Delivery container

Abstract

To provide a delivery container which is reduced in number of components and cost.SOLUTION: A delivery container comprises: a bottomed and cylindrical operation part 10; a transmission shaft 23 which has a spiral groove 32 extending around a container axis O, and extends upward from a bottom wall 21a of the operation part; a sleeve 11 which is arranged inside the operation part so as to surround an outside of the transmission shaft, and is provided rotatably in a circumferential direction of the container axis to the transmission shaft; and an inner tray 12 which is provided inside the sleeve so as to vertically move to the sleeve following the rotation of the sleeve to the transmission shaft. The inner tray has: an inner tray body 51 holding a rod-shaped content; and a suspended cylinder 52 arranged between an outer peripheral face of the transmission shaft and an inner peripheral face of the sleeve, and extending downward from the inner tray body. The suspended cylinder has: an engagement protrusion 52a engaged to the spiral groove; and a regulation part engaged to the sleeve in the circumferential direction, regulating the rotation of the inner tray to the sleeve, and integrally formed with the inner tray body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing container. [Background technology]

[0002] The dispensing container comprises a cylindrical outer body with a bottom, a sleeve supported inside the outer body so as to be rotatable around the container axis, a middle plate provided inside the sleeve for holding a rod-shaped content, and a rotation restricting portion provided between the middle plate and the sleeve for restricting rotation of the middle plate relative to the sleeve (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). In the dispensing container, when the outer body and the sleeve are rotated relative to each other, the middle plate moves up and down inside the sleeve, causing the rod-shaped content to advance and retreat through the sleeve. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-54486 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology still has room for improvement in terms of reducing the number of parts.

[0005] The present invention provides a low-cost dispensing container with a reduced number of parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A dispensing container according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a cylindrical operating part with a bottom, a transmission shaft having a spiral groove extending around a container axis and extending upward from the bottom wall of the operating part, a sleeve arranged inside the operating part surrounding the outside of the transmission shaft and rotatable circumferentially around the container axis relative to the transmission shaft, and a middle plate arranged inside the sleeve so as to be movable up and down relative to the sleeve as the sleeve rotates relative to the transmission shaft, wherein the middle plate comprises a middle plate main body that holds a rod-shaped content, and a hanging tube that extends downward from the middle plate main body and is arranged between the outer peripheral surface of the transmission shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve, wherein the hanging tube has an engaging protrusion that engages with the spiral groove and a regulating portion that engages circumferentially with the sleeve to regulate the rotation of the middle plate relative to the sleeve, and is formed integrally with the middle plate main body.

[0007] According to this embodiment, by forming the hanging tube integrally with the inner plate body, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the conventional case in which a separate rotation regulating section is provided between the sleeve and the inner plate, thereby making it possible to provide a low-cost dispensing container. The hanging tube is provided with both an engaging protrusion that engages with the spiral groove and a regulating portion that engages circumferentially with the sleeve to regulate the rotation of the inner plate relative to the sleeve, resulting in a single-tube structure.Therefore, compared to a double-tube structure that includes, for example, a cylindrical body provided with an engaging protrusion and a cylindrical body provided with a regulating portion, it is possible to keep the outer diameter of the inner plate thinner, thereby making it possible to slim down the dispensing container.

[0008] In the dispensing container according to the above aspect, when the inner plate is in the uppermost position, an outer circumferential surface of the hanging tube may be close to or in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve.

[0009] For example, when the inner plate is at the uppermost position, if the operating part and the sleeve are rotated relative to each other in the extension direction, the hanging tube may deform radially outward and the engagement protrusion may overcome the upper end of the spiral groove (so-called overrun). In contrast, in this aspect, the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve can regulate the radially outward deformation of the hanging tube, thereby preventing the engagement protrusion from climbing over the upper end of the spiral groove, thereby providing a dispensing container with excellent reliability.

[0010] In the dispensing container of the above-mentioned aspect, a vertical groove extending in the up-down direction is formed in the sleeve, and the regulating portion is arranged to be able to move up and down within the vertical groove, and abuts against the inner surface of the vertical groove in the circumferential direction to regulate the rotation of the inner plate relative to the sleeve. According to this aspect, the inner plate can be smoothly moved up and down relative to the sleeve.

[0011] In the dispensing container of the above-mentioned aspect, the transmission shaft, the sleeve and the inner plate form a cartridge that is attached and detached as a single unit to the operating part through an upper end opening of the operating part, and one of the operating part and the transmission shaft may be provided with an engaging portion extending in the vertical direction, and the other of the operating part and the transmission shaft may be provided with a cylindrical engaged portion into which the engaging portion is engaged while restricting rotation of the transmission shaft about the container axis relative to the operating part by inserting the engaging portion in the vertical direction.

[0012] According to this aspect, when attaching the cartridge to the operating unit, the cartridge is inserted into the inside of the operating unit through the upper end opening of the operating unit. As a result, the engaging portion is inserted vertically into the engaged portion, and the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion while restricting rotation of the transmission shaft about the container axis relative to the operating unit. On the other hand, when removing the cartridge from the operating unit, the cartridge is pulled upward relative to the operating unit. This releases the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion. In other words, with the dispensing container of this aspect, the cartridge can be easily attached and detached from the operating unit by simply inserting and removing the cartridge from the operating unit. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and provide a low-cost dispensing container. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing container according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 11A to 11C are explanatory views of the operation of the dispensing container according to the present embodiment when in use. [Figure 7] 11A to 11C are operation explanatory diagrams for explaining a method of attaching and detaching the cartridge to and from the operation unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is used by dispensing a stick-shaped content (not shown). Examples of the stick-shaped content include cosmetics (lipstick, lip balm, stick eye shadow, etc.), medicines, glue, etc.

[0016] The dispensing container 1 includes an operating unit (one member) 10, a transmission shaft (the other member) 23, a sleeve 11, a middle plate 12, and a cap 13. The operating unit 10, the transmission shaft 23, the sleeve 11, and the middle plate 12 are arranged with their respective central axes positioned on a common axis. Hereinafter, the common axis is referred to as the container axis O, and the direction along the container axis O is referred to as the up-down direction. In a plan view seen from the up-down direction, the direction intersecting the container axis O is referred to as the radial direction, and the direction going around the container axis O is referred to as the circumferential direction. In this case, in the dispensing container 1, the top wall side of the cap 13 in the up-down direction is referred to as the upper side, and the bottom wall side (bottom wall 21a of the exterior body 21) of the operating unit 10 is referred to as the lower side. In addition, in the circumferential direction, the direction in which the middle plate 12 is raised is referred to as the dispensing direction, and the direction in which the middle plate 12 is lowered is referred to as the storing direction.

[0017] Operating unit 10 constitutes the exterior portion of the lower part of dispensing container 1. Operating unit 10 is formed as a cylinder with a bottom disposed coaxially with container axis O as a whole. Operating unit 10 includes exterior body 21 and a center component 22.

[0018] The exterior body 21 is integrally formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. A fitting portion 21b extending upward is formed on a bottom wall 21a of the exterior body 21. The fitting portion 21b is formed in a cylindrical shape arranged coaxially with the container axis O.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the fitting portion 21b is formed with a slit 21c. The slit 21c extends in the up-down direction and opens on the upper end opening edge of the fitting portion 21b. A plurality of the slits 21c are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In a plan view, when one of the radial directions is defined as a first direction L1, two slits 21c are provided on each of one side and the other side of the first direction L1 with respect to the container axis O. Among the slits 21c, the intervals between adjacent slits 21c1 in a region on one side of the first direction L1 and between adjacent slits 21c2 in a region on the other side are narrower than the intervals between adjacent slits 21c1, 21c2 across the regions on one side and the other side of the first direction L1.

[0020] The portion of the fitting portion 21b located between the slits 21c adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction constitutes a tongue portion 21d. The tongue portion 21d is configured to be elastically deformable in the radial direction. The tongue portion 21d includes a first tongue portion 21d1 located between the slits 21c1 and between the slits 21c2, and a second tongue portion 21d2 located between the slits 21c1 and 21c2. The first tongue portions 21d1 face each other in the first direction L1. The second tongue portions 21d2 face each other in the second direction L2 that is perpendicular to the first direction L1 in the radial direction. The circumferential width of the first tongue portion 21d1 is narrower than the circumferential width of the second tongue portion 21d2. However, the interval between the slits 21c (the width of the tongue portion 21d) can be changed as appropriate. The slits 21c are not essential.

[0021] The first tongue portion 21d1 is formed with an engagement portion 21e. The engagement portion 21e is a protrusion that protrudes radially inward from the first tongue portion 21d1 and extends in the up-down direction. In the illustrated example, one of the pair of first tongue portions 21d1 facing each other in the first direction L1 is provided with one engagement portion 21e1. The other of the pair of first tongue portions 21d1 facing each other in the first direction L1 is provided with two engagement portions 21e2. The upper end edge of each engagement portion 21e is formed in an arc shape that protrudes upward. The number and pitch of the engagement portions 21e can be changed as appropriate.

[0022] A first locking projection 21f is formed on the second tongue portion 21d2. The first locking projection 21f projects radially outward from the upper end of each second tongue portion 21d2. The first locking projection 21f extends over the entire circumferential length of each second tongue portion 21d2. The first locking projection 21f may be formed on the first tongue portion 21d1.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 1, the center fixture 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with the exterior body 21. The center fixture 22 is fitted into the inside of the exterior body 21 from above. The center fixture 22 is provided in a state in which an upper portion protrudes upward from the exterior body 21 and is unable to rotate in the circumferential direction relative to the exterior body 21. The center fixture 22 may be formed integrally with the exterior body 21. In addition, as long as the inner peripheral surface of the center fixture 22 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view, the shape of the peripheral wall 21g of the exterior body 21 in a plan view may be a shape other than a circular shape.

[0024] The transmission shaft 23 extends upward from the bottom wall of the operation unit 10. The transmission shaft 23 supports the inner plate 12 inside the exterior body 21 so that the inner plate 12 can move up and down. The transmission shaft 23 includes a fixed shaft member 23a and an outer transmission shaft 23b. The fixed shaft member 23a is provided so as to be unable to rotate in the circumferential direction relative to the exterior body 21. Specifically, the fixed shaft member 23a includes a fitted portion 24, a seat portion 25, an inner transmission shaft 26, and an insertion portion 27.

[0025] The fitted portion 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The fitting portion 21b is undercut fitted to the inside of the fitted portion 24. Specifically, the fitted portion 24 is formed with a second locking projection 24a. The second locking projection 24a protrudes radially inward from a vertical middle portion of the fitted portion 24. The second locking projection 24a is provided over the entire circumferential length of the fitted portion 24. The second locking projection 24a is locked to the first locking projection 21f from below the first locking projection 21f.

[0026] The fitted portion 24 has a protruding portion 24b formed at its lower end portion, which protrudes radially outward. A circumferential groove 24c is formed on the upper part of the fitted part 24. The circumferential groove 24c opens on the outer circumferential surface of the fitted part 24 and extends over the entire circumferential length on the outer circumferential surface of the fitted part 24. A sliding part 24d is embedded in the circumferential groove 24c. The sliding part 24d extends over the entire circumferential length inside the sliding part 24d. The sliding part 24d is made of a material that is softer than the material of the fixed shaft member 23a (e.g., PP, etc.), has a lower elastic modulus than the fixed shaft member 23a, and has a higher friction coefficient than the fixed shaft member 23a. The sliding part 24d is made of a thermoplastic resin such as an elastomer, and is fixed to the fixed shaft member 23a by two-color molding together with the fixed shaft member 23a. However, the sliding contact portion 24d may be formed of, for example, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, or silicone rubber, and the sliding contact portion 24d may be fixed to the fixed shaft member 23a by injection molding the fixed shaft member 23a using the sliding contact portion 24d as an insert part. The sliding contact portion 24d may be interposed between the sleeve 11 and the exterior body 21.

[0027] The base portion 25 protrudes radially inward from the upper end opening edge of the fitted portion 24. The base portion 25 is formed in an annular shape arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The upper end opening edge of the fitting portion 21b is in close proximity to or in contact with the lower surface of the inner circumferential portion of the base portion 25 from below.

[0028] The inner transmission shaft 26 extends upward from the inner peripheral edge of the base portion 25. The inner transmission shaft 26 is formed in a cylindrical shape arranged coaxially with the container axis O. An inner spiral groove 26a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner transmission shaft 26. The inner spiral groove 26a extends spirally upward in the payout direction. In this embodiment, the inner spiral groove 26a is formed in two stripes. However, the inner spiral groove 26a may be one stripe or three or more stripes.

[0029] 1 and 3, the insertion portion 27 is formed in a cylindrical shape arranged coaxially with the container axis O. With the fitting portion 21b fitted into the fitted portion 24, the insertion portion 27 is inserted into the fitting portion 21b. An engaged portion 27a is formed in the insertion portion 27. The engaged portion 27a protrudes radially outward from the insertion portion 27 and extends in the up-down direction. The lower edge of the engaged portion 27a is formed in a downwardly protruding arc shape. The engaged portions 27a are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 27, and are knurled in this embodiment. The number of engaged portions 27a is greater than the number of engaging portions 21e. When the fitting portion 21b is fitted into the fitting portion 24, the engaging portion 21e1 is sandwiched in the circumferential direction by the engaged portions 27a located on both sides of the engaging portion 21e1 in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, the engaging portion 21e2 is sandwiched in the circumferential direction between the engaged portion 27a located between the two engaging portions 21e2 and the engaged portion 27a located on the outer side in the circumferential direction with respect to the two engaging portions 21e2. As a result, the engaging portions 21e and the engaged portions 27a are engaged in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting the relative rotation of the fixed shaft member 23a of the transmission shaft 23 with respect to the operating portion 10.

[0030] The outer transmission shaft 23b surrounds the inner transmission shaft 26. A first engagement protrusion 31 that protrudes radially inward is formed at the lower end of the outer transmission shaft 23b. The first engagement protrusion 31 is accommodated (engaged) in the inner spiral groove 26a of the inner transmission shaft 26. As the outer transmission shaft 23b rotates in the circumferential direction relative to the inner transmission shaft 26, the first engagement protrusion 31 moves spirally in the inner spiral groove 26a, so that the outer transmission shaft 23b moves up and down relative to the inner transmission shaft 26. In this embodiment, two first engagement protrusions 31 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction in accordance with the number of threads of the inner spiral groove 26a. Each first engagement protrusion 31 extends at an angle along the inner spiral groove 26a.

[0031] An outer spiral groove (spiral groove) 32 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer transmission shaft 23b. The outer spiral groove 32 extends spirally upward in the payout direction. In this embodiment, the outer spiral groove 32 is formed in two rows. However, the outer spiral groove 32 may be formed in one row or three or more rows.

[0032] The sleeve 11 is provided inside the operating unit 10 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the operating unit 10 and the transmission shaft 23. The sleeve 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The sleeve 11 is inserted inside the center fixture 22, and the lower end of the sleeve 11 is inserted between the center fixture 22 and the base portion 25. The sleeve 11 surrounds the outside of the transmission shaft 23. The lower end opening edge of the sleeve 11 is supported by the upper surface of the overhanging portion 24b. The upper end opening edge of the sleeve 11 is located above the operating unit 10 and is inclined with respect to the container axis O. The sleeve 11 may be formed of a metal material or the like.

[0033] 1 and 4, a protrusion 11a is formed on the sleeve 11. The protrusion 11a is formed on the lower end of the sleeve 11 and protrudes radially inward. When housed in the circumferential groove 24c, the protrusion 11a engages with the upper and lower edges of the circumferential groove 24c. As a result, the sleeve 11 is supported by the transmission shaft 23 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction, with its movement in the up and down directions relative to the operating unit 10 restricted.

[0034] A thin portion 11b is formed in a portion of the sleeve 11 that is located above the protrusion 11a. The thin portion 11b is provided at the lower end of the sleeve 11 over the entire length in the circumferential direction. A vertical groove 11c is formed in a portion of the sleeve 11 located above the thin-walled portion 11b. The vertical groove 11c opens on the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve 11. The vertical groove 11c extends in the up-down direction. The lower end of the vertical groove 11c terminates at the thin-walled portion 11b at the lower end of the sleeve 11. The upper end of the vertical groove 11c terminates at the center of the sleeve 11 in the up-down direction. A plurality of vertical grooves 11c (e.g., eight vertical grooves) are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. The vertical grooves 11c may penetrate the sleeve 11 in the radial direction.

[0035] Inner plate 12 is provided within sleeve 11 so as to be movable up and down relative to sleeve 11 while its circumferential rotation relative to sleeve 11 is restricted. Inner plate 12 includes inner plate main body 51 and a hanging tube 52. In this embodiment, inner plate main body 51 and hanging tube 52 are integrally formed. The inner plate body 51 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The inner plate body 51 is accommodated in a portion inside the sleeve 11 located above the transmission shaft 23. A rod-shaped content is held within the inner plate body 51. The rod-shaped content protrudes upward from the inner plate body 51.

[0036] The hanging tube 52 extends downward from the bottom wall of the inner plate body 51. The hanging tube 52 extends downward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall of the inner plate body 51. The hanging tube 52 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the transmission shaft 23 and the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve 11. The outer diameter of the hanging tube 52 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the inner plate body 51. The hanging tube 52 is inserted inside the sleeve 11 and surrounds the outer transmission shaft 23b. 6, the outer peripheral surface of the hanging tube 52 is in close proximity to or in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve 11 when the inner plate 12 is in the uppermost position. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the hanging tube 52 is always in close proximity to or in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve 11 regardless of the position of the inner plate 12 in the up-down direction.

[0037] A second engagement protrusion (engagement protrusion) 52a that protrudes radially inward is formed at the lower end of the hanging tube 52. The second engagement protrusion 52a is accommodated (engaged) in the outer spiral groove 32. As the hanging tube 52 rotates in the circumferential direction relative to the outer transmission shaft 23b, the second engagement protrusion 52a moves spirally within the outer spiral groove 32, causing the hanging tube 52 to move up and down relative to the outer transmission shaft 23b. In this embodiment, two second engagement protrusions 52a are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction in accordance with the number of threads of the outer spiral groove 32. Each second engagement protrusion 52a extends at an incline along the outer spiral groove 32.

[0038] The hanging tube 52 is formed with a slit 52b. The slit 52b penetrates the hanging tube 52 in the radial direction and extends in the up-down direction. The slit 52b opens on the lower end opening edge of the hanging tube 52. A plurality of slits 52b (for example, two) are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. As a result, at least the lower part of the hanging tube 52 is divided into two parts in the circumferential direction by the slits 52b, and is easily elastically deformed in the radial direction. Therefore, when the injection-molded inner plate 12 is released from the mold, the lower part of the hanging tube 52 is elastically deformed in the radial direction, so that the core easily climbs over the second engagement protrusion 52a downward.

[0039] The vertical tube 52 is formed with a restricting portion 52c that restricts the rotation of the inner plate 12 relative to the sleeve 11 by engaging with the sleeve 11 in the circumferential direction. The restricting portion 52c is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the vertical tube 52. The restricting portion 52c protrudes radially outward from the vertical tube 52 and extends in the vertical direction. The vertical length of the restricting portion 52c is shorter than the length of the vertical groove 11c. In the illustrated example, the lower end edge of the restricting portion 52c reaches the lower end edge of the vertical tube 52. The upper end edge of the restricting portion 52c is located below the upper end edge of the slit 52b and reaches the middle part of the vertical tube 52. A plurality of the restricting portions 52c (for example, four) are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. The number of the restricting portions 52c is smaller than the vertical grooves 11c. However, the number of the restricting portions 52c and the vertical grooves 11c can be changed as appropriate.

[0040] Each of the restricting portions 52c is accommodated (engaged) in the corresponding vertical groove 11c. The restricting portions 52c move up and down in the vertical groove 11c in association with the up and down movement of the inner plate 12 relative to the sleeve 11. The restricting portions 52c restrict the rotation of the inner plate 12 relative to the sleeve 11 by contacting the inner surface (the surface facing the circumferential direction) of the vertical groove 11c. That is, the inner plate 12 is provided so as to be movable up and down relative to the sleeve 11 in a state in which the rotation of the inner plate 12 relative to the sleeve 11 is restricted by the restricting portions 52c. As a result, the inner plate 12 is provided inside the sleeve 11 so as to be movable up and down relative to the sleeve 11 in association with the rotation of the sleeve 11 relative to the transmission shaft 23.

[0041] The cap 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a top and disposed coaxially with the container axis O. The cap 13 is detachably attached to the upper part of the inner member 22 with the upper part of the sleeve 11 inserted inside.

[0042] Next, there will be described the operation of the above-mentioned dispensing container 1. In the following explanation, first, a method of using the dispensing container 1 will be described. When using the dispensing container 1, first, the cap 13 is removed from the top of the center fixture 22. Next, the sleeve 11 and the exterior body 21 (peripheral wall 21g) are grasped, and the operating part 10 and the sleeve 11 are rotated relative to each other in the dispensing direction. At this time, since the center fixture 22 and the fixed shaft member 23a are attached to the exterior body 21 so as not to rotate relative to each other, the exterior body 21, the center fixture 22 and the fixed shaft member 23a rotate together. Meanwhile, since the sleeve 11 and the center plate 12 are attached so as not to rotate relative to each other, the sleeve 11 and the center plate 12 rotate together.

[0043] When the operating part 10 and the sleeve 11 are rotated relative to each other, at least one of the following occurs: the inner transmission shaft 26 and the outer transmission shaft 23b rotate integrally relative to the hanging tube 52, or the inner transmission shaft 26 rotates relative to the outer transmission shaft 23b.

[0044] When the inner transmission shaft 26 and the outer transmission shaft 23b rotate integrally relative to the hanging tube 52, the second engagement protrusion 52a moves helically within the outer spiral groove 32 while engaged within the outer spiral groove 32, causing the hanging tube 52 (middle plate 12) to rise relative to the transmission shaft 23. In this manner, the operation in which the transmission shaft 23 and the hanging tube 52 rotate relatively in the payout direction to cause the middle plate 12 to rise is referred to as the "first operation" in this specification.

[0045] When the inner transmission shaft 26 rotates relative to the outer transmission shaft 23b, the first engagement protrusion 31 moves spirally within the inner spiral groove 26a while engaged with the inner spiral groove 26a, causing the outer transmission shaft 23b to rise relative to the inner transmission shaft 26. At this time, the second engagement protrusion 52a is pushed up via the inner surface of the outer spiral groove 32, causing the inner plate 12 to rise together with the outer transmission shaft 23b. In this specification, the operation in which the inner transmission shaft 26 and the outer transmission shaft 23b rotate relative to each other in the payout direction, causing the inner plate 12 to rise together with the outer transmission shaft 23b, is referred to as the "second operation."

[0046] That is, as shown in Figs. 1 and 6, when the operating part 10 and the sleeve 11 are rotated relative to each other in the dispensing direction, the inner plate 12 rises due to at least one of the first and second actions. As a result, the stick-shaped contents are dispensed upward from the upper end opening of the sleeve 11. Which of the first and second actions occurs varies depending on the frictional resistance between the respective members. However, regardless of which action takes precedence, the stick-shaped contents are dispensed, so the user can use the stick-shaped contents. It is noted that both the first and second actions may occur simultaneously.

[0047] When the inner plate 12 rises relative to the sleeve 11, the restricting portion 52c is guided within the vertical groove 11c. This restricts the rotation of the inner plate 12 relative to the sleeve 11, and the inner plate 12 rises relative to the sleeve 11. The restricting portion 52c comes into contact with the upper edge of the vertical groove 11c, restricting the inner plate 12 from rising relative to the sleeve 11. This allows the inner plate 12 to reach the uppermost position.

[0048] When the inner plate 12 is lowered, the operating part 10 and the sleeve 11 are rotated relative to each other in the housing direction. Then, the inner transmission shaft 26 and the outer transmission shaft 23b rotate integrally relative to the hanging tube 52, or the inner transmission shaft 26 rotates relative to the outer transmission shaft 23b, so that the inner plate 12 is lowered relative to the sleeve 11. That is, when the inner plate 12 is lowered relative to the sleeve 11, the restricting part 52c is guided into the vertical groove 11c. After the rotation of the inner plate 12 relative to the sleeve 11 is restricted, the inner plate 12 is lowered relative to the sleeve 11. The lower end of the restricting part 52c enters the thin-walled part 11b, so that the lowering of the inner plate 12 relative to the sleeve 11 is restricted. As a result, the inner plate 12 reaches the lowest position.

[0049] 1 and 7, in the dispensing container 1 described above, a cartridge 101, which is a combination of a sleeve 11, a central plate 12, and a transmission shaft 23, is detachably attached to an operating part 10, which is a combination of an exterior body 21 and a central part 22. A method for attaching and detaching (replacement method) the cartridge 101 to and from the operating part 10 will be described below. First, to assemble the cartridge 101 to the operating unit 10, the cartridge 101 is inserted into the operating unit 10 through the upper end opening of the inner member 22 of the operating unit 10. Then, the second locking projection 24a of the fitted portion 24 comes into contact with the first locking projection 21f of the fitting portion 21b from above, and in this state, the cartridge 101 is pushed downward into the operating unit 10 so that the engaging portion 21e and the engaged portion 27a do not overlap in a plan view. In this embodiment, since the engaged portion 27a is formed in a knurled shape, the cartridge 101 can be pushed downward into the operating unit 10 without circumferential alignment.

[0050] Then, the second locking projection 24a climbs over the first locking projection 21f downward, and the second locking projection 24a is locked by the first locking projection 21f from below. As a result, the fitting portion 21b is undercut fitted into the fitting portion 24. Thereafter, the fitting portion 24 approaches or abuts against the upper surface of the bottom wall 21a, completing the insertion of the cartridge 101. In this state, the vertical movement of the cartridge 101 relative to the operation unit 10 is restricted.

[0051] On the other hand, in the process in which the second locking projection 24a passes over the first locking projection 21f downward, the engaging portion 21e enters between the adjacent engaged portions 27a. This causes the engaging portion 21e and the engaged portion 27a to engage in the circumferential direction. As a result, the circumferential movement of the fixed shaft member 23a relative to the exterior body 21 is restricted. In addition, the engaging portion 21e enters between the adjacent engaged portions 27a, so that the insertion portion 27 is inserted inside the fitting portion 21b. This causes the fitting portion 21b to be radially sandwiched between the inserting portion 27 and the fitted portion 24. As a result, the radial movement of the cartridge 101 relative to the operating unit 10 is restricted. With the above, the mounting of the cartridge 101 into the operation unit 10 is completed.

[0052] When the cartridge 101 is to be removed from the operating unit 10 after the bar-shaped contents have been used up, the cartridge 101 is pulled upward relative to the operating unit 10. Then, the second locking projection 24a moves upward over the first locking projection 21f, and the engagement between the fitted portion 24 and the fitting portion 21b is released. In addition, by pulling the cartridge 101 up relative to the operating unit 10, the fitting portion 21b comes out from between the fitted portion 24 and the insertion portion 27, and the engaging portion 21e comes out from between the engaged portions 27a adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. As a result, the cartridge 101 is removed from the operation unit 10.

[0053] Here, in the dispensing container 1 of this embodiment, the inner plate 12 comprises an inner plate main body 51 that holds rod-shaped contents, and a hanging tube 52 extending downward from the inner plate main body 51, and the inner plate main body 51 and the hanging tube 52 are formed as a single unit. According to this configuration, by forming the hanging tube 52 integrally with the inner plate main body 51, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the conventional case in which a separate rotation regulating part is provided between the sleeve and the inner plate, thereby making it possible to provide a low-cost dispensing container 1.

[0054] In the dispensing container 1 of this embodiment, the hanging tube 52 is provided with both a second engagement protrusion 52a that engages with the outer spiral groove 32 of the transmission shaft 23, and a regulating portion 52c that circumferentially engages with the sleeve 11 to regulate the rotation of the inner plate 12 relative to the sleeve 11. According to this configuration, it is possible to keep the outer diameter of inner plate 12 thinner than, for example, a double-cylinder structure having a cylinder provided with a second engagement protrusion and a cylinder provided with a regulating portion, thereby making the dispensing container 1 slimmer.

[0055] For example, when the inner plate 12 is at the uppermost position, if the operating part 10 and the sleeve 11 are rotated relative to each other in the extension direction, the hanging tube 52 may deform radially outward and the second engagement protrusion 52a may overcome the upper end of the outer spiral groove 32 (so-called overrun). In contrast, dispensing container 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the outer circumferential surface of hanging tube 52 is close to or in contact with the inner circumferential surface of sleeve 11 when inner plate 12 is at the uppermost position. According to this configuration, when inner plate 12 is at the uppermost position, it is possible to restrict radially outward deformation of hanging tube 52 by the inner circumferential surface of sleeve 11, and to prevent second engagement protrusion 52a from climbing over the upper end of outer spiral groove 32. As a result, it is possible to provide a dispensing container 1 with excellent reliability.

[0056] In the dispensing container 1 of this embodiment, a vertical groove 11c extending in the vertical direction is formed in the sleeve 11, and the regulating portion 52c is arranged to be able to move up and down within the vertical groove 11c and abuts against the inner surface of the vertical groove 11c in the circumferential direction, thereby regulating the rotation of the inner plate 12 relative to the sleeve 11. According to this configuration, the vertical movement of the inner plate 12 relative to the sleeve 11 can be smoothly realized.

[0057] In the dispensing container 1 of this embodiment, the operating unit 10 is provided with a fitting portion 21b extending upward from the bottom wall 21a, and the transmission shaft 23 is provided with a fitted portion 24 that is fitted vertically into the fitting portion 21b. According to this configuration, when attaching the cartridge 101 to the operating unit 10, the cartridge 101 is inserted into the inside of the operating unit 10 through the upper end opening of the operating unit 10. As a result, the fitting portion 21b is inserted into the fitted portion 24 in the vertical direction, and the fitting portion 21b fits into the fitted portion 24. On the other hand, when removing the cartridge 101 from the operating unit 10, the cartridge 101 is pulled upward with respect to the operating unit 10. As a result, the fitting portion 21b is released from the fitting portion 24. That is, in the dispensing container 1 of this embodiment, the cartridge 101 can be easily attached to and detached from the operating unit 10 simply by inserting and removing the cartridge 101 from the operating unit 10.

[0058] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the scope of the attached claims.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the transmission shaft 23 includes the inner transmission shaft 26 and the outer transmission shaft 23b, but the configuration is not limited to this. The transmission shaft 23 may have a configuration in which the inner transmission shaft 26, the outer transmission shaft 23b, the base portion 25, etc. are integrally formed. In the above-described embodiment, the operation unit includes the exterior body 21 and the internal fitting 22, but is not limited to this configuration. The operation unit may include only the exterior body 21. In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the fitting portion 21b is formed on the operation portion (one member) 10, and the fitted portion 24 is formed on the transmission shaft (the other member) 23, but this configuration is not limited to this. The fitting portion may be formed on the transmission shaft (one member) 23, and the fitted portion may be formed on the operation portion (the other member) 10.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, the fitting portion and the fitted portion according to the present invention are configured to have a circular (cylindrical) planar shape, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The fitting portion and the fitted portion may have a corresponding polygonal shape or the like when viewed from above. In this case, when the fitting portion and the fitted portion are fitted together, the corresponding corners engage with each other in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting the relative rotation between the fitting portion and the fitted portion in the circumferential direction. In other words, the corresponding corners form a rotation prevention portion. In the above-described embodiment, the fitting portion, the fitted portion, and the insertion portion are formed in a cylindrical shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. As long as at least the fitted portion is cylindrical, the fitting portion may be columnar or the like.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the vertical groove 11c is formed in the sleeve 11 and the restricting portion 52c is formed in the hanging tube 52 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The vertical groove may be formed in the hanging tube 52, and the restricting portion may be formed in the sleeve 11. In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which cartridge 101 is detachably attached to operation unit 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Dispensing container 1 may be configured such that inner plate 12 and sleeve 11 cannot be detached from operation unit 10 (are disposable). In this case, inner transmission shaft 26 may be formed integrally with bottom wall 21a of exterior body 21.

[0062] In addition, within the scope of the invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate.

[0063] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> A cylindrical operation unit with a bottom; a transmission shaft having a spiral groove extending around a container axis and extending upward from a bottom wall of the operation portion; a sleeve disposed inside the operation unit so as to surround the outside of the transmission shaft and rotatable in a circumferential direction around the container axis relative to the transmission shaft; a middle plate provided inside the sleeve so as to be movable up and down relative to the sleeve in accordance with rotation of the sleeve relative to the transmission shaft; The inner plate is A plate body for holding rod-shaped contents; A hanging tube extending downward from the inner plate body and disposed between an outer circumferential surface of the transmission shaft and an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve, The hanging tube is an engagement protrusion that engages with the spiral groove; a regulating portion that circumferentially engages with the sleeve to regulate rotation of the inner plate relative to the sleeve, and is formed integrally with the inner plate body. <2> When the inner plate is at the uppermost position, the outer circumferential surface of the hanging tube is close to or in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve. <1> The dispensing container according to claim 1. <3> The sleeve has a vertical groove extending in the up-down direction. The regulating portion is provided so as to be movable up and down within the vertical groove, and regulates the rotation of the inner plate relative to the sleeve by contacting the inner surface of the vertical groove in a circumferential direction. <1> or <2> The dispensing container according to claim 1. <4> the transmission shaft, the sleeve, and the inner plate constitute a cartridge that is attached to and detached from the operation part as a whole through an upper end opening of the operation part, One of the operating portion and the transmission shaft is provided with a fitting portion extending in a vertical direction, The other of the operating unit and the transmission shaft has a cylindrical fitted portion into which the fitting portion is fitted in a state in which the rotation of the transmission shaft around the container axis relative to the operating unit is restricted by inserting the fitting portion in a vertical direction. <1> from <3> 13. The dispensing container according to claim 12 . [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1: Feeding container 10: Operation section (one part, the other part) 11: Sleeve 11c: Vertical groove 12: Medium plate 21a: Bottom wall 21b: Fitting part 23: Transmission shaft (other member, one member) 24: Fitting part 26: Inner transmission shaft 32:Outer spiral groove (spiral groove) 51: Main body of inner plate 52: Hanging tube 52a: Second engagement protrusion (engagement protrusion) 52c: Regulation Department 101: Cartridge O: Container axis

Claims

1. A cylindrical operation unit with a bottom; a transmission shaft having a spiral groove extending around a container axis and extending upward from a bottom wall of the operation portion; a sleeve disposed inside the operation unit so as to surround the outside of the transmission shaft and rotatable in a circumferential direction around the container axis relative to the transmission shaft; a middle plate provided inside the sleeve so as to be movable up and down relative to the sleeve in accordance with rotation of the sleeve relative to the transmission shaft; The inner plate is A plate body for holding rod-shaped contents; A hanging tube extending downward from the inner plate body and disposed between an outer circumferential surface of the transmission shaft and an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve, The hanging tube is an engagement protrusion that engages with the spiral groove; a regulating portion that circumferentially engages with the sleeve to regulate rotation of the inner plate relative to the sleeve, and is formed integrally with the inner plate body.

2. The dispensing container according to claim 1 , wherein when the inner plate is in an uppermost position, an outer circumferential surface of the hanging tube is in close proximity to or in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve.

3. The sleeve has a vertical groove extending in the up-down direction.

3. The dispensing container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the regulating portion is arranged to be movable up and down within the vertical groove, and abuts against an inner surface of the vertical groove in a circumferential direction to regulate rotation of the inner plate relative to the sleeve.

4. the transmission shaft, the sleeve, and the inner plate constitute a cartridge that is attached to and detached from the operation part as a whole through an upper end opening of the operation part, One of the operating portion and the transmission shaft is provided with a fitting portion extending in a vertical direction, 3. The dispensing container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the other of the operating unit and the transmission shaft has a cylindrical mating portion into which the mating portion is inserted in a vertical direction, thereby restricting rotation of the transmission shaft about the container axis relative to the operating unit.

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