Application container

Abstract

To provide an application container which can easily and stably apply a content, has excellent operability, and is user-friendly.SOLUTION: An application container 1 comprises: a container body 2 storing a content; an inner plug 3 having a communication hole 48; an elastic cylindrical part 4 forming a storage chamber 53 that communicates with the communication hole in a space between the inner plug member and itself; a valve body 5 releasably closing the communication hole; and an application member 6 having an application plate 80 movable from a standby position P3 toward an application position pushed downward. The application member comprises an elastic connection piece 82 vertically movably supporting the application plate. The elastic cylindrical part is elastically deformable with the movement of the application plate from the standby position toward the application position. A support cylinder 55 supporting the application plate from below and a slit 56 communicating and blocking the inside of the storage chamber and the inside of the support cylinder are formed at a tip part of the elastic cylindrical part. The slit expands upon the elastic deformation of the elastic cylindrical part, and the application plate is formed with a discharge hole 85 communicating the inside of the support cylinder to the outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Applicator containers for applying contents such as a medicinal solution to a target area such as the scalp or skin of a human body have been known. Known technology relating to this type of applicator container is, for example, the liquid injection device described in Patent Document 1. This liquid injection device comprises a cylindrical stem that contains the contents (liquid), a microneedle unit combined with the stem, and a discharge unit that has a piston housed inside the stem. The microneedle unit has a main body provided with a plurality of first microneedles having through holes communicating with the inside of the stem and a plurality of second microneedles. The ejection unit has a fixed-amount moving unit that moves a piston toward the microneedle unit each time the user presses the button, and has the function of ejecting the contents through the through holes.

[0003] In this liquid injection device, the piston is moved by pressing down the button while pressing the first and second microneedles against the application area, which allows the contents to be applied to the application area through the through-hole. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-147466 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the conventional liquid injection device described above, it is necessary to press down the button on the discharge section while maintaining the first and second microneedles pressed against the application area, which requires performing two separate operations separately. This makes it difficult to use and leaves room for operability issues. Furthermore, since different operations are performed separately, for example, when pressing a button, the first microneedle and the second microneedle may not be pressed sufficiently against the application area, making it difficult to apply the contents stably.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide an application container that can apply the contents easily and stably, and is easy to use with excellent operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) An applicator container according to the present invention comprises: a container body for accommodating contents; an inner plug member attached to the mouth of the container body and having a communication hole formed therein that communicates with the inside of the container body; an elastic cylindrical portion formed in a topped cylindrical shape that covers the communication hole from above and that forms a storage chamber communicating with the communication hole between the inner plug member and the elastic cylindrical portion; a valve body provided between the inner plug member and the elastic cylindrical portion that releasably closes the communication hole and switches between communication and blocking between the inside of the container body and the inside of the storage chamber through the communication hole in accordance with the internal pressure of the storage chamber; and an applicator member that is positioned above the elastic cylindrical portion and has an applicator plate that is movable from a standby position toward an applicator position where it is pushed downward. The application member comprises a cylindrical body combined with the inner plug member, and an elastic connecting piece that elastically connects the application plate and the cylindrical body and supports the application plate so that it can move up and down between the standby position and the application position, and the elastic cylindrical portion is elastically deformable downward as the application plate moves from the standby position to the application position, and the top of the elastic cylindrical portion is formed with a support cylinder that protrudes upward and supports the application plate from below, and a slit that connects and blocks the interior of the storage chamber with the interior of the support cylinder, and the slit expands when the elastic cylindrical portion elastically deforms, and the application plate is formed with an outlet hole that connects the interior of the support cylinder with the outside.

[0008] According to the applicator container of the present invention, when applying the contents, the applicator plate of the applicator member can be pressed against the application target portion, thereby pushing the applicator plate and moving the applicator plate from the standby position to the application position while elastically displacing the elastic connecting piece. As a result, the elastic cylindrical portion can be elastically deformed downward as the applicator plate moves, thereby widening the slit. Therefore, the storage chamber and the support cylinder can be connected through the slit. At the same time, the internal pressure of the storage chamber can be increased as the elastic cylindrical portion is elastically deformed by pushing the applicator plate. Therefore, the contents stored in the storage chamber can flow into the support cylinder through the slit and then be discharged from the support cylinder to the outside through the discharge hole. As a result, the discharged contents can be applied to the application target portion using the applicator plate.

[0009] When the contents are dispensed, the internal pressure of the storage chamber increases, causing the valve body to maintain a closed state with the communication hole blocked. This blocks communication between the inside of the container body and the storage chamber through the communication hole. This allows only the amount of contents stored in the storage chamber to be dispensed by pressing the applicator plate.

[0010] Next, when the pushing operation of the applicator plate is released, the elastic cylindrical portion undergoes elastic restoration deformation, and the elastic connecting piece also undergoes elastic restoration deformation. This allows the applicator plate to be restored from the application position to the standby position. At this time, the slit can be closed at the initial stage of the elastic restoration deformation of the elastic cylindrical portion, thereby closing the valve, thereby blocking communication between the inside of the reservoir chamber and the inside of the support cylinder through the slit. Therefore, the subsequent elastic restoration deformation of the elastic cylindrical portion allows the internal pressure of the storage chamber to be quickly reduced to a negative pressure. This allows the valve body to quickly open, allowing a sufficient amount of content to flow from the container body into the storage chamber through the communication hole. Therefore, a sufficient amount of content required for the next discharge can be properly stored in the storage chamber, allowing for stable discharge from the next time onwards.

[0011] In particular, unlike conventional methods in which different operations are performed separately to apply the contents, the contents can be applied simply and stably by simply pressing the application plate against the application target area, resulting in a user-friendly application container with excellent operability.

[0012] (2) A protrusion may be provided within the storage chamber to push up the top of the elastically deformed elastic cylindrical portion from below when the application plate is positioned at the application position, thereby widening the slit.

[0013] In this case, when the elastic cylindrical portion is elastically deformed downward as the applicator plate moves from the standby position to the application position, the protrusion can be used to forcibly push up the top of the elastic cylindrical portion from below, thereby allowing the protrusion to smoothly widen the slit, making it even easier to apply the contents. Furthermore, after the content is discharged, the top of the elastic cylindrical portion can be quickly separated upward from the protrusion in the early stage of elastic recovery deformation of the elastic cylindrical portion, making it easy to immediately close the slit, thereby quickly blocking communication between the inside of the reservoir chamber and the inside of the support cylinder through the slit.

[0014] (3) A plurality of minute protrusions protruding upward may be formed on the upper surface of the application plate, and the discharge hole may be opened in at least one of the plurality of minute protrusions.

[0015] In this case, a plurality of microprotrusions, for example, microneedles with a diameter and length of μm, are formed on the upper surface of the application plate. This allows the microprotrusions to puncture, for example, human skin when the application plate is pressed against the application area. This allows for a variety of uses, such as allowing the contents discharged through the discharge hole to penetrate the skin through the microprotrusions. In particular, since the contents are discharged by increasing the internal pressure of the storage chamber, the contents can be appropriately discharged even when the microprotrusions are used.

[0016] (4) A topped cylindrical mounting cap is attached to the container body and covers the application plate from above, and the plug member comprises a fixed plug fixed to the mouth of the container body and having a through hole formed therein that communicates with the inside of the container body, and a movable plug positioned above the fixed plug and combined with the fixed plug so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the fixed plug, and comprising the elastic cylindrical portion, the valve body, and the application member, wherein the communication hole is formed in the movable plug and communicates with the inside of the container body through the through hole, and the movable plug moves upward as the mounting cap is removed from the container body, and the fixed plug may be provided with a plug body that closes the communication hole and opens the communication hole when the movable plug moves upward.

[0017] In this case, when the cap is removed from the opening of the container body, the movable stopper can be moved upward relative to the fixed stopper. This opens the communication hole that was blocked by the stopper, and the container body and the storage chamber can communicate with each other through the through-hole and the communication hole. Therefore, the contents can be applied to the application area by pressing the application plate. In particular, during product distribution or storage, the attachment cap is attached to the opening of the container body to protect the application member, and the stopper body of the fixed inner stopper closes the communication hole formed in the movable inner stopper, making it difficult for the contents inside the container body to leak unintentionally, protecting the application member from the outside, and making it easier to maintain quality.

[0018] (5) The container body may comprise an inner container that stores contents and reduces in volume as the contents decrease, and an outer container in which the inner container is housed and an air intake hole is provided between the inner container and the outer container to draw in outside air.

[0019] In this case, as the contents flow into the storage chamber, the inner container deforms radially inward as the contents decrease, reducing its volume. This creates a negative pressure between the inner container and the outer container, which allows outside air to flow between the inner container and the outer container through the air intake hole. This allows the inner container to remain in its reduced-volume deformed state. As a result, the contents can be discharged while the inner container gradually reduces its volume. Therefore, it is possible to suppress oxidation, deterioration, and alteration of the contents, and it is possible to maintain the added value of maintaining the quality of the contents. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, the contents can be applied simply and stably, and an easy-to-use application container with excellent operability can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an application container according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the application container showing a state in which the movable inside plug shown in FIG. 1 has been moved upward from the set position to the use position. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a plan view of the periphery of the slit shown in FIG. 1 as seen from above. [Figure 4] 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the application container showing a state in which the application plate has been moved from the standby position to the application position by a push-down operation after the attachment cap shown in FIG. 2 has been removed. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the periphery of the protrusion and the slit shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a plan view of the periphery of the protrusions and slits shown in FIG. 5, viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the application container taken along the line AA shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an application container according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the application container 1 of this embodiment includes a container body 2 that contains contents (not shown), an inner plug member 3 that is attached to the mouth 10 of the container body 2 and closes the mouth 10 of the container body 2, an elastic tubular portion 4 combined with the inner plug member 3, a valve body 5 arranged between the inner plug member 3 and the elastic tubular portion 4, an application member 6 combined with the inner plug member 3, and an attachment cap 7 that is removably attached to the container body 2.

[0023] The contents contained in the container body 2 are not particularly limited, but for example, liquid cosmetics such as beauty serums can be suitably used. However, the contents are not limited to this case, and for example, liquid medicines such as anti-inflammatory analgesics can also be used.

[0024] In Figure 1, the central axes of the container body 2, inner plug member 3, elastic cylindrical portion 4, valve body 5, applicator member 6, and attachment cap 7 are arranged on a common axis. Hereinafter, this common axis will be referred to as the container axis O, and the attachment cap 7 side along the container axis O will be defined as the upper side, and the opposite side, the container body 2 side, will be defined as the lower side. Furthermore, in a plan view seen from the direction of the container axis O, the direction intersecting the container axis O will be defined as the radial direction, and the direction going around the container axis O will be defined as the circumferential direction.

[0025] (Container body) The container body 2 includes a highly flexible inner container 20 that accommodates the contents and undergoes volume-reducing deformation (shrinkage deformation) as the contents decrease, and an outer container 21 that houses the inner container 20. The container body 2 is, for example, a delaminating type container (delamination bottle) in which the inner container 20 is peelably laminated on the inner surface of the outer container 21.

[0026] The container body 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, in which a mouth portion 10, a shoulder portion 11, a body portion 12, and a bottom portion (not shown) are connected in this order from the top. The outer container 21 constituting the container body 2 of this embodiment is formed to have, for example, a certain rigidity, so that the outer container 21 is unlikely to be squeezed and deformed even when the body 12 is pressed radially inward (toward the inside of the container).

[0027] The mouth 10 of the container body 2 is formed to extend upward from the upper opening of the shoulder portion 11. The mouth 10 of the container body 2 is composed of the mouth 20a of the inner container 20 and the mouth 21a of the outer container 21. The upper end of the mouth 20a of the inner container 20 is stacked on the upper end of the mouth 21a of the outer container 21, with the upper open end of the mouth 21a of the outer container 21 closed from above.

[0028] A first engagement protrusion 22 that protrudes radially outward is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mouth portion 21a of the outer container 21. The first engagement protrusion 22 is formed, for example, in a ring shape that extends continuously around the entire circumference of the mouth portion of the outer container 21. However, the first engagement protrusion 22 does not have to be formed in a ring shape, and may be formed in multiple numbers at intervals in the circumferential direction, for example. However, the present invention is not limited to the case where the first engaging protrusions 22 are formed. For example, instead of the first engaging protrusions 22, a male screw portion may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the opening portion 21a of the outer container 21.

[0029] Furthermore, a first male screw portion 23 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the barrel portion 12 of the container body 2. Furthermore, an air intake hole (not shown) is formed in the outer container 21 to introduce outside air between the outer container 21 and the inner container 20. The position of the air intake hole is not particularly limited, but it may be formed, for example, in a portion located at the bottom of the container body 2. Specifically, a slit in the pinch-off portion formed in the bottom during blow molding can be used as the air intake hole.

[0030] (Inner plug component) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the plug member 3 comprises a fixed plug 30 fixed to the mouth 10 of the container body 2, and a movable plug 40 arranged above the fixed plug 30 and combined with the fixed plug 30 so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the fixed plug 30, and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O.

[0031] The fixed inner plug 30 comprises an attachment tube 31 that surrounds the mouth 10 of the container body 2 from the outside in the radial direction, a sealing tube 32 that fits tightly inside the mouth 10 of the container body 2, a ring-shaped connecting wall 33 that radially connects the upper end of the attachment tube 31 and the upper end of the sealing tube 32 and contacts the upper opening edge of the mouth 10 of the container body 2 from above, and a blocking wall 34 that is connected to the lower end of the sealing tube 32 and blocks the lower opening of the sealing tube 32.

[0032] The mounting tube 31 has a second male thread portion 35 formed on its outer circumferential surface. Furthermore, a second engaging projection 36 is formed at the lower end of the mounting tube 31, protruding radially inward and fitted in an undercut with the first engaging projection 22. As a result, the entire fixed inside plug 30 is non-rotatably mounted to the mouth 10 of the container body 2 while closing the inside of the mouth 10 of the container body 2.

[0033] If a male thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mouth 21a of the outer container 21, a female thread that screws into the male thread may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the attachment tube 31, and the mouth 10 of the container body 2 and the attachment tube 31 may be attached by threaded connection. In this case, the strength of the threaded connection should be increased so that the fixed inside plug 30 does not rotate together with the rotation of the movable inside plug 40, etc.

[0034] An annular groove 37 recessed radially outward is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the seal tube 32. The annular groove 37 extends vertically in the up-down direction and is formed in a ring shape that extends continuously in the circumferential direction. A topped cylindrical plug 38 protruding upward is formed coaxially with the container axis O in the center of the closing wall 34. The upper end surface of the plug 38 is a flat surface perpendicular to the container axis O. Furthermore, a through hole 39 is formed in the closing wall 34, penetrating the closing wall 34 in the up-down direction. The through hole 39 is formed, for example, in a circular shape in a plan view, and a plurality of through holes 39 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction around the container axis O so as to surround the periphery of the plug 38. It is possible to appropriately change the shape, number, and formation position of the through holes 39. For example, the through holes 39 may be formed in an arc shape in a plan view so as to extend in the circumferential direction.

[0035] The movable middle plug 40 comprises a movable tube 41 arranged radially inside the sealing tube 32, an annular flange portion 42 protruding radially outward from the upper end of the movable tube 41, an annular connecting bottom wall 43 protruding radially inward from the lower end of the movable tube 41, and a topped cylindrical middle plug tube 44 formed integrally with the inner peripheral edge portion of the connecting bottom wall 43. The movable inside plug 40 is combined with the fixed inside plug 30 so as to be movable up and down relative to the fixed inside plug 30, and moves between a set position P1 shown in FIG. 1 and a use position P2 shown in FIG.

[0036] The outer peripheral surface of the movable cylinder 41 is in movably contact with the inner peripheral surface of the seal cylinder 32. A retaining projection 45 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the movable cylinder 41, protruding radially outward and housed in the annular groove 37 formed in the inner peripheral surface of the seal cylinder 32. The retaining projection 45 moves within the annular groove 37 as the movable inside plug 40 moves up and down, and engages with the upper wall of the annular groove 37 from below when the movable inside plug 40 moves to the use position P2. This makes it possible to restrict the upward movement of the movable inside plug 40, and to position it at the use position P2.

[0037] The inner plug cylinder 44 includes an inner plug peripheral wall 46 that protrudes upward from the inner peripheral edge of the connecting wall 33 , and an inner plug top wall 47 that closes the upper end of the inner plug peripheral wall 46 . In the illustrated example, the inner plug peripheral wall 46 is formed into a two-stage cylindrical shape in which the outer diameter changes in two stages. As a result, an upward-facing annular stepped wall is formed in the inner plug peripheral wall 46. A communicating hole 48 is formed in the center of the inner plug top wall 47, penetrating the inner plug top wall 47 in the vertical direction. The communicating hole 48 is formed, for example, into a circular shape in a plan view and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O.

[0038] 1, the connecting hole 48 is closed by the plug 38 formed on the fixed plug 30. When the movable plug 40 is in the set position P1, the connecting bottom wall 43 contacts the blocking wall 34 of the fixed plug 30 from above, and the flange portion 42 contacts the connecting wall 33 of the fixed plug 30 from above. 2, the communication hole 48 is opened by moving above the plug body 38. The connecting bottom wall 43 is located above the blocking wall 34, and the flange portion 42 is located above the connecting wall 33.

[0039] Therefore, when the movable inner plug 40 is positioned at the set position P1, the communication hole 48 is blocked from communicating with the inside of the container body 2 (inside the inner container 20), and when the movable inner plug 40 is positioned at the use position P2, the communication hole 48 is communicated with the inside of the container body 2 (inside the inner container 20) through the through hole 39 formed in the fixed inner plug 30. The movable inside plug 40 of this embodiment is integrally combined with the applicator 6 and moves in accordance with the up and down movement of the applicator 6. Specifically, it moves upward in accordance with the upward movement of the applicator 6 that accompanies the removal of the attachment cap 7 from the container body 2, and moves downward in accordance with the downward movement of the applicator 6 that accompanies the attachment cap 7 to the container body 2.

[0040] (elastic cylindrical part) 1 and 2, the elastic cylindrical portion 4 is formed in a topped cylindrical shape that covers the communicating hole 48 from above, and is integrally assembled with the movable center plug 40 while being disposed coaxially with the container axis O. The elastic cylindrical portion 4 is formed from a material such as soft resin, elastomer, or silicone rubber. The elastic cylindrical portion 4 has an elastic top wall (top portion according to the present invention) 50 and an elastic peripheral wall 51, and defines a storage chamber 53 communicating with the communication hole 48 between itself and the movable inside plug 40.

[0041] A fixed barrel 54 is formed integrally with the lower end of the elastic peripheral wall 51. The fixed barrel 54 is formed as a two-stage cylinder with an outer diameter that changes in two stages, and its lower end is disposed between the movable barrel 41 of the movable center plug 40 and the center plug peripheral wall 46, fitting tightly inside the movable barrel 41. The fixed barrel 54 is formed with a stepped wall facing downward. The elastic peripheral wall 51 is formed so as to extend radially inward as it moves upward from the upper end of the fixed barrel 54. The elastic peripheral wall 51 has a thin portion and is designed to be easily inverted (elastically deformed), for example, in the vertical direction. The elastic top wall 50 is formed integrally with the elastic peripheral wall 51 and is formed in the shape of a flat plate with its front and back surfaces facing the vertical direction.

[0042] The elastic top wall 50 is formed with a support tube 55 that protrudes upward and supports the application plate 80 of the application member 6 from below, and a slit 56 that connects and blocks the inside of the storage chamber 53 and the inside of the support tube 55. The support tube 55 is disposed coaxially with the container axis O, and its upper end is fitted from below into an annular groove 83 formed in the lower surface of the applicator plate 80. As a result, the support tube 55 supports the applicator plate 80 from below and is integrally combined with the applicator plate 80. However, the support tube 55 does not need to be fitted into the annular groove 83, and may, for example, be in contact with the applicator plate 80 from below.

[0043] The slit 56 is formed in the center of the elastic top wall 50 located inside the support tube 55 . 1 and 3, the slits 56 are formed, for example, radially around the container axis O and extend vertically through the elastic top wall 50. In the illustrated example, the slits 56 are formed in a cross shape in a plan view. However, the formation pattern of the slits 56 is not limited to this.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 1, the elastic cylinder portion 4 constantly biases the support cylinder 55 upward via the elastic peripheral wall 51, and is elastically deformable in the vertical direction. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 4, when the support cylinder 55 is pushed downward, the elastic peripheral wall 51 is elastically deformable so as to move the elastic top wall 50 downward.

[0045] (Valve body) 1 and 2, a valve body 5 is provided between the movable inner plug 40 and the elastic cylindrical portion 4 that constitute the inner plug member 3, and removably closes the communication hole 48 upward. Specifically, the valve body 5 is provided inside the storage chamber 53, removably closes the communication hole 48, and serves as a check valve that switches between communication between the inside of the container body 2 (inside the inner container 20) and the inside of the storage chamber 53 through the communication hole 48 and blocking the communication, depending on the internal pressure of the storage chamber 53.

[0046] The valve body 5 includes a valve body cylinder 60 , a valve body 61 , and an elastic connecting piece 62 . The valve body cylinder 60 is fitted radially around and surrounds a portion of the inner plug peripheral wall 46 of the movable inner plug 40. The valve body cylinder 60 is formed to protrude above the inner plug top wall 47. As a result, the upper end of the valve body cylinder 60 is positioned above the inner plug top wall 47.

[0047] An annular flange 63 that protrudes radially outward is formed at the lower end of the valve body cylinder 60. The flange 63 contacts a stepped wall formed on the inside plug peripheral wall 46 from above. Furthermore, the flange 63 is fixed so as to be sandwiched vertically between the stepped wall of the inside plug peripheral wall 46 and the stepped wall formed on the fixed cylinder 54. As a result, the entire valve body 5 is stably combined between the inside plug member 3 and the elastic cylindrical portion 4 while being positioned vertically.

[0048] The valve body 61 contacts the inner plug top wall 47 from above so as to block the communication hole 48 from above. The valve body 61 is formed in a circular shape in plan view with a diameter larger than the diameter of the communication hole 48. As a result, at least the outer peripheral edge of the valve body 61 contacts the upper surface of the inner plug top wall 47 along the entire circumference.

[0049] The elastic connecting pieces 62 integrally connect the valve body 61 and the valve body cylinder 60, and are formed, for example, at intervals in the circumferential direction. The elastic connecting pieces 62 are formed, for example, to extend in the circumferential direction, thereby ensuring appropriate spring properties, and their inner ends are connected to the outer edge of the valve body 61 and their outer ends are connected to the valve body cylinder 60. Therefore, the valve body 61 is elastically displaceable in the vertical direction in accordance with the elastic deformation of the multiple elastic connecting pieces 62.

[0050] The valve body 5 configured in this manner utilizes the valve body 61 to allow the movement of contents from inside the container body 2 (inside the inner container 20) through the communicating hole 48 toward the storage chamber 53, and also restricts the movement of contents from inside the storage chamber 53 toward inside the container body 2 (inside the inner container 20) through the communicating hole 48. Specifically, when the internal pressure of the storage chamber 53 increases, the valve element 5 is pressed against the inner plug top wall 47, and thus enters a closed valve state in which communication between the inside of the container body 2 (inside the inner container 20) and the inside of the storage chamber 53 through the communication hole 48 is blocked. Conversely, when the internal pressure of the storage chamber 53 decreases, the valve element 5 is displaced so as to rise upward, and enters an open valve state in which communication between the inside of the container body 2 (inside the inner container 20) and the inside of the storage chamber 53 through the communication hole 48 is permitted.

[0051] In this embodiment, a multi-point valve (for example, a three-point valve) is used as the valve element 5, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other known valve structures may be used.

[0052] (protrusion) As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, a protrusion 70 is provided within the storage chamber 53, which pushes up from below the center of the elastic top wall 50 of the elastically deformed elastic tubular portion 4 when the application plate 80 is positioned at the application position P4 described later (see Figure 4), forcibly widening the slit 56.

[0053] In this embodiment, the protrusion 70 is formed integrally with the valve body 61. The protrusion 70 is formed so as to protrude upward from the center of the valve body 61, and is disposed coaxially with the container axis O. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the protrusion 70 is formed so that its outer diameter narrows slightly as it extends upward. In the illustrated example, the protrusion 70 is formed in the shape of a cross in plan view, having four vertical ribs 71 evenly spaced in the circumferential direction.

[0054] However, the shape of the protrusion 70 is not limited to a cross shape in plan view having four vertical ribs 71, and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the shape of the protrusion 70 may be a shape in which five or more vertical ribs 71 are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0055] In particular, since the protrusion 70 is formed in a cross shape in a plan view, a gap 72 can be formed between the circumferentially adjacent vertical ribs 71, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Therefore, when the central portion of the elastic top wall 50 is pushed up from below using the protrusion 70, it is possible to communicate the inside of the storage chamber 53 with the inside of the widened slit 56 through the gap 72.

[0056] (coating material) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the applicator member 6 includes an applicator plate 80 positioned above the elastic tubular portion 4, a tubular body 81 combined with the movable center plug 40 constituting the center plug member 3, and an elastic connecting piece 82 that connects the tubular body 81 and the applicator plate 80 so as to be elastically displaceable and supports the applicator plate 80 so as to be movable up and down.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7, the application plate 80 is formed in a flat shape perpendicular to the container axis O and is formed in a circular shape in a plan view. In the illustrated example, the applicator plate 80 is formed with an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the movable cylinder 41 of the movable inside plug 40, and is disposed above the support cylinder 55. The applicator plate 80 is movable from a standby position P3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to an applicator position P4 where it is pushed downward as shown in FIG.

[0058] An annular groove 83 that opens downward and extends continuously in the circumferential direction is formed on the underside of the applicator plate 80. As described above, the support cylinder 55 is fitted into the annular groove 83. As a result, the applicator plate 80 is supported from below by the support cylinder 55. Therefore, when the applicator plate 80 is pushed in to move it downward from the standby position P3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to the application position P4 shown in FIG. 4, a pushing force can be transmitted to the elastic cylinder portion 4 via the support cylinder 55, and the elastic cylinder portion 4 can be elastically deformed downward.

[0059] Furthermore, the application plate 80 is formed with a plurality of discharge holes 85 that penetrate the application plate 80 in the vertical direction and communicate the inside of the support cylinder 55 with the outside. In the illustrated example, the discharge holes 85 include one central discharge hole 85a formed in the center of the application plate 80 and a plurality of outer discharge holes 85b formed at intervals in the circumferential direction so as to surround the periphery of the central discharge hole 85a. The central discharge hole 85a is formed in a circular shape in a plan view and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. Twelve outer discharge holes 85b are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the container axis O. Therefore, the outer discharge holes 85b are formed at an angle of 30 degrees around the container axis O.

[0060] These discharge holes 85 (central discharge hole 85a, outer discharge holes 85b) are formed to have a diameter of, for example, μm, less than 1 mm. These discharge holes 85 (central discharge hole 85a, outer discharge holes 85b) are formed in a portion of the application plate 80 that is located inside the support cylinder 55 in a plan view.

[0061] Furthermore, on the upper surface of the application plate 80, a plurality of microneedles (microprotrusions according to the present invention) 86 are formed so as to protrude upward. The microneedles 86 are minute needle-like protrusions with diameters and lengths of, for example, μm or less than 1 mm, and have sharpened tips. In the illustrated example, the multiple microneedles 86 include multiple first microneedles 86a and multiple second microneedles 86b.

[0062] The first microneedles 86a are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the container axis O, and are arranged in a plurality of rows concentrically around the container axis O in a plan view. In the illustrated example, the first microneedles 86a are arranged in four layers concentrically around the container axis O. The second microneedles 86b are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the container axis O, and are formed to open into each of the outer discharge holes 85b. Therefore, with the second microneedles 86b piercing the application target part, the content can be applied to the application target part through the outer discharge holes 85b.

[0063] In this way, the microneedles 86 (first microneedles 86a, second microneedles 86b) are formed on the upper surface of the application plate 80 so as to be arranged in five layers concentrically around the container axis O. However, the number of microneedles 86, the formation pattern, etc. may be changed as appropriate.

[0064] As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 7, the cylindrical body 81 includes an outer tube 90 that surrounds the mounting tube 31 of the fixed center plug 30 from the outside in the radial direction, an annular top wall 91 that protrudes radially inward from the upper end of the outer tube 90, and an inner tube 92 that extends downward from the inner peripheral edge of the top wall 91. A second female thread portion 93 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 90, and is threadedly engaged with the second male thread portion 35 formed on the mounting tube 31. This allows the entire applicator member 6 to be assembled to the fixed inside plug 30 so as to be rotatable relative to the container axis O.

[0065] Vertically elongated first anti-rotation ribs 94 that protrude radially outward are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube 90. The first anti-rotation ribs 94 are formed as vertical ribs that extend vertically over the entire length of the outer tube 90, and four of them are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the first anti-rotation ribs 94 are formed at 90-degree intervals around the container axis O.

[0066] The top wall 91 is formed so as to cover the flange portion 42 of the movable inside plug 40 from above, and is in contact with the flange portion 42 from above. The inner tube 92 is disposed radially inside the movable tube 41 of the movable inside plug 40, and is undercut-fitted to the movable tube 41. Furthermore, the lower end of the inner tube 92 contacts the fixed tube 54 from above. This restricts the elastic tube portion 4 from moving upward via the fixed tube 54.

[0067] Furthermore, the flange portion 42 of the movable inside plug 40 is fitted between the outer tube 90 and the inner tube 92 in a state where it is in contact with the top wall 91 from below and is prevented from rotating in the circumferential direction. As a result, the applicator member 6 and the movable inside plug 40 are integrally combined with each other and are unable to rotate relative to each other. Therefore, by rotating the entire applicator member 6 relative to the fixed inside plug 30 about the container axis O, the movable inside plug 40 can be rotated together with the applicator member 6 about the container axis O, while being moved vertically relative to the fixed inside plug 30. At this time, the retaining projections 45 can restrict upward movement of the movable inside plug 40 relative to the fixed inside plug 30, thereby preventing the applicator member 6 from becoming unscrewed from the movable inside plug 40.

[0068] The elastic connecting piece 82 is formed in an annular shape so as to extend continuously in the circumferential direction along the inner peripheral edge of the top wall 91, and its upper end is connected to the underside of the applicator plate 80. A thin-walled portion 82a is formed on the lower end side of the elastic connecting piece 82. As a result, the elastic connecting piece 82 elastically connects the applicator plate 80 and the cylindrical body 81 so as to bend around the thin-walled portion 82a as shown in FIG. 4. Furthermore, the elastic connecting piece 82 supports the applicator plate 80 so that it can move up and down between the standby position P3 and the application position P4.

[0069] (Attachment cap) As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 7, the attachment cap 7 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a top, having a cap peripheral wall 100 that surrounds the body 12 of the container body 2 and the outer tube 90 of the applicator 6 from the outside in the radial direction, and a cap top wall 101 that is connected to the cap peripheral wall 100 and covers the applicator 6 from above.

[0070] A first female thread portion 102 that screws into a first male thread portion 23 formed on the barrel portion 12 of the container body 2 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cap peripheral wall 100. This allows the attachment cap 7 to be attached to the container body 2 by threaded connection. Therefore, by rotating the attachment cap 7 around the container axis O relative to the container body 2, the attachment cap 7 can be removed from and attached to the container body 2.

[0071] Furthermore, second anti-rotation ribs 103 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cap peripheral wall 100, protruding radially inward and engaging circumferentially with the first anti-rotation rib 94 formed on the outer tube 90 of the applicator member 6. The second anti-rotation ribs 103 are formed as vertical ribs extending in the up-down direction, and are formed so as to be positioned on both sides of the first anti-rotation rib 94 in the circumferential direction. This allows the application member 6 and the movable inside plug 40 to rotate together with the attachment cap 7 when the attachment cap 7 is rotated.

[0072] (Action of application container) Next, a case where the contents are applied to a target portion (not shown) using the application container 1 configured as described above will be described. Note that, in the initial state, the contents are stored in the storage chamber 53.

[0073] As shown in Figure 1, when the product is distributed or stored, the application member 6 and other components are protected by the attachment cap 7 attached to the container body 2. Furthermore, when the movable inner plug 40 is positioned at the set position P1, the stopper body 38 of the fixed inner plug 30 closes the communication hole 48 formed in the movable inner plug 40. Therefore, the contents inside the container body 2 are less likely to leak unintentionally, and the application member 6 and other components can be protected from the outside. This allows quality to be maintained. In particular, even if the posture of the application container 1 is changed from an upright posture in which the application plate 80 faces upward to an inverted posture in which the application plate 80 faces downward, leakage of the contents to the outside can be prevented.

[0074] Next, when using the application container 1, the attachment cap 7 is rotated around the container axis O relative to the container body 2 to remove the attachment cap 7. At this time, the first anti-rotation rib 94 formed on the application member 6 and the second anti-rotation rib 103 formed on the attachment cap 7 are engaged in the circumferential direction, so that the entire application member 6 can be rotated and moved upward relative to the fixed inner plug 30 in the process of removing the attachment cap 7, as shown in FIG.

[0075] Therefore, the movable inside plug 40, elastic cylindrical portion 4, valve body 5, etc. can be moved upward together with the applicator 6 while rotating relative to the fixed inside plug 30. When the upward movement of the movable inside plug 40 causes the retaining projection 45 to engage with the upper wall of the annular groove 37 from below, further upward movement of the movable inside plug 40 and the applicator 6, etc. can be restricted. This allows the movable inside plug 40 to be positioned at the use position P2. Therefore, when the attachment cap 7 is further rotated thereafter, the second anti-rotation rib 103 can be moved in the circumferential direction so as to climb over the first anti-rotation rib 94. This allows the attachment cap 7 to be removed from the container body 2.

[0076] As described above, the movable inner plug 40 can be moved upward and shifted from the set position P1 to the use position P2 through a series of steps performed to remove the attachment cap 7. This opens the communication hole 48 that was blocked by the stopper body 38, and communication is established between the inside of the container body 2 (inside the inner container 20) and the inside of the storage chamber 53 through the through-hole 39 and the communication hole 48. Therefore, by subsequently pressing the applicator plate 80, the contents can be applied to the application area.

[0077] Next, the upper surface of the applicator plate 80 is pressed against the part to be applied. This allows the applicator plate 80 to be pushed toward the reservoir chamber 53 as indicated by the arrow F1 in Figure 4. When applying the contents, the application is performed, for example, with the applicator container 1 in an inverted position. However, in the following description and Figure 4, the applicator container 1 is described as being in an upright position.

[0078] By pushing the applicator plate 80 toward the reservoir chamber 53, the applicator plate 80 can be moved from the standby position P3 shown in FIG. 2 to the application position P4 shown in FIG. 4 while elastically deforming the elastic connecting piece 82. As a result, the elastic cylinder portion 4 can be elastically deformed downward as the applicator plate 80 moves. Specifically, the elastic peripheral wall 51 can be elastically deformed so as to move the elastic top wall 50 downward. As a result, the protrusion 70 can be used to forcibly push up the center of the elastic top wall 50 from below, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. Therefore, the protrusion 70 can be used to smoothly expand the slit 56, thereby establishing communication between the reservoir chamber 53 and the support cylinder 55 through the slit 56.

[0079] At the same time, the internal pressure of the storage chamber 53 can be increased in accordance with the elastic deformation of the elastic cylinder portion 4 caused by the pushing operation of the applicator plate 80. Therefore, the content stored in the storage chamber 53 can be caused to flow into the support cylinder 55 through the slit 56 as shown by the arrow F2 in Fig. 4, and can then be discharged from the support cylinder 55 to the outside through the discharge holes 85 (central discharge hole 85a, outer discharge holes 85b). As a result, the discharged content can be applied to the application target area using the applicator plate 80.

[0080] When the contents are discharged, the internal pressure of the storage chamber 53 is increased, so the valve body 5 can maintain a closed valve state in which the communication hole 48 is blocked. This blocks communication between the container body 2 (inside the inner container 20) and the storage chamber 53 through the communication hole 48. This allows only the amount of contents stored in the storage chamber 53 to be applied by pressing the applicator plate 80.

[0081] Next, when the pushing operation of the applicator plate 80 is released, not only does the elastic tubular portion 4 undergo elastic restoration deformation, but the elastic connecting piece 82 also undergoes elastic restoration deformation. This allows the applicator plate 80 to be restored and displaced from the application position P4 shown in FIG. 4 to the standby position P3 shown in FIG. 2. At this time, in the early stage of the elastic restoration deformation of the elastic tubular portion 4, the center portion of the elastic top wall 50 can be quickly separated upward from the protrusion 70. Therefore, in the early stage of the elastic restoration deformation of the elastic tubular portion 4, the slit 56 can be immediately closed to close the valve, and communication between the inside of the storage chamber 53 and the inside of the support tube 55 through the slit 56 can be blocked.

[0082] Therefore, the internal pressure of the storage chamber 53 can be quickly made negative by the subsequent elastic restoration deformation of the elastic cylindrical portion 4. This allows the valve body 5 to be quickly opened, and a sufficient amount of content can flow from the container body 2 (inside the inner container 20) into the storage chamber 53 through the communication hole 48. Therefore, a sufficient amount of content required for the next discharge can be appropriately stored in the storage chamber 53, allowing stable discharge from the next time onwards.

[0083] In particular, according to the applicator container 1 of this embodiment, unlike conventional methods in which different operations are performed separately to apply the contents, the contents can be applied simply and stably by simply pressing the applicator plate 80 against the area to be applied. Therefore, the applicator container 1 can be made easy to use and has excellent operability.

[0084] Furthermore, because a plurality of first microneedles 86a and a plurality of second microneedles 86b are formed on the upper surface of the application plate 80, when the application plate 80 is pressed against the application target, the first microneedles 86a and the second microneedles 86b can puncture, for example, the human skin (application target). This allows the contents to be applied while providing a moderate stimulation to the skin, and allows for a variety of uses, such as permeating the skin with the contents, such as a beauty serum, through the second microneedles 86b that communicate with the outer discharge holes 85b. In particular, because the contents are discharged by increasing the internal pressure of the storage chamber 53, the contents can be appropriately discharged even when fine second microneedles 86b are used.

[0085] As the contents flow from the inner container 20 into the storage chamber 53, the inner container 20 deforms radially inward as the contents decrease, reducing its volume. This creates a negative pressure between the inner container 20 and the outer container 21, which allows outside air to flow into the space between the inner container 20 and the outer container 21 through the air intake hole. This allows the inner container 20 to remain in its volume-reduced, deformed state. As a result, the contents can be discharged while gradually reducing the volume of the inner container 20. This makes it possible to prevent oxidation, deterioration, and alteration of the contents, thereby maintaining the added value of maintaining the quality of the contents.

[0086] In particular, with the applicator container 1 of this embodiment, the amount of content stored in the storage chamber 53 can be discharged and applied by pressing the applicator plate 80 without squeezing and deforming the outer container 21. Therefore, the applicator container 1 can stably apply small amounts of content and has excellent operability. In particular, when liquid cosmetics such as beauty serums are used as the content, a small amount can be applied in one application operation, making it easy to use and convenient. Moreover, since microneedles 86 are used, the penetration effect of the applied content can also be expected.

[0087] As described above, according to the applicator container 1 of the present embodiment, a sufficient amount of content can be stored in the storage chamber 53, and the content can be applied simply and stably. Furthermore, the applicator container 1 can be made easy to use, with excellent operability that allows application of small amounts, while maintaining the high added value of maintaining the quality of the content.

[0088] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The present embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the present embodiments and their modifications include, for example, those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are equivalent.

[0089] For example, in the above embodiment, the container body 2 is described as a peelable laminated container in which the inner container 20 is peelably laminated on the inner surface of the outer container 21, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the container body 2 may be a double container in which a gap is secured between the inner container 20 and the outer container 21. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the air intake hole is formed at the bottom of the container body 2, but this is not limited to this case, and it may be formed at the mouth 21a or body of the outer container 21, for example.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the body 12 of the outer container 21 may be configured to be deformable by squeezing. Even in this case, by using the above embodiment, it is possible to apply a small amount of the contents, and it is also possible to forcibly open the valve body 5 and apply additional contents (a large amount) by squeezing the outer container 21 while, for example, pressing the application plate 80.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the fixed inner plug 30 and the movable inner plug 40 constitute the inner plug member 3, and the movable inner plug 40 is moved upward when the attachment cap 7 is removed. However, the movable inner plug 40 is not essential and does not have to be provided. In this case, it is sufficient to form the communication hole 48 in the fixed inner plug 30 and combine it with the elastic cylindrical portion 4, the application member 6, the valve body 5, etc. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which microneedles 86 (first microneedles 86a, second microneedles 86b) were formed on the application plate 80, but the microneedles 86 are not essential and may not be provided.

[0092] Furthermore, the present invention includes the following aspects. <1> a container body in which contents are accommodated; an inner plug member attached to the opening of the container body and having a communication hole communicating with the inside of the container body; an elastic cylindrical portion formed in a topped cylindrical shape that covers the communication hole from above and forms a storage chamber that communicates with the communication hole between the elastic cylindrical portion and the inner plug member; a valve body provided between the inner plug member and the elastic cylindrical portion, which removably closes the communication hole and switches between communication and blocking between the inside of the container body and the inside of the storage chamber through the communication hole in response to the internal pressure of the storage chamber; an applicator member having an applicator plate disposed above the elastic cylindrical portion and movable from a standby position to an applicator position where the applicator plate is pushed downward, The application member is a cylindrical body combined with the inner plug member; an elastic connecting piece that connects the application plate and the cylindrical body so as to be elastically displaceable and supports the application plate so as to be vertically movable between the standby position and the application position, the elastic cylindrical portion is elastically deformable downward as the application plate moves from the standby position toward the application position, At the top of the elastic cylindrical portion, a support cylinder that protrudes upward and supports the application plate from below, and a slit that communicates and blocks the inside of the storage chamber and the inside of the support cylinder are formed, The slit expands when the elastic cylindrical portion elastically deforms, The application container is characterized in that the application plate is formed with a discharge hole that communicates the inside of the support cylinder with the outside. <2> <1> In the application container described in The application container has a protrusion provided within the storage chamber that pushes up the top of the elastically deformed elastic cylindrical portion from below when the application plate is positioned at the application position, thereby expanding the slit. <3> <1> or <2> In the application container described in A plurality of minute protrusions protruding upward are formed on the upper surface of the coating plate, The application container has the discharge hole opened in at least one of the plurality of minute protrusions. <4> <1> from <3> In the application container according to any one of the above items, a topped cylindrical attachment cap that is attached to the container body and covers the application plate from above; The inside plug member is a fixed inside plug that is fixed to the opening of the container body and has a through hole that communicates with the inside of the container body; a movable inner plug that is disposed above the fixed inner plug and is combined with the fixed inner plug so as to be movable in the up and down direction, and that combines the elastic cylindrical portion, the valve body, and the application member, the communication hole is formed in the movable inside plug and communicates with the inside of the container body through the through hole; the movable inside plug moves upward as the attachment cap is removed from the container body; The fixed inner plug is provided with a plug body that closes the communication hole and opens the communication hole when the movable inner plug moves upward. <5> <1> from <4> In the application container according to any one of the above items, The container body is an inner container that accommodates contents and reduces in volume as the contents decrease; The application container comprises an outer container in which the inner container is housed and which has an air intake hole between the inner container and the outer container for drawing in outside air. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] O…Container axis P3…Standby position P4…Application position 1... Application container 2...Container body 3...Inner plug member 4...Elastic cylindrical part 5...Valve body 6...Applicator 7...Attachment cap 10...mouth of container body 20…Inner container 21...Outer container 30…Fixed middle stopper 38...Bung body 39...Through hole 40... Movable inner stopper 48...Communication hole 53...Storage chamber 55...Support tube 56...Slit 70...Protrusion 81...Cylinder 82...Elastic connecting piece 85...Discharge hole 86...Microneedle (microprojection)

Claims

1. a container body in which contents are accommodated; an inner plug member attached to the opening of the container body and having a communication hole communicating with the inside of the container body; an elastic cylindrical portion formed in a topped cylindrical shape that covers the communication hole from above and forms a storage chamber that communicates with the communication hole between the elastic cylindrical portion and the inner plug member; a valve body provided between the inner plug member and the elastic cylindrical portion, which removably closes the communication hole and switches between communication and blocking between the inside of the container body and the inside of the storage chamber through the communication hole in response to the internal pressure of the storage chamber; an applicator member having an applicator plate disposed above the elastic cylindrical portion and movable from a standby position to an applicator position where the applicator plate is pushed downward, The application member is a cylindrical body combined with the inner plug member; an elastic connecting piece that connects the application plate and the cylindrical body so as to be elastically displaceable and supports the application plate so as to be vertically movable between the standby position and the application position, the elastic cylindrical portion is elastically deformable downward as the application plate moves from the standby position toward the application position, At the top of the elastic cylindrical portion, a support cylinder that protrudes upward and supports the application plate from below, and a slit that communicates and blocks the inside of the storage chamber and the inside of the support cylinder are formed, The slit expands when the elastic cylindrical portion elastically deforms, The application container is characterized in that the application plate is formed with a discharge hole that communicates the inside of the support cylinder with the outside.

2. The application container according to claim 1, The application container has a protrusion provided within the storage chamber that pushes up the top of the elastically deformed elastic cylindrical portion from below when the application plate is positioned at the application position, thereby expanding the slit.

3. The application container according to claim 1, A plurality of minute protrusions protruding upward are formed on the upper surface of the coating plate, The application container, wherein the discharge hole is opened in at least one of the plurality of minute protrusions.

4. The application container according to claim 1, a topped cylindrical attachment cap that is attached to the container body and covers the application plate from above; The inside plug member is a fixed inside plug that is fixed to the opening of the container body and has a through hole that communicates with the inside of the container body; a movable inner plug that is disposed above the fixed inner plug and is combined with the fixed inner plug so as to be movable in the up and down direction, and that combines the elastic cylindrical portion, the valve body, and the application member, the communication hole is formed in the movable inside plug and communicates with the inside of the container body through the through hole; the movable inside plug moves upward as the attachment cap is removed from the container body; The fixed inner plug is provided with a plug body that closes the communication hole and opens the communication hole when the movable inner plug moves upward.

5. The application container according to claim 1, The container body is an inner container that accommodates contents and reduces in volume as the contents decrease; The application container comprises an outer container in which the inner container is housed and which has an air intake hole between the inner container and the outer container for drawing in outside air.

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