WO2004011345A1

WO2004011345A1 - Discharge member and container provided with the same

Info

Publication number: WO2004011345A1
Application number: PCT/JP2003/009572
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yasushi Kawashiro; Yuji Sugahara
Original assignee: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; Otsuka Techno Corporation
Priority date: 2002-07-31
Filing date: 2003-07-29
Publication date: 2004-02-05
Also published as: BR0313111A; CN100390027C; MY140596A; JPWO2004011345A1; HK1083210A1; HK1083210B; EP1541487A1; CA2493365A1; MXPA05001236A; AR045969A1; TW200404716A; CN1671601A; TWI294396B; AU2003248136A1; KR20050029245A; US20060043116A1

Abstract

A discharge member from which liquid filled in a flexible container is discharged by pressing the container and a container provided with the discharge member on a mouth portion of the container are disclosed. The discharge member comprises a discharge portion with a substantially cylinder-like or substantially bowl-like form provided with a discharge hole in the bottom; a valve body formed of an elastic body which valve body closes the discharge hole and/or a flow passage in the discharge portion connected to the discharge hole when the valve body is not subjected to liquid pressure and opens the discharge hole and/or the passage when the valve body is deformed by liquid pressure; and an air vent connected to the discharge hole and the flow passage through an air-vent filter. The valve body can be deformed by liquid pressure that is lower than liquid passing pressure of the air-vent filter, and the discharge hole and/or the flow passage cannot be opened by passing pressure of air from outside to the air vent filter.

Description

ø month, e word

Discharge member and container with it

The present invention relates to a discharge member for discharging a liquid content filled in a flexible container by pressing the container, and a container provided with the discharge member. Background art

In a container such as an eye drop container that is used by dripping the content liquid, for example, a discharge member 150 shown in FIGS. 41A and 41B is used. This discharge member 150 is attached to the mouth part 152 a of the container body 152, and the inner diameter of the discharge hole 151 is formed by discharging the content liquid by pressing the container body 152. It is set so that the content liquid is not discharged when the container body 15 2 is not pressed, and the diameter of the discharge port 15 3 It is set to a size that can be held in the state.

In the container shown in Fig. 41, there is a high possibility that microorganisms such as bacteria, dust, and dust adhere to the discharge port 153. Particularly in the case of eye drops, the discharge port is formed by contact with the cornea and eyelids. Microorganisms are extremely likely to adhere to 153. In addition, after the content liquid is discharged from the container, outside air is taken in from the discharge port 153 in order to restore the container main body 152 deformed by pressing, so that, for example, FIGS. 42 (a) and (b) As shown in, there is a risk that microorganisms, dust, etc. attached to the discharge port 1553 may flow back into the container body 152 together with the content liquid (ophthalmic solution) 1555 remaining at the discharge port 1553. In FIG. 42 (b), reference numeral 156 indicates a bubble in the content liquid (ophthalmic solution) 155.

If microorganisms, dust, etc. enter the inside of the container body, it may cause decay or deterioration of the liquid content.For example, benzalkonium chloride, parabens, etc., as preservatives, are incorporated in the ophthalmic solution contained in the ophthalmic container. Have been. However, depending on the type of the ophthalmic solution, it may be difficult to formulate a preservative containing the preservative, or the preservative may cause side effects such as allergic effects on the user of the ophthalmic solution. Therefore, avoid using preservatives, or limit their use. Reduction of power is being considered.

For example, in recent years, so-called single-use ophthalmic containers in which only a very small amount of ophthalmic solution is hermetically sealed without using a preservative have been provided. Although this ophthalmic container makes it possible to use no preservatives, it is limited to specific applications due to the cost problem and is not widely used.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-80055 (Japan) describes a discharge container with a filter that employs a so-called delaminated bottle that includes an outer layer and an inner layer that is provided on the inner surface so as to be peelable. Have been. According to this discharge container, even after the discharge of the content liquid, it is possible to prevent outside air from flowing into the container from the discharge port, so that it is possible to prevent bacteria from being mixed into the content liquid. However, in order to cope with a change in the internal pressure of the container due to the discharge of the content liquid, it is necessary to provide an easily deformable inner container composed of the above-mentioned inner layer, and there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of the container increases.

—On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-017-1709 (Japan) ゃ Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 201001-2064 It describes an antibacterial container in which a porous filter, which is not capable of passing dust and the like, is disposed at a discharge port. However, if the porous filter is dried in a state in which the chemical solution or the like is impregnated, the filter may be clogged by a solute in the chemical solution. In particular, the ophthalmic solution may be a suspension depending on the application, and in such a case, the problem of clogging is more likely to occur. Further, in the containers described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-179907 (Japan) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-204654 (Japan), a metal filter is used as a porous filter. A sintered body or a resin sintered body is used, but in this case, there is a possibility that the fine particles of the sintered body are mixed with the chemical solution and discharged from the container. Disclosure of the invention

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a member at the mouth of a container for discharging the liquid content as droplets, to prevent backflow of the internal solution, and to allow air to flow into the container after the discharging operation. By providing a discharge member that can aseptically realize M

Another object of the present invention is to eliminate or suppress the compounding of a chemical for preventing decay or deterioration of the content liquid, and to discharge the liquid even if the content liquid is a suspension. An object of the present invention is to provide a container capable of realizing a smooth discharge without causing clogging at an outlet.

(Discharge member)

A discharge member according to the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems has a bottomed substantially cylindrical or bowl-shaped discharge portion having a discharge hole at a bottom portion, and the discharge hole side is defined as a downstream side. Closes the discharge hole and Z or the flow path in the discharge part connected to the discharge hole without receiving the hydraulic pressure, and deforms when receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream to deform the discharge hole and / or the flow path. A valve body made of an elastic body, and a ventilation hole connected to a flow path on the upstream side of the valve body via a ventilation filter. And the opening of the discharge hole and / or the flow path is not achieved by an external ventilation pressure to the ventilation filter.

In the discharge member of the present invention, the valve body that controls the closing and opening of the discharge hole and the flow path is made of an elastic body, and is configured to receive the discharge hole and / or the flow while receiving no hydraulic pressure from the upstream side. The passage is closed, and when receiving hydraulic pressure from the upstream side, it deforms and opens the discharge hole and / or the flow passage. When the discharge holes and Z or the flow path are opened, the discharge hole and the upstream side of the discharge portion (specifically, a container body such as an eye drop container connected to the discharge member of the present invention) are formed. By communicating with each other, discharge of a chemical solution or the like from the discharge hole can be realized.

In order to achieve the discharge of a drug solution or the like from the discharge hole in the discharge member of the present invention, for example, pressure may be applied to a container body such as an eye drop container connected to the discharge member. With this pressurization, the liquid pressure of the content liquid (chemical solution, etc.) is applied to the valve body of the discharge member from the upstream side, whereby the valve body is deformed and the discharge hole and / or the flow path is formed. Be released. On the other hand, after the above-described discharge operation is completed, the deformed container body tries to flow outside air from the ventilation holes in order to restore its shape. Here, according to the discharge member of the present invention, the vent hole communicating with the flow path of the content liquid is provided. Since the ventilation filter is provided, inflow of air into the container after the discharging operation can be aseptically achieved.

After the discharge operation is completed, the negative pressure generated inside the container body connected to the discharge member for allowing the outside air to flow has an effect of accelerating the restoration operation of the deformed valve element. Therefore, the gap (flow path) formed between the valve element and the discharge part by performing the discharge operation is immediately closed by removing the pressurization to the container body, and the present invention The valve element in the discharge member acts as a check valve.

Embodiments of the ejection member according to the present invention include, for example, first to fifth embodiments described below.

(First Embodiment)

The first discharge member according to the present invention includes a bottomed substantially cylindrical or bowl-shaped discharge portion having a discharge hole at a bottom portion, and a discharge portion disposed in the discharge portion, wherein the discharge hole side is a downstream side. A valve body made of an elastic body, which closes the discharge hole in a state where the discharge pressure is not received from the upstream side, and is compressed and deformed to open the discharge hole when receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side; A locking section disposed inside the section and defining a flow path between the inner surface of the discharge section and fixing the valve element on the upstream side; and a flow path on the upstream side of the valve element via a ventilation filter. And a connecting vent, wherein the compression deformation of the valve body is achieved by a fluid pressure lower than the fluid pressure of the vent filter, and the opening of the discharge port and / or the flow path is provided to the vent filter. It cannot be achieved by external ventilation pressure. I do.

In the first discharge member, the valve body made of an elastic body disposed inside the discharge section controls closing and opening of the flow path using the discharge hole as a valve seat. This valve element closes the discharge hole in a state where it is not receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side, and when it receives the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side, it compressively deforms to open the discharge hole. As a result of the opening of the discharge hole, the discharge hole communicates with the flow path defined between the inner surface of the discharge portion and the locking portion, thereby realizing discharge of a chemical solution or the like from the discharge portion. can do. In the first discharge member, in order to realize the discharge of the chemical solution or the like from the discharge holes, pressure may be applied to the container body connected to the discharge member in the same manner as described above. . When the valve is restored after the discharge operation, the air can be aseptically introduced from the ventilation filter, and the restoration operation of the valve that has been deformed by the negative pressure that tries to allow the outside air to be accelerated ( Therefore, the fact that the valve body can act as a check valve) is the same as in the case described above.

In the first discharge member, since the compression deformation of the valve body is achieved by a liquid pressure lower than the liquid pressure of the ventilation filter, liquid leakage does not occur in the ventilation hole during the discharge operation. In addition, since the opening of the discharge hole and / or the flow path in the discharge portion connected to the discharge hole cannot be achieved by the external ventilation pressure to the ventilation filter, the discharge hole is used instead of the ventilation hole when the container body is restored. There is no possibility that outside air flows in from the outlet or the contents liquid leaks out of the discharge holes. Therefore, according to the first discharge member of the present invention, the discharge process and the discharge process can be performed while preventing the liquid discharged from the discharge hole from flowing backward and the microorganisms and dust accompanying the discharge from entering the upstream side to a high degree. Restoration of the container after operation can be performed smoothly.

In the first discharge member, it is preferable that the valve body and the locking portion are integrally formed. By integrally molding the valve body and the locking portion, the production process of the discharge member can be made more efficient. As a method of integrally molding the valve body and the locking portion, for example, multicolor molding insert molding is used.

(Second embodiment)

The second discharge member according to the present invention includes a bottomed substantially cylindrical or bowl-shaped discharge portion having a discharge hole at a bottom portion, a valve seat fixed in the discharge portion, and an inner surface of the discharge portion. When the discharge port is fixed to the downstream side, the flow path connected to the discharge port by contacting the valve seat from the downstream side in a state where the fluid pressure is not received from the upstream side is closed. When receiving fluid pressure from the side, it compresses and deforms to open a flow path between the valve and the valve seat. A substantially cylindrical valve body made of an elastic body, and a flow upstream from the valve body via a ventilation filter And a vent hole connected to a passage, wherein the compression deformation of the valve body is achieved by a fluid pressure smaller than the fluid pressure of the vent filter, and the opening of the discharge hole and / or the flow path is transmitted to the vent filter. Not achieved by external ventilation pressure . In the second discharge member, a valve body made of an elastic body disposed inside the discharge part is paired with a valve seat part also disposed inside the discharge part to close and open the flow passage. Control. The valve body abuts on the valve seat without receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side, and closes a flow path connecting the discharge hole and the upstream side of the discharge portion. On the other hand, when it receives hydraulic pressure from the upstream side, it undergoes compressive deformation and forms a gap with the valve seat (opens the gap with the valve seat). As a result of the formation of the gap between the valve seat and the valve seat, the flow path between the upstream side of the valve body and the discharge hole communicates with each other, so that the discharge of a chemical solution or the like from the discharge hole can be realized.

In the second discharge member, in order to discharge a chemical solution or the like from the discharge holes, pressure may be applied to the container body connected to the discharge member, as described above. When the valve is restored after the discharge operation, the air can be aseptically introduced from the ventilation filter, and the restoration operation of the valve that has been deformed by the negative pressure that tries to allow the outside air to be accelerated ( Therefore, the fact that the valve body can act as a check valve) is the same as in the case described above. In the second discharge member, since the compression deformation of the valve body is achieved by a liquid pressure lower than the liquid pressure of the ventilation filter, liquid leakage does not occur in the ventilation hole during the discharge operation. In addition, since the opening of the discharge hole and Z or the flow passage in the discharge portion connected to the discharge hole cannot be achieved by the external ventilation pressure to the ventilation filter, the discharge hole is used instead of the ventilation hole when the container body is restored. There is no possibility that outside air flows in from the outlet or the contents liquid leaks out of the discharge holes.

Therefore, according to the second discharge member of the present invention, the discharge process and discharge can be performed while preventing the liquid discharged from the discharge holes from flowing backward and invading microorganisms and dust to the upstream side. Restoration of the container after operation can be performed smoothly.

In the second discharge member, the valve body is fixed to the inner surface of the discharge part from the viewpoint of strictly closing and opening the flow path. Therefore, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the valve body and the discharge portion are formed by integral molding. By integrally molding the valve body and the locking part, both are securely fixed and

Thus, the production process of the discharge member can be made more efficient. The valve body and discharge section are integrated 3 009572

As a method of shaping, for example, multicolor molding insert molding can be mentioned.

(Third embodiment)

A third discharge member according to the present invention includes a bottomed substantially cylindrical or bowl-shaped discharge portion having a discharge hole at a bottom portion, and a discharge portion disposed in the discharge portion, wherein the discharge hole side is a downstream side. Elasticity that closes the discharge hole or the flow path leading to the discharge hole without receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side, and expands and deforms to open the discharge hole or the flow path when receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side. A valve body comprising: a valve body; and a ventilation hole connected to a flow path upstream of the valve body via a ventilation filter, wherein the expansion deformation of the valve body is smaller than the hydraulic pressure of the ventilation filter. Pressure, and the opening of the discharge hole or the flow path is not achieved by an external ventilation pressure to the ventilation filter.

In the third discharge member, an elastic body disposed inside the discharge portion controls the closing and opening of the discharge hole or the flow path. This valve element closes the discharge hole or the flow path leading to the discharge hole without receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side, and when receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side, it expands and deforms, and the discharge hole or the flow path is closed. Open. As a result of the opening of the discharge hole or the flow path, the flow path between the upstream side of the valve body and the discharge hole is communicated, so that the discharge of the chemical solution or the like from the discharge hole can be realized.

In the third discharge member, in order to realize the discharge of the chemical solution or the like from the discharge holes, pressure may be applied to the container body connected to the discharge member, as described above. When the valve is restored after the discharge operation, the air can be aseptically introduced from the ventilation filter, and the restoration operation of the valve that has been deformed by the negative pressure that tries to allow the outside air to be accelerated ( Therefore, the fact that the valve body can act as a check valve) is the same as in the case described above.

In the third discharge member, since the expansion deformation of the valve body is achieved by a liquid pressure lower than the liquid pressure of the ventilation filter, liquid leakage does not occur in the ventilation hole during the discharge operation. In addition, due to the structure of the valve body, such extension deformation is not caused by external pressure (thus, even if a pressure equivalent to the ventilation pressure of the ventilation filter is applied from the outside, the extension deformation is not achieved). When the container body is restored Two

In Fig. 8, there is no outside air flowing through the discharge hole instead of the vent hole, and consequently, the content liquid does not leak out of the discharge hole.

Therefore, according to the third discharge member of the present invention, the discharge processing is performed while preventing the liquid discharged from the discharge holes from flowing backward and invading microorganisms, dust and the like to the upstream side at a high level. And the restoration of the container after the discharge operation can be performed smoothly.

In the third discharge member according to the present invention, the valve body has a valve body fixed in the flow path and a protrusion at the discharge hole side end, and the protrusion at the valve body end is It engages with a ridge provided on the inner wall of the flow path connected to the discharge hole from the downstream side to close the flow path, and

Preferably, the valve body extends and deforms from the upstream side to the downstream side by hydraulic pressure to form a gap between the projection at the tip of the valve body and the ridge on the inner wall of the flow passage.

In this case, the projection at the tip of the valve body portion of the valve body is engaged with the ridge provided on the inner wall of the flow path from the downstream side without receiving the hydraulic pressure, and the flow path is closed. I have. On the other hand, when the valve element receives the hydraulic pressure, it expands and deforms downstream from the engagement position, so that the flow path is opened between the projection at the end of the valve main body and the projection on the inner wall of the flow path. Is done. After the discharge operation is completed and the fluid pressure is no longer applied to the valve body, the projection at the tip of the valve body returns to the upstream side due to the restoration of the valve body, so it re-engages with the ridge on the inner wall of the flow passage Then, the flow path is closed. As described above, the restoration operation of the valve body is accelerated by the negative pressure for introducing outside air, which is generated when the container body deformed by the discharge operation is restored.

(Fourth embodiment)

The fourth discharge member according to the present invention is configured such that the fourth discharge member abuts from the outer surface side of the bottom substantially cylindrical or bowl-shaped discharge portion having a discharge hole at the bottom, and flows down the discharge hole side. A valve body made of an elastic body that closes the discharge hole in a state where it is not receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side when receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side, and expands and deforms to open the discharge hole when receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side. And a ventilation hole connected to the discharge hole via a ventilation filter, wherein a hydraulic pressure in which the expansion deformation of the valve body is smaller than the hydraulic pressure of the ventilation filter And the opening of the discharge hole is not achieved by an external ventilation pressure to the ventilation filter.

In the fourth discharge member, a valve body made of an elastic body that comes into contact with the discharge hole from the outer surface side of the discharge part controls closing and opening of the discharge hole. This valve body closes the discharge hole in a state where it is not receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side, and when it receives the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side, it expands and deforms outside the discharge part (downstream side) (as a result, the valve body Radiate to the outside of the discharge section) to open the discharge hole. As a result of the opening of the discharge hole, the flow path between the upstream side of the valve body and the discharge hole communicates, and the discharge of the chemical solution or the like from the discharge hole can be realized.

In the fourth discharge member, in order to realize the discharge of the chemical solution or the like from the discharge holes, similarly as described above, pressure may be applied to the container body connected to the discharge member. When the valve is restored after the end of the discharge operation, the air can be aseptically introduced from the ventilation filter, and the restoration operation of the valve that has been deformed by the negative pressure that tries to let in the outside air is accelerated. (Thus, the valve element can be made to act as a check valve) is the same as the case described above.

In the fourth discharge member, since the expansion deformation of the valve body is achieved by the liquid pressure lower than the liquid pressure of the ventilation filter, the liquid may leak to the ventilation hole during the discharge operation. There is no. Moreover, such an expansion deformation does not occur due to an external pressure due to the structure of the valve body (thus, even if a pressure equivalent to the ventilation pressure of the ventilation filter is applied from the outside, the expansion deformation is not achieved). When the container body is restored, no outside air flows through the discharge hole instead of the vent hole, and accordingly, the content liquid does not leak from the discharge hole.

Therefore, according to the fourth discharge member of the present invention, the discharge process and the discharge process can be performed while preventing the backflow of the liquid discharged from the discharge hole and the accompanying invasion of microorganisms and dust to the upstream side. Restoration of the container after operation can be performed smoothly.

In the fourth discharge member according to the present invention, the discharge hole is defined by a substantially disk-shaped valve seat fixed in the discharge portion and a discharge portion inner wall surface that holds the valve seat. The valve element has a substantially annular thin portion and The thin portion is brought into contact with the valve seat from the outer surface side of the discharge portion to close the discharge hole, and the thin portion of the valve body is driven by hydraulic pressure when the discharge hole side is downstream. Then, it is preferable that the discharge hole is expanded and deformed downstream to open the discharge hole. In this case, the discharge hole of the valve body is closed by contacting a thin portion of the valve body with a substantially disk-shaped valve seat in a state where the valve body is not subjected to hydraulic pressure. The valve element expands and deforms downstream when receiving the hydraulic pressure (radiates outward from the discharge portion), and is partitioned between the substantially disc-shaped valve seat and the inner wall surface of the discharge portion holding the valve seat. Discharge holes are opened. After the discharge operation is completed and the hydraulic pressure is no longer applied to the valve element, the flow path is closed because the thin portion of the valve element again contacts the substantially disk-shaped valve seat. As described above, the restoration operation of the valve body is accelerated by the negative pressure for introducing outside air, which is generated when the container body deformed by the discharge operation is restored. In the fourth discharge member according to the present invention, it is preferable that the valve body is formed integrally with the outside of the discharge part. In this case, the production of the discharge member can be performed efficiently. The method of integrally molding the valve body and the discharge portion is not particularly limited, and various methods such as multicolor molding and insert molding can be adopted.

(Fifth embodiment)

A fifth discharge member according to the present invention includes a substantially cylindrical bottomed or substantially bowl-shaped discharge portion having a hole at the bottom, a substantially annular valve body, and a substantially annular thin portion provided at the tip thereof. A valve body made of an elastic body, wherein the valve body portion is fixed in the discharge portion while the thin portion is exposed to the outside of the discharge portion from the hole, and the valve is disposed in the discharge portion, and the valve is disposed in the discharge portion. A cylindrical valve body support portion that defines a discharge hole together with a body, and a flow passage that is connected to a flow path upstream of the valve body through a ventilation filter when the discharge hole side is a downstream side. The valve body is closed to the outer peripheral surface of the valve body supporting portion while the night time pressure is not received from the upstream side, and the discharge hole is closed. When receiving the liquid pressure from the side, the thin portion is stretched and deformed to open the discharge hole. And the opening of the discharge hole is not achieved by an external ventilation pressure to the ventilation filter. And

In the fifth discharge member, the valve body made of an elastic body disposed inside the discharge part is fixed in a state where its thin portion is exposed to the outside of the discharge part from a hole provided at the bottom of the discharge part, A discharge hole is defined between the valve body support member and the valve body support member. The thin-walled portion controls closing and opening of the discharge hole by using the cylindrical valve body support portion of the valve body support member as a valve seat. That is, the thin-walled portion of the valve body contacts the outer peripheral surface of the valve body support portion without receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side, thereby closing the discharge hole. On the other hand, when receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side, the thin portion undergoes extension deformation outside the discharge portion (downstream side) (as a result, the valve element radially extends to the outer peripheral side of the valve element support portion), As a result, the discharge hole is opened. As a result of the opening of the discharge hole, the flow path between the upstream side of the valve body and the discharge hole communicates, and the discharge of a chemical solution or the like from the discharge hole can be realized.

In the fifth discharge member, in order to discharge a chemical solution or the like from the discharge holes, pressure may be applied to the container body connected to the discharge member in the same manner as described above. When the valve is restored after the discharge operation, the air can be aseptically introduced from the ventilation filter, and the restoration operation of the valve that has been deformed by the negative pressure that tries to allow the outside air to be accelerated ( Therefore, the fact that the valve body can act as a check valve) is the same as in the case described above.

In the fifth discharge member, since the expansion deformation of the valve body is achieved by a liquid pressure lower than the liquid pressure of the ventilation filter, liquid leakage does not occur in the ventilation hole during the discharge operation. Moreover, such an expansion deformation does not occur due to an external pressure due to the structure of the valve body (thus, even if a pressure equivalent to the ventilation pressure of the ventilation filter is applied from the outside, the expansion deformation is not achieved). When the container body is restored, no outside air flows through the discharge hole instead of the vent hole, and accordingly, the content liquid does not leak from the discharge hole.

Therefore, according to the fifth discharge member of the present invention, the discharge processing and the discharge are performed while preventing the liquid discharged from the discharge hole from flowing backward and the microorganisms and dust accompanying the discharge from entering the upstream side to a high degree. Restoration of the container after the operation can be performed smoothly. 9572

12 In the fifth discharge member according to the present invention, the valve body supporting portion has a flange on the upstream side of the cylindrical portion, and the valve body of the valve body is not subjected to the hydraulic pressure. It is preferable that the flow path is closed by abutting on the above-mentioned flange portion, and that the flow path is opened between the valve body support portion and a compressive deformation when subjected to hydraulic pressure. .

In this case, in a state where the valve body is not receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side, not only is the thin portion abutted on the outer peripheral surface of the valve body support portion to close the discharge hole, but also the valve body portion is closed. The channel is closed by making contact with the flange of the valve body support. Therefore, the discharge hole can be more reliably closed. On the other hand, when the valve element receives hydraulic pressure from the upstream side, not only does the thin wall portion expand and deform outside the discharge section (downstream side), but also the valve body section is compressed and deformed, and the valve element is compressed and deformed. A flow path is formed (opened) with the flange of the support. As a result, the discharge hole and the flow path are opened, so that the flow path between the upstream side of the valve body and the discharge hole communicates with each other, so that the discharge of the chemical solution or the like from the discharge hole can be realized. In the fifth discharge member and the preferred embodiment thereof, the restoring operation after the discharge operation is completed and the liquid pressure is not applied to the valve body restores the container body deformed by the discharge operation as described above. It is accelerated by the negative pressure that is introduced when introducing outside air.

In the fifth discharge member according to the present invention, it is preferable that the valve body of the valve body is formed so as to be integrated with the inner surface of the discharge part. In this case, the production of the discharge member can be performed efficiently. The method of integrally molding the valve body and the discharge portion is not particularly limited, and various methods such as multicolor molding insert molding can be employed.

(Antibacterial treatment)

In the discharge member according to the present invention, it is preferable that the valve body and / or the discharge hole have been subjected to antibacterial treatment. When antibacterial treatment is applied to the valve body and / or the discharge port, it exerts an effect of preventing the growth of bacteria and the like against the content liquid (residual liquid) staying near the discharge port after the end of the discharge operation. be able to.

The target of the antibacterial treatment may be appropriately selected according to the configuration of the discharge member. Various types such as the whole, valve seat, container body, the surface of the cap that covers the discharge part (particularly the inner surface that comes into contact with the discharge part), and the water-absorbing material (sponge, cloth, paper, hydrogel, etc.) placed inside the cap However, the site is not particularly limited.

The antibacterial treatment includes, for example, an elastic material such as a thermoplastic elastomer that forms a valve body; a resin material for forming a discharge portion, a discharge hole, a valve seat, and the like; a preservative, A drug such as an antibacterial agent is blended, the above-mentioned drug is adhered to the surface of a preformed valve body or a discharge portion by coating or the like, or is absorbed in a valve body, a discharge portion, a cap, or a cap. This can be achieved by subjecting a material such as a material to a surface treatment such as silane coupling / selenium coating. Antimicrobial treatment can be applied to the hydrogel, which is a combination of a polymer such as (meth) acrylamide and a water-swellable clay mineral, by coating the surface with selenium.

[Liquid filter]

The discharge member according to the present invention is preferably provided with a liquid passage filter upstream of the discharge hole or upstream of the opening / closing position of the flow path by the valve element. Even if a situation in which microorganisms, dust and the like enter the liquid remaining in the vicinity of the discharge port of the discharge part due to the provision of the liquid passage filter occurs, the residual liquid is connected to the discharge member. In the event of intrusion (backflow) into the main body, this can be suppressed or prevented. That is, providing a liquid passage filter is preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing or preventing intrusion of contaminants into a container or the like connected to the discharge member.

When the liquid passage filter has a pore diameter of, for example, about 0.2 to 0.45 / m (small pore diameter), it is difficult to apply the discharge member of the present invention to a container containing a suspension. become. On the other hand, even in the event that a residual liquid containing microorganisms, dust, and the like flows back from the discharge hole, the residual liquid enters the container body connected to the discharge member of the present invention (backflow). ) Can be reliably prevented or suppressed.

If the filter has a pore size of, for example, about 10 to 20 πι (with a relatively large pore size) 3 009572

In the case of 14, the discharge member of the present invention can be applied to a container for storing the suspension. In this case, it is not necessary to consider clogging of the liquid passage filter due to the suspension, but rather, a new effect of suppressing the components of the suspension from settling near the discharge port can be obtained. In addition, even with such a liquid filter having a large pore diameter, the passage of microorganisms and the like can be suppressed to some extent, so that a residual liquid containing microorganisms and the like may flow backward from the discharge hole. Even if this is the case, a certain effect can be obtained in suppressing the situation where the residual liquid enters (backflows) into the container body.

(Container)

A container of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is provided with a discharge member according to the present invention at an opening of a container body. The container of the present invention is suitable, for example, as an ophthalmic container for storing an ophthalmic solution. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, the discharge member of the present invention and a container including the same will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First discharge member and container]

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first discharge member 10 according to the present invention includes a bottomed substantially cylindrical (or substantially bowl-shaped) discharge portion 11 having a discharge hole 12 at the bottom, and a discharge portion. 11 A valve element that is disposed inside 1 and closes the discharge port 12 when it is not receiving hydraulic pressure from the upstream side U, and compresses and deforms when it receives hydraulic pressure from the upstream side U to open the discharge port 12. A locking portion 1 4 that defines a flow path 15 between 13 and an inner surface 1 1 d of the discharging portion that is disposed inside the discharging portion 11 and that fixes the valve element 13 on the upstream side U. And a ventilation hole 16 connected to a flow path on the upstream side of the valve body 13 via the ventilation filter 17.

The discharge hole 12 is normally closed by the valve 13, but when hydraulic pressure is applied to the valve 13 from the upstream side U through the flow path 15, the valve 13 is compressed and deformed. As a result, a gap is generated between the discharge hole 12 of the discharge portion 11 and the valve body 13. This allows the content liquid to be discharged through the gap. The valve body 13 is fixed in the discharge member 10 by a locking portion 14, and between the locking portion 14 and the inner surface 11 d of the discharge portion, a flow path 15 of a chemical solution or the like is formed. Has become. Since the discharge section 11 needs to be provided with the ventilation filter 17 in the ventilation hole 16, the discharge section main body 11 a having the discharge hole 12 and the upstream section U are provided at the mouth of a chemical solution container or the like. It is made up of two members, the connecting part 1 1b to be connected. The discharge portion main body 11a and the connecting portion 11b are integrated by a joining means such as ultrasonic bonding with the ventilation filter 17 sandwiched between the connecting portions 11c.

The first discharge member 10 is used by being attached to the mouth of the container body 21 as shown in FIG. 2, for example. In the container 20 shown in FIG. 2, the discharge member 10 is attached to the neck 22 of the container 20 via the inner plug 23. The inner plug 23 is slidably inserted into the neck 22 of the container 20 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the container 20 in use. FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of the container 20 in an unopened state.

In the unopened state shown in FIG. 3, not only the cap 26 is attached to the discharge portion 11 but also a stopper 27 is mounted between the discharge member 10 and the container body 21. Thus, the discharge member 10 is in a state of being shallowly fitted to the container body 21. Further, in this state, the distal end portion 23 a of the inner plug 23 is in contact with the flange 19 provided on the inner surface of the discharge member 10. As a result, the flow path 15 of the discharge member 10 is divided by the flange 19 and the distal end portion 23 a of the inner plug 23, and there is no empty liquid contained in the container body 21. It can maintain the bacterial state at a higher level and prevent the deterioration of the content liquid (air oxidation, etc.).

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a series of steps of the discharging operation using the first discharging member according to the present invention and the container provided with the first discharging member. FIG. 4 (a) shows a state in which no pressure is applied to the container body 21. In this state, the valve 13 of the discharge member closes the discharge hole 12. Therefore, the content liquid 24 stored in the container body 21 is not discharged from the discharge part 11 and stays in the container body 21 and the discharge member. FIG. 4B shows a state where pressure is applied to the container body 21. In this state, the liquid pressure of the content liquid 24 is applied to the valve body 13 of the discharge member from the upstream side U. Thus, since the valve element 13 is compressed and deformed, the discharge hole 12 is opened, and the content liquid 24 is discharged as a droplet 25.

FIG. 5 (a) is a continuation of the state shown in FIG. 4 (b), and shows a state in which pressurization of the container body 21 is stopped. In this state, the valve body 13 of the discharge member is no longer subjected to the liquid pressure due to the content liquid 24, and the valve body 13 is restored to the shape before pressurization, and the discharge hole 12 is closed again. Is done. Further, FIG. 5 (b) is a continuation of the state shown in FIG. 5 (a). By stopping the pressurization of the container main body 21, the container main body 21 tries to restore the shape before pressurization. Is shown. In this state, the valve member 13 of the discharge member closes the discharge hole 12, so that the outside air flows into the container body 21 exclusively through the vent hole 16.

In another embodiment of the first discharge member 10 and the container 20 ′ including the first discharge member 10 shown in FIG. 6, a liquid filter 18 is provided on a flow path 15 connected to the discharge hole 12. Is provided. Therefore, as described above, even in the event that a residual liquid containing microorganisms, dust, and the like flows back from the discharge port 12, the residual liquid is connected to the discharge member 10 ′. It is possible to suppress or prevent intrusion (backflow) up to 1.

In the first discharge member according to the present invention, for example, the valve bodies 13a and 13b may have a cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. That is, as in the discharge member 10a shown in FIG. 7, the tip of the valve body 13a exposed at the discharge hole 12 may be flat, and the discharge member 10b shown in FIG. As shown in the above, the valve body 13b may have a depression 13c at its tip. In particular, the valve element 13 b having the shape shown in FIG. 8 is not provided with the depression a 3 c when receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream U side (the valve elements 13 and 13 shown in FIGS. 1 and 7). Compared to 13 a), compression deformation is more likely to occur (that is, the discharge hole 12 is easily opened), and the problem that the discharge hole 12 is opened by pressure from the outside of the discharge portion 11 is less likely to occur. Therefore, it is preferable in that the discharge operation is made smooth and the backflow is prevented.

[Second discharge member and container]

The second discharge member 30 according to the present invention has, as shown in, for example, FIG. 9 (cross-sectional view) and FIG. Part 31, a ring-shaped valve element 33 disposed inside the discharge part 31, and an opening end 31 d of the discharge part 31 1. The valve seat 34 that contacts the upstream side U of the valve body 33 when it is set to the side D, and the vent hole that connects to the flow path 35 on the upstream side U of the valve body 33 via the ventilation filter 37 3 and 6.

Since the discharge section 31 needs to be provided with the ventilation filter 37 in the ventilation hole 36, the discharge section main body 31a provided with the discharge hole 32 and the discharge section 31 disposed at the upstream side U and at the mouth of a chemical solution container or the like. It is composed of two members, a connecting portion 31b to be connected. The discharge unit main body 3 1a and the connecting part 3 1b are integrated by a bonding means such as ultrasonic bonding with the ventilation filter 37 sandwiched between the flanges 31 f (connection part 31 c). .

Among the discharge members 30 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the integrally molded product of the discharge portion main body 31 a and the valve body 33 is a ring-shaped valve body as shown in a plan view in FIG. 11. 33 is brought into close contact with at least a part of the inner surface 31e of the discharge portion main body 31a. In FIG. 11A, a portion indicated by a dotted line with reference numeral 36 indicates a ventilation hole covered with a ventilation filter 37.

FIG. 11 (b) is a bottom view showing an integrally formed product of the discharge portion main body 31a and the valve body 33. In the discharge portion main body 31a shown in FIG. Holes (injection holes) 31 g are provided. The discharge unit main body 31 a can be molded by, for example, injecting a resin for forming the discharge unit main body 31 a into a mold. After the injection, the opening end 31 d side of the discharge unit 31 is formed. The mold (movable mold) (see FIG. 10) is replaced (or moved), and the thermoplastic elastomer is injected from the injection hole 31 g at the bottom of the discharge unit body 31 a. The protrusion main body 31a and the valve body 33 can be manufactured by integral molding. In the case where the valve element 33 is injected from the opening end 31 d side of the discharge part to be integrally molded, the injection hole 31 g is not necessary.

Of the discharge member 30 shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the valve seat portion 34 fitted into the discharge portion main body 31a from the upstream side U is shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. (B), a cylinder 34c having a flange 34d and a flange of the cylinder 34c are provided. And a valve seat 34a arranged so as to close the opening on the side opposite to the flange 34d side. The portion indicated by the reference numeral 34b is a portion that partitions the flow path 35 for the chemical solution or the like together with the hollow portion of the ring-shaped valve body 33. The portion indicated by the reference numeral 34 e is a connecting portion between the cylinder 34 c and the valve seat 34 a.

In the integrally molded article shown in FIG. 11 (a), the valve body 33 has a ring shape. However, the valve body is not limited to the one that is continuous (ring-shaped) in the circumferential direction X of the discharge part main body 31a. For example, even if the shape is as shown in FIG. Good. When the shape of the valve body is as shown in Fig. 13 (a), the valve seat (not shown) and the discharge unit body 3 la 'are connected with the compression deformation of the valve body 33'. The area of the flow path (not shown) generated between them becomes narrower than when the valve element 33 is ring-shaped (FIG. 11). Therefore, the shape of the valve element may be appropriately set according to the width of the flow path region required for the discharge member. 1 in 3 (a), reference numeral 3 1 e ⁵ shows the inner surface of the ejection detecting portion main body 3 1 a, reference numeral 3 1 f 'denotes a flange of the discharge body 3 1 a.

FIG. 13 (b) shows a valve seat 34 used for a discharge member provided with a valve element 33 ′ having the shape shown in FIG. 13 (a). The flow path 35 of the valve seat 3 4 ′ may be provided in accordance with the shape of the valve element 3 3 ′ of the discharge member shown in FIG. 13A. In FIG. 13 (b), reference numeral 34a denotes a valve seat.

The second discharge member 30 is used by being attached to the mouth of the container body 41, for example, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 show a series of steps of the discharging operation using the second discharging member and the container having the same according to the present invention. FIG. 15A shows a state in which no pressure is applied to the container body 41. In this state, the valve element 33 is closed between the flow path 35 on the discharge section main body 3 1a side and the flow path 35 on the connection section 3 1b side, and the discharge hole 32 and the container body 4 are closed. Communication with 1 has been interrupted. Therefore, the content liquid 44 stored in the container body 41 is not discharged from the discharge part 31 and stays in the container body 41 and the discharge member 30. FIG. 15 (b) shows a state in which pressure is applied to the container body 41. In this state, the valve element 33 receives the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side U through the flow path 35, and the hydraulic pressure causes compression deformation. Therefore, valve element 3 There is a gap between the valve body 3 and the valve seat 3 4a (the valve body 33 is opened), and the flow path 35 on the discharge body 3 1a side and the flow path 3 on the connection part 3 1b side 3 Communication with 5 is established. As a result, the content liquid 44 stored in the container body 41 is discharged from the discharge unit 31 as a droplet 45.

FIG. 16 (a) is a continuation of the state shown in FIG. 15 (b), and shows a state in which pressurization of the container body 41 is stopped. In this state, since the liquid pressure due to the content liquid 43 is not applied to the valve element 33 of the discharge member, the valve element 33 is restored to the shape before pressurization, and the valve element 33 and the valve are again formed. The seat between the seats 3 4a is closed. Fig. 16 (b) is a continuation of the state shown in Fig. 16 (a). By stopping the pressurization of the container body 41, let the container body 41 restore its shape before pressurization. It shows the state that it is. In this state, the valve element 33 of the discharge member closes the flow path 35, so that the outside air flows into the container body 41 only through the ventilation hole 36.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 17, the inner plug 43 is fitted into the neck 42 of the container 40. FIG. 14 shows a cross section of the container 40 in a use state, while FIG. 17 shows a cross section of the container 40 in an unopened state. In the unopened state shown in FIG. 17, the discharge member 30 is in a state where it is shallowly fitted to the container body 41. In this state, the distal end 43 a of the inner plug 43 is in contact with the flange 39 provided on the inner surface of the discharge portion 31. As a result, the flow path 34 of the discharge member 30 is divided by the flange 39 and the distal end 43 a of the inner plug 43, and the aseptic state of the liquid contained in the container body 21 is reduced. It can be maintained at a higher level and can prevent the deterioration of the content liquid (air oxidation, etc.).

In the discharge member 30 shown in FIG. 17, a cap 46 is screwed on the screw portion 31 h of the discharge portion main body 31a, and further, on the inner surface of the cap 46, a discharge member is provided. A sponge 47 is arranged at a position in contact with the discharge hole 32 of 31. The sponge 47 holds the residual liquid 3 5 ′ remaining in the discharge hole 32 after the end of the discharge operation.

(See Fig. 16 (b)), so that it is possible to prevent the residual liquid from being discharged at the time of another dropping operation. Reference numeral 46 a is a cap 46 2 shows a threaded portion provided on the inner surface of a.

In the discharge member 30 shown in FIG. 17, the opening end 46 b of the cap closes the ventilation hole 36 of the discharge member 30. As a result, it is possible to prevent the problem that the solvent (water) of the chemical solution contained in the container body 41 gradually evaporates from the ventilation filter 37 and the pH of the contained solution fluctuates. can do.

The second ejection member is not limited to the one described above, and may have a shape as shown in FIG. 18 for example.

As in the case of the discharge member 30 shown in FIG. 9, the discharge member 30 ′ shown in FIG. 18 has a substantially cylindrical bottomed discharge part 31 having a discharge hole 32 at the bottom, and a discharge part 31. And a V-shaped valve element 3 3 ′, which is disposed inside of the valve element 3, when the discharge port 3 2 is mounted on the downstream end side of the discharge port 3 1 when the discharge port 3 2 is set to the downstream side D. And a vent hole 36 communicating with the flow path 35 via a ventilation filter 37, and further upstream from the valve seat portion 34. There is provided a liquid passage filter 38 arranged in the U and covering the flow path 35. The discharge member 30 has a shape different from the shape of the valve body 31 and a shape in the vicinity of the discharge hole 32 of the discharge part 31 for accommodating the valve body 31, and includes a liquid passage filter 38 in the flow path 35. Except for this, it is the same as the discharge member 10 shown in FIG. 9 and the like.

[Third discharge member and container]

The third discharge member 50 according to the present invention has, as shown in FIG. 19 (cross-sectional view) and FIG. 20 (exploded cross-sectional view), a bottomed substantially cylindrical discharge member having a discharge hole 52 at the bottom. The discharge port 51 is disposed in the discharge section 51 and the discharge section 51 (the flow path 55 connected to the discharge port 52), and closes the discharge port 52 without receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side U and closes the upstream side. The elastic valve element 53 that expands and deforms when receiving the hydraulic pressure from U to open the discharge hole 52, and is connected to the flow path 55 upstream of the valve element 53 via the ventilation filter 57 via the ventilation filter 57. Vent holes 5 and 6 are provided.

Since the discharge section 51 needs to be provided with a ventilation filter 57 in the ventilation hole 56, the discharge section main body 51a having the discharge hole 52 and the upstream section U are provided at the mouth of a chemical solution container or the like. It is composed of two members, a connecting portion 5 1 b to be connected. The discharge part body 51a and the connecting part 51b are ventilated to the flange 51f (connection part 51c). With the filter 57 sandwiched therebetween, they are integrated by joining means such as ultrasonic bonding.

FIG. 21 is a plan view (viewed from the upstream side U) of the discharge unit main body 5la. As shown in this figure, a convex portion (valve seat) 52 b for connecting with a projection of the valve body 53 a is provided at the bottom of the substantially cylindrical discharge portion body 51 a. ing. In addition, ventilation holes 56 are provided at predetermined intervals in the flange 51 f (connection portion 51 c) for attaching the connecting portion 51 b that is paired with the discharge portion main body 51 a. The ventilation hole 56 is provided with a ventilation filter 57 for realizing aseptic air inflow.

FIG. 22 shows a combined body of the valve body 53 and the valve body supporting member 54 for connecting the valve body 53, and FIG. 22A is a plan view thereof (a view from the upstream side U). Figure (b) is a bottom view (view from downstream D). As shown in this figure, a valve element supporting member 54 for disposing the valve element 53 in the discharge part main body 51a is formed by a cylinder 54a and a valve element 53 at the bottom thereof. It has a locking portion 54b for realizing the connection, and a flange portion 54c at the opening end on the opposite side to fit with the discharge portion main body 51a.

As shown in FIGS. 19 to 22, the valve body 53 is fitted to the inner surface 51 e of the discharge portion main body 51 a after being fixed to the valve body support member 54.

When the valve body 53 is formed using an elastic material having thermoplasticity (such as thermoplastic elastomer), the valve body 53 and the valve body support member 54 may be formed by insert molding or multiple molding. It can be integrally molded by color molding. Thereby, both members can be easily manufactured. In the case where the molding material such as injection molding cannot be used because the elastic material forming the valve body 53 does not have thermoplasticity, for example, the valve body supporting member 5 is attached to a casting mold. By inserting the valve body 53 into the mold after insert 4, the valve body and the valve body support member 54 can be integrally formed.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the valve element 53 includes a valve body 53 a as a valve shaft, a projection 53 b at the tip of the valve body 53 a that forms a valve head, and a valve body 53. And a flange 53c for connecting the portion 53a to the valve body support member. As shown in FIG. 23, for example, the elastic member shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 is configured such that the valve body 53 is connected to the opening end (see reference numeral 51 d in FIG. 20) of the discharge portion main body 51 a. After inserting the valve body support member 54 provided, and arranging the projection 53b of the valve body 53a on the convex ridge 52b provided on the flow path inner wall 52a of the discharge part 52, It can be obtained by applying a strong hydraulic pressure or air pressure from the upstream side U and sliding the projection 53 b of the valve body toward the discharge hole 52.

The first discharge member 50 is used by being attached to the mouth of a container body 61 as shown in FIG. 24, for example. In the container 60 shown in FIG. 24, an inner stopper 63 is provided at the neck 62 of the container body 61.

For use with the discharge member of the present invention and a container having the same! Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 show a series of steps of the discharge operation. FIG. 25 (a) shows a state in which no pressure is applied to the container body 61. In this state, the space between the flow path 55 in the discharge hole 52 and the flow path 55 upstream of the valve 53 is closed by the valve 53, and the discharge hole 52 and the container body are closed. 6 Communication with 1 is blocked. Therefore, the content liquid 64 stored in the container body 61 is not discharged from the discharge part 51 and stays in the container body 61 and the discharge member 50. FIG. 25 (b) shows a state in which pressure is applied to the container body 61. In this state, the valve 53 receives the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side U through the flow path 55, and the hydraulic pressure causes the expansion deformation toward the discharge hole 52 side. Therefore, the projection 5 3 b of the valve body 53 a communicates with the a 52 b provided on the inner wall 52 a of the discharge part 52, and the container body The content liquid 64 stored in 61 is discharged from the discharge unit 51 as droplets 65. FIG. 26 (a) is a continuation of the state shown in FIG. 25 (b), and shows a state in which pressurization of the container body 61 is stopped. In this state, since the liquid pressure due to the content liquid 64 is not applied to the valve element 53 of the discharge member, the valve element 53 is restored to the shape before pressurization, and the valve element 53 and the ridge 52 b are again formed. The space is closed. FIG. 26 (b) is a continuation of the state shown in FIG. 26 (a), and shows a state in which the container body 61 is trying to restore the shape before pressurization. In this state, the valve member 53 of the discharge member closes the flow path 55 at the convex portion 52 b of the discharge portion, and thus moves to the container body 61. JP2003 / 009572

The inflow of outside air at 23 is realized exclusively through vents 56.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 27, the inner plug 63 is inserted into the neck 62 of the container 60. The function of the inner plug 63 is the same as that of the container 40 including the second discharge member 30 described above. FIG. 24 shows a cross section of the container 60 in the used state, while FIG. 27 shows a cross-sectional view of the container 60 in an unopened state. In FIG. 27, reference numeral 63 a indicates a distal end portion of the inner plug 63, and reference numeral 59 indicates a flange provided on the inner surface of the discharge portion 51.

In the discharge member 51 shown in FIG. 27, a cap 66 is further screwed on the screw portion 51 h of the discharge portion main body 51a, and further, on the inner surface of the cap 66, A sponge 67 is disposed at a position in contact with the discharge hole 52 of the discharge member 51. The open end 66 b of the cap closes the ventilation hole 56. The functions of the sponge 67 and the opening end 66 b of the cap are the same as those in the case of the container 40 including the second discharge member 30. In FIG. 27, reference numeral 66 a denotes a screw portion provided on the inner surface of the cap 66.

[Fourth discharging member and container]

For example, as shown in FIG. 28, the fourth discharge member 70 according to the present invention includes a bottomed substantially cylindrical discharge portion 71 having a discharge hole 72 at the bottom, and an outer surface side of the discharge portion 71. From the valve seat 74, closes the discharge hole 72 when not receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side U, and expands and deforms when receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side U to open the discharge hole 72. An elastic valve element 73 and a ventilation hole 76 connected to a flow path upstream of the valve element 73 via a ventilation filter 77 are provided.

Since the discharge section 71 needs to be provided with the ventilation filter 77 in the ventilation hole 76, similarly to the case of the first discharge member, the discharge section main body 71 a having the discharge hole 72 and the upstream thereof It is composed of two members, a connecting portion 71b which is arranged on the side U and connected to the mouth of the drug solution container or the like. The discharge unit main body 71a and the connecting part 71b are integrated by a bonding means such as ultrasonic bonding with the ventilation filter 77 sandwiched between the flange 71f (connection part 71c). Be transformed into

FIG. 29 (a) is a bottom view of the discharge unit main body 7la (a view as viewed from the downstream side D), and FIG. 29 (b) is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. The discharge section body 7 la has this At the flange 71 f (connection part 71 c) for attaching the connecting part 71 b that is to be paired with the same, close the multiple ventilation holes 76 and these ventilation holes as shown in Fig. 21 A ventilation filter 77 is provided. The functions of the vent hole 76 and the vent filter 77 are the same as in the case of the container 60 including the third discharge member 50 described above.

As shown in FIGS. 28 to 29, the valve element 73 is provided on the outer surface of the bottom of the discharge unit body 71a, which is a substantially cylindrical member with a bottom, and on the bottom of the discharge unit body 71a. The flow path 75 is partitioned so as to be in contact with both the bottom surface (outer surface) of the valve seat 74 for closing the discharge portion. The valve body 73 is preferably formed integrally with the discharge section body 71a on the outer surface side of the resin discharge section body 71a using, for example, an elastic material having thermoplasticity. By integral molding, the production of the discharge member 70 can be simplified.

The fourth discharge member 70 is used by being attached to the mouth of the container body 81, for example, as shown in FIG. In the container 80 shown in FIG. 30 (a), an inner stopper 83 is provided on a neck portion 82 of the container body 81. The function of the inner plug 83 is the same as that of the container 40 having the second discharge member 30 and the container 60 having the third discharge member 50.

FIG. 30 and FIG. 31 show a series of steps of a discharging operation using the discharging member of the present invention and a container provided with the discharging member. FIG. 30 (a) shows a state in which no pressure is applied to the container body 81. In this state, the flow path 75 in the discharge hole 72 is closed by the valve body 73, and the communication between the outside of the discharge hole 72 and the container body 81 is blocked. Therefore, the content liquid 84 stored in the container body 81 remains in the container body 81 and the discharge member 70 without being discharged from the discharge part 71. FIG. 30 (b) shows a state where pressure is applied to the container body 81. In this state, the valve body 73 receives the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side U through the flow path 75, and the hydraulic pressure causes the expansion deformation toward the discharge hole 72 side. Therefore, a flow path is formed between the valve body 73 and the valve seat portion 74, and the content liquid 84 accommodated in the container body 81 becomes a droplet 85 as the discharge portion 71. Is discharged from.

FIG. 31 (a) is a continuation of the state shown in FIG. This shows a state in which the pressurization is stopped. In this state, since the liquid pressure due to the content liquid 84 is not applied to the valve element 73 of the discharge member, the shape is restored to the state before pressurization, and the valve element 73 and the valve seat 74 are returned again. Is closed. FIG. 31 (b) is a continuation of the state shown in FIG. 31 (a), and shows a state where the container body 81 is trying to restore the shape before pressurization. In this state, since the valve body 73 of the discharge member closes the flow path 75 between the valve seat 74 of the discharge portion 71a and the outside air flowing into the container body 81, the valve body 73 has a rounded shape. This is realized through the ventilation holes 76.

A discharge member 70 ′ shown in FIG. 32 is another embodiment of the fourth discharge member. When an elastic material having thermoplasticity is used as the material of the valve body, the valve body 73 and the discharge portion main body 71a are integrally formed as shown in a discharge member 70 shown in FIG. Can be. On the other hand, the valve body 73 is made of an elastic body other than the thermoplastic elastomer, that is, a rubber having no thermoplasticity, as long as it is sufficiently flexible and easily bends and deforms by hydraulic pressure. You may. When the elastic material forming the valve body cannot be molded by injection molding or the like because it does not have thermoplasticity, for example, as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. May be disposed in the discharge portion 71 by being sandwiched between the discharge portion main body 7 la 'and the valve seat 74 (and the cylindrical body 74 a).

The discharge member 70 shown in FIG. 32 is the same as the discharge member 70 shown in FIG. 28 except that the discharge part main body 71 a and the valve element 73 ′ are different.

[Fifth discharging member and container]

The fifth discharge member 90 according to the present invention includes, as shown in FIG. 33, for example, a substantially cylindrical bottomed discharge portion 91 having a hole 91 d at the bottom, and a substantially annular valve body portion 93. b and a substantially annular thin portion 93a connected thereto, and discharges the valve body 93b with the thin portion 93a exposed through the hole 91d to the outside of the discharge portion 91. A valve body 93 fixed inside the portion 91, and a cylindrical valve body support portion 9 disposed inside the discharge portion 91 and defining the discharge hole 92 together with the valve body 93. 4a, and a ventilation hole 96 connected to a flow path 95 upstream of the valve element 93 via a ventilation filter 97.

The discharge hole 92 is normally closed by a thin portion 93a of the valve body 93. 9572

26

When hydraulic pressure is applied to the valve body 93 from the upstream side through the flow passage 95, the thin portion 93a is elongated and deformed, and a gap is formed between the thin portion 93a and the valve body support portion 94a. Occurs. Thereby, the content liquid can be discharged through the gap.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 33, the valve body 93 has a thin portion 93 a exposed to a hole 91 d of the discharge portion 91 (discharge portion main body 9 la), and the discharge portion main body 91 It is fixed to the inner surface of a. In FIG. 33, reference numeral 94 c denotes a valve body supporting member 94 that holds the valve body supporting portion 94 a and the flange portion 94 b and moves the valve body supporting member 94 into the discharging portion 91 (the discharging portion body 9 la). 3 shows a tubular portion to be fixed. It is sufficient that the valve body 93 b has a sufficient thickness to be integrated with the inner surface of the discharge body 91 a.

Since the discharge section 91 needs to be provided with the ventilation filter 97 in the ventilation hole 96, the discharge section main body 91a having the discharge hole 92 and the upstream section U and the opening of the chemical solution container are provided. It is composed of two members, a connecting part 9 1b to be connected. The discharge unit main body 91a and the connecting part 91b are integrated by a joining means such as ultrasonic bonding with the ventilation filter 97 sandwiched between the connecting parts 91c.

The fifth discharge member 90 is used by being attached to the mouth of the container body 101, for example, as shown in FIG.

FIGS. 36 and 37 show a series of steps of a discharging operation using the fifth discharging member 90 and the container 100 including the same according to the present invention. FIG. 36 (a) shows a state in which no pressure is applied to the container body 101, and in this state, the valve member 93 of the discharge member closes the discharge hole 92. Therefore, the liquid solution 104 accommodated in the container body 101 is not discharged from the discharge part 91 and stays in the container body 101 and the discharge member. FIG. 36 (b) shows a state in which pressure is applied to the container body 101. In this state, a fluid pressure due to the content liquid 104 is applied to the valve element 93 of the discharge member from the upstream side U, and the valve element 95 expands and deforms. 2 is released, and the content liquid 104 is discharged as a droplet 105. FIG. 38 is an enlarged view of the state of the discharge section 91 shown in FIG. 36 (b). FIG. 37 (a) is a continuation of the state shown in FIG. 36 (b). This shows a state in which pressurization of the container body 101 is stopped. In this state, the valve of the discharge member 9 3 Since the liquid pressure by the content liquid 104 is not applied to the valve, the valve body 93 is restored to the shape before pressurization, and the discharge hole 92 is closed again. Further, FIG. 37 (b) is a continuation of the state shown in FIG. 37 (a). By stopping the pressurization of the container main body 101, the container main body 101 becomes the shape before pressurization. Shows the state that is about to be restored. In this state, since the valve member 93 of the discharge member closes the discharge hole 92, the inflow of the outside air into the container body 101 is realized exclusively through the vent hole 96.

In the container 100 shown in FIG. 34, the discharge member 90 is attached to the neck 102 of the container 100 via the inner plug 103. The inner stopper 103 is slidably fitted to the neck portion 102 of the container 100, and FIG. 34 shows a cross section of the container 100 in a use state. Figure 3 and Figure 17 show the state in which the tip 103a of the inner plug 103 is engaged with the flange 99 (that is, the unplugged state) and the effect of the engagement of both. This is the same as in the other embodiments shown in FIGS.

In the discharge member 90 shown in FIG. 35, a cap 106 is screwed on the outer surface of the discharge portion main body 91a. The cap 106 is provided with a recessed portion 108 at a position facing the discharge hole 92 in a state of being screwed with the discharge portion main body 9 la, and the cap 10 is formed in the recessed portion 108. The inner surface of 6 and the discharge hole 92 are in contact with each other. A sponge 107 is provided around the recess 108, and the residual liquid 105 ′ (see FIG. 37 (b)) remaining in the discharge hole 92 is formed in the recess 108. Is displaced by the cap inner surface and absorbed by the sponge 107.

In the discharge member 90 shown in FIG. 35 (a), the open end 106a of the cap closes the ventilation hole 96 of the discharge member 90. As a result, it is possible to prevent a problem that the solvent (water) of the chemical solution contained in the container body 101 evaporates gradually from the ventilation filter 97 and the pH of the contained solution fluctuates. In another embodiment of the fifth discharge member 90 ′ shown in FIG. 39, not only the contact between the thin film portion 93a and the valve body support portion 94a but also the valve body 9 3, Valve body 9 3 b ′ Force The flow path 95 is also closed by contact with the flange portion 94 b of the valve body support member 94. Therefore, the action of closing the flow path 95 can be stably exhibited by the valve element 9 3 ′, and the situation in which the residual liquid containing microorganisms, dust, etc. flows backward from the discharge hole 92 further occurs. It can be highly prevented. FIG. 40 shows an enlarged view of the state of the discharge section 91 of the discharge member 90 ′ shown in FIG. 38.

In the fifth discharge members 90, 90, the open / close position of the flow passage 95 (the contact position between the thin film portion 93 a and the valve body support portion 94 a, the valve body portion 9 3 b ′) A liquid passage filter (not shown) may be provided upstream of the flange portion 94b (contact position with the flange portion 94b). The effect of providing the liquid passage filter is the same as in the other embodiments shown in FIGS. 6, 18 and the like.

In the case of the container 100 having the fifth ejection member, it is required that about 20 to 40 μL of droplets be ejected in one ejection operation, as in the case where the container is an eye drop container. When used for an application, the outer diameter of the valve body support portion 94a is set in the range of 0.6 to 2.0 mm, preferably 1.0 to 1.2 mm. The thickness of the valve body 93 at the thin film portion 93a is set in the range of 0.8 to 2.5 mm, preferably 0.8 to 1.5 mm.

From the viewpoint of preventing the liquid from leaking at the discharge hole 92, it is preferable that the thin film portion 93a of the valve body is slightly expanded by the valve body support portion 94a. Therefore, it is preferable to set the inner diameter of the thin film portion 93a in a state where the valve body support portion 94a is not passed through so as to be smaller than the outer diameter of the valve body support portion 94a. . Specifically, the inner diameter of the thin film portion 93a is 50 to 99%, preferably 50 to 90%, more preferably 60 to 90% with respect to the outer diameter of the valve body support portion 94a. It should be set so as to be 80%. As shown in FIG. 39, not only the contact between the thin film portion 93a of the valve body 93 and the valve body support portion 94a of the valve body support member 94, but also the valve of the valve body 93 '. In the discharge member 90 ′ that realizes the closing of the flow passage 95 even by the contact between the main body portion 93 b and the flange portion 94 b of the valve body support member 94, the discharge hole 92 is formed. Therefore, the inner diameter of the thin film portion 93a can be designed more gently than in the case described above. Next, the discharge member of the present invention and each part of the container including the same will be described in detail.

(Valve)

The valve element of the discharge member according to the present invention is easily compressed or expanded by the liquid pressure from the container body side and by the liquid pressure lower than the liquid pressure of the gas filter, and furthermore, the gas pressure from the outside of the gas filter is low. It must be one that does not cause compression or extension deformation. Specifically, examples of materials usable for the valve body include low-hardness thermoplastic elastomers; gel-like substances; and rubbers such as natural rubber, silicone rubber, isoprene rubber, butyl rubber, butadiene rubber, and fluorine rubber. .

There is no particular limitation on the more specific types of these materials.The hardness of the force valve body is determined by the JISA hardness (JIS 6301-5. 2 The spring hardness Hs (A type) measured by the method described in “Spring hardness test” is required to be in the range of 0 to 40. The hardness (JISA) of the valve body is particularly preferably 30 or less, more preferably 20 or less, and still more preferably 10 or less in the above range. On the other hand, the lower limit of the hardness of the valve body (JISA) is not further limited than the above range, but from the viewpoint of material availability, strength of the valve body, etc., it may be 2 or more according to JISA. .

Specific examples of the material for forming the valve body are as follows. Examples of thermoplastic elastomers include styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEB S), styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SB S), and styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (SIS) , Maleic acid modified SEBS, styrene-ethylene / propylene-styrene block copolymer (SEPS), styrene-ethylene / butylene block copolymer (SEB), styrene-ethylene / propylene block copolymer (SEB) Styrene-based elastomers such as SEP); olefin-based elastomers such as ethylene-propylene block copolymer; polyurethane-based elastomers; and mixtures thereof. Among styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers, For example, "Septon (R) Compound" manufactured by Kuraray Plastics Co., Ltd. is suitable.

Examples of the gel-like substance include a gel composed of a linear hydrocarbon polymer (olefin elastomer) [such as “Cosmogel” manufactured by Cosmo Keiki Co., Ltd.); Name "Chemitec Gel".

The elastic body forming the valve body may be a foamed body (provided that the pores are discontinuous and do not allow liquid to pass through), and even if the hardness is set to the above range by an additive. Yeah.

Indices indicating the degree of deformation of the valve element due to hydraulic pressure include, for example, tensile stress and compression elastic modulus of the elastic body in addition to the above hardness. The elastic body used for the valve body has its compression set CS (JISK 7301, measurement condition: 70 ° C x 22 hours) so that it will not be damaged by repeated application and removal of hydraulic pressure. Is preferably 50 or less. Also, in the case where the discharge member is the discharge part of the eye drop container, considering that the dropping speed of the eye drop in a general eye drop operation is about 0.05 mL Z seconds, the valve body is compressed or expanded and deformed. The pressure required for this is preferably about 0.01 to 0.2 MPa.

When the valve bodies 33, 33 'are fixed to the inner surface (31e) of the discharge portion 31 as in the discharge members 30, 30' shown in FIGS. A material having thermoplasticity may be selected, and the valve bodies 33, 33 'and the discharge portion main body 31a may be integrally formed.

When the discharge member 70 is attached to the discharge hole 72 of the discharge portion main body 71a as shown in FIG. 28, a material having thermoplasticity is selected from the above-described elastic materials, and a valve body 73, What is necessary is just to integrally mold the discharge part main body 71a.

On the other hand, as shown in a discharge member 70 ′ shown in FIG. 32, the discharge portion 70 is sandwiched between a discharge portion main body 71 a ′ and a cylindrical body 74 a connected to the valve seat 74, so that the discharge portion 70 In the case where the elastic body material is formed at the position ′, the elastic material for forming the valve body is not limited to a material having thermoplasticity.

(Ventilation filter) As described above, the ventilation filter used in the present invention has a liquid passing pressure exceeding a pressure that causes ^two forms of compression and expansion in the deformation of the valve body of the discharge member, and a flow from the outside. It is required that the pressure be lower than the pressure at which the discharge port is opened.

There are two modes of deformation of the valve body of the discharge member, compression and expansion, and the fluid pressure required to discharge the content liquid, etc., depends on the speed of the discharge operation (the dripping speed of the discharged droplets). Since it fluctuates, it is necessary to set the liquid pressure and the air pressure required for the ventilation filter according to the use of the discharge member, the generally assumed speed of the discharge operation, and the like.

Specifically, when the discharge member is the discharge part of the eye drop container, the drop rate of the eye drop in a general eye drop operation is about 0.05 mLZ second, and in that case, the shape of the valve body deformation Since the pressure required to cause the ophthalmic solution to drip by causing compression or Z and expansion is about 0.01 to 0.2 MPa, the liquid pressure of the ventilation filter is at least 0.0 IMPa, and is preferable. If the pressure exceeds 0.2 MPa, it is possible to prevent the ophthalmic solution from leaking from the vent during the eye dropping operation.

In addition, the rate at which air flows into the eyedropper (inhalation speed) after dropping eyedrops in a general eyedropping operation is about 1 to 1 OmL / sec. Here, if the ventilation pressure of the ventilation filter is at least lower than 0.005 MPa, preferably lower than 0.005 IMPa, smooth introduction of outside air from the ventilation hole can be achieved.

The pore size of the ventilation filter is set so that the liquid (content liquid such as a chemical solution contained in the container of the present invention) discharged by the discharge member of the present invention, microorganisms such as bacteria, dust in the air, dust and the like do not pass. It is set to a range that allows only air to pass through, and is usually set to about 0.1 to 0.45 μιη, preferably to about 0.1 μμπι.

Examples of the aeration filter usable in the present invention include, but are not limited to, hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane of Japan Gore-Tex Co., Ltd., and Sure Vent of Japan Millipore Co., Ltd. Dyurapore (R) [ Made of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)].

(Liquid flow filter)

The liquid passing filter used in the present invention is a filter that allows liquid permeation by applying a certain or more liquid pressure. In the case where such a liquid passage filter is provided on the upstream side of the discharge hole, as described above, even in the event that the residual liquid in the discharge hole flows backward, the residual liquid is applied to the discharge member. The filter can prevent entry into the connected container body.

Examples of the liquid passage filter usable in the present invention include, but are not limited to, hydrophilic PTFE membrane of Japan Gore-Tex Co., Ltd., hydrophilic Durapore (R) (manufactured by Nippon Millipore) (PVDF), The company's hydrophilic polyethersulfone (PES) membrane is an example.

[Cap]

In the discharge member of the present invention, the antibacterial treatment may be performed on the cap placed on the outer surface of the discharge part together with or instead of the antibacterial treatment on the discharge holes. The part of the cap to be subjected to the antibacterial treatment is not limited to this, but may be a part of the inner surface that is in contact with the discharge hole, a sponge disposed inside the cap, or the like.

Since the discharge member of the present invention does not cause a backflow from the discharge hole side to the upstream side, the residual liquid after the discharge operation does not flow into the discharge part but remains around the discharge hole. Will do. Therefore, for example, using a cap with an absorbing material inside, the content liquid (residual liquid) that stays in the vicinity of the discharge hole after the discharging operation is sucked up by the absorbing material, so that when the dropping operation is performed again, The residual liquid can be prevented from being discharged (see Figs. 17 and 27).

If an antibacterial treatment is applied to the sponge and the sponge is brought into direct contact with the discharge port, the antibacterial agent may ooze out of the sponge with time and adhere to the discharge port. Therefore, the sponge is designed so that the sponge does not come into direct contact with the spout, and the residual liquid in the spout, which has been pushed away on the inner surface of the cap, is absorbed by the absorbent material provided around the inner surface of the cap. (See Figure 35).

Specific examples of the absorbent include, for example, urethane and foamed polyethylene. Sponge; cloth made of non-woven fabric, absorbent cotton, gauze; etc .; paper, hydrogel and the like. Various known materials such as urethane and foamed polyethylene may be used for forming the sponge. To apply an antibacterial treatment to a sponge, for example, after the sponge is prepared, the agent is attached to the surface of the sponge by means such as coating, or a drug such as an antibacterial agent is mixed in urethane or polyethylene in advance. Is preferred. Also, a material having antibacterial properties may be used in advance as the material of the absorbent.

Examples of the antibacterial treatment on the cloth, paper, hydrogel, and the like include a method of subjecting them to treatment such as silane coupling and selenium coating. Specific examples of the hydrogel include, for example, those obtained by combining a high molecule such as (meth) acrylamide and a water-swellable clay mineral (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-53036, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 200-200). 2-5 3 7 6 2).

(Discharge member, material for forming cap and container body)

Examples of the resin forming the ejection member, the cap, and the container body include polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). In particular, since PE and PP are pharmaceutically safe materials, they are particularly suitable when the container of the present invention contains a drug solution such as an ophthalmic container.

The resin that forms the discharge member, cap and container body prevents liquid remaining in the vicinity of the discharge hole after the discharge operation and decay of the content liquid contained in the container body. From the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect, a preservative or the like may be previously kneaded. Specific examples of preservatives include quaternary ammonium salts [for example, “Dimmer 38 (R)” manufactured by Iny Corporation, and “Dimmer 13 36 (R)” manufactured by the company). Can be

After the discharge member, cap and container body are formed, a preservative is applied to the inner surface and the like by applying a means such as coating, or a surface treatment such as silane coupling is performed when forming the discharge member, cap and container body. You may put it. A material having antibacterial activity may be used as a resin material itself for forming the ejection portion and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the first ejection member.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the container including the first discharge member. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an unopened state of the container shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a use state of the container shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a continuation of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the container including the first discharge member. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the first discharge member.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing still another embodiment of the first discharge member.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the second ejection member.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the ejection member 30 shown in FIG. 9 is disassembled. FIG. 11 (a) is a plan view showing an example of an integrally formed product of the discharge portion main body 31a and the valve body 33, and FIG. 11 (b) is a bottom view thereof.

FIG. 12 (a) is a plan view of the valve seat portion 34, and FIG. 12 (b) is a bottom view thereof.

Fig. 13 (a) is a plan view showing another example of an integrally molded product of the discharge part main body and the valve body,

13 (b) is a plan view showing another example of the valve seat.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the container provided with the second discharge member. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a use state of the container shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a continuation of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an unopened state of the container 40 shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the second ejection member.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the third ejection member.

FIG. 20 is an exploded sectional view of the discharge member 50 shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a plan view of the discharge unit main body 51 a shown in FIG.

22 (a) is a plan view of the valve element supporting member 54 shown in FIG. 20, and FIG. 22 (b) is a bottom view thereof.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory view showing a method of assembling the discharge member 50 shown in FIG. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a container including the discharge member 50 of FIG. 19. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a use state of the container 60 illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing a continuation of FIG.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing the container 60 shown in FIG. 24 in an unopened state.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the fourth ejection member.

FIG. 29 (a) is a bottom view of the discharge member 70 shown in FIG. 28, and FIG. 29 (b) is a sectional view taken along the line AA.

FIG. 30 (a) is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a container provided with a fourth discharge member 70, and FIG. 30 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state of use.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view showing a continuation of FIG. 30 (b).

FIG. 32 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the fourth ejection member according to the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the fifth ejection member.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a container provided with a fifth discharge member. FIG. 35 (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a cap is attached to the container 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 35 (b) is a sectional view showing the cap.

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view showing a use state of the container shown in FIG.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view showing a continuation of FIG.

FIG. 38 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the discharge section of the container 100 shown in FIG. 36 (b). FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the fifth discharge member.

FIG. 40 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the discharge section in the use state of the container 100 ′ shown in FIG.

FIG. 41 (a) is a front view showing an example of a conventional eye drop container, and FIG. 41 (b) is an enlarged sectional view of the discharge member.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory view showing a problem in a conventional eye drop container. Explanation of reference numerals

1 0, 1 0 ', 1 0 a 30, 30', 50, 70, 70 ', 9, 90' Discharge member

1 1, 3 1, 5 1, 7 9 1 Discharge section

l i d Inner surface of discharge section

1 2, 32, 52, 7 Discharge hole

1 3, 1 3 a, 1 3 b 3 3 '5 3 7 3, 7 3 9 3, 9 3 Valve element

1 4 Locking part

1 5, 3 5, 55, 75, 95

16, 36, 56, 76, 96 Vent

1 7, 3 7, 5 7, 7, 7, 9 7 Ventilation filter

1 8, 3 8, 58, 7 8 Flow-through filter

20, 20 ', 4060, 80, 100 containers (eye drops)

2 1, 41, 61, 81, 101 Container body

2, 3, 43, 63, 83, 103 Inner plug

2, 4, 44, 64, 84, 104 Contents liquid

2 5, 45, 65, 85, 105 Droplet

25,,,,,,

65, 85 ', 105' Residual liquid

2, 6, 46, 66, 106 cap

3 4 a, 34 a ', 7 4 Valve seat

5 2 a Inner wall of flow passage

5 2 b ridge

5 3a Valve body

5 3 b protrusion

9 3a Thin section

9 3 b Valve body

9 4a Valve support

9 4 b Flange U Upstream

D Downstream Industrial availability

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the discharge member of this invention, while the backflow of the liquid discharged from the discharge hole and the invasion of microorganisms, dust, etc. accompanying the discharge to the upstream side are highly prevented, the discharge processing and the restoration of the container after the discharge operation are performed Can be performed smoothly.

In the discharge member of the present invention, since the deformation of the valve body is achieved by a liquid pressure lower than the liquid pressure of the ventilation filter, no liquid leakage occurs in the ventilation hole during the discharge operation, Discharge from the discharge hole can be reliably realized. In addition, since the opening of the discharge port and / or the flow path leading to the discharge port cannot be achieved by the external ventilation pressure to the ventilation filter, when outside air flows in through the discharge port instead of the ventilation port when the container body is restored. This does not cause the problem that the liquid content leaks from the discharge hole. Therefore, according to the ejection member of the present invention, the container after the ejection process and the ejection operation can be highly prevented while the backflow of the liquid ejected from the ejection hole and the accompanying invasion of microorganisms and dust to the upstream side are highly prevented. Restoration can be performed smoothly.

Note that the discharge member of the present invention is described in JP-A-201-17990 (Japan) ゃ JP-A 201-204654 (Japan) described above. Unlike an antimicrobial container, a porous filter is not provided at the discharge section, so there is a very low risk of clogging of the discharge holes even when the liquid content is a suspension, for example. Low. Although it depends on the size, material, etc. of the valve body and the discharge port, clogging does not usually occur in the discharge port if the particle size of the suspended particles is up to about 50 m.

Since the container of the present invention is provided with the discharge member of the present invention at the mouth thereof, the liquid once discharged flows back into the container body, and accordingly, microorganisms such as bacteria, dust, dust, etc. Can be prevented from penetrating into the body of the container, and therefore, the use of chemicals (for example, preservatives) to prevent spoilage or deterioration of the content liquid is eliminated, or the use of such chemicals is not required. Can be reduced as much as possible . Further, the container of the present invention does not use a porous filter in the discharge portion, and therefore does not cause clogging in the discharge hole. However, even if the content liquid is a suspension, smooth discharge can be realized.

The container of the present invention further includes an inner plug slidably held in the flow path of the discharge member or in the container body, and the inner plug comes into contact with the inner wall of the flow path of the discharge member when the container is not used. Preferably, the flow path is closed. In this case, the sterile condition of the content liquid can be guaranteed airtight until the container is started to be used, and the content liquid can be prevented from contacting the valve element and the ventilation filter when not in use. Quality can be stabilized over a long period of time. The container of the present invention is suitable, for example, as an ophthalmic container for storing an ophthalmic solution.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A bottomed substantially cylindrical or bowl-shaped discharge portion having a discharge hole at the bottom, and the discharge hole and the Z in a state where the discharge hole side is the downstream side and not receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side. Or a valve body made of an elastic body, which closes a flow passage in the discharge portion connected to the discharge hole, and deforms when receiving a hydraulic pressure from the upstream side to open the discharge hole and Z or the flow passage;

A vent hole connected to a flow path on the upstream side of the valve body through a ventilation filter,

The deformation of the valve body is achieved by a fluid pressure smaller than the fluid pressure of the ventilation filter, and the opening of the discharge hole and the Z or the flow path is not achieved by an external ventilation pressure to the ventilation filter. Discharge member.

2. A bottomed substantially cylindrical or bowl-shaped discharge portion having a discharge hole at the bottom, and is disposed in the discharge portion, and receives the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side when the discharge hole side is the downstream side. A valve body made of an elastic body, which closes the discharge hole in a state where the discharge hole is not provided, and compresses and deforms when the hydraulic pressure is received from the upstream side to open the discharge hole.

A locking part disposed inside the discharge part to partition a flow path between the discharge part and an inner surface thereof and to fix the valve body on the upstream side;

A vent that is connected to a flow path on the upstream side of the valve body through a vent filter,

The compression deformation of the valve body is achieved by a hydraulic pressure lower than the hydraulic pressure of the ventilation filter, and the opening of the discharge port and / or the flow path is controlled by the external ventilation pressure to the ventilation filter. A discharge member that cannot be achieved by the above.

3. The discharge member according to claim 2, wherein the valve body and the locking portion are integrally formed.

4. A bottomed substantially cylindrical or bowl-shaped discharge portion having a discharge hole at the bottom, a valve seat fixed in the discharge portion,

When the discharge port is fixed to the inner surface of the discharge section and the discharge port is located on the downstream side, the flow path connected to the discharge port is closed by contacting the valve seat from the downstream side without receiving the hydraulic pressure. And when it receives hydraulic pressure from the upstream side, it compresses and deforms, A substantially cylindrical valve body made of an elastic body, with a flow path opened between

A ventilation hole connected to a flow path on the upstream side of the valve body through a ventilation filter;

The compressive deformation of the valve body is achieved by a hydraulic pressure lower than the hydraulic pressure of the ventilation filter, and the opening of the discharge port and Z or the flow path is controlled by the external ventilation pressure to the ventilation filter. A discharge member that cannot be achieved by the above.

5. The discharge member according to claim 4, wherein the valve body and the discharge portion are integrally formed.

6. A bottomed substantially cylindrical or bowl-shaped discharge portion having a discharge hole at the bottom, and is disposed in the discharge portion, and receives the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side when the discharge hole side is the downstream side. A valve body made of an elastic body, which closes the discharge hole or the flow path leading to the discharge hole in a state where the discharge hole or the flow path is not received, and expands and deforms when the liquid pressure is received from the upstream side to open the discharge hole or the flow path;

The expansion deformation of the valve body is achieved by a hydraulic pressure smaller than the hydraulic pressure of the ventilation filter, and the opening of the discharge hole or the flow path is not achieved by an external ventilation pressure to the ventilation filter. A discharge member.

7. The valve body has a valve body fixed in the flow path, and a projection at the tip of the discharge hole side.

The projection at the tip of the valve body engages with a ridge provided on the inner wall of the flow passage connected to the discharge hole from the downstream side to close the flow passage. 7. The discharge member according to claim 6, wherein when receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side, it expands and deforms to the downstream side to form a gap between the projection at the tip of the valve body and the ridge on the inner wall of the flow passage. .

8. A bottomed substantially cylindrical or bowl-shaped discharge part having a discharge hole at the bottom, which comes into contact with the outer surface side of the discharge part, and when the discharge hole side is the downstream side, the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side A valve body made of an elastic body, which closes the discharge hole in a state in which the discharge hole is not received, and expands and deforms when the hydraulic pressure is received from the upstream side to open the discharge hole. A vent hole connected to a flow path on the upstream side of the valve body through a ventilation filter,

A discharge in which the expansion deformation of the valve element is achieved by a hydraulic pressure lower than the hydraulic pressure of the ventilation filter and the opening of the discharge hole is not achieved by an external ventilation pressure to the ventilation filter. Element.

9. The discharge hole is defined by a substantially disk-shaped valve seat fixed in the discharge portion, and a discharge portion inner wall surface holding the valve seat,

The valve body has a substantially annular thin portion, and closes the discharge hole by bringing the thin portion into contact with the valve seat from the outer surface side of the discharge portion. 9. The discharge member according to claim 8, wherein the thin portion expands and deforms downstream when receiving a hydraulic pressure from the upstream side to open the discharge hole.

10. The discharge member according to claim 9, wherein the valve body and the discharge portion are integrally formed.

1. An approximately cylindrical or bowl-shaped discharge section having a hole at the bottom,

A valve body having a substantially annular valve body and a substantially annular thin portion provided at the tip thereof, and fixing the valve body in the discharge portion in a state where the thin portion is exposed from the hole to the outside of the discharge portion. A valve body made of an elastic body,

A cylindrical valve body support portion disposed in the discharge portion and defining a discharge hole together with the valve body;

A vent hole connected to a flow path on the upstream side of the valve body through a vent filter when the discharge port side is a downstream side;

With

When the valve body receives no hydraulic pressure from the upstream side, the thin portion of the valve body contacts the outer peripheral surface of the valve body support portion to close the discharge hole. Part is stretched and deformed to open the discharge hole,

A discharge member in which the expansion deformation of the thin portion is achieved by a liquid pressure lower than the liquid pressure of the ventilation filter, and the opening of the discharge hole is not achieved by an external air pressure to the ventilation filter. .

1 2. The valve body support has a flange on the upstream side of the cylindrical portion, and the valve body of the valve comes into contact with the flange without receiving the hydraulic pressure from the upstream side. The discharge member according to claim 11, wherein the flow path is closed by closing the flow path, and is compressed and deformed when receiving a hydraulic pressure from an upstream side to open the flow path between the flow path and the valve element supporting portion. .

13. The discharge member according to claim 11, wherein the valve body and the discharge portion are integrally formed.

14. The discharge member according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the valve body has been subjected to antibacterial treatment.

15. The discharge member according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the discharge hole has been subjected to an antibacterial treatment.

16. The discharge member according to any one of claims 2 to 13, further comprising a liquid passage filter upstream of the discharge hole or upstream of an opening / closing position of the flow path by the valve element.

17. A container provided with the discharge member according to any one of claims 1 to 16 at an opening of a container body.

18. An inner plug that is slidably held inside the flow path of the discharge member or the inside of the container body, and the inner plug is an inner wall of the flow path of the discharge member when the container is not used. 18. The container according to claim 17, wherein the flow path is closed by contacting the flow path.

19. The container according to claim 17 or 18, which is an ophthalmic container.