Syringe container

Abstract

To provide a syringe container in which the number of parts is reduced.SOLUTION: A syringe container 1 comprises an operation member 30 which is restricted in rotation with respect to an outer cap 10 and defines an operation space S expanding and contracting with vertical movement relative to an inner cap 50. The operation member 30 has an operation peripheral wall 31. The inner cap 50 has a guide cylindrical part 54 facing the operation peripheral wall 31 in a radial direction. The operation peripheral wall 31 has an engagement protrusion 31a protruding toward the guide cylindrical part 54. In the guide cylindrical part 54, a guide groove 40 to which the engagement protrusion 31a is movably inserted is formed. The guide groove 40 includes: an inclined groove 41 extending to a loose side and upward from a first end part 41a toward a second end part; a vertical groove extending downward from the second end part of the inclined groove 41; and a lateral groove extending from a lower end part of the vertical groove to a fastening side and connecting to the first end part 41a of the inclined groove 41. The guide cylindrical part 54 includes a restriction part which allows movement of the engagement protrusion 31a on the fastening side in the lateral groove and restricts entry from the inclined groove 41 into the lateral groove.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART As shown in Patent Document 1, a dropper container has been known in the past in which a dropper assembly having a dropper tube, an inner cap, an outer cap, an actuating member, and an operating member is detachably attached to a container body.

[0003] Specifically, the dropper container comprises a cylindrical container body with a bottom that contains the contents, an inner cap that is removably attached to the mouth of the container body and is attached to and detached from the mouth as the container rotates around the axis of the container, a dropper tube that extends downward from the inner cap and has a lower opening located inside the container body, an outer cap that is attached to the inner cap so as to be rotatable around the axis of the container while its rotation around the axis of the container is restricted by a predetermined amount, and a dropper tube that is attached to the inner cap so as to be rotatable around the axis of the container while its rotation around the axis of the container is restricted by a predetermined amount or more. The container is equipped with an actuating member that moves up and down relative to the inner cap by rotating around the container axis, and an operating member that is attached to the actuating member and defines an expansion / contraction space between the actuating member and the operating member that communicates with the upper end opening of the dropper tube.The actuating member is provided with a sliding cylindrical portion that extends in the vertical direction and forms part of the partition of the actuating space that communicates with the upper end opening of the dropper tube, and the inner cap is provided with a piston that slides on the inner surface of the sliding cylindrical portion to expand and contract the actuating space as the actuating member moves up and down relative to the inner cap.

[0004] In this dropper container, when the outer cap is rotated relative to the inner cap to which the dropper tube is attached, the actuating member provided between the outer cap and the inner cap first rotates and rises relative to the inner cap, creating a negative pressure in the dropper tube and drawing the contents of the container body into the dropper tube. As the outer cap continues to rotate, the inner cap rotates and rises relative to the container body, removing the dropper assembly from the opening of the container body. Then, by pressing the operating member against the actuating member, the contents are expelled from the dropper tube. After the contents are expelled, the actuating member descends relative to the inner cap during the process of attaching the dropper assembly to the container body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-33056 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In conventional dropper containers, the up and down movement of the actuating member relative to the inner cap is achieved by screwing the inner cap and the actuating member together, so an operating member is provided to enable the contents to be dispensed without rotating the actuating member. However, there is a need to reduce the number of parts.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a dropper container with a reduced number of parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] a dropper tube extending downward from the inner cap and having a lower end opening located within the container body; an outer cap mounted on the inner cap so as to be rotatable about a container axis while being restricted from rotating about the container axis by a predetermined amount or more; and an actuating member provided within the outer cap, the actuating member being restricted from rotating about the container axis relative to the outer cap, communicating with the upper end opening of the dropper tube, and defining an actuating space which expands and contracts with vertical movement relative to the inner cap; wherein the actuating member has an actuating peripheral wall extending in the container axis direction, and the inner cap has a guide tube portion extending in the container axis direction and radially facing the actuating peripheral wall, and a first tube portion of one of the actuating peripheral wall and the guide tube portion has an engaging projection projecting toward a second tube portion of the other of the actuating peripheral wall and the guide tube portion, The second cylindrical portion has a guide groove into which the engaging protrusion is movably inserted, the guide groove having a first end and a second end, and comprising: an inclined groove extending in one direction of the container axis from the first end toward the second end toward a first circumferential direction around the container axis; a vertical groove having a third end extending in the other direction of the container axis from the second end of the inclined groove toward the third end; and a horizontal groove extending in the second circumferential direction from the third end of the vertical groove and connecting to the first end of the inclined groove; the second cylindrical portion has a regulating portion that allows the engaging protrusion to move in the second direction within the horizontal groove and regulates entry from the inclined groove into the horizontal groove; and when the outer cap together with the operating member is rotated toward the loosening side around the container axis relative to the inner cap, the engaging protrusion is regulated by the regulating portion from entering the horizontal groove, and moves within the inclined groove from the first end toward the second end, lifting the operating member.

[0009] According to the first aspect, when the outer cap is rotated around the container axis relative to the container body, the outer cap rotates relative to the inner cap within a predetermined range. At this time, the actuating member, whose rotation relative to the outer cap is restricted, rotates relative to the inner cap. This causes the actuating peripheral wall of the actuating member and the guide tube portion of the inner cap to rotate relative to each other. When the outer cap and the actuating member are rotated loosely relative to the inner cap, the engaging protrusion formed on the first tube portion of one of the actuating peripheral wall and the guide tube portion moves from the first end toward the second end within the inclined groove of the guide groove formed on the second tube portion of the other of the actuating peripheral wall and the guide tube portion. At this time, the engaging protrusion is restricted from entering the lateral groove by the restricting portion, and thus moves reliably within the inclined groove. As the engaging protrusion moves from the first end toward the second end within the inclined groove, the engaging protrusion moves in one direction in the container axial direction relative to the second tube portion, causing the actuating member to rise. This increases the volume of the actuating space, creating a negative pressure within the actuating space. Therefore, the inside of the dropper tube, which is in communication with the working space, also becomes negative pressure, and the contents of the container body can be sucked up from the lower end opening of the dropper tube. Then, as the outer cap continues to rotate, the outer cap and the inner cap rotate together relative to the container body with the engaging projection positioned within the second end of the inclined groove, and the inner cap is released from the opening of the container body, and the dropper tube is pulled out from the container body. When the engaging protrusion is positioned at the second end of the inclined groove, the engaging protrusion can move in the other axial direction of the container within the longitudinal groove of the guide groove, thereby depressing the actuating member. Depressing the actuating member reduces the actuating space, discharging the contents from the dropper tube. Because the actuating member can be lowered without rotating relative to the inner cap, there is no need to provide a member for pressurizing the actuating space when discharging the contents. When the inner cap is attached to the mouth and the outer cap is rotated together with the actuating member in the tightening direction relative to the inner cap, the engaging protrusion moves in the second direction within the horizontal groove. At this time, the restricting portion allows the engaging protrusion to move in the second direction, so the engaging protrusion returns to the first end of the inclined groove, and the dropper container is again ready to suck up the contents when the outer cap is rotated in the loosening direction. As a result, a dropper container with a reduced number of parts can be provided.

[0010] A dropper container according to a second aspect of the present invention is the dropper container according to the first aspect, wherein the restricting portion is provided in the lateral groove, protrudes into the lateral groove, and is elastically deformed away from the first cylindrical portion so as to be able to retreat from within the lateral groove, and the restricting portion may have an inclined surface facing the first cylindrical portion in the radial direction and extending radially toward the first cylindrical portion as it moves from the third end side toward the second direction, and a side surface facing the second direction and extending in the first direction as it moves toward one side of the container axial direction, thereby defining the inclined groove.

[0011] According to the second aspect, when the engaging protrusion is moved in the second direction within the lateral groove, the engaging protrusion slides on the inclined surface of the restricting portion, pushing the restricting portion away from the first tubular portion while moving in the second direction. This allows the engaging protrusion to move in the second direction within the lateral groove. Furthermore, when the engaging protrusion is moved in the first direction from the first end of the inclined groove, the engaging protrusion slides on the side surface of the restricting portion while pushing the restricting portion in the first direction, moving in one direction along the container axis and in the first direction. As described above, the restricting portion allows the engaging protrusion to move in the second direction within the lateral groove and can restrict entry of the engaging protrusion from the inclined groove into the lateral groove.

[0012] A dropper container according to a third aspect of the present invention is the dropper container according to the second aspect, wherein the regulating portion is formed in a lever shape that is cantilevered with the end portion in the first direction as a base end.

[0013] In a configuration in which the engaging protrusion slides on the inclined surface of the restricting portion, the restricting portion needs to be elastically displaced to a greater extent as the engaging protrusion moves in the second direction. According to the third aspect, the force required to push the restricting portion to elastically displace it decreases as the distance from the base end in the second direction increases. Therefore, this configuration is suitable for a restricting portion having an inclined surface.

[0014] A dropper container according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the dropper container according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the engaging protrusion is formed to be displaceable in the radial direction between a protruding position where it is inserted into the inclined groove and a retracted position where it is inserted shallower into the inclined groove than the protruding position, the dropper container further includes a switching portion that engages with the engaging protrusion to switch the position of the engaging protrusion between the protruding position and the retracted position, the guide groove further includes an intermediate groove that extends from a midpoint of the inclined groove in the first circumferential direction and connects to the longitudinal groove, and the second tubular portion may include an entry restriction portion that allows the engaging protrusion in the retracted position to enter the intermediate groove from within the inclined groove and restricts the engaging protrusion in the protruding position from within the inclined groove into the intermediate groove.

[0015] According to the fourth aspect, when the outer cap is rotated around the container axis relative to the container body with the engagement protrusion in the protruding position, the engagement protrusion moves within the inclined groove from the first end toward the second end. Because the engagement protrusion is in the protruding position, when the engagement protrusion passes through the connection point between the inclined groove and the intermediate groove, it is restricted from entering the inclined groove from within the intermediate groove and reaches the second end of the inclined groove. At this time, the actuating member rises by the distance the engagement protrusion moves in the container axial direction from the first end to the second end within the inclined groove. On the other hand, when the outer cap is rotated around the container axis relative to the container body with the engaging protrusion in the retracted position, the engaging protrusion moves within the inclined groove from the first end to the connection point between the inclined groove and the intermediate groove. Because the engaging protrusion is in the retracted position, when the engaging protrusion reaches the connection point between the inclined groove and the intermediate groove, it changes direction of movement and enters the intermediate groove. When the engaging protrusion enters the intermediate groove, the rise of the actuating member stops. At this time, the actuating member rises by the distance the engaging protrusion moved in the container axial direction within the inclined groove from the first end to the intermediate groove. By inserting the engaging protrusion into the intermediate groove in this way, the expansion of the working space can be reduced compared to when the engaging protrusion moves to the second end of the inclined groove, thereby reducing the amount of content that can be sucked up. This results in a dropper container that can change the amount of content that can be sucked up.

[0016] A dropper container according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the dropper container according to the fourth aspect, wherein the intermediate groove is formed shallower than the inclined groove, and the engaging protrusion in the retracted position is allowed to move within the intermediate groove, and the engaging protrusion in the protruding position is restricted from moving within the intermediate groove.

[0017] According to the fifth aspect, the engaging protrusion in the retracted position is allowed to enter the intermediate groove, and the engaging protrusion in the protruding position is prevented from entering the intermediate groove, thereby achieving the above-mentioned advantageous effects. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a dropper container with a reduced number of parts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a dropper container according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a plan view of the outer peripheral surface of the guide tube portion of the first embodiment, illustrating the positional relationship between the guide groove and the engaging protrusion. [Figure 3] 2 is a view showing the dropper container of FIG. 1 in a state where the actuating member is raised. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dropper container according to the second embodiment, showing a state in which the engagement protrusion is in a protruding position. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the outer peripheral surface of the guide tube portion of the second embodiment in plan view, illustrating the positional relationship between the guide groove and the engaging protrusion in the protruding position. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the dropper container shown in FIG. 4, and is a cross-sectional view showing a portion corresponding to line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dropper container shown in FIG. 4, showing a portion corresponding to line VII-VII in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8]8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dropper container shown in FIG. 4, showing a portion corresponding to line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dropper container shown in FIG. 4, showing a portion corresponding to line IX-IX in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 10] 6. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dropper container shown in FIG. 4, showing a portion corresponding to line XX in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] 5 is a view showing the dropper container of FIG. 4 in a state where the operating member is raised with the engaging protrusion in the protruding position. FIG. [Figure 13] 5 is a diagram showing the dropper container of FIG. 4 in a state where the engagement protrusion is in a retracted position. FIG. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the dropper container shown in FIG. 13, and is a cross-sectional view showing a portion corresponding to line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the outer peripheral surface of the guide tube portion of the second embodiment in plan view, illustrating the positional relationship between the guide groove and the engaging protrusion in the retracted position. [Figure 16] 14 is a view showing the dropper container of FIG. 13 in a state where the operating member is raised with the engaging protrusion in a retracted position. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a dropper container according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be designated by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted.

[0021] (First embodiment) 1, the dropper container 1 of the first embodiment includes a container body 2, an outer cap 10, an actuating member 30, an inner cap 50, a dropper tube 60, a squeezing tube member 70, a piston 80, and a sealing member 90. The squeezing tube member 70 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0022] The container body 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and the contents are accommodated in the container body 2. A male screw portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mouth portion 2a of the container body 2. The contents may be, for example, a medicinal liquid, a liquid cosmetic, etc. The components of the dropper container 1 in this embodiment are made of a resin material. The dropper container 1 in this embodiment does not have any metal parts (such as a coil spring).

[0023] The outer cap 10, the inner cap 50, the dropper tube 60, the squeezing tube member 70, and the piston 80 are coaxially formed with a common axis at the center of the mouth 2a of the container body 2. Hereinafter, this common axis will be referred to as the container axis O, and the direction along the container axis O will be referred to as the up-down direction. Within the up-down direction, the direction from the bottom of the container body 2 toward the mouth will be referred to as the up direction, and the opposite direction will be referred to as the down direction. Furthermore, in a plan view viewed from the up-down direction, the direction intersecting the container axis O will be referred to as the radial direction, and the direction circumferential around the container axis O will be referred to as the circumferential direction. Furthermore, one side along the circumferential direction will be referred to as the loosening side (first direction). When the inner cap 50 is rotated in the loosening direction relative to the mouth 2a, the inner cap 50 rises relative to the mouth 2a. Furthermore, the other side along the circumferential direction will be referred to as the tightening side (second direction). When the inner cap 50 is rotated in the tightening direction relative to the mouth 2a, the inner cap 50 descends relative to the mouth 2a.

[0024] The outer cap 10, the operating member 30, the inner cap 50, the dropper tube 60, and the piston 80 constitute a dropper assembly 3 that is detachably attached to the container body 2.

[0025] The inner cap 50 is formed in a topped cylindrical shape having an annular inner cap top wall 53 and an inner cap peripheral wall 51. The inner cap 50 is removably threadedly attached to the mouth portion 2a, and is attached to and detached from the mouth portion 2a as the inner cap 50 rotates about the container axis O. In the illustrated example, a female thread portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cap peripheral wall 51, which screws into a male thread portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mouth portion 2a.

[0026] The inner cap top wall 53 is formed with a guide tube portion 54, a holding tube portion 57, and a communication tube portion 58.

[0027] The guide tube portion 54 extends upward from the inner cap top wall 53. The communicating tube portion 58 extends downward from the inner peripheral edge of the inner cap top wall 53. The retaining tube portion 57 is disposed inside the guide tube portion 54 and extends upward from the inner peripheral edge of the inner cap top wall 53.

[0028] Two circumferential direction restricting recesses 51a are formed circumferentially spaced apart on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cap peripheral wall 51. The circumferential direction restricting recesses 51a open to the upper surface of the inner cap top wall 53. The circumferential direction restricting recesses 51a have a rectangular shape that is elongated in the circumferential direction when viewed from the outside in the radial direction. The circumferential direction restricting recesses 51a are provided over an angular range of approximately 90° around the container axis O.

[0029] The piston 80 is formed in an annular shape and is fitted and fixed to the upper end of the holding cylinder portion 57. The piston 80 is formed with an annular sliding contact portion 81 that protrudes radially outward.

[0030] Actuating member 30 is formed in a topped cylindrical shape having an actuating top wall 32 and an actuating peripheral wall 31, and is disposed coaxially with container axis O. Actuating peripheral wall 31 is disposed so as to surround guide tube portion 54 of inner cap 50. With actuating top wall 32 covering the upper end opening of dropper tube 60 from above, actuating member 30 seals the upper end opening of dropper tube 60. In this embodiment, actuating top wall 32 of actuating member 30 seals the upper end opening of holding tube portion 57, thereby sealing the upper end opening of dropper tube 60 that communicates with holding tube portion 57.

[0031] The actuating member 30 includes a sliding cylindrical portion 33. The sliding cylindrical portion 33 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the actuating top wall 32 and is inserted between the outer peripheral surface of the piston 80 and the inner peripheral surface of the guide cylindrical portion 54 of the inner cap 50. The sliding cylindrical portion 33 forms part of a partition wall of the working space S, which communicates with the upper end opening of the dropper tube 60. In the illustrated example, the radially inner side of the sliding cylindrical portion 33 forms the working space S. A sliding contact portion 81 of the piston 80 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the sliding cylindrical portion 33 so as to be airtight and slidable up and down. As a result, as the actuating member 30 moves up and down relative to the inner cap 50, the sliding contact portion 81 of the piston 80 slides along the inner peripheral surface of the sliding cylindrical portion 33, expanding and contracting the working space S. The working space S is the portion of the sliding cylindrical portion 33 located above the piston 80.

[0032] The actuating member 30 has a rotation restricting portion 37. The rotation restricting portion 37 protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the actuating peripheral wall 31. Two rotation restricting portions 37 are provided, one on each side of the container axis O in the radial direction. A vertical actuating groove 37a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotation restricting portion 37, extending continuously over the entire length in the vertical direction.

[0033] The outer cap 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a top, having an outer cap peripheral wall 11 and an outer cap top wall 12. The outer cap top wall 12 is formed in an annular shape. An actuating member 30 is inserted into the outer cap top wall 12 in a state in which it can protrude upward. For example, the upper surface of the outer cap top wall 12 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the actuating top wall 32.

[0034] The outer cap peripheral wall 11 surrounds the actuating member 30 and the inner cap 50 from the outside in the radial direction. Two vertically extending vertical ribs 13 and a locking protrusion 14 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cap peripheral wall 11. The vertical ribs 13 and the locking protrusion 14 protrude radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the outer cap peripheral wall 11. The locking protrusion 14 is located below the vertical ribs 13. The two vertical ribs 13 face each other across the container axis O in the radial direction.

[0035] The inner cap peripheral wall 51 is engaged with the engaging projection 14 from below the inner cap peripheral wall 51. This prevents the inner cap 50 from separating downward from the outer cap 10. The vertical rib 13 is integrally inserted into the vertical operating groove 37a of the operating member 30 and the circumferential restricting recess 51a of the inner cap 50. The circumferential sizes of the vertical rib 13 and the vertical operating groove 37a are equal to each other. The rotation of the operating member 30 around the container axis O relative to the outer cap 10 is restricted. The vertical rib 13 is inserted into the vertical operating groove 37a so as to be movable up and down.

[0036] The circumferential size of the circumferential regulating recess 51a is larger than the circumferential size of the vertical rib 13, and the vertical rib 13 is located at the tightening-side end of the circumferential end of the circumferential regulating recess 51a. As a result, when the outer cap 10 is rotated circumferentially toward the loosening side, the vertical rib 13 moves toward the loosening side within the circumferential regulating recess 51a, and the outer cap 10 rotates relative to the inner cap 50 together with the operating member 30. When the vertical rib 13 subsequently reaches the loosening-side end of the circumferential regulating recess 51a and abuts against the inner surface of the circumferential regulating recess 51a in the circumferential direction, rotation of the outer cap 10 relative to the inner cap 50 is restricted. In other words, the outer cap 10 is mounted on the inner cap 50 so as to be rotatable about the container axis O, with rotation about the container axis O restricted by a predetermined amount or more.

[0037] Dropper tube 60 extends downward from inner cap 50, and its lower end opening is located inside container body 2. Communicating cylindrical portion 58 of inner cap 50 is fitted into the upper end of dropper tube 60. The upper end opening of dropper tube 60 is capable of communicating with working space S through communicating cylindrical portion 58 and retaining cylindrical portion 57. Dropper tube 60 has a flange portion 61 that protrudes radially outward at its upper end, which is located above mouth portion 2a. Flange portion 61 is fitted into and fixed to the upper portion of inner cap peripheral wall 51.

[0038] The squeezing tube member 70 is fitted and fixed in the mouth portion 2a, and the dropper tube 60 is inserted into the squeezing tube member 70. A radial gap X is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the squeezing tube member 70 and the outer peripheral surface of the dropper tube 60. A squeezing projection 71 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the squeezing tube member 70, protruding radially inward and abutting against the outer peripheral surface of the dropper tube 60. The squeezing projection 71 is formed at the lower end of the squeezing tube member 70. The squeezing projection 71 is located at the same vertical position as the lower end of the inner cap peripheral wall 51. The portion of the inner peripheral surface of the squeezing tube member 70 that is located below the squeezing projection 71 extends radially inward as it extends upward.

[0039] The sealing member 90 is formed in an annular shape and is disposed coaxially with the container axis O. The sealing member 90 is disposed on the upper opening edge of the mouth portion 2a. The sealing member 90 is formed integrally with the squeezing tube member 70. The sealing member 90 may be formed separately from the squeezing tube member 70. The dropper tube 60 is detachably fitted into the sealing member 90. The sealing member 90 abuts liquid-tightly against the lower surface of the flange portion 61.

[0040] An engagement protrusion 31a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the operating peripheral wall 31. The engagement protrusion 31a is formed at a position facing the guide tube portion 54. The engagement protrusion 31a protrudes radially inward toward the guide tube portion 54. For example, the engagement protrusion 31a is cylindrical. The multiple engagement protrusions 31a are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, a pair of engagement protrusions 31a are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0041] Guide grooves 40, into which the engaging protrusions 31a are movably inserted, are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube portion 54. A plurality of guide grooves 40 are formed in one-to-one correspondence with the engaging protrusions 31a.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the guide groove 40 includes an inclined groove 41, a vertical groove 42, and a horizontal groove 43. The inclined groove 41 has a first end 41a and a second end 41b located above the first end 41a and on the loosening side. The inclined groove 41 extends upward from the first end 41a toward the second end 41b toward the loosening side. Note that a portion of the inclined groove 41 may extend parallel to the circumferential direction. In the illustrated example, the first end 41a and the second end 41b each extend parallel to the circumferential direction over a certain distance. The engaging protrusion 31a is inserted into the first end 41a. The inner surface of the inclined groove 41 has a guide surface 41c facing upward toward the tightening side and capable of sliding contact with the engaging protrusion 31a from below. The vertical groove 42 extends downward from the second end 41b of the inclined groove 41. The lower end 42a (third end) of the vertical groove 42 is located at approximately the same position in the up-down direction as the first end 41a of the inclined groove 41. The lateral groove 43 extends from the lower end 42a of the vertical groove 42 toward the tightening side and connects to the first end 41a of the inclined groove 41.

[0043] An attachment groove 45 communicating with the guide groove 40 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the guide tube portion 54. The attachment groove 45 extends upward from the inclined groove 41 and opens at the upper end surface of the guide tube portion 54. The attachment groove 45 is connected to the middle portion of the inclined groove 41. The engagement protrusion 31a can pass through the attachment groove 45 in the vertical direction. The engagement protrusion 31a enters the guide groove 40 by passing downward through the attachment groove 45 from its upper end opening.

[0044] The guide tube portion 54 includes a restricting portion 55 that is provided in the lateral groove 43 and protrudes into the lateral groove 43, and a retraction recess 56 that retracts the restricting portion 55. The retraction recess 56 is in communication with the lateral groove 43. The retraction recess 56 opens onto the inner surface of the lateral groove 43 that faces the operating peripheral wall 31 in the radial direction (outward). In this embodiment, the retraction recess 56 penetrates the guide tube portion 54 in the radial direction.

[0045] The restricting portion 55 is arranged so as to be able to come into contact with the engaging protrusion 31a. The restricting portion 55 is elastically deformable so as to retreat from within the lateral groove 43 to a side away from the operating peripheral wall 31. The restricting portion 55 is formed in a plate shape with its front and back surfaces facing radially. The restricting portion 55 is connected to the opening edge of the retreat recess 56 and is formed in a lever shape that is cantilevered with the connection portion with the opening edge of the retreat recess 56 as its base end. The length direction of the restricting portion 55 is the extension direction of the lateral groove 43, and the end on the vertical groove 42 side (loosening side) is connected to the opening edge of the retreat recess 56.

[0046] The restricting portion 55 includes an inclined surface 55a, a top surface 55b, and a side surface 55c. The inclined surface 55a faces the operating peripheral wall 31 in the radial direction (radially outward). The inclined surface 55a extends radially toward the operating peripheral wall 31 from the lower end 42a of the longitudinal groove 42 toward the tightening side. The inclined surface 55a is directly connected to the lower end 42a of the longitudinal groove 42. The top surface 55b extends parallel to the circumferential direction and faces the operating peripheral wall 31. The top surface 55b extends toward the tightening side from the tightening side edge of the inclined surface 55a. The side surface 55c faces the tightening side and upward. The side surface 55c is located on the opposite side of the inclined surface 55a from the top surface 55b and extends radially inward from the edge of the top surface 55b. The side surface 55c extends toward the loosening side as it extends upward. The side surface 55c forms a part of the guide surface 41c of the inclined groove 41. The side surface 55c defines the first end portion 41a of the inclined groove 41 from the loose side.

[0047] The operation of the dropper container 1 configured as above will now be described. 1, when the outer cap 10 is rotated around the container axis O relative to the container body 2, the outer cap 10 rotates relative to the inner cap 50 within a predetermined range. At this time, the actuating member 30, whose rotation relative to the outer cap 10 is restricted, rotates relative to the inner cap 50. As a result, the actuating peripheral wall 31 of the actuating member 30 and the guide tube portion 54 of the inner cap 50 rotate relative to each other.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, when the outer cap 10 together with the actuating member 30 is rotated loosely relative to the inner cap 50, the engaging protrusion 31a formed on the actuating peripheral wall 31 slides along the guide surface 41c of the inclined groove 41 formed in the guide tube portion 54, moving within the inclined groove 41 from the first end 41a to the second end 41b. At this time, the engaging protrusion 31a is prevented from entering the lateral groove 43 by the restricting portion 55, and thus reliably moves within the inclined groove 41. As the engaging protrusion 31a moves within the inclined groove 41 from the first end 41a to the second end 41b, the engaging protrusion 31a moves upward relative to the guide tube portion 54, causing the actuating member 30 to rise, and the actuating space S to expand (see FIG. 3). As a result, the volume of the actuating space S increases, and a negative pressure is created within the actuating space S. Therefore, a negative pressure is also created inside the dropper tube 60, which is in communication with the operating space S, and the contents of the container body 2 can be sucked up from the lower end opening of the dropper tube 60. At this time, the operating member 30 protrudes upward from the inside of the outer cap top wall 12 of the outer cap 10.

[0049] Thereafter, as the rotation of the outer cap 10 continues, the vertical rib 13 of the outer cap 10 engages with the circumferential direction restricting recess 51a of the inner cap 50 with the engaging protrusion 31a positioned within the second end 41b of the inclined groove 41, and the outer cap 10 and the inner cap 50 rise together while rotating relative to the container body 2. Then, the inner cap 50 is released from the opening 2a of the container body 2, and the dropper tube 60 is pulled out from within the container body 2.

[0050] 2 and 3, when engagement projection 31a is positioned at second end 41b of inclined groove 41, engagement projection 31a is able to move downward within vertical groove 42 of guide groove 40, and thus actuating member 30 can be pressed down. When actuating member 30, which protrudes upward from outer cap 10, is pressed down, working space S contracts and the contents in dropper tube 60 are discharged. In this way, because actuating member 30 can be lowered without rotating relative to inner cap 50, there is no need to provide a member for pressurizing working space S when discharging the contents.

[0051] When inner cap 50 is attached to opening 2a and outer cap 10 is rotated together with actuating member 30 toward the tightening side relative to inner cap 50, engaging protrusion 31a moves toward the tightening side within lateral groove 43, as shown in Figure 2. At this time, restricting portion 55 allows engaging protrusion 31a to move toward the tightening side, so engaging protrusion 31a returns to first end 41a of inclined groove 41, and the dropper container 1 becomes ready to suck up the contents again when outer cap 10 is rotated toward the loosening side. As a result, it is possible to provide a dropper container 1 with a reduced number of parts.

[0052] The restricting portion 55 is formed so as to protrude into the lateral groove 43 and be elastically displaced away from the operating peripheral wall 31 (radially inward) to be able to retreat from within the lateral groove 43. The restricting portion 55 faces the operating peripheral wall 31 and is connected to the lower end 42a of the longitudinal groove 42. The restricting portion 55 has an inclined surface 55a that faces toward the operating peripheral wall 31 and extends radially toward the operating peripheral wall 31 (radially outward) as it approaches the tightening side, and a side surface 55c that faces upward on the tightening side and defines the inclined groove 41. With this configuration, when the engaging projection 31a is moved toward the tightening side within the lateral groove 43, the engaging projection 31a slides on the inclined surface 55a of the restricting portion 55 and moves toward the tightening side while pressing the restricting portion 55 away from the operating peripheral wall 31. This allows the engaging projection 31a to move toward the tightening side within the lateral groove 43. Furthermore, when the engaging projection 31a is moved from the first end 41a of the inclined groove 41 toward the loosening side, the engaging projection 31a slides on the side surface 55c of the restricting portion 55 while pressing the restricting portion 55 toward the loosening side, and moves upward toward the loosening side. As a result, the restricting portion 55 allows the engaging projection 31a to move toward the tightening side within the lateral groove 43, and can restrict the engaging projection 31a from entering the lateral groove 43 from the inclined groove 41.

[0053] The restricting portion 55 is formed like a lever supported at one end with the loosening side as the base end. In a configuration in which the engaging protrusion 31a slides on the inclined surface 55a of the restricting portion 55, the restricting portion 55 needs to be elastically displaced to a greater extent as the engaging protrusion 31a moves toward the tightening side. According to this embodiment, the force required to push the restricting portion 55 to elastically displace it decreases as the distance from the base end toward the tightening side increases. Therefore, this configuration is suitable for the restricting portion 55 having the inclined surface 55a.

[0054] (Second embodiment) As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the dropper container 101 of the second embodiment includes an outer cap 110, an actuating member 130, an inner cap 150, a dropper tube 160, and a seal member 190, instead of the outer cap 10, the actuating member 30, the inner cap 50, the dropper tube 60, and the seal member 90 of the first embodiment. However, in FIG. 6, a part of the actuating member 130 (sliding tube portion 33), a part of the inner cap 150 (retaining tube portion 57), and the dropper tube 160 are not shown (the same applies to FIG. 14). The outer cap 110, the actuating member 130, the inner cap 150, the dropper tube 160, and the piston 80 constitute a dropper assembly 103 that is detachably attached to the container body 2. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0055] The sealing member 190 is threadedly attached to the mouth 2a of the container body 2. In this case, a male thread portion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the sealing member 190, into which the female thread portion of the inner cap 150 is threadedly attached. In this embodiment, the sealing member 190 may be a part of the components that constitute the container body 2. Note that the connection between the sealing member 190 and the mouth 2a is not limited to threaded attachment.

[0056] The inner cap 150 is indirectly threaded onto the mouth 2a of the container body 2 via a seal member 190. More specifically, a female thread formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cap peripheral wall 51 of the inner cap 150 threads onto a male thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the seal member 190. When the seal member 190 is used as a component of the container body 2, the inner cap 150 is directly threaded onto the mouth of the container body 2. The inner cap top wall 53 of the inner cap 150 does not have the communicating tube portion 58 of the first embodiment, but has a fitting tube portion 158 in addition to the guide tube portion 54 and the holding tube portion 57. The fitting tube portion 158 extends downward from the inner cap top wall 53. The fitting tube portion 158 is fitted into the inside of the seal member 190 from above.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5 , a guide groove 140 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the guide tube portion 54. The guide grooves 140 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the guide tube portion 54 in one-to-one correspondence with the engaging protrusions 31a. In addition to the inclined grooves 41, longitudinal grooves 42, and lateral grooves 43 of the first embodiment, the guide groove 140 also has an intermediate groove 44. The intermediate groove 44 extends from the midpoint of the inclined groove 41 toward the loosening side and connects to the midpoint of the longitudinal groove 42. The intermediate portion is any point between both ends of the corresponding groove. In this embodiment, the intermediate groove 44 connects to a substantially midpoint between the first end 41a and the second end 41b of the inclined groove 41. The intermediate groove 44 extends parallel to the circumferential direction. The intermediate groove 44 is formed shallower than the inclined groove 41 and the longitudinal groove 42. More specifically, when the outer peripheral surface of the guide tube portion 54 is used as a reference, the depth of the intermediate groove 44 is shallower than the depths of the inclined groove 41 and the vertical groove 42 .

[0058] 4, two first circumferential direction restricting recesses 51a are formed circumferentially spaced apart on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cap peripheral wall 51. The first circumferential direction restricting recesses 51a have substantially the same configuration as the circumferential direction restricting recesses 51a of the first embodiment.

[0059] 6 and 7, the actuation member 130 has a rotation restricting portion 137. The rotation restricting portion 137 protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the actuation peripheral wall 31. Two rotation restricting portions 137 are provided, one on each side of the container axis O in the radial direction.

[0060] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the operating peripheral wall 31 has an engagement protrusion 31a and a back protrusion 31b. The engagement protrusion 31a is formed at a position facing the guide tube portion 54. The engagement protrusion 31a protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the operating peripheral wall 31 toward the guide tube portion 54. The multiple engagement protrusions 31a are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, a pair of engagement protrusions 31a are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The back protrusion 31b is provided on the back side of the engagement protrusion 31a. The back protrusion 31b protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the operating peripheral wall 31. The back protrusion 31b can be displaced integrally with the engagement protrusion 31a.

[0061] The engaging protrusion 31a is formed so as to be radially displaceable between a protruding position and a retracted position. The engaging protrusion 31a in the retracted position has a smaller radial protrusion length from the inner circumferential surface of the actuating peripheral wall 31 toward the guide tube portion 54 than the engaging protrusion 31a in the protruding position. For example, the engaging protrusion 31a is provided in a lever-like portion formed between the opening edge of a hole that radially penetrates the actuating peripheral wall 31 and the lower end edge of the actuating peripheral wall 31, and is elastically displaceable from the retracted position to the protruding position. In this embodiment, a recess 31c is provided around the engaging protrusion 31a on the inner circumferential surface of the actuating peripheral wall 31 to partially thin the actuating peripheral wall 31, forming the thin portion in a lever shape, thereby allowing the engaging protrusion 31a to be radially displaced between the protruding position and the retracted position.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5 , the engagement protrusion 31a is movably inserted into the guide groove 140. The engagement protrusion 31a is inserted into the inclined groove 41 in the protruding position, and is inserted shallower into the inclined groove 41 in the retracted position than in the protruding position. The engagement protrusion 31a in the retracted position is movable inside the entire guide groove 140. The engagement protrusion 31a in the protruding position is movable within the inclined groove 41 and the longitudinal groove 42. Because the intermediate groove 44 is shallower than the inclined groove 41 and the longitudinal groove 42, the engagement protrusion 31a in the retracted position is allowed to move within the intermediate groove 44, whereas the engagement protrusion 31a in the protruding position is restricted from moving within the intermediate groove 44. The engagement protrusion 31a in the protruding position is restricted from entering the intermediate groove 44 from the inclined groove 41 and the longitudinal groove 42 because its tip catches on both open edges of the intermediate groove 44. In other words, the opening peripheral portion 41d of the guide surface 41c of the inclined groove 41 on the tightening side of the intermediate groove 44 is an example of an "entry restriction portion" that allows the engaging protrusion 31a in the retracted position to enter the intermediate groove 44 from the inclined groove 41, and restricts the engaging protrusion 31a in the protruding position from the inclined groove 41 to enter the intermediate groove 44.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4 , the outer cap 110 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a lower cylindrical portion 111 and an upper cylindrical portion 114. The lower cylindrical portion 111 has a peripheral wall 112 and a top wall 113. The peripheral wall 112 is disposed so as to surround the inner cap peripheral wall 51. Two vertical ribs 13 extending downward are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 112. The vertical ribs 13 are inserted into the first circumferential direction restricting recess 51a of the inner cap 50. The top wall 113 is formed in an annular shape. The upper cylindrical portion 114 extends upward from the inner peripheral edge of the top wall 113. The upper cylindrical portion 114 is disposed so as to surround the operating peripheral wall 31. The upper end of the upper cylindrical portion 114 protrudes radially outward. The upper end surface of the upper cylindrical portion 114 is located below the upper surface of the operating top wall 32.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 6, the inner peripheral surface of the upper cylindrical portion 114 is formed with a second circumferential direction restricting recess 114a and a third circumferential direction restricting recess 114b.

[0065] 6 and 7, the second circumferential direction restricting recesses 114a are provided in the same number as the rotation restricting portions 137 of the inner cap 150 (two in this embodiment). The multiple second circumferential direction restricting recesses 114a are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. The second circumferential direction restricting recesses 114a extend continuously over the entire length of the upper tube portion 114 in the up-down direction. The rotation restricting portions 137 are inserted into the second circumferential direction restricting recesses 114a so as to be movable up and down.

[0066] As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, the third circumferential direction restricting recesses 114b are provided in the same number as the engagement protrusions 31a (two in this embodiment). The multiple third circumferential direction restricting recesses 114b are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. The third circumferential direction restricting recesses 114b are provided circumferentially offset with respect to the second circumferential direction restricting recesses 114a. The third circumferential direction restricting recesses 114b are formed in positions facing the back protrusions 31b. The third circumferential direction restricting recesses 114b extend continuously over the entire length of the upper tube portion 114 in the up-down direction, and extend circumferentially so as not to connect with the second circumferential direction restricting recesses 114a.

[0067] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, a fourth circumferential direction restricting recess 114c is formed on the bottom surface of the third circumferential direction restricting recess 114b facing radially inward. The fourth circumferential direction restricting recess 114c is provided at the lower end of the third circumferential direction restricting recess 114b. The fourth circumferential direction restricting recess 114c extends from the tightening side end of the third circumferential direction restricting recess 114b to the loosening side. The loosening side end of the fourth circumferential direction restricting recess 114c is located closer to the tightening side than the loosening side end of the third circumferential direction restricting recess 114b.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 7 , the outer cap 110 includes a protective wall 115 that protrudes upward from the upper cylindrical portion 114. The protective wall 115 protrudes upward from the inner peripheral edge of the upper end surface of the upper cylindrical portion 114. The upper end of the protective wall 115 is located below the upper surface of the actuating top wall 32. The protective wall 115 extends intermittently in the circumferential direction so as not to interfere with the center leg 194 (described later). The protective wall 115 is formed to include the area in the circumferential direction where the second circumferential direction restricting recess 114a is formed. The second circumferential direction restricting recess 114a extends continuously from the inner peripheral surface of the upper cylindrical portion 114 on the inner peripheral surface of the protective wall 115. The protective wall 115 blocks the upper end of the second circumferential direction restricting recess 114a from above so that the second circumferential direction restricting recess 114a does not open onto the upper end surface of the protective wall 115.

[0069] As shown in Figure 4, the dropper tube 160 is formed integrally with the inner cap 150. The dropper tube 160 extends downward from the edge of the upper opening of the holding tube portion 57 inside the inner cap top wall 53. The lower end of the dropper tube 160 protrudes downward beyond the fitting tube portion 158 of the inner cap 150. The upper opening of the dropper tube 160 can directly communicate with the working space S (see Figure 12).

[0070] The dropper container 101 includes a connecting tube 170 instead of the squeezing tube member 70 of the first embodiment. The connecting tube 170 is disposed coaxially with the container axis O. The connecting tube 170 is fitted into and fixed in the mouth portion 2a. The connecting tube 170 is formed integrally with a sealing member 190. The edge of the upper opening of the connecting tube 170 is connected to the inner peripheral edge of the sealing member 190. The lower opening of the connecting tube 170 is located inside the container body 2. A dropper tube 160 is inserted from above into the upper opening of the connecting tube 170. The lower end of the dropper tube 160 is fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the connecting tube 170. The lower opening of the dropper tube 160 communicates with the inside of the container body 2 through the lower opening of the connecting tube 170. A ball valve 171 is provided inside the connecting tube 170. Ball valve 171 is disposed below the lower end of dropper tube 160. Ball valve 171 is a check valve that allows the flow of liquid from inside container body 2 to inside dropper tube 160 and restricts the flow of liquid from inside dropper tube 160 to inside container body 2.

[0071] The dropper container 101 further includes a switching unit 180. The switching unit 180 includes a switching unit main body 181 and an operating unit 191, which are provided as separate members. The switching unit main body 181 and the operating unit 191 are circumferentially engaged with each other and are rotatable integrally with the actuating member 130 and the outer cap 110. The switching unit 180 can transition between a first state (the state shown in FIGS. 4 and 6) in which it is fully rotated toward the tightening side relative to the actuating member 130, and a second state (the state shown in FIGS. 13 and 14) in which it is fully rotated toward the loosening side relative to the actuating member 130. Unless otherwise specified, the first state of the switching unit 180 will be described below.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 11 , the switching unit main body 181 is an annular member disposed coaxially with the container axis O. The switching unit main body 181 is inserted between the guide tube portion 54 and the upper tube portion 114 of the outer cap 110 (see FIG. 4 ). The switching unit main body 181 includes a lower ring 182, an upper ring 183, a pushing plate portion 184, and a returning plate portion 185. The lower ring 182 is provided at the lower end of the switching unit main body 181. The lower ring 182 is formed in the shape of an annular plate with its thickness direction extending in the vertical direction. The upper ring 183 is provided at the upper end of the switching unit main body 181. The upper ring 183 is disposed at a distance from the lower ring 182 in the vertical direction. The inner diameter of the upper ring 183 is larger than the inner diameter of the lower ring 182.

[0073] The number of pressing plate portions 184 provided is the same as the number of engaging protrusions 31a (two in this embodiment). The multiple pressing plate portions 184 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. The pressing plate portions 184 are formed in a plate shape with their thickness direction in the radial direction, and extend in the up-down and circumferential directions. The pressing plate portions 184 are connected to the lower ring 182 and the upper ring 183. The pressing plate portions 184 extend downward with a constant width from the upper ring 183 to the lower ring 182. The radial thickness of the pressing plate portions 184 is approximately the same as the thickness of the upper ring 183 and is smaller than the radial width of the lower ring 182. The pressing plate portions 184 have a radial gap with respect to the inner peripheral edge of the lower ring 182 on the upper surface of the lower ring 182.

[0074] A plurality of fitting grooves 186 are provided in the circumferential direction at the upper end of the outer circumferential surface of each pressing plate portion 184. The fitting grooves 186 extend from the outer circumferential surface of the pressing plate portion 184 to the outer circumferential surface of the upper ring 183, and open at the upper end surface of the upper ring 183. However, the fitting grooves 186 may be formed only in the upper ring 183.

[0075] The return plate portions 185 are provided in the same number as the engaging protrusions 31a (two in this embodiment). The multiple return plate portions 185 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. The return plate portions 185 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction relative to the push-in plate portions 184. The return plate portions 185 are formed in a plate shape with their thickness direction in the radial direction, and extend in the vertical and circumferential directions. The return plate portions 185 are connected to the inner peripheral portion of the lower ring 182. The return plate portions 185 have a radial gap with respect to the outer circumferential edge of the lower ring 182 on the upper surface of the lower ring 182. The return plate portions 185 are arranged so as to be shifted radially relative to the push-in plate portions 184.

[0076] 7, the lower ring 182 is disposed between the inner cap top wall 53 and the lower end of the operating peripheral wall 31 of the operating member 130. The upper ring 183 is disposed above the upper cylindrical portion 114 of the outer cap 110 so as to surround the operating peripheral wall 31.

[0077] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the pushing plate portion 184 is disposed between the operating peripheral wall 31 of the operating member 130 and the upper tube portion 114 of the outer cap 110. The pushing plate portion 184 is in sliding contact with the rear projection 31b from the outside in the radial direction. The pushing plate portion 184 pushes the engaging projection 31a radially inward via the rear projection 31b, thereby holding the engaging projection 31a in a protruding position. The pushing plate portion 184 is disposed at the tightening side end of the third circumferential direction restricting recess 114b. The pushing plate portion 184 engages with the third circumferential direction restricting recess 114b, restricting movement on the tightening side. The pushing plate portion 184 can move through the third circumferential direction restricting recess 114b toward the loosening side. In the second state, the pushing plate portion 184 is located at the loosening side end of the third circumferential direction restricting recess 114b, and is engaged with the third circumferential direction restricting recess 114b to restrict movement on the loosening side (see FIG. 14).

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11 , the pressing plate 184 has a protrusion 184a that protrudes radially outward. The protrusion 184a is provided at the lower end of the pressing plate 184. The protrusion 184a is disposed at the tightening-side end of the fourth circumferential direction restricting recess 114c. The protrusion 184a can move the fourth circumferential direction restricting recess 114c toward the loosening side until the pressing plate 184 reaches the loosening-side end of the third circumferential direction restricting recess 114b. The protrusion 184a engages with the wall surface of the fourth circumferential direction restricting recess 114c from below, restricting upward movement of the switching unit main body 181 relative to the outer cap 110.

[0079] As shown in Figures 6 and 10, the return plate portion 185 is disposed between the operating peripheral wall 31 of the operating member 130 and the guide tube portion 54 of the inner cap 150. The return plate portion 185 is movable toward the loosening side in a region adjacent to the engagement protrusion 31a on the tightening side. In this embodiment, the return plate portion 185 is disposed at the tightening side end of the recess 31c on the inner peripheral surface of the operating peripheral wall 31. The return plate portion 185 engages with the recess 31c to restrict movement toward the tightening side. In the second state, the return plate portion 185 is adjacent to the engagement protrusion 31a from the tightening side (see Figure 14).

[0080] As shown in FIG. 8, the operating portion 191 is formed in a topped cylindrical shape having an operating peripheral wall 192 and an operating top wall 193. The operating portion 191 is arranged coaxially with the container axis O above the upper cylindrical portion 114 of the outer cap 110 so as to surround the actuating member 130 and the switching portion main body 181. The operating portion 191 is rotatable relative to the outer cap 110. The outer diameter of the operating peripheral wall 192 is smaller than the outer diameter of the upper end of the upper cylindrical portion 114. The operating peripheral wall 192 is arranged so as to surround the protective wall 115 of the outer cap 110 (see FIG. 7). The operating top wall 193 is formed in an annular shape. The upper end of the operating peripheral wall 31 is inserted into the inside of the operating top wall 193. The upper surface of the operating top wall 193 is located lower than the upper surface of the operating top wall 32. However, the upper surface of the operating top wall 193 may be substantially flush with the upper surface of the operating top wall 32. Furthermore, the upper surface of the operating top wall 193 may be located higher than the upper surface of the operating top wall 32 as long as it does not hinder the user from pressing down the operating member 130.

[0081] The operating portion 191 further includes center legs 194 extending downward from the operating top wall 193. The number of center legs 194 provided is the same as the number of engagement protrusions 31a (two in this embodiment). The multiple center legs 194 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction so as not to interfere with the protective wall 115 of the outer cap 110. The center legs 194 are provided at radially outer positions of the switching portion main body 181. The center legs 194 face the pushing plate portion 184 of the switching portion main body 181. The center legs 194 have fitting protrusions 194a that fit into fitting grooves 186 of the pushing plate portion 184, and are engaged with the switching portion main body 181 so as not to rotate relative to the switching portion main body 181.

[0082] 9, the middle leg 194 has a locking protrusion 194b that protrudes radially inward. The locking protrusion 194b is provided at a position offset in the circumferential direction from the pressing plate portion 184. The locking protrusion 194b is locked to the upper ring 183 from below, so that the upward movement of the operating portion 191 relative to the switching portion main body 181 is restricted.

[0083] The operation of the dropper container 1 configured as above will now be described. 4 and 6, the engaging protrusion 31a is in the protruding position. In the first state, the dropper container 101 operates in the same manner as the dropper container 101 of the first embodiment as follows. 4, when the outer cap 10 is rotated around the container axis O relative to the container body 2, the engaging protrusion 31a slides along the guide surface 41c of the inclined groove 41 and moves upward within the inclined groove 41 from the first end 41a toward the second end 41b toward the loosening side, as shown in FIG. 5. Because the engaging protrusion 31a is in the protruding position, when the engaging protrusion 31a passes through the connection point between the inclined groove 41 and the intermediate groove 44, the engaging protrusion 31a is prevented from entering the inclined groove 41 from within the inclined groove 41 into the intermediate groove 44 by the tightening-side opening peripheral portion 41d of the intermediate groove 44, and reaches the second end 41b of the inclined groove 41. In other words, when the switching part 180 is in the first state, the engaging protrusion 31a moves within the inclined groove 41 from the first end 41a to the second end 41b. When the engaging protrusion 31a moves from the first end 41a to the second end 41b within the inclined groove 41, the engaging protrusion 31a moves upward relative to the guide tube portion 54, causing the operating member 130 to rise and expanding the operating space S (see FIG. 12). The operating member 130 rises by the vertical movement distance of the engaging protrusion 31a from the first end 41a to the second end 41b within the inclined groove 41. At this time, the operating member 130 protrudes upward from the inside of the operation top wall 193 of the switching portion 180.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 12 , when the engaging protrusion 31a is positioned at the second end 41b of the inclined groove 41, the engaging protrusion 31a can move downward within the vertical groove 42 of the guide groove 40, thereby pressing down the upwardly protruding actuating member 130. Pressing down the actuating member 130 causes the engaging protrusion 31a to move within the vertical groove 42 toward the lower end 42a. Because the engaging protrusion 31a is in the protruding position, when the engaging protrusion 31a passes through the connection between the vertical groove 42 and the intermediate groove 44, the engaging protrusion 31a is prevented from entering the intermediate groove 44 from within the vertical groove 42 by the opening periphery 42b on the loosening side of the intermediate groove 44 on the inner surface of the vertical groove 42, and reaches the lower end 42a of the vertical groove 42. When the outer cap 110 and the actuating member 130 are then rotated toward the tightening side relative to the inner cap 50, the engaging protrusion 31a moves toward the tightening side within the horizontal groove 43 and returns to the first end 41a of the inclined groove 41.

[0085] When the operating portion 191 of the switching unit 180 is rotated from the first state in the loosening direction relative to the outer cap 110, the switching unit 180 enters the second state as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In the second state, the pushing plate portion 184 of the switching unit main body 181 moves the third circumferential direction restricting recess 114b toward the loosening side so as to retreat from a position facing the back protrusion 31b. This allows the back protrusion 31b to be displaced radially outward, and the engaging protrusion 31a elastically returns to the retracted position. At this time, the return plate portion 185 may move toward the loosening side so as to approach the engaging protrusion 31a, and may also push the tightening side portion (thin portion) of the engaging protrusion 31a on the operating peripheral wall 31 radially outward, returning the engaging protrusion 31a to the retracted position.

[0086] 13 and 14, when the outer cap 10 is rotated around the container axis O relative to the container body 2, the engaging protrusion 31a slides on the guide surface 41c of the inclined groove 41 and moves upward within the inclined groove 41 from the first end 41a toward the second end 41b toward the loosening side, as shown in Fig. 15. Because the engaging protrusion 31a is in the retracted position, when the engaging protrusion 31a reaches the connection point between the inclined groove 41 and the intermediate groove 44, it changes its moving direction to the loosening direction and enters the intermediate groove 44. In other words, when the switching part 180 is in the second state, the engaging protrusion 31a moves within the inclined groove 41 from the first end 41a to the connection point between the inclined groove 41 and the intermediate groove 44.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 16, when the engaging protrusion 31a enters the intermediate groove 44, the rising of the actuating member 130 and the expansion of the working space S stop. The actuating member 130 rises by the vertical movement distance of the engaging protrusion 31a within the inclined groove 41 from the first end 41a to the intermediate groove 44. In this way, by having the engaging protrusion 31a enter the intermediate groove 44, the expansion amount of the working space S is reduced compared to when the engaging protrusion 31a moves within the inclined groove 41 to the second end 41b (see FIGS. 12 and 16). Note that even when the switching unit 180 is in the second state, the actuating member 130 protrudes upward from the inside of the operation top wall 193 of the switching unit 180.

[0088] Thereafter, as the outer cap 10 continues to rotate, the engagement protrusion 31a moves within the intermediate groove 44, which extends in the circumferential direction (horizontal direction). The engagement protrusion 31a moves within the intermediate groove 44 without raising the operating member 130 and thereby without expanding the operating space S. After passing through the intermediate groove 44, the engagement protrusion 31a enters the vertical groove 42. When the engagement protrusion 31a is positioned within the vertical groove 42, the vertical rib 13 of the outer cap 10 engages with the circumferential direction restricting recess 51a of the inner cap 50. Therefore, the outer cap 10 and the inner cap 50 can rotate together, and the inner cap 50 can be removed from the mouth 2a of the container body 2 to which the seal member 190 is attached.

[0089] When the engaging protrusion 31a is positioned within the vertical groove 42, the engaging protrusion 31a can move downward within the vertical groove 42, and can therefore press down the upwardly protruding operating member 130. When the operating member 130 is pressed down, the engaging protrusion 31a moves within the vertical groove 42 toward the lower end 42a. Thereafter, when the outer cap 110 together with the operating member 130 is rotated in the tightening direction relative to the inner cap 50, the engaging protrusion 31a moves within the horizontal groove 43 in the tightening direction and returns to the first end 41a of the inclined groove 41.

[0090] In this way, by positioning the engaging protrusion 31a in the retracted position, the amount of expansion of the operating space S can be reduced, and the amount of the contents of the container body 2 sucked up by the dropper tube 160 can be reduced, compared to when the engaging protrusion 31a is positioned in the protruding position.

[0091] When the switching unit 180 in the second state is rotated toward the tightening side, the return plate 185 moves toward the tightening side away from the engaging protrusion 31a, and the pushing plate 184 moves toward the rear protrusion 31b, moving the third circumferential direction restricting recess 114b toward the tightening side. When the switching unit 180 continues to rotate with the pushing plate 184 in contact with the rear protrusion 31b, the pushing plate 184 slides against the rear protrusion 31b and pushes the rear protrusion 31b radially inward. This transition of the switching unit 180 from the second state to the first state moves the engaging protrusion 31a from the retracted position to the extended position. As a result, dropper container 101 is obtained in which the amount of content that can be sucked up can be changed by rotating switching part 180.

[0092] The intermediate groove 44 is formed shallower than the inclined groove 41. The engaging protrusion 31a in the retracted position is allowed to move within the intermediate groove 44, while the engaging protrusion 31a in the protruding position is restricted from moving within the intermediate groove 44. With this configuration, the engaging protrusion 31a in the retracted position is allowed to enter the intermediate groove 44, while the engaging protrusion 31a in the protruding position is restricted from entering the intermediate groove 44. Therefore, the above-mentioned operational effects can be achieved.

[0093] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment explained with reference to the drawings, and various modifications are possible within the technical scope of the present invention. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the engaging projection 31a is provided on the operating peripheral wall 31 and the guide grooves 40, 140 are formed in the guide tube portion 54, but this configuration is not limited thereto. That is, the engaging projection may be provided on the guide tube portion and the guide groove may be formed on the operating peripheral wall. In this case, the inclined groove extends downward and toward the tightening side from the first end toward the second end, the vertical groove extends upward from the second end of the inclined groove, and the horizontal groove extends from the upper end of the vertical groove toward the loosening side and connects to the first end of the inclined groove.

[0094] In each of the above-described embodiments, the restricting portion 55 has the top surface 55b, but is not limited to this configuration. That is, the restricting portion does not have to have a top surface, and for example, the inclined surface and the side surface may be connected to each other.

[0095] In the second embodiment, the intermediate groove 44 extends parallel to the circumferential direction, but the extending direction of the intermediate groove may be inclined relative to the circumferential direction. That is, the intermediate groove may extend upward and toward the looser side or downward and toward the looser side from the middle of the inclined groove 41. Even in these cases, the above-described advantageous effects can be achieved as long as the intermediate groove is connected to the middle of the inclined groove 41 and the middle of the longitudinal groove 42.

[0096] In the second embodiment, the entire intermediate groove 44 is formed shallower than the inclined groove 41, but this configuration is not limiting. As long as it is possible to restrict the engagement protrusion 31a in the protruding position from entering the intermediate groove, for example, only the end of the intermediate groove on the inclined groove 41 side may be formed shallower.

[0097] In addition, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the above-described embodiments and variations may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,101...Droplet container 2...Container body 2a...Mouth portion 10,110...Outer cap 30,130...Operating member 31...Operating peripheral wall (first cylindrical portion) 31a...Engaging protrusion 40,140...Guide groove 41...Inclined groove 41a...First end portion 41b...Second end portion 41d...Opening peripheral portion (entry restricting portion) 42...Vertical groove 42a...Lower end portion (third end portion) 43...Horizontal groove 44...Intermediate groove 50,150...Inner cap 54...Guide cylindrical portion (second cylindrical portion) 55...Restricting portion 55a...Inclined surface 55c...Side surface 60,160...Droplet tube 180...Switching portion O...Container axis S...Operating space

Claims

1. a cylindrical container body with a bottom that accommodates contents; an inner cap detachably screwed onto the opening of the container body; a dropper tube extending downward from the inner cap and having a lower end opening located within the container body; an outer cap attached to the inner cap so as to be rotatable about the container axis while being restricted from rotating about the container axis by a predetermined amount or more; an actuating member provided within the outer cap, the actuating member being restricted in its rotation about the container axis relative to the outer cap, communicating with the upper end opening of the dropper tube, and defining an actuating space which expands and contracts in accordance with the actuating member's vertical movement relative to the inner cap; Equipped with The actuating member has an actuating peripheral wall extending in the container axial direction, the inner cap has a guide tube portion extending in the container axial direction and facing the operating peripheral wall in the radial direction, a first cylindrical portion, which is one of the operating peripheral wall and the guide cylindrical portion, has an engagement projection that projects toward a second cylindrical portion, which is the other of the operating peripheral wall and the guide cylindrical portion; The second cylindrical portion is formed with a guide groove into which the engaging protrusion is movably inserted, The guide groove is an inclined groove having a first end and a second end, the inclined groove extending in one direction of the container axis from the first end toward the second end in a first direction in the circumferential direction around the container axis; a longitudinal groove having a third end portion and extending in the other direction of the container axis from the second end portion of the inclined groove toward the third end portion; a lateral groove extending in the second circumferential direction from the third end of the longitudinal groove to connect to the first end of the inclined groove; Equipped with the second tubular portion includes a restricting portion that allows the engaging projection to move in the lateral groove in the second direction and restricts the engaging projection from entering the lateral groove from the inclined groove, When the outer cap together with the actuating member is rotated around the container axis relative to the inner cap in the loosening direction, the engagement protrusion is prevented from entering the lateral groove by the restricting portion, and moves within the inclined groove from the first end toward the second end, thereby lifting the actuating member. Dropper container.

2. the restricting portion is provided in the lateral groove, protrudes into the lateral groove, and is elastically deformed away from the first cylindrical portion to be retractable from within the lateral groove, The restriction portion is an inclined surface facing the first cylindrical portion in the radial direction and extending toward the first cylindrical portion in the radial direction from the third end portion toward the second direction; a side surface that faces the second direction and extends in the first direction toward one side of the container axial direction, and defines the inclined groove; having The dropper container according to claim 1 .

3. The restricting portion is formed in a lever shape that is cantilevered with the end portion in the first direction as a base end. The dropper container according to claim 2.

4. the engaging projection is formed to be displaceable in the radial direction between a protruding position where the engaging projection is inserted into the inclined groove and a retracted position where the engaging projection is inserted shallower into the inclined groove than the protruding position, The dropper container further includes a switching portion that engages with the engaging protrusion to switch the position of the engaging protrusion between the protruding position and the retracted position, The guide groove further includes a middle groove extending from a middle portion of the inclined groove in the first direction of the circumferential direction and connecting to the longitudinal groove, the second tubular portion includes an entry restriction portion that allows the engaging projection, which is in the retracted position, to enter the intermediate groove from inside the inclined groove and restricts the engaging projection, which is in the protruding position, from entering the intermediate groove from inside the inclined groove. The dropper container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The intermediate groove is formed shallower than the inclined groove, The engaging protrusion in the retracted position is allowed to move within the intermediate groove, The engagement protrusion in the protruding position is restricted from moving within the intermediate groove. The dropper container according to claim 4.

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