  14  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     The container according to the present invention prevents, when the sealing means is attached thereto, both liquid and gas from flowing out of the mouth portion  13   a . Moreover, when the sealing means is removed, the liquid in the outer container  13  and the gas in the bag  12  escape through the first and second ventilating means, respectively, to the outside, before the liquid in the liquid pouring tube  15  is drained to the mouth portion  13   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first orifices  11   b  are through holes formed at the bottom of the neck portion  11 , and are provided around the orifices  11   a  of the neck portion  11  into which the cylindrical portion  14   b  is inserted. The first orifices  11   b  substantially communicate the internal space of the outer container  13  to the gap provided between the retainer  14  and the mouth portion  13   a  (see  FIG. 3 ). The second orifices  14   d  may be slits penetrating from the perimeter of the cylindrical portion  14   b  to the top face  141  of the header portion  14   a , and are provided between the cylindrical portion  14   b  and the header portion  14   a . The second orifices  14   d  substantially communicate the gap, which is provided between the retainer  14  and the neck portion  11 , to atmospheric air (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the third orifices  15   c  are through holes formed at the collar portion  15   a  of the liquid pouring tube  15 , and penetrate from the top surface of the collar portion  15   a  to the perimeter of the tube. In  FIG. 2 , the O-ring is supported on the under surface of the collar portion  15   a , and this O-ring adheres to the top face  141  of the header portion  14   a , thereby sealing the through hole  14   c . The third orifices  15   c  substantially communicate the gap, which is provided between the inner wall of the through hole  14   c  and the external wall of the liquid pouring tube  15 , to atmospheric air ( FIG. 3  see). As explained above, this gap can ventilate the internal space of the bag  12 . 
     In  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , the sealing means is a cap  17  threading to the cover  16  that is provided to the mouth portion  13   a , and the cap  17  consists of a cap body  17   a , which threads to the cover  16  and which has a light blocking effect, and a bushing  17   b , which protrudes to the inside of the cap body  17   a  and has corrosion resistance. The bushing  17   b  includes an O-ring  171 , which adheres to the surface of the collar portion  15   a  and seals ventilation from the fluid passage  15   b.    
     In  FIG. 1 , the cap body  17   a  consists of a metal body, and a female screw threading to the cover  16  is provided to the inner circumference of the cap body  17   a . When the cap  17  is closed, the inner wall of the cap body  17   a  abuts the top face of the retainer  14 . The cap body  17   a  has a light blocking effect so that chemicals accommodated in the bag  12  do not chemically change. Since there is a high possibility that the bushing  17   b  contacts with the chemicals accommodated in the bag  12 , it is preferable that the bushing  17   b  consist of synthetic resins with corrosion resistance. A first end of the bushing  17   b  is pressed into the cap body  17   a , thereby integrating the bushing  17   b  and the cap body  17   a  (see  FIG. 3 ). A second end of the bushing  17   b  protrudes to the inside of the cap body  17   a , thereby supporting the O-ring  171  on the apical surface. The O-ring  171  adheres to the surface of the collar portion  15   a , thereby preventing both the liquid and gas from flowing out of the fluid passage  15   b.    
     Moreover, at least one vent hole  172  is provided to the perimeter of the cap body  17   a . Accordingly, when the threading with the cover  16  is released, the gas in the outer container  13  and the gas in the bag  12  escape through the first and second ventilating means, respectively, to the outside of the mouth portion  13   a , before the liquid in the liquid pouring tube  15  is drained to the mouth portion  13   a  (see  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 3 ). In this way, the vent holes  172  are provided to the perimeter of the cap body  17   a . Accordingly, when the cap  17  is loosened, the adhesion of the O-ring  171  to the surface of the collar portion  15   a  is released, thereby exhausting the gas in at least the plurality of third orifices  15   c  through the vent holes  172  to the outside. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid in the liquid pouring tube  15  from spouting out. 
     In  FIG. 1 , when the cap  17  is removed, the gas in the outer container  13  and the gas in the bag  12  escape through the first and second ventilating means, respectively, to the outside of the mouth portion  13   a , before the liquid in the liquid pouring tube  15  is drained to the mouth portion  13   a . This makes it possible to prevent the liquid in the liquid pouring tube  15  from being drained to the outside of the mouth portion  13   a.    
     In the container according to the present invention, the gas in the liquid pouring tube  15 , the gas in the outer container  13  and the gas in the bag  12  are individually sealed with the cap  17 . When the cap  17  is removed, the pressure in the liquid pouring tube  15 , the pressure in the outer container  13  and the pressure in the bag  12  promptly correspond with atmospheric pressure. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid in the liquid pouring tube  15  from being drained to the outside of the mouth portion  13   a.    
     Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the liquid pouring tube  15  joins a tube  151  in the middle from the first end having the collar portion  15   a  to the second end. It is possible to heat weld the liquid pouring tube  15  to the tube  151  in the middle from the first end having the collar portion  15   a  to the second end, by means of ultrasonic oscillation. In the case of the container according to the present invention, the liquid pouring tube  15  is integrated into the main body. This makes it possible to save the trouble of eliminating chemicals seeping into the gaps of press fit points of the liquid pouring tube as a conventional separate body. 
     In the case of the container according to the present invention, it is possible to distribute the liquid in the container by removing the cap and connecting the dispenser. In  FIG. 1 , a dispenser  2  includes a socket main body  21 , a valve mechanism V 1 , and a sleeve  22 . The socket main body  21  has a cylindrically shaped outer cylinder. The valve mechanism V 1  is constructed inside the socket main body  21 , and intermittently causes the duct  21   a  to axially penetrate. The sleeve  22  is held on the outer perimeter of the orifice side of the socket main body  21 . Moreover, the sleeve has a releasably lockable locking mechanism  2   r  so as to cover the header portion  14   a . In addition, the dispenser  2  includes a means to receive liquid distributed from the bag  12  through the fluid passage  15   b  of the liquid pouring tube  15  and the duct  21   a  of the valve mechanism V 1 , in which the valve mechanism V 1  is biased to and adheres to the first end of the liquid pouring tube  15  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     In  FIG. 1 , the valve mechanism V 1  includes a valve  23  arranged in the duct  21   a , an inner sleeve  24 , a helical compression spring  25 , and a coupling seat  26 . The valve  23  is arranged in the duct  21   a , and has a valve  23   a  at the tip end, and the bottom is fixed to the socket main body  21 . Regarding the inner sleeve  24 , the inside forms a part of the duct  21   a , and a shank  24   a  forms a retractable bellows. A second end of the inner sleeve  24  has a seat portion  24   b  that makes the valve  23   a  open and close, and a second end of the inner sleeve  24  is fixed to the socket main body  21 . The helical compression spring  25  applies a force so that the inner sleeve  24  extends. The coupling seat  26  bonds to the side of the seat portion  24   b  of the inner sleeve  24 , and is biased to and adheres to the first end of the liquid pouring tube  15 . The locking mechanism  2   r  may be, as described later, a so-called ball catch using balls  2   b  as a locking element, and the sleeve  22  releasably engages with the header portion  14   a  of the retainer  14  so as to cover it (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , regarding the dispenser  2 , the duct  21   a  in the valve mechanism V 1  is usually blocked with the seat portion  24   b  abutting the valve  23   a . When the socket main body  21  is inserted into the retainer  14 , the valve mechanism V 1  is biased to the first end of the liquid pouring tube  15  and adheres to the top face of the liquid pouring tube  15 . In addition, when the socket main body  21  is inserted, the seat portion  24   b  separates from the valve  23   a , whereby the duct  21   a  in the valve mechanism V 1  becomes passable (see  FIG. 4 ). In a state where the sleeve  22  is locked to the header portion  14   a , the fluid passage  15   b  of the liquid pouring tube  15  couples directly to the duct  21   a  of the valve mechanism V 1 , thereby making it possible to receive liquid distributed from the bag  12 . 
     The fluid container according to the present invention does not use the breakable seal shown in Patent Document 1. Thus, it is possible to avoid a case in which the probe provided to the dispenser breaks through the seal, causing the seal fracture pieces to mix into the bag. Moreover, a concern is eliminated regarding a case in which an operator can not properly break through the seal, causing clogging of the probe, disabling the connection. In this way, the container according to the present invention achieves a joint structure with which the dispenser is connected to the container, without the use of the breakable seal. 
     In  FIG. 1 , the dispenser  2  communicates with the second orifices  14   d  of the first ventilating means (see  FIG. 4 ), and a gas passage  211 , to which pressurized fluid is supplied, is provided between the socket main body  21  and the valve mechanism V 1 . The gas passage  211  is a plurality of slits formed in the inner wall of the outer cylinder of the socket main body  2 . Regarding these slits in a locked state, a first end of each communicates with the second, orifices  14   d  of the first ventilating means, and the second end of each is connected to a supply port P 1  provided to the dispenser  2 . When a pressurized fluid is supplied between the bag  12  and the outer container  13  through the gas passage  211 , the bag  12  shrinks and the liquid is distributed from the bag  12  to a discharge port P 2  through the fluid passage  15   b  of the liquid pouring tube  15  and the duct  21   a  of the valve mechanism V 1 . 
     In  FIG. 1 , the locking mechanism  2   r  includes the plurality of balls  2   b , a ball retainer  27 , and a slide ring  28 . The plurality of balls  2   b  is arranged in the inner circumference of the orifice side of the sleeve  22 . The ball retainer  27  holds the plurality of balls  2   b . Moreover, the ball retainer  27  is provided with a plurality of fitting holes  27   a  permitting only movement in which the plurality of balls  2   b  axially move as well as move outward and inward in the outer perimeter direction. The slide ring  28  is arranged between the socket main body  21  and the sleeve  22 . The slide ring  28  biases the plurality of balls  2   b  to the orifice side of the sleeve  22 , thereby pressing the plurality of balls  2   b  to the direction in which the diameter reduces. A circular locking groove  14   e , which locks the plurality of balls  2   b , is provided to the header portion  14   a  of the retainer  14 , thereby releasably connecting the dispenser  2  to the container  1 . 
     In  FIG. 1 , the ball retainer  27  is configured with a portion of the socket main body  21 . The plurality of balls  2   b  is held between the ball retainer  27  and the sleeve  22 . The ball retainer  27  and the sleeve  22  are coupled each other with a clip ring  27   b  to avoid separation thereof. Moreover, a step is provided to the external wall of the socket main body  21 , and this step is surrounded by the sleeve  22 , thereby making it possible to accommodate, in the step, the slide ring  28  and a helical compression spring  29  that biases the slide ring  28 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a portion of the plurality of balls  2   b  usually protrudes from each of the fitting holes  27   a . When the socket main body  21  is inserted into the retainer  14 , the plurality of balls  2   b  is guided by the respective fitting holes  27   a  to retract. In conjunction with the retracting of the plurality of balls  2   b , the slide ring  28  also retracts. When the slide ring  28  retracts a predetermined distance, the plurality of balls  2   b  move to the space from which the slide ring  28  has evacuated. That is, the plurality of balls  2   b  move to the direction in which the diameter increases, and a portion of the plurality of balls  2   b  evacuates from each of the fitting holes  27   a . When arriving at the circular locking groove  14   e , the plurality of balls  2   b  is biased by the slide ring  28 , and fit into the locking groove  14   e  in a locked state (see  FIG. 4 ). It is possible to separate the dispenser  2  from the container  1  by pulling the dispenser  2  with a strong force that causes the plurality of balls  2   b  to overcome the locking groove  14   e.    
     In this way, the fluid container according to the present invention enables a one-touch connection of the fluid container, without threading the dispenser as in the case of the prior art. It may be safe to say that the fluid container according to the present invention achieves a quick connector.