Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DESCRIPTION
DELIVERY DEVICE AND CONTAINER PROVIDED WITH THE SAME
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a delivery device that
delivers a liquid contained in a flexible container when the
container is depressed, and the container provided with the
delivery device.
BACKGROUND ART
A container used to drip a liquid contained therein such
as eye dropper employs a delivery device 150 such as one shown
in Fig. 41 (a) , (b) . The delivery device 150 is fitted at a mouth
152a of a container body 152, having an outlet orifice 151 of which
inner diameter is set so as to allow it to deliver the liquid by
depressing the container body 152 and keep the liquid from being
delivered when the container body 152 is not depressed, and an
outlet opening 153 of which a dimension is set so as to hold the
liquid in the form of a drop 154.
The container as shown in Fig. 41 has a high possibility
of the outlet opening 153 being contaminated by microorganisms
such as bacteria and dust. In the case of an eye dropper, in
particular, it is very likely that the outlet opening 153 catches
microorganisms through contact with corneaand/or eye lid. After
delivering the liquid from the container, outside air is taken
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in through the outlet opening 153 so as to restore the container
body 152, that has been deformed by depressing, into the original
shape, during which microorganisms and dust that have been caught
on the outlet opening 153 may be carried by the liquid (ophthalmic
solution) 155 that has remained in the outlet opening 153 and returns
into the containerbody 152, as shown in Fig. 42 (a) , (b) . Reference
numeral 156 in Fig. 42 (b) denotes bubbles in the liquid (ophthalmic
solution) 155.
Since entry of microorganisms and dust into the container
body may cause the liquid contained therein to degenerate or
deteriorate, the ophthalmic solution contained in the eye dropper
includesantiseptic agentsuch asbenzalkonium chloride or paraben
mixed therein. However, there are such problems that it is
difficult to prescribe a composition that includes an antiseptic
depending on the type of ophthalmic solution, and the antiseptic
may cause a side effect such as allergy in the user of the ophthalmic
solution. For these reasons, efforts have been made to eliminate
or reduce the use of antiseptics.
For example, disposable eye droppers that contain small
quantity of ophthalmic solution and are sealed without antiseptic
included have been commercialized for some time. Although this
eye dropper can eliminate the use of aseptic agent, high cost limits
the applications thereof and prohibits wider applications.
Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application (Kokai
Tokkyo Koho) No. 2002-80055 discloses a delivery device provided
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with a filter that employs the so-called delamination bottle having
an outer layer and an inner layer which is provided delaminatably
on the inside of the outer layer. Since this delivery device
prevents the outside air from flowing into the container through
the outlet opening after delivering the liquid, contamination of
the liquid in the container by bacteria or the like can be prevented.
However, it is necessary to provide an inner container that is
constituted from the inner layer and is easily deformed, so as
to accommodate a change in the inside pressure of the container
due to the delivery of the liquid, resulting in a high manufacturing
cost of the container.
Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application (Kokai
Tokkyo Koho) No. 2001-179017 and Japanese Published Unexamined
Patent Application (Kokai Tokkyo Koho) No. 2001-206454 disclose
antibacterial containers with a porous filter that has pores small
enough to prohibit the passage of bacteria and dust and is fitted
at the outlet opening thereof. In this case, however, when the
porous filter dries up after being wetted by the liquid, there
is apossibilityof the filter being loaded with the solute contained
in the liquid. A suspension may be used as the ophthalmic solution
depending on the application, in which case the problem of loaded
filter becomes more likely to occur. Moreover, while the
containers described in Japanese Published Unexamined Patent
Application (Kokai Tokkyo Koho) No. 2001-179017 and Japanese
Published Unexamined Patent Application (Kokai Tokkyo Koho) No.
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2001-206454 employ the porous filters made of sintered metal or
sintered resin, in which case fine particles of the sintered
material may be delivered along with the liquid.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
With this background, an object of the present invention
is to provide a delivery device to be fitted at the mouth of a
container so as to deliver a liquid contained therein in the form
of drops, that enables it to prevent the liquid from flowing backward
and achieve aseptic entry of air into the container after delivering
the liquid.
Another abject of the present invention is to provide a
container that allows it to eliminate or reduce the use of an
antiseptic for the purpose of preventing the content liquid from
being degenerated or deteriorated, and achieves smooth delivery
of the liquid without clogging the outlet opening even when the
content liquid is a suspension.
[Delivery Device]
The delivery device of the present invention that achieves
the object described above comprises an outlet portion having
substantially bottomed tubular shape or substantially bowl like
shape having an outlet orifice at the bottom thereof, avalveelement
made of an elastic material that, when there is no liquid pressure
exerted thereon from upstream side, closes the outlet orifice
and/or a flow passage communicating with the outlet orifice in
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the outlet portion and, when forced by the liquid pressure from
upstream side, deforms and opens the outlet orifice andJor the
flow passage, and a vent hole that communicates with the outlet
orifice and the flow passage which is provided at a positioning
5 the upstream of said valve element via an air filter, with the
side of said outlet orifice defined as the downstream, wherein
deformation of the valve element is achieved by a liquid pressure
lower than the pressure required to pass the liquid through the
air filter and opening of the outlet orifice and/or the flow passage
cannot be achieved by the pressure required to pass air through
the air filter from outside.
In the delivery device of the present invention, the valve
element that controls closure and opening of the outlet orifice
and the flow passage is made of an elastic material and, when there
is no liquid pressure exerted thereon from upstream side, closes
the outlet orifice and/or the flow passage and, when forced by
the liquidpressure from upstream side, deforms and opens the outlet
orifice and/or the flow passage. When the outlet orifice and/or
the flow passage is opened, the outlet orifice and the upstream
side (specifically, a container body such as eye dropper connected
with the delivery device of the present invention) of the outlet
portion become connected to communicate with each other, thereby
achieving delivery of liquid from the outlet orifice.
To achieve delivery of the liquid from the outlet orifice
with the delivery device of the present invention, for example,
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a pressure may be applied to the container body such as eye dropper
that is connected with the delivery device. As the pressure is
applied, the valve element of the delivery device receives the
pressure of the content liquid (medical liquid or the like) from
upstream side, so that the valve element is deformed and the outlet
orifice and/or the flow passage opens. Upon completion of the
delivery operation, the deformed container body draws in outside
air through the vent hole in order to restore the original shape .
When the delivery device of the present invention is used, since
the air filter is fitted at the vent hole that communicates with
the flow passage of the content liquid, aseptic entry of air into
the container can be achieved after the delivery operation.
Negative pressure, that is generated in the container body
connected to the delivery device so as to draw in the outside air
after completing the delivery operation, has an effect of
accelerating the restoration of the deformed valve element. As
a result, a clearance (flow passage) formed by the delivery
operation between the valve element and the outlet portion is
immediately closed when the pressure on the container body is
removed, and therefore the valve element in the delivery device
of the present invention acts as a check valve.
The delivery device of the present invention may be embodied
for example, as described below in first to fifth embodiments.
(First Embodiment)
First delivery device according to the present invention
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comprises an outlet portion havingsubstantially bottomed tubular
shape or substantially bowl like shape that has an outlet orifice
at the bottom thereof, a valve element made of an elastic material
and disposed in the outlet portion that, when there is no liquid
pressure exerted thereon from upstream side, closes the outlet
orifice and, when forced by the liquid pressure from upstream side,
undergoes compressive deformation so as to open the outlet orifice,
a locking member that is disposed in the outlet portion so as to
define a flow passage between itself and the inner surface of the
outlet portion and fastens the valve element in upstream position,
with the outlet orifice defined as the downstream side, and a vent
hole that communicates with the flow passage which is provided
at a position in the upstream of said valve element via an air
filter, wherein compressive deformation of the valve element is
achieved by a liquid pressure lower than the pressure required
to pass the liquid through the air filter and opening of the outlet
orifice and/or the flow passage cannot be achieved by the pressure
required to pass air through the air filter from outside.
In the first delivery device, the valve element made of an
elastic material and disposed in the outlet portion operates in
relation to the outlet orifice serving as a valve seat so as to
control closure and opening of the flow passage. When there is
no liquid pressure exerted thereon from upstream side, the valve
element closes the outlet orifice and, when forced by the liquid
pressure from upstream side, undergoes compressive deformation
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so as to open the outlet orifice. When the outlet orifice is opened,
the outlet orifice and the flow passage that is formed between
the inner surface of the outlet portion and the locking member
communicate with each other, thus achieving delivery of the content
liquid from the outlet portion.
In the first delivery device, delivery of the liquid from
the outlet orifice may be achieved by applying a pressure to the
container body that is connected with the delivery device similarly
to that described previously. Such features and operations are
also similar to those described previously, that aseptic entry
of air into the container through the air filter can be achieved
when the valve element restores the original shape after the
delivery operation, and that negative pressure that draws in the
outside air accelerates the restoration of the deformed valve
element (hence the valve element can be caused to act as a check
valve).
In thefirst delivery device, since compressive deformation
of the valve element is achieved by a liquid pressure lower than
the pressure that is required to pass the liquid through the air
filter, there occurs no leakage of the liquid in the air filter
during the delivery operation. Moreover, since opening of the
outlet orifice and/or a flow passage communicating with the outlet
orifice cannot be achieved by the pressure required to pass air
through the air filter from outside, there occurs no entry of the
outside air through the outlet orifice instead of through the vent
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hole, nor corresponding leakage of the liquid through the outlet
orifice during restoration of the container body.
As a result, according to the first delivery device of the
present invention, delivery operation and restoration of the
container body after the delivery operation can be achieved
smoothly while preventing, at a high level, the backflow of the
liquid that has been delivered from the outlet orifice and the
entry of microorganisms and dust being carried by the liquid to
the upstream.
In the first delivery device, the valve element and the
locking member are preferably integrally formed. By integrally
forming the valve element and the locking member, process of
manufacturingthe delivery device can bemade efficient. Methods
for integrally forming the valve element and the locking member
include, for example, multicolor molding and insert molding.
(Second Embodiment)
Second delivery device according to the present invention
comprisesan outletportion havingsubstantially bottomedtubular
shape or substantially bowl like shape that has an outlet orifice
at the bottom thereof, a valve seat fixed in the outlet portion,
a valve element made of an elastic material in a substantially
tubular shape that is fixed on the inner surface of the outlet
portion and, when there is no liquid pressure exerted thereon from
upstream side, is seated on the valve seat from the downstream
side so as to close the flow passage connected to the outlet orifice
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and, when forced by the liquid pressure from upstream side,
undergoes compressive deformation so as to open a flow passage
between itself and the valve seat, withtheoutletorificeisdefined
as the downstream side, and a vent hole that communicates with
the flow passage which is provided at a position in the upstream
of said valve element via an air filter, wherein compressive
deformation of the valve element is achieved by a liquid pressure
lower than the pressure required to pass the liquid through the
air filter and opening of the outlet orifice and/or the flow passage
cannot be achieved by the pressure required to pass air through
the air filter from outside.
In the second delivery device, the valve element made of
an elastic material and disposed in the outlet portion makes a
pair with the valve seat that is also disposed in the outlet portion,
so as to control closure and opening of the flow passage. When
there is no liquid pressure exerted thereon from upstream side,
the valve element makes contact with the valve seat and closes
the flow passage that connects the outlet orifice and the upstream
side of the outlet portion. When forced by the liquid pressure
from upstream side, the valve element undergoes compressive
deformation and forms a clearance between itself and the valve
seat (opens a clearance between itself and the valve seat). As
the clearance is formed between the valve element and the valve
seat, a flow passage is formed to communicate the upstream of the
valve element and the outlet orifice, thereby achieving delivery
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of the liquid from the outlet orifice.
In the second valve element, delivery of the liquid from
the outlet orifice may be achieved by applying a pressure to the
container body that is connected with the delivery device as
described previously. Such features and operations are also
similar to those described previously, that aseptic entry of air
through the air filter into the container can be achieved when
the valve element restores the original shape after the delivery
operation, and that negative pressure that draws in the outside
air accelerates the restoration of the deformed valve element
(hence the valve element can be caused to act as a check valve) .
Inthesecond delivery device,since compressivedeformation
of the valve element is achieved by a liquid pressure lower than
the pressure that is required to pass the liquid through the air
filter, there occurs no leakage of the liquid through the vent
hole during delivery operation. Moreover, since opening of the
outlet orifice and /or a flow passage communicating with the outlet
orifice cannot be achieved by the pressure required to pass air
through the air filter from outside, there occurs no entry of the
outside air through the outlet orifice, instead of the vent hole,
nor corresponding leakage of the liquid through the outlet orifice
during restoration of the container body.
As a result, according to the second delivery device of the
present invention, delivery operation and restoration of the
container body after the delivery operation can be achieved
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smoothly while preventing, at a high level, the backflow of the
liquid that has been delivered from the outlet orifice and the
entry of microorganisms and dust being carried by the liquid to
the upstream.
In the second delivery device, the valve element is fixed
on the inner surface of the outlet portion for the purpose of
accurately closing and opening the flow passage. Accordingly,
the valve element and the locking member are preferably formed
integrally, but are not limited to this constitution. By
integrally forming the valve element and the locking member, both
the valve element and the locking member can be fixed reliably,
and process of manufacturing the delivery device can be made more
efficient. Methods for integrally forming the valve element and
the locking member include, for example, multicolor molding and
insert molding.
(Third Embodiment)
Third delivery device according to the present invention
comprises an outletportion havingsubstantially bottomedtubular
shape or substantially bowl like shape that has an outlet orifice
at the bottom thereof, a valve element made of an elastic material
and disposed in the outlet portion that, when there is no liquid
pressure exerted thereon from upstream side, closes the outlet
orifice or the flow passage which communicates with the outlet
orifice and, when forced by the liquid pressure from upstream side,
undergoes expansive deformation so as to open the outlet orifice
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or the flow passage, and a vent hole that communicates with the
flow passage which is provided at a position in the upstream of
said valve element via an air filter, with the outlet orifice is
defined as the downstream side wherein the expansive deformation
of the valve element is achieved by a liquid pressure lower than
the pressure required to pass the liquid through the air filter
and opening of the outlet orifice or the flow passage cannot be
achieved by the pressure required to pass air through the air filter
from outside.
In the third delivery device, the valve element made of an
elastic material and disposed in the outlet portion controls the
closure and opening of the outlet orifice or the flow passage.
When there is no liquid pressure exerted thereon from upstream
side, the valve element closes the outlet orifice or the flow passage
that communicates with the outlet orifice and, when forced by the
liquid pressure from upstream side, undergoes expansive
deformation and opens the outlet orifice or the flow passage. When
the outlet orifice or the flow passage is opened, the flow passage
between the upstream of the valve element and the outlet orifice
is established to communicate, thus achieving delivery of the
liquid from the outlet orifice.
In the third delivery device, delivery of the liquid from
the outlet orifice may be achieved by applying a pressure to the
container body that is connected with the delivery device as
described previously. Such features and operations are also
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similar to those described previously, that aseptic entry of air
through the air filter into the container can be achieved when
the valve element restores the original shape after the delivery
operation, and that negative pressure that draws in the outside
air accelerates the restoration of the deformed valve element
(hence the valve element can be caused to act as a check valve) .
In the third delivery device, since the expansive deformation
of the valve element is achieved by a liquid pressure lower than
the pressure that is required to pass the liquid through the air
filter, there occurs no leakage of the liquid in the vent hole
during delivery operation. Moreover, since the expansive
deformation of the valve element is not caused by the pressure
from outside according to its structure (hence the expansive
deformation cannot be achieved by the pressure equal to air pressure
to pass through the air filter from outside) , there occurs no entry
of the outside air through the outlet orifice, instead of the vent
hole, nor corresponding leakage of the liquid through the outlet
orifice during restoration of the container body.
As a result, according to the third delivery device of the
present invention, delivery operation and restoration of the
container after the delivery operation can be achieved smoothly
while preventing, at a high level, the backflow of the liquid that
has been delivered from the outlet orifice and the entry of
microorganisms and dust being carried by the liquid to the upstream.
In the third delivery device of the present invention, the
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valve element has a valve body that is fixed in the flow passage
and a projecting portion at the tip thereof on the outlet orifice
side. The projecting portion at the tip of the valve body
approaches from the upstream and engages a ridge formed on the
5 inner wall of the flow passage that communicates with the outlet
orifice so as to close the flow passage.
The valve body preferablyexpands toward the downstream under
the effect of the liquid pressure from the upstream side, so as
to form a clearance between the projecting portion at the tip of
10 the valve body and the ridge provided on the inner surface of the
flow passage.
In this case, when there is no liquid pressure exerted thereon,
the projecting portion at the tip of the value body engages with
the ridge provided on the inner surface of the flow passage from
15 the downstream side, so that the flow passage is closed. When
the liquid pressure is applied, the valve element expands toward
the downstream of the engaging position, thereby opening the
clearance between the proj ecting portion at the tip of the valve
body and the ridge provided on the inner surface of the flow passage .
When the delivery operation is completed and the liquid pressure
is removed from the valve element, the projecting portion at the
tip of the valve body returns to the upstream as the valve element
restores the original shape, so as to engage with the ridge provided
on the inner surface of the flow passage again, thereby closing
the flow passage. Restoration of the deformed valve element is
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accelerated by the negative pressure, that is generated by the
restoration of the container body which has been deformed by the
delivery operation, and has the effect of drawing in the outside
air as described above.
(Fourth Embodiment)
Fourth delivery device according to the present invention
comprisesan outletportion havingsubstantially bottomed tubular
shape or substantially bowl like shape that has an outlet orifice
at the bottom thereof, a valve element made of an elastic material
and disposed in contact with the outlet portion on the outer surface
thereof that, when there is no liquid pressure exerted thereon
from the upstream side, closes the outlet orifice and, when forced
by the liquid pressure from the upstream side, undergoes expansive
deformation so as to open the outlet orifice, with the outlet orifice
side is defined as the downstream side and a vent hole that
communicates with the outlet orifice via an air filter, wherein
the expansive deformation of the valve element is achieved by a
liquid pressure lower than the pressure required to pass the liquid
through the air filter and opening of the outlet orifice cannot
be achieved by the pressure required to pass air through the air
filter from outside.
In the fourth delivery device, the valve element made of
an elastic material and disposed in contact with the outlet portion
on the outer surface thereof controls the closure and opening of
the outlet orifice. When there is no liquid pressure exerted
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thereon from the upstream side, the valve element closes the outlet
orifice and, when forced by the liquid pressure from the upstream
side, undergoes expansive deformation toward the outside
(downstream side) of the outlet portion (thereby bending the valve
element toward the outside) and opens the outlet orifice. When
the outlet orifice is opened, the flow passage between the upstream
side of the valve element and the outlet orifice is established
to communicate with each other, thereby achieving delivery of the
liquid from the outlet orifice.
In the fourth delivery device, delivery of the liquid from
the outlet orifice may be achieved by applying a pressure to the
container body that is connected with the delivery device as
described previously. Such features and operations are also
similar to those described previously, that aseptic entry of air
through the air filter into the container can be achieved when
the valve element restores the original shape after the delivery
operation, and that negative pressure that draws in the outside
air accelerates the restoration of the deformed valve element
(hence the valve element can be caused to act as a check valve) .
In the fourth delivery device, since expansive deformation
of the valve element is achieved by a liquid pressure lower than
the pressure that is required to pass the liquid through the air
filter, there occurs no leakage of the liquid in the vent hole
during the delivery operation. Moreover, since the expansive
deformation of the valve element is not caused by the pressure
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from outside according to its structure (hence the expansive
deformation cannot be achieved by the pressure equal to air pressure
to pass through the air filter from outside) , there occurs no entry
of the outside air through the outlet orifice, instead of the vent
hole, nor corresponding leakage of the liquid through the outlet
orifice during restoration of the container body.
As a result, according to the fourth delivery device of the
present invention, delivery operation and restoration of the
container body after the delivery operation can be achieved
smoothly while preventing, at a high level, the backflow of the
liquid that has been delivered from the outlet orifice and the
entry of microorganisms and dust being carried by the liquid to
the upstream.
In the fourth delivery device of the present invention, the
outlet orifice is defined by a substantially disk-shaped valve
seat that is fixed in the outlet portion and the inner wall surface
of the outlet portion that holds the valve seat, while the valve
element has a substantially ring-shaped thin wall portion and
closes the outlet orifice by bringing the thin wall portion into
contact with the valve seat from the outer surface side of the
outlet portion. The thin wall portion of the valve element
preferably undergoes expansive deformation toward the downstream
under the liquid pressure so as to open the outlet orifice, with
the outlet orifice side being defined as the downstream.
In this case, when there is no liquid pressure exerted thereon,
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the thin-walled portion of the valve element makes contact with
the substantially disk-shaped valve seat so as to close the outlet
orifice. When the liquid pressure is applied, the valve element
undergoes expansive deformation toward the downstream (bending
to the outside of the outlet portion) , thereby opening the outlet
orifice delimited between substantially disk-shaped valve seat
and the inner wall surface of the outlet portion that holds the
valve seat. When the delivery operation is completed and the liquid
pressure is removed from the valve element, the thin-walled portion
of the valve element again makes contact with the substantially
disk-shaped valve seat so as to close the flow passage . Restoration
of the deformed valve element is accelerated by the negative
pressure that has the effect of drawing in the outside air and
is generated by the restoration of the container body which has
been deformed by the delivery operation, as described above.
In the fourth delivery device of the present invention, the
valve element is preferably formed integrally on the outside of
the outlet portion, which makes the process of manufacturing the
delivery device more efficient. Methods for integrally forming
the valve element and the outlet portion include multicolor molding
and insert molding, though not limited to these methods.
(Fifth Embodiment)
Fifth delivery device according to the present invention
comprises anoutletportion havingsubstantially bottomedtubular
shape or substantially bowl like shape that has an outlet orifice
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at the bottom thereof, a valve element made of an elastic material
having a substantially ring-shaped valve body and a substantially
ring-shaped thin-walled portion disposed at the tip of the former,
with the valve body being fixed in the outlet portion while the
5 thin-walled portion is exposed through the orifice to the outside
of the outlet portion, a valve support member of cylindrical shape
that is disposed in the outlet portion and defines the outlet orifice
together with the valve element, and a vent hole that communicates
with a flow passage which is provided at a position in the upstream
10 of said valve element via an air filter, wherein the thin-walled
portion of the valve element makes contact with the periphery of
the valve support member so as to close the outlet orifice when
there is no liquid pressure exerted thereon from the upstream side,
with the side of said outlet orifice defined as the downstream,
15 and the thin-walled portion undergoes expansive deformation so
as to open the outlet orifice when the liquid pressure is applied
thereto from the upstream side, while the expansive deformation
of the thin-walled portion is achieved by a liquid pressure lower
than the pressure required to pass the liquid through the air filter
20 and opening of the outlet orifice cannot be achieved by the pressure
required to pass air through the air filter from outside.
In the fifth delivery device, the valve element made of an
elastic material and disposed in the outlet portion has the
thin-walled portion thereof being fixed in the state of being
exposed through the orifice provided at the bottom of the outlet
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portion to the outside of the outlet portion so as to define the
outlet orifice between itself and the valve element support member.
Thethin-walled portion usesthe cylindricalvalveelementsupport
member as the valve seat so as to control the closure and opening
of the outlet orifice. When there is no liquid pressure exerted
thereon from the upstream side, the thin-walled portion of the
valve element makes contact with the outer periphery of the valve
element support member so as to close the outlet orifice. When
the liquid pressure is applied thereto from the upstream side,
the thin-walled portion undergoes expansive deformation toward
the outside (downstream side) of the outlet portion and thereby
opens the outlet orifice. When the outlet orifice is opened, the
flow passage between the upstream of the valve element and the
outlet orifice is established to communicate, thus achieving the
delivery of liquid from the outlet orifice.
In the fifth delivery device, delivery of liquid from the
outlet orifice may be achieved by applying a pressure to the
container body that is connected with the delivery device as
described previously. Such features and operations are also
similar to those described previously, that aseptic entry of air
through the air filter into the container can be achieved when
the valve element restores the original shape after the delivery
operation, and that negative pressure that draws in the outside
air accelerates the restoration of the deformed valve element
(hence the valve element can be caused to act as a check valve) .
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In the fifth delivery device, since expansive deformation
of the valve element is achieved by a liquid pressure lower than
the pressure that is required to pass the liquid through the air
filter, there occurs no leakage of the liquid in the vent hole
during the delivery operation. Moreover, since the expansive
deformation of the valve element is not caused by the pressure
from outside according to its structure (hence the expansive
deformation cannot be achieved by the pressure equal to air pressure
to pass through the air filter from outside) , there occurs no entry
of the outside air through the outlet orifice, instead of the vent
hole, nor corresponding leakage of the liquid through the outlet
orifice during restoration of the container body.
As a result, according to the fifth delivery device of the
present invention, delivery operation and restoration of the
container body after the delivery operation can be achieved
smoothly while preventing, at a high level, the backflow of the
liquid that has been delivered from the outlet orifice and the
entry of microorganisms and dust being carried by the liquid to
the upstream.
In the fifth delivery device of the present invention, the
valve element support member preferably has a flange on the upstream
side of the cylindrical portion thereof so that, when there is
no liquid pressure exerted thereon, the valve body of the valve
element makes contact with the flange so as to close the flow passage
and, when the liquid pressure is applied thereto, undergoes bending
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deformation so as to open the flow passage between itself and the
valve element support member.
In this case, when there is no liquid pressure exerted thereon
from the upstream side, the thin-walled portion of thevalveelement
not only makes contact with the outer periphery of the valve element
support portion so as to close the outlet orifice, but also brings
the valve body into contact with the flange of the valve element
support member so as to close the flow passage. Therefore, it
makes surer of closing of said outlet orifice. When the liquid
pressure is applied from the upstream side, the valve element not
only makes the thin-walled portion undergo expansive deformation
toward the outside of the outlet portion (downstream) but also
makes the valve body undergo compressive deformation, thereby to
form (open) the flow passage between itself and the flange of the
valve element support member. When the outlet orifice and the
flow passage are opened as described above, the flow passage between
the upstream of the valve element and the outlet orifice is
established to communicate, thus achieving the delivery of liquid
from the outlet orifice.
In the fifth delivery device and in preferred embodiment
thereof, restoration of the deformed valve element, after
completing the delivery operation withtheliquid pressure removed,
is accelerated by the negative pressure that is generated by the
restoration of the container body which has been deformed by the
delivery operation and draws in the outside air, as described above .
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
24
In the fifth delivery device of the present invention, the
valve body of the valve element is preferably formed integrally
on the inner surface of the outlet portion, which makes the process
of manufacturing the delivery device more efficient. Methodsfor
integrally forming the valve element and the outlet portion include,
but not limited to, multicolor molding and insert molding.
[Antibacterial treatment]
In the delivery device of the present invention, the valve
element and/or the outlet orifice is preferably subjected to
antibacterial treatment . When the valve element and/or the outlet
orifice is subjected to antibacterial treatment, effect of
preventing the reproduction of bacteria can be achieved for the
liquid remaining in the vicinity of the outlet orifice after
completing the delivery operation.
Members subjected to antibacterial treatment may be chosen
according to the constitution of the delivery device.
Antibacterial treatment may be applied to various members such
as, but not limited to, the entire outlet portion, the valve seat,
the container body and the surface of a cap that covers the outlet
portion (particularly the inner surface that touches the outlet
portion), an water absorption material (sponge, cloth, paper,
hydrogel, etc. provided to the inside of said cap.
Antibacterial treatment may be carried out by mixing a
chemical such as an antiseptic or an antibacterial agent in the
elastic material, such as thermoplastic elastomer that makes the
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
valve element, or in the resinmaterial that makes the outlet portion,
the outlet orifice, the valve seat, or in the raw material that
makes the water absorption material or the like, coating the surface
of the valve element, the outlet portion or the like that has been
5 formed with the chemical, or applying surface treatment such as
silane coupling or selenium coating to the material that is used
to form the valve element, the outlet portion, the cap, the water
absorption material in the cap or the like. Antibacterial
treatment maybe applied to hydrogel comprising a (meth) acrylamide
10 polymer and water-swelling clay mineral by coating the surface
thereof with selenium.
[Liquid Filter]
The delivery device of the present invention preferably has
a liquid filter disposed in the upstream of the outlet orifice
15 or in the upstream of the position of opening/closing the flow
passage by the valve element. By providing the liquid filter,
it is made possible to surely prevent or restrict the residual
liquid from entering (flowing backward) the container body that
is connected to the delivery device, should the residual liquid
20 remaining around the outlet orifice of the outlet portion be
contaminated by microorganism or dust. That is, it is preferable
to provide the liquid filter in order to prevent or restrict
contaminants from entering the container that is connected to the
delivery device.
25 The liquid filter having fine mesh of about 0.2 to 0.45 ,u.
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
26
m makes it difficult to apply the delivery device of the present
invention to a container that contains a suspension. On the other
hand, this makes it possible to surely prevent or restrict the
residual liquid from entering (flowing backward) the container
body that is connected to the delivery device of the present
invention, should the residual liquid contaminated by
microorganism or dust flow back through the outlet orifice.
The liquid filter having coarse mesh of about 10 to 20 ,u
m makes it possible to apply the delivery device of the present
invention also to a container that contains a suspension. In this
case, it is not necessary to take the loading of the liquid filter
by the suspension into consideration, but rather such effects can
be achieved as solvent in the container is prevented from
evaporating and, as a result, suspended component can be prevented
from precipitating near the outlet orifice. Also because even
a liquid filter having such a coarse mesh is capable of suppressing
the passage of microorganisms to some extent, it is made possible
to restrict the residual liquid from entering the container body
to some extent, should the residual liquid contaminated by
microorganismor dust enter (flow back) through the outlet orifice.
[Container]
The container of the present invention for achieving the
obj ect described previously has the delivery device of the present
invention fitted at the mouth of the container body. The container
of the present invention is suited for use as an eye dropper
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
27
containing an ophthalmic solution.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The delivery device of the present invention and the
container provided therewith will now be described in detail below
with reference to accompanying drawings.
[First Delivery Device and Container]
First delivery device 10 according to the present invention
comprises an outlet portion 11 having substantially bottomed
tubular shape (or substantially bowl like shape) that has an outlet
orifice 12 at the bottom thereof, a valve element 13 disposed in
the outlet portion 11 that, when there is no liquid pressure exerted
thereon from the upstream side U, closes the outlet orifice 12
and, when forced by the liquid pressure from the upstream side
U, undergoes compressive deformation and opens the outlet orifice
12, a locking member 14 that is disposed in the outlet portion
11 so as to define a flow passage 15 between itself and an inner
surface lld of the outlet portion and fastens the valve element
13 in the upstream side U, and a vent hole 16 that communicates
with the flow passage which is provided at a position in the upstream
of the valve element 13 via an air filter 17 as shown in Fig. 1.
The outlet orifice 12 is normally closed by the valve element
13 but, when a liquid pressure is applied to the valve element
13 from the upstream side U via the flow passage 15, the valve
element 13 undergoes compressive deformation so that a clearance
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
28
is formed between the outlet orifice 12 of the outlet portion 11
and the valve element 13. This enables it to deliver the liquid
contained in the container through the clearance.
The valve element 13 is fixed by the locking member 14 in
the delivery device 10, and the clearance between the locking member
14 and the inner surface lld of the outlet portion is the flow
passage 15 for the liquid.
The outlet portion 11 comprises two members; an outlet
portionbody lla that has the outlet orifice 12 and a linkage portion
11b that is disposed in the upstream side U of the outlet portion
body 11a and is connected to the mouth of the container, because
it is necessary to install the air filter 17 in the vent hole 16.
The outlet portion body lla and the linkage portion 11b are
integrated using bonding means such as ultrasonic welding with
the air filter 17 fitted in a joint llc.
The first delivery device 10 is, for example, attached to
the mouth of the container body 21 as shown in Fig. 2. In the
case of the container 20 shown in Fig. 2, the delivery device 10
is attached to a neck 22 of the container 20 via a plug 23. The
plug 23 is inserted slidably in the neck 22 of the container 20
as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the
container 20 in the state of being used, and Fig. 3 is a sectional
view of the container 20 before unsealing.
In the state of being not yet unsealed as shown in Fig. 3,
not only a cap 26 is attached to the outlet portion 11 but also
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
29
a stopper 27 is fitted between the delivery device 10 and the
container body 21 . Thus the delivery device 10 is lightly inserted
in the container body 21. In this state, the tip portion 23a of
the plug 23 is in contact with a flange 19 that is disposed on
the inner surface of the delivery device 10. As a result, the
flow passage 15 of the delivery device 10 is interrupted by the
flange 19 and the tip portion 23a of the plug 23, thereby enabling
it to maintain the liquid in the container body 21 at a high level
of aseptic condition and prevent the deterioration (oxidization)
of the liquid in the container from proceeding.
Sequence of delivery operations of the first delivery device
of the present invention and the container provided therewith are
shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 (a) shows a state where pressure
is not applied to the container body 21 and the valve element 13
of the delivery device closes the outlet orifice 12. As a result,
the content liquid 24 of the container body 21 remains in the
container body 21 and the delivery device without being delivered
through the outlet portion 11. Fig. 4(b) shows a state of the
container body 21 under a pressure applied thereto . In this state,
the valve element 13 of the delivery device is under the pressure
of the content liquid 24 from the upstream side U and accordingly
undergoing compressive deformation of the valve element 13, so
as to open the outlet orifice 12 thereby delivering the content
liquid 24 in the form of a drop 25.
Fig. 5 (a) shows a state that follows the state shown in Fig.
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
4(b). In this state, the pressure on the container body 21 is
removed. In this state, since the valve element 13 of the delivery
device does not receive the pressure of the liquid 24, the valve
element 13 restores the original shape of the state without pressure,
5 thereby closing the outlet orifice 12 again. Fig. 5(b) shows a
state that follows the state shown in Fig. 5 (a) . In this state,
the container body 21 is restoring the original shape of the state
withoutpressure, as the pressure on the containerbody2lisremoved.
In this state, since the valve element 13 of the delivery device
10 closes the outlet orifice 12, outside air enters the container
body 21 solely through the vent hole 16.
In another embodiment of first delivery device 10' and a
container 20' provided therewith shown in Fig. 6, a liquid filter
18 is provided on the flow passage 15 that communicates with the
15 outlet orifice 12 . As a consequence, it is made possible to prevent
or restrict the residual liquid from entering the container body
21 that is connected to the delivery device 10' , should the residual
liquid contaminated by microorganism or dust flow back from the
outlet orifice 12, as described previously.
20 The first delivery device of the present invention may also
be, for example, such that the valve elements 13a and 13b have
sectional configurations shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. That is,
distal end of the valve elements 13 exposed through the outlet
orifice 12 may be flat as in the delivery device l0a shown in Fig.
25 7, or the valve element 13b may have a recess 13c at the tip thereof
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
31
as in the delivery device lOb shown in Fig. 8 . When liquid pressure
is applied from the upstream side U, the valve element 13b having
the configuration shown in Fig. 8 is more likely to undergo
compressive deformation (and is therefore more likely to open the
outlet orifice 12) than the valve element without recess 13c (the
valve elements 13, 13a shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 7, respectively) .
In addition, the valve element 13b is less prone to such a problem
that the outlet orifice 12 is inadvertently opened by a pressure
from outside of the outlet portion 11, and is therefore more
advantageous for making the delivery operation smoother and
preventing back flow.
[Second Delivery Device and Container)
Second delivery device 30 according to the present invention
comprises, for example, an outlet portion 31 having substantially
bottomed tubular shape having an outlet orifice 32 at the bottom
thereof, a ring-shaped valve element 33 disposed in the outlet
portion 31, a valve seat 34 that is fitted from an open end 31d
side of the outlet portion 31 and makes contact with the valve
element 33 on the upstream side U when the outlet orifice 32 is
defined as the downstream side D, and avent hole 36 that communicates
with the flow passage 35 which is provided at a position in the
upstream side U of the valve element 33 via an air filter 37, as
shown in Fig. 9 (sectional view) and in Fig. 10 (exploded sectional
view) .
The outlet portion 31 consists of two members; an outlet
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
32
portion body 31a that has the outlet orifice 32 and a linkage portion
31b that is disposed in the upstream side U of the outlet portion
body 31a and is connected to the mouth of the container, because
it is necessary to install the air filter 37 in the vent hole 36.
The outlet portionbody3la and the linkage member 31b are integrated
using bonding means such as ultrasonic welding with the air filter
37 interposed by flange 31f (joint 31c) thereof.
In the delivery device 30 shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the
integral assembly of the outlet portion body 31a and the valve
element 33 is constituted by j oining the ring-shaped valve element
33 with at least a part of the inner surface 31e of the outlet
portion body 31a, as shown in the plan view in Fig. 11 . The portions
indicatedwith dashed lines with reference numeral 36 in Fig. 11 (a)
are vent holes covered with the air filter 37.
Fig. 11 (b) is a bottom view of the integral assembly of the
outlet portion body 31a and the valve element 33, wherein the outlet
portion body 31a has a through hole (injection hole) 31g that
penetrates the bottom thereof . The outlet portion body 31a may
be formed, for example, by injecting a resin into a mold. The
outlet portion body 31a and the valve element 33 may be integrally
formed by replacing (or moving) the mold (movable mold) on the
open end side 31d of the outlet portion 31 (refer to Fig. 10) after
the injection described above, then injecting a thermoplastic
elastomer through the inj ection hole 31g at the bottom of the outlet
portion body 31a . The inj ection hole 31g becomes unnecessary when
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
33
integral molding of the valve element 33 is carried out by inj ecting
the material through the open end side 31d of the outlet portion.
In the delivery device 30 shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the
valve seat 34, that is fitted in the outlet portion body 31a from
the upstream side U, has a tubular body 34c, which has a flange
34d, and a valve seat 34a disposed so as to block an opening on
the opposite side of the flange 34d side of the tubular body 34c,
as shown in the plan view (a) and the bottom view (b) of Fig. 12.
Portion denoted with reference number 34b, together with a cavity
of the ring-shaped valve element 33, delimits a flow passage 35
of liquid. Reference numeral 34e denotes a joint between the
tubular body 34c and the valve seat 34a.
In the integrally molded body shown in Fig. 11 (a) , the valve
element 33 has a ring shape. However, the valve element is not
limited to a configuration that is continuous in the
circumferential direction x of the outlet portion body 31a
(ring-shaped), and may have such a configuration, for example,
as shown in Fig. 13(a). In case the valve element has the
configuration shown in Fig. 13 (a) , a flow passage (not shown) that
is formed between the valve seat (not shown) and the outlet portion
body 31a' by the compressive deformation of the valve element 33'
becomes narrower than that of the case where the valve element
33 has a ring shape ( Fig. 11 ) . Therefore, shape of the valve element
maybe determined according to the width of the flow passage required
by the delivery device. Reference numeral 31e' in Fig. 13(a)
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
34
denotes the inner surface of the outlet portion body 31a and 31f'
denotes a flange of the outlet portion body 31a.
Fig. 13 (b) shows a valve seat portion 34' used in a delivery
device that has the valve element 33' of the shape shown in Fig.
13 (a) . The flow passage 35 of the valve seat portion 34' may be
provided in accordance to the shape of valve element 33' of the
delivery device shown in Fig. 13 (a) . Reference numeral 34a' in
Fig. 13(b) denotes a valve seat.
The second delivery device 30 is used while being attached
to the mouth of the container body 41, for example, as shown in
Fig. 14.
Sequence of delivery operations of the second delivery device
of the present invention and the container provided therewith are
shown in Fig. l5 and Fig. 16. Fig. 15 (a) showsastatewherepressure
is not applied to the container body 41 and the valve element 33
shuts off between the flow passage 35 on the outlet portion body
31a side and the passage 35 on the joint 31b side, thus shutting
off the communication between the outlet orifice 32 and the
container body 41. As a result, the content liquid 44 of the
container body 41 remains in the container body 41 and in the delivery
device 30 without being delivered through the outlet portion 31.
Fig. 15 (b) shows a state of the container body 41 under pressure
applied thereto. In this state, the valve element 33 is under
pressure of the liquid from the upstream side U via the flow passage
35, and accordingly undergoes compressive deformation. As a
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
result, a clearance is created between the valve element 33 and
the valve seat 34a (namely the valve element is released) so that
the flow passage 35 on the outlet portion body 31a side and the
flow passage 35 on the j oint 31b side communicate with each other .
5 Thus the liquid 44 contained in the container body 41 is delivered
from the outlet portion 31 in the form of a drop 45.
Fig. 16(a) shows a state that follows the state shown in
Fig . 15 (b ) , wherein the pressure on the container body 41 i s removed .
In this state, since the valve element 33 of the delivery device
10 does not receive the pressure of the liquid 43, the valve element
33 restores the original shape of the state without pressure,
thereby closing the clearance between the valve element 33 and
the valve seat 34a. Fig. 16(b) shows a state that follows the
state shown in Fig. 16(a), wherein the containerbody4lisrestoring
15 the original shape of the state without pressure as the pressure
on the container body 41 is removed. In this state, since the
valve element 33 of the delivery device closes the flow passage
35, outside air enters the container body 41 solely through the
vent hole 36.
20 As shown in Fig. 14 and Fig. 17, the plug 43 is inserted
slidably in the neck 42 of the container 40. Fig. 14 shows a section
of the container 40 in the state of being used, while Fig. 17 shows
a section of the container 40 before being unsealed. In the state
before being unsealed as shown in Fig. 17, the delivery device
25 30 is lightly inserted in the container body 41. In this state,
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
36
distal end 43a of the plug 43 is in contact with the flange 39
that is provided on the inner surface of the outlet portion 31.
As a result, the flow passage 34 of the delivery device 30 is
interrupted by the flange 39 and the distal end 43a of the plug
43, thereby enabling it to maintain the liquid in the container
body 21 at a high level of aseptic condition and prevent the
deterioration (oxidization) ofthecontentliquidinthe container
from proceeding.
The delivery device 30 shown in Fig. 17 has a cap 46 screwed
onto a screw portion 31h of the outlet portion body 31a, while
a sponge 47 is disposed on the inner surface of the cap 46 at a
position that makes contact with the outlet orifice 32 of the outlet
portion 31. Since the sponge 47 absorbs the residual liquid 35'
(refer to Fig. 16 (b) ) that remains in the outlet orifice 32 after
completing the delivery operation, the residual liquid can be
prevented from being supplied during the next delivery operation.
Reference numeral 46a denotes a thread formed on the inner surface
of the cap 46.
In the delivery device 30 shown in Fig. 17, the open end
46b of the cap blocks the vent hole 36 of the delivery device 30.
As a result, such a problem is prevented from occurring as the
solvent (water) or the like of the content liquid of the container
body 41 gradually evaporates through the air filter 37, resulting
in variation of the pH value of the content liquid.
The second delivery device is not limited to that described
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
37
above and, for example, may have such a configuration as shown
in Fig. 18.
The delivery device 30' shown in Fig. 18 comprises, similarly
to the delivery device 30 shown in Fig. 9, an outlet portion 31
having substantially bottomed tubular shape that has an outlet
orifice 32 at the bottom thereof, a ring-shaped valve element 33'
disposed in the outlet portion 31, a valve seat portion 34 that
is fitted from an open end side of the outlet portion 31 and makes
contact with the valve element 33' on the upstream side U when
the outlet orifice 32 is defined as the downstream side D, a vent
hole 36 that communicates with the flow passage 35 via the air
filter 37 and a liquid filter 38 that is disposed in the upstream
U of the valve seat portion 34 and covers the flow passage 35.
The delivery device 30 is the same as the delivery device 10 shown
in Fig. 9 except that shape of the valve element 31 and shape of
the outlet portion 31 that houses the former near the outlet orifice
32 are different and the liquid filter 38 is provided in the flow
passage 35.
[Third Delivery Device and Container]
Third delivery device 50 according to the present invention
comprises, for example, an outlet portion 51 having substantially
bottomed tubular shape that has an outlet orifice 52 at the bottom
thereof, a valve element 53 made of an elastic material and disposed
in an outlet portion 51 (a flow passage 55 that communicates with
the outlet orifice 52) that when there is no liquid pressure exerted
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
38
thereon from the upstream side U, closes the outlet orifice 52
and when forced by the liquid pressure from the upstream side U,
undergoes expansive deformation and opens the outlet orifice 52,
and a vent hole 56 that communicates with the flow passage 55 which
is provided at a position in the upstream side U of the valve element
53 via an air filter 57 as shown in Fig. 19 (sectional view) and
Fig. 20 (exploded sectional view).
The outlet portion 51 comprises two members; an outlet
portion body 51a that has the outlet orifice 52 and a linkage portion
51b that is disposed in the upstream side U of the outlet portion
body 51a and is connected to the mouth of the container, because
it is necessary to install the air filter 57 in the vent hole 56.
The outlet portion body 51a and the linkage portion 51b are
integrated using bonding means such as ultrasonic welding with
the air filter 57 interposed by a flange 51f (joint 51c) thereof.
Fig. 21 is a plan view of the outlet portion body 51a (viewed
from the upstream side U) . As shown in this drawing, a ridge (valve
seat) 52b for engaging with the projection of the valve body 53a
is provided on the bottom of the outlet portion body 51a of the
substantially tubular shape. Vent holes 56 are provided at
predetermined intervals in the flange 51f (joint 51c) for
installing the linkage portion 51b that makes a pair with the outlet
portion body 51a, and the air filters 57 are installed in the vent
holes 56 in order to achieve aseptic entry of air.
Fig. 22 shows the valve element 53 and a linkage with the
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
39
valve element support member 54 that locks the valve element, (a)
of the drawing showing a plan view thereof (viewed from the upstream
side U), and (b) showing a bottom view thereof (viewed from the
downstream side D) . As shown in this drawing, the valve element
support member 54 that is used to place the valve element 53 in
the outlet portion body 51a has a tubular member 54a, a locking
member 54b that is disposed on the bottom of the former and locks
the valve element 53, and a flange 54c that is disposed at the
open end on the opposite side and engages the outlet portion body
51a.
As shown in Fig. 19 to Fig. 22, the valve element 53 is locked
in the valve element support member 54 and is then fitted into
the inner surface 51e of the outlet portion body 51a.
In case the valve element 53 is made of an elastic material
that hasthermoplastic property(such asthermoplasticelastomer),
the valve element 53 and the valve element support member 54 may
be formed integrally by multicolor molding or insert molding. This
makes the manufacture of the two members in a simple way. In case
the valve element 53 is made of an elastic material that is not
thermoplastic and molding technology such as injection molding
cannot be employed, the valve element 53 and the valve element
support member 54 may be formed integrally, for example, by
inserting the valve element support member 54 in an injection mold
and then injecting the material to mold the valve element 53.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 19, the valve element 53
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
comprises a valve body 53a that serves as a valve shaft, a proj ection
53b that is disposed at the tip of the valve element body 53a and
serves as a valve head, and a flange 53c that engages the valve
body 53a and the valve element support member.
5 The elasticmember shown in Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 can be obtained,
for example as shown in Fig. 23, by inserting the valve element
support member 54 having the valve element 53 into the open end
of the outlet portion body 51a (refer to reference 51d of Fig.
20) so as to place the projection 53b of the valve body 53a on
10 the ridge 52b that is formed on the inner wall 52a of the flow
passage of the outlet portion 52, then applying a strong pressure
of liquid or air from the upstream side U and sliding the projection
53b of the valve body toward the outlet orifice 52 side.
The first delivery device 50 is used while being attached
15 to the mouth of the container body 61, for example, as shown in
Fig. 24. The container 60 shown in Fig. 24 has a plug 63 mounted
in a neck 62 of the container body 61.
Sequence of delivery operations of the second delivery device
of the present invention and the container provided with the same
20 are shown in Fig. 25 and Fig. 26. Fig. 25 (a) shows a state where
pressure is not applied to the container body 61. In this state,
the valve element 53 interrupts the communication between the flow
passage 55 in the outlet orifice 52 and the flow passage 55 on
the upstream side of the valve element 53, thus shutting off the
25 communication between the outlet orifice 52 and the container body
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
41
61. As a result, the content liquid 64 of the container body 61
remains in the container body 61 and in the delivery device 50
without being delivered through the outlet portion 51 . Fig. 25 (b)
shows a state of the container body 61 under a pressure applied
thereto. In this state, the valve element 53 is under pressure
of the liquid from the upstream side U via the flow passage 55,
and accordingly undergoingexpansive deformation toward the outlet
orifice 52 side. As a result, the projection 53b of the valve
body 53a and the ridge 52b formed on the inner wall 52a of the
outlet portion 52 communicate with each other, so that the liquid
64 contained in the container body 61 is delivered from the outlet
portion 51 in the form of a drop 65.
Fig. 26(a) shows a state that follows the state shown in
Fig. 25 (b) , wherein the pressure on the container body 61 is removed.
In this state, since the valve element 53 of the delivery device
does not receive the pressure of the content liquid 64, the valve
element 53 restores the original shape of the state without pressure
thereby closing the clearance between the valve element 53 and
the ridge 52b. Fig. 26(b) shows a state that follows the state
shown in Fig. 26(a), wherein the container body 61 is restoring
the original shape of the state without pressure as the pressure
on the container body 61 is removed. In this state, since the
valve element 53 of the delivery device closes the flow passage
55 at the position of the ridge 52b of the outlet portion, outside
air enters the container body 61 solely through the vent hole 56.
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
42
As shown in Fig. 24 and Fig. 27, the plug 63 is inserted
slidably in the neck 62 of the container 60. The function of the
plug 23 is similar to that of the container 40 that is provided
with the second delivery device 30. Fig. 24 shows a section of
the container 60 in the state of being used, while Fig. 27 shows
a section of the container 60 before being unsealed. In Fig. 27,
reference numeral 63a shows distal end of the plug 63, and reference
numeral 59 shows the flange provided on the inner surface of the
outlet portion 51.
The delivery device 51 shown in Fig. 27 has a cap 66 screwed
onto a proj ecting portion 51h of the outlet portion body 51a, while
a sponge 67 is disposed on the inner surface of the cap 66 at a
position that makes contact with the outlet orifice 52 of the outlet
portion 51. The open end 66b of the cap blocks the vent hole 56.
The sponge 67 and the open end 66b exhibit the similar function
to that o the container 40 that is provided with the second delivery
device 30. Reference numeral 66a denotes a thread that is formed
on the inner surface of the cap 66.
[Fourth Delivery Device and Container]
Fourth delivery device 70 according to the present invention
comprises, for example as shown in Fig. 28, an outlet portion 71
having substantially bottomed tubular shape that has an outlet
orifice 72 at the bottom thereof, a valve element 73 made of an
elastic material that when there is no liquid pressure exerted
thereon from the upstream side U, closes the outlet orifice 72
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
43
from the outside of the outlet portion 71 and makes contact with
a valve seat 74, and when there is a liquidpressure from the upstream
side U, undergoes expansive deformation so as to open an outlet
orifice 72, and a vent hole 76 that communicates with the flow
passage which is provided to a position in the upstream of a valve
element 73 via an air filter 77.
The outlet portion 71 comprises two members; an outlet
portion body 71a that has the outlet orifice 72 and a linkage portion
71b that is disposed in the upstream side U of the outlet portion
body 71a and is connected to the mouth of the container, because
it is necessary to install the air filter 77 in the vent hole 76,
similarly to the first deliverydevicedescribedabove. The outlet
portion body 71a and the linkage portion 71b are integrated using
bonding means such as ultrasonic welding, with the air filter 77
being interposed by a flange 71f (joint 71c).
Fig. 29 (a) is a bottom view of the outlet portion body 71a
(viewed from the downstream side D), and (b) of the drawing is
a sectional view taken along lines A-A of Fig. 28. The outlet
portion body 71a has a plurality of vent holes 76 and air filters
77 that fill the holes, similar to those shown in Fig. 21, in the
flange 71f (joint 71c) that is used to install the linkage portion
71b that makes a pair with the outlet portion body 71a. Functions
of the air filters 77 and the vent holes 76 are similar to the
case of the container 60 that is provided with the third delivery
device 50.
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
44
As shown in Fig. 28 to Fig. 29, the valve element 73 is disposed
in contact with both the outer surface of the bottom of the outlet
portion body 71a having substantially bottomed tubular shape or
substantially bowl like shape having an outlet orifice at the bottom
thereof, and the bottom surface (outer surface) of the valve seat
74 that defines the flow passage 75 at the bottom of the outlet
portion body 71a and closes the outlet portion. The valve element
73 is preferably formed from an elastic material having
thermoplasticity integrally with the outlet portion body 71a on
the outer surface of the outlet portion body 71a that is made of
a resin. Integral forming makes the manufacturing process for
the delivery device 70 simpler.
The fourth delivery device 70 is used while being attached
to the mouth of the container body 81, for example, as shown in
Fig. 30(a). The container 80 shown in Fig. 30(a) has an inner
plug 83 provided in neck 82 of the container body 81 . The function
of the plug 83 is similar to that of the container 40 that is provided
with the second delivery device 30 or that of the container 60
that is provided with the third delivery device 50.
Sequence of delivery operations of the delivery device of
the present invention and the container provided therewith are
shown in Fig. 30 and Fig. 31 . Fig. 30 (a) shows a state where pressure
is not applied to the container body 81 . In this state, the valve
element 73 shuts off the flow passage 75 in the outlet orifice
72, thus shutting off the communication between the outside of
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
the outlet orifice 72 and the container body 81. As a result,
the content liquid 84 of the container body 81 remains in the
container body 81 and in the delivery device 70 without being
delivered through the outlet portion 71. Fig. 30 (b) shows a state
5 of the container body 81 under a pressure applied thereto. In
this state, the valve element 73 is under pressure of the liquid
applied from the upstream side U via the flow passage 75, and
accordingly undergoing expansive deformation toward the outlet
orifice 72 side. As a result, a flow passage is formed between
10 the valve element 73 and the valve seat portion 74, so that the
liquid 84 contained in the container body 81 is delivered from
the outlet portion 71 in the form of a drop 85.
Fig. 31(a) shows a state that follows the state shown in
Fig . 30 (b) , wherein the pressure on the container body 81 is removed.
15 In this state, since the valve element 73 of the delivery device
does not receive the pressure of the liquid 84, the valve element
73 restores the original shape of the state without pressure thereby
closing the clearance between the valve element 73 and the valve
seat 74. Fig. 31 (b) shows a state that follows the state shown
20 in Fig. 31(a), wherein the container body 81 is restoring the
original shape of the state without pressure as the pressure on
the container body 81 is removed. In this state, since the valve
element 73 of the delivery device closes the flow passage 75 between
the valve element 73 and the valve seat 74 of the outlet portion
25 71a, outside air enters the container body 81 solely through the
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
46
vent hole 76.
Delivery device 70' shown in Fig. 32 is another embodiment
of the fourth delivery device. In case the valve element is made
of an elastic material that has thermoplastic property, the valve
element 73 and the outlet portion body 71a may be integrally formed,
similarly to the delivery device 70 shown in Fig. 28. The valve
element 73 may be formed from an elastic material other than
thermoplastic elastomer, such as rubber that is not thermoplastic,
as long as the material is pliant and easily undergoes bending
deformation by liquid pressure . In case the valve element is made
of an elastic material that is not thermoplastic and therefore
molding technology such as inj ection molding cannot be employed,
the valve element 73' may be interposed between the outlet portion
body 71a' and the valve seat 74 (and tubular body 74a) and disposed
in the outlet portion 71 as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 32,
for example.
The delivery device 70' shown in Fig. 32 is similar to the
delivery device 70 shown in Fig. 28 except that the outlet portion
body 71a' and the valve element 73' are different.
[Fifth Delivery Device and Container]
Fifth delivery device 90 according to the present invention
comprises, for example as shown in Fig. 33, a substantially bottomed
tubular outlet portion 91 that has a hole 91d at the bottom thereof,
a valve element 93 that has a substantially ring-shaped valve body
93b and a substantially ring-shaped thin wall portion 93a which
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
47
continues with the former and is constituted by fixing the valve
body 93b in the outlet portion 91 with the thin wall portion 93a
being exposed through the hole 91d to the outside of the outlet
portion 91, a valve element support member 94a of cylindrical shape
that is disposed in the outlet portion 91 and delimits the outlet
orifice 92 together with the valve element 93, and a vent hole
96 that communicates with the flow passage 95 which is provided
at a position in the upstream U of the valve element 93 via an
air filter 97.
The outlet orifice 92 is normally closed by the thin wall
portion 93a of the valve element 93 but, when pressure of the liquid
is applied to the valve element 93 from the upstream via the flow
passage 95, the thin wall portion 93a undergoes expansive
deformation so as to create a clearance between the thin wall portion
93a and the valve element support member 94a, thereby delivering
the content liquid through the clearance.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 33, the valve element 93
is fixed on the inner surface of the outlet portion body 91a with
the thin wall portion 93a being exposed through the hole 91d of
the outlet portion 91 (outlet portion body 91a). In Fig. 33,
reference numeral 94c denotes a tubular member that holds the valve
element support member 94a and the flange 94b so as to fasten the
valve element support member 94 in the outlet portion 91 (outlet
portion body 91a) . It is good enough that the valve body 93b has
the thickness enough to be integrally formed on the inner surface
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
48
of the outlet portion body 91a.
The outlet portion 91 comprises two members; the outlet
portion body 91a that has the outlet orifice 92 and a linkage portion
91b that is disposed in the upstream side U of the outlet portion
body 91a and is connected to the mouth of the container, because
it is necessary to install the air filter 97 in the vent hole 96.
The outlet portion body 91a and the linkage portion 91b are
integrated using bonding means such as ultrasonic welding with
the air filter 97 interposed by the joint 91c.
The fifth delivery device 90 is used while being attached
to the mouth of the container body 101, for example, as shown in
Fig. 34.
Sequence of delivery operations of the fifth delivery device
90 of the present invention and the container 100 provided with
the same are shown in Fig. 36 and Fig. 37. Fig. 36(a) shows a
state where pressure is not applied to the container body 101.
In this state, the valve element 93 of the delivery device closes
the outlet orifice 92. As a result, the content liquid 104 of
the container body 101 remains in the container body 101 and in
the delivery device without being delivered through the outlet
portion 91. Fig. 36(b) shows a state of the container body 101
under a pressure applied thereto . In this state, the valve element
93 is under pressure of the content liquid 104 from the upstream
U and is accordingly undergoing expansive deformation so that the
outlet orifice 92 is opened and the content liquid 104 is delivered
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
49
in the form of a drop 105. Fig. 38 is an enlarged view of the
outlet portion 91 in the state shown in Fig. 36(b).
Fig. 37(a) shows a state that follows the state shown in
Fig. 36 (b) , where in the pressure on the containerbody101 is removed.
In this state, since the valve element 93 of the delivery device
does not receive the pressure of the liquid 104, the valve element
93 restores the original shape of the state without pressure thereby
closing the outlet orifice 92 again. Fig. 37(b) shows a state
that follows the state shown in Fig. 37 (a) , wherein the container
body 101 is restoring the original shape of the state without
pressure as the pressure on the container body 101 is removed.
In this state, since the valve element 93 of the delivery device
closes the outlet orifice 92, outside air enters the container
body 101 solely through the vent hole 96.
In the container 100 shown in Fig. 34, the delivery device
90 is attached to the neck 102 of the container 100 via a plug
103. The plug 103 is inserted slidably in the neck 102 of the
container 100. Fig. 34 is a sectional view of the container 100
in the state of being used. The state of the distal end 103a of
the plug 103 and the flange 99 being engaged with each other (namely
the seal is not yet broken) and the effect of the engagement of
the two members are similar to those of the other embodiments shown
in Fig. 3, Fig. 17 and Fig. 27.
The delivery device 90 shown in Fig. 35 has a cap 106 screwed
onto the outer surface of the outlet portion body 91a. The cap
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
106 has a recess 108 formed at a position corresponding to the
outlet orifice 92 in the state of being screwed onto the outlet
portion body 91a. Inner surface of the cap 106 and the outlet
orifice 92 makes contact with each other in the recess 108. A
5 sponge 107 is disposed around the recess 108 so that the residual
liquid 105' (refer to Fig. 37 (b) ) remaining in the outlet orifice
92 is squeezed out by the inner surface of the cap at the recess
108, and is absorbed by the sponge 107.
In the delivery device 90 shown in Fig. 35 (a) , the open end
10 106b of the cap blocks the vent hole 96 of the delivery device
90. As a result, such a problem is prevented from occurring as
the solvent (water) or the like of the content liquidof the container
body 101 gradually evaporates through the air filter 97, resulting
in variation of the pH value of the content liquid.
15 In another embodiment of the fifth delivery device 90' shown
in Fig. 39, closure of the flow passage 95 is achieved not only
by the contact of the thin-walled portion 93a and the valve element
support member 94a but also by the contact of the valve element
support member 94 and the flange 94b. As a result, closure of
20 the flow passage 95by the valve element 93' canbe reliably achieved,
while preventing, at a high level, the backflow of the residual
liquid containing microorganisms and dust that has been delivered
from the outlet orifice 92. Fig. 40 is an enlarged view of the
outlet portion 91 of the delivery device 90' in the state shown
25 in Fig. 38.
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
51
In the fifth delivery device 90, 90' , a liquid filter (not
shown) may be provided in the upstream of the position where the
flow passage 95 is opened and closed (position of contact between
the thin-walled portion 93a and the valve element support member
94a, position of contact between the valve body 93b' and the flange
94b). The effect of providing the liquid filter is similar to
the case of other embodiment shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 18.
In the container 100 providedwith the fifth delivery device,
in case the container is used to contain ophthalmic solution for
such an application as to deliver a drop of the liquid of about
to 40 ,CLL per one delivery operation, outer diameter of the
valve element support member 94a is set in a range from 0.6 to
2 . 0 mm, and preferably in a range from 1 . 0 to 1 . 2 mm. The thickness
of the thin-walled portion 93a of the valve element 93 is set in
15 a range from 0.8 to 2.5 mm, and preferably in a range from 0.8
to 1.5 mm.
In order to prevent leakage of the liquid from the outlet
orifice 92, the thin-walled portion 93a of the valve element is
preferably somewhat expanded by the valve element support member
20 94a. Therefore, inner diameter of the thin-walled portion 93a
withoutthevalveelementsupportmember94ainsertedtherethrough
is preferably made slightly smaller than the outer diameter of
the valve element support member 94a . For example, inner diameter
of thin-walled portion 93a is preferably adjusted to a range from
50 to 99 % to outer diameter of the valve element support member
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
52
94a and more preferably to a range from 50 to 90 %, and further
more preferably to 60 to 80 0. In such the delivery device 90'
as shown in Fig. 39, that closure of the flow passage 95 is achieved
not only by the contact of the thin-walled portion 93a of the valve
body 93 and the valve element support member 94a but also by the
contact of the valve body 93b' and the flange 94b of the valve
element support member 94, greater effect of preventing leakage
of the liquid from the outlet orifice 92 is achieved and therefore
the inner diameter of the thin-walled portion 93a can be designed
with less demanding requirement than in the case described above.
Now members of the delivery device of the present invention
and the container provided with the same will be described in detail
below.
(Valve Element)
The valve element in the delivery device of the present
invention is required to be such that compression or expansion
deformation is easily achieved by a liquid pressure applied from
the container body side that is lower than the pressure required
to pass the liquid through the air filter, and compression or
expansion deformation cannot be achieved by an air pressure
required to pass air through the air filter from outside. Materials
that can be used for the valve element include thermoplastic
elastomer of low hardness; gel-like material; and rubber such as
natural rubber, silicone rubber, isoprene rubber, butyl rubber,
butadiene rubber and fluororubber.
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
53
While there is no limitation to the kindof material, hardness
of the valve element is required to be in a range from 0 to 40
in terms of JIS A hardness (spring hardness Hs (type A) measured
according to a method specified in JIS K 6301-5.2 "Spring hardness
test", in order to have the characteristics described above
concerning expansive deformation or compression deformation.
Within the range described above, hardness (JIS A) of the valve
element is preferably not higher than 30, more preferably within
20, and further more preferably within 10. While the lower limit
of hardness (JIS A) of the valve element is not restricted further
than the range described above, the value may be 2 or higher in
terms of JIS A in view of the material availability, strength of
the valve element and other factors.
Specific examples of the material of the valve element
include the followings. Examples of the thermoplastic elastomer
include modified SEBS copolymers such as
styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS),
styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS),
styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (SIS) and modified
malefic acid; styrene elastomers such as
styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene block copolymer (SEPS),
styrene-ethylene/butylene block copolymer (SEB) and
styrene-ethylene/propylene block copolymer (SEP); olefin
elastomers such as ethylene-propylene block copolymer;
polyurethane elastomers; and mixtures thereof. Among
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
54
thermoplastic styrene elastomers, "Septone~ compound"
manufactured by KURARAY PLASTICS CO., LTD. is preferable.
Examples of the gel-like material include gel comprising
a straight-chain hydrocarbon polymer (olefin elastomer) [for
example, "Cosmo-gel"manufactured by Cosmo Instrument Co., Ltd.];
and silicone-urethane gel ["Chemitek gel" (trade name)
manufactured by Chemitek Co.].
The elastic material that forms the valve element may be
a foamed material (of which voids are separated from each other
so as not be permeable to liquid) , or may be a material of which
hardness is adjusted within the range described above by means
of an additive.
Deformability of the valve element under liquid pressure
can be measured, besides hardness, by tensile strength and modulus
of compressive elasticity of the elastic material. The elastic
material that forms the valve element preferably has permanent
strain ratio CS (measured at 70°C for 22 hours per JIS K 7301)
not higher than 50, so as not to break after repetitive cycles
of loading and unloading with the liquid pressure. In case the
delivery device is used at an outlet portion of eye dropper,
considering that the dripping rate of the ophthalmic solution is
generally around 0.05 mL/second, a pressure which is required to
cause the valve element to undergo compressive or expansive
deformation is preferably from 0.01 to 0.2 Mpa.
When the valve element 33, 33' is fixed on the inner surface
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
(31e) of the outlet portion 31 as in the delivery device 30, 30'
shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 18, the valve element 33, 33' and the
outlet portion body 31a may be integrally formed from a
thermoplastic material selected from among the elastic materials
5 listed above.
In case the valve element is attached to the outlet orifice
72 of the outlet portion body 71a as in the delivery device 70
shown in Fig. 28, the valve element 73 and the outlet portion body
7lamaybe integrally formed froma thermoplastic material selected
10 from among the elastic materials listed above.
In case the valve element is disposed in the outlet portion
70' by interposing between the outlet portion body 71a' and the
tubular body 74a that is provided to join with the valve seat 74
as in the case of the delivery device 70' shown in Fig. 32, the
15 elastic material that forms the valve element is not limited to
thermoplastic materials.
(Air Filter)
The air filter used in the present invention is required
to pass liquid under a pressure higher than the pressure that causes
20 the valve element of the delivery device to undergo two types of
deformation, compressive and expansive deformation, and the
pressure requiredtopass air from outside is lower than the pressure
that opens the outlet orifice.
Since the pressure that causes the valve element of the
25 delivery device to undergo two types of deformation, compressive
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
56
and expansive deformation, so as to deliver the content liquid
varies depending on the speed of the delivery operation (dripping
rate of the delivered liquid drop) , liquid passing pressure and
air passing pressure of the air filter must also be set according
to the application of the delivery device and the expected speed
of the delivery operation.
The dripping rate of the ophthalmic solution is generally
around 0.05 mL/second which requires a pressure from 0.01 to 0.2
MPa to cause the valve element to undergo compressive or/and
expansive deformation thereby to drip the ophthalmic solution.
Therefore, in case the delivery device is used for eye dropper,
liquid passing pressure of the air filter of 0.01 MPa or higher,
preferably 0.2 MPa or higher makes it possible to prevent the
ophthalmic solution from leaking through the vent hole when
instillating the ophthalmic solution.
The rate of filling the depressed eye dropper with air (air
intake rate) after instillating the ophthalmic solution is
generally from 1 to 10 mL/second. An air filter having air passing
pressure lower than 0.005 MPa, preferably lower than 0.001 MPa,
can achieve smooth intake of outside air through the vent hole.
Mesh size of the air filter is determined so as to allow
the passage of only air while blocking the liquid delivered by
the delivery device of the present invention (the liquid contained
in the container of the present invention), microorganisms such
as bacteria and dust carried by air, and is usually set in a range
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
57
from 0.1 to 0.45 ,l_(.m, preferably about 0.1 ,C.Cm.
The air filter that can be used in the present invention
include, but not limited to, those made of hydrophobic
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film manufactured by GORE-TEX
JapanInc, and Sure VentDurapore~ (polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) )
manufactured by Nihon Millipore Corporation.
(Liquid Filter)
The liquid filter used in the present invention passes a
liquid when a pressure not less than a certain level is applied.
When such a liquid filter is installed in the upstream of the outlet
orifice, it is made possible to prevent the residual liquid from
entering the container body that is connected to the delivery device,
should the residual liquid remaining around the outlet orifice
flow back upstream.
The liquid filter that can be used in the present invention
include, but not limited to, those made of hydrophilic PTFE film
manufactured by GORE-TEX Japan Inc., hydrophilic Durapore'~ (made
of PVDF) and hydrophilic polyether sulfonate (PES) manufactured
by Nihon Millipore Corporation.
[Cap]
In the delivery device of the present invention,
antibacterial treatment may be applied to the cap that covers the
outer surface of the outlet portion in addition to, or instead
of, the outlet orifice. Portions of the cap to which antibacterial
treatment is applied are, but not limited to, part of the inner
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
58
surface thereof that makes contact with the outlet orifice and
the sponge disposed in the cap.
Since backflow of the liquid from the outlet orifice to the
upstream does not occur in the delivery device of the present
invention, residualliquidremaining after completingthe delivery
operation remain around the outlet orifice without returning into
the outlet portion. Therefore, the residual liquid can be
prevented from being supplied during the next delivery operation
by using a cap provided with an absorbing material provided therein
and having the sponge absorb the residual liquid remaining around
the outlet orifice after completing the delivery operation (refer
to Fig. 17 and Fig. 27).
When antibacterial treatment is applied to the sponge which
is then brought into contact with the outlet orifice, antibacterial
agent may leach from the sponge and accumulate on the outlet orif ice .
To avoid this problem, such a design may be employed as the residual
liquid squeezed by the inner surface of the cap is absorbed by
an absorbing material provided on the periphery of the inner surface
of the cap (Fig. 35), avoiding the direct contact of the sponge
and the outlet orifice.
Absorbing materials include for example sponges made of such
material as urethane or foamed polyethylene; clothes made of
non-woven fabric cloth, absorbent cotton or gauze, etc.; papers
or hydrogels. The sponge may be made of a material known in the
prior artsuch asurethaneandfoamed polyethylene. Antibacterial
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
59
treatment to the sponge is preferable to coat the surface of the
sponge that has been formed with the antibacterial agent, or to
mix the antibacterial agent in urethane or polyethylene before
forming it into the sponge . Further, an absorbing material having
antibacterial activity may be used.
Antibacterial treatments applied to the cloth, paper,
hydrogel, etc. include, for example, silane coupling or selenium
coating. Examples of hydrogels include a mixture of
(meth)acrylamide polymer and water-swelling clay mineral (see
Japanese published unexamined Patent Application (Kokai Tokkyo
Koho) N0.2002-53629, Japanese Published Unexamined Patent
Application (Kokai Tokkyo Koho) No.2002-53762, etc. ) , and so on.
(Materials to form Delivery Device, Cap and Container Body)
The delivery device, the cap and the container body may be
formed from a resin such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene
(PP) . PE and PP, in particular, are materials that can be safely
used in pharmaceutical applications, and are preferably used in
case the container of the present invention contains liquid
medication such as ophthalmic solution.
The resin used to form the delivery device, the cap and the
container body may be mixed with an antiseptic or the like in advance,
in order to improve the effect of preventing the residual liquid
remaining around the outlet orifice after completing the delivery
operation and the liquid in the container from degenerating. As
the antiseptic, ammonium salt of class 4, such as "Dimer 38~" and
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
"Dimer 136~" manufactured by Inui Corporation may be used.
The delivery device, the cap and the container body may also
be coated with the antiseptic after being formed, or surface
treatment such as silane coupling may be applied when forming the
5 delivery device, the cap and the container body. The resin material
having antibacterial activitymaybe used to form an outlet portion,
and so on.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
10 Fig. 1 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the first
delivery device.
Fig. 2 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the
container provided with the first delivery device.
Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing the container shown in
15 Fig. 2 in the state of being not unsealed.
Fig. 4 is a sectional view showing the container shown in
Fig. 2 in the state of being used.
Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing the state following the
state shown in Fig. 4.
20 Fig. 6 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of
the container provided with the first delivery device.
Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of
the first delivery device.
Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing further another embodiment
25 of the first delivery device.
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
~1
Fig. 9 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the second
delivery device.
Fig. 10 is an exploded sectional view showing the delivery
device 30 shown in Fig. 9.
Fig. 11 (a) is a plan view showing an example of the outlet
portion body 31a and the valve element 33 being integrally formed,
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 the
outlet portion body and the valve element being integrally formed,
and Fig. 13 (b) is a plan view showing another example of the valve
seat portion.
Fig. 14 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the
container provided with the second delivery device.
Fig. 15 is a sectional view showing the container of Fig.
14 in the state of being used.
Fig. 16 is a sectional view showing the state following the
state shown in Fig. 15.
Fig. 17 is a sectional view showing the container 40 shown
in Fig. 14 in the state of being not unsealed.
Fig. 18 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of
the second delivery device.
Fig. 19 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the
third delivery device.
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
G2
Fig. 20 is an exploded sectional view of the delivery device
50 shown in Fig. 19.
Fig. 21 is a plan view of the outlet portion body 51a shown
in Fig. 20.
Fig. 22 (a) is a plan view of the valve element support member
54 shown in Fig. 20, and Fig. 22(b) is a bottom view thereof.
Fig. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing the procedure of
assembling the delivery device 50 shown in Fig. 19.
Fig. 24 is a sectional view showing an example of container
provided with the delivery device 50 shown in Fig. 19.
Fig. 25 is a sectional view showing the container 60 shown
in Fig. 24 in the state of being used.
Fig. 26 is a sectional view showing the state following the
state shown in Fig. 25.
Fig. 27 is a sectional view showing the container 60 shown
in Fig. 24 in the state of being not unsealed.
Fig. 28 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the
fourth delivery device.
Fig. 29 (a) is a bottom view of the delivery device 70 shown
in Fig. 28, and Fig. 29 (b) is a sectional view taken along lines
A-A.
Fig. 30 (a) is a sectional view showing an example of container
provided with the fourth delivery device 70 and Fig. 30 (b) is a
sectional view showing the state of use thereof.
Fig. 31 is a sectional view showing the state following the
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
63
state shown in Fig. 30(b).
Fig. 32 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of
the fourth delivery device.
Fig. 33 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the
fifth delivery device.
Fig. 34 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the
container provided with the fifth delivery device.
Fig. 35(a) is a sectional view showing the container 100
shown in Fig. 34 fitted with the cap, and Fig. 35 (b) is a sectional
view of the cap.
Fig. 36 is a sectional view showing the container of Fig.
34 in the state of being used.
Fig. 37 is a sectional view showing the state following the
state shown in Fig. 36.
Fig. 38 is an enlarged sectional view showing the outlet
portion of the container 100 shown in Fig. 36(b).
Fig. 39 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of
the fifth delivery device.
Fig. 40 is an enlarged sectional view showing the outlet
2Q portion of the container 100' shown in Fig. 39 during use.
Fig. 41 (a) is a front view showing an example of an eye dropper
of the prior art, and Fig. 41(b) is an enlarged sectional view
of the delivery device thereof.
Fig. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing problem of the
eye dropper of the prior art.
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
64
[DESCRIPTION
OF
REFERENCE
NUMERALS]
10,
10'
,
10a,
10b,
30,
30'
,
50,
70,
70'
,
90,
90'
:
Delivery
device
11, 31, 51, 71, 71', 91: Outlet portion
11d: Inner surface of outlet portion
12, 32, 52, 72, 92: Outlet orifice
13, 13a, 13b, 33, 33', 53, 73, 73', 93, 93': Valve element
14: Locking member
15, 35, 55, 75, 95: Flow passage
16, 36, 56, 76, 96: Vent hole
17, 37, 57, 77, 97: Air filter
18, 38, 58, 78: Liquid filter
20, 20' , 40, 60, 80, 100: Container (Eye dropper)
21, 41, 61, 81, 101: Container body
23, 43, 63, 83, 103: Plug
24, 44, 64, 84, 104: Content liquid
25, 45, 65, 85, 105: Liquid drop
25', 45', 65', 85', 105': Residual liquid
26, 46, 66, 106: Cap
34a, 34a', 74: Valve seat
52a: Flow passage inner wall
52b: Ridge
53a: Valve body
53b: Projection
93a: Thin-walled portion
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
93b: Valve body
94a: Valve element support member
94b: Flange
U: Upstream side
5 D: Downstream side
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The delivery device of the present invention enables it to
achieve delivery operation and restoration of the container body
10 after the delivery operation smoothly while preventing, at a high
level, the backflow of the liquid that has been delivered from
the outlet orifice and the entry of microorganisms and dust carried
by the liquid to the upstream.
In the delivery device of the present invention, since
15 deformation of the valve element is achieved with a pressure lower
than the liquid passing pressure of the air filter, delivery through
the outlet orifice can be achieved reliably without leakage of
the liquid through the vent hole during delivery operation.
Moreover, since opening of the outlet orifice and/or a flow passage
20 communicating with the outlet orifice is not achieved with the
air passing pressure of the air filter from outside, such problems
do not occur as the outside air enters through the outlet orifice
instead of the vent hole during restoration of the container body,
nor corresponding leakage of the liquid through the outlet orifice .
25 As a result, the delivery device of the present invention enables
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
66
it to achieve delivery operation and restoration of the container
body after the delivery operation smoothly while preventing, at
a high level, the backflow of the liquid that has been delivered
from the outlet orifice and the entry of microorganisms and dust
carried by the liquid to the upstream.
The delivery device of the present invention does not employ
a porous filter disposed in the outlet portion according to the
antibacterial container disclosed in Japanese Published
Unexamined PatentApplication (KokaiTokkyo Koho) No.2001-179017
and Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application(KokaiTokkyo
Koho) No. 2001-206454. Therefore, the possibility of the outlet
orifice being clogged is very low even when the content liquid
is a suspension. The outlet orifice will not be clogged if the
size of the suspended particles is about 50 ,um or less, depending
on the size and material of the valve element and outlet orifice.
The container of the present invention has the delivery
device of the present invention fitted at the mouth thereof . As
a result, the backflow of the liquid that has been delivered from
the outlet orifice and the entry of microorganisms and dust carried
by the liquid to the upstream can be prevented at a high level.
Therefore, it is made possible to eliminate or reduce the use of
antiseptic agent for the purpose of preventing the liquid from
degenerate or deteriorate. Also because the container of the
present invention does not employ a porous filter at the outlet
portion thereof, the outlet orifice will not be clogged and
CA 02493365 2005-O1-27
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therefore smooth delivery of the liquid can be achieved even when
the content liquid is a suspension, except for a case where the
liquid filter is disposedat the upstreamside of the outlet orifice .
The container of the present invention also preferably has
the plug that is held slidably in the flow passage of the delivery
device or in the container body, so that the plug makes contact
with the inner wall of the flow passage of the delivery device
and close the flow passage when the container is not being used.
This constitution ensures that the content liquid is kept in aseptic
condition in airtight configuration until the container is put
into use. Also because the liquid can be kept from making contact
with the valve element and air filter before being put in use,
stable quality can be maintained for a long period of time. The
container of the present invention is suited for use as an eye
dropper containing an ophthalmic solution.
