Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/JP2010022559A/en
Timestamp: 2020-04-06 06:10:11
Document Index: 601266269

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 30', 'art 30', 'art 50', 'art 56', 'art 50', 'art 50', 'art 56', 'art 60', 'art 70', 'art 4', 'arts 10', 'art 50', 'arts 60', 'art 50', 'art 60', 'arts 161', 'arts 161', 'art)\n5', 'art)\n31', 'art)\n163']

JP2010022559A - Liquid container and inhalation device having same - Google Patents
Liquid container and inhalation device having same Download PDF
JP2010022559A
JP2010022559A JP2008186810A JP2008186810A JP2010022559A JP 2010022559 A JP2010022559 A JP 2010022559A JP 2008186810 A JP2008186810 A JP 2008186810A JP 2008186810 A JP2008186810 A JP 2008186810A JP 2010022559 A JP2010022559 A JP 2010022559A
JP2008186810A
Kazuo Kusakabe
一夫 日下部
2008-07-18 Application filed by Canon Inc, キヤノン株式会社 filed Critical Canon Inc
2008-07-18 Priority to JP2008186810A priority Critical patent/JP2010022559A/en
2010-02-04 Publication of JP2010022559A publication Critical patent/JP2010022559A/en
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid container capable of suppressing the increase in the negative pressure, which is generated in a process of discharging liquid stored in a sealed state, so as no to affect its discharge performance; and an inhalation device having the same. <P>SOLUTION: This liquid container 1 includes a plug 2 capable of forming an outlet 7 for discharging the stored liquid 5, and a movable plug 4 for mitigating a predetermined pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the liquid container 1. The movable plug 4 has a main sliding portion 4b (or main sliding portions 10b-70b) moving for mitigating the predetermined pressure difference, and a membrane 4a (or membranes 10a-70a) mitigating a pressure difference less than the predetermined pressure difference. This constitution can thus retain the pressure difference generated between the inside and the outside of the liquid container 1 to relatively small. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT
The present invention relates to a liquid container for storing a liquid such as a chemical solution and an inhaler provided with the same.
An inhalation device has been developed that ejects minute droplets of a chemical liquid into an air flow path through which air sucked through a mouthpiece flows, using an ink jet discharge principle, and inhales the user (Patent Document 1). 2). Such an inhaler has an advantage that a predetermined amount of chemical solution can be precisely sprayed with a uniform particle size.
As a basic configuration of such a chemical liquid discharge device (droplet discharge device), there are a discharge head in which a discharge energy generating element such as a heating element is disposed, and a chemical liquid tank that stores a chemical liquid supplied to the discharge head. When the chemical tank is a mere sealed container, as the chemical liquid is discharged and the chemical liquid in the chemical liquid tank decreases, a negative pressure is generated in the tank, and the discharge performance decreases. Therefore, it was necessary to take the following measures for the chemical tank.
First, a configuration in which the chemical tank is communicated with the atmosphere immediately before the discharge is started can be mentioned. This is employed in a known ink jet printer. However, in the aspect in which the chemical solution to be inhaled a plurality of times is stored in the chemical solution tank, it is necessary to prevent the concentration change and the denaturation of the chemical solution after being used once, so that it can be configured to communicate with the atmosphere. The chemical tank is required to have high gas barrier properties and sealing properties. The same applies to the case of a chemical solution that does not favor contact with air.
For such conditions, for example, the chemical tank body is a glass container, one end of which is closed with a stopper (for example, a rubber stopper), and the stopper can be moved as it is discharged, thereby reducing the volume of the chemical tank. It can be considered to cope with such a configuration. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, one opening is sealed by a stopper 202 and a glass liquid container 201 in which a liquid 205 is accommodated is inserted into the rubber movable stopper from the other opening. The configuration is such that the liquid 205 is sealed at 209. In this liquid container 201, when the negative pressure generated inside the liquid container 201 due to the discharge of the liquid 205 exceeds a predetermined value, the movable stopper 209 moves toward the inside of the liquid container 201 so as to relieve the negative pressure. And move. In addition, the code | symbol 203 in the figure is a container (for example, glass) which makes a main body. Further, an ejection head 206 having a communication needle 208 is disposed at a position facing the stopper 202, and the ejection head 206 has an ejection port 207 that ejects the liquid 205.
JP 2004-290593 A JP 2004-283245 A
By the way, when a liquid container such as the chemical tank with high hermeticity as exemplified above is used, the pressure difference (atmospheric pressure difference) between the inside and outside of the chemical liquid tank increases as the chemical liquid is continuously discharged. Even if the negative pressure in the chemical tank increases in this way, a considerable force (pressure difference) is required until the rubber stopper (movable stopper) moves relative to the glass container so as to relieve the negative pressure. Become. That is, the movement of the movable stopper starts when the force applied to the movable stopper by the negative pressure in the chemical tank exceeds the maximum static frictional force between the glass container and the movable stopper. However, in order to keep the sealing property high, if the movable stopper is attached to the glass container so as to be tightly pressed, the movable stopper will not move unless the negative pressure has a magnitude corresponding thereto.
On the other hand, it is clear that the discharge performance from the discharge head decreases as the negative pressure in the chemical tank increases. For example, in the case of discharging with a discharge head having a nozzle diameter of 3 μm, the discharge amount does not decrease until the internal pressure of the chemical tank reaches around −5 kPa, but when it exceeds that, it gradually decreases, and when it reaches about −20 kPa, the discharge head On the other hand, air was drawn in and it became impossible to discharge. Therefore, in order to stably discharge the chemical liquid, it is preferable to keep the negative pressure in the chemical liquid tank during the discharge as low as possible (−5 kPa in the above example) as much as possible.
However, in conventional high-sealing liquid containers including those exemplified above, it is difficult to maintain the negative pressure in the chemical tank below the predetermined value described above, the discharge performance is lowered, and in some cases the discharge is impossible There was a risk of becoming.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of such a current situation, and is a liquid that can suppress an increase in negative pressure generated in the process of discharging the liquid contained in a sealed state so as not to affect the discharge performance. It is an object of the present invention to provide a container and an inhaler having the same.
The present invention relates to a liquid container for storing a liquid, the discharge port forming part capable of forming a discharge port for discharging the liquid stored in the liquid container, and the inside and the outside of the liquid container A pressure difference relaxation member for relieving a predetermined pressure difference between the first member and the first member that moves so as to relieve the predetermined pressure difference, and less than the predetermined pressure difference And a second member that alleviates the pressure difference.
According to the present invention, since the liquid container has the second member that relaxes the pressure difference that is less than the predetermined pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the liquid container, an increase in the negative pressure generated in the process of discharging the liquid contained in the sealed state Can be suppressed so as not to affect the discharge performance.
Hereinafter, the liquid container 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. 1A and 1B show a conceptual configuration of the liquid container 1 in the first embodiment. FIG. 1A is a conceptual diagram before the ejection head 6 is connected, and FIG. 1B is a diagram after the ejection head 6 is connected. The conceptual diagram which shows the 1st state of this, (c) is a conceptual diagram which shows the 2nd state after the discharge head 6 connection. FIG. 2 shows the change in pressure in the liquid container over time as the liquid is discharged. (A) is a graph when the liquid container 1 is used, and (b) is a conventional liquid container. It is a graph when there is.
That is, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the liquid container 1 has a container 3 that forms a main body, a stopper (discharge port forming portion) 2, and a movable stopper (pressure difference relaxation member) 4. is doing. The container 3 is formed of a cylindrical material having rigidity (for example, glass). The stopper 2 is disposed so as to seal one end of the cylindrical container 3 in the longitudinal direction, and the movable stopper 4 is disposed so as to seal the liquid 5 together with the stopper 2 at the other end in the longitudinal direction. The movable stopper 4 includes a membrane (second member) having the characteristics of the present invention indicated by reference numeral 4a in FIG. 1A and a main sliding portion (first member) integrally formed while supporting the membrane 4a. 1 member) 4b. In such a liquid container 1, the liquid 5 is accommodated by the container 3, the stopper 2, and the movable stopper 4.
From the position facing the stopper 2 outside the liquid container 1, the discharge head 6 having the communicating needle 8 can be connected to the liquid container 1 by inserting the communicating needle 8 into the stopper 2. The discharge head 6 can discharge the liquid 5 accommodated in the liquid container 1 from the discharge port 7 while being connected to the liquid container 1. That is, the stopper 2 can form the above-described discharge port 7 for discharging the liquid 5 from the liquid container 1.
The discharge head 6 has a discharge energy generating element (not shown) that generates energy for discharging the liquid 5 in the vicinity of the discharge port 7. The discharge energy generating element applies discharge energy to the liquid that has passed through the communication needle 8, whereby the liquid is discharged from the discharge port 7. In addition, although the aspect of a discharge energy generation element is not specifically limited, The electrothermal conversion element which provides a thermal energy to a liquid, the electromechanical conversion element which provides a mechanical energy, etc. can be illustrated. Therefore, as a method for discharging the liquid, a method (thermal jet method) in which the liquid is discharged by applying thermal energy to the liquid using an electrothermal conversion element can be exemplified. Furthermore, a method (piezo jet method) of ejecting a liquid using a vibration pressure of an electromechanical transducer (for example, a piezoelectric element) that imparts mechanical energy to the liquid can be exemplified. In addition, as a method for discharging the liquid, a method corresponding to the type of liquid to be discharged can be selected.
When the thermal jet method described above is used, for each ejection head, the diameter of the ejection port, the amount of heat pulse used for ejection, the size accuracy of micro heaters as electrothermal transducers, and reproducibility It can be increased. For this reason, it is possible to achieve a narrow droplet size distribution. Further, the manufacturing cost of the head is low, and the applicability to a small apparatus that requires frequent replacement of the head is also high. Therefore, when the liquid container of the present invention is applied to an inhaler that requires portability and convenience, it is particularly preferable to adopt a thermal jet type discharge principle.
By the way, when the discharge head 6 is connected to the liquid container 1, the liquid 5 is blocked from the outside air except at the discharge port 7. Accordingly, when the liquid is discharged from the discharge port 7 and the liquid 5 stored in the liquid container 1 is reduced, a pressure difference is generated between the inside and the outside of the liquid container 1. When this pressure difference reaches a predetermined value (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 2), the movable stopper 4 moves toward the inside of the liquid container 1 (left side in front view in FIG. 1) so as to reduce the pressure difference. When the movable stopper 4 is moved, the volume in the liquid container 1 is reduced. The above-mentioned predetermined pressure difference is a value corresponding to the maximum static frictional force at the location where the inner wall of the container 3 and the movable stopper 4 are in contact with each other. Even when a pressure difference is generated between the inside and the outside of the liquid container 1, if this pressure difference is less than a predetermined value at which the movable stopper 4 moves, it is shown in FIG. Thus, the membrane 4a is deformed so as to bend so as to reduce the pressure difference.
Subsequently, the discharge operation of the liquid container 1 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. In each graph shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the abscissa represents time, and the ordinate represents pressure. The pressure indicates a pressure difference in the container with respect to the outside air.
Each operation unit when the discharge operation is performed in the liquid container 1 is (a-1), (a-2), (a-3), (a-4) shown in the upper part of FIG. It can be divided into temporal areas such as Below, it demonstrates along these area | regions (a-1)-(a-4).
The internal pressure of the liquid container 1 before the discharge operation is preferably a pressure suitable for discharge, and specifically, about −1 k to −3 kPa is preferable. This is because if the internal pressure of the liquid container 1 becomes a positive pressure, the liquid leaks from the liquid container 1, and if the pressure is too negative, the liquid cannot be sufficiently discharged. It is. Here, the internal pressure of the liquid container 1 immediately before the discharge operation is set to −1 kPa. Thereafter, when the discharge is started, the amount of liquid in the liquid container 1 decreases, so that the internal pressure of the liquid container 1 changes in the negative pressure direction (see region (a-1)). When an experiment was conducted with a liquid container using Modification 1 shown in FIG. 3 described later, the internal pressure became −3 kPa when about 50 μL was discharged.
When the internal pressure of the liquid container 1 falls below -3 kPa, the membrane 4a starts to bend. If the discharge is continued as it is, the deflection of the membrane 4a gradually increases, but during that time, the internal pressure of the liquid container 1 is maintained at around -3 kPa (see region (a-2)). However, when the discharge is further repeated, the membrane 4a that relaxes the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the liquid container 1 reaches its deformation limit (the boundary between the region (a-2) and the region (a-3)).
When the deformation limit of the membrane 4a that relaxes the pressure difference is exceeded, the internal pressure of the liquid container 1 continues to decrease again with the same inclination as the region (a-1) (see region (a-3)). When the internal pressure of the liquid container 1 exceeds the pressure difference (−10 kPa in this example) that is a threshold value when the movable stopper 4 starts to move, the movable stopper 4 starts to move. Then, the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the liquid container 1 is relaxed until the movable stopper 4 starts moving and then stops (see region (a-4)). At this time, the movable stopper 4 moves when the force applied to the movable stopper 4 by the negative pressure generated in the liquid container 1 becomes smaller than the dynamic friction force between the liquid container 1 and the movable stopper 4. To stop.
Then, the graph of the conventional liquid container 201 (refer FIG. 21) contrasted with this invention is demonstrated. Each operation unit when the discharge operation is performed in the conventional liquid container 201 is divided into temporal regions (b-1) and (b-2) as shown in the upper part of FIG. Can think.
The movable stopper 209 in the liquid container 201 does not have a portion like the membrane 4a which is a feature of the present invention. Thus, until the pressure difference when the movable stopper 209 starts to move (−10 kPa as in FIG. 2A), the graph as shown in, for example, the region (b-1) in FIG. The pressure difference in the liquid container 201 increases with the inclination.
When the internal pressure of the liquid container 201 exceeds the pressure difference when the movable stopper 209 starts moving, the movable stopper 209 starts moving. Then, the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the liquid container 201 is relaxed until the movable stopper 209 starts moving and then stops still (see region (b-2)). At this time, the movable stopper 209 moves when the force applied to the movable stopper 209 by the negative pressure generated in the liquid container 201 becomes smaller than the dynamic frictional force between the liquid container 201 and the movable stopper 209. To stop.
Here, the above-described comparison between FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B is performed. In the region (a-2), the internal pressure of the liquid container 1 is maintained in a relatively low state (in this example, for example, about -3 kPa). In the region (b-1) corresponding to the region (a-2), the internal pressure of the liquid container 201 gradually decreases from -3 kPa, and finally decreases to -10 kPa. That is, in the liquid container 1 of the present embodiment, it can be maintained for the period of the regions (a-1) and (a-2) at the internal pressure level at which the discharge performance does not deteriorate. Will reach a level at which the ejection performance is degraded within the period of the region (b-1).
Therefore, for example, when it is desired to make a specification so that a single dose during inhalation is discharged over the period of the region (a-2), the internal pressure is within about -3 kPa only during the region (a-2). Therefore, the liquid container 1 of the present embodiment that can be maintained at a high level is suitable. If the movable stopper 4 can be returned to the origin before the next suction, the internal pressure of the liquid container 1 can be made the same every time. Here, the above-described return to origin means that the movable stopper 4 is forcibly slid inwardly of the liquid container 1 by the pressurizing means or the like (leftward in front view in FIG. 1), and the internal pressure is around −1 kPa in the initial stage. And an operation for eliminating the bending of the membrane 4a.
In the above-described example, the first threshold value at which the pressure difference is alleviated by deformation (deflection) of the membrane 4a is set to −3 kPa, and the second difference at which the pressure difference is alleviated by moving the entire movable stopper 4. The threshold value of -10 kPa has been described. However, these values may be set to other arbitrary values, respectively, and are not particularly limited. The value of the first threshold can be changed by appropriately adjusting the thickness, material, etc. of the membrane 4a, and the second threshold can be changed by appropriately adjusting the size, material, etc. of the movable stopper 4. be able to.
Further, the type of the liquid 5 is not particularly limited, but when the liquid container 1 of the present invention is used in, for example, an inhaler, a medical solution for treatment can be used as the liquid 5. Here, the above-mentioned drug solution includes not only a drug solution of a pharmaceutical compound exhibiting pharmacological and physiological effects, but also a component, dye, pigment and the like for the purpose of miso odor in addition to the drug compound. It is a concept. Moreover, these may contain arbitrary additives.
In addition to glass, examples of the material of the container 3 serving as the main body of the liquid container 1 include polycarbonate, ABS resin, cycloolefin resin, and methacrylic resin. In the composite resin, it is preferable to use polyethylene / (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer), polypropylene / (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer), or the like.
Further, examples of the material of the movable stopper 4 and the membrane 4a include butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, and the like, and it is preferable to select an optimum material in consideration of the liquid stability and elution property of the liquid 5.
Next, another modification of the movable stopper 4 in the liquid container 1 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 shows another modification 1 of the movable stopper, wherein (a) is a sectional view of the movable stopper 10 in a normal state, (b) is a sectional view of the movable stopper 10 in a first modified state, FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the movable stopper 10 in a second deformation state. In the first modification, the configuration other than the movable stopper 10 uses the liquid container 1 of FIG. 1 described above, and the illustration in FIG. 3 is omitted for convenience.
Here, in the configuration of this modification, the container 3 is made of glass, the inner diameter is 6 mm, and the length is 45 mm in the longitudinal direction. The movable stopper 10 is made of butyl rubber having a rubber hardness of 40 degrees, and has an outer diameter of 6.1 mm and a length of 5 mm (for example, the left and right width in front view in FIG. 3A). Moreover, the thickness of the membrane (second member) 10a in the movable stopper 10 was 0.5 mm, and the liquid 5 was purified water. Further, the ejection conditions were a driving voltage of 12 V and a driving frequency of 25 kHz. And when the liquid 5 was discharged from the liquid container 1 on the conditions mentioned above, the operation | movement which showed relief | moderation of the pressure difference as shown in the graph of Fig.2 (a) which is the characteristics of this invention was implement | achieved.
In the initial stage where the liquid 5 has not yet been discharged from the liquid container 1 or has started to be discharged, there is no pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the liquid container 1 (substantially the same pressure), and the movable stopper 10 Is in a state as shown in FIG. Here, since the pressure inside and outside the liquid container 1 is balanced, the membrane 10a that relaxes the pressure difference less than the pressure difference at which the movable stopper 10 starts to move is in a flat state that does not swell or dent.
Further, when the liquid 5 is discharged from the liquid container 1 and the inside thereof becomes a negative pressure as compared with the outside of the liquid container 1, the membrane 10a is placed outside the liquid container 1 (FIG. 3B). ), When viewed from the right side of the front view), the container 3 is recessed inward (toward the left side of the front view in the figure). This is a shape state that can be taken in the period shown in the area (a-2) of FIG. As the discharge proceeds further, the membrane 10a is dented to the limit, but cannot be deformed beyond this limit, so the pressure in the liquid container 1 decreases again.
On the other hand, for example, when the inside of the liquid container 1 becomes a positive pressure during storage, the membrane 10a as shown in FIG. 3C is placed outside the liquid container 1 (right side in front view in FIG. 3C). Swelled to the front side (right side of the front view in the figure). A close example of the membrane 10a in such a state is a change in pressure during take-off in an international passenger aircraft. For example, when the pressure before take-off on a passenger aircraft is 1000 HPa and the pressure difference becomes 790 HPa after taking about 20 minutes, the pressure difference becomes 210 HPa = 21 kPa. When the outside of the liquid container 1 has a negative pressure as compared to the inside of the liquid container 1, the gas dissolved in the stored liquid 5 is often vaporized to become bubbles. The relief of the pressure difference due to the movement of the movable stopper 10 due to the change in volume of the bubbles becomes remarkable.
As a parameter that can be influenced when the membrane 10a changes to the shape shown in FIG. 3B or 3C, the thickness of the membrane 10a itself is a major factor. That is, the thinner the membrane 10a, the greater the amount of change in the membrane 10a. At the same time, the gas permeability and water vapor permeability increase, so the thickness of the membrane 10a depends on the application of the liquid container 1. Need to be taken into account.
Next, another modification 2 of the movable plug 4 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B show another modification 2 of the movable stopper 4, where FIG. 4A is a sectional view of the movable stopper 20 in a normal state, and FIG. 4B is a sectional view of the movable stopper 20 in a first modified state. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the movable stopper 20 in the second deformed state, and FIG. 4D is a view showing the movable stopper 20 viewed from the right side of FIG. In the second modification, the configuration other than the movable stopper 20 uses the liquid container 1 in FIG. 1 described above, and the illustration in FIG. 4 is omitted for convenience.
That is, the movable stopper 20 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D increases the amount of change in the membrane (second member) 20a that is the pressure difference relaxation portion, thereby increasing the pressure difference relaxation amount (discharge per second). This is an example of improving the amount of time if it is an amount, and the number of times if it is a discharge amount every time. The movable plug 20 shown in the figure is different from the movable plug 4 described above in the shape of the membrane 4a and the membrane 20a, which are characteristic parts thereof. As shown mainly in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (d), the membrane 20a has a regular ripple-shaped uneven portion formed from the center thereof. FIG. 4B shows a deformed shape when the inside (left side of the front view in the drawing) of the liquid container 1 has a negative pressure as compared with the outside (right side of the front view in the drawing). . FIG. 4C shows a deformed shape when the inside of the liquid container 1 (left side of the front view in the figure) becomes positive pressure compared to the outside (right side of the front view in the figure). is there.
As described above, when the membrane 20a is deformed, the concavo-convex portion folded in the above-described pleat shape operates so as to expand and contract, so that the amount that can be deformed is larger than that of the membrane 4a, and is relaxed. The allowable pressure difference increases. Thereby, the membrane 20a in a normal state is folded, and when the pressure difference is generated inside and outside the liquid container 1, the membrane 20a can be greatly expanded as compared with the membrane 4a, thereby improving the change amount, As a result, the pressure difference relaxation amount can be improved. As described above, with the configuration shown in FIG. 4A, it is possible to improve the amount of relaxation of the pressure difference while maintaining the thickness of the membrane 20a.
In the first modification shown in FIG. 3A and the second modification shown in FIG. 4A, the main sliding portions (first members) 10b and 20b of the movable plugs 10 and 20 are hollow. It is cylindrical. As described above, by making the main sliding portions 10b and 20b hollow, it is possible to improve the responsiveness of the movement of the movable stoppers 10 and 20 to the pressure change between the inside and the outside of the liquid container 1. .
Next, another modification 3 of the movable plug 4 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 shows another modified example 3 related to the movable stopper 4, wherein (a) is a sectional view of the movable stopper 30 in which the spacer 31 is inserted into the hollow portion of the main sliding portion 30b, and (b) is a sectional view of the movable stopper 30. The side view of the state seen from the front view right side of (a), (c) is sectional drawing which showed the other example of (a). In the third modification, the configuration other than the movable stopper 30 uses the liquid container 1 in FIG. 1 described above, and the illustration in FIG. 5 is omitted for convenience.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the movable plug 30 has a spacer 31 formed in a hollow portion of a main sliding portion (first member) 30b. The spacer 31 is circular (see FIG. 5B) when viewed from the front right side of FIG. 5A, and has a disk shape having a thickness in the depth direction. It is desirable that the spacer 31 has a circular shape in which a force is evenly applied to the inner peripheral surface of the main sliding portion 30b. The spacer 31 is disposed in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the main sliding portion 30b and applies an appropriate pressing force toward the inner peripheral surface of the main sliding portion 30b, so that the main sliding portion 30b is supported from the inner side. To do. Thus, since the hollow part of the main sliding part 30b and the spacer 31 are each circular when viewed from the right side of the front view in FIG. 5A, the pressing force is applied from the spacer 31 to the main sliding part. It is added in a well-balanced manner in a state substantially equal to 30b.
Here, if the spacer 31 is made of a material that does not allow air to pass through, the volume of air existing in the space 35 surrounded by the movable stopper 30 and the spacer 31 varies depending on the temperature. The ease of movement of the movable plug 30 is affected. In order to prevent such an influence on the movable plug 30 due to the state of air in the space 35, it is desirable to form a vent hole 33 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5C in the spacer 31. For example, when the air in the space 35 expands without forming the vent hole 33, the pressing force against the main sliding portion 30b of the movable plug 30 increases, so that the movable plug 30 becomes difficult to move. However, by forming the air holes 33 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5C, even if the air existing in the space 35 expands, the increased amount of air can be released. Therefore, the movement of the movable plug 30 can be prevented from being hindered.
When the spacer 31 is made of a material that allows air to pass through, the vent hole 33 as described above may not be formed. An example of the material that allows air to pass is a sponge filter having a three-dimensional network structure.
Moreover, although it demonstrated that the above spacers 31 were arrange | positioned in the hollow part of the main sliding part 30b, about the thickness (left-right width of the front view of FIG. 5A) at the time of forming such a spacer, The thickness of the spacer 31 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 5C, like the spacer 32 in the figure in a range that does not interfere with the bulge of the membrane (second member) 30a (the bulge toward the right in front view in FIG. 5C). It is possible to make it thick.
Further, in order to ensure the rigidity required for the main sliding portion 30b, for example, a plurality of spacers 31 shown in FIG. 5A may be provided in the hollow portion of the main sliding portion 30b. (Illustrated).
Further, in the case where the main sliding portions 10b to 30b are hollow as in the first to third modifications, for example, the main sliding portion (the first sliding portion) as in the movable stopper 40 shown in FIG. In order to ensure the rigidity required for one member 40b, the main sliding portion 40b may have a thick structure. At this time, in order to keep the pressure difference relaxation amount by the membrane (second member) 40a high, it is better to keep the thickness of the membrane 40a appropriately thin. In addition to the above-described thickness, the movable surface P that can expand and contract the membrane 40a is formed by notching the connecting portion between the main sliding portion 40b and the membrane 40a as shown in FIG. It is good to secure widely.
Further, as shown in the movable stopper 45 of FIG. 6B, the end portion 45c of the main sliding portion 45b can be formed into a thick structure with a mountain shape. Further, the cross-sectional shape of the end portion 45c as described above (that is, the shape of the front view in FIG. 6B) may be a rectangle or a trapezoid, and the corners thereof are formed into an R shape or the like. Thus, the pressure at which the movable stopper 45 can move can be adjusted.
Next, another modified example 4 of the movable stopper 4 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B show another modification 4 of the movable stopper 4, where FIG. 7A is a sectional view of the movable stopper 50 in a normal state, and FIG. 7B is a sectional view of the movable stopper 50 in a first deformation state. (C) is sectional drawing of the 2nd deformation | transformation state of the movable stopper 50, (d) is a figure which shows the state which looked at the movable stopper 50 from the right side of (a). In the fourth modification, the configuration other than the movable stopper 50 uses the liquid container 1 of FIG. 1 described above, and the illustration in FIG. 7 is omitted for convenience.
The movable stopper 50 shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D includes a membrane 55 (second member) 50 a that relaxes the pressure difference and a main sliding portion (first member) 50 b of the movable stopper 50. Are connected to each other by a connecting body support portion 56 and formed integrally. The membrane 50a is a circular member as viewed from the left (or right) of FIG. 7A, and has a substantially disk shape. The main sliding portion 50b is circular when viewed from the left (or right) of FIG. 7A, and has a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole, and a hollow space 57 is formed inside. Has been.
A through hole 52 is formed at the center of the wall portion at the front end (the left end in the front view of FIG. 7A) of the main sliding portion 50b, and the connecting body support portion 56 serving as the rear wall portion. The through-hole 51 is formed in. The connecting body 55 described above has a mode in which the membrane 50a and the connecting body support portion 56 formed in the main sliding portion 50b are connected through the through hole 52. The through hole 51 is a vent hole that can ventilate the space 57 formed inside the main sliding portion 50b and the outside of the main sliding portion 50b.
FIG. 7A shows a normal state when the movable stopper 50 is inserted into the container 3 (a state in which no atmospheric pressure difference is generated inside and outside the container 3). In FIG. 7B, when the liquid discharge proceeds from the discharge port 7 (arranged on the left side in the drawing) and the inside of the container 3 has a negative pressure compared to the outside of the container 3, the membrane 50a shows a state of moving to the innermost side of the container (left side of the front view). Here, the width (movement amount, movement time, number of movements, etc.) when the pressure is relaxed in the membrane 50 a can be adjusted by the thickness and hardness of the connector 55. That is, the elongation amount can be large if it is thin and soft, and the elongation amount can be small if it is thick and hard. Further, the pressure value when the membrane 50a is movable can be adjusted by the area sliding with the container 3, the degree of compression when being set in the container 3, the hardness of the member (elastic body) of the membrane 50a itself, and the like. is there. When the negative pressure inside the container 3 further increases while the membrane 50a cannot move, the entire movable stopper 50 including the main sliding portion 50b moves so as to be pulled by the membrane 50a. Will start.
FIG. 7 (c) shows a state in which the membrane 50a is pressed against the held liquid 5 when the liquid container 1 is stored and when the inside of the container 3 becomes a positive pressure compared to the outside of the container 3. (The state when the container 3 swells most when viewed from the outside of the container 3) is shown. Since the connecting body 55 is contracted or bent, the connecting body 55 may be formed with a bent shape so that it can be easily bent from the beginning. Further, when the space (gap) 59 between the membrane 50a and the main sliding portion 50b is sealed by these, for example, the air sealed there causes volume expansion / contraction. The movement of the movable stopper 50 may be affected. Therefore, it is important to provide the above-described through hole 51 in the connecting body support portion 56.
By the way, in the above-described first to third modifications, the portions for relaxing the pressure difference (membranes 10a, 20a, 30a) are included in the movable plugs (movable plugs 10, 20, 30). In some cases, the degree of freedom was limited. However, in the fourth modification, the material, shape, hardness and the like of the membrane 50a and the main sliding portion 50b can be designed independently. In addition, the membrane 50a and the connecting body 55 can be manufactured at a lower cost if they are made integrally, but they can also be made separately and combined. In addition, it is desirable that the connecting body support portion 56 can be integrated with the connecting body 55 with a simple structure. For example, one end of the connecting body 55 has a hook shape (or a hook shape of a fishing hook), and the connecting body support portion 56 side has the above-described structure. A structure that can be hooked can also be used. Moreover, as an example of the fixing method of the main sliding part 50b and the connection body support part 56, the groove part which goes around in the circumferential direction is provided inside the main sliding part 50b, and a groove part is provided rather than the internal diameter of the main sliding part 50b. For example, a method of fitting the connecting body support portion 56 having a diameter that is larger by a depth equal to that of the above-described depth may be used.
In addition, as a structure of the membrane 50a mentioned above, the connection body 55, and the connection body support part 56, the following two types can be considered. The first is a configuration in which the membrane 50a and the connecting body 55 are hooked on the connecting body support portion 56 as an integral structure. The second is a configuration in which the connecting body 55 and the connecting body support portion 66 are hooked on the membrane 50a as an integral structure.
Next, another modified example 5 of the movable plug 4 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B show another modified example 5 related to the movable plug 4, wherein FIG. 8A is a sectional view of the movable plug 60 in a normal state, and FIG. 8B is a sectional view of the movable plug 60 in a first modified state. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the movable stopper 60 in the second deformed state. In addition, in this modification 5, the structure other than the movable stopper 60 shall use the liquid container 1 of FIG. 1 mentioned above, and illustration in FIG. 8 is abbreviate | omitted for convenience.
The movable plug 60 shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C includes a membrane 65 (second member) 60 a that relieves the pressure difference and a main sliding portion (first member) 60 b of the movable plug 60. Are integrally formed. The coupling body 65 in the present embodiment is formed in a bellows shape. The membrane 60a and the main sliding portion 60b have a circular shape as viewed from the left (or right) in FIGS. 8A to 8C, and are in contact with the inner wall of the container 3 having a circular cross section without any deviation. Has been inserted. For example, a through hole (vent hole) 61 is formed between the connecting body 65 and the main sliding portion 60b in the upper part of the front view of FIG. The through hole 61 is a vent hole that can ventilate the space (gap) 62 formed between the membrane 60a and the main sliding portion 60b and the outside of the main sliding portion 60b.
FIG. 8A shows a normal state when the movable stopper 60 is inserted into the container 3 (a state in which no pressure difference is generated inside and outside the container 3). In FIG. 8B, when the liquid discharge proceeds from the discharge port 7 (arranged on the left side in the drawing) and the inside of the container 3 has a negative pressure compared to the outside of the container 3, the membrane 60a shows a state of moving to the innermost side of the container (left side of the front view). Here, the width (movement amount, movement time, number of movements, etc.) when the pressure is reduced in the membrane 60a is, for example, the thickness and hardness of the connection body 65 as in the connection body 55 shown in FIG. Can be adjusted.
FIG. 8 (c) shows a state in which the membrane 60a is pressed against the held liquid 5 when the inside of the container 3 becomes a positive pressure as compared with the outside of the container 3 (the most swelled when viewed from the outside of the container 3). When) is shown. In addition, when the space 62 between the membrane 60a and the main sliding part 60b is sealed by these, for example, the air sealed there causes volume expansion / contraction, and the movable stopper 60 movement may be affected. Therefore, it is important to provide a through hole 61 such as the above-described through hole 51 so as to allow ventilation. In addition, since the movable stopper 60 in a present Example is comprised with the whole same material, the setting of the pressure at the time of the membrane 60a moving is adjusted by adjusting so that a sliding area with the container 3 may be adjusted. can do.
Next, another modified example 6 of the movable plug 4 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 shows another modified example 6 of the movable plug 4, wherein (a) is a sectional view of the movable plug 70 in a normal state, and (b) is a sectional view of the movable plug 70 in a first modified state. (C) is sectional drawing of the 2nd deformation | transformation state of the movable stopper 70, (d) is a figure which shows the state which looked at the movable stopper 70 from the right side of (a). In the sixth modification, the configuration other than the movable stopper 70 uses the liquid container 1 of FIG. 1 described above, and the illustration in FIG. 9 is omitted for convenience.
A movable plug 70 shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D has a membrane 75 (second member) 70 a that relieves the pressure difference and a main sliding portion (first member) 70 b of the movable plug 70. Are integrally formed. The connecting body 75 in the present embodiment is formed in a spiral shape, and the membrane 70a and the main sliding portion 70b are, for example, the corner portions (at the contact portion with the container 3) in the front view of FIG. (End part) is processed into R shape. Further, the membrane 70a and the main sliding portion 70b have a circular shape as viewed from the left (or right) of FIGS. 9A to 9C, and are biased toward the inner wall of the container 3 having a circular cross section. It is inserted so that it touches without any problems. For example, a through hole (vent hole) 71 is formed between the connecting body 75 and the main sliding portion 70b in the upper part of the front view of FIG. The through hole 71 is a vent hole that can ventilate the space (gap) 72 formed between the membrane 70a and the main sliding portion 70b and the outside of the main sliding portion 70b.
FIG. 9A shows a normal state when the movable stopper 70 is inserted into the container 3 (a state in which no atmospheric pressure difference is generated inside and outside the container 3). FIG. 9B shows the membrane when liquid discharge proceeds from the discharge port 7 (arranged to the left in the figure) and the inside of the container 3 has a negative pressure compared to the outside of the container 3. 70a shows the state of moving to the innermost side of the container (left side of the front view). The leftward movement of the membrane 70a is realized by pulling out the connecting portion 75 accommodated in a spiral shape. Here, the width (movement amount, movement time, number of movements, etc.) when the pressure is relaxed in the membrane 70a can be adjusted by the thickness and hardness of the connecting body 75, the strength of spiral winding, or the like.
FIG. 9C shows a state in which the membrane 70a is pressed against the retained liquid 5 when the inside of the container 3 is at a positive pressure compared to the outside of the container 3 (the most swelled when viewed from the outside of the container 3). When) is shown. In addition, when the space 72 between the membrane 70a and the main sliding part 70b is sealed by these, for example, the air sealed there causes volume expansion / contraction, and the movable stopper 70 movement may be affected. Therefore, it is important to provide a through-hole 71 as shown in the figure so as to allow ventilation. In addition, since the movable stopper 70 in a present Example is comprised with the same material as a whole, the setting of the pressure at the time of the movement of the membrane 70a is adjusted by adjusting so that a sliding area with the container 3 may be adjusted. can do.
Next, another modified example 7 of the movable plug 4 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 shows Modification 7 based on Modification 6, where (a) is a cross-sectional view of the movable plug 70 in a normal state, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the movable plug 70 in a first deformation state. (C) is sectional drawing of the 2nd deformation | transformation state of the movable stopper 70, (d) is a figure which shows the state which looked at the movable stopper 70 from the right side of (a). Note that in the present modification 7, the configuration other than the air inflow / outflow regulator 77 is the same as that of the movable plug 70 shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D, and the description of the movable plug 70 is omitted. To do. In addition, the configuration other than the movable stopper 70 uses the liquid container 1 of FIG. 1 described above, and the illustration in FIG. 10 is omitted for convenience.
In the movable plug 70 shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D, air flows into and out of the opening portion of the through hole 71 at the rear end portion of the main sliding portion 70b (for example, the right end in a front view of FIG. 10A). A regulator 77 is arranged. This air inflow regulator 77 is generally called a speed controller, and is used in a pneumatically operated device to control the operation speed of parts to be reduced. Thereby, in this modification, a brake can be applied to the operating pressure at which the membrane 70a starts to move, and a fine adjustment can be made to increase the operating pressure. Therefore, in the movable stopper 70 shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D, by using the air inflow / outflow regulator 77, the operating pressure of the membrane 70a and the main sliding portion 70b is increased, and the operating speed of both is controlled. It is what you get.
Next, an example in which the liquid container 1 of the present embodiment is specifically used will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is an example in which the liquid container 1 of the present invention is used in a chemical solution discharge device, and is a perspective view showing an appearance of an inhaler 100 that allows a user to inhale a chemical solution. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state where the access cover 118 is opened in the inhaler 100 of FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the inhaler 100 includes a housing case 117 and an access cover 118 that form a main body exterior. These are configured such that the hook portion 119 and the hook hook shaft engage with each other so that the access cover 118 does not open during use, and operate integrally with the lock release button 140 biased by a spring. When opening the access cover 118, the hook is released by pressing the release button 140, and the access cover 118 is opened by the force of a spring (not shown) biased in the opening direction.
The housing case 117 is provided with a suction port (suction port) 120 in which the air flow path 106 is formed, and a lock release button 140 for releasing the lock of the access cover 118. The access cover 118 is provided with a display unit 115 for displaying dose, time, error display, etc., and a menu switching button 111, an up button 112, a down button 113, and a decision button 114 for the user to set. ing. The suction port 120 is generally called a mouthpiece.
FIG. 12 illustrates a state in which the access cover 118 of the inhaler 100 is opened. When the access cover 118 is opened, the ejection head unit 101 serving as a chemical solution ejection unit that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. The chemical solution tank 142 as the chemical solution storage unit can be visually recognized. The discharge head unit 101 discharges the chemical liquid toward the air flow path 106, and the user can inhale the chemical liquid discharged into the air flow path 106 by sucking in the breath from the suction port 120. In the suction device 100 of the present embodiment, the suction port 120 and the air flow path 106 are integrated.
The above-described suction port 120 is disposable every time when inhaled, or is washed and reused after inhalation. The discharge head unit 101 and the chemical solution tank 142 are replaced when the amount of the chemical solution in the chemical solution tank 142 becomes smaller than the amount of the chemical solution to be administered in one inhalation. In this replacement time, for example, there is a function to count the discharge amount in the apparatus body, and the remaining amount can be calculated by this discharge amount counting function, so whether the replacement time is notified and the user is prompted to replace, Alternatively, it is possible to disable the discharge until the replacement is completed. The discharge head unit 101 and the chemical solution tank 142 are connected and connected by moving the chemical solution tank 142 to the discharge head unit 101 side by the coupling lever 110 after mounting, and the chemical solution in the chemical solution tank 142 is transferred into the discharge head unit 101. A chemical solution flow channel is formed to flow into.
A coupling lever lock hole 131 is formed on the back surface of the access cover 118 (see FIG. 12). As a result, when the access cover 118 is closed, the knob 132 of the coupling lever 110 engages with the coupling lever lock hole 131. Therefore, unless the access cover 118 is opened, the connection between the discharge head unit 101 and the chemical tank 142 is released. I can't do it. Therefore, after the discharge head unit 101 and the chemical solution tank 142 are connected, they are prevented from coming off when being carried in a bag or the like.
As described above, the liquid container 1 according to the first embodiment includes the stopper 2 that can form the discharge port 7 for discharging the stored liquid 5, the inside of the liquid container 1, And a movable stopper 4 for relaxing a predetermined pressure difference with the outside. In addition, the movable plug 4 moves so as to relieve a predetermined pressure difference, or the main sliding part 4b (or the main sliding parts 10b to 70b), and a membrane 4a (relieves a pressure difference less than the predetermined pressure difference). Or membranes 10a-70a). Thereby, the pressure difference generated between the inside and the outside of the liquid container 1 can be kept relatively small. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the discharge performance in the liquid container 1 as compared with the conventional one.
Further, when the membrane 4a (or the membranes 10a to 40a) and the main sliding portion 4b (or the main sliding portions 10b to 40b) are integrally formed to relieve a predetermined pressure difference (−10 kPa). Move together. And the membrane 4a (or membrane 10a-40a) relieves | moderates the pressure difference less than the said predetermined pressure difference by deform | transforming itself. Thereby, the movable stopper 4 can be formed with a relatively inexpensive and simple structure, and the member management can be facilitated because the movable stopper 4 is integrated.
The membrane 50a (or the membranes 60a and 70a) and the main sliding part 50b (or the main sliding parts 60b and 70b) are connected by a connecting body 55 (or connecting bodies 65 and 75) that can expand and contract. When the pressure difference (−10 kPa) is relaxed, it moves together. And the membrane 50a (or membrane 60a, 70a) relieves | moderates the pressure difference less than the said predetermined pressure difference by changing the distance with the main sliding part 50b (or main sliding part 60b, 70b). As a result, for example, the membrane 50a can move in the liquid container 1, so that the time and amount range in which the predetermined pressure difference can be relaxed can be designed to be relatively large.
Further, for example, the main sliding portion 50 b is formed with a vent hole 51 that can ventilate between the gap between the membrane 50 a and the main sliding portion 50 b and the outside of the liquid container 1. Thereby, the atmospheric pressure generated in the space 59 between the membrane 50a and the main sliding portion 50b can be matched with the outside of the liquid container 1, and the movement of the membrane 50a and the main sliding portion 50b can be made smooth.
Hereinafter, a liquid container 150 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. 13A and 13B show a conceptual configuration of the liquid container 150 in the second embodiment. FIG. 13A is a conceptual diagram before the ejection head 156 is connected, and FIG. 13B is a diagram after the ejection head 156 is connected. It is a key map showing the 1st state of. FIG. 13C is a conceptual diagram showing a second state after the ejection head 156 is connected. FIG. 14 is a graph showing the change in pressure in the liquid container 150 with the discharge of the liquid over time.
That is, as shown in FIG. 13A, the liquid container 150 includes a first container 153 and a second container 159 that store the liquid 155, a plug (discharge port forming unit) 152, and a first movable plug (first Member) 154a and a second movable stopper (second member) 154b. The first container 153 and the second container 159 are each formed of a cylindrical and rigid material (for example, glass). The stopper 152 is disposed so as to seal one end in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical first container 153, and the first movable stopper 154a is disposed so as to seal the other end in the longitudinal direction. A second movable stopper 154b is disposed in the second container 159 branched from the first container 153 so that the liquid 155 is sealed.
From a position facing the stopper 152 outside the liquid container 150, the discharge head 156 having the communication needle 158 can be connected to the liquid container 150 by inserting the communication needle 158 into the stopper 152. The discharge head 156 can discharge the liquid 155 stored in the liquid container 150 from the discharge port 157 while being connected to the liquid container 150. That is, the stopper 152 can form the above-described discharge port 157 for discharging the liquid 155 from the liquid container 150. The ejection head 156 has the same configuration as the ejection head 6 in the first embodiment described above. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the description of the discharge head 6 is replaced with the discharge head 156, the discharge port 7 is replaced with the discharge port 157, and the communication needle 8 is replaced with the communication needle 158, and the description thereof is omitted.
The feature different from the first embodiment of the liquid container 150 is that the second movable plug 154b that relaxes the pressure difference less than the pressure difference at which the first movable plug 154a moves is different from the first movable plug 154a. It is a point to have separately. The inner diameter of the second movable plug 154 b and the inner diameter of the second container 159 are formed to be thicker than the inner diameter of the first movable plug 154 a and the inner diameter of the first container 153. As a result, the sectional area of the first movable plug 154a and the second movable plug 154b cut in the inner diameter direction of the second movable plug 154b is larger than that of the first movable plug 154a. Accordingly, the force applied by the negative pressure generated in the first container 153 and the second container 159 is larger in the second movable plug 154b, and therefore the second movable plug 154b moves when a smaller pressure difference occurs. It will be.
Here, in the configuration of the liquid container 150 described above, the first container 153 is made of glass, the inner diameter is 6 mm, and the length is 45 mm in the longitudinal direction. The first movable plug 154a is made of butyl rubber having a rubber hardness of 40 degrees, its outer diameter is 6.1 mm, and its length is 5 mm. The second container 159 is made of glass, and has an inner diameter of 12 mm and a length of 10 mm in the longitudinal direction. The second movable plug 154b is made of butyl rubber having a rubber hardness of 40 degrees, and has an outer diameter of 12.1 mm and a length of 5 mm. The liquid 155 used purified water.
Then, for example, the behavior of the first movable plug 154a and the second movable plug 154b described above in response to a change in pressure at the time of landing in an international passenger aircraft was examined. At the time of landing of such a passenger aircraft, it usually changes from a pressure of 770 HPa to a pressure of 1020 HPa over about 26 minutes, and the pressure difference (atmospheric pressure difference) becomes 250 HPa = 25 kPa. As a result, the liquid container 150 showed relaxation of the pressure difference as shown in the graph of FIG.
Each operation unit of the liquid container 150 shown in FIG. 14 is divided into temporal regions such as (c-1), (c-2), (c-3), and (c-4) shown at the top. Can think. Below, it demonstrates along these area | regions (c-1)-(c-4).
That is, as shown in FIG. 14, the pressure outside the sealed liquid container 150 increases with a gradient of about 1 kPa / min. Then, after 3 minutes, the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the liquid container 150 becomes -3 kPa (see region (c-1)).
When the internal pressure becomes -3 kPa, the second movable plug 154b that relaxes the pressure difference less than the pressure difference at which the first movable plug 154a starts to move starts to move, and the pressure difference is maintained (region (c-2 )reference). When the pressure inside the liquid container 150 further decreases, the second movable plug 154b that relaxes the pressure difference reaches its movement limit. When the second movable plug 154b exceeds the movement limit, the internal pressure of the container continues to decrease again with the same inclination as the region (c-1) (see region (c-3)).
When the pressure inside the liquid container 150 further decreases and the internal pressure of the container becomes smaller than the pressure difference at which the first movable stopper 154a starts to move, the first movable stopper 154a starts to move. At this time, the pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the container is relaxed until the first movable stopper 154a stops (refer to the region (c-4)). The first movable plug 154a is stationary when the dynamic friction force of the first movable plug 154a is larger than the pressure difference.
In the liquid container 150 shown in FIG. 13 described above, the step of relaxing the pressure at a low pressure (that is, the operation of relaxing the pressure difference less than the pressure difference at which the first movable plug 154a starts to move) appears once, and thereafter However, the above-described process for reducing the pressure at low pressure did not occur. Therefore, in FIG. 15 to be described later, the above-described points are improved so that the process of relieving the pressure at the low pressure is repeated.
Here, another modification 1 of the liquid container 150 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 15A to 15C and FIG. 15 shows another modified example 1 of the liquid container 150, where (a) is a cross-sectional view of the liquid container 150 in a normal state, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the second state of the second container 159. (C) is sectional drawing of the 2nd state of the 2nd container 159. FIG. FIG. 16 is a graph showing a change in pressure in the liquid container 150 with the discharge of the liquid over time. In the first modification, the configuration other than the restriction components 161 and 162 and the origin return mechanism 163 described later is the same as that of the liquid container 150 in FIG. 13 described above, and the description thereof is omitted here.
As shown in FIGS. 15A to 15C, the liquid container 150 includes a regulating component (regulating member) 161 that regulates the movable limit of the second movable plug 154 b in the rigid second container 159. 162 is arranged. The second container 159 is provided with an origin return mechanism (recovery means) 163 that connects the upper portion of the second container 159 to the second movable stopper 154b and returns the second movable stopper 154b to the origin. Note that the origin here refers to an intermediate position in the vertical direction between the regulating component 161 and the regulating component 162. A general example of the above-described origin return mechanism 163 is a spring. The origin return mechanism 163 of the present modification employs a spring, and the second movable plug 154b is disposed so as to be positioned at the origin where the origin return mechanism 163 has a natural length that does not expand or contract in the initial state.
A liquid discharge head 156 was connected to such a liquid container 150, and the liquid 155 was discharged from the discharge port 157 through the communication needle 158. Specifically, the liquid discharge head 156 has 20000 fine discharge ports, and the liquid 155 was discharged as droplets for 1 second at a frequency of 30 kHz and a single discharge amount of 30 μL / second. Thus, when the liquid 155 stored in the liquid container 150 is reduced by discharging the liquid 155, a negative pressure is generated inside the liquid container 150, and thus a pressure difference is generated between the inside and the outside. Become. When the internal pressure of the liquid container 150 was measured with a pressure gauge (not shown) in the above-described single discharge, the pressure was reduced by 1 kPa.
Here, when the liquid container 150 of this modification was discharged for 30 seconds and the transition of the pressure in the container at that time was measured, it was as shown in FIG.
When the discharge is started, the amount of liquid in the liquid container 150 decreases, so the internal pressure of the liquid container 150 changes in the negative pressure direction to −3 kPa. When the internal pressure falls below −3 kPa, the second movable plug 154b moves (the lower side in front view of FIG. 15A), and the internal pressure of the liquid container 150 is maintained in the vicinity of −3 kPa while it can move. However, if the discharge is further repeated, the second movable plug 154b reaches the lower limit position of the movable limit and comes into contact with the regulating component 162. When the second movable plug 154b comes into contact with the restricting component 162, the origin return mechanism 163 is in the most extended state as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7B, when the second movable plug 154b comes into contact with the regulating component 162, the internal pressure of the liquid container 1 continues to decrease again, and when it exceeds −10 kPa, the first movable plug 154a Start moving. The pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the liquid container 150 is relaxed until the first movable stopper 154a starts moving and then comes to rest. As the pressure difference is reduced, the second movable stopper 154b is moved to the second container 159 by the force of the liquid 155 flowing from the first container 153 into the second container 159 and the urging force of the origin return mechanism 163. Return to the origin position. FIG. 7c shows a state where the second movable plug 154b reaches the upper limit position of the movable limit, contacts the restricting component 161, and the origin return mechanism 163 is contracted most.
As described above, when the negative pressure is generated in the liquid container 150 and the first movable stopper 154a moves and the pressure is relaxed, the origin return mechanism 163 is moved to the lower limit position of the movable limit shown in FIG. It was confirmed that the second movable stopper 154b was returned to the origin position shown in FIG. As a result, it was confirmed that the step of reducing the pressure at the low pressure by the second movable plug 154b (the operation of relaxing the pressure difference less than the pressure difference at which the first movable plug 154a starts to move) was repeatedly expressed.
Next, another modified example 2 of the liquid container 150 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 shows another modification 2 of the liquid container 150, (a) is a cross-sectional view of the liquid container 150 in a normal state, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the second state of the second container 159, (C) is sectional drawing of the 2nd state of the 2nd container 159. FIG. In the second modification, the configuration other than the adsorption member 165 and the electromagnet 166a, which will be described later, is the same as that of the liquid container 150 in FIG. 15 described above, and description thereof is omitted here.
As shown in FIGS. 17A to 17C, the liquid container 150 of the present modification includes an adsorbing member (recovery means) 165 and an electromagnet (recovery means) 166a in the vicinity of the second container 159. In the first modification described above, the spring origin return mechanism 163 is exemplified as a mechanism for returning the second movable plug 154b to the origin. However, the mechanism is not limited to this, and the attracting member 165 and the electromagnet 166a as shown in this example are used. The aspect by can also be taken.
The adsorbing member 165 is a member adsorbed by magnetism, such as a magnet, and is disposed at the center of the second movable plug 154b as shown in FIG. The electromagnet 166a is a coil member that becomes magnetized when energized, and is disposed at the same height as the center of the second container 159 in the vertical direction, that is, the origin of the second movable plug 154b.
In the liquid container 150 of this modification, when the liquid discharge head 156 is connected and the liquid 155 is discharged, the second movable plug 154b relieves the low pressure according to the negative pressure generated in the liquid container 150. Move down in stages. When the second movable plug 154b reaches the lower limit position of the movable limit and comes into contact with the restriction component 162, a state as shown in FIG. Here, by energizing the electromagnet 166a to generate magnetism, the second movable plug 154b as shown in FIG. 17C can be returned to the original position. In this modification, the liquid 155 was discharged for 30 seconds under the same conditions as in the modification 1 described above, and when the pressure transition in the liquid container 150 was measured at that time, the result was the same as in the case of FIG.
Next, another modification 3 of the liquid container 150 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 (a) to 18 (c) and FIG. 18 shows another modified example 3 of the liquid container 150, where (a) is a cross-sectional view of the liquid container 150 in a normal state, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the second state of the second container 159. (C) is sectional drawing of the 2nd state of the 2nd container 159. FIG. FIG. 19 is a graph showing the change in pressure in the liquid container 150 with the discharge of the liquid over time. In the third modification, the configuration other than electromagnets 166b and 166c and a pressure sensor 167, which will be described later, is the same as that of the liquid container 150 in FIG. 17 described above (excluding the electromagnet 166a), and the description thereof is omitted here. .
In this modification, the structure which promotes the pressure relaxation of the 1st movable plug 154a by controlling and moving the 2nd movable plug 154b is shown. As shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C, the liquid container 150 includes electromagnets (recovery means) 166b and 166c in the vicinity of the outside of the second container 159. The electromagnets 166b and 166c are coil members that become magnetized when energized, and are disposed at the same height as the upper and lower portions of the second container 159 in the vertical direction, that is, the restriction parts 161 and 162. Further, the ejection head 156 of this example is provided with a pressure sensor 167 that detects the pressure in the liquid container 150 when attached. An ON / OFF signal for the electromagnets 166b and 166c is output-controlled by a control circuit (not shown) that receives the output signal from the pressure sensor 167.
In the liquid container 150 of this modification, when the liquid discharge head 156 is connected and the liquid 155 is discharged, the first movable plug 154a and the second movable plug 154b move according to the negative pressure generated in the liquid container 150. To do. Here, before the liquid 155 is discharged from the liquid discharge head 156, the second movable plug 154b is located at the origin as shown in FIG. When the discharge of the liquid 155 proceeds, the second movable plug 154b is lowered to the lower limit position of the movable limit as shown in FIG. 18B, and when the electromagnet 166b is turned on, the second movable plug 154b is movable. Go up to the upper limit position. In this modification, the liquid 155 was discharged for 30 seconds under the same conditions as in Modification 2 described above, and the pressure transition in the liquid container 150 at that time was measured. The result was as shown in FIG.
Note that the timing for turning on the electromagnet 166b as described above can be defined as follows. For example, the pressure difference in the container that changes due to the movement of the second movable plug 154b from the lower limit position to the upper limit position is measured using the pressure sensor 167, and the measured value is P1. Next, P1 of the above measured value is subtracted from the pressure difference at which the first movable plug 154a starts moving, for example, 10 kPa in the present embodiment. By turning on the electromagnet 166b at the time when the container internal pressure difference (for example, 10−P1) calculated in this way is reached, the time period during which the ejection from the liquid ejection head 156 becomes unstable is reduced. Will be able to. Further, by turning on the electromagnet 166b, it is possible to stop the discharge of the liquid 155 from the liquid discharge head 156 while the second movable stopper 154b is forcibly moved. In this modification, the discharge head 156 is described as including the pressure sensor 167, but a pressure switch or the like may be used.
Next, another modified example 4 of the liquid container 150 described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing another modification 4 of the liquid container 150. In the fourth modification, the configuration other than the flexible container 154c described later is the same as that of the liquid container 150 of FIG. 13 described above (excluding the second movable stopper 154b and the second container 159), and description thereof Will be omitted.
As illustrated in FIG. 20, the liquid container 150 of the present modification has a configuration in which a flexible container 154 c is branched from the first container 153 and disposed instead of the second container 159 illustrated in FIG. 13. . The flexible container 154c is made of, for example, the same material as the membrane 4a shown in FIG. 1 and has flexibility. The flexible container 154c contains a liquid 155 in a sealed state. Is done. By adopting such a configuration, for example, instead of the second movable stopper 154b shown in FIG. 13, the pressure between the inside and the outside of the liquid container 150 is reduced by contracting or restoring the flexible container 154c to the original state. The difference can be relaxed.
In the case of this example, the pressure value at which the flexible container 154c starts to contract can be adjusted by the thickness and shape of the flexible container 154c. As described above, in this modification, the flexible container 154c is used when the pressure at the low pressure is relieved. For example, the second container 159 and the second movable stopper 154b shown in FIG. 13 are combined into one member. It can be manufactured at low cost, and the member management can be facilitated.
As described above, the liquid container 150 according to the second embodiment includes the stopper 152 capable of forming the discharge port 157 for discharging the stored liquid 155. Further, a first movable plug 154a that moves so as to relieve a predetermined pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the liquid container 150 and a second movable plug 154b that relieves a pressure difference less than the predetermined pressure difference are provided. Thereby, the pressure difference generated between the inside and the outside of the liquid container 150 can be kept relatively small. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the discharge performance in the liquid container 150 as compared with the conventional one.
The second movable plug 154b is less than the predetermined pressure difference when the predetermined pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the liquid container 150 is relieved by the movement of the first movable plug 154a. It has an origin return mechanism 163 that recovers to a state where the pressure difference can be relaxed. Thereby, even if the 1st movable plug 154a and the 2nd movable plug 154b are not integrated, the process of relieving the pressure difference below the predetermined pressure difference by the 2nd movable plug 154b can be made to express repeatedly. It becomes like this.
In addition, the liquid container 150 includes restriction parts 161 and 162 that restrict the movable range of the second movable stopper 154b. Accordingly, the second movable stopper 154b can be moved repeatedly and smoothly, and outside air can be prevented from entering the liquid container 150.
Further, as described above, according to the first and second embodiments, the inhaler 100 includes the liquid container 1 and the ejection head 6 or the liquid container 150 and the ejection head 156 and any one of the ejection heads described above. And an inlet 120 for allowing the user to inhale the liquid discharged from the outlet. Thereby, it becomes possible to provide the user with the inhaler 100 in which the deterioration of the discharge performance is suppressed as compared with the conventional one.
Note that the inhaler 100 described in FIGS. 11 and 12 of the first embodiment described above can be suitably used for the liquid containers 150 of the first to fourth modifications described in the second embodiment. Is.
As described above, the liquid container according to the present invention and the inhalation device including the liquid container are useful for those in which the pressure difference generated between the inside and the outside of the liquid container needs to be kept relatively small. It is suitable for a liquid container that stably discharges water and an inhaler provided with the same.
1 illustrates a conceptual configuration of a liquid container according to a first embodiment, (a) is a conceptual diagram before connecting an ejection head, (b) is a conceptual diagram showing a first state after the ejection head is connected, (C) is a conceptual diagram showing a second state after the ejection head is connected. The pressure change in the liquid container accompanying the discharge of the liquid is shown with time, (a) is a graph when the liquid container is used, and (b) is a graph when the conventional liquid container is used. The other modification 1 in a movable stopper is shown, (a) is a sectional view of the normal state of a movable stopper, (b) is a sectional view of the first modification state of a movable stopper, (c) is the first of a movable stopper. It is sectional drawing of 2 deformation | transformation states. The other modification 2 which concerns on a movable stopper is shown, (a) is sectional drawing of the normal state of a movable stopper, (b) is sectional drawing of the 1st modification state of a movable stopper, (c) is a sectional view of a movable stopper. Sectional drawing of a 2nd deformation | transformation state, (d) is a figure which shows the state which looked at the movable stopper from the right side of (a). The other modification 3 which concerns on a movable stopper is shown, (a) is sectional drawing of the movable stopper which inserted the spacer in the hollow part of the main sliding part, (b) is seen from the front view right side of (a). (C) is sectional drawing which showed the other example of (a). It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of the main sliding part in a movable stopper. The other modification 4 which concerns on a movable stopper is shown, (a) is sectional drawing of the normal state of a movable stopper, (b) is sectional drawing of the 1st modification state of a movable stopper, (c) is a sectional view of a movable stopper. Sectional drawing of a 2nd deformation | transformation state, (d) is a figure which shows the state which looked at the movable stopper from the right side of (a). The other modification 5 which concerns on a movable stopper is shown, (a) is sectional drawing of the normal state of a movable stopper, (b) is sectional drawing of the 1st modification state of a movable stopper, (c) is a sectional view of a movable stopper. It is sectional drawing of a 2nd deformation | transformation state. The other modification 6 which concerns on a movable stopper is shown, (a) is sectional drawing of the normal state of a movable stopper, (b) is sectional drawing of the 1st deformation state of a movable stopper, (c) is a sectional view of a movable stopper. Sectional drawing of a 2nd deformation | transformation state, (d) is a figure which shows the state which looked at the movable stopper from the right side of (a). 7 shows a seventh modification based on the sixth modification, in which (a) is a sectional view of the movable stopper in a normal state, (b) is a sectional view of the movable stopper in a first modified state, and (c) is a sectional view of the movable stopper. Sectional drawing of 2 deformation | transformation states, (d) is a figure which shows the state which looked at the movable stopper from the right side of (a). It is an example which used the liquid container of this invention for the chemical | medical solution discharge apparatus, and is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the inhaler which makes a user inhale a chemical | medical solution. It is the perspective view which showed the state which opened the access cover in the inhalation device of FIG. FIG. 2 illustrates a conceptual configuration of a liquid container according to a second embodiment, in which (a) is a conceptual diagram before connecting an ejection head, (b) is a conceptual diagram showing a first state after the ejection head is connected, (C) is a conceptual diagram showing a second state after the ejection head is connected. It is the graph which showed the pressure change in the liquid container accompanying discharge of a liquid with time. 10 shows another modification 1 of the liquid container, in which (a) is a sectional view of the liquid container in a normal state, (b) is a sectional view of the second container in the first state, and (c) is a second sectional view of the second container. It is sectional drawing of 2 states. It is the graph which showed the pressure change in the liquid container accompanying discharge of a liquid with time. 9 shows another modification 2 of the liquid container, in which (a) is a sectional view of the liquid container in a normal state, (b) is a sectional view of the second container in the first state, and (c) is a second sectional view of the second container. It is sectional drawing of 2 states. 10 shows another modification 3 of the liquid container, in which (a) is a sectional view of the liquid container in a normal state, (b) is a sectional view of the second container in the first state, and (c) is a second sectional view of the second container. It is sectional drawing of 2 states. It is the graph which showed the pressure change in the liquid container accompanying discharge of a liquid with time. It is sectional drawing which shows the other modification 4 of a liquid container. It is sectional drawing which shows the conventional liquid container contrasted with this invention.
1 Liquid container 2 Discharge port forming part (plug)
4 Pressure difference relaxation member (movable stopper)
4a Second member (membrane)
4b 1st member (main sliding part)
5 Liquid 6 Discharge head 7 Discharge port 10a, 20a, 30a, 40a, 50a, 60a, 70a Second member (membrane)
10b, 20b, 30b, 40b, 50b, 60b, 70b 1st member (main sliding part)
31, 32 Spacers 33, 51 Ventilation holes 61, 71 Through holes (ventilation holes)
55,65,75 Linkage 59,62,72 Gap (space)
77 Air Outflow Adjuster 100 Suction Device 120 Suction Port (Suction Port)
150 Liquid container 155 Liquid 152 Discharge port forming part (plug)
154a First member (first movable stopper)
154b Second member (second movable stopper)
154c Flexible container 156 Discharge head 157 Discharge port 161, 162 Restriction member (regulation part)
163 Recovery means (origin return mechanism)
165 Recovery means (origin return mechanism)
166a, 166b, 166c Recovery means (origin return mechanism)
A liquid container for containing a liquid,
A discharge port forming part capable of forming a discharge port for discharging the liquid contained in the liquid container;
A pressure difference relaxation member for relaxing a predetermined pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the liquid container,
The pressure difference relaxation member includes a first member that moves so as to relax the predetermined pressure difference, and a second member that relaxes a pressure difference less than the predetermined pressure difference.
The first and second members are integrally formed and move together when the predetermined pressure difference is relieved,
The second member relaxes itself by deforming a pressure difference less than the predetermined pressure difference,
The first and second members are connected by a connecting body that can expand and contract to move together when the predetermined pressure difference is relieved,
The second member relaxes a pressure difference less than the predetermined pressure difference by changing a distance from the first member.
The first member is formed with a vent hole capable of venting between the gap between the first and second members and the outside of the liquid container.
The liquid container according to claim 3.
The pressure difference relaxation member restores the second member to a state in which the pressure difference less than the predetermined pressure difference can be relaxed when the predetermined pressure difference is relaxed by the movement of the first member. Have recovery means,
The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the pressure difference relaxation member includes a regulating member that regulates a movable range of the first member or the second member.
A liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 6;
An ejection head for ejecting the liquid contained in the liquid container;
A mouthpiece for allowing a user to inhale the liquid discharged from the discharge head,
An inhalation device.
JP2008186810A 2008-07-18 2008-07-18 Liquid container and inhalation device having same Pending JP2010022559A (en)
JP2008186810A JP2010022559A (en) 2008-07-18 2008-07-18 Liquid container and inhalation device having same
PCT/JP2009/063301 WO2010008099A1 (en) 2008-07-18 2009-07-17 Liquid holder, and inhalation apparatus employing the same
US12/990,518 US20110041846A1 (en) 2008-07-18 2009-07-17 Liquid holder, and inhalation apparatus employing the same
JP2010022559A true JP2010022559A (en) 2010-02-04
ID=41066435
JP2008186810A Pending JP2010022559A (en) 2008-07-18 2008-07-18 Liquid container and inhalation device having same
US (1) US20110041846A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2010022559A (en)
WO (1) WO2010008099A1 (en)
EP1785155A1 (en) * 2004-08-02 2007-05-16 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Chemical liquid cartridge and inhalation device using the same
FR2911123B1 (en) * 2007-01-10 2012-08-03 Valois Sas Following piston, tank and dispenser comprising such a piston
2008-07-18 JP JP2008186810A patent/JP2010022559A/en active Pending
2009-07-17 US US12/990,518 patent/US20110041846A1/en not_active Abandoned
2009-07-17 WO PCT/JP2009/063301 patent/WO2010008099A1/en active Application Filing
US20110041846A1 (en) 2011-02-24
WO2010008099A1 (en) 2010-01-21
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