Refill container and feeding container

Abstract

To provide a refill container capable of checking whether a push-out member is normally operated or not before storing a content while preventing the content from being fed in.SOLUTION: In the refill container 50, the case tube 1 has a toothed wheel portion side 1d constituted by a plurality of projections spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and the coupling member 9 has an elastic piece side 1d that is provided with a pawl portion side 9f located radially inward of the toothed wheel portion side 10c at the distal end portion and that is elastically deformed radially outward by the projection portion side 9e when the operating portion 51 is mounted. The ratchet portion 9f is not engaged with the gear portion 1d in a state before the operation portion 51 is mounted, and allows the rotation of the coupling member 9 with respect to the case tube 1 to one side in the circumferential direction and the other side in the circumferential direction, and is engaged with the gear portion 1d in a state after the operation portion 51 is mounted, and allows the rotation of the coupling member 9 with respect to the case tube 1 to one side in the circumferential direction and regulates the rotation to the other side in the circumferential direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a refill container and a dispensing container equipped with the refill container. [Background technology]

[0002] A dispensing container is known in which a push-out member is housed inside a case tube, and when an operating part is rotated relative to the case tube, the push-out member moves forward relative to the case tube, thereby causing the contents housed inside the case tube to be dispensed by the push-out member (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the dispensing container disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the operating part is rotated in one circumferential direction relative to the case tube, the dispensing mechanism operates and the pushing member moves forward relative to the case tube, thereby dispensing the contents. Meanwhile, this dispensing container is equipped with a ratchet mechanism, which restricts rotation of the operating part in the other circumferential direction relative to the case tube. That is, in a typical dispensing container, the contents can be advanced by rotating the operating part in the direction opposite to the direction of dispensing the contents, but in the dispensing container of Patent Document 1, this action of advancing the contents is prevented. For example, when a relatively soft, low-viscosity content is stored in this type of dispensing container, such content tends to stick to the inner circumferential surface of the case tube, and if the pushing member is configured to be retractable, there is a risk that the content will lose its shape or break, resulting in damage. However, the dispensing container of Patent Document 1 prevents such problems. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-16722 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when assembled into a dispensing container, if the operating part is rotated to advance the pushing member to check whether it is operating normally, in a dispensing container equipped with a ratchet part as described above, the pushing member basically cannot be retracted, and the contents cannot be dispensed. For this reason, dispensing containers equipped with a ratchet part and refill containers used for such dispensing containers have the problem that it is difficult to check their operation before dispensing the contents.

[0006] In view of these points, the present invention aims to propose a refill container that can prevent the action of pushing out the contents while making it possible to check whether the pushing member is operating normally before storing the contents, and a dispensing container equipped with this refill container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The refill container of the present invention comprises a case tube, and a push-out member having a seal portion that slidably contacts the inner circumferential surface of the case tube and that is movable along the central axis of the case tube, and when an operating portion attached to the rear end of the case tube is rotated in one circumferential direction relative to the case tube, the content accommodated between the case tube and the seal portion is pushed out from the front end opening of the case tube, the refill container comprises: a connecting member that is attached to the rear end opening of the case tube and that is rotatable together with the operating portion; and a feeding mechanism that moves the push-out member relative to the case tube when the connecting member rotates relative to the case tube, and the case tube has a seal portion that slidably contacts the inner circumferential surface of the case tube and that is movable along the central axis of the case tube. and a gear portion consisting of a plurality of protrusions spaced circumferentially, the connecting member has a pawl portion at its tip located radially inward of the gear portion, and has an elastic piece that elastically deforms radially outward due to the protrusion portion provided on the operating part when the operating part is attached, the pawl portion is not engaged with the gear portion before the operating part is attached and allows the connecting member to rotate in one circumferential direction and the other circumferential direction relative to the case tube, and after the operating part is attached, the pawl portion engages with the gear portion and allows the connecting member to rotate in one circumferential direction relative to the case tube but restricts rotation in the other circumferential direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the refill container of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the pushing-out operation of the contents, while making it possible to check whether the pushing-out member is operating normally before storing the contents. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a half cross-sectional side view showing one embodiment of a dispensing container according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. [Figure 3A] 2 is a half cross-sectional view of the unit shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which an annular body is integrally connected to a movable cylindrical member. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a bottom view of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the connecting member shown in FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a half cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4B is a half cross-sectional view taken along CC shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 4D] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the connecting member shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a half cross-sectional view of the refill container shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD shown in FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a dispensing container and a refill container according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the up-down direction refers to the direction along the central axis O shown in the drawings, with the side on which a push-out member 5 (described later) is located being the "upper" side and the side on which a connecting member 9 is located being the "lower" side. In this specification, the movement from the connecting member 9 toward the push-out member 5 may also be referred to as "advancing," and the side on which the push-out member 5 is located may also be referred to as the "front" side and the side on which the connecting member 9 is located being the "rear" side. The radial direction is the direction perpendicular to the central axis O within a plane perpendicular to the central axis O, and the circumferential direction is the direction revolving around the central axis O within this plane.

[0011] 1 and 2 are diagrams showing a dispensing container 100, which is one embodiment of a dispensing container according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, dispensing container 100 comprises a refill container 50 and an operating unit 51.

[0012] First, the refill container 50 will be described. The refill container 50 of this embodiment includes a case tube 1, a unit 2, and a connecting member 9. The contents stored in the refill container 50 are, for example, relatively soft, low-viscosity cosmetics, and are stored in a space defined by a case tube main body 1a and a seal portion 5c (described below). Each component constituting the refill container 50 is made of synthetic resin, and in this embodiment, polypropylene, which has excellent moisture barrier properties, is used. Therefore, even if the contents stored contain a high moisture content, the moisture content of the contents can be effectively maintained.

[0013] The cylindrical case 1 includes a cylindrical case body 1a having a cylindrical shape centered on a central axis O. An engagement protrusion 1b protruding radially inward is provided at the vertically intermediate portion of the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical case body 1a. Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical case body 1a is provided with a stopper protrusion 1c located below the engagement protrusion 1b and protruding radially inward, and a gear portion 1d located below the stopper protrusion 1c and consisting of multiple protrusions spaced apart in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the gear portion 1d is composed of multiple protrusions that have a triangular cross-section in the state shown in FIG. 2 . Furthermore, an engagement retainer portion 1e having a semicircular cross-section is provided at the lower end of the cylindrical case body 1a. Here, the opening at the front end of the cylindrical case body 1a is referred to as the front-end opening 1f, and the opening at the rear end of the cylindrical case body 1a is referred to as the rear-end opening 1g.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , the unit 2 is composed of a screw shaft member 3, a hollow screw member 4, a push-out member 5, a movable tubular member 7, and an annular body 13. As will be described later, the screw shaft member 3, hollow screw member 4, and movable tubular member 7 of this embodiment move the push-out member 5 relative to the case tube 1 when the connecting member 9 rotates relative to the case tube 1, and these correspond to the "feed-out mechanism" in this specification and the like. In the state shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , the feeding mechanism of this embodiment can advance the push-out member 5 relative to the case tube 1 when the connecting member 9 is rotated counterclockwise relative to the case tube 1 (corresponding to "rotation in one circumferential direction" in this specification and the like). Note that when the connecting member 9 is rotated clockwise relative to the case tube 1 (corresponding to "rotation in the other circumferential direction" in this specification and the like), the push-out member 5 retreats relative to the case tube 1.

[0015] The screw shaft member 3 has a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis O and includes a screw shaft 3b having a male thread portion (first male thread portion 3a) on its outer peripheral surface. A cylindrical lower shaft 3c having a smaller diameter than the screw shaft 3b is provided below the screw shaft 3b. The connecting portion between the screw shaft 3b and the lower shaft 3c is provided with a plurality of protrusions spaced apart in the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. 2. These protrusions function as anti-rotation devices between the screw shaft member 3 and the connecting member 9. Hereinafter, these protrusions will be referred to as unit-side anti-rotation portions 3d. Furthermore, on the outer peripheral surface of the lower shaft 3c, below the unit-side anti-rotation portion 3d, a unit-side anti-detachment portion 3e is provided that protrudes radially outward and holds the screw shaft member 3 against the connecting member 9.

[0016] The hollow screw member 4 is cylindrical about the central axis O and has a hollow inner hollow portion 4a located radially outward of the screw shaft 3b. A disk-shaped top wall portion 4b is provided at the upper end of the inner hollow portion 4a. A female thread portion (first female thread portion 4c) that screws into the first male thread portion 3a is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the inner hollow portion 4a. In this embodiment, the first female thread portion 4c is provided only near the lower end of the inner hollow portion 4a. A male thread portion (second male thread portion 4d) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the inner hollow portion 4a.

[0017] The hollow screw member 4 also has a first slit 4e that cuts out the inner hollow portion 4a from bottom to top. In this embodiment, the first slit 4e cuts out the entire area of ​​the inner hollow portion 4a from the lower end to the upper end. A pair of first slits 4e are provided on either side of the central axis O, and the hollow screw member 4 is elastically deformable so that the lower portion of the inner hollow portion 4a expands radially outward. A claw-shaped anti-slip engagement portion 4f that protrudes radially outward is provided at the lower end of the inner hollow portion 4a.

[0018] The push-out member 5 is cylindrical about the central axis O and includes a hollow outer hollow portion 5a located radially outward of the inner hollow portion 4a. The upper end of the outer hollow portion 5a is provided with a disk-shaped top wall portion 5b having a central annular portion. The top wall portion 5b is provided with a seal portion 5c that extends upward from the base of the annular portion while expanding in diameter, and whose tip portion slidably contacts the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical case body 1a. The inner circumferential surface of the outer hollow portion 5a is provided with a female thread portion (second female thread portion 5d) that threadably engages with the second male thread portion 4d. In this embodiment, the second female thread portion 5d is provided only near the lower end of the outer hollow portion 5a.

[0019] The outer peripheral surface of the outer hollow portion 5a is provided with a second slit 5e extending in the vertical direction. The second slit 5e may be provided only on the outer peripheral surface of the outer hollow portion 5a (not penetrating to the inner peripheral surface of the outer hollow portion 5a), but the second slit 5e of this embodiment penetrates the outer hollow portion 5a from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface, cutting out the entire area of ​​the outer hollow portion 5a from the lower end to the upper end. A pair of second slits 5e are provided on either side of the central axis O, and the pusher member 5 is elastically deformable so that the lower portion of the outer hollow portion 5a expands radially outward. Furthermore, the pusher member 5 of this embodiment is provided with a guide protrusion 5g that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the outer hollow portion 5a.

[0020] The movable cylinder member 7 has a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis O and includes a movable cylinder main body 7a located radially outward of the outer hollow portion 5a. A vertically extending vertical groove (first vertical groove 7e) is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the movable cylinder main body 7a. The first vertical groove 7e engages with the guide protrusion 5g. The movable cylinder main body 7a also has a vertically extending vertical groove (second vertical groove 7c) on its outer peripheral surface. The first vertical groove 7e is offset from the second vertical groove 7c in the circumferential direction, and the first vertical groove 7e is indicated by a dashed line in the half cross-sectional view of FIG. 1. The second vertical groove 7c engages with the engaging protrusion 1b of the case cylinder 1. As shown in FIG. 3A, a through-opening 7g is provided at the bottom of the movable cylinder member 7, cutting out the movable cylinder main body 7a in a semicircular shape.

[0021] The annular body 13 has a circular ring shape in this embodiment, and is located radially outward of the retaining engagement portion 4f provided in the inner hollow portion 4a as shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3A, the inner peripheral surface of the annular body 13 is provided with a retaining engagement portion 13a that protrudes radially inward.

[0022] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the initial state of the movable cylindrical member 7 and the annular body 13 in this embodiment. The annular body 13 is integrally connected to the inner circumferential surface of the movable cylindrical main body 7a via a thin-walled weakened portion 7f provided in the movable cylindrical member 7. In other words, the movable cylindrical member 7 and the annular body 13 in this embodiment are formed as a single member.

[0023] 4A to 4D, the connecting member 9 includes a tubular portion 9a that is generally cylindrical and centered on a central axis O. The inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 9a is provided with an operation unit side anti-rotation portion 9b, which is made up of a plurality of protrusions spaced apart in the circumferential direction and engages with the unit side anti-rotation portion 3d as shown in FIG. 2 to prevent rotation of the screw shaft member 3 relative to the connecting member 9. Further, below the operation unit side anti-rotation portion 9b on the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 9a, an annular operation unit side anti-detachment portion 9c is provided that protrudes radially inward and prevents the screw shaft member 3 from coming off the connecting member 9.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4A , the connecting member 9 also includes a pair of extensions 9d extending radially outward from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 9a. An elastic piece 9e is provided at the outer edge of each extension 9d, extending in a curved circumferential direction radially outward from the cylindrical portion 9a. The elastic piece 9e is elastically deformable radially outward from the state shown in FIG. 4A . A pawl 9f is provided at the tip of each elastic piece 9e in this embodiment. As will be described later, the pawl 9f engages with the gear portion 1d of the cylindrical case 1 like a ratchet when the connecting member 9 is rotated in a predetermined direction relative to the cylindrical case 1. As shown in FIG. 4A , the pawl 9f in this embodiment extends linearly in the radial direction in a plan view. A protrusion 9g, which protrudes radially inward and has a semicircular shape in a plan view, is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the base of each elastic piece 9e. In this embodiment, two protrusions 9g are provided for each elastic piece 9e.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a top wall 9h extending horizontally is provided below the elastic piece 9e. As shown in FIG. 4C, the top wall 9h is integrally connected to a connecting wall 9j extending downward from the outer edge of the extension 9d. A through-hole 9k penetrating the top wall 9h in the vertical direction is provided directly below the elastic piece 9e in the top wall 9h. An outer cylindrical portion 9m extending downward is provided at the outer edge of the top wall 9h. As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the outer cylindrical portion 9m is provided with a sliding elastic piece 9n that extends in a curved manner in side view and is elastically deformable radially inward. The function of the sliding elastic piece 9n will be described later. A connecting member rib 9s protruding radially inward is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion 9m.

[0026] 4B to 4D, the connecting member 9 includes a pair of legs 9p extending downward from the cylindrical portion 9a and having an arc shape in bottom view. The outer peripheral surface of the legs 9p is provided with a connecting member first engagement portion 9q recessed radially inward, and the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 9m is provided with a connecting member second engagement portion 9r recessed radially inward.

[0027] Next, a description will be given of the operation unit 51. The operation unit 51 of this embodiment is composed of an operation unit main body 10 and a middle tool 11.

[0028] The operation unit main body 10 includes a disk-shaped bottom wall 10a and a cylindrical outer peripheral wall 10b extending upward from the outer edge of the bottom wall 10a. A cylindrical protrusion 10c extends upward from the upper surface of the bottom wall 10a, as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the protrusion 10c in this embodiment is shaped to fit between the tubular portion 9a and the elastic piece 9e of the connecting member 9, with its upper end positioned below the extension 9d (see FIG. 1). The inner peripheral surface of the protrusion 10c is provided with a main body engaging portion 10d that protrudes radially inward and engages with the connecting member first engaging portion 9q. The outer peripheral surface of the base of the protrusion 10c is provided with an operation unit main body rib 10e that protrudes radially outward and circumferentially engages with the connecting member rib 9s.

[0029] The core 11 is cylindrical and includes a core body 11a whose lower end is inserted into and held by the outer circumferential wall 10b. A flange 11b that protrudes radially outward is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the core body 11a. A retaining portion 11c, whose outer circumferential surface bulges radially outward, is provided above the flange 11b on the outer circumferential surface of the core body 11a. The dispensing container 100 of this embodiment includes a lid (not shown) that is shaped like a closed cylinder and fits over the cylindrical case 1, and the retaining portion 11c removably holds the lid when the lid is placed over the cylindrical case 1.

[0030] Next, we will explain the procedure for assembling the refill container 50. Note that the following procedure is an example, and the order can be changed as appropriate as long as assembly is possible.

[0031] First, the screw shaft member 3 and the hollow screw member 4 are assembled. At this time, the screw shaft member 3 may be rotated relative to the hollow screw member 4, thereby threading the first male threaded portion 3a and the first female threaded portion 4c together. However, since the hollow screw member 4 of this embodiment is provided with the first slit 4e, the inner hollow portion 4a can be elastically deformed so that its lower portion expands radially outward. In other words, when the screw shaft 3b is inserted into the inner hollow portion 4a, the lower portion of the inner hollow portion 4a expands radially outward and inward, allowing the first male threaded portion 3a and the first female threaded portion 4c to be threaded together.

[0032] Next, the push-out member 5 is combined with the hollow screw member 4. At this time, the hollow screw member 4 may be rotated relative to the push-out member 5, thereby threading the second male threaded portion 4d and the second female threaded portion 5d together, but the push-out member 5 of this embodiment is elastically deformable by the second slits 5e so that the lower portion of the outer hollow portion 5a expands radially outward, and therefore, when the hollow screw member 4 is inserted into the outer hollow portion 5a, the lower portion of the outer hollow portion 5a expands radially outward and inward, allowing the second male threaded portion 4d and the second female threaded portion 5d to be threaded together.

[0033] Then, the movable cylindrical member 7 is inserted into the push-out member 5 from below, and the guide protrusion 5g is engaged with the first vertical groove 7e, thereby assembling the unit 2 in the state shown in FIG. 3A.

[0034] Next, the annular body 13, which is integrally connected to the inner circumferential surface of the movable tube main body 7a by the weakened portion 7f, is separated from the movable tube main body 7a by breaking the weakened portion 7f. To separate the annular body 13, for example, a cylindrical jig with approximately the same outer and inner diameters as the annular body 13 is prepared. The lower end of the screw shaft member 3 is inserted into the opening of the jig while the unit 2 is pressed against the jig. That is, when the unit 2 is pressed against the jig, a downward force acts on the annular body 13 from the jig, breaking the weakened portion 7f and separating the annular body 13 from the hollow screw member 4. As the annular body 13 separates and moves upward relative to the hollow screw member 4, the retaining engaged portion 13a engages with the retaining engaging portion 4f, as shown in FIG. 5, so that the annular body 13 is held in the hollow screw member 4. In this state, the annular body 13 is positioned radially outward of the lower end of the inner hollow portion 4a. When the annular body 13 is in this position, the annular body 13 can be seen through the through opening 7g shown in FIG. 3A, so that it can be easily confirmed that the annular body 13 is held by the hollow screw member 4.

[0035] In this embodiment, the screw shaft member 3, hollow screw member 4, push-out member 5, movable cylindrical member 7, and annular body 13 can be combined and pre-assembled into the unit 2. Therefore, even if there is a defect in the shape of these members, for example, and this affects the rotational movement or forward / backward movement of each member, this can be detected before assembling the refill container 50.

[0036] Furthermore, because the first slits 4e allow the inner hollow portion 4a to elastically deform so that the lower portion expands radially outward, when a load is applied to the first male threaded portion 3a and the first female threaded portion 4c, for example, the inner hollow portion 4a elastically deforms radially outward, which may cause the engaged first male threaded portion 3a and first female threaded portion 4c to come loose. On the other hand, the refill container 50 of this embodiment is provided with an annular body 13 located radially outward at the lower end of the inner hollow portion 4a, which prevents the inner hollow portion 4a from elastically deforming radially outward, and therefore the first male threaded portion 3a and first female threaded portion 4c will not come loose.

[0037] 5, the unit 2 is inserted into the cylindrical case body 1a through the front-end opening 1f, and the connecting member 9 is inserted into the cylindrical case body 1a through the rear-end opening 1g. The lower shaft 3c of the threaded shaft member 3 is then inserted into the cylindrical portion 9a of the connecting member 9. This causes the unit-side anti-rotation portion 3d to engage with the operation-unit-side anti-rotation portion 9b, and the unit-side anti-detachment portion 3e to engage with the operation-unit-side anti-detachment portion 9c, preventing the threaded shaft member 3 from rotating and being held against removal relative to the connecting member 9. At this time, the second connecting member engaging portion 9r of the connecting member 9 engages with the engaging and holding portion 1e of the cylindrical case 1, and the connecting member 9 is held rotatably but undetachably relative to the cylindrical case 1.

[0038] 4B and 4C come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical case body 1a while elastically deforming radially inward. That is, an appropriate sliding resistance can be applied between the sliding elastic pieces 9n and the cylindrical case 1, improving operability when rotating the connecting member 9 relative to the cylindrical case 1.

[0039] When the connecting member 9 is attached to the case tube 1, the pawl portion 9f provided at the tip of the elastic piece 9e is located radially inside the gear portion 1d, as shown in Figure 6. In other words, when assembled into the refill container 50, the gear portion 1d and the pawl portion 9f are disengaged, so the connecting member 9 can rotate in one circumferential direction or the other circumferential direction relative to the case tube 1. Therefore, even if the push-out member 5 is advanced relative to the case tube 1, it can also be retreated. Therefore, it is possible to check whether the push-out member 5 is operating normally before putting the contents into the refill container 50.

[0040] To dispense the contents from a refill container 50 containing the contents, as shown in FIG. 1, operating unit 51 is attached to the rear end of the cylindrical case 1 to assemble the dispensing container 100. At this time, protrusion 10c is inserted into through-hole 9k shown in FIG. 4B, and main body engaging portion 10d engages with connecting member first engaging portion 9q as shown in FIG. 1, so that operating unit 51 is held against removal from connecting member 9. In this state, connecting member rib 9s and operating unit main body rib 10e are engaged in the circumferential direction, so that operating unit 51 is held against rotation relative to connecting member 9. Furthermore, when main body engaging portion 10d engages with connecting member first engaging portion 9q, protrusion 10c is inserted between tubular portion 9a and elastic piece 9e and comes into contact with convex portion 9g as shown in FIG. 2. This causes elastic deformation of elastic piece 9e radially outward, so that pawl portion 9f provided at the tip of elastic piece 9e enters between the protrusions constituting gear portion 1d and engages with gear portion 1d. The protrusion 9g is provided at the base of the inner circumferential surface of the elastic piece 9e, and a gap is provided between the tip of the inner circumferential surface of the elastic piece 9e and the cylindrical portion 9a, as shown in FIG.

[0041] When the operating unit 51 attached to the rear end of the cylindrical case 1 is rotated in one circumferential direction, the connecting member 9 also rotates in one circumferential direction together with the operating unit 51. Here, the pawl portion 9f provided on the connecting member 9 is engaged with the gear portion 1d of the cylindrical case 1, but when the connecting member 9 rotates in this direction, the tip of the elastic piece 9e elastically deforms so that it bends radially inward, disengaging the two and allowing rotation. When the connecting member 9 rotates, the screw shaft member 3, which is held in an anti-rotation state by the connecting member 9, also rotates in the same direction, and as a result, the hollow screw member 4 and the movable cylindrical member 7 move the push-out member 5 forward, allowing the content to be dispensed from the front-end opening 1f of the cylindrical case 1.

[0042] Furthermore, in the dispensing container 100, even if an attempt is made to rotate the operating part 51 in the other circumferential direction, the pawl part 9f and the gear part 1d remain engaged when rotating in this direction, thereby restricting the rotation of the operating part 51 in this direction, thereby preventing the push-out member 5 from receding relative to the case tube 1.

[0043] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, this embodiment can be modified as appropriate.

[0044] For example, although the feeding mechanism of the present embodiment is configured to include the movable cylindrical member 7, it may be configured, for example, to omit the movable cylindrical member 7 and have the engaging protrusion 1b of the case cylinder 1 engage with the second slit 5e of the push-out member 5. Furthermore, the first vertical groove 7e provided on the inner peripheral surface of the movable cylindrical member 7 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer hollow portion 5a of the push-out member 5, and the guide protrusion 5g provided on the push-out member 5 may be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the movable cylindrical main body 7a of the movable cylindrical member 7.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mechanism for preventing rotation of the operating unit 51 on the connecting member 9 is the connecting member rib 9s and the operating unit main body rib 10e, but it is also possible to prevent rotation by other mechanisms. For example, the protrusion 10c in this embodiment has an arc shape in a plan view, and its upper end is located below the extending portion 9d. However, by making the shape of the protrusion 10c arc-shaped in a plan view and fitting between the tubular portion 9a and the elastic piece 9e and between the pair of extending portions 9d, and further making the length such that the upper end of the protrusion 10c overlaps with the extending portion 9d in the vertical direction, the operating unit 51 and the connecting member 9 can be prevented from rotating by the protrusion 10c and the extending portion 9d.

[0046] (Addendum) This specification discloses the following technology in one aspect. Note that the reference numerals described below correspond to the reference numerals in the accompanying drawings, but are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the invention of this application.

[0047] (Technology 1) A refill container (50) comprising a case tube (1) and a push-out member (5) having a seal portion (5c) that is in slidable contact with the inner peripheral surface of the case tube (1) and that is movable along the central axis (O) of the case tube (1), wherein when an operating portion (51) attached to the rear end of the case tube (1) is rotated in one circumferential direction relative to the case tube (1), the contents accommodated between the case tube (1) and the seal portion (5c) are pushed out from a front end opening (1f) of the case tube (1), a connecting member (9) attached to the rear end opening (1g) of the case tube (1) and rotatable together with the operating portion (51); a feeding mechanism that moves the push-out member (5) relative to the case tube (1) when the connecting member (9) rotates relative to the case tube (1), The case cylinder (1) has a gear part (1d) on the inner peripheral surface of the case cylinder (1) that is composed of a plurality of protrusions spaced apart in the circumferential direction, The connecting member (9) has a pawl portion (9f) at its tip end that is located radially inside the gear portion (1d), and has an elastic piece (9e) that is elastically deformed radially outward by a protrusion (10c) provided on the operating portion (51) when the operating portion (51) is attached, Before the operating part (51) is attached, the pawl part (9f) is not engaged with the gear part (1d) and allows the connecting member (9) to rotate in one circumferential direction and the other circumferential direction relative to the case tube (1), and after the operating part (51) is attached, the pawl part (9f) engages with the gear part (1d) and allows the connecting member (9) to rotate in one circumferential direction relative to the case tube (1) but restricts rotation in the other circumferential direction, refill container (50).

[0048] This technology allows the push-out member to be checked for normal operation before the contents are placed inside, while still providing the function of preventing the contents from being pushed in.

[0049] (Technology 3) The refill container (50) described in Technology 1 has a convex portion (9g) provided on the inner peripheral surface of the base portion of the elastic piece (9e), with which the protrusion portion (10c) comes into contact and elastically deforms the elastic piece (9e) radially outward when the operating portion (51) is attached to the case tube (1).

[0050] This technology allows the elastic piece to be elastically deformed radially outward by the convex portion, and the tip of the elastic piece where the convex portion is not provided can be elastically deformed radially inward, making it easy to realize the function of allowing the connecting member to rotate in one circumferential direction relative to the case tube.

[0051] (Technology 4) A dispensing container (100) comprising the refill container (50) according to any one of the first to third aspects and the operating part (51).

[0052] This technology makes it possible to realize a dispensing container that has the function of preventing the pushing-out operation of the contents, while also being able to check whether the pushing-out member is operating normally before storing the contents.

[0053] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment. Unless otherwise specified in the above description, various modifications and variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. For example, the configurations of the above-described embodiment may be added or deleted as appropriate, and the configurations of one embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments. Furthermore, the effects of the above-described embodiment are merely examples of the effects that can be obtained from the present invention. In other words, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, and additional effects may be obtained in addition to the above-described effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1: Case tube 1a: Case cylinder body 1b: Engagement convex part 1c: Stopper protrusion 1d: Gear section 1e: Engagement holding part 1f: Front end opening 1g: Rear end opening 2: Unit 3: Screw shaft member (feeding mechanism) 3a: First male thread 3b: screw shaft 3c: Lower axis 3d: Unit side anti-rotation part 3e: Unit side retaining part 4: Hollow screw member (feeding mechanism) 4a: Inner hollow part 4b: Ceiling wall part 4c: First female thread 4d: Second male thread 4e: First slit 4f: Anti-slip engagement part 5: Extrusion member 5a: Outer hollow part 5b:Top wall part 5c: Seal part 5d: Second female thread 5e: Second slit 5g: Guide protrusion 7: Movable barrel member (extension mechanism) 7a: Movable tube body 7c: Second vertical groove part 7e: First vertical groove 7f: Weakened part 7g: Through opening 9: Connecting member 9a: Cylindrical part 9b: Anti-rotation part on the operating part side 9c: Locking part on the operation part side 9d: Extension part 9e: Elastic piece 9f: Pawl 9g: Convex part 9h: Ceiling wall 9j: Connecting wall 9k:Through hole 9m: Outer cylindrical part 9n: Sliding elastic piece 9p: Legs 9q: First engagement part of connecting member 9r: second engagement portion of connecting member 9s: connecting member rib 10: Control unit 10a: Bottom wall part 10b: Outer wall 10c:Protrusion 10d: Main body engagement part 10e: Control unit body rib 11: Filling 11a: Inner tool body 11b: flange part 11c: Holding part 13: Circular 13a: Anti-slip engaged part 50: Refill container 51:Operation unit 100: Feeding container O: Central axis

Claims

1. A refill container comprising a case tube and a push-out member having a seal portion that slidably contacts the inner peripheral surface of the case tube and that is movable along the central axis of the case tube, wherein when an operating portion attached to the rear end of the case tube is rotated in one circumferential direction relative to the case tube, the contents contained between the case tube and the seal portion are pushed out from the front end opening of the case tube, a connecting member attached to a rear end opening of the case tube and rotatable together with the operating unit; a feeding mechanism that moves the push-out member relative to the case tube when the connecting member rotates relative to the case tube, the case cylinder has a gear portion formed of a plurality of protrusions spaced apart in the circumferential direction on an inner circumferential surface of the case cylinder, the connecting member has a pawl portion at a tip end thereof located radially inward of the gear portion, and has an elastic piece that is elastically deformed radially outward by a protrusion portion provided on the operating portion when the operating portion is attached, A refill container in which the pawl portion is disengaged from the gear portion before the operating portion is attached, allowing the connecting member to rotate circumferentially to one side and the other side relative to the case tube, and after the operating portion is attached, the pawl portion engages with the gear portion, allowing the connecting member to rotate circumferentially to one side relative to the case tube but restricting rotation to the other side.

2. The refill container according to claim 1, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the base portion of the elastic piece is provided with a convex portion that contacts the protrusion portion and elastically deforms the elastic piece radially outward when the operating unit is attached to the case tube.

3. A dispensing container comprising the refill container according to claim 1 or 2 and the operating part.

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