Delivery container

Abstract

To provide a delivery container in which the number of components can be reduced and which can be produced at a low cost.SOLUTION: A delivery container comprises an operation part, a transmission shaft, a sleeve, and an inner tray. The inner tray comprises: an inner tray main body; a movable shaft extending downward from the inner tray main body; and a regulation cylinder which extends downward from the inner tray main body, and engages with the sleeve in a circumferential direction to regulate the rotation of the inner tray to the sleeve. The sleeve has a vertical groove extending in a vertical direction. The regulation cylinder comprises: a rib which is movable vertically in the vertical groove, and comes into contact with an inner face of the vertical groove in the circumferential direction, to regulate the rotation of the inner tray to the sleeve; and a plurality of slits which penetrate in the regulation cylinder in a radial direction crossing the container shaft at different positions in the circumferential direction to the rib, and are open at a lower edge of the regulation cylinder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

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 to hold the contents, and a rotation restricting portion provided between the middle plate and the sleeve to restrict 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 contents 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] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following aspects. A dispensing container according to one aspect 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 a bottom wall of the operating part, a sleeve arranged inside the operating part surrounding the outside of the transmission shaft and rotatable in a circumferential direction around the container axis relative to the transmission shaft, and a middle plate arranged inside the sleeve and movable up and down relative to the sleeve as the sleeve rotates relative to the transmission shaft, the middle plate comprising a middle plate body that holds contents, a movable shaft having an engaging protrusion that engages with the spiral groove and that is formed integrally with the middle plate body and extends downward from the middle plate body, and a movable shaft extending downward from the middle plate body. and a regulating tube formed integrally with the container body, extending downward from the middle plate main body, and engaging with the sleeve in the circumferential direction to regulate the rotation of the middle plate relative to the sleeve, wherein the sleeve has a vertical groove extending in the up and down direction, and the regulating tube is provided with a rib that is movable 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 middle plate relative to the sleeve, and a plurality of slits that penetrate the regulating tube in a radial direction intersecting the container axis at different portions in the circumferential direction relative to the rib and open at the lower edge of the regulating tube.

[0007] According to this embodiment, by forming the regulating tube integrally with the inner plate body and the movable tube, 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. Furthermore, by engaging the rib of the regulating tube with the vertical groove of the sleeve, rotation of the inner plate relative to the sleeve is restricted, while smooth vertical movement of the inner plate relative to the sleeve can be achieved.

[0008] Here, if an excessive force acts in the circumferential direction between the sleeve and the inner plate during the process in which the inner plate moves up and down relative to the sleeve, there is a possibility that the rib will climb over the vertical groove. In contrast, in this embodiment, the portion of the regulating tube located between adjacent slits (hereinafter referred to as the outer leg portion) elastically deforms radially inward, causing the sleeve to rotate relative to the inner plate with the rib sliding on the inner peripheral surface (so-called overrun). When the sleeve further rotates relative to the inner plate in a state where it has overrun the inner plate, the rib again comes into contact with one of the vertical grooves. Then, the outer leg portion deforms radially outward, causing the rib and the vertical groove to engage again. As a result, the overrun of the inner plate relative to the sleeve is regulated. In other words, after the rotation of the inner plate relative to the sleeve is regulated, the extension operation or the storage operation can be performed again. In addition, when inserting the inner plate into the sleeve during assembly of the inner plate and the sleeve, the rib is pushed radially inward by the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve as the inner plate descends relative to the sleeve. This causes the outer foot to elastically deform radially inward, allowing the inner plate to be smoothly inserted into the sleeve even when the inner plate has a rib. After that, when the rib reaches the longitudinal groove, the outer foot restores its deformation radially outward, engaging the rib in the longitudinal groove. As a result, the ease of assembly of the inner plate and the sleeve can be improved.

[0009] In the dispensing container of the above-mentioned aspect, it is preferable that the movable shaft is formed in a cylindrical shape arranged coaxially with the container axis, the regulating tube is arranged surrounding the movable shaft, and the regulating tube is arranged closer to the outer peripheral surface of the movable shaft in the radial direction than the inner peripheral surface of the regulating tube when the inner plate is attached to the sleeve, and is provided with a deformation suppression portion that restricts deformation of the movable shaft outward in the radial direction. For example, when the inner plate is at the uppermost position, if the operating portion and the sleeve are rotated relative to each other in the extension direction, the movable cylinder may deform radially outward and the engagement protrusion may climb over the upper end of the spiral groove. In contrast, in this aspect, the deformation suppressing portion can restrict the deformation of the movable cylinder outward in the radial direction, thereby preventing the engagement projection from climbing over the upper end of the spiral groove. As a result, a highly reliable dispensing container can be provided.

[0010] In the dispensing container of the above-mentioned aspect, it is preferable that the deformation suppression portion is provided on the regulating tube so as to be displaceable in the radial direction, and the deformation suppression portion has a guide protrusion that is pushed radially inward by the inner surface of the sleeve during the process of the inner plate being attached to the sleeve through the upper end opening of the sleeve. According to this aspect, since the deformation suppression portion is provided on the regulating tube so as to be displaceable in the radial direction, when the middle plate is attached to the sleeve, the guide protrusion is pushed inward in the radial direction by the inner surface of the sleeve as the middle plate descends relative to the sleeve. This allows the deformation suppression portion to approach the movable tube as the middle plate is attached to the sleeve. Therefore, when molding the middle plate, it is possible to suppress a decrease in moldability due to the addition of the deformation suppression portion. Effect of the Invention

[0011] 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]

[0012] [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] 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line VI-VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line VII-VII in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a sleeve and a regulating cylinder. [Figure 9] 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the state in which the inner plate is attached to the sleeve. FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the state in which the inner plate is attached to the sleeve. FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the state in which the inner plate is attached to the sleeve. FIG. [Figure 12] 11A to 11C are explanatory views of the operation of the dispensing container according to the embodiment when in use. [Figure 13] 11A to 11C are operation explanatory diagrams for explaining a method of attaching and detaching the exterior module and the cartridge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] 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.

[0014] The dispensing container 1 includes an operating part (one of the members) 10, a sleeve 11, an inner plate 12, and a cap 13. The operating part 10, the sleeve 11, and the inner plate 12 are arranged such that their central axes are aligned 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 part 10 is referred to as the lower side. In addition, in the circumferential direction, the direction in which the contents are raised is referred to as the dispensing direction, and the direction in which the contents are lowered is referred to as the storing direction.

[0015] The operating unit 10 constitutes the exterior part at the lower part of the dispensing container 1. The operating unit 10 is formed as a cylinder with a bottom arranged coaxially with the container axis O as a whole. The operating unit 10 comprises an exterior body 21, a center member 22, and a dispensing member (the other member) 23.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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, if a direction perpendicular to the radial direction is 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 interval between adjacent slits 21c1 in a region on one side of the first direction L1 or between adjacent slits 21c2 in a region on the other side is narrower than the interval between adjacent slits 21c1, 21c2 across the regions on one side and the other side of the first direction L1.

[0018] The portion of the fitting portion 21b located between the adjacent slits 21c 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 or between the slits 21c2, and a second tongue portion 21d2 located between the slits 21c1 and 21c2. The first tongue portion 21d1 faces each other in the first direction L1. The second tongue portion 21d2 faces 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.

[0019] 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 engagement portions 21e are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The number and pitch of the engagement portions 21e can be changed as appropriate.

[0020] 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.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 1, the centering member 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape arranged coaxially with the exterior body 21. The centering member 22 is fitted into the inside of the exterior body 21 from above. The centering member 22 is provided in a state in which an upper end portion thereof protrudes upward from the exterior body 21 and is unable to rotate in the circumferential direction relative to the exterior body 21. The centering member 22 may be formed integrally with the exterior body 21. In addition, in the operating unit 10, the shape of the peripheral wall 21g of the exterior body 21 in a plan view may be a shape other than a circle as long as the inner peripheral surface of the centering member 22 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view.

[0022] The feeding member 23 supports the inner plate 12 so as to be vertically movable inside the exterior body 21. The feeding member 23 includes a fixed shaft member 23a and an outer transmission shaft 23b. The fixed shaft member 23a is provided so as to be non-rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the exterior body 21. Specifically, the fixed shaft member 23a includes a fitted portion 24, a seat portion 25, an inner transmission shaft (transmission shaft) 26, and an insertion portion 27.

[0023] 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 extends 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.

[0024] A protruding portion 24b that protrudes outward in the radial direction is formed at the lower end of the fitted portion 24. A circumferential groove 24c is formed at the upper portion of the fitted portion 24. The circumferential groove 24c opens on the outer circumferential surface of the fitted portion 24 and extends around the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the fitted portion 24. A sliding portion 24d is embedded in the circumferential groove 24c. The sliding portion 24d extends around the entire circumference inside the sliding portion 24d. The sliding portion 24d is made of a material that is softer than the material of the fixed shaft member 23a (e.g., PP, etc.), has a higher elastic modulus than the fixed shaft member 23a, and has a higher friction coefficient than the fixed shaft member 23a. The sliding portion 24d is fixed to the fixed shaft member 23a by two-color molding of a thermoplastic resin such as an elastomer together with the fixed shaft member 23a. However, the sliding contact portion 24d may be fixed to the fixed shaft member 23a by insert molding the fixed shaft member 23a using nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, silicone rubber, or the like as an insert. The sliding contact portion 24d may be interposed between the sleeve 11 and the exterior body 21.

[0025] 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 edge of the fitting portion 21b is adjacent to or abuts against the inner circumferential portion of the base portion 25 from below.

[0026] The inner transmission shaft (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 (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.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the insertion portion 27 is formed in a cylindrical shape arranged coaxially with the container axis O. When the fitting portion 21b is fitted into the fitting portion 24, the insertion portion 27 is inserted into the fitting portion 21b. The insertion portion 27 is formed with an engaged portion 27a. The engaged portion 27a protrudes radially outward from the insertion portion 27 and extends in the up-down direction. The lower end edge of the engaged portion 27a is formed in a circular arc shape protruding downward. A plurality of the engaged portions 27a are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction in the insertion portion 27, and are provided in a knurled shape in this embodiment. The number of the engaged portions 27a is greater than the number of the 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 21e in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, the engaging portion 21e2 is sandwiched in the circumferential direction between an engaged portion 27a located between the two engaging portions 21e2 and an 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 portion 21e and the engaged portion 27a are engaged in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting the relative rotation of the fixed shaft member 23a with respect to the operating unit 10.

[0028] The outer transmission shaft 23b surrounds the inner transmission shaft 26 on the outer side of 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.

[0029] An outer 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.

[0030] As shown in Figs. 1 and 4, the sleeve 11 is provided inside the operating unit 10 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the operating unit 10. The sleeve 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The sleeve 11 is inserted into the operating unit 10 through a gap between the central fixture 22 and the base portion 25 inside the central fixture 22. Therefore, the sleeve 11 surrounds the periphery of the payout member 23. The lower edge of the sleeve 11 is supported from below by the protruding portion 24b. The upper edge of the sleeve 11 is inclined with respect to the container axis O above the operating unit 10. The sleeve 11 may be formed of a metal material or the like.

[0031] A protrusion 11a is formed on the sleeve 11. The protrusion 11a protrudes radially inward from the lower end of the sleeve 11. When housed in the circumferential groove 24c, the protrusion 11a engages with the upper and lower opening edges of the circumferential groove 24c. As a result, the sleeve 11 is supported by the fixed shaft member 23a so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction while its movement in the up and down directions relative to the operating unit 10 is restricted.

[0032] A thin portion 11b is formed in a portion of the sleeve 11 that is located above the protrusion 11a. The thin portion 11b extends over the entire circumference of the lower end of the sleeve 11 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 reaches 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.

[0033] 1, the inner plate 12 is provided in the sleeve 11 so as to be movable up and down relative to the sleeve 11 while its circumferential rotation relative to the sleeve 11 is restricted. The inner plate 12 includes an inner plate main body 51, a movable cylinder (movable shaft) 52, and a regulating cylinder 53. In this embodiment, the inner plate main body 51, the movable cylinder 52, and the regulating cylinder 53 are integrally formed. The inner plate body 51 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape coaxial with the container axis O. The inner plate body 51 is accommodated inside the sleeve 11 in a portion located above the inner transmission shaft 26. The inner plate body 51 is filled with contents. The contents are filled in a state where they protrude upward from the inner plate body 51.

[0034] The movable cylinder 52 is integrally formed with the inner plate body 51. The movable cylinder 52 extends downward from the bottom wall of the inner plate body 51. The movable cylinder 52 is inserted inside the sleeve 11 and surrounds the outer transmission shaft 23b. A second engagement protrusion (engagement protrusion) 52a protruding radially inward is formed at the lower end of the movable cylinder 52. The second engagement protrusion 52a is accommodated (engaged) in the outer spiral groove 32. As the movable cylinder 52 rotates in the circumferential direction relative to the outer transmission shaft 23b, the second engagement protrusion 52a moves spirally in the outer spiral groove 32, so that the movable cylinder 52 moves 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 angle along the outer spiral groove 32.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the movable cylinder 52 is formed with a movable cylinder slit 52b. The movable cylinder slit 52b penetrates the movable cylinder 52 in the radial direction and extends in the up-down direction. The movable cylinder slit 52b opens on the lower end edge of the movable cylinder 52. A plurality of movable cylinder slits 52b (for example, two) are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. As a result, the movable cylinder 52 is divided into two in the circumferential direction by the movable cylinder slits 52b. The part of the movable cylinder 52 located between the adjacent movable cylinder slits 52b functions as a center foot part 52p that is elastically deformable in the radial direction. Note that if the movable cylinder 52 is elastically deformable in the radial direction, the movable cylinder slit 52b is not an essential component.

[0036] The regulating tube 53 extends downward from a portion of the bottom wall of the inner plate body 51 that is located outside the movable tube 52. The regulating tube 53 is disposed coaxially with the container axis O. In the illustrated example, the outer diameter of the regulating tube 53 is larger than the outer diameter of the inner plate body 51. The lower edge of the regulating tube 53 is located at the same height as the lower edge of the movable tube 52.

[0037] As shown in Figs. 5 to 7, a rib 53a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the regulating tube 53. The rib 53a protrudes radially outward from the regulating tube 53 and extends in the up-down direction. The length of the rib 53a in the up-down direction is shorter than the length of the vertical groove 11c. In the illustrated example, the lower end edge of the rib 53a reaches the lower end edge of the regulating tube 53. The upper end edge of the rib 53a reaches the middle part of the regulating tube 53. A plurality of ribs 53a (for example, four ribs) are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. That is, the number of ribs 53a is smaller than the number of vertical grooves 11c. However, the numbers of ribs 53a and vertical grooves 11c can be changed as appropriate.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 8, each rib 53a is accommodated (engaged) in the corresponding vertical groove 11c. The rib 53a moves up and down in the vertical groove 11c with the vertical movement of the inner plate 12 relative to the sleeve 11. The rib 53a abuts against the inner surface (surface facing the circumferential direction) of the vertical groove 11c to regulate the rotation of the inner plate 12 relative to the sleeve 11. That is, the inner plate 12 is configured to be able to move 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 regulated by the rib 53a. Note that the amount of protrusion of the rib 53a from the regulating tube 53 is smaller than the amount of protrusion of the second engagement protrusion 52a from the movable tube 52. Therefore, the amount of meshing (amount of overlap in the radial direction) between the rib 53a and the vertical groove 11c is smaller than the amount of meshing between the second engagement protrusion 52a and the outer spiral groove 32.

[0039] 5 and 7, in the regulating tube 53, a plurality of (for example, two) regulating tube slits (slits) 53b are formed in different parts in the circumferential direction with respect to each rib 53a. Specifically, the regulating tube slits 53b are formed in pairs in parts of the regulating tube 53 that face each other in the radial direction. In the illustrated example, the regulating tube slits 53b are formed in different positions in the circumferential direction with respect to the movable tube slits 52b. However, the regulating tube slits 53b may be formed in the same position in the circumferential direction with respect to the movable tube slits 52b (positions that overlap when viewed from the radial direction).

[0040] The regulating tube slit 53b penetrates the regulating tube 53 in the radial direction and extends in the vertical direction. The upper end of the regulating tube slit 53b is located lower than the upper end of the rib 53a. The lower end of the regulating tube slit 53b opens on the lower edge of the regulating tube 53. The regulating tube 53 is divided into two in the circumferential direction by the regulating tube slit 53b. The portion of the regulating tube 53 located between the adjacent regulating tube slits 53b functions as an outer leg portion 53p that is elastically deformable in the radial direction. That is, the rib 53a is formed in the outer leg portion 53p. The circumferential width of the regulating tube slit 53b gradually narrows as it moves inward in the radial direction.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, the regulating tube 53 (outer leg portion 53p) ​​has a plurality of (for example, two) through holes 53c. The through holes 53c penetrate the lower portion of the regulating tube 53 in the radial direction at positions circumferentially offset from the rib 53a and the regulating tube slit 53b. In the illustrated example, the through holes 53c are formed in a portion located on the opposite side of the rib 53a from the regulating tube slit 53b in the circumferential direction. The plurality of through holes 53c face each other in the radial direction. The through holes 53c are formed in the middle leg portion 52p of the movable tube 52 so as to overlap at least partially when viewed from the radial direction. That is, the through holes 53c are arranged so that at least a portion of them is offset from the movable tube slit 52b in the circumferential direction. In the illustrated example, each through hole 53b overlaps the second engagement protrusion 52a formed in each middle leg portion 52p when viewed from the radial direction. The shape, position, number, etc. of the regulating tube slit 53b can be changed as appropriate.

[0042] A deformation suppressing portion 80 is provided in each through hole 53c. Each deformation suppressing portion 80 is configured to be elastically displaceable in the radial direction through the through hole 53c. That is, each deformation suppressing portion 80 is disposed so as to overlap with the second engagement protrusion 52a when viewed in the radial direction. The deformation suppressing portion 80 includes a base piece 81 and a guide protrusion 82. The base piece 81 extends downward in a cantilever manner from the upper edge of the through hole 53c. The upper edge of the base piece 81 is connected to the upper edge of the through hole 53c via a thin hinge portion 83. This allows the deformation suppression portion 80 to be connected to the outer leg portion 53p rotatably around the hinge portion 83. The hinge portion 83 may be provided on the lower edge or side edge of the through hole 53c. The deformation suppression portion 80 is not limited to being elastically displaceable, but may be at least displaceable.

[0043] The guide protrusion 82 protrudes radially outward from the lower portion of the base piece 81. The guide protrusion 82 is formed in a triangular or trapezoidal shape when viewed in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the guide protrusion 82 has an inclined surface whose radially outward protrusion amount gradually increases from the lower end edge of the base piece 81 toward the upper side.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 9, when the middle plate 12 is mounted in the sleeve 11, at least a portion of the deformation suppression portion 80 is located radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the outer foot portion 53p. Specifically, the deformation suppression portion 80 is inclined radially inward as it extends downward. Therefore, the lower end edge of the base piece 81 is close to or in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the movable tube 52 (middle foot portion 52p) from the radial outside. The deformation suppression portion 80 restricts the deformation of the movable tube 52 outward in the radial direction by the outer peripheral surface of the middle foot portion 52p abutting against it from the radial inside.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 10, before the middle plate 12 is inserted into the sleeve 11, the base piece 81 is located in the through hole 53b, and the guide protrusion 82 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the regulating tube 53. That is, in the illustrated example, the deformation suppression part 80 does not protrude radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the regulating tube 53. In this state, when the middle plate 12 is inserted into the sleeve 11, the inclined surface of the guide protrusion 82 abuts against the upper end opening edge of the sleeve 11. When the middle plate 12 is then further pushed into the sleeve 11, the inclined surface of the guide protrusion 82 slides on the upper end opening edge of the sleeve 11. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the guide protrusion 82 is pushed radially inward with the downward movement of the middle plate 12 relative to the sleeve 11, and the deformation suppression part 80 is displaced radially inward. As a result, the deformation suppression part 80 approaches the outer circumferential surface of the movable tube 52.

[0046] Thereafter, in the process of the inner plate 12 moving downward, the guide protrusion 82 slides on the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve 11, thereby restricting the deformation suppression part 80 from returning radially outward. As a result, the inner plate 12 can be attached to the sleeve 11 with the deformation suppression part 80 approaching the outer peripheral surface of the movable cylinder 52.

[0047] 1, the cap 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a top and disposed coaxially with the container axis O. The inner plate 12 is removably attached to the cap 13 with the upper part of the sleeve 11 inserted therethrough.

[0048] 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 operating part 10. Next, the sleeve 11 and the exterior body 21 (circumferential 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 inner plate 12 are attached so as not to rotate relative to each other, the sleeve 11 and the inner plate 12 rotate together.

[0049] 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 movable cylinder 52, or the inner transmission shaft 26 rotates relative to the outer transmission shaft 23b.

[0050] When the inner transmission shaft 26 and the outer transmission shaft 23b rotate integrally relative to the movable cylinder 52, the second engagement protrusion 52a moves spirally within the outer spiral groove 32 while engaged with the outer spiral groove 32, causing the movable cylinder 52 (middle plate 12) to rise relative to the advancing member 23. In this specification, the operation in which the advancing member 23 and the movable cylinder 52 rotate relative to each other in the advancing direction to cause the middle plate 12 to rise is referred to as the "first operation."

[0051] 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."

[0052] That is, as shown in Figs. 1 and 12, when the operating part 10 and the sleeve 11 are rotated relative to each other in the dispensing direction, the inner tray 12 rises due to at least one of the first and second actions. This causes the contents to be dispensed upward from 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 is preferentially performed, the contents are dispensed and the user can use the contents. It should be noted that both the first and second actions may occur simultaneously.

[0053] When the inner plate 12 rises relative to the sleeve 11, the rib 53a is guided in 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 rib 53a 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.

[0054] 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 movable cylinder 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 rib 53a is guided into the vertical groove 11c. The rotation of the inner plate 12 relative to the sleeve 11 is restricted, and the inner plate 12 is lowered relative to the sleeve 11. The rib 53a comes into contact with the vicinity of the thin-walled portion 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.

[0055] Here, as shown in FIG. 8, if an excessive force acts between the sleeve 11 and the inner plate 12 in the payout direction or the storage direction (for example, see the arrow in FIG. 8) during the process of the inner plate 12 moving up and down relative to the sleeve 11, the rib 53a may go over the vertical groove 11c. In this case, the outer leg portion 53p of the regulating tube 53 elastically deforms radially inward, and the sleeve 11 rotates relative to the inner plate 12 with the rib 53a sliding on the inner peripheral surface (so-called overrun). When the sleeve 11 further rotates relative to the inner plate 12 in a state where the sleeve 11 has overrun the inner plate 12, the rib 53a again comes into contact with one of the vertical grooves 11c. Then, the outer leg portion 53p is restored and deformed radially outward, and the rib 53a and the vertical groove 11c are engaged again. As a result, the overrun of the inner plate 12 relative to the sleeve 11 is regulated. That is, the rotation of the inner plate 12 relative to the sleeve 11 is restricted, and then the extension operation or the storage operation can be performed again.

[0056] 9, when the dispensing container 1 is in use, for example, when the middle plate 12 is at the uppermost position, and the second engagement protrusion 52a reaches the upper end of the outer spiral groove 32, if the operating unit 10 and the sleeve 11 are rotated relative to each other in the dispensing direction, the second engagement protrusion 52a may climb over the upper end of the outer spiral groove 32 while the middle foot portion 52p elastically deforms radially outward. If the second engagement protrusion 52a climbs over the outer spiral groove 32, the middle plate 12 will overrun the outer transmission shaft 23b. In contrast, in this embodiment, the deformation suppressing portion 80 can restrict the radially outward deformation of the middle foot portion 52p. Therefore, the second engagement protrusion 52a can be prevented from climbing over the upper end of the outer spiral groove 32.

[0057] In particular, in this embodiment, the amount of meshing between the rib 53a and the vertical groove 11c is smaller than the amount of meshing between the second engagement projection 52a and the outer spiral groove 32. Therefore, the rib 53a can be disengaged from the vertical groove 11c before the second engagement projection 52a disengages from the outer spiral groove 32. In other words, before the movable cylinder 52 (middle foot portion 52p) overruns the outer transmission shaft 23b, the regulating cylinder 53 (outer foot portion 53p) ​​is made to overrun the sleeve 11, thereby preventing excessive force from acting between the second engagement projection 52a and the outer spiral groove 32.

[0058] 1 and 13, in the dispensing container 1 described above, a cartridge 101, which is a combination of a sleeve 11, an inner plate 12, and a dispensing member 23, is detachably assembled to an exterior module 100, which is a combination of an exterior body 21 and an inner member 22. A method for attaching and detaching (replacement) the cartridge 101 to and from the exterior module 100 will be described below. First, to assemble the cartridge 101 to the exterior module 100, the cartridge 101 is inserted into the exterior module 100 through the upper end opening of the exterior module 100 (core 22). 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 exterior module 100 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 exterior module 100 without alignment.

[0059] 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 fitted portion 24. Thereafter, the fitted portion 24 approaches or abuts against the bottom wall 21a, completing the insertion of the cartridge 101. In this state, the vertical movement of the cartridge 101 relative to the exterior module 100 is restricted.

[0060] Meanwhile, 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 clamped in the radial direction between the inserting portion 27 and the fitted portion 24. As a result, the radial movement of the cartridge 101 relative to the exterior module 100 is restricted. With the above, the mounting of the cartridge 101 into the exterior module 100 is completed.

[0061] When the cartridge 101 is to be removed from the exterior module 100 after the contents have been used up, the cartridge 101 is pulled upward relative to the exterior module 100. Then, the second locking projection 24a moves upward over the first locking projection 21f, and the engagement between the fitted portion 24 and the engaging portion 21b is released. Furthermore, by pulling the cartridge 101 up relative to the exterior module 100, the engaging 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 adjacent engaged portions 27a. As a result, the cartridge 101 is removed from the exterior module 100 .

[0062] In the dispensing container 1 of this embodiment, the middle plate 12 comprises a middle plate main body 51 that holds the contents, a movable tube 52 extending downward from the middle plate main body 51, and a regulating tube 53 that extends downward from the middle plate main body 51 and engages circumferentially with the sleeve 11 to regulate the rotation of the middle plate relative to the sleeve 11, and the middle plate main body 51, the movable tube 52 and the regulating tube 53 are formed as a single unit. According to this configuration, by forming the regulating tube 53 integrally with the inner plate body 51 and the movable tube 52, 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.

[0063] 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 tube 53 is configured to be able to move up and down within the vertical groove 11c, and to have a rib 53a formed therein that abuts against the inner surface of the vertical groove 11c in the circumferential direction to regulate 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.

[0064] In particular, in this embodiment, the regulating tube 53 is configured to have regulating tube slits (slits) 53b formed in different portions in the circumferential direction with respect to each rib 53a. According to this configuration, even if the rib 53a passes over the vertical groove 11c during the process of the inner plate 12 moving up and down relative to the sleeve 11, the rib 53a will again come into contact with one of the vertical grooves 11c by further rotating the sleeve 11 relative to the inner plate 12. This allows the outer leg portion 53p to elastically deform radially inward, thereby allowing the rib 53a to again engage with the vertical groove 11c. As a result, the rotation of the inner plate relative to the sleeve is restricted, and the extension operation or the storage operation can be performed again. In addition, when inserting the inner plate 12 into the sleeve 11 during assembly of the inner plate 12 and the sleeve 11, the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve 11 presses the rib 53a radially inward as the inner plate 12 descends relative to the sleeve 11. This allows the outer leg portion 53p to elastically deform radially inward, so that the inner plate 12 can be smoothly inserted into the sleeve 11 even when the inner plate 12 has the rib 53a. After that, when the rib 53a reaches the vertical groove 11c, the outer leg portion 53p is restored to its original shape radially outward, so that the rib 53a engages with the vertical groove 11c. As a result, the ease of assembly of the inner plate 12 and the sleeve 11 can be improved.

[0065] Moreover, in this embodiment, since the deformation suppression portion 80 is provided on the regulating tube 53 so as to be displaceable in the radial direction, when the middle plate 12 is attached to the sleeve 11, the inner surface of the sleeve 11 presses the guide protrusion 82 radially inward as the middle plate 12 descends relative to the sleeve 11. This allows the deformation suppression portion 80 to approach the movable tube 52 as the middle plate 12 is attached to the sleeve 11. Therefore, when the middle plate 12 is molded, a decrease in moldability due to the addition of the deformation suppression portion 80 can be suppressed.

[0066] 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. In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the feeding member 23 includes the inner transmission shaft 26 and the outer transmission shaft 23b has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The feeding member 23 only needs to have at least the inner transmission shaft 26. In the above-described embodiment, the operation section includes the exterior body 21 and the intermediate tool 22, but is not limited to this configuration. The operation tube may include only the exterior body 21. In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a spiral groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the transmission shaft and the movable shaft surrounds the outside of the transmission shaft has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a configuration in which a spiral groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical transmission shaft and a movable shaft having an engagement protrusion is disposed inside the transmission shaft may also be used.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment, the fitting portion, the fitted portion, and the insertion portion according to the present invention are configured to be cylindrical, but 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. In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the fitting portion 21b is formed on the operating portion (one member) 10, and the fitted portion 24 is formed on the advancing member (the other member) 23, but this configuration is not limited to this. A fitting portion may be formed on the advancing member (one member) 23, and a fitted portion may be formed on the operating portion (the other member) 10.

[0068] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which cartridge 101 is detachably attached to exterior module 100 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.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the deformation suppression portion 80 is provided for each through hole 53b has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. A plurality of deformation suppression portions 80 may be provided for each through hole 53b. In addition, the deformation suppression portion 80 may be provided on the lower end edge of the regulating tube 53, for example, in a configuration in which no through hole 53b is provided. In the above-described embodiment, the deformation suppression portion 80 is configured to be displaceable in the radial direction, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The deformation suppression portion 80 may be pre-positioned radially inward with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the regulating tube 53. The deformation suppression portion 80 is not an essential component.

[0070] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1: Feeding container 10: Operation section (one part, the other part) 11: Sleeve 11c: Vertical groove 12: Medium plate 21a: Bottom wall 26: Inner transmission shaft (transmission shaft, other member, one member) 51: Main body of inner plate 52: Movable tube (movable axis) 53: Regulatory Cylinder 53a: Rib 53b: Regulating tube slit (slit) 80: Deformation suppression section 82: Guide protrusion 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 the contents; a movable shaft having an engagement protrusion that engages with the spiral groove and is integrally formed with the inner plate body and extends downward from the inner plate body; a regulating tube that is integrally formed with the inner plate body, extends downward from the inner plate body, and engages with the sleeve in the circumferential direction to regulate rotation of the inner plate relative to the sleeve; The sleeve has a vertical groove extending in the up-down direction. The regulating cylinder has: a rib that is provided to be movable up and down within the vertical groove and that restricts rotation of the inner plate relative to the sleeve by contacting an inner surface of the vertical groove in the circumferential direction; A dispensing container having a plurality of slits formed at different portions of the rib in the circumferential direction, the slits penetrating the regulating tube in a radial direction intersecting the container axis and opening at a lower edge of the regulating tube.

2. The movable shaft is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the container axis, The regulating cylinder is disposed so as to surround the periphery of the movable shaft, 2. The dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein the regulating tube is disposed closer to an outer peripheral surface of the movable shaft in the radial direction than to an inner peripheral surface of the regulating tube when the inner plate is attached to the sleeve, and is provided with a deformation suppression portion that suppresses deformation of the movable shaft outward in the radial direction.

3. the deformation suppression portion is provided on the regulating tube so as to be displaceable in the radial direction, 3. The dispensing container according to claim 2, wherein the deformation suppression portion is provided with a guide protrusion that is pushed radially inward by the inner surface of the sleeve during the process of the inner plate being attached to the sleeve through the upper end opening of the sleeve.

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