Application container

Abstract

We propose an application container that allows for easy spreading of the contents it contains and easy adjustment of the amount of contents being applied. [Solution] The coating container 100 comprises a case cylinder 1, an operating part 8 that is rotatably held relative to the case cylinder 1 around a central axis O, an extrusion member 5 having a sealing part 5c that slidably contacts the inner circumferential surface of the case cylinder 1 and defines a storage space S between itself and the case cylinder 1 in which contents are contained, a drive transmission part 2 configured to advance the extrusion member 5 when the operating part 8 is rotated to one side in the circumferential direction about the central axis O relative to the case cylinder 1, and a coating tool 12 attached to the front end of the case cylinder 1. The coating tool 12 comprises a coating ball 13 and a holder 14 attached to the front end that holds the coating ball 13 rotatably and in a way that prevents it from coming loose, and has a contents passage P that allows access from the storage space S to the outside world through the periphery of the coating ball 13.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an application container.

Background Art

[0002] An application container in which an applicator is attached to a container that contains contents is known in the art. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an applicator that rotatably supports an application ball and is attached to a container. In this type of application container, the container is displaced to an inverted position to bring the application ball into contact with an application target such as skin, and the container is moved so that the application ball rolls in this state, whereby the contents contained in the container can be spread over the application target.

[0003] As application containers provided with an applicator having such an application ball, there are ones using a flexible container (such as a tube) as disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3. In general, many of the contents used in the application container of Patent Document 1 have relatively low viscosity, and the contained contents can flow out from around the application ball without forcibly pressing the container. On the other hand, when containing contents with relatively high viscosity, it is preferable to use an application container using a tube or the like as disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, when using flexible containers such as tubes, the amount of contents that flow out of the container can vary depending on the amount of pressure applied to the container, making it sometimes difficult to apply the intended amount of contents.

[0006] In view of these points, the present invention aims to propose an application container that allows for easy spreading of the contents it contains and easy adjustment of the amount of contents to be applied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a coating container comprising: a case cylinder; an operating part rotatably held relative to the case cylinder about the central axis of the case cylinder; an extrusion member movable along the central axis and having a sealing part that slidably contacts the inner circumferential surface of the case cylinder and demarcates a storage space between itself and the case cylinder in which contents are contained; a drive transmission part configured to advance the extrusion member when the operating part is rotated circumferentially to one side about the central axis relative to the case cylinder; and a coating tool attached to the front end of the case cylinder, wherein the coating tool comprises a coating ball and a holder attached to the front end, which holds the coating ball rotatably and in a manner that prevents it from coming loose, and has a contents passage that allows access from the storage space to the outside world through the periphery of the coating ball. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the coating container of the present invention, when the operating part is rotated relative to the case cylinder, the extrusion member moves forward, and the contents contained in the containment space flow out through the contents passage onto the surface of the coating ball. That is, the amount of contents that flows out onto the surface of the coating ball changes according to the amount of rotation of the operating part, so the amount of contents to be coated can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, since the contents that flow out onto the surface of the coating ball are easily visible, the amount of contents to be coated can be adjusted even more easily. The contents that have flowed out onto the surface of the coating ball can be easily spread by moving the coating container so that the coating ball, which is in contact with the application surface, rolls. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a half-cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the coating container according to the present invention. [Figure 2A] Figure 2C is a semi-cross-sectional view of the hollow screw member shown in Figure 1, along line AA. [Figure 2B] Figure 2C is a semi-cross-sectional view of the hollow screw member shown in Figure 1, along the BB shown. [Figure 2C] Figure 1 is a bottom view of the hollow screw member. [Figure 3A] Figure 3C is a semi-cross-sectional view of the extruded member shown in Figure 1, along the CC line. [Figure 3B] Figure 3C is a semi-cross-sectional view of the extruded member shown in Figure 1, along the line DD shown in Figure 3C. [Figure 3C] Figure 1 is a bottom view of the extruded member. [Figure 4A] This is a plan view of the movable cylindrical member shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A shows a semi-cross-sectional view of the movable cylindrical member shown in Figure 1, along the line EE. [Figure 4C] Figure 4A shows a semi-cross-sectional view of the movable cylindrical member shown in Figure 1, along the FF shown in Figure 4A. [Figure 4D] This is a bottom view of the movable cylindrical member shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5A] This figure shows a half-cross-sectional view of the holder shown in Figure 1, along with the coated balls indicated by dashed lines. [Figure 5B] Figure 1 is a plan view of the holder shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This is a half-cross-sectional view showing the state in which the extrusion member has advanced from the state shown in Figure 1, and the contents have flowed out around the coating ball. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the state in which the elastic connection part is elastically deformed when the coating ball is pressed against the coating surface. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the application container according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the like, the vertical direction refers to a direction along the illustrated central axis O, where the side on which the applicator 12 described later is located is "upper", and the side on which the operation portion main body 10 is located is "lower". In this specification and the like, the movement from the operation portion main body 10 toward the distal end portion of the applicator 12 may be referred to as advancement, the side on which the applicator 12 is located may be referred to as "front", and the side on which the operation portion main body 10 is located may be referred to as "rear". The radial direction is a direction orthogonal to the central axis O within a plane perpendicular to the central axis O, and the circumferential direction is a direction orbiting around the central axis O within said plane.

[0011] Figure 1 is a view showing an application container 100 which is one embodiment of the application container according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the application container 100 includes a case cylinder 1, a drive transmission portion 2, an extrusion member 5, an operation portion 8, and an applicator 12. The drive transmission portion 2 consists of a screw shaft member 3, a hollow screw member 4, a movable cylinder member 6, and an annular body 7, the operation portion 8 consists of a connecting member 9, an operation portion main body 10, and an inner tool 11, and the applicator 12 consists of an application ball 13 and a holding body 14. Although not illustrated, the application container 100 is provided with a covered cylindrical lid body that covers the case cylinder 1 and the applicator 12 and is detachably held by the inner tool 11.

[0012] The content accommodated in the application container 100 is, for example, a cosmetic, and a material having relatively high viscosity is used, which is accommodated in a space (accommodation space S) defined by a case cylinder main body 1a and a seal portion 5c described later. As will be described in detail later, in the application container 100 of the present embodiment, when the operation portion 8 is rotated to one circumferential side about the central axis O, the extrusion member 5 advances, while rotation of the operation portion 8 to the other circumferential side is configured to be prevented.

[0013] The case cylinder 1 includes a case cylinder main body 1a formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis O. An engagement protrusion 1b that protrudes radially inward is provided at a vertically intermediate portion on the inner circumferential surface of the case cylinder main body 1a. The engagement protrusion 1b engages with the second vertical groove portion 6c shown in FIG. 4C, and is positioned at a location shifted by 90° about the central axis O relative to the side view shown in FIG. 1. For this reason, the engagement protrusion 1b is indicated by an imaginary line in FIG. 1. Furthermore, on the inner circumferential surface of the case cylinder main body 1a, there are provided a stopper protrusion 1c positioned below the engagement protrusion 1b and protruding radially inward, and a gear portion 1d positioned below the stopper protrusion 1c and configured by a plurality of protrusions spaced apart in the circumferential direction. An engagement holding portion 1e having a semicircular cross-sectional shape is also provided at the lower end portion of the case cylinder main body 1a. A front end portion 1f that opens in a circular shape in plan view is provided at the upper end (front end) of the case cylinder main body 1a.

[0014] The screw shaft member 3 is a columnar member centered on the central axis O as shown in FIG. 1, and includes a screw shaft 3b having an external thread portion (first external thread portion 3a) provided on the outer circumferential surface thereof. A lower shaft 3c formed in a columnar shape is provided below the screw shaft 3b. On the outer circumferential surface of the lower shaft 3c, there are provided a plurality of protrusions positioned below the first external thread portion 3a and spaced apart in the circumferential direction. These protrusions function as rotation stoppers between the screw shaft member 3 and the operation portion 8. Hereinafter, these protrusions are referred to as a first rotation stopper portion 3d. On the outer circumferential surface of the lower shaft 3c, a second retaining portion 3e that protrudes radially outward and retains the screw shaft member 3 to prevent the screw shaft member 3 from coming off relative to the operation portion 8 is provided below the first rotation stopper portion 3d.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2A to 2C, the hollow screw member 4 is cylindrical with respect to a central axis O and has a hollow inner hollow portion 4a located radially outward from the screw shaft 3b. A disc-shaped top wall portion 4b is provided at the upper end of the inner hollow portion 4a. A female screw portion (first female screw portion 4c) that screws into the first male screw portion 3a is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the inner hollow portion 4a. In this embodiment, the first female screw portion 4c is provided only near the lower end of the inner hollow portion 4a. A male screw portion (second male screw portion 4d) is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the inner hollow portion 4a.

[0016] Furthermore, the hollow screw member 4 is provided with a first slit 4e that cuts out the inner hollow portion 4a from below to above. In this embodiment, the first slit 4e cuts out the inner hollow portion 4a from the lower end to the middle of the inner hollow portion 4a in the vertical direction. The first slit 4e is provided in pairs on either side of the central axis O, and the hollow screw member 4 is elastically deformable so that the lower part of the inner hollow portion 4a expands radially outward. At the lower end of the inner hollow portion 4a, there is a retaining engagement portion 4f that protrudes radially outward and is claw-shaped. Above the retaining engagement portion 4f, there is a convex portion (contact convex portion 4g) that protrudes radially outward on the outer circumferential surface of the inner hollow portion 4a. The contact convex portion 4g contacts the inner circumferential surface of the annular body 7 when the annular body 7 is attached to the hollow screw member 4, as will be described later.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 3A to 3C, the extruded member 5 is cylindrical with respect to a central axis O and includes a hollow outer hollow portion 5a located radially outside the inner hollow portion 4a. A top wall portion 5b is provided at the upper end of the outer hollow portion 5a. A seal portion 5c is provided on the outer edge of the top wall portion 5b, which extends upward while expanding in diameter, and whose tip is slidably in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the case cylinder body 1a. A female thread portion (second female thread portion 5d) that screws into the second male thread portion 4d is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the outer hollow portion 5a. In this embodiment, the second female thread portion 5d is provided only near the lower end of the outer hollow portion 5a.

[0018] The outer hollow portion 5a is provided with a second slit 5e that cuts out the outer hollow portion 5a from below to above. In this embodiment, the second slit 5e cuts out the outer hollow portion 5a from the lower end to the middle of the outer hollow portion 5a in the vertical direction. A pair of second slits 5e are provided on either side of the central axis O, and the extruded member 5 is elastically deformable so that the lower part of the outer hollow portion 5a expands radially outward.

[0019] Furthermore, the extruded member 5 of this embodiment is provided with a guide projection 5g that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface at the lower end of the outer hollow portion 5a.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 4A to 4D, the movable cylinder member 6 is cylindrical with respect to a central axis O and includes a movable cylinder body 6a located radially outward from the outer hollow portion 5a. The inner circumferential surface of the movable cylinder body 6a is provided with a vertical groove (first vertical groove 6b) extending in the vertical direction. The guide projection 5g engages with the first vertical groove 6b. The outer circumferential surface of the movable cylinder body 6a is provided with a vertical groove (second vertical groove 6c) extending in the vertical direction. As shown in Figures 4A to 4D, the second vertical groove 6c is located at a position offset by 90° from the first vertical groove 6b with respect to the central axis O, and in the half cross-sectional view shown in Figure 1, the second vertical groove 6c is indicated by a dashed line. The engaging projection 1b provided on the case cylinder 1 engages with the second vertical groove 6c. As shown in Figure 4C, in this embodiment, a through opening 6d is provided at the lower part of the movable cylinder member 6, which cuts out the movable cylinder body 6a in a semicircular shape.

[0021] In this embodiment, the annular body 7 is circular and, as shown in Figure 1, is located radially outward from the inner hollow portion 4a. As shown in Figure 4B, the inner circumferential surface of the annular body 7 is provided with a retaining engagement portion 7a that protrudes radially inward and engages with the retaining engagement portion 4f.

[0022] The annular body 7 is also provided with projections 7b that protrude radially inward. As will be described later, the projections 7b are inserted into the inside of the first slit 4e, and in this embodiment, a pair of projections 7b are provided on either side of the central axis O (see Figure 4D).

[0023] Figures 4A to 4D show the initial state of the movable cylinder member 6 and the annular body 7 in this embodiment. The annular body 7 is integrally connected to the inner circumferential surface of the movable cylinder body 6a via a thin-walled weakened portion 6e provided on the movable cylinder member 6. As shown in Figure 4D, the annular body 7 is integrally connected to the movable cylinder member 6 at a position where the projection 7b is offset by 90° in the circumferential direction from the first longitudinal groove portion 6b.

[0024] The connecting member 9 has an inner circumferential wall portion 9a that is roughly cylindrical. Above the inner circumferential wall portion 9a, there is an operating part side anti-rotation portion 9b, which is made up of a plurality of protrusions provided at intervals in the circumferential direction and engages with the first anti-rotation portion 3d to prevent the screw shaft member 3 from rotating relative to the connecting member 9. On the inner circumferential surface of the inner circumferential wall portion 9a, there is an operating part side anti-detachment portion 9c that protrudes radially inward and prevents the screw shaft member 3 from coming loose relative to the connecting member 9.

[0025] The connecting member 9 also includes a connecting wall portion 9d that extends radially outward from the inner peripheral wall portion 9a. The lower surface of the connecting wall portion 9d is provided with a first connecting member engaging portion 9e located radially outward from the inner peripheral wall portion 9a and having a portion that protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral surface, and a second connecting member engaging portion 9f that extends downward from the outer edge of the connecting wall portion 9d and then extends radially outward, and has a shape on its outer peripheral surface that has a recess into which the engaging holding portion 1e engages.

[0026] An elastic piece 9h is provided on the upper surface of the connecting wall 9d, which extends upward from the upper surface and then extends circumferentially. The elastic piece 9h is elastically deformable so that its tip is radially inward. A stopper portion 9j is provided on the tip of the elastic piece 9h, which protrudes radially outward. The stopper portion 9j engages with the gear portion 1d, which is composed of multiple projections spaced apart in the circumferential direction, by fitting between these projections. The gear portion 1d and the stopper portion 9j engage like a ratchet, and in this embodiment, when the stopper portion 9j attempts to rotate in one direction relative to the gear portion 1d, it acts to move radially inward relative to the gear portion 1d, causing the elastic piece 9h to elastically deform radially inward and disengage from the gear portion 1d and the stopper portion 9j, thus allowing rotation in this direction. On the other hand, when the retaining part 9j rotates in the other direction relative to the gear part 1d, the two remain engaged, thus preventing rotation in this direction. In this embodiment, the coating container 100 is configured such that when the retaining part 9j rotates in one direction relative to the gear part 1d, the extrusion member 5 moves forward relative to the case cylinder 1.

[0027] The operating unit body 10 comprises a disc-shaped bottom wall portion 10a and a cylindrical outer peripheral wall portion 10b extending upward from the outer edge of the bottom wall portion 10a. The upper surface of the bottom wall portion 10a is provided with a main body engaging portion 10c that extends upward from the radially inward side of the connecting member first engaging portion 9e, has a portion that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface, and engages with the connecting member first engaging portion 9e.

[0028] The internal component 11 is cylindrical and includes an internal component body 11a whose lower end is inserted into and held by the outer peripheral wall portion 10b. The outer peripheral surface of the internal component body 11a is provided with a flange portion 11b that protrudes radially outward. Above the flange portion 11b on the outer peripheral surface of the internal component body 11a, there is a retaining portion 11c which has a shape that bulges radially outward on its outer peripheral surface and engages with and holds a lid (not shown).

[0029] The coating ball 13 is spherical and rotatably supported by the holder 14. The coating ball 13 is made of synthetic resin as an example, but there are no particular limitations on the material of the coating ball 13; for example, it may be made of metal or ceramic.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1, 5A, and 5B, the retainer 14 includes a cylindrical retaining wall 14a surrounding the coating ball 13. The front end of the cylindrical retaining wall 14a extends in a curved manner toward the central axis O, and its inner surface partially protrudes radially inward. The inner diameter of the opening at the front end of the cylindrical retaining wall 14a is set to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the coating ball 13. An annular gap (annular gap P3) is provided between the inner surface of the cylindrical retaining wall 14a and the outer surface of the coating ball 13. The rear end of the cylindrical retaining wall 14a is inserted into the front end 1f of the case cylinder 1 and fitted and held in place by the case cylinder 1. The outer circumferential surface of the retainer 14 is provided with a retainer flange portion 14b that protrudes radially outward.

[0031] The holder 14 is also equipped with a support wall 14c that is located behind the coating ball 13 when the coating ball 13 is attached, and supports the coating ball 13 from the rear. The support wall 14c is plate-shaped and circular in plan view, with a circular through-hole in the center. Hereinafter, the space located inside this through-hole will be referred to as the second communication passage P2. The second communication passage P2 communicates with the annular gap P3 described above when the coating ball 13 is attached to the holder 14. Furthermore, on the upper surface of the support wall 14c, an inclined surface 14d is provided on the radially outer side of this through-hole, which is inclined to increase in diameter as it goes upward. When the coating ball 13 is attached to the holder 14, the coating ball 13 contacts the inclined surface 14d and is supported by the inclined surface 14d.

[0032] Furthermore, the holder 14 is elastically deformable in the vertical direction and is provided with a plurality of elastic connecting parts 14e that connect the outer edge of the support wall 14c to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical holder wall 14a. As shown in Figure 5B, a total of six elastic connecting parts 14e are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Here, the space provided between adjacent elastic connecting parts 14e is referred to as the first communication passage P1. As will be described later, for example, when the coating ball 13 rotates within the holder 14, or when the contents are pushed forward by the advancing extrusion member 5, the coating ball 13 moves away from the inclined surface 14d and the first communication passage P1 communicates with the annular gap P3.

[0033] As will be described later, when the holder 14 is attached to the case cylinder 1, the first connecting passage P1 and the second connecting passage P2 are connected to the containment space S, and the contents of the containment space S can be discharged to the outside world through the first connecting passage P1 and the second connecting passage P2 and the annular gap P3. Hereinafter, the passage consisting of the first connecting passage P1, the second connecting passage P2, and the annular gap P3 will be referred to as the contents passage P.

[0034] The coating container 100, composed of such components, can be assembled as follows. Note that the following explanation is just one example, and the order can be changed as appropriate as long as assembly is possible.

[0035] First, the screw shaft member 3 and the hollow screw member 4 are combined. At this time, the screw shaft member 3 may be rotated relative to the hollow screw member 4, thereby screwing the first male thread portion 3a and the first female thread portion 4c together. However, since the hollow screw member 4 of this embodiment has a first slit 4e, the inner hollow portion 4a is elastically deformable so that its lower part expands radially outward. That is, if the screw shaft 3b is inserted into the inner hollow portion 4a, the lower part of the inner hollow portion 4a expands radially outward and inward, allowing the first male thread portion 3a and the first female thread portion 4c to be screwed together. Furthermore, the extrusion member 5 is combined with the hollow screw member 4. At this time, the hollow screw member 4 may be rotated relative to the extrusion member 5, thereby screwing the second male screw portion 4d and the second female screw portion 5d together. However, in this embodiment, the extrusion member 5 is elastically deformable so that the lower part of the outer hollow portion 5a expands radially outward due to the second slit 5e. Therefore, when the hollow screw member 4 is inserted into the outer hollow portion 5a, the lower part of the outer hollow portion 5a expands radially outward and inward, allowing the second male screw portion 4d and the second female screw portion 5d to be screwed together.

[0036] When the hollow screw member 4 and the extruded member 5 are combined, the extruded member 5 is positioned so that the first slit 4e and the second slit 5e are aligned in the circumferential direction (in other words, the first slit 4e and the second slit 5e are offset by 90° in the circumferential direction with respect to the guide projection 5g).

[0037] Then, in order to combine the movable cylinder member 6 with the extrusion member 5, the guide projection 5g is inserted from above into the first vertical groove 6b as shown in Figure 1. The annular body 7, which is integrally connected to the movable cylinder member 6, has a projection 7b as described above, and this projection 7b is provided at a position offset by 90° in the circumferential direction from the first vertical groove 6b (see Figure 4D). Furthermore, when combining the movable cylinder member 6 with the extrusion member 5, as described above, the hollow screw member 4 is positioned so that the first slit 4e and the second slit 5e are aligned in the circumferential direction with respect to the extrusion member 5. That is, when the guide projection 5g shown in Figure 3C is inserted into the first vertical groove 6b shown in Figure 4D, the projection 7b is inserted into the first slit 4e, so no large load is placed on the weakened portion 6e.

[0038] Next, the annular body 7, which is integrally connected to the inner circumferential surface of the movable cylinder body 6a by the weakened portion 6e, is separated from the movable cylinder member 6 by breaking the weakened portion 6e. To separate the annular body 7 from the movable cylinder member 6, for example, a cylindrical jig can be prepared, and the lower end of the screw shaft member 3 can be inserted into the opening of the jig while the jig is pressed relative to the annular body 7. This causes the weakened portion 6e to break, separating the annular body 7 from the movable cylinder member 6. The annular body 7, having separated and moving upward relative to the hollow screw member 4, is held by the hollow screw member 4 because the retaining engagement portion 7a engages with the retaining engagement portion 4f. In this state, the annular body 7 is located radially outside the lower end of the inner hollow portion 4a. When the annular body 7 is in this position, it can be easily seen through the through-opening 6d shown in Figure 4C, so it can be easily confirmed that the annular body 7 is held by the hollow screw member 4. In this embodiment, when the retaining engagement portion 7a is engaged with the retaining engagement portion 4f, the contact projection 4g provided on the outer circumferential surface of the inner hollow portion 4a contacts the inner circumferential surface of the annular body 7. This prevents the annular body 7 from moving up and down relative to the hollow screw member 4.

[0039] Subsequently, the combined extruded member 5 is inserted into the case cylinder body 1a from the front end, and the connecting member 9 is inserted into the case cylinder body 1a from the rear end. Then, the lower shaft 3c of the screw shaft member 3 is inserted into the inner peripheral wall portion 9a of the connecting member 9. As a result, the first anti-rotation portion 3d and the operating portion side anti-rotation portion 9b engage, and the second anti-detachment portion 3e and the operating portion side anti-detachment portion 9c engage, thereby preventing the screw shaft member 3 from rotating and holding it in place relative to the connecting member 9. At this time, the second engaging portion 9f of the connecting member 9 engages with the engaging holding portion 1e of the case cylinder 1, so that the connecting member 9 can be rotatably held relative to the case cylinder 1. When the connecting member 9 is attached to the case cylinder 1, the toothed portion 9j of the elastic piece 9h of the connecting member 9 engages with the gear portion 1d of the case cylinder 1.

[0040] Subsequently, the lower end of the central component body 11a of the central component 11 is inserted into the inside of the operating unit body 10 to fit and hold the two together. Then, the case cylinder 1 with the connecting member 9 attached is inserted into the central component body 11a. This engages the first engaging portion 9e of the connecting member with the main body engaging portion 10c, thereby preventing the connecting member 9 and the operating unit body 10 from coming loose and holding them together. A rotation-preventing portion (not shown) is provided between the connecting member 9 and the operating unit body 10, preventing them from rotating relative to each other.

[0041] Next, the coating ball 13 is inserted through the opening at the front end of the cylindrical retaining wall 14a, and the coating ball 13 is attached to the holder 14. As described above, there is an annular gap P3 between the inner surface of the cylindrical retaining wall 14a and the outer surface of the coating ball 13, and the inner diameter of the opening at the front end of the cylindrical retaining wall 14a is set to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the coating ball 13, so that the coating ball 13 is held in place by the holder 14 in a rotatable and non-detachable manner. After that, the rear end of the cylindrical retaining wall 14a is inserted into the front end 1f of the case cylinder 1, and the holder 14 is attached to the case cylinder 1. After that, a lid (not shown) is placed over the case cylinder body 1a, and the lid is held in place by the inner fitting 11.

[0042] To use the contents contained in the coating container 100, the lid (not shown) held by the inner part 11 is removed, and the operating unit body 10 is rotated circumferentially to one side relative to the case cylinder 1. This causes the connecting member 9 to rotate in the same direction. The stopper portion 9j provided on the connecting member 9 is engaged with the gear portion 1d of the case cylinder 1, but when the connecting member 9 rotates in this direction, the engagement between the two is released, allowing rotation. As the connecting member 9 rotates, the screw shaft member 3, which is held in place by the connecting member 9, also rotates in the same direction. As a result, the hollow screw member 4, the push-out member 5, and the movable cylinder member 6 move forward, and the contents contained in the storage space S flow through the contents passage P and onto the surface of the coating ball 13, as shown by the hatching in Figure 6. The amount of contents that flows onto the surface of the coating ball 13 changes depending on the amount of rotation of the operating unit body 10, so the user can easily adjust the amount of contents to be applied. Furthermore, since the user can easily see the contents flowing onto the surface of the coating ball 13, it is easier to adjust the amount of contents to be applied. The contents that have flowed onto the surface of the coating ball can then be easily spread by moving the coating container so that the coating ball, which is in contact with the application surface, rolls.

[0043] In this embodiment, the application container 100 has an application ball 13 supported from the rear by a support wall 14c, and the support wall 14c is connected to a cylindrical holding wall 14a via an elastic connecting portion 14e that is elastically deformable in the vertical direction. That is, as shown in Figure 7, when the application ball 13 is brought into contact with the application surface A, such as skin, even if the application container 100 is pressed somewhat firmly toward the application surface A, excessive force is not applied to the application surface A. Furthermore, by moving the application container 100 while utilizing the flexure of the elastic connecting portion 14e, an appropriate massage effect can be applied to the application surface A.

[0044] Incidentally, the inner hollow portion 4a is elastically deformable so that its lower part expands radially outward by the first slit 4e, and the screw shaft member 3 and the hollow screw member 4 can be combined by inserting the screw shaft 3b into the inner hollow portion 4a, thus offering excellent assembly capabilities. However, if a load is applied to the first male screw portion 3a and the first female screw portion 4c, for example, the inner hollow portion 4a will elastically deform radially outward, and there is a risk that the screwed-together first male screw portion 3a and first female screw portion 4c will come apart. On the other hand, the coating container 100 of this embodiment is equipped with an annular body 7 located radially outward of the lower end of the inner hollow portion 4a, and the annular body 7 prevents the elastic deformation of the inner hollow portion 4a radially outward, thus preventing the first male screw portion 3a and the first female screw portion 4c from coming apart.

[0045] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, this embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0046] For example, the number of elastic connection parts 14e can be changed as appropriate, and there may be fewer or more than the six shown in the figure. Also, in this embodiment, a through hole is provided in the support wall 14c to provide the first connecting passage P1, but the first connecting passage P1 may be omitted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the operating part 8 is rotated to one side in the circumferential direction, the extrusion member 5 moves forward, while rotation of the operating part 8 to the other side in the circumferential direction is prevented so that the extrusion member 5 does not move backward. However, the operating part 8 may be allowed to rotate to the other side in the circumferential direction so that the extrusion member 5 moves backward, thereby pulling the discharged contents back into the storage space S.

[0047] (Note) This specification discloses the following technologies in one aspect. The reference numerals listed below correspond to those used in the accompanying drawings, but are provided as examples only and are not intended to limit the inventions of this application.

[0048] (Technology 1) Case tube (1), An operating part (8) is held in a position so as to be rotatable around the central axis (O) of the case cylinder (1), An extrusion member (5) is movable along the central axis (O) and has a sealing portion (5c) that slidably contacts the inner circumferential surface of the case cylinder (1) and demarcates a storage space (S) between itself and the case cylinder (1) in which contents are contained, A drive transmission unit (2) is configured such that when the operating unit (8) is rotated in one circumferential direction about the central axis (O) relative to the case cylinder (1), the extrusion member (5) is advanced. An applicator container (100) comprising an applicator (12) attached to the front end (1f) of the case cylinder (1), The aforementioned applicator (12) is Coating ball (13), A coating container (100) comprising: a holder (14) attached to the front end (1f) and holding the coating ball (13) so that it can rotate and cannot be removed, and having a contents passage (P) that leads from the containment space (S) to the outside world via the periphery of the coating ball (13).

[0049] This technology allows the extrusion member to advance when the operating part is rotated relative to the case cylinder, causing the contents contained in the storage space to flow out through the contents passage onto the surface of the coating ball. In other words, the amount of contents that flows onto the surface of the coating ball changes according to the amount of rotation of the operating part, so the amount of contents to be applied can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, since the contents flowing onto the surface of the coating ball are easily visible, adjusting the amount of contents to be applied becomes even easier. The contents that have flowed onto the surface of the coating ball can then be easily spread by moving the application container so that the coating ball, which is in contact with the application surface, rolls.

[0050] (Technology 2) The retainer (14) has a cylindrical retaining wall (14a) that surrounds the coating ball (13) and whose front end extends toward the central axis (O), An annular gap (P3) is provided between the coating ball (13) and the cylindrical holding wall (14a), A support wall (14c) that supports the coating ball (13) from the rear, It is elastically deformable and comprises a plurality of elastic connecting parts (14e) that connect the support wall (14c) and the cylindrical holding wall (14a), The device comprises a first connecting passage (P1) provided between a plurality of the aforementioned elastic connecting portions (14e) and allowing the inside of the case cylinder (1) to pass through the annular gap (P3), The coating container (100) according to Technical 1, wherein the contents passage (P) is composed of the first connecting passage (P1) and the annular gap (P3).

[0051] This technology prevents excessive force from being applied to the surface when the application ball is brought into contact with it, even if the application container is pressed somewhat firmly toward the surface. Furthermore, by moving the application container while utilizing the flexibility of the elastic connection part, a moderate massage effect can be applied to the surface.

[0052] (Technology 3) The coating container (100) according to Technical 2, wherein the support wall (14c) has a second connecting passage (P2) that penetrates the support wall (14c) and passes through the inside of the case cylinder (1) and the annular gap (P3) and functions as part of the contents passage (P).

[0053] This technology allows the contents to flow not only through the first passage but also through the second passage, making it easier to use. For example, contents with relatively high viscosity that are difficult to flow can be suitably used.

[0054] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and unless otherwise specifically limited in the above description, various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention as described in the claims. For example, the configuration of the above-described embodiment can be added or deleted as appropriate, and the configuration of one embodiment can be provided in other embodiments. Furthermore, the effects in the above-described embodiment are merely illustrative of the effects that may result from the present invention. In other words, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, and additional effects may also be produced in addition to the above-described effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1: Case tube 1a: Case cylinder body 1b: Engagement convex part 1c: Stopper protrusion 1d: Gear section 1e: Engagement holding part 1f: Front end 2: Drive transmission section 3: Screw shaft member 3a: First male threaded portion 3b: Screw shaft 3c: Lower axis 3d: First anti-rotation part 3e: Second retaining section 4: Hollow screw member 4a: Inner hollow part 4b: Ceiling wall part 4c: First female thread section 4d: Second male thread section 4e: First slit 4f: Retaining engagement part 4g: Contact protrusion 5: Extruded member 5a: Outer hollow part 5b:Top wall part 5c: Seal part 5d: Second female thread section 5e: Second slit 5g: Guide protrusion 6: Movable cylindrical member 6a: Movable tube body 6b: First longitudinal groove 6c: Second longitudinal groove 6d: Through opening 6e: Weakened part 7: Ring-shaped 7a: Retaining engagement portion 7b:Protrusion 8:Operation unit 9: Connecting member 9a: Inner peripheral wall part 9b: Rotation prevention part on the operating section side 9c: Retaining part on the operating section side 9d: Connecting wall section 9e: First engaging portion of connecting member 9f: Second engaging part of connecting member 9h: Elastic piece 9j: Wheel stop 10: Main unit of the control panel 10a: Bottom wall part 10b: Outer wall 10c: Main body engagement part 11: Filling 11a: Inner tool body 11b: Flange section 11c: Holding part 12: Applicator 13: Coating ball 14: Holding body 14a: Cylindrical retaining wall 14b: Retainer flange portion 14c: Support wall 14d: Inclined surface 14e: Elastic connection 100: Coating container A: Application destination O: Central axis P:Contents passage P1: First passageway P2:Second communication passage P3: Annular gap S: Containment space

Claims

1. The case tube and An operating part is held in relation to the case cylinder so as to be rotatable around the central axis of the case cylinder, An extrusion member that is movable along the central axis and has a sealing portion that slidably contacts the inner circumferential surface of the case cylinder and demarcates a storage space between itself and the case cylinder in which contents are housed, A drive transmission unit is configured such that when the operating part is rotated circumferentially to one side about the central axis relative to the case cylinder, the push member is advanced. An applicator container comprising an applicator attached to the front end of the case cylinder, The aforementioned applicator is Coating ball and, A coating container comprising: a holder attached to the front end, which holds the coating ball rotatably and in a way that prevents it from coming loose, and which has a contents passage that allows the contents to be accessed from the storage space through the periphery of the coating ball to the outside.

2. The holder comprises a cylindrical holding wall that surrounds the coating ball and whose front end extends toward the central axis, An annular gap is provided between the coating ball and the cylindrical holding wall, A support wall that supports the coating ball from the rear, Elastically deformable, comprising a plurality of elastic connecting parts connecting the support wall and the cylindrical holding wall, It comprises a first connecting passage provided between a plurality of the elastic connecting portions, which allows the inside of the case cylinder and the annular gap to pass through, The coating container according to claim 1, wherein the contents passage is composed of the first connecting passage and the annular gap.

3. The coating container according to claim 2, wherein the support wall has a second connecting passage that penetrates the support wall and passes through the inside of the case cylinder and the annular gap, and functions as part of the contents passage.

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