Patent ID: 12207722

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

An applicator according to the present invention will be described based on the embodiments shown in the drawings.

FIGS.1to3show the entire composition of the applicator according to the present invention, andFIG.3shows an enlarged cross-sectional view. Thus, the entire composition of the applicator of the present invention will be described based onFIG.3.

In the following drawings, equivalent portions are indicated by the same referential signs. In some drawings, referential signs are given to representative portions due to limitations of space, and the details of each portion will be described citing the referential signs given to each drawing of single-item composition.

The applicator1according to the present invention is provided with a container2of bottle-type storing application liquid (not shown) as shown inFIGS.1through3. The container2is composed of the bottom2athereof having an elliptically shaped plate (SeeFIG.1E) so as to be mountable on a horizontal plane, and a body portion2bis formed erecting upward continuously to the bottom2a.

The body portion2bhas a tilting body portion2b1composed of a front side erecting face of the container2, the erecting face on the left side of the container2shown inFIG.3, which reduces the diameter toward the center of the container2as rising upward.

The rear side erecting face of the container2, the erecting face on the right side of the container2shown inFIG.3, composes an upright body portion2b2approximately orthogonal to the bottom2a.

At the upper portion of the upright body portion2b2, a neck portion2b3curving toward the front side of the container2is formed; a cylindrical mouth2cerecting obliquely upward is integrally formed along the curved face of the neck portion2b3.

The intersection angle that is formed by an axial line Ax1of the container2orthogonal to the face of the bottom2aof the container2and an axial line Ax2of the mouth2cpassing the center of the mouth2cis obtuse, and in the example shown in the drawing, the intersection angle of the axial line Ax1of the container2and the axial line Ax2of the mouth2cis set to approximately 120 degrees.

The mouth2cis configured to be located at a position just above the tilting body portion2b1whose diameter reduces toward the center of the container2as erecting upward, as described before.

With this, the weight balance is considered such that the position of the center of gravity of the whole applicator1including an application unit3described later to be attached to the mouth2cis prevented from biasing to the front side of the container2to which the mouth2cis formed.

In addition, on the front and rear sides of the container2, multiple finger-hooking recesses2dare formed to which fingers are hooked when the container2is held; the finger-hooking recesses2dfunction to prevent from slipping when the container2is held.

The container2is preferably formed of flexible synthetic resin, whereby the container2is a squeeze bottle capable of being deformed by lightly pressing the right and left side faces of the container2such as by hand.

An application member7to be described later enabling to exude and apply the application liquid in the container2is disposed on the application unit3attached to the mouth2cof the container2in a state to close the mouth2. A cap4covering the application member7is detachably attached using a male thread2eformed on the periphery of the cylinder forming the mouth2, thereby constituting the applicator1.

FIGS.4A and4Bare views showing the appearance constitution of the applicator1covered with a packaging sheet11; inFIGS.4A and4B, the packaging sheet11is indicated by hatching.

The packaging sheet11covers the outer frame of the applicator1in a closely contacting state, using a thermo-shrinking type resin sheet formed into a cylindrical shape, for example.FIG.4Ashows the product (applicator1) in an unused state by covering the entire applicator1with a packaging sheet11.FIG.4Bshows the product (applicator1) in a usable state by removing the cap-side removing sheet11bfrom the body-side sheet11a, using a broken-line cut11cformed on the packaging sheet11.

The broken-line cut11cformed on the packaging sheet11is preferably formed in advance on a part of the the thermo-shrinking type resin sheet. Further, in a state where the resin sheet is closely in contact with the container2by thermal shrinking, the position of the broken-line cut11cis set to be located parallel to the bottom2aof the container2along the smallest cross-sectional part of the container2between the body2band the mouth2cof the container2inFIG.3.

By setting the position of the broken-line cut11cas thus stated, most of the outer frame of the container2having a special shape can be covered with the body-side sheet11a.

The applicator1on which the name of goods and the logo are marked can be presented by printing the name of goods and the logo of the applicator1in advance on the thermo-shrinking type resin sheet side corresponding to the body-side sheet11a, utilizing the large area of the body-side sheet11a.

FIGS.5A through5Cshow the application unit3of the first embodiment to be attached to the mouth2cof the container2. The application unit3is composed of a valve seat member5which has a cylindrical shape and is provided with a valve opening at the front portion, a valve body member6having a valve body housed in the valve seat member5and biased by a spring member, a sheet-like application member7attached to the front side of the valve seat member5and disposed in a state to cover the mouth2cof the container2, and a support ring for the application member8which attaches the peripheral portion of the application member7to the valve seat member5.

FIG.6shows a state where the inner plug (valve)3bdescribed later is opened by applying the application pressure to the application member7of the application unit3shown inFIGS.5A to5C; with this, a liquid flow passage3ahaving a cross-section of an annulus (annular shape) is provided. The effects of the liquid flow passage3awill be described later.

Each of the members constituting the application unit3of the first embodiment will be described below based on the single-item constitutional views.

FIGS.7A through7Dshow a single-item constitution of the valve seat member5constituting the application unit3.

The valve seat member5has a cylindrical shape as a whole, the front side thereof is closed, and at the center thereof a valve opening5aopens to function as an application liquid outlet. The valve seat5kis formed at the periphery of the valve opening5ahaving a funnel-like shape whose inner diameter reduces toward the front side. The valve opening5acloses by attaching the valve body6cwhich has a conical surface of the valve body member6to be described later to the valve seat5k.

The outer circumferential surface of the valve seat member5is formed to have a constant diameter along the axial direction, configures a fitting portion5binto the mouth2cof the container2, and has a tapered portion5cwhose outer diameter reduces slightly from the rear half portion toward rear end portion. The tapered portion5cfunctions as a guide when the application unit3is attached to the mouth2cof the container2.

On the front side of the fitting portion5bof the valve seat member5, a flange portion5dhaving a larger diameter than that of the fitting portion5bis formed, and the flange portion5dfunctions to position the application unit3by being in contact with the front end of the mouth2cof the container2.

Further, an annular locking part5eis formed protruding inward in the opening at the rear end of the valve seat member5. The annular locking part5efunctions as a stopper to inhibit the valve body member6to be described later from coming off, when the valve body member6is attached to the valve seat member5.

Further, an annular protrusion5fis formed on the front side of the valve seat member5and this functions to position the application member7to be described later by supporting the application member7from the rear side.

As shown in a cross-sectional view inFIG.7B, two annular protrusions5g,5hare concentrically formed to surround the valve seat5kinside the valve seat member5. The two annular protrusions5gand5hare formed to have the same height toward the rear end side of the valve seat member5, and thereby an annular groove5jis formed between the annular protrusions5gand5h.

These annular protrusions5g5hand the annular groove5j, in combination with a valve body member6to be described next, form a liquid flow passage3a(SeeFIG.6) having a meandering cross-section which introduces the application liquid in the container2to the application member7side.

For the sake of convenience of the description, among the two annular protrusions5gand5h, the inner protrusion formed continuing from the periphery of the valve seat5kis called a first annular protrusion5h, and the annular protrusion formed outside the first annular protrusion5his called a second annular protrusion5g.

FIGS.8A through8Eshow a single-item constitution of the valve body member6configuring the application unit3.

The valve body member6is integrally formed of elastic synthetic resin entirely and provided with a single spring member6bextending upward from the ring member6ain a spiral manner. A valve body6chaving a truncated conical shape is formed at the top end of the spring member6b. A valve rod6dis formed at the center of the valve body6cto protrude from the valve body6c.

Further, as shown inFIG.8E, an annular protrusion6e(corresponding to the third annular protrusion) is formed to surround the valve body6chaving a conical shape, and an annular groove6fis formed between the annular protrusion6eand the annular circumferential side surface continuing from the periphery of the valve body6c.

That is, the annular protrusion6eis concentrically formed to the cylinder6gthe outside of the cylinder6gwhich is connected to the periphery of the valve body6c.

The outer diameter of the ring member6ais formed to be approximately equal to the inner diameter of the valve seat member5formed in a cylindrical shape, and slightly larger than the inner diameter of the annular locking part5e. Accordingly, the ring member6aat the rear portion is housed in the valve seat member5climbing over the annular locking part5eof the valve seat member5by inserting and pushing the valve rod6dof the valve body member6from the annular locking part5eside at the rear end portion of the valve seat member5. Then, the ring member6aof the valve body member6is disposed inside the valve seat member5in a state of being locked by the annular locking part5eof the valve seat member5(SeeFIG.5B.)

Thus, the valve body6cis in contact with the valve opening5ato be in a closed state, and the valve rod6dat the center is in a state of slightly protruding forward from the valve opening5a.

As described above, in the state where the valve body member6is attached to the valve seat member5, the annular protrusion6eof the valve body member6is housed in the annular groove5jformed on the valve seat member5, and the first annular protrusion5hof the valve seat member5is housed in the annular groove6fof the valve body member6. Then, the second annular protrusion5gof the valve seat member5is located at the outside of the annular protrusion6e. With this configuration, a meandering liquid flow passage3ais formed between the valve seat member5and the valve body member6, as the flow of the application liquid is shown by an arrow inFIG.6. The meandering liquid flow passage3ais formed just before the inner plug (valve)3bwhich is formed between the valve seat5kof the valve seat member5and the valve body6cof the valve body member6.

With the liquid flow passage3a, for example, the total length of the gap (the first flow passage through the fourth flow passage to be described later) formed between the annular protrusions5gand5hof the valve seat member5and the annular protrusion6eof the valve body member6changes in response to the retracting operation of the valve body6cdue to the application pressure applied to the valve rod6dof the valve body member6. In other words, the total length of the gap in the liquid flow passage3abecomes smaller as the application pressure applied to the valve body member6increases.

Then, the flow resistance to the application liquid decreases, and the supply amount of the application liquid, which cannot solely be controlled appropriately by the degree of opening of the inner plug (valve)3b, can be controlled in the liquid flow passage3a.

Further, in cases where a liquid having a low viscosity and low surface tension, in particular, is used as an application liquid, an applicator can be presented in which the liquid flow passage3acontrols the excessive flow of the application liquid with an appropriate flow resistance and prevents a sudden flowing out of the liquid from the application member7.

FIGS.9A through9Cshow a single-item constitutional view of an application member7constituting the application unit3.

The application member7is formed of flexible foamed sheet material. As the foamed sheet material, open-cell-foam polyurethane or polyethylene material, and further, rubber sponge are preferably employed, but the use of foamed urethane is desirable from the view of durability.

For the application member7, a circularly-cut foamed sheet material is used; a spherical convex portion7aat the center, a short-length cylindrical portion7bwhich is formed at the periphery of the spherical convex portion7a, and an annular flange portion7coutwarding at the edge of the cylindrical portion7bare formed, by conforming the front side shape of the valve seat member5.

At the portion of the application member7where the spherical convex portion7ais formed at the center, the thickness of the foamed sheet material is kept as it is, and the short-length cylindrical portion7bat its periphery and the flange portion7care formed by press processing, for example, such that the thickness thereof is thinner than that of the spherical convex portion7a.

FIGS.10A through10Cshow the application unit7shown inFIGS.9A through9Cis partially deformed by being attached to the application unit3shown inFIGS.5A through5C.

In other words, on the rear side of the spherical convex portion7a, a recess7dis formed that is deformed by the tip portion of the valve rod6dwhich protrudes from the central part of the valve seat member5as shown inFIG.10C. On the rear side of the spherical convex portion7a, an annular recess7eis formed along the inside of the cylindrical portion7bso as to surround the recess7dof the central portion. This is formed by deforming by being in contact with the annular protrusion5fprotruding toward the front side of the valve seat member5.

On the front side of the annular flange portion7c, a large number of recesses7fby the multiple small protrusions8dwhich are formed on the support ring for the application member8deformed by being pressed by the support ring for the application member8side to be described later. Further, on the rear side of the flange portion7c, a groove7gis formed by being pressed and deformed by the valve seat member5.

FIGS.11A through11Cshow a single-item constitutional view of the support ring for the application member8constituting the application unit3.

The support ring for the application member8supports the planar application member7along its periphery by pressing the periphery of the application member7attached to the front side of the valve seat member5along the front side periphery of the valve seat member5.

The support ring for the application member8is formed of a resin material and has a tapered surface8awhose outer diameter slightly reduces from the rear side to the front side. Inside thereof, an annular first step8band an annular second step8cwhose diameters slightly reduce from the rear side to the front side are concentrically formed.

Further, on the second step8c, multiple small protrusions8dprotruding toward the rear side are continuously formed along the circumference. The application member7, which is pressed to the front side of the valve seat member5by the support ring for the application member8, is supported by the multiple small protrusions8dwithout being loosened. The application unit3shown inFIGS.5A through5Cis constituted by welding the support ring for the application member8to the flange portion5dof the valve seat member5.

The application unit3is attached to the mouth2cof the container2using the tapered portion5cof the valve seat member5and fitted to attach to the mouth2cof the container2using the fitting portion5bof the valve seat member5(SeeFIG.3.)

FIGS.12A through12Cshow a single-item constitutional view of the cap4. The cap4is a cylindrical shape, one end of which is closed with a top surface4a, and on whose outer surface a large number of knurls4b, having groove-like recesses along the axial direction, are formed continuously in the circumferential direction.

Female threads4care formed on the inner circumferential surface at the opening side, and an annular protruding ridge4dwith a ring-like shape is formed protruding in the axial direction on the rear side of the top surface4a, located at the deep side of the female threads4c.

The cap4can be attached to the mouth2cby being put onto the mouth2cof the container2, then threading the female thread4cof the cap4to the male thread2eof the mouth2cas shown inFIG.3; this brings the applicator1in a storing state where the application member7of the application unit3is covered with the cap4.

At this time, since the annular protruding ridge4din the cap4is in contact with the support ring for the application member8of the application unit3to seal the application member, the volatilization of the solvent of the application liquid from the application member7is inhibited.

FIGS.13A through13C,FIG.14,FIGS.15A through15D, andFIGS.16A through16Eshow the application unit3of a second embodiment which is preferably usable for the applicator1of the present invention. In the second embodiment of the application unit3shown inFIGS.13A through13C,FIG.14,FIGS.15A through15D, andFIGS.16Athrough16E, the same referential signs are given to portions that perform the same functions as the portions of the application unit3described above shown inFIGS.5A through5C,FIG.6,FIGS.7A through7D, andFIGS.8A through8Edo. Thus, the detailed description of each portion will be appropriately omitted.

FIG.15Bis a cross-sectional view showing a single-item constitution of the valve seat member5of the application unit3of the second embodiment.

As shown inFIG.15B, the annular groove width of the annular groove5j, which is held between the inner first annular protrusion5hand the outer second annular protrusion5gboth concentrically formed, is configured to become narrower as toward the inner bottom of the annular groove5j.

In other words, the outer circumferential surfaces of the inner first annular projection5hand the inner circumferential surface of the outer second annular projection5g, which face each other through the annular groove5j, are tapered in cross-section with an approximately identical inclination angle to each other in the axial direction.

The inner surface of the first annular protrusion5hand the outer surface of the second annular protrusion5gare configured to be parallel to the axial direction of the valve seat member5; this is the same as the valve seat member5of the first embodiment shown inFIGS.7A through7D. Further, the configuration of the other portions of the valve seat member5shown inFIGS.15A through15Dof the application unit3of the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the other portions of the valve seat member5of the first embodiment shown inFIGS.7A through7D.

Meanwhile,FIG.16Eshows the cross-sectional view of the single-item constitution of the valve body member6of the application unit3of the second embodiment.

As shown inFIG.16E, the annular protrusion6eformed on the outside of the valve body6cprovided in the valve body member6is configured such that the inner surface and the outer surface of the annular protrusion6enarrow the width of the annular protrusion6etoward the upper portion of the protrusion.

In other words, the inner surface and the outer surface of the annular protrusion6ehave approximately the same inclination angle to each other with respect to the axial direction, and the width of the top portion is configured to become narrow, whereby the cross-section of the annular protrusion6eis a tapered shape.

When the application unit3is assembled, as shown inFIG.13B, the annular groove5jhaving a tapered cross-section formed between the first annular protrusion5hand the second annular protrusion of the valve seat member5is configured to face the annular protrusion6ehaving a tapered cross-section of the valve body member6with a slight gap.

The configuration of other portions of the valve body member6shown inFIGS.16A through16Eof the application unit3of the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the valve body member6of the first embodiment shown inFIGS.8A through8E.

An application liquid such as a cosmetic liquid or medicinal solution is contained in the container2of the applicator1. To the application liquid, to the extent not affecting the performance as a cosmetic liquid or medicinal solution, resins, cohesion/dispersion agents, extender pigments, complementary color pigments, surfactants, antiseptics, wetting agents, defoaming agents, rust inhibitors, pH adjusters, foam depressants, foam absorbers, shear viscosity reducing agents and viscosity modifiers can be added as needed.

In this case, the viscosity of the application liquid is desirably to be 0.1 to 1000 mPa·s. The viscosity of the liquid can be measured using a B-type viscometer (Brookfield, DV-II), for example, at a revolution number of 6 rpm with the T-E1 rotor under the environment of a temperature of 25° C. and humidity of 65% which is compliant with ISO554:1976 (standard atmosphere for conditioning and/or testing).

Further, liquids with low viscosity in a range from 0.1 to 10−6Pa·s of alcohols such as ethanol, isopropanol, poly-hydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, or purified water can be stored. The liquid may contain different ingredients depending on the intended use. In the case of pharmaceuticals, antiphlogistic analgesic ingredients (e.g., felbinac, indomethacin, glycol salicylate), antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine hydrochloride, chlorpheniramine maleate), blood circulation promoting ingredients (e.g., nonanoic acid vanillyl amide), refreshing agents (e.g., 1-menthol), preservatives, stabilizers, pH adjusters are listed. For cosmetics, antiperspirant ingredients (e.g., aluminum chlorohydrate, zinc para-phenol sulfonate), germicidal ingredients (e.g., benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride), deodorant ingredients (e.g.,Sophora flavescensextract, etc.), fragrances, and others are listed.

In the case where the above-described content liquid is used, the application member is made of low-density polyethylene, which is excellent in absorbing/releasing characteristics of the application liquid and has strength and a good touch feeling. The low-density polyethylene may be any one of high-pressure low-density polyethylene or linear low-density polyethylene, and the density is normally 0.910 to 0.930 g/cm3. The average pore size is preferably 50 to 180 μm because if too large, the retention of the impregnated application liquid decreases and is prone to drip, and if too small, the permeability and release properties of the application liquid decrease. The average pore size is measured with a mercury-penetration porosimeter. The bulk density (value of the weight of the application member divided by the apparent volume thereof) of the application member is preferably 0.15 to 0.25 g/cm3because if it is too large, the permeability and release properties are reduced, and if it is too small, the retention of the application liquid is reduced. Furthermore, the application member is preferably made of an open-cell foam having an open-cell ratio equal to or higher than 70% measured based on ASTM D 1940-62T, whereby the absorbent/release and retention properties of the application liquid can be excellent. The thickness of the application member is preferably 0.5 to 3.5 mm, because if it is too thick, the deformation due to swelling is likely to increase and the release properties of the application liquid are likely to decrease, while if it is too thin, the touch feeling is likely to deteriorate.

In the application unit3of the applicator1of the embodiment described above, an inner plug (valve)3bis mounted which is composed of a funnel-shaped valve seat5kof the valve seat member5and a valve body6chaving a cone-shaped face of the valve body member6.

The valve rod6dof the valve body member6can be retracted while resisting the biasing force of the spring member6bthrough the application member7by pressing the application member7against the application surface. Thereby the seal of the valve body6cto the valve opening5ais released, and the application liquid in the container2is supplied and absorbed by the application member7. Then, application is performed by the exuding of application liquid from the application member7to the application surface.

In this situation, the liquid flow passage3aof the application liquid having a meandering shape is formed just before the inner plug3bof the application unit3; the liquid flow passage3acan inhibit an excessive flow of the application liquid and prevent the sudden flowing out of the liquid from the application member7, as described previously.

The relationship between the considerations on the flow resistance (pressure loss) due to the liquid flow passage3ahaving a cross-section of an annulus (annular shape) to the application liquid and evaluation of the appropriate discharge amount (flow rate) of the application liquid using the actual applicator will be described below.

FIGS.17to19are partially enlarged cross-sectional views illustrating the liquid flow passage formed between the valve seat member5and the valve body member6;FIG.17shows the liquid flow passage formed in the conventional application unit that is described based onFIG.21for comparison.FIG.18illustrates the liquid flow passage formed in the application unit3of the first embodiment shown inFIG.6. Furthermore,FIG.19shows the liquid flow passage formed in the application unit3of the second embodiment shown inFIG.14.

In the description below, the shape of the flow passage shown inFIG.17is called blank, the shape of the flow passage shown inFIG.18is called straight clearance, and the shape of the flow passage shown inFIG.19is called tapered clearance.

Principal regions including flow resistance in respective shapes inFIG.17throughFIG.19are shown with signs F1, F2, F3, and F4. These four positions communicated in series with each other in a meandering manner are called the first flow passage through the fourth flow passage; the positions of the disposition of these flow passages are identified as follows:

The first flow passage (F1): A flow passage formed between the valve seat5kof the valve seat member5constituting the application unit3and the valve body6cof the valve body member6, which confronts the valve seat5k.

The second low passage (F2): A flow passage formed between the circumferential surface of the cylinder6gconnected to the periphery of the valve body6cof the valve body member6and the inner circumferential surface of the first annular protrusion5hformed in connection to the periphery of the valve seat5k.

The third low passage (F3): A flow passage formed between the outer circumferential surface of the first annular protrusion5hand the inner circumferential surface of the annular protrusion6econcentrically formed outside the cylinder6gin the valve seat member5.

The fourth flow passage (F4): A flow passage formed between the outside of the annular protrusion6eof the valve body member6and the inside of the second annular protrusion5gconcentrically formed outside of the first annular protrusion5hof the valve seat member5.

The length of the flow passage and the cross-sectional areas of the flow passages of the first flow passage through the fourth flow passage vary depending on the pushing amount (valve stroke) of the valve rod6dof the valve body member6. The numerical values of the gap dimension and the length dimension indicated inFIGS.17to19with signs A to D are given in Table 1 as values corresponding to valve strokes of 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, and 1.5 mm.

TABLE 1BlankStraight ClearanceTapered ClearanceStrokeStrokeStrokeStrokeStrokeStrokeStrokeStrokeStroke0.5 mm1.0 mm1.5 mm0.5 mm1.0 mm1.5 mm0.5 mm1.0 mm1.5 mmA0.34 mm0.68 mm1.02 mm0.34mm0.68mm1.02mm0.34mm0.68mm1.02mmB———1.4mm0.9mm0.4mm1.4mm0.9mm0.4mmC———0.1mm0.1mm0.1mm0.1mm0.1mm0.1mmD———0.1mm0.1mm0.1mm0.12mm0.29mm0.37mm

As for the straight clearance shown inFIG.18, as the valve stroke changes, the value A in Table 1 changes as well as the value B. In contrast, as for the tapered clearance shown inFIG.19, as the valve stroke changes, the value A changes as well as the value B and further the value D. In other words, as for the straight clearance, the length of the flow passage changes as the valve stroke changes. In contrast to this, as for the tapered clearance, the length of the flow passage changes, and further the cross-sectional area of the flow passage, as the valve stroke changes.

Thus, the preferred pressure loss the application unit3has is to be obtained by verifying the relationship between the total sum of the straight pipe pressure loss (total pressure loss) of the first flow passage through the fourth flow passage, which is obtained by calculating the straight pipe pressure loss of each of the first flow passages to the fourth flow passage, and the degree of dispense of the application liquid against the applied pressure value to the container2by the actual article of the applicator1.

The straight pipe pressure loss is obtained based on the following conditions:1. Each flow passage is denoted a first flow passage, a second flow passage, a third flow passage, and a fourth flow passage from the application member7of the application unit3toward the container2thereof;2. The cross-sectional area (an average value) and the length of flow passage at each valve stroke (0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, and 1.5 mm) are obtained;3. Each flow passage is regarded as a straight pipe obtained based on the area;4. No pressure loss at each flow passage (outlet and inlet, expanded or reduced, and bending) shall be considered;5. The measurement of flow resistance indicates that the flow is laminar.

In obtaining the straight pipe pressure loss, each measurement position at the valve seat member5and the valve body member6are shown inFIGS.20A and20B; the value at each measurement position is as follows:

D⁢1=⌀8,D⁢2=⌀9.8,D⁢3=⌀11.8,D⁢4=⌀13.0,H⁢1=2.mm,D⁢6=⌀8.5,D⁢7=⌀9.9,D⁢8=⌀11.7,and⁢⁢H⁢2=2.mm.

The straight pipe pressure loss is inversely proportional to the square of the cross-sectional area of the flow passage and proportional to the length of the flow passage, according to Darcy-Weisbach's Eq. 1. Eq. 1 can be expanded as Eq. 2, and further, the pressure loss per the flow rate 1 m3/s is rewritten as Eq. 3.

Δ⁢P=32⁢μ⁢Lv/d2,Eq.1Δ⁢P=32⁢μ⁢LR/Sd2,Eq.2Δ⁢P/R=32⁢μ⁢L/Sd2,Eq.3
where ΔP is the pressure loss (Pa), R is the flow rate (m3/s), μ is the viscosity of the application liquid, L is a representative length (m) of the flow passage, S is a representative cross-sectional area (m2) of the flow passage, and d is the hydraulic diameter (m).

The hydraulic diameter d is calculated in the embodiment from the annulus (circular pipe) shape and the annulus d is defined as d=dout−din, where dout is the outer diameter and din is the inner diameter.

As the viscosity of the application liquid (μ), the viscosity of alcohol μ=1.096 mPa·s=1.096×10−3Pa·s is used. Further, the flow rate is R=1 mL/s=10−6m3/s, and the flow velocity is v=R/S (m/s).

Foamed urethane is used as the application member7in the application unit3here; the flow resistance of the application member7made of foamed urethane is small due to the large cross-sectional area and the short flow passage. The flow resistance is equal to or less than 0.1 kPa/(mL/s) according to the measured value. Thus, since the value of the flow resistance due to the application member7is extremely small compared to each value of the first flow passage through the fourth flow passage, it can be ignored.

Table 2 shows the values of the individual pressure loss of each of the first flow passages to the fourth flow passage calculated by Eq. 3 for the blank case inFIG.17, the straight clearance case inFIG.18, and the tapered clearance case inFIG.19.

Further, in Table 2, the verification results of the flow rate of the application liquid by the actual application unit3and the evaluation results of the obtainment of the range of the appropriate pressure loss (total pressure loss) are also shown.

TABLE 2BlankStraight Clearance (First Embodiment)ComparativeComparativeExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 2123Stroke Length (mm)1.51.51.51.51.5Flow Passage 1Outer Diameter at the Center (mm)9.879.879.879.879.87Inner Diameter at the Center (mm)7.827.827.827.827.82Average Length (mm)1.691.691.691.691.69Area of Flow Passage (mm2)28.3828.3828.3828.3828.38Length of Flow Passage (mm)1.691.691.891.691.69Hydraulic Diameter (m) dh =2.04E−032.04E−032.04E−032.04E−032.04E−03Dout − Din (Annulus)Pressure Loss (m3/s)5.00E+055.00E+055.00E+055.00E+055.00E+05Flow Passage 2Outer Diameter at the Center (mm)8.608.808.608.60Inner Diameter at the Center (mm)8.568.508.408.30Average Length (mm)0.400.400.400.40Area of Flow Passage (mm2)0.541.342.673.98Length of Flow Passage (mm)0.400.400.400.40Hydraulic Diameter (m) dh =4.00E−051.00E−042.00E−043.00E−04Dout − Din (Annulus)Pressure Loss (m3/s)1.83E+101.05E+091.31E+083.92E+07Flow Passage 3Outer Diameter at the Center (mm)10.0010.0010.0010.00Inner Diameter at the Center (mm)9.969.909.809.70Average Length (mm)0.400.400.400.40Area of Flow Passage (mm2)0.631.583.114.64Length of Flow Passage (mm)0.400.400.400.40Hydraulic Diameter (m) dh =4.00E−051.00E−042.00E−043.00E−04Dout − Din (Annulus)Pressure Loss (m3/s)1.40E+108.98E+081.13E+083.36E+07Flow Passage 4Outer Diameter at the Center (mm)11.8011.8011.8011.80Inner Diameter at the Center (mm)11.7611.7011.6011.50Average Length (mm)0.400.400.400.40Area of Flow Passage (mm2)0.741.843.675.49Length of Flow Passage (mm)0.400.400.400.40Hydraulic Diameter (m) dh =4.00E−051.00E−042.00E−043.00E−04Dout − Din (Annulus)Pressure Loss (m3/s)1.19E+107.60E+089.55E+072.84E+07Total Pressure Loss (Pa/(m3/s))5.00E+054.21E+102.70E+093.40E+081.02E+08Flow Rate under pressure at 10 kPa (mL/s)200050.243.72998Flow Rate under pressure at 5 kPa (mL/s)100030.121.851549Evaluation(Under Pressure): ×1000 mL/s ⬆ExcessAppropriateAppropriateAppropriateAppropriateEvaluation(Normal) ×1 mL/s ↓AppropriateNon-practicalAppropriateAppropriateAppropriateTapered ClearanceStraight Clearance (First Embodiment)(Second Embodiment)ExampleComparativeExample4Example 35Stroke Length (mm)1.51.51.5Flow Passage 1Outer Diameter at the Center (mm)9.879.879.87Inner Diameter at the Center (mm)7.827.827.82Average Length (mm)1.691.691.69Area of Flow Passage (mm2)28.3828.3828.38Length of Flow Passage (mm)1.691.891.69Hydraulic Diameter (m) dh =2.04E−032.04E−032.04E−03Dout − Din (Annulus)Pressure Loss (m3/s)5.00E+055.00E+055.00E+05Flow Passage 2Outer Diameter at the Center (mm)8.608.808.60Inner Diameter at the Center (mm)8.207.608.40Average Length (mm)0.400.400.40Area of Flow Passage (mm2)5.2812.722.67Length of Flow Passage (mm)0.400.400.40Hydraulic Diameter (m) dh =4.00E−041.00E−032.00E−04Dout − Din (Annulus)Pressure Loss (m3/s)1.66E+071.10E+061.30E+08Flow Passage 3Outer Diameter at the Center (mm)10.0010.0010.78Inner Diameter at the Center (mm)9.609.0010.03Average Length (mm)0.400.400.30Area of Flow Passage (mm2)6.1514.9212.26Length of Flow Passage (mm)0.400.400.30Hydraulic Diameter (m) dh =4.00E−041.00E−037.50E−04Dout − Din (Annulus)Pressure Loss (m3/s)1.42E+079.41E+051.55E+08Flow Passage 4Outer Diameter at the Center (mm)11.8011.8012.91Inner Diameter at the Center (mm)11.4010.8012.17Average Length (mm)0.400.400.30Area of Flow Passage (mm2)7.2817.7414.85Length of Flow Passage (mm)0.400.400.30Hydraulic Diameter (m) dh =4.00E−041.00E−037.44E−04Dout − Din (Annulus)Pressure Loss (m2/s)1.20E+077.91E+051.31E+06Total Pressure Loss (Pa/(m3/s))4.34E+073.33E+081.33E+08Flow Rate under pressure at 10 kPa (mL/s)230299975Flow Rate under pressure at 5 kPa (mL/s)115160037Evaluation(Under Pressure): ×1000 mL/s ⬆AppropriateExcessAppropriateEvaluation(Normal) ×1 mL/s ↓AppropriateAppropriateAppropriate

Each pressure loss in Table 2 of the first flow passage through the fourth flow passage is calculated using Eq. 3, with an example that the amount of pushing-in (valve stroke) of the valve body6cconstituting the inner plug3b(valve) is 1.5 mm that is the stroke length when the valve is opened most largely.

In Table 2, the blank case is shown as a Comparative Example 1, the straight clearance case lists the Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 2 and 3, and the tapered clearance case is shown as the Example 5.

The first flow passage shown in Table 2 is a flow passage formed by the inner plug3b(valve) and the numerical values in each corresponding position are the same in all of the Examples 1 to 5 and the Comparative Examples 1 to 3.

In Comparative Example 1, Examples 1 to 5, and Comparative Example 2 in the straight clearance case, the numerical values of the respective inner diameters at the center in each of the second passage through the fourth flow passage are set to gradually decrease, and the calculated pressure loss corresponding to the inner diameter at the center is shown in an Excel exponential notation. Further, the sum of the pressure loss due to each of the first flow passage through the fourth flow passage is shown as a total pressure loss in an Excel exponential notation.

The inner diameter at the center of the second flow passage corresponds to the diameter D6shown inFIG.20B, the inner diameter at the center of the third flow passage corresponds to the diameter D2shown inFIG.20A, and the inner diameter at the center of the fourth flow passage corresponds to the diameter D8shown inFIG.20B.

In Table 2, the “flow rate under pressure at 10 kPa” and the “flow rate under pressure at 5 kPa” are shown; this means the amount of the application liquid flowing out through the application unit3(an average value of n=3 using ethanol) when the container2composed of a squeeze bottle is pressurized.

When the outflow amount of the application liquid at 10 kPa pressure exceeds 1000 mL/s, the application liquid is considered to be excessively dispensed (excessive exuding), and “Excess” is written in the “Evaluation (at pressure)” column, and an “Appropriate” is written if the outflow amount is 1000 mL/s or less.

When the outflow amount of the application liquid at 5 kPa pressure is less than 1 mL/s, the dispense is considered too little and out of practical use, and “Non-practical”is given in the “Evaluation (normal)” column, an “Appropriate” is given if the outflow amount is 1 mL/s or more.

When both the “Evaluation (at pressure)” column and “Evaluation (normal)” column are given with “Appropriate”, an appropriate pressure loss is given to the liquid flow passages; a preferable applicator is considered to be obtained in which a sudden dispense of application liquid can be prevented under the pressure of 10 kPa and a practically appropriate supply of application liquid can be supplied under the normal condition of 5 kPa.

Although Examples 1 to 5 are considered to satisfy the preferred applicator condition with a reasonable pressure loss to the liquid flow passages as shown in Table 2, the sum of the pressure loss of the liquid flow passages per 1 m3/s in the examples is in the range of 4.34E+07=4.34×107to 2.70E+09=2.70×109.

Since the sum of pressure loss for the non-preferred applicator condition is from 5.00E+05=5.00×105to 3.33E+06=3.33×106and 4.21E+10=4.21×1010, it is appropriate to set the sum of pressure loss of flow passages per 1 m3/s to be 1×107Pa·s or greater and less than 1×1010Pa·s.

This makes it possible to provide an applicator that can control excessive flow of the application liquid and prevent sudden outflow of the application liquid from the application member, even when the aforementioned ethanol or the like, which has particularly low viscosity and surface tension, is used as the application liquid.

In an applicator equipped with this type of application unit3having a liquid flow passage3awhose cross-sectional shape is annulus (annular shape) as described above, the pressure loss per 1 m3/s of the flow passage can be calculated by Eq. 3 based on the viscosity of the contained application liquid.

Therefore, by setting the total pressure loss due to the individual channels in the range of 1×107Pa·s or more and less than 1×1010Pa·s, it is possible to obtain an applicator that can prevent sudden liquid flow out of the application member, which can contribute to the design of the flow passages.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1applicator2container2cmouth3application unit3aliquid flow passage3binner plug (valve)4cap5valve seat member5avalve opening (application liquid outlet)5gsecond annular protrusion5hfirst annular protrusion5jannular groove5kvalve seat6valve body member6bspring member6cvalve body6dvalve rod6eannular protrusion (third annular protrusion)6fannular groove6gcylinder7application member8support ring for the application member11packaging sheet11abody-side sheet11bcap-side removing sheet