Powder container

Abstract

To provide a powder container capable of improving operability when powder is taken out.SOLUTION: A powder container according to an aspect of the present invention includes an inner container, an outer container, an elastically displaceable inner lid that closes an upper end opening of the inner container, and a lid body that is detachably attached to the outer container by a rotation operation between a closed position and an open position. The lid body includes an engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion of the inner lid around the container axis to rotate the inner lid with respect to the outer container as the lid body is rotated. The inner lid is rotatable between a restriction position where downward movement with respect to the restriction portion is restricted by overlapping with the restriction portion of the outer container when the lid body is in the closed position and an allowable position where downward movement with respect to the restriction portion is allowed by retreating from the restriction portion when the lid body is in the open position. The outer container includes a climb-over portion over which the climbed over portion of the inner lid can climb around the container axis along with the movement of the inner lid between the restricted position and the allowed position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A known powder container has a configuration comprising a cylindrical container body with a bottom that contains powder, and an inner lid that has an outlet hole through which the powder passes and closes the upper opening of the container body (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). To remove the powder from this type of powder container, for example, the container is turned upside down with a puff or the like pressed against the inner lid, causing the powder that has passed through the discharge holes to adhere to the puff or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-57849 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned prior art, there is still room for improvement in terms of operability when taking out the powder.

[0005] The present invention provides a powder container that can improve the operability when taking out powder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following aspects. A powder container according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a cylindrical inner container with a bottom for containing powder, an outer container in which the inner container is housed, an inner lid having a discharge hole formed at a position vertically facing an upper opening of the inner container and capable of elastically deforming to close the upper opening of the inner container, and a lid body detachably provided on the outer container by rotating the lid body about a container axis along the vertical direction relative to the outer container between a closed position in which the discharge hole is closed and an open position in which the discharge hole is open, and the lid body engages with an engaging portion provided on the inner lid about the container axis by rotating the lid body relative to the outer container between the closed position and the open position. The inner lid is provided with an engaging portion that engages with the engaging portion to rotate the inner lid relative to the outer container, and the inner lid is rotatable between a restricting position where downward movement relative to the restricting portion is restricted by overlapping with a restricting portion provided on the outer container when viewed from the vertical direction when the lid body is in the closed position, and an allowable position where downward movement relative to the restricting portion is allowed by retracting the inner lid from the restricting portion when viewed from the vertical direction when the lid body is in the open position, and the outer container is provided with a crossing portion that can be crossed by a cross-over portion provided on the inner lid around the container axis as the inner lid moves between the restricting position and the allowable position.

[0007] According to this aspect, when the inner lid is moved to the allowable position and then pushed down, the inner lid elastically deforms. As a result, the powder contained in the inner container approaches the discharge hole, and the powder reaches the upper surface of the inner lid through the discharge hole. This allows the powder to be dispensed from the upper surface of the inner lid. In this case, the amount of powder that passes through the discharge hole corresponds to the amount the inner lid is pushed down. This makes it easier to dispense the desired amount of powder than conventional configurations that require the powder container itself to be inverted upside down to dispense the powder. As a result, the operability of dispensing the powder is improved. In addition, in this aspect, the downward movement of the inner lid can be switched between a restricting position that restricts downward movement of the inner lid and a permitting position that permits downward movement of the inner lid in response to the opening and closing operation of the lid body, so that downward movement of the inner lid relative to the restricting portion can be restricted when the lid body is in the closed position. This can prevent the powder from leaking when not in use.

[0008] Here, in this embodiment, the outer container is configured to have a climbing portion that can be climbed over by the climbed-over portion provided on the inner lid around the container axis as the inner lid moves between the restricted position and the allowed position. According to this configuration, even if the inner lid attempts to rotate circumferentially toward the restricted position when the inner lid is in the permitted position to dispense powder, the overcome portion abuts against the overcome portion in the circumferential direction. This causes the overcome portion to resist the rotation of the inner lid toward the restricted position in the circumferential direction. This prevents the inner lid from unexpectedly rotating from the permitted position to the restricted position. Therefore, when portions of the inner lid and the restricting portion overlap each other when viewed from above, the inner lid is prevented from being pushed down, preventing malfunction of the inner lid. As a result, a powder container can be provided that improves operability when dispensing powder.

[0009] In the powder container of the above aspect, it is preferable that the upper surface of the regulating portion is formed as an inclined surface that extends downward as it moves away from the container axis, the inner lid has a protruding portion that overlaps with the regulating portion when viewed from the top and bottom when in the regulating position, and the lower surface of the protruding portion is formed as an inclined surface that extends downward as it moves away from the container axis. For example, in a configuration in which the inner lid rotates between a regulated position and an allowable position as the lid body is opened and closed, when the lid body is opened, the engagement between the engaged portion and the engaging portion may come off at an unexpected position, causing the inner lid to stop in a state in which parts of the protruding portion and the regulated portion overlap when viewed from the top and bottom. In contrast, according to this aspect, when an attempt is made to push down the inner lid with the protruding portion and the restricting portion partially overlapping each other when viewed from above, the inclined surfaces of the protruding portion and the restricting portion engage with each other in the radial direction, restricting radial movement of the inner lid relative to the outer container. Furthermore, as the inner lid moves downward, the inclined surface of the protruding portion slides along the inclined surface of the restricting portion, guiding the inner lid radially outward. As a result, the protruding portion is prevented from moving radially inward relative to the restricting portion. Therefore, malfunction of the inner lid is suppressed, providing a powder container with excellent operability.

[0010] In the powder container of the above aspect, a guide groove is formed on the outer container at a position adjacent to the regulating portion around the container axis, which guides the downward movement of the protruding portion when the inner lid is in the allowable position, and the protruding portion constitutes the portion to be overcome, and it is preferable that the overcome portion is provided at the boundary between the regulating portion and the guide groove around the container axis on the outer container. According to this aspect, when the inner lid is in the allowable position, the overhanging portion and the projection portion do not engage with each other, which prevents the overhanging portion from interfering with the operation of pushing down the inner lid. This prevents a decrease in operability due to the addition of the overhanging portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the aspects of the present invention, the operability when removing powder can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the powder container showing the lid in a closed position. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the powder container showing the inner lid in a restricted position. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion corresponding to part III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the powder container showing the lid in an open position. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the powder container showing the inner lid in the permitted position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of a portion corresponding to the VI portion of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 10 is an explanatory diagram (cross-sectional view) of the operation of the powder container for explaining a method of taking out powder. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is an explanatory diagram (cross-sectional view) of the operation of the powder container for explaining a method of taking out powder. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is an explanatory diagram (cross-sectional view) of the operation of the powder container for explaining a method of taking out powder. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The powder container 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an outer container 10, a cartridge 11, and a lid 12. The outer container 10, the cartridge 11, and the lid 12 are all formed in a cylindrical shape and arranged coaxially with a common axis. Hereinafter, the 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. In the up-down direction, the top wall 51b side of the lid 12 will be referred to as the upper side, and the bottom wall 25 side of the outer container 10 will be referred to as the lower side. In addition, the direction intersecting the container axis O when viewed from the up-down direction 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.

[0014] The outer container 10 includes a cartridge receiving portion 21 and an outer tube 22 . The cartridge accommodating portion 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom and disposed coaxially with the container axis O. Specifically, the cartridge accommodating portion 21 includes a bottom wall 25 and a peripheral wall 26 extending upward from the outer periphery of the bottom wall 25. An external thread portion 26a is formed on the upper portion of the peripheral wall 26.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a recess 26b is formed in the upper part of the peripheral wall 26. The recess 26b extends in the circumferential direction and is open radially inward and upward. In the example shown, a plurality of recesses 26b (e.g., three) are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. A restricting portion 26c is formed inside the recess 26b. The restricting portion 26c protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the recess 26b.

[0016] The lower end of the restricting portion 26c is continuous with the bottom surface of the recess 26b. However, the lower edge of the restricting portion 26c may be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the recess 26b. The upper surface of the restricting portion 26c is located below the upper opening edge of the peripheral wall 26. The restricting portion 26c extends in the circumferential direction within the recess 26b. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 26c is formed from one circumferential end surface of the recess 26b to the circumferential center.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, an inclined surface 26d is formed on the upper surface of the restricting portion 26c. In a cross-sectional view along the up-down direction, the inclined surface 26d extends downward as it moves radially outward. In this embodiment, the inclined surface 26d is formed on the entire upper surface of the restricting portion 26c in the circumferential and radial directions. However, the inclined surface 26d may be formed on a portion of the upper surface of the restricting portion 26c. When the inclined surface 26d is formed on a portion of the upper surface, it is preferable that the inclined surface 26d be continuous with at least the inner circumferential edge of the upper surface of the restricting portion 26c in the radial direction. Furthermore, when the inclined surface 26d is formed on a portion of the upper surface of the restricting portion 26c, it is preferable that the inclined surface 26d be continuous with the other circumferential end of the upper surface of the restricting portion 26c in the circumferential direction.

[0018] 1, 2, and 9, the portion of recess 26b extending from the circumferential center to the other circumferential end face defines guide groove 26e. Guide groove 26e is a portion of recess 26b surrounded by the other circumferential end face and restricting portion 26c. Guide groove 26e extends in the circumferential direction and is open radially inward and upward.

[0019] A portion of recess 26b located above restricting portion 26c and guide groove 26e constitutes circumferential groove 26f. Circumferential groove 26f is formed over the entire circumferential direction of recess 26b, spanning restricting portion 26c and guide groove 26e in the circumferential direction. Circumferential groove 26f communicates with guide groove 26e at the other circumferential end.

[0020] 1, the outer tube 22 is continuous with the vertically middle portion of the peripheral wall 26. The outer tube 22 surrounds the lower portion of the peripheral wall 26 over the entire periphery.

[0021] The cartridge 11 is detachably housed in the outer container 10 (cartridge housing portion 21). The cartridge 11 houses powder. Examples of the powder include loose powder and baby powder. The cartridge 11 includes an inner container 31 and an inner lid 32.

[0022] The inner container 31 includes a powder containing section 31a and a mounting cylinder 31b. The powder storage portion 31a is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The powder storage portion 31a is made of a softer material than the outer container 10 and the inner lid 32 and is elastically deformable. In this embodiment, the powder storage portion 31a is integrally formed with the mounting tube 31b and made of an elastically deformable soft material, such as elastomer. In addition, the powder storage portion 31a is formed thinner than the outer container 10 and the mounting tube 31b, making it more susceptible to elastic deformation than the outer container 10 and the mounting tube 31b. Note that the powder storage portion 31a may have a configuration in which at least the peripheral wall is elastically deformable. The powder storage portion 31a may also be made of a rubber member, such as silicone rubber.

[0023] The mounting cylinder 31b protrudes upward from the edge of the upper opening of the powder containing portion 31a and extends around the entire periphery of the powder containing portion 31a.

[0024] The inner lid 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom and arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The inner lid 32 is held inside the cartridge accommodating section 21 so as to be rotatable around the container axis O relative to the outer container 10. The inner lid 32 includes a base tube 41, a sealing tube 42, and a closing plate 43. The base tube 41 extends in the vertical direction along the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 26. The attachment tube 31b is fitted into the inside of the lower part of the base tube 41 from below. That is, the upper part of the base tube 41 protrudes upward relative to the inner container 31. The inner container 31 may be connected to the inner lid 32 so as to be rotatable around the container axis O, or may be connected to the inner lid 32 so as not to be rotatable (but rotatable integrally with the inner lid 32).

[0025] The seal tube 42 extends downward after projecting radially inward from the vertical center of the base tube 41. The seal tube 42 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the mounting tube 31b. The closing plate 43 closes the upper opening of the powder containing section 31a. The outer peripheral edge of the closing plate 43 is continuous with the lower opening edge of the sealing tube 42. The inner peripheral portion of the closing plate 43 forms a thin-walled portion 43a that is thinner than the outer peripheral portion. In other words, the thin-walled portion 43a is more easily elastically deformed than the outer peripheral portion of the closing plate 43.

[0026] 2, a plurality of discharge holes 43b are formed in the closure plate 43. In the example shown, the discharge holes 43b are formed in the thin-walled portion 43a at intervals from one another in the radial and circumferential directions.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the space of inner lid 32 above closure plate 43 and surrounded by base tube 41 and seal tube 42 defines applicator accommodating space S1. Applicator accommodating space S1 is open upward. An applicator P such as a puff can be accommodated in applicator accommodating space S1. In applicator accommodating space S2, applicator P is placed on closure plate 43 so as to close discharge hole 43b from above.

[0028] Here, the inner lid 32 has a protruding portion (a portion to be climbed over) 44 that protrudes radially outward from the upper portion of the base tube 41. Specifically, a plurality of protruding portions 44 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction corresponding to each recessed portion 26b in a portion of the base tube 41 that is located above the restricting portion 26c. The lower portions of the protruding portions 44 are housed in each recessed portion 26b (circumferential groove 26f), while the upper portions protrude upward relative to the outer container 10 (circumferential wall 26). The circumferential dimension of the protruding portions 44 is equal to or smaller than the circumferential dimension of the guide groove 26e.

[0029] In this embodiment, as the inner lid 32 rotates relative to the outer container 10, the protruding portion 44 moves between a restricted position (see FIGS. 1 and 2) where it overlaps the restricting portion 26c in a plan view and an allowed position (see FIGS. 4 and 5) where it overlaps the guide groove 26e in a plan view. In the restricted position, the protruding portion 44 abuts at least a portion of the restricting portion 26c from above, thereby restricting downward movement of the inner lid 32 relative to the outer container 10. On the other hand, in the allowed position, the entire protruding portion 44 retracts from the restricting portion 26c in a plan view, thereby allowing downward movement of the inner lid 32 due to the restricting portion 26c. In other words, in the allowed position, the inner lid 32 is configured to be elastically displaceable in the vertical direction relative to the outer container 10 by the elastic force of the inner container 31, so that the protruding portion 44 moves forward and backward relative to the guide groove 26e from above.

[0030] An engaged portion 44a is formed on the protruding portion 44. The engaged portion 44a is, for example, a rough surface with a flat knurled pattern facing outward in the radial direction. The engaged portion 44a is formed over the entire circumferential length of the protruding portion 44. In the example shown, the engaged portion 44a forms a rough surface by forming a series of arcuate surfaces that are convex radially inward in the circumferential direction. The engaged portion 44a may be formed on a part of the protruding portion 44.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, an inclined surface 44b is formed on the underside of the protruding portion 44. In a cross-sectional view along the up-down direction, the inclined surface 44b extends downward as it moves radially outward. In this embodiment, the inclined surface 44b is formed over the entire circumferential and radial areas of the underside of the protruding portion 44. However, the inclined surface 44b may be formed on a portion of the underside of the protruding portion 44. When the inclined surface 44b is formed on a portion of the underside of the protruding portion 44, it is preferable that the inclined surface 44b be continuous with at least the outer circumferential edge of the underside of the protruding portion 44 in the radial direction. Furthermore, when the inclined surface 44b is formed on a portion of the underside of the protruding portion 44, it is preferable that the inclined surface 44b be continuous with one circumferential end of the upper surface of the protruding portion 44 in the circumferential direction.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 , a crossing portion 80 is formed in the recess 26b of the outer container 10 (peripheral wall 26). The crossing portion 80 is a protrusion that can be crossed in the circumferential direction by the protruding portion 44 when the inner lid 32 moves between the restricting position and the allowable position. The crossing portion 80 protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the recess 26b. The radial protrusion amount of the crossing portion 80 is smaller than the protrusion amount of the restricting portion 26c. The crossing portion 80 is formed circumferentially across the boundary portion between the restricting portion 26c and the guide groove 26e on the inner circumferential surface of the recess 26b. The crossing portion 80 extends vertically across the entire recess 26b. In this case, the crossing portion 80 is formed vertically across the entire circumferential groove 26f and the entire guide groove 26e.

[0033] The overhanging portion 80 is formed in a semicircular shape that is convex radially inward when viewed from the top-bottom direction. In the illustrated example, the radius of curvature of one circumferential side of the overhanging portion 80 is smaller than the radius of curvature of the other circumferential side. However, the shape of the overhanging portion 80 is not limited to a semicircular shape and can be modified as appropriate, such as to a polygonal shape.

[0034] 1, the lid body 12 is detachably attached to the outer container 10. The lid body 12 includes a lid main body 51 and a contact tube 52. The lid body 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a top, having a peripheral wall 51a and a top wall 51b. An internal thread 51c is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 51a. The lid body 12 is configured to be detachable from the outer container 10 by threading the internal thread 51c onto the external thread 26a of the outer container 10. That is, the lid body 12 can move up and down relative to the outer container 10 as the lid body 12 is rotated relative to the outer container 10. When the lid body 12 is in the closed position attached to the outer container 10, the lid body 51 indirectly blocks the discharge hole 43b by blocking the upper opening of the outer container 10. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , when the lid body 12 is in the open position detached from the outer container 10, the lid body 51 opens the discharge hole 43b. Note that the lid body 12 may directly block the discharge hole 43b when in the closed position.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the abutment tube 52 extends downward from a position on the top wall 51b where it overlaps with the peripheral wall 26 in a plan view. The abutment tube 52 is disposed coaxially with the container axis O. When the lid body 12 is in the closed position, the abutment tube 52 surrounds the periphery of the inner lid 32 in a plan view and abuts against the upper opening edge of the peripheral wall 26 from above. This blocks communication between the inside and outside of the powder container 1. When the lid body 12 is in the closed position, a gap is provided between the top wall 51b and the inner lid 32 (base tube 41).

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an engaging portion 52a is formed on the abutment tube 52. The engaging portion 52a is, for example, a knurled uneven surface facing radially inward. In the example shown, the engaging portion 52a is formed by a series of arcuate surfaces that are convex radially inward and extend in the circumferential direction, thereby forming an uneven surface. The engaging portion 52a is formed around the entire circumference of the abutment tube 52. However, the engaging portion 52a may be formed on only a portion of the abutment tube 52. It is preferable that the radial protrusion of the engaging portion 52a from the abutment tube 52 be greater than the radial protrusion of the overriding portion 80 from the inner circumferential surface of the recess 26b.

[0037] The engaging portion 52a engages with or disengages from the engaged portion 44a as the lid body 12 is attached to or detached from the outer container 10. Specifically, when the lid body 12 moves from the open position to the closed position, the engaging portion 52a and the engaged portion 44a engage in the circumferential direction as the lid body 12 rotates and descends relative to the outer container 10. After the engaging portion 52a and the engaged portion 44a engage, the inner lid 32 rotates circumferentially to one side together with the lid body 12 as the lid body 12 moves further toward the closed position. As a result, the inner lid 32 moves from the allowing position to the restricting position as the lid body 12 moves from the open position to the closed position. When the lid body 12 moves from the closed position to the open position, the inner lid 32 rotates together with the lid body 12 in the other circumferential direction. As a result, the inner lid 32 moves from the restricting position to the allowing position as the lid body 12 moves from the closed position to the open position. Furthermore, after the inner lid 32 moves to the restricting position, as the lid body 12 moves further toward the open position, the engagement portion 52a and the engaged portion 44a are disengaged from each other as the lid body 12 rotates and rises relative to the outer container 10.

[0038] Next, we will explain how to use the above-mentioned powder container 1. In the following explanation, the initial state is when the lid body 12 is in the closed position and the inner lid 32 is in the restricted position. To dispense powder from the powder container 1, the lid 12 is first moved from the closed position to the open position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 . Specifically, when the lid 12 is rotated in the other circumferential direction relative to the outer container 10, the lid 12 rises while rotating in the other circumferential direction, and the inner lid 32 rotates in the other circumferential direction together with the lid 12. This causes the inner lid 32 to move from the restricting position to the allowing position. Note that, as the inner lid 32 moves from the restricting position to the allowing position, the uneven surface of the engaged portion 44a sequentially overcomes the overhanging portion 80. Therefore, when the inner lid 32 moves to the allowing position, one circumferential end of the protruding portion 44 is in proximity to or abuts against the overhanging portion 80 in the circumferential direction. In this case, the protruding portion 44 abuts against the overhanging portion 80 from the other circumferential side, preventing the inner lid 32 from returning to the restricting position.

[0039] After the inner lid 32 has moved to the allowable position, the lid body 12 is further rotated to the other circumferential side. At this time, the protruding portion 44 abuts against the surface of the recessed portion 26b (circumferential groove 26f) facing one circumferential side, thereby restricting rotation of the inner lid 32 relative to the outer container 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7 , after the inner lid 32 has moved to the allowable position, the lid body 12 rises while rotating to the other circumferential side relative to the outer container 10 and the inner lid 32. At this time, the lid body 12 rotates relative to the outer container 10 while the uneven surface of the engaging portion 52a rides over the uneven surface of the engaged portion 44a. As a result, the engagement between the engaging portion 52a and the engaged portion 44a is released, and the lid body 12 is removed from the outer container 10. As a result, the cover 12 moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0040] Next, as shown in FIG. 8 , the closure plate 43 is pressed down via the applicator P. This causes the inner lid 32 to move downward relative to the outer container 10. That is, because the entire protruding portion 44 overlaps with the guide groove 26e (but not with the restricting portion 26c) in the permitted position, the protruding portion 44 descends within the guide groove 26e, thereby allowing the inner lid 32 to move downward. This causes the inner container 31 to be pressed down via the inner lid 32, resulting in elastic deformation of the inner container 31 (powder containing portion 31a). This causes the closure plate 43 to approach the powder contained in the inner container 31. As a result, the powder reaches the upper surface of the closure plate 43 through the discharge hole 43b, and the powder adheres to the applicator P. The user of the powder container 1 can apply the powder adhering to the applicator P to the application target. When the applicator P is released from the pressure, the inner container 31 returns to its original shape. Then, the protruding portion 44 moves upward in the guide groove 26e, causing the inner lid 32 to move upward relative to the outer container 10. As a result, the protruding portion 44 retreats from the guide groove 26e and returns to the circumferential groove 26f.

[0041] When the closure plate 43 is pressed down via the applicator P with the cartridge 11 (inner lid 32) in the permitted position, a force may act on the inner lid 32 not only in the vertical direction but also in a direction intersecting the vertical direction (radial or circumferential direction). For example, when a force acts on one side of the circumferential direction on the inner lid 32, the cartridge 11 tends to rotate to one side of the circumferential direction (toward the restricting position) relative to the outer container 10. If the cartridge 11 were to rotate to one side of the circumferential direction, the protruding portion 44 and a portion of the restricting portion 26c would overlap each other when viewed from the vertical direction. Furthermore, if a radial force acts on the inner lid 32 when the closure plate 43 is pressed down, the protruding portion 44 may get caught between the restricting portion 26c and the base tube 41. In particular, in a configuration in which the cartridge 11 rotates between the restricting position and the permitted position as the lid 12 is opened and closed, as in the powder container 1 of this embodiment, a gap must be secured between the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge 11 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer container 10. Therefore, the protruding portion 44 is likely to get caught inside the restricting portion 26c. In this case, the friction between the protruding portion 44 and the restricting portion 26c may prevent the inner lid 32 from returning to its upward position, which may cause malfunction of the cartridge 11.

[0042] Therefore, in this embodiment, a climbing portion 80 is provided at the boundary between the restricting portion 26c and the guide groove 26e. Therefore, when the cartridge 11 attempts to rotate from the permitted position to one side in the circumferential direction, the protruding portion 44 abuts against the climbing portion 80. As a result, the climbing portion 80 acts as a resistance to the rotation of the cartridge 11 to one side in the circumferential direction, and the rotation of the cartridge 11 to one side in the circumferential direction is suppressed.

[0043] Next, we consider the case where, during the process of the lid body 12 moving from the closed position to the open position, the engagement between the engaging portion 52a and the engaged portion 44a comes off at an unexpected position, causing the cartridge 11 to stop in a state where the protruding portion 44 and a portion of the restricting portion 26c overlap each other when viewed from the top and bottom (when the lid body 12 is in the open position). In this case, if a radial force acts on the inner lid 32 as described above, there is a possibility that the protruding portion 44 will get caught between the restricting portion 26c and the base tube 41.

[0044] Therefore, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the restricting portion 26c and the lower surface of the protruding portion 44 are formed as inclined surfaces 26d, 44b that extend downward as they extend radially outward. As a result, the inner peripheral edge of the inclined surface 26d and the outer peripheral edge of the inclined surface 44b are caught in the radial direction, thereby restricting radial movement of the inner lid 32 relative to the outer container 10. Furthermore, as the inner lid 32 moves downward, the inclined surface 44b slides on the inclined surface 26d, guiding the inner lid 32 radially outward. As a result, the protruding portion 44 is prevented from getting caught between the restricting portion 26c and the base tube 41.

[0045] After applying the powder, the lid body 12 is returned from the open position to the closed position. Specifically, when the lid body 12 is rotated in one circumferential direction relative to the outer container 10, the lid body 12 descends while rotating in one circumferential direction. As the lid body 12 descends while rotating, the engaging portion 52a engages with the engaged portion 44a. When the lid body 12 is further rotated with the engaging portion 52a and the engaged portion 44a engaged, the inner lid 32 rotates in one circumferential direction together with the lid body 12. This causes the protruding portion 44 to move from the allowable position to the restricted position. Note that, as the inner lid 32 moves from the allowable position to the restricted position, the uneven surface of the engaged portion 44a sequentially overcomes the overhanging portion 80. Therefore, when the inner lid 32 moves to the restricted position, the other circumferential end of the protruding portion 44 approaches or abuts the overhanging portion 80 in the circumferential direction.

[0046] Thereafter, the abutment tube 52 abuts against the upper opening edge of the peripheral wall 26 from above the peripheral wall 26, causing the lid body 12 to move to the closed position. Note that, at the restricted position, the protruding portion 44 abuts against the surface of the recessed portion 26b (circumferential groove 26f) facing the other circumferential side, thereby restricting rotation of the inner lid 32 relative to the outer container 10. Therefore, after the inner lid 32 moves to the restricted position, the lid body 12 rotates relative to the outer container 10 while the uneven surface of the engaging portion 52a rides over the uneven surface of the engaged portion 44a.

[0047] By moving the inner lid 32 to the restricted position, downward movement of the inner lid 32 relative to the outer container 10 is restricted when the lid body 12 is in the closed position. Therefore, when not in use, elastic deformation of the inner container 31 is restricted, and powder is restricted from passing through the discharge hole 43b.

[0048] 9, as the powder removal operation is repeatedly performed using the above-described method, the volume of powder in powder storage unit 31a decreases, causing the peripheral wall of powder storage unit 31a to elastically deform more. As this occurs, the peripheral wall of powder storage unit 31a may fold into an accordion-like shape, potentially creating a gap S2 between closure plate 43 and the bottom wall of powder storage unit 31a. If the remaining amount of powder becomes so low that the volume of the powder is smaller than the dimension of gap S2, simply pushing down inner lid 32 may prevent the powder from passing through discharge hole 43b.

[0049] Therefore, in this embodiment, the inner peripheral portion of the closure plate 43 is configured as a thin portion 43a that is easily elastically deformed. Therefore, after the inner lid 32 is pressed down, when the closure plate 43 is further pressed in via the applicator P, the closure plate 43 is bent downward. As a result, the powder can easily pass through the discharge hole 43b. When replacing the cartridge 11, for example when the powder has been used up, the inner lid 32 is grasped and the cartridge 11 is pulled up. This allows the cartridge 11 to be removed from the outer container 10. The cartridge 11 can then be replaced by inserting a new cartridge 11 into the outer container 10.

[0050] In this way, in the powder container 1 of this embodiment, the lid body 12 has an engaging portion 52a that engages circumferentially with the engaging portion 44a provided on the inner lid 32 as the lid body 12 is rotated relative to the outer container 10 between the closed position and the open position, thereby rotating the inner lid 32 relative to the outer container 10, and the outer container 10 is configured so that when the lid body 12 is in the closed position, the inner lid 32 overlaps in a planar view, thereby restricting downward movement of the inner lid 32 relative to the regulating portion 26c (outer container 10), while when the lid body 12 is in the open position, the inner lid 32 retracts in a planar view, thereby allowing downward movement of the inner lid 32 relative to the regulating portion 26c (outer container 10). According to this configuration, when the inner lid 32 is moved to the allowable position and then pushed down, the inner container 31 is pushed down via the inner lid 32, causing the inner lid 32 to elastically deform. As a result, the powder contained in the inner container 31 approaches the discharge hole 43b, and the powder reaches the upper surface of the inner lid 32 through the discharge hole 43b. This allows the powder to be dispensed from the upper surface of the inner lid 32. In this case, an amount of powder corresponding to the amount the inner lid 32 is pushed down passes through the discharge hole 43b, making it easier to dispense the desired amount of powder than with conventional configurations in which the powder container itself must be turned upside down to dispense the powder. As a result, the operability of dispensing the powder is improved. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner lid 32 can be switched between a restricting position that restricts the downward movement of the inner lid 32 and a permitting position that permits the downward movement of the inner lid 32 in response to the opening and closing operation of the lid body 12. Therefore, when the lid body 12 is in the closed position, the inner lid 32 can be restricted from moving downward relative to the outer container 10. This makes it possible to prevent leakage of powder when not in use.

[0051] In the powder container 1 of this embodiment, the outer container 10 is configured to have a climbing portion 80 that can be climbed over by the protruding portion (crossover portion) 44 provided on the inner lid 32 around the container axis O as the inner lid 32 moves between the regulated position and the allowable position. According to this configuration, when the inner lid 32 is in the permissible position and attempts to rotate to one side in the circumferential direction (toward the restricted position) during the powder removal operation, the protruding portion 44 abuts against the overhanging portion 80 in the circumferential direction. This causes the overhanging portion 80 to resist the rotation of the inner lid 32 to one side in the circumferential direction (toward the restricted position). This prevents the inner lid 32 from unexpectedly rotating from the permissible position to the restricted position. Therefore, when a portion of the inner lid 32 and the restricting portion 26c overlap each other when viewed from above, the inner lid 32 is prevented from being pushed down, preventing malfunction of the inner lid 32. As a result, a powder container 1 can be provided that improves operability when removing powder.

[0052] In the powder container 1 of this embodiment, the upper surface of the regulating portion 26c is formed as an inclined surface 26d that extends downward as it moves radially outward, and the lower surface of the protruding portion 44 is formed as an inclined surface 44b that extends downward as it moves radially outward. According to this configuration, if an attempt is made to push down the inner lid 32 with the protruding portion 44 and a portion of the restricting portion 26c overlapping each other when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the inner peripheral edge of the inclined surface 26d and the outer peripheral edge of the inclined surface 44b will be caught in the radial direction, restricting radial movement of the inner lid 32 relative to the outer container 10. Furthermore, as the inner lid 32 moves downward, the inclined surface 44b slides on the inclined surface 26d, guiding the inner lid 32 radially outward. As a result, the protruding portion 44 is prevented from getting caught between the restricting portion 26c and the base tube 41. Therefore, malfunction of the inner lid 32 is suppressed, and a powder container 1 with excellent operability can be provided.

[0053] In the powder container 1 of this embodiment, a guide groove 26e is formed in the outer container 10 at a position circumferentially adjacent to the regulating portion 26c, which guides the downward movement of the protruding portion 44 when the inner lid 32 is in the allowable position, and the over-riding portion 80 is configured to be provided at the boundary between the regulating portion 26c and the guide groove 26e in the circumferential direction. According to this configuration, when the inner lid 32 is in the allowable position, the climbing-over portion 80 and the protruding portion 44 do not engage with each other, which prevents the climbing-over portion 80 from interfering with the operation of pushing down the inner lid 32. This prevents a decrease in operability due to the addition of the climbing-over portion 80.

[0054] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the appended claims. In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the engaged portion 44a is formed on the protruding portion 44 that can come into contact with the restricting portion 26c has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this. The member that can come into contact with the restricting portion 26c and the engaged portion 44a may each be provided separately on the inner lid 32.

[0055] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the engaging portion 52a is formed on the contact tube 52 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The engaging portion 52a may be provided in a location on the lid 12 separate from the contact tube 52. Furthermore, the contact tube 52 is not an essential component. In the above-described embodiment, the inner container 31 itself is configured to be elastically deformed, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the inner container 31 may be configured to be elastically displaced by a biasing member or the like provided within the inner container 31.

[0056] In the above-described embodiment, the restricting portion 26c is integrally formed with the outer container 10, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The outer container may be configured to include, for example, an outer container body including the cartridge accommodating portion 21 and the outer tube 22, and a restricting portion inserted into or fitted to the outer container body. In the above-described embodiment, the discharge holes 43b are formed as round holes arranged at appropriate intervals, but this configuration is not limited thereto. The planar shape of the discharge holes 43b may be polygonal or round. Furthermore, for example, the portions of the closure plate 43 corresponding to the thin-walled portions 43a may be formed into an elastically deformable mesh, and the mesh openings themselves may serve as discharge holes.

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the overhanging portion 80 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the recessed portion 26b at the boundary between the restricting portion 26c and the guide groove 26e has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The overhanging portion 80 can be provided at any position as long as the overhanging portion 44 can overcome it as the inner lid 32 moves between the restricting position and the allowable position. In the above-described embodiment, the case where the overhanging portion 44 constitutes the portion to be climbed over has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The portion to be climbed over may be provided separately from the overhanging portion 44.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the upper surface of the restricting portion 26c and the lower surface of the protruding portion 44 are formed as the inclined surfaces 26d, 44b, respectively. However, the inclined surfaces 26d, 44b are not essential components. In the above embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the protruding portion 44 moves up and down within the guide groove 26e when in the permitted position, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1: Powder container 10: Outer container 12: Lid 26c: Regulation Department 26d: Inclined surface 26e: Guide groove 31: Inner container 32: Inner lid 43b: Discharge hole 44: Overhanging part (crossed part) 44a: Engaged part 44b: Inclined surface 52a: Engagement part 80: Overcoming O: Container axis

Claims

1. a cylindrical inner container with a bottom that contains powder; an outer container in which the inner container is housed; an inner lid having a discharge hole formed at a position facing the upper end opening of the inner container in the vertical direction and capable of elastically displacing to close the upper end opening of the inner container; a lid body that is detachably attached to the outer container by a rotation operation about a container axis along a vertical direction relative to the outer container between a closed position that closes the discharge hole and an open position that opens the discharge hole, the lid body has an engaging portion that engages with an engaged portion provided on the inner lid around the container axis in response to a rotation operation relative to the outer container between the closed position and the open position, thereby rotating the inner lid relative to the outer container; the inner lid is rotatable between a restricted position where the inner lid overlaps with a restricting portion provided on the outer container as viewed from the top-bottom direction when the lid body is in the closed position, thereby restricting downward movement of the inner lid relative to the restricting portion, and an allowed position where the inner lid is retracted from the restricting portion as viewed from the top-bottom direction when the lid body is in the open position, thereby allowing downward movement of the inner lid relative to the restricting portion, The outer container is a powder container having a climbing portion that can be climbed over by a climbing portion provided on the inner lid around the container axis as the inner lid moves between the regulated position and the allowable position.

2. The upper surface of the restricting portion is formed as an inclined surface that extends downward as it moves away from the container axis, the inner lid has a protruding portion that overlaps with the restricting portion when viewed from above and below when the inner lid is in the restricting position; 2. The powder container according to claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the protruding portion is formed as an inclined surface that extends downward as it moves away from the container axis.

3. a guide groove is formed in the outer container at a position adjacent to the restricting portion around the container axis, the guide groove guiding the downward movement of the protruding portion when the inner lid is in the permitted position; The protruding portion constitutes the portion to be ridden over, 3. The powder container according to claim 2, wherein the overhanging portion is provided at a boundary portion of the outer container between the restricting portion and the guide groove around the container axis.

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