Abstract:
A valve mechanism adapted for a fluid-discharging port of a tube-type fluid container, comprising: a valve seat portion  40  having an opening  41  through which a fluid flows; a valve portion  20  comprising a valve body  21  having a shape corresponding to the opening  41 , and a shaft  22  connected to the valve body  21  and extending downward from the valve body  22 ; and a valve support portion  30  comprising: (i) a bottom plate  39  to which a tip of the shaft  22  is connected; (ii) an annular support  35  fixedly connected to the valve seat portion  40 ; and (iii) multiple connectors  32  connecting the bottom plate  39  and the annular support  31 , the connectors  32  elastically urging the bottom plate  39  downward to close the opening  41  with the valve body  21  and being bendable as the bottom plate  39  moves upward and pushes the valve portion  20  to open the opening  41.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a valve mechanism, particularly to a valve mechanism which can be used for a tube-type fluid container. Further, the present invention relates to a tube-type fluid container storing a fluid inside it. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   A valve mechanism as described in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2001-179139 has a spherical valve body and a spring for giving momentum to the valve body toward a valve seat has been used. Manufacturing costs of the valve mechanism using the spherical valve body and the spring, however, tend to be high. 
   A valve mechanism having a resinous valve seat, and a resinous valve body which moves between a closed position in which the valve body contacts the valve seat and an open position in which the valve body separates from the valve seat is commonly used. 
   In the resinous valve mechanism, it is preferred that the valve mechanism has a simple configuration which can close a fluid flow reliably. Additionally, it is preferred that the configuration can alter a flow rate of the fluid passing through the valve mechanism discretionally according to a pressure applied to the fluid. As matters stand, however, a valve mechanism satisfying these requirements is not reported. 
   On the other hand, regarding the above type of tubular container, replacing conventional tubes comprising a metal or an aluminum-foil-laminated material, tubes comprising a synthetic resin alone or a lamination of a synthetic resin and aluminum (In this specification, these are named generically as “synthetic-resin-made”.) have been used. 
   In the case of a tube-type container using a synthetic-resin-made tube, because these synthetic-resin-made tubes have an elasticity recovering force, the following problem occurs: When a pressure is removed after a fluid is discharged by applying the pressure to the tube, the air flows back from an opening portion for discharging the fluid to the fluid storing portion by the elasticity recovering force of the tube, deteriorating the quality of the fluid stored in the fluid storing portion. 
   For this reason, a tube-type container, in which a tabular valve body is provided in an opening portion for discharging the fluid and the opening portion is closed by this valve body when the original shape of the tube is restored by its elasticity, has been proposed (e.g. in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 1995-112749, Japanese Patent Laid-open No.1998-157751, Japanese Utility Model Laid-open No.1984-26748, etc.). 
   In a conventional tube-type container in which the above-mentioned tabular valve body is provided, if the tube recovers its original shape by its elasticity slowly, the valve body fails to close the opening portion of the tube-type container and the air may flow back to the fluid storing portion. 
   Additionally, the conventional tube-type container in which the above-mentioned tabular valve body is provided has a problem that its durability is low. 
   Regarding the tube-type container described in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 1998-157751, as the content is discharged, a shape of the container is changed gradually. Consequently, as the content remaining in the tube-type container is reduced, a shape change of the container increases and it becomes harder to discharge the content from the tube-type container. 
   For this reason, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2000-109103 incorporated, a pneumatically pushed-out tube-type container, which has a double construction dividing the inside of the container into a content chamber and an air chamber is proposed. In this container construction, the content chamber communicates with the outside at its discharge port of the container and the air chamber has a valve construction portion at its bottom, which shuts off the air chamber to prevent the air inside the air chamber from flowing outward when a pressure is applied to the container by pressing down the body portion of the container. Through the valve construction portion, the air chamber communicates with the outside. 
   The tube-type container described in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2000-109103, however, can be used only with high-viscosity contents, because it does not possess a valve mechanism at its discharge port. If a low-viscosity fluid is stored in this tube-type container, there is a problem that the air flows back into the container from the discharge port of the container, lowering the quality of the fluid stored in the container. 
   Additionally, for the tube-type container described in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2000-109103, a valve mechanism needs to be provided in the air chamber. The valve mechanism, however, is generally expensive and increases the manufacturing costs of the tube-type container which should be manufactured inexpensively because it is disposable under normal conditions. 
   Furthermore, the tube-type container described in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2000-109103 has a construction including an air chamber at its body portion of the tube-type container, and a valve construction portion needs to be provided in the body portion. It is difficult, however, to manufacture a tube-type container with a valve construction portion provided at its body portion. Additionally, there is a problem that welding cannot be done satisfactorily due to the valve construction portion when attempting welding the bottom portion of the tube-type container. 
   The present invention is achieved to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a tube-type fluid container which prevents the air from flowing back into the container from the discharge port of the container and which can discharge the content easily. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems. It aims to provide a valve mechanism which can close a fluid reliably while its configuration is simple and which can alter a flow rate of the fluid passing through the valve mechanism discretionally according to a pressure applied to the fluid. 
   The present invention includes, but is not limited to, the following embodiments. Solely for the sake of understanding some embodiments of the present invention easily, reference numerals used in the figures explained later are referred to. However, the present invention is not limited to the structures defined by these reference numerals, and any suitable combination of elements indicated by these reference numerals can be accomplished. 
   In an embodiment, a valve mechanism (e.g.,  3 ,  10 ) adapted for a fluid-discharging port (e.g.,  12 ,  441 ) of a tube-type fluid container may comprise: a valve seat portion (e.g.,  40 ,  331 ) having an opening (e.g.,  41 ,  326 ) through which a fluid flows; a valve portion (e.g.,  20 ) comprising a valve body (e.g.,  21 ) having a shape corresponding to the opening, and a shaft (e.g.,  22 ) connected to the valve body and extending downward from the valve body; and a valve support portion (e.g.,  30 ) comprising: (i) a bottom plate (e.g.,  39 ,  332 ) to which a tip of the shaft is connected; (ii) an annular support (e.g.,  31 ,  232 ) fixedly connected to the valve seat portion; and (iii) multiple connectors (e.g.,  32 ,  236 ) connecting the bottom plate and the annular support, the connectors elastically urging the bottom plate downward to close the opening with the valve body and being bendable as the bottom plate moves upward and pushes the valve portion to open the opening. The bottom plate may be integrated with the shaft as shown in  FIG. 2(A) . 
   In an embodiment, the multiple connectors may be composed of three or more connectors. 
   In another embodiment, the multiple connectors may have flexions (e.g.,  36 ,  237 ). 
   In the above, a convex portion (e.g.,  42 ) facing toward the valve body may be formed in a portion in the opening, which convex portion contacts the valve body when the valve body closes the opening. 
   In another embodiment, a convex portion (e.g.,  24 ) facing toward the opening may be formed in a portion in the valve body, which convex portion contacts the valve seat portion when the valve body closes the opening. 
   In an embodiment, the valve portion may comprise a guide portion (e.g.,  323 ) disposed on the side opposite to the shaft, and the valve mechanism may comprise a supporting body (e.g.,  340 ) comprising (a) an opening portion (e.g.,  345 ) for discharging a fluid and (b) a guide material (e.g.,  325 ) guiding the guide portion. 
   In the above, the guide material may comprise multiple ribs (e.g.,  341 ) contacting the outer circumferential surface of said guide portion. 
   Further, the valve seat portion may contact both of the bottom surface (e.g.,  324 ) and the end surface (e.g.,  25 ) of the valve body in a position in which the valve body closes the opening. 
   In an embodiment, a tube-type fluid container may comprise a tubular container main unit (e.g.,  1 ,  140 ), at one end of which a fluid-discharging port (e.g.,  12 ,  441 ) is formed, and the valve mechanism (e.g.,  3 ,  10 ) as described above. 
   In the above, the container main unit may comprise (A) an internal container (e.g.,  442 ) storing a fluid, and (B) an external container (e.g.,  443 ) which is composed of a material having an elasticity recovering force and encompasses the internal container in such a way that an interior space (e.g.,  444 ) shut off from the outside is formed between the external container and the internal container, and in which a hole (e.g.,  149 ) communicating with the interior space and the outside is formed. 
   Further, the hole formed in the external container may have a size which can let a small amount of air through. 
   Furthermore, the hole formed in the external container may be formed in a portion to which a pressure is applied when the fluid is discharged. 
   In addition, opening portions (e.g.,  148 ) of the internal container and of the external container may be connected to each other at the fluid-discharging port, and the internal container and the external container are welded at their bottoms (e.g.,  147 ). 
   In an embodiment, a tube-type fluid container may comprise a tubular container main unit (e.g.,  140 ), at one end of which a fluid-discharging port (e.g.,  441 ) is formed, and a valve mechanism (e.g.,  3 ,  10 ) disposed at the fluid-discharging port, wherein the container main unit comprises (A) an internal container (e.g.,  442 ) storing a fluid, and (B) an external container (e.g.,  443 ) which is composed of a material having an elasticity recovering force and encompasses the internal container in such a way that an interior space (e.g.,  444 ) shut off from the outside is formed between the external container and the internal container, and in which a hole (e.g.,  149 ) communicating with the interior space and the outside is formed. 
   In the above, the fluid can be discharged from an outlet of the mouth portion of the container through the valve mechanism by pressing the container, wherein the connectors and the container are deformed. When releasing the pressure, both the deformed connectors and the deformed container begin restoring the shapes. The restoring force of the container causes the inner pressure to lower, thereby generating reverse flow which facilitates restoration of the connectors to close the opening of the valve seat portion, thereby effectively preventing air from coming into the container through the outlet of the mouth portion. Thus, even if the restoring force of the connectors themselves is not sufficient to close the opening of the valve seat portion, the outlet of the mouth portion can effectively be closed in combination with the restoring force of the container. Thus, even if the fluid is very viscous, the valve mechanism in combination with the container can discharge the fluid and then seal the container. 
   In an embodiment, a valve (e.g.,  3 ,  10 ) may comprise: a seat (e.g.,  40 ,  331 ) having an opening (e.g.,  41 ,  326 ) through which a fluid may flow; a seal (e.g.,  20 ) comprising a body (e.g.,  21 ) having a shape corresponding to the opening; and a support (e.g.,  30 ) for coupling the seal to the seat, the support comprising multiple elastically deformable connectors (e.g.,  32 ,  236 ), the connectors producing a biasing force that causes the seal to substantially close the opening; wherein the connectors are adapted to elastically deform in response to a fluid pressure on the seal that overcomes the biasing force so as to permit the flow of fluid through the opening. 
   In the above, the opening may comprise a first ledge (e.g.,  45 ), the seat may comprise a second ledge (e.g.,  23 ), the second ledge may sit on the first ledge when the opening is closed by the biasing force. 
   Further, at least one of the first ledge and the second ledge may comprise at least one tab (e.g.,  24 ,  42 ). 
   In the above, in the event that the restoring force of the container is excessive (depending on the viscosity of the fluid and the amount of the fluid remaining in the container, etc., in addition to the elasticity characteristics of the container itself), the reverse flow is strong and fast, and the connectors may not be restored so quickly that it is difficult to prevent air from coming into the container from the outlet of the mouth portion through the opening of the valve seat portion. In that case, by using a double wall container, the restoring force can be controlled so that intensity of the reverse flow can be controlled to prevent air from coming into the container. 
   That is, when configuring the container body to be a double wall container, despite its simple configuration, reverse flow of air from the discharge port (or the mouth) of the container into the container can be prevented and the content can be discharged easily even when an amount of the content is reduced. When forming the through-hole in the outer container in a size which can let a small amount of air through, an amount of air outflow from the inner container to the outside can be controlled to be small, enabling to apply appropriate pressure to the fluid inside the inner container because certain pressure between the inner container and the outer container can be maintained when the outer container is pressed. When forming the through-hole in a portion to which a pressure is applied when the fluid is discharged, an amount of air outflow from the inner container to the outside can be controlled to be small when the outer container is pressed, enabling to apply an appropriate pressure to the fluid inside the inner container. When integrating the inner container and the outer container at the mouth portion and welding them at their bottom, manufacturing a tube-type fluid container at low costs becomes possible. 
   Additionally, in a double wall container, restoring force of an inner container may be lower than that of a single wall container, and thus, after connectors are at a closed position, the pressure inside the inner container may remain moderately lower than the ambient pressure, so that suction force at the outlet may not be significant. In that case, it is possible to effectively prevent air from coming into the container. Further, in a double wall container, an outer container can be restored more than an inner container, and an air layer is formed between the inner container and the outer container. When restricting the flow of air released from the air layer through a through-hole or though-holes, it is possible to exert pressure on the inner container from the outer container via the air layer. Thus, even if the amount of the fluid contained in the inner container is low and thus, the inner container is nearly flat, by pressing the outer container which has been restored to the original shape, it is possible to exert pressure onto the inner container, thereby easily discharging the fluid. Accordingly, waste of the fluid remaining inside the inner container can be minimized. 
   For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the related art, certain objects and advantages of the invention have been described above. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
   Further aspects, features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments which follow. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other features of this invention will now be described with reference to the drawings of preferred embodiments which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the invention. 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded longitudinal section of the tube-type fluid container according to the Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B)  are longitudinal sections of the relevant part of the tube-type fluid container according to the Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view of the valve mechanism  3 . 
       FIG. 4  is a lateral view of the valve mechanism  3 . 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded longitudinal section of the tube-type fluid container according to the Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded longitudinal section of the tube-type fluid container according to the Embodiment 3 of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded explanatory view of a tube-type container to which the valve mechanism according to the present invention applies. 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged view of the relevant part of the tube-type container to which the valve mechanism according to the present invention applies. 
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged view of the relevant part of the tube-type container to which the valve mechanism according to the present invention applies. 
       FIG. 10  is a longitudinal section of the valve material  20  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the valve material  20  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  is a lateral view of the coupling material  30  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  is a longitudinal section of the coupling material  30  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the coupling material  30  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 15  is a longitudinal section of the valve seat material  40  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 16  is a longitudinal section of the valve material  20  according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 17  is an exploded explanatory view of a tube-type container to which the valve mechanism according to the present invention applies. 
       FIG. 18  is an enlarged view of the relevant part of the tube-type container to which the valve mechanism according to the present invention applies. 
       FIG. 19  is an enlarged view of the relevant part of the tube-type container to which the valve mechanism according to the present invention applies. 
       FIG. 20(A)  is a plan view of the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention;  FIG. 20(B)  is a longitudinal section showing the A-A section in  FIG. 20  (A). 
       FIG. 21(A)  is a plan view of the valve material  20  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention;  FIG. 21(B)  is a longitudinal section showing the A′-A′ section in  FIG. 21(A) . 
       FIG. 22(A)  is a plan view of the valve seat material  330  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention;  FIG. 22(B)  is a longitudinal section showing the B-B section in  FIG. 22(A) . 
       FIG. 23(A)  is a plan view of the supporting body  340  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention;  FIG. 23(B)  is a longitudinal section showing the C-C section in  FIG. 23(A) . 
       FIG. 24  is a lateral view of an embodiment in which a groove portion  26  is provided on the circumferential surface of the end surface  25  of the valve body  21  in the valve material  20  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 25  is a lateral view of an embodiment in which an O-ring  27  is combined with the valve material  20  shown in  FIG. 24 . 
       FIG. 26  shows a front view of the tube-type container according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 27  shows a longitudinal section of the tube-type container according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 28  is a lateral section showing a position before a pressure is applied to the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, from which the lid material  110  is omitted. 
       FIG. 29  is a lateral section showing a position when a pressure is applied to the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, from which the lid material  110  is omitted. 
       FIG. 30  is a lateral section showing a position when a shape of the external container  443  in the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is restored, from which the lid material  110  is omitted. 
       FIG. 31  is a front view of the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. 
       FIG. 32  is a lateral section showing the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, from which the lid material  110  is omitted. 
       FIG. 33  is a lateral section showing a position when a pressure is applied to the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, from which the lid material  110  is omitted. 
       FIG. 34  is a lateral section showing a position when a shape of the external container  443  in the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention is restored, from which the lid material  110  is omitted. 
       FIG. 35  shows an enlarged view showing the valve mechanism  10  in the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention along with the top of the container main unit  140 . 
       FIG. 36  shows an enlarged view showing the valve mechanism  10  in the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention along with the top of the container main unit  140 . 
       FIG. 37(A)  is a bottom view of the valve material  20 ′ according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;  FIG. 37(B)  is a longitudinal section showing the A″-A″ section in  FIG. 37(A) . 
       FIG. 38(A)  is a plan view of the valve seat material  330 ′ constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;  FIG. 38(B)  is a longitudinal section showing the D-D section in  FIG. 38(A) . 
       FIGS. 39(A) and 39(B)  are longitudinal sections of the relevant part of the tube-type fluid container according to the other embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 40(A) and 40(B)  are longitudinal sections of the relevant part of the tube-type fluid container according to the other embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   Explanation of symbols used is as follows:  1 : Container main unit;  2 : Lid material;  3 : Valve mechanism;  4 : Lid material;  5 : Lid material;  10 : Valve mechanism;  11 : Fluid storing portion;  12 : Discharge port;  13 : Flange portion;  14 : Male screw portion;  20 : Valve material;  20 ′: Valve material;  21 : Valve body;  22 : Engaging portion;  23 : Inclined plane;  24 : Convex portion;  25 : End surface;  26 : Groove portion;  27 : O-ring;  30 : Coupling material;  31 : Valve seat material supporting portion;  32 : Coupling portion;  33 : Valve material supporting portion;  35 : Engaging groove;  36 : Flexions;  37 : Concave portion;  38 : Groove portion;  39 : Bottom plate;  40 : Valve seat material;  41 : Opening portion;  42 : Convex portion;  43 : Engaging portion;  44 : Convex portion;  45 : Inclined plane;  51 : Base portion;  52 : Upper lid;  53 : Female screw portion;  54 : Discharge port;  110 : Lid material;  111 : Lid body;  115 : Female screw portion;  140 : Container main unit;  141 : Opening portion;  142 : Fluid storing portion;  143 : Flange portion;  144 : Male screw portion;  145 : Internal container opening portion;  146 : External container opening portion;  147 : Welding portion on the bottom side;  148 : Welding portion on the discharge port side;  149 : Hole;  150 : Flange portion;  151 : Male screw portion;  221 : Outer lid portion;  222 : Female screw portion;  231 : Opening portion;  232 : Supporting portion;  233 : Valve portion;  234 : First connection portion;  235 : Second connection portion;  236 : Coupling portion;  237 : Flexions;  238 : groove portion;  241 : Discharge port;  242 : Female screw portion;  323 : Guide portion;  324 : Under surface;  325 : Guide material;  326 : Opening;  327 : Reinforcing ring;  330 : Valve seat material;  330 ′: Valve seat material;  331 : Valve seat portion;  332 : Valve material supporting portion;  333 : Coupling portion;  334 : Level surface;  335 : Vertical surface;  337 : Convex portion;  338 : Opening portion;  339 : Groove portion;  340 : Supporting body;  341 : Rib;  342 : Guide path;  343 : Female screw portion;  344 : Concave portion;  345 : Opening portion;  415 : Female screw portion;  441 : Discharge port;  442 : Internal container;  443 : External container;  444 : Internal space. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with referent to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments. 
   A first example is a tube-type fluid container having a tubular container main unit at one end of which a fluid discharge port is formed and a valve mechanism set up at said discharge port, which is characterized in that said valve mechanism possesses a supporting portion at the center of which an opening portion constituting a valve seat is formed and which has a nearly tubular shape installable at said discharge port; a valve portion which can contact an area in which said opening portion in said supporting portion is formed from the opposite side to said container main unit; a connection portion set up by standing it in said valve portion on the side of said container main unit; multiple coupling portions for giving momentum to said valve portion toward said opening portion by coupling said supporting portion and said connection portion with an elastic force. 
   A second example is the tube-type fluid container as described in the first example, wherein said supporting portion and said valve portion in said valve mechanism are coupled by three or more coupling portions set up at even intervals. 
   A third example is the tube-type fluid container as described in the second example  2 , wherein said coupling portions in said valve mechanism have flexions. 
   A fourth example is a valve mechanism which possesses a valve material having a valve seat material in which a circular opening portion functioning as a valve seat is formed, a valve body having a shape corresponding to said circular opening portion and an engaging portion set up by standing it, and a coupling material having a valve seat material supporting portion which supports said valve seat material, a valve material supporting portion which supports the engaging portion of said valve material, and multiple coupling portion having flexibility which couple said valve seat material supporting portion and said valve material supporting portion; which is characterized in that by the flexibility of said multiple coupling portions, said valve material is constructed to move between a closed position in which the valve body in the valve material closes the opening portion in said valve seat material and an open position in which the valve body opens said opening portion. 
   A fifth example is the valve mechanism as described in the fourth example, wherein said coupling material has three or more coupling portions. 
   A sixth example is the valve mechanism as described in the fourth or fifth example, wherein said coupling portions have flexions. 
   A seventh example is the valve mechanism as described in any one of the fourth to sixth examples, wherein a ring-shaped convex portion facing toward said valve body is formed in a portion in said opening portion, which contacts said valve body. 
   An eighth example is the valve mechanism as described in any one of the fourth to sixth examples, wherein a ring-shaped convex portion facing toward said opening portion is formed in a portion in said valve body, which contacts said opening portion. 
   A ninth example is a valve mechanism which possesses a valve material possessing a valve body, an engaging portion set up by standing it in the valve body and a guide portion set up by standing it on the side opposite to said engaging portion in the valve body, a valve seat material possessing a valve seat portion which has a circular opening portion functioning as a valve seat for said valve body, a valve material supporting portion which engages with said engaging portion and multiple coupling portions having flexibility which couple said valve seat portion and said valve material supporting portion, and a supporting body possessing an opening portion for discharging a fluid and a guide material guiding said guide portion; which is characterized in that said valve material is constructed to be able to move between a closed position in which said valve body in the valve material closes the opening portion in said valve seat material and an open position in which said valve body opens said opening portion by the flexibility of said multiple coupling portions. 
   A tenth example is the valve mechanism as described in the ninth example, wherein said guide material comprises multiple ribs contacting the outer circumferential surface of said guide portion. 
   An eleventh example is the valve mechanism as described in the ninth or tenth example, wherein said valve seat portion contacts the bottom surface and the end surface of said valve body in a position in which said valve material is positioned in said closed position. 
   A twelfth example is the valve mechanism as described in any one of the ninth to eleventh examples, wherein said valve seat material has three or more coupling portions. 
   A thirteenth example is the valve mechanism as described in any one of the ninth to twelfth examples, wherein said coupling portions have flexions. 
   A fourteenth example is a tube-type fluid container having a tubular container main unit, at one end of which a fluid discharge port is formed, and a valve mechanism set up at said discharge port, which is characterized in that said container main unit possesses an internal container storing a fluid, an external container which comprises a material having an elasticity recovering force and encompasses said internal container in such a way that an interior space shut off from the outside is formed between the external container and internal container, and in which a hole communicating with said interior space and the outside is formed. 
   A fifteenth example is the tube-type fluid container as described in the fourteenth example, wherein the hole formed in said external container has a size which can let a small amount of air through. 
   A sixteenth example is the tube-type fluid container as described in the fourteenth example, wherein the hole formed in said external container is formed in a portion to which a pressure is applied when the fluid is discharged. 
   A seventeenth example is the tube-type fluid container as described in any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth examples, wherein the opening portions of said internal container and of said external container are connected each other at the discharge port portion of said container main unit, and said internal container and said external container are welded at their bottoms. 
     FIG. 1  is an exploded longitudinal section of the tube-type fluid container according to the Embodiment 1 of the present invention;  FIG. 2  is a longitudinal section of the relevant part of the tube-type fluid container according to the Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
   This tube-type container is used as a container for beauty products for storing gels such as hair gels and cleansing gels or creams such as nourishing creams and cold creams used in the cosmetic field. Additionally, this tube-type container also can be used as a container for medicines, solvents or foods, etc. In this specification, regular liquids, high-viscosity liquids, semifluids, or gels that sol solidifies to a jelly, and creams are all referred to as fluids. 
   This tube-type fluid container comprises a container main unit  1 , a lid material  2  and a valve mechanism  3 . 
   The above-mentioned container main unit  1  possesses a tubular fluid storing portion  11  for storing a fluid inside it, a fluid discharge port  12  formed at one end of the fluid storing portion  11 , a flange portion  13  formed in the vicinity of the upper end of the discharge port  12 , and a male screw portion  14  formed on the outside of the discharge port  11 . This container main unit  1  comprises a synthetic resin alone or a lamination of a synthetic resin and aluminum and has an elasticity recovering force which tries to recover its original shape when a pressure applied to it is removed. 
   The above-mentioned lid material  2  has an outer lid portion  221  and a female screw portion  222  formed inside the lid material  2 . This tube-type fluid container is constructed such a way that the discharge port  12  of the container main unit  1  is closed with the female screw portion  222  engaging with the male screw portion  14  in the container main unit  1 . 
   A construction of the above-mentioned valve mechanism  3  is described below.  FIG. 3  is a plan view of the valve mechanism  3 ;  FIG. 4  is a lateral view of the valve mechanism  3 . In  FIG. 3 , a valve portion  233  and the first connection portion  234  are not included. 
   In reference to  FIG. 2  to  FIG. 4 , this valve mechanism  3  possesses a supporting portion  232  having a nearly tubular shape, at the center of which an opening portion  231  (See  FIG. 2 .) constituting a valve portion is formed, the valve portion  233  which can contact an area in which the opening portion  231  in the supporting portion  232  is formed from the opposite side to the container main unit  1 , the first connection portion  234  set up by standing it in the valve portion on the side of the container main unit  1 , the second connection portion  235  having a nearly T-shaped section, which is coupled with the first connecting portion, and four coupling portions  236  for giving momentum to the valve portion  233  toward the opening portion  231  constituting a valve seat by coupling the supporting portion  232  and the second connection portion  235  with an elastic force. 
   The four coupling portions  236  are set up at even intervals. Additionally, these coupling portions  236  respectively have flexions  237  in two places. 
   On the outer circumferential surface of the supporting portion  232 , a groove portion  238  (See  FIG. 4 .) which can engage with the flange portion  13  in the container main unit  1  is formed. Consequently, the valve mechanism  3  is installed at the discharge port  12  in the container main unit  1  using this groove portion  238  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
   Additionally, the above-mentioned supporting portion  232 , the first and the second connection portions  234  and  235  and the coupling portions  236  are produced by injection molding using synthetic resin such as polyethylene and polypropylene, synthetic rubber such as silicon rubber or a mixture of these materials. The supporting portion  232 , the coupling portions  236  and the second connection portion  235 , and the valve portion  233  and the first connection portion  234  are respectively molded separately and are coupled with each other. 
   In the tube-type container having the above-mentioned construction, when a fluid is discharged from inside the container main unit  1 , a pressure is applied to the fluid inside the fluid storing portion  11  by pressing the fluid storing portion  11 . As shown in  FIG. 2  (B), being pressurized by the fluid and resisting the elasticity of the coupling portions  236 , the valve portion  233  separates from the supporting portion  232  in which the opening portion  231  constituting the valve seat is formed; the fluid inside the fluid storing portion  11  is discharged outward after passing through the opening portion  231 . 
   When the pressure applied to the fluid storing portion  11  is removed after a necessary amount of fluid is discharged, the fluid inside the fluid storing portion  11  is depressurized by the elasticity recovering force of the container main unit  1 ; the air tries to flow back toward the fluid storing portion  11  from the opening portion  231 . 
   In this tube-type container, however, as soon as the fluid inside the fluid storing portion  11  is depressurized, the valve portion  233  instantaneously contacts the supporting portion  232  in which the opening portion  231  constituting the valve seat is formed by the action of the coupling portions  236  as shown in  FIG. 2(A) ; the opening portion  231  comprising a fluid flow path is closed. Consequently, the reverse flow of the air can be prevented effectively. 
   At this time, in the valve mechanism  3  according to this embodiment, as a travel distance of the valve body  233  is changed according to a pressure applied to the fluid storing portion  11 , i.e. a pressure applied to the valve mechanism  3 , it becomes possible to change a flow rate of the fluid passing through the opening portion  231 . Consequently, when a regular liquid is used as a fluid, discharging the liquid by a specific amount also becomes possible by applying a small pressure to the liquid inside the fluid storing portion  11 . 
   In the valve mechanism  3  according to this embodiment, the top surface of the valve portion  233  in the valve mechanism  3  is set up at a position close to the top surface of the flange portion  13  in the container main unit  1 . Consequently, it becomes possible to minimize an amount of the fluid remaining inside the opening portion  231  in the container main unit  1  after fluid discharge motions are completed. 
   Furthermore, in this valve mechanism  3 , four coupling portions  236 , which couple the supporting portion  232  and the valve body  233 , respectively have a pair of flexions  237 . Consequently, these coupling portions  236  have adequate elasticity; it becomes possible for the valve body  233  to reciprocate smoothly between the closed position and the open position. 
   A construction of a tube-type fluid container according to another embodiment of the present invention is described below.  FIG. 5  is an exploded longitudinal section of the tube-type fluid container according to the Embodiment 2. 
   In the above-mentioned tube-type container according to the Embodiment 1, the lid material  2  having a construction in which with the female screw portion  222  of the lid material screwing together with the male screw portion  14  in the container main unit, the discharge port  12  of the container main unit  1  is closed, is used. In this Embodiment 2, a lid material  4  having a fluid discharge port  241  at its end is used. The fluid container according to the Embodiment 2 has a construction in which a discharge port  12  of the container main unit  1  and the discharge port  241  of the lid material  4  are communicated with the female screw portion  242  of the fluid container screwing together with the male screw portion  14  of the container main unit  1 . 
   A construction of the tube-type fluid container according to the third aspect of the present invention is described below.  FIG. 6  is an exploded longitudinal section of the tube-type fluid container according to the Embodiment 3 of the present invention. 
   In this tube-type fluid container according to the Embodiment 3, a lid material  5  comprising a base portion  51  possessing a fluid discharge port  53  at its center and an upper lid  52  which can hinge with the base portion  51  is used. This tube-type fluid container according to the Embodiment 3 has a construction in which a discharge port  12  of the container main unit  1  and the discharge port  54  of the lid material  5  are communicated with the female screw portion  53  of the fluid container screwing together with the male screw portion  14  of the container main unit  1 . Additionally, in this tube-type fluid container according to the Embodiment 3, by causing the upper lid  52  to hinge with the base portion  51 , it becomes possible to open/close the discharge port  54  of the lid material  5 . 
   In any one of the above-mentioned embodiments, although the supporting portion  232  and the second connection portion  235  are coupled by four coupling portions  236  which are set up at even intervals, the number of coupling portions  236  is not limited to four. If the supporting portion  232  and the second connection portion  235  are coupled by three or more coupling portions which are set up at even intervals, it becomes possible to prevent occurrence of an inappropriate tilt in the valve portion  232 . 
   In any one of the above-mentioned embodiments, the upper end of the supporting portion  232  in the valve mechanism  3  is set up at nearly the same position as the position of the upper end of the discharge port  12  in the container main unit  2 , and an inside diameter of the opening portion  231  in the valve mechanism  3  is set to be nearly the same as an inside diameter of the discharge portion  12  in the container main unit  1 . It is acceptable, however, that the supporting portion  232  has, for example, similarly to the shape of the lid material  4  shown in  FIG. 5 , a nozzle shape in which the opening portion of the supporting portion becomes smaller as it goes upward and the valve portion is contacted with the upper end of the nozzle-shaped opening portion having a smaller inside diameter. 
   According to the invention described in the first aspect, because the valve mechanism possesses the supporting portion at the center of which the opening portion constituting a valve seat is formed and which has a nearly tubular shape installable at the discharge port; the valve portion which can contact an area in which the opening portion in the supporting portion is formed from the opposite side to the container main unit; the connection portion set up by standing it in the valve portion on the side of the container main unit; multiple coupling portions for giving momentum to the valve portion toward the opening portion by coupling the supporting portion and the connection portion with an elastic force, it becomes possible to prevent the reverse flow of the air reliably while its construction is simple and excellent durability is provided as well. 
   According to the invention described in the second aspect, because the supporting portion and the valve portion in the valve mechanism are coupled by three or more coupling portions which are set up at even intervals, it becomes possible to prevent occurrence of an inappropriate tilt in the valve body. 
   According to the invention described in the third aspect, because the coupling portions in the valve mechanism have flexions, the coupling portions have more adequate elasticity recovering force, enabling the valve body to move between the closed position and the open position more satisfactorily. 
     FIG. 7  is an exploded explanatory view of a tube-type container to which the valve mechanism according to the present invention applies.  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  are enlarged views of the relevant part of the tube-type container to which the valve mechanism according to the present invention applies. 
   This tube-type container is used as a container for beauty products for storing gels such as hair gels and cleansing gels or creams such as nourishing creams and cold creams used in the cosmetic field. Additionally, this tube-type container also can be used as a container for medicines, solvents or foods, etc. 
   In this specification, regular liquids, high-viscosity liquids, semifluids, gels that sol solidifies to a jelly, and creams, are all referred to as fluids. The present invention, however, is not limited to a valve mechanism used for the above-mentioned fluids and can apply to a valve mechanism used for the entire fluids including gases. 
   This tube-type container possesses a container main unit  140 , a lid material  110  which is installed at the top of the container main unit  140  and a valve mechanism  10 . 
   The container main unit  140  comprises a fluid storing portion  142  for storing a fluid inside it, an opening portion  141  for discharging a fluid, which is formed at one end of the fluid storing portion  142 , a flange portion  143  (See  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 .) formed in the vicinity of the upper end of the opening portion  141 , and a male screw portion  144  formed on the outside of the opening portion  141 . The above-mentioned flange portion  143  is constructed to be able to engage with an engaging groove  35  in a coupling material  30  which is described later. Consequently, the valve mechanism  10  has a construction in which it is fixed inside the opening portion  141  in the container main unit  140  via this engaging groove  35 . 
   This container main unit  140  comprises a synthetic resin alone or a lamination of a synthetic resin and aluminum, and has an elasticity recovering force which tries to recover its original shape when a pressure applied to it is removed. 
   The above-mentioned lid material  110  possesses a lid body  111  and a female screw portion  115  formed at the center of the lid body  111 . The female screw portion  115  in the lid body  111  is constructed to screw together with the male screw portion  144  in the container main unit  140 . 
   In the tube-type container having the above-mentioned construction, when a fluid is discharged from the container, a pressure is applied to the fluid inside the fluid storing portion  142  by pressing the fluid storing portion  142  in the container main unit  140 . In this position, the valve mechanism  10  comprising the valve material  20 , the coupling material  30  and the valve seat material  40  is opened and the fluid inside the fluid storing portion  142  is discharged outward via the opening portion  41  in the valve mechanism  10  as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
   When the pressure applied to the fluid storing portion  142  is removed after a necessary amount of the fluid is discharged, the fluid inside the fluid storing portion  142  is depressurized by the elasticity recovering force of the container main unit  140 ; the air tries to flow back toward the fluid storing portion  142  from the opening portion  141  for discharging the fluid. 
   In this tube-type container, however, a fluid flow path is closed by the action of the valve mechanism  10  comprising the valve material  20 , the coupling material  30  and the valve seat material  40 . Consequently, the reverse flow of the air can be prevented effectively. 
   A construction of the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention is described below. The valve mechanism  10  comprises the valve material  20 , the coupling material  30  and the valve seat material  40 . 
     FIG. 10  is a longitudinal section of the valve material  20  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention.  FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the valve material  20  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention. 
   As shown in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , the valve material  20  has a valve body  21  having a shape corresponding to the circular opening portion  41  in the valve seat material  40  which is described later, and an engaging portion  22  set up by standing it. 
     FIG. 12  is a lateral view of the coupling material  30  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention;  FIG. 13  is a longitudinal section of the coupling material  30  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention;  FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the coupling material  30  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention. 
   As shown in  FIG. 12 ,  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 , the coupling material  30  has a valve seat material supporting portion  31  which supports the valve seat material  40  which is described later, a valve material supporting portion  33  which supports the engaging portion  22  of the valve material  20 , and four coupling portions  32  which couple the valve material supporting portion  31  and the valve material supporting portion  33 . On the inner circumferential surface of the valve seat material supporting portion  31 , a concave portion  37  is formed. Additionally, in the valve material supporting portion  33 , a groove portion  38  which is shorter than a length of the engaging portion  22  in the valve material  20  is formed. By inserting/fitting the engaging portion  22  into this groove portion  38  after passing it through the opening portion  41  of the valve seat material  40  described later, the valve material  20  is fixed with the coupling material  30 . Additionally, the four coupling portions  32  comprise flexible resin having a pair of flexions  36  respectively. By the flexibility of these coupling portions  32 , the valve body  21  in the valve material  20  is adapted to be able to move between a closed position in which the valve body closes the opening portion  41  in the valve seat material  40  described later and an open position in which the valve body opens the opening portion  41 . 
     FIG. 15  is a longitudinal section of the valve seat material  40  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention. 
   As shown in  FIG. 15 , the valve seat material  40  has the circular opening  41  and an engaging portion  43 . The opening portion  41  functions as a valve seat for the valve body  21 . An inclined plane  45  forming the opening portion  41  has an angle corresponding to an inclined plane  23  (See  FIG. 10 .) of the valve body in the valve material  20 . In this inclined plane  45 , a ring-shaped convex portion  42  is provided. This ring-shaped convex portion  42  functions as a contact portion with the valve body  21  in the opening portion  41 . Consequently, even when manufacturing accuracy of each part of the valve mechanism  10  deteriorates, the valve body  21  and the opening portion  41  can be contacted reliably; higher liquid tightness can be maintained as compared with plane contact. 
   On the outer circumferential surface of the engaging portion  43 , a convex portion  44  is formed. Consequently, when this valve seat material  40  is inserted in the coupling material  30 , the valve seat material  40  is fixed inside the coupling material  30  with the concave portion  37  (See  FIG. 13 .) in the coupling material  30  and the convex portion  44  in the valve seat material  40  contacting with each other as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
   The valve material  20 , the coupling material  30  and the valve seat material  40  are produced by injection molding using synthetic resin such as polyethylene as a material. 
   In the valve mechanism  10  having this construction, when a pressure is applied to a fluid inside the fluid storing portion  142  by pressing the fluid storing portion  142  of the container main unit  140  as shown in  FIG. 7 , the valve body  21  in the valve material  20  moves to the open position in which the valve body opens the opening portion  41  in the valve seat material  40  as shown in  FIG. 9 . By this motion, a fluid passes through the opening portion  41 . When the pressure applied to the fluid storing portion  142  is removed, the valve body  21  in the valve material  20  moves to the closed position in which the valve body closes the opening portion  41  in the valve seat material  40 . By this, air intrusion into the fluid storing portion  142  from the opening portion  41  can be prevented. 
   In this valve mechanism  10 , because a travel distance of the valve body  21  is changed according to a pressure applied to the fluid storing portion  142 , i.e. a pressure applied to the valve mechanism  10 , changing a flow rate of the fluid passing through the opening portion  41  discretionally becomes possible. Consequently, when a regular liquid is used as a fluid, discharging the liquid drop by drop by applying a small pressure to the liquid inside the fluid storing portion  142  becomes possible as well. 
   Additionally, because this valve mechanism  10  has a construction in which the valve body  21  is set up in the vicinity of the end of a flow path of the fluid passing through inside the valve mechanism  10 , it becomes possible to minimize an amount of the fluid remaining in an area on the outside of the valve body  21  inside the valve mechanism  10  (the area on the opposite side of the container main unit) when the valve body  21  moves to the closed position. 
   In this valve mechanism  10 , the valve seat supporting portion  31  in the coupling material  30  and the valve material supporting portion  33  are coupled by four coupling portions  32 ; the coupling material  30  supports the valve material  20  and the valve seat material  40 . Consequently, preventing occurrence of an inappropriate tilt in the valve body  21  becomes possible. In this regard, to prevent occurrence of an inappropriate tilt in the valve body  21  effectively, providing three or more coupling portions  32  is preferred and setting them up at even intervals is preferred. 
   Additionally, in this valve mechanism  10 , when the valve body  21  moves from the closed position to the open position, the engaging portion  22  moves while being inserted the opening portion  41 . When the valve body  21  tilts inappropriately, the engaging portion  22  contacts the inner walls of the valve seat material  40 . Consequently, the valve body  21  does not tilt further. 
   Furthermore, in this valve mechanism  10 , four coupling portions  32  in the coupling material  30  respectively have a pair of flexions  36 . Consequently, these coupling portions have adequate elasticity, enabling the valve body  21  in the valve material  20  to reciprocate smoothly between the closed position and the open position. 
   Additionally, it is preferred that a thickness of these coupling portions  32  is 1 mm or less; a thickness within the range of 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm is more preferably. Additionally, a relation between a pressure applied to the fluid inside the fluid storing portion  142  and a discharge amount of the fluid can be adjusted by changing a thickness, a vertical length or a material (hardness) of these coupling portions  32 . Or, the relation between a pressure applied to the fluid inside the fluid storing portion  142  and a discharge amount of the fluid also can be adjusted by changing an elastic force by the coupling portions  32  by changing a thickness or a width of the edge portion on the supporting portion  11  side of the coupling portions  32 . 
   In the above-mentioned embodiments, a ring-shaped convex portion  42  is formed in the contact portion with the valve body  21  in the opening portion  41  of the valve seat material  40  so that the valve body  21  and the inner walls of the valve seat material  40  can be contacted reliably and higher liquid tightness can be maintained as compared with plane contact even when manufacturing accuracy of each part of the valve mechanism  10  has deteriorated. Additionally, in place of forming the convex portion  42  in the valve seal material  40 , as shown in  FIG. 16 , forming a ring-shaped convex portion  24  facing toward the opening portion  41  in the portion (the inclined plane  23 ) contacting the opening portion  41  in the valve body  21  can achieve the same effect. 
   According to the invention described in the fourth aspect, because the invention possesses the valve material having the valve body which is constructed to be able to move between the closed position in which the valve body closes the opening portion in the valve seat material and the open position in which the valve body opens the opening portion by the flexibility of multiple coupling portions, the fluid can be closed reliably while its construction is simple, and it becomes possible to change a flow rate of the fluid passing through the invention discretionally according to a pressure applied to it. 
   According to the invention described in the fifth aspect, because the valve seat material supporting portion and the valve material supporting portion are coupled by three or more coupling portions, occurrence of an inappropriate tilt in the valve body can be prevented. 
   According to the invention described in the sixth aspect, because the coupling portions have flexions, the coupling portions have an adequate elasticity recovering force, enabling the valve body to move satisfactorily between the closed position and the open position. 
   According to the invention described in the seventh aspect, because the ring-shaped convex portion facing toward the valve body is formed, the valve body and the opening portion can be contacted reliably even when manufacturing accuracy of each part of the valve mechanism deteriorates, enabling to maintain higher liquid tightness as compared with plane contact. 
   According to the invention described in the eighth aspect, because the ring-shaped convex portion facing toward the opening portion is formed in a portion in the valve body which contacts the opening portion, the valve body and the opening portion can be contacted reliably even when manufacturing accuracy of each part of the valve mechanism deteriorates, enabling to maintain higher liquid tightness as compared with plane contact. 
     FIG. 17  is an exploded explanatory view of a tube-type container to which the valve mechanism according to the present invention applies.  FIG. 18  and  FIG. 19  are enlarged views of the relevant part of the tube-type container to which the valve mechanism according to the present invention applies. 
   This tube-type container is used as a container for beauty products for storing gels such as hair gels and cleansing gels or creams such as nourishing creams and cold creams used in the cosmetic field. Additionally, this tube-type container also can be used as a container for medicines, solvents or foods, etc. 
   In this specification, regular liquids, high-viscosity liquids, semifluids, gels that sol solidifies to a jelly, and creams, are all referred to as fluids. The present invention, however, is not limited to a valve mechanism used for the above-mentioned fluids and can apply to a valve mechanism used for the entire fluids including gases. 
   This tube-type container possesses a container main unit  140 , a lid, material  110  which is installed at the top of the container main unit  140  and a valve mechanism  10 . 
   The container main unit  140  comprises a fluid storing portion  142  for storing a fluid inside it, an opening portion  141  for discharging a fluid, which is formed at one end of the fluid storing portion  142 , and a male screw portion  144  formed on the outside of the opening portion  141 . The male screw portion  144  is constructed to be able to screw together with a female screw portion  343  in the supporting body  340  which is described later. Consequently, the valve mechanism  10  has a construction in which it is fixed inside the opening portion  141  in the container main unit  140  via this female screw portion  343 . 
   This container main unit  140  comprises a synthetic resin alone or a lamination of a synthetic resin and aluminum, and has an elasticity recovering force which tries to recover its original shape when a pressure applied to it is removed. 
   The above-mentioned lid material  110  is hinged on the supporting body  340  so as to be able to move between a position in which the lid material closes the opening portion  141  of the supporting body  340  in the valve mechanism  10  and a position in which the lid material opens the opening portion. 
   In the tube-type container having the above-mentioned construction, when a fluid is discharged from the container, a pressure is applied to the fluid inside the fluid storing portion  142  by pressing the fluid storing portion  142  in the container main unit  140 . In this position, the valve mechanism  10  comprising the valve material  20 , the valve seat material  330  and the supporting body  340  is opened and the fluid inside the fluid storing portion  142  is discharged outward via the opening portion  141  in the valve mechanism  10  as shown in  FIG. 19 . 
   When the pressure applied to the fluid storing portion  142  is removed after a necessary amount of the fluid is discharged, the fluid inside the fluid storing portion  142  is depressurized by the elasticity recovering force of the container main unit  140 ; the air tries to flow back toward the fluid storing portion  142  from the opening portion  141  for discharging the fluid. 
   In this tube-type container, however, a flow path for the fluid is closed by the action of the valve mechanism  10  comprising the valve material  20 , the valve seat material  330  and the supporting body  340 . Consequently, the reverse flow of the air can be prevented effectively. 
   A construction of the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention is described below.  FIG. 20(A)  is a plan view of the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention;  FIG. 20(B)  is a longitudinal section showing the A-A section of  FIG. 20(A) . As shown in  FIG. 17 , the valve mechanism  10  comprises the valve material  20 , the valve seat material  330  and the supporting body  340 . 
     FIG. 21(A)  is a plan view of the valve material  20  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention.  FIG. 21(B)  is a longitudinal section showing the A′-A′ section of  FIG. 21(A) . 
   As shown in  FIG. 21 , the valve material  20  possesses a valve body  21 , an engaging portion  22  having a nearly cylindrical shape, which is set up by standing it in the valve body, and a guide portion  323  having a nearly cylindrical shape, which is set up by standing it on the side opposite to the engaging portion  22  in the valve body  21 . 
     FIG. 22(A)  is a plan view of the valve seat material  330  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention;  FIG. 22(B)  is a longitudinal section showing the B-B section of  FIG. 22(A) . 
   As shown in  FIG. 22 , the valve seat material  330  possesses a valve seat portion  331  having a circular opening portion  338  which functions as a valve seat for the valve body  21  in the valve material  20 , a valve material supporting portion  332  which engages with the engaging portion  22  in the valve material  20 , and four coupling portions  333  having flexibility, which couple the valve portion  331  and the valve material supporting portion  332 . 
   On the outer circumferential surface of the valve seat material  330 , a concave portion  337  is formed. Consequently, with this convex portion  337  engaging with a concave portion  344  formed on the inner circumferential surface of the supporting body  340  described later, the valve seat material  330  is fixed with the supporting body  340 . Additionally, in the valve material supporting portion  332  in the valve seat material  330 , a groove portion  339  is formed. By inserting/fitting the engaging portion  22  in the valve material into this groove portion  339 , the valve material  20  and the valve seat material  330  are engaged. Additionally, the valve seat portion  331  has a level surface  334  and a vertical surface  335  in its opening portion  338 . When the valve material  20  is positioned in a closed position in which the opening portion  338  in the valve seat material  330  is closed, the under surface  324  of the valve body  21  contacts the level surface  334  of the valve seat portion  331  and the end surface  25  of the valve body  21  contacts the vertical surface  335  of the valve seat portion  331 . 
   The four coupling portions  333  comprise flexible resin having a pair of flexions  36  respectively. By the flexibility of these coupling portions  333 , the valve body  21  in the valve material  20  is adapted to be able to move between the closed position in which the valve body closes the opening portion  338  in the valve seat material  330  and an open position in which the valve body opens the opening portion  338 . 
     FIG. 23(A)  is a plan view of the supporting body  340  constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention.  FIG. 23(B)  is a longitudinal section showing the C-C section of  FIG. 23(A) . 
   The supporting body  340  possesses an opening portion  345  for letting the fluid passing through the above-mentioned opening portion  338  flow outwardly, and four ribs  341  provided at the opening portion  345 . The four ribs are set up inside the opening portion  345  at even intervals, forming a guide path  342 . 
   Inside the supporting body  340 , a cylindrical hollow portion is formed. Additionally, inside this hollow portion, the supporting body  340  possesses a female screw portion  343  which can screw together with a male screw portion  144  in the container main unit  140  and a concave portion  344  (See  FIG. 20 .) which can engage with the convex portion  337  in the valve seat material  330 . Consequently, by inserting the valve seat material  330  which is engaged with the valve material  20  inside the support body  340 , the valve material  20 , the valve seat material  330  and the supporting body  340  are engaged. At this time, the guide portion  323  in the valve material  20  is engaged while being inserted in the guide path  342  surrounded by the four ribs  341 . 
   The valve mechanism  10  being engaged in this manner is fixed inside the opening portion  141  in the container main unit  140  with the female screw portion  343  in the supporting body  340  and the male screw portion  144  formed in the container main unit  140  being screwed together and engaged with each other. 
   The valve material  20 , the valve seat material  330  and the supporting body  340  are produced by injection molding, etc. using synthetic resin such as polyethylene, synthetic rubber such as silicon rubber or a mixture of these materials as a material. 
   In this valve mechanism  10 , when a pressure is applied to a fluid inside the fluid storing portion  142  by pressing the fluid storing portion  142  of the container main unit  140  shown in  FIG. 17 , the valve body  21  in the valve material  20  moves to the open position in which the valve body opens the opening portion  338  in the supporting body  340  as shown in  FIG. 19 . By this motion, the fluid passes through the opening portion  338 . When the pressure applied to the fluid storing portion  142  is removed, the valve body  21  in the valve material  20  moves to the closed, position in which the valve body closes the opening portion  338  in the supporting body  340  by the elasticity recovering force of the four coupling portions  333 . By this, air intrusion into the fluid storing portion  142  from the opening portion  338  can be prevented. 
   In this valve mechanism  10 , because a travel distance of the valve body  21  is changed according to a pressure applied to the fluid storing portion  142 , i.e. a pressure applied to the valve mechanism  10 , changing a flow rate of the fluid passing through the opening portion  338  discretionally becomes possible. Consequently, when a regular liquid is used as a fluid, discharging the liquid drop by drop by applying a small pressure to the liquid inside the fluid storing portion  142  becomes possible as well. Additionally, because the valve seat portion  331  has the level surface  334  and the vertical surface  335  in its opening portion  338 , the valve body  21  moves according to a pressure applied to the valve mechanism  10 ; even in a position in which the under surface  324  of the valve body  21  does not contact the level surface  334  of the valve seat portion  331 , the fluid cannot pass through as long as the end surface  25  of the valve body  21  contacts the vertical surface  335  of the valve seat portion  331 . Consequently, unless a pressure above a certain level is applied to the fluid storing portion  142 , it becomes possible to prevent fluid leakage from the opening portion  338 . 
   In this valve mechanism  10 , the valve seat supporting portion  331  and the valve material supporting portion  332  in the valve seat material  330  are coupled by four coupling portions  333 . Consequently, it becomes possible to prevent occurrence of an inappropriate tilt in the valve body  21 . Additionally, to prevent occurrence of an inappropriate tilt in the valve body  21 , it is preferred to provide three or more coupling portions  333  and it is preferred to set them up at even intervals. 
   Additionally, in this valve mechanism  10 , when the valve body  21  moves between the closed position and the open position, the guide portion  323  moves while being inserted in the guide path  342  surrounded by four ribs  341 . When an inappropriate tilt occurs in the valve body  21 , therefore, the guide portion  323  is to contact the ribs  341 . Consequently, the valve body  21  does not tilt further. 
   Furthermore, in this valve mechanism  10 , four coupling portions  333  in the valve seat material  330  respectively have a pair of flexions  36 . Consequently, these coupling portions  333  have adequate elasticity, enabling the valve body  21  in the valve material  20  to reciprocate smoothly between the closed position and the open position. 
   Additionally, it is preferred that a thickness of these coupling portions  333  is 1 mm or less; a thickness within the range of 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm is more preferably. Additionally, a relation between a pressure applied to the fluid inside the fluid storing portion  142  and a discharge amount of the fluid can be adjusted by changing a thickness, a vertical length or a material (hardness) of these coupling portions  333 . Or, the relation between a pressure applied to the fluid inside the fluid storing portion  142  and a discharge amount of the fluid also can be adjusted by changing an elastic force by the coupling portions  333  by changing a thickness or a width of the edge portion on the supporting portion  11  side of the coupling portions  333 . Further, the relation between a pressure applied to the fluid inside the fluid storing portion  142  and a travel distance of the valve body  21 , and a discharge amount of the fluid can be adjusted by changing a thickness of the valve body  21 . 
     FIG. 24  is a lateral view of an embodiment in which a groove portion  26  is provided on the circumferential portion of the end surface of the valve body  211  in the valve material  20  which comprises the valve mechanism  10  according to the present invention.  FIG. 25  is a lateral view of an embodiment in which an O-ring  27  is combined with the valve material  20  shown in  FIG. 24 . As shown in  FIG. 24 , because the end surface  25  of the valve body  21  in the valve material  20  contacts the vertical surface  335  in the supporting body  340  at two places, higher liquid tightness can be achieved. Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 25 , by the elasticity of the O-ring  27  which is combined with the end surface  25  of the valve body  21  in the valve material  20 , the valve body  21  and the inner walls of the valve seat material  330  can be contacted reliably even when manufacturing accuracy of each part of the valve mechanism  10  has deteriorated, and higher liquid tightness can be maintained as compared with plane contact. 
   According to the invention described in the ninth aspect, because the valve material possesses a valve material having a valve body, an engaging portion set up by standing it in the valve body and a guide portion set up by standing it on the side opposite to the engaging portion in the valve body, a valve seat material possessing a valve seat portion which has a circular opening portion functioning as a valve seat for the valve body, a valve material supporting portion which engages with the engaging portion and multiple coupling portions having flexibility which couple the valve seat portion and the valve material supporting portion, and a supporting body possessing an opening portion for discharging a fluid and a guide material guiding the guide portion, it becomes possible to prevent occurrence of an inappropriate tilt in the valve body when the valve body moves between the closed position in which the valve body closes the opening portion in the valve seat material and the open position in which the valve body opens the opening portion. Consequently, flowing out of the fluid can be prevented reliably. 
   According to the invention described in the tenth aspect, because in the valve mechanism described in claim  1 , the guide material comprises multiple ribs contacting the outer circumferential surface of the guide portion, it becomes possible to prevent occurrence of an inappropriate tilt in the valve body while having a simple construction, when the valve body moves between the closed position in which the valve body closes the opening portion in the valve seat material and the open position in which the valve body opens the opening portion. 
   According to the invention described in the eleventh aspect, because in the valve mechanism described in the ninth or tenth aspect, the valve seat portion contacts the under surface and the end surface of the valve body in a position in which the valve material is positioned in the closed position, the valve mechanism does not let the fluid pass through as long as the end surface of the valve body contacts the vertical surface of the valve seat portion. Consequently, unless a pressure above a certain level is applied to the fluid storing portion, it becomes possible to prevent fluid leakage from the opening portion. 
   According to the invention described in the twelfth aspect, because in the valve mechanism described in the ninth to eleventh aspects, the valve seat material has three or more coupling portions, it becomes possible to prevent occurrence of an inappropriate tilt in the valve body. 
   According to the invention described in the thirteenth aspect, because in the valve mechanism described in the ninth to twelfth aspects, the coupling portions have flexions, the coupling portions have adequate elasticity, enabling the valve body in the valve material to reciprocate between the closed position and the open position smoothly. 
     FIG. 26  is a front view of the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.  FIG. 27  is its longitudinal section. 
   This tube-type container is used as a container for beauty products for storing gels such as hair gels and cleansing gels or creams such as nourishing creams and cold creams used in the cosmetic field. Additionally, this tube-type container also can be used as a container for medicines, solvents or foods, etc. 
   In this specification, high-viscosity liquids, semifluids, gels that sol solidifies to a jelly, and creams, and regular liquids, are all referred to as fluids. 
   This tube-type container possesses a container main unit  140 , a lid material  110  which is placed at the top of the container main unit  140 , and a valve mechanism  10 . 
   The container main unit  140  possesses a discharge port  441  for discharging a fluid, which is formed at one end of the container main unit, a flange portion  150  (See  FIG. 35  and  FIG. 36 ) formed in the vicinity of the upper end of the discharge port  441 , and a male screw portion  151  formed outside the discharge port  441 . The above-mentioned flange portion can engage with an engaging groove  35  in a coupling material  30  in the valve mechanism  10  which is described later in detail by referring to  FIG. 35  and  FIG. 36 . Consequently, the valve mechanism  10  is constructed to be fixed inside the discharge port  441  in the container main unit  140  through this engaging groove  35 . 
   The lid material  110  possesses a lid body  111  and a female screw portion  415  formed at the center of the lid body  111 . The female screw portion  415  in the lid body  111  is constructed to screw together with the male screw portion  151  in the container main unit  140 . 
   In the tube-type container having the above-mentioned construction, when a fluid is discharged from the container, a pressure is applied to the fluid inside the container main unit  140 . In this position, the valve mechanism  10  comprising a valve material  20 , a coupling material  30  and a valve seat material is opened and the fluid inside the container main unit  140  is discharged outward via an opening portion  41  in the valve mechanism  10 . After a necessary amount of the fluid is discharged and when the pressure applied to the fluid storing portion  442  is removed, the fluid inside the fluid storing portion  442  is depressurized by the elasticity recovering force of the container main unit  140  and the air tries to flow back toward the container main unit  140  from the discharge port  441  used for discharging the fluid. 
   In this tube-type container, however, by the action of the valve mechanism comprising the valve material  20 , the coupling material  30  and the valve seating material  40 , a path in which the fluid passes through is closed. Consequently, reverse air flow can be effectively prevented. 
   A construction of the valve mechanism  10  which is applied to the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is described below.  FIG. 35  and  FIG. 36  show enlarged views of the valve mechanism  10  along with the top of the container main unit  140 . 
   This valve mechanism  10  comprises a valve material  20 , a coupling material  30  and a valve seat material  40 . 
   The explanation regarding  FIGS. 10-15  as mentioned above is applied to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. 
   A construction of the container main unit  140  of the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is described below.  FIG. 28  is a lateral section showing a position before a pressure is applied to the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, from which the lid material  110  is omitted.  FIG. 29  is a lateral section showing a position when a pressure is applied to the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, from which the lid material  110  is omitted.  FIG. 30  is a lateral section showing a position when a shape of the external container  443  in the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is restored, from which the lid material  110  is omitted. 
   The container main unit  140  possesses an internal container  442  storing a fluid and an external container  443  encompassing the internal container  442 . An internal space  444  which is shut off from the outside is formed between the internal container  442  and the external container  443 . 
   The external container  443  in this container main unit  140  has a construction comprising synthetic resin alone or a lamination of synthetic resin and aluminum, and has an elasticity recovering force which tries to recover its original shape when a pressure applied to it is removed. Further, in the external container  443 , a hole  149  which communicates with the interior space and the outside is formed. This hole  149  formed in the external container has a size which can let a small amount of air through. 
   When a pressure is applied to the container main unit  140  from the position shown in  FIG. 28 , in which the pressure is not applied, as shown in  FIG. 29 , the volume of the external container  443  reduces as the volume of the internal container  442  reduces by outflow of the fluid inside the internal container  442 . At this time, by the elasticity recovering force of the external container  443 , inside the internal space  444  which is shut off from the outside is depressurized. Consequently, as shown in  FIG. 30 , an amount of the air corresponding to the reduced volume of the external container  443  flows into the internal space  444  from the hole formed in the external container  443 , which communicates with the internal space  444  and the outside, restoring the external container  443  to its original shape before the pressure has been applied. 
   Because this hole  149  has a size which can let a slight amount of the air through, an outflow of the air from the internal space  444  to the outside can be controlled to be small. Consequently, it becomes possible to apply a right pressure to the fluid inside the internal container  442 . 
   The internal container  442  and the external container  443  are both formed/shaped by blow molding, and then an opening portion  145  of the internal container and an opening portion  146  of the external container are connected each other at the welding portion  148  on the discharge port side of the container main unit  140  and are welded at a welding portion  147  on the bottom side. Consequently, it becomes possible to manufacture tube-type fluid containers at low costs. 
   The tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention is described below.  FIG. 31  is a front view of the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.  FIG. 32  is a lateral section showing the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, from which the lid material  110  is omitted.  FIG. 33  is a lateral section showing a position when a pressure is applied to the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, from which the lid material  110  is omitted.  FIG. 34  is a lateral section showing a position when a shape of the external container  443  in the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is restored, from which the lid material  110  is omitted. Additionally, a longitudinal section of the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention is the same as the longitudinal section of the tube-type fluid container according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. 
   This tube-type fluid container, in the same way as that according to Embodiment 4, possesses an internal container  442  storing a fluid and an external container  443  encompassing the internal container  442 . An internal space  444  which is shut off from the outside is formed between the internal container  442  and the external container  443 ; in the external container  443 , a hole  149  which communicates with the interior space and the outside is formed. 
   The hole  149  formed in the external container  443  at a pressing portion in the external container  443 , to which a pressure is applied when a fluid is pushed out. With this construction, when the external container  443  in the container main unit  140  is pressed, a good part of the hole  149  is blocked off, for example, by a pressing object such as a finger; an outflow of the air to the outside from the internal space can be controlled to be small; it becomes possible to apply a right pressure to the fluid inside the internal container  442 . 
   Because a size of the hole  149  should be within the range not exceeding a size of the pressing object, a large amount of the air enters the internal space when the pressing object separates from the pressing portion. By this, the external container  443  can quickly restore its original shape. 
   Additionally, the valve mechanism applied to the tube-type fluid container according to the present invention is not limited to the valve mechanisms  10  according to respective embodiments described above, but can be applied to any valve mechanisms in which an opening portion is opened when the container main unit  140  is pressed and the opening portion is closed when a pressure applied to the container main unit  140  is removed. 
   Additionally, for the external container  443 , a material with an elasticity recovering force needs to be used. For the internal container  442 , a material without an elasticity recovering force can be used. 
   In the above-mentioned embodiment, a construction in which the opening portions of the internal container  145  and of the external container  146  are connected each other at a welding portion  148  on the discharge port portion side of the container main unit, and the internal container and the external container are welded at their bottoms is adopted. A different construction, in which the container main unit  140  comprising three parts, a discharge port material having the male screw portion  151 , the internal container  442  and the external container  443 , and the opening portions of the internal container  145  and of the external container  146  are respectively welded to the discharge port material, can also be adopted. 
   According to the invention described in the fourteenth aspect, because the valve mechanism is provided at the discharge port; with the internal container storing a fluid and the external container comprising a material having an elasticity recovering force, which encompasses the internal container in such a way that an interior space shut off from the outside is formed between the external container and internal container, and in which a hole communicating with the interior space and the outside is formed, despite its simple construction, reverse flow of air from the discharge port of the container into the container can be prevented and the content can be discharged easily even when an amount of the content is reduced. 
   According to the invention described in the fifteenth aspect, because the hole formed in the external container has a size which can let a small amount of air through, an amount of air outflow from the internal container to the outside can be controlled to be small when the container main unit is pressed, enabling to apply a right pressure to the fluid inside the internal container. 
   According to the invention described in the sixteenth aspect, because the hole formed in the external container) is formed in a portion to which a pressure is applied when the fluid is discharged, an amount of air outflow from the internal container to the outside can be controlled to be small when the container main unit is pressed, enabling to apply a right pressure to the fluid inside the internal container. 
   According to the invention described in the seventeenth aspect, because the opening portions of the internal container and of the external container are connected each other at the discharge port portion of the container main unit, and the internal container and the external container are welded at their bottoms, manufacturing a tube-type fluid container at low costs becomes possible. 
     FIG. 37(A)  is a bottom view of the valve material  20 ′ according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The valve material  20 ′ has three convex portions  24  facing toward the opening, which is formed in a portion in the valve body  21 ′. The convex portions  24  contact the valve seat material when the valve body  21 ′ closes the opening.  FIG. 37(B)  is a longitudinal section showing the A″-A″ section in  FIG. 37(A) . 
     FIG. 38(A)  is a plan view of the valve seat material  330 ′ constituting the valve mechanism  10  according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG.  38 (B) is a longitudinal section showing the D-D section in  FIG. 38(A) . The valve seat material  330 ′ has a reinforcing ring  327  which surrounds the coupling material  30 . The reinforcing ring  327  can prevent deformation or damage by an extrusion molding. In  FIG. 38  (B), portions shown by diagonal lines may be constituted of one part, or different parts. 
     FIG. 39(A)  is a longitudinal section of the tube-type fluid container which disposes the valve material  20 ′ shown in  FIG. 37(B)  and the valve seat material  330 ′ shown in  FIG. 38(B) .  FIG. 39(A)  shows that the valve material  20 ′ moves upward to open an opening and a fluid flows through the opening.  FIG. 39(B)  shows that the valve material  20 ′ moves downward to close the opening, thereby preventing the fluid from flowing through the opening. 
     FIG. 40(A)  is a longitudinal section of a cap-type valve mechanism  10 ′ comprising a valve material  20 , a coupling material  30 , and a valve seat material  40 .  FIG. 40  (A) shows that the valve material  20  moves downward to close an opening, thereby preventing a fluid from flowing through the opening.  FIG. 40(B)  shows that the valve material  20  moves upward to open the opening and the fluid flows through the opening. 
   In the present invention, any suitable plastic material can be used including rubbers such as silicon rubbers or soft resins such as soft polyethylene. For support portions (such as the valve seat portion) to which other portions (such as the valve portion) are fitted by press-fitting, hard resins such as hard polyethylene can preferably be used. The structures can be formed by any suitable methods including injection molding. The resin material can be selected based on the type of fluid stored in the container. If a high viscose fluid such as a gel is stored in the container, a hard resin may be used for the valve mechanism. If a low viscose fluid such as a thin liquid or a formed liquid is stored in the container, a more resilient resin may be used for the valve mechanism. 
   This application claims priority to Japanese patent application Nos. 2002-218330, 2002-330153, 354048 and 2003-28589, filed Jul. 26, 2002, Nov. 14, 2002, Dec. 5, 2002 and Feb. 5, 2003, respectively, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
   It will be understood by those of skill in the art that numerous and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be clearly understood that the forms of the present invention are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.