Cartridge for dispensing container

Abstract

This prevents accidental operation such as detaching the cap from the sleeve and then incorrectly attaching a new cartridge upside down to the operating section or to the cap of the dispensing container that was used before replacement. [Solution] The cartridge 101 comprises a transmission shaft 23, a sleeve 11, a middle tray 12, and a cartridge cap 44. As the sleeve rotates relative to the transmission shaft, the middle tray rotates with it and engages with the transmission shaft, causing it to move up and down relative to the sleeve. The cartridge 101 is attached to and detached from the operating part through the upper end opening of a bottomed cylindrical operating part. The sleeve has a support projection 41 that protrudes radially outward and is supported at the upper end of the operating part. The support projection is fitted and fixed to the inside of the lower end of the cartridge cap, and the sleeve is detachably inserted into the inside of the portion located above the lower end. The lower end of the cartridge cap has a slit 45 that opens at the lower end opening edge and penetrates radially.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge for a feeding container.

Background Art

[0002] As a feeding container, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, a bottomed cylindrical operation portion, a transmission shaft extending upward from the bottom wall of the operation portion, a sleeve disposed so as to surround the outside of the transmission shaft and provided rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the transmission shaft, and a middle plate inserted inside the sleeve and provided movable in the vertical direction while being restricted from rotating in the circumferential direction with respect to the sleeve and holding a rod-shaped content are provided. A configuration is known in which the middle plate rotates around while engaging with the transmission shaft as the sleeve rotates with respect to the transmission shaft, thereby moving up and down with respect to the sleeve. In the above feeding container, in addition to the transmission shaft, the sleeve, and the middle plate, a cartridge for the feeding container having a cartridge cap (hereinafter referred to as a cap) detachably attached to the sleeve is configured to be attached to and detached from the operation portion through the upper end opening of the operation portion. Thereby, when the rod-shaped content is used up, the transmission shaft, the sleeve, and the middle plate can be detached from the operation portion, and a new cartridge can be attached to the operation portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When replacing with a new cartridge, there is a risk that the cap may be detached from the sleeve, and the new cartridge may be attached upside down to the operating section or to the cap for the dispensing container that was used before the replacement (hereinafter referred to as "this cap"). If the new cartridge is attached to the operating section or this cap in this manner, there is a risk that the upper end of the rod-shaped contents may be gouged out by the uneven shape of the inside of the operating section or the inside of this cap.

[0005] The present invention provides a cartridge for a dispensing container that prevents accidental operation such as attaching a new cartridge upside down to the operating section or the cap while the cap is detached from the sleeve. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A cartridge for a dispensing container according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a transmission shaft extending vertically along the axial direction of the container, a sleeve arranged to surround the outside of the transmission shaft and rotatably mounted circumferentially with respect to the transmission shaft, a tray inserted inside the sleeve and mounted to be movable vertically while its rotation in the circumferential direction is restricted relative to the sleeve, and which holds a rod-shaped contents, and a cartridge cap detachably attached to the sleeve, wherein as the sleeve rotates relative to the transmission shaft, the tray rotates together with it and engages with the transmission shaft, causing it to move vertically relative to the sleeve, and the cartridge for a dispensing container is attached to and detached from the operating part through the upper end opening of a bottomed cylindrical operating part, wherein the sleeve has a support projection that protrudes radially outward and is supported at the upper end of the operating part, the support projection is fitted and fixed to the inside of the lower end of the cartridge cap, the sleeve is detachably inserted into the inside of the portion located above the lower end, and the lower end of the cartridge cap has a slit that opens at the lower end opening edge and penetrates radially.

[0007] The support projection of the sleeve is fitted into the inside of the lower end of the cartridge cap (hereinafter referred to as the cap), and the cap is fixed to the sleeve. As a result, the cap cannot be removed from the sleeve using only the cartridge for the dispensing container, and it is possible to prevent the user from mistakenly attaching a new cartridge upside down to the operating part or to the cap of the dispensing container that was used before replacement while the cap is detached from the sleeve. When installing a new cartridge into the control unit, the portion of the sleeve located below the support projection is inserted into the inside of the control unit, and with the lower opening edge of the cap abutting against the upper opening edge of the control unit, the cartridge is pushed inward into the control unit. As the slit expands circumferentially, the lower opening edge of the cap slides radially outward against the upper opening edge of the control unit. This causes the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the cap to move radially outward from the support projection of the sleeve, and the support projection of the sleeve to be supported by the upper end of the control unit. This allows the cap to be detached from the sleeve and the cartridge to be installed into the control unit.

[0008] The outer surface of the transmission shaft may be surrounded by the sleeve over its entire length in the vertical direction.

[0009] Since the outside of the transmission shaft is surrounded by a sleeve along its entire vertical length, the cartridge alone cannot be rotated circumferentially relative to the sleeve by grasping the transmission shaft. This prevents the transmission shaft from rotating circumferentially relative to the sleeve and causing the rod-shaped contents to rise and strike the top wall of the cap.

[0010] A thin-walled portion may be formed in the lower end of the cartridge cap, specifically in the portion that extends from above the slit relative to the slit.

[0011] Since a thin-walled portion is formed in the lower end of the cap, specifically in the part that extends from above the slit, when a new cartridge is attached to the operating section, the thin-walled portion stretches more easily in the circumferential direction. This makes it easier to widen the slit in the circumferential direction even if the length of the slit is kept short. Furthermore, because the length of the slit is kept short, it is possible to suppress the slit from being easily widened by unexpected external forces applied to the cap by the cartridge alone.

[0012] On the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the cartridge cap, a locking projection is formed at the same vertical position as the slit, projecting radially inward, and the locking projection may be undercut-fitted to the support projection.

[0013] Since the locking projection, which is undercut-fitted to the support projection of the sleeve, is located on the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the cap at the same vertical position as the slit, when the slit expands circumferentially and the lower end opening edge of the cap slides radially outward toward the upper end opening edge of the operating part, the engagement of the locking projection with the support projection of the sleeve can be reliably released, and the cap can be easily detached from the sleeve. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the erroneous operation of attaching a new cartridge upside down to the operating section or to the cap of the dispensing container that was in use before replacement, while the cap is detached from the sleeve. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing container according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the dispensing container when in use. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing how to attach the cartridge to the control unit. [Figure 5] It is an operation explanatory diagram for attaching the cartridge of FIG. 3 to the operation section.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The feeding container 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 feeds out a rod-shaped content (not shown) for use. Examples of the rod-shaped content include cosmetics (such as lipstick, lip cream, stick eyeshadow, etc.), drugs, glue, and the like. Each component of the feeding container 1 is an injection-molded product made of a resin material such as an olefin-based resin unless otherwise specified.

[0017] The feeding container 1 includes a bottomed cylindrical operation section 10, a transmission shaft 23, a sleeve 11, and a middle plate 12. The operation section 10, the transmission shaft 23, the sleeve 11, and the middle plate 12 are arranged such that their respective central axes are located on a common axis.

[0018] Hereinafter, the common axis is referred to as the container axis O, the direction along the container axis O is referred to as the vertical direction, the direction intersecting the container axis O in a plan view seen from the vertical direction is referred to as the radial direction, and the direction orbiting around the container axis O is referred to as the circumferential direction. In the feeding container 1, the bottom wall side (bottom wall 21a of the outer casing cylinder 21) of the operation section 10 along the vertical direction is referred to as the lower side, and the opposite side is referred to as the upper side. Among the circumferential directions, the direction in which the middle plate 12 is raised is referred to as the feeding direction, and the direction in which the middle plate 12 is lowered is referred to as the accommodating direction.

[0019] The operation section 10 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and constitutes the lower outer part of the feeding container 1. The operation section 10 includes an outer casing cylinder 21 and an internal tool 22.

[0020] The outer casing cylinder 21 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. A fitting portion 21b extending upward is formed on the bottom wall 21a (bottom wall of the operation section) of the outer casing cylinder 21. The fitting portion 21b is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The middle member 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is fitted inside the outer cylinder 21. The middle member 22 is provided so as not to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the outer cylinder 21 in a state where the upper end portion protrudes upward from the outer cylinder 21. A support recess 22b that opens toward the inner side in the radial direction is formed at the upper end opening edge 22a of the middle member 22. The support recess 22b extends continuously over the entire circumference. Note that the support recess 22b may not be provided. The middle member 22 may be integrally formed with the outer cylinder 21. If the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the middle member 22 is circular in plan view, the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the middle member 22 may be a shape other than circular in plan view.

[0021] The transmission shaft 23 is provided inside the outer cylinder 21 and supports the middle plate 12 so as to be vertically movable. The lower end portion of the transmission shaft 23 is detachably fixed to the bottom wall 21a of the outer cylinder 21. The transmission shaft 23 includes a fixed shaft member 23a and an outer transmission shaft 23b.

[0022] The fixed shaft member 23a is provided so as not to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the outer cylinder 21. The fixed shaft member 23a is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. An inner spiral groove 26a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member 23a. The inner spiral groove 26a extends spirally upward as it goes in the feeding direction. The inner spiral groove 26a is formed in two. However, the inner spiral groove 26a may be one or three or more.

[0023] A flange-shaped pedestal portion 25 that protrudes outward in the radial direction and extends continuously over the entire circumference is formed at the lower end portion of the fixed shaft member 23a. The pedestal portion 25 is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. A lower cylindrical portion 27 extending downward is formed on the lower surface of the base portion 25. The lower cylindrical portion 27 is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The lower cylindrical portion 27 is inserted into the fitting portion 21b of the operating portion 10. The outer circumferential surface of the lower cylindrical portion 27 and the inner circumferential surface of the fitting portion 21b are provided with interlocking grooves and protrusions that engage with each other in the circumferential direction. The interlocking of the interlocking grooves and protrusions of the lower cylindrical portion 27 and the fitting portion 21b in the circumferential direction restricts the relative rotation of the fixed shaft member 23a with respect to the operating portion 10. A fitting portion 24 extending downward is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 25. The fitting portion 24 is arranged coaxially with the container shaft O. A fitting portion 21b is detachably undercut fitted inside the fitting portion 24. This restricts the vertical movement of the fixed shaft member 23a relative to the operating portion 10. An overhang portion 24a is provided at the lower end of the fitting portion 24, extending radially outward. Note that the overhang portion 24a is optional. A circumferential groove 24b extending continuously around the entire circumference is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper part of the fitting portion 24.

[0024] The outer transmission shaft 23b is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the container shaft O. The portion of the fixed shaft member 23a located above the base portion 25 and provided with an inner helical groove 26a is inserted into the inner side of the outer transmission shaft 23b. A first engaging projection 31 is formed at the lower end of the outer transmission shaft 23b, projecting radially inward. The first engaging projection 31 is housed within the inner helical groove 26a of the fixed shaft member 23a. As the outer transmission shaft 23b rotates circumferentially relative to the fixed shaft member 23a, the first engaging projection 31 moves helically within the inner helical groove 26a, causing it to move up and down relative to the fixed shaft member 23a. Two first engaging projections 31 are provided, spaced apart circumferentially to match the number of grooves in the inner helical groove 26a. Each first engaging projection 31 extends along the inner helical groove 26a. An outer helical groove 32 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer transmission shaft 23b. The outer helical groove 32 extends upward as it is directed in the direction of dispensing. The outer helical groove 32 is formed in two grooves. However, the outer helical groove 32 may be one groove or three or more grooves.

[0025] The sleeve 11 is positioned to surround the outside of the transmission shaft 23 and is rotatably mounted circumferentially with respect to the transmission shaft 23 and the operating part 10. The lower part of the sleeve 11 is inserted into the inside of the operating part 10. The upper part of the sleeve 11 protrudes upward from the operating part 10. The lower end of the sleeve 11 is inserted into the radial gap between the inner circumferential surface of the operating part 10 and the outer circumferential edge of the base part 25. The lower end opening edge of the sleeve 11 is supported by the upper surface of the overhang 24a. The upper end opening surface of the sleeve 11 is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. A downward projection 42 is formed at the lower end of the sleeve 11, projecting radially inward. The downward projection 42 engages with the upper and lower edges of the circumferential groove 24b of the transmission shaft 23 while being housed within the groove 24b. As a result, the sleeve 11 is supported on the transmission shaft 23 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction, while its vertical movement relative to the operating part 10 is restricted. Multiple downward projections 42 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction (for example, four). Alternatively, the downward projections 42 may be formed continuously around the entire circumference of the sleeve 11. An upper projection 43 is formed on the lower part of the sleeve 11, projecting radially inward. The upper projection 43 is located above the lower projection 42. Multiple upper projections 43 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction (for example, two).

[0026] The sleeve 11 surrounds the outside of the transmission shaft 23 along its entire length in the vertical direction. The sleeve 11 has a support projection 41 that protrudes radially outward and is supported at the upper end of the operating portion 10. The support projection 41 is fitted into a support recess 22b of the internal component 22. The support projection 41 is formed in a flange shape that extends continuously around its entire circumference. The upper surface of the support projection 41 and the upper end opening edge 22a of the internal component 22 are at the same vertical position as each other.

[0027] The inner tray 12 is inserted inside the sleeve 11 and is provided to be movable in the vertical direction while its rotation in the circumferential direction is restricted relative to the sleeve 11, and it holds the rod-shaped contents. The inner tray 12 comprises an outer movable cylinder 51 and an inner tray body 52.

[0028] The inner tray body 52 comprises a contents holding section 55 and an inner movable cylinder 56. The contents holding section 55 and the inner movable cylinder 56 are integrally formed.

[0029] The contents holding section 55 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The contents holding section 55 is housed inside the sleeve 11 in a portion located above the transmission axis 23. A rod-shaped contents are held inside the contents holding section 55. The rod-shaped contents are held in a state where they protrude upward from the contents holding section 55.

[0030] The inner movable cylinder 56 extends downward from the bottom wall of the contents holding section 55 and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The inner movable cylinder 56 surrounds the outside of the outer transmission shaft 23b. The inner movable cylinder 56 has a projection 56a that protrudes radially outward and extends vertically. The lower end of the inner movable cylinder 56 has an inner stopper projection 56b that protrudes radially outward. The circumferential positions of the inner stopper projection 56b and the projection 56a are different from each other. A second engaging projection 56c is formed at the lower end of the inner movable cylinder 56, projecting radially inward. The second engaging projection 56c is housed within the outer helical groove 32. As the inner movable cylinder 56 rotates circumferentially with respect to the outer transmission shaft 23b, the second engaging projection 56c moves spirally within the outer helical groove 32, causing it to move up and down relative to the outer transmission shaft 23b. Two second engaging projections 56c are provided, spaced apart circumferentially to match the number of grooves in the outer helical groove 32. Each second engaging projection 56c extends along the outer helical groove 32.

[0031] The outer movable cylinder 51 is provided so as to be able to move up and down relative to the sleeve 11, with its rotation in the circumferential direction restricted. The outer movable cylinder 51 is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The outer movable cylinder 51 is inserted between the outer circumferential surface of the inner movable cylinder 56 and the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve 11. The lower end opening edge of the outer movable cylinder 51 is in contact with or close to the upper surface of the base portion 25. A first restricting groove 51a extending in the vertical direction is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer movable cylinder 51. The upper projection 43 of the sleeve 11 is housed in the first restricting groove 51a so as to be movable in the vertical direction, while its movement in the circumferential direction is restricted. The upper end of the first restricting groove 51a is open upward, and the lower end of the first restricting groove 51a is closed. The upward movement of the outer movable cylinder 51 relative to the sleeve 11 is restricted by the upper projection 43 contacting the lower end surface of the first restricting groove 51a. An outer stopper projection 51b is formed at the upper end of the outer movable cylinder 51, projecting radially inward. The outer stopper projection 51b faces the inner stopper projection 56b of the inner movable cylinder 56 in the vertical direction. The inner stopper projection 56b contacts the lower end surface of the outer stopper projection 51b, thereby restricting the upward movement of the inner tray body 52 relative to the outer movable cylinder 51. A second restricting groove 51c extending in the vertical direction is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer movable cylinder 51. The circumferential positions of the outer stopper projection 51b and the second restricting groove 51c are different from each other. Both ends of the second restricting groove 51c in the vertical direction are open in the vertical direction. The projection 56a of the inner movable cylinder 56 is housed within the second restricting groove 51c so as to be movable in the vertical direction while its circumferential movement is restricted. As a result, the inner tray body 52 is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the outer movable cylinder 51 while its circumferential movement is restricted.

[0032] Next, the operation of the dispensing container 1 described above will be explained. When using the dispensing container 1, first grasp the sleeve 11 and the operating part 10, respectively, and rotate the sleeve 11 and the operating part 10 relative to each other in the dispensing direction. At this time, since the inner part 22 and the fixed shaft member 23a are attached to the outer cylinder 21 so as not to rotate relative to each other, the outer cylinder 21, the inner part 22, and the fixed shaft member 23a rotate together as a single unit. On the other hand, since the sleeve 11 and the outer movable cylinder 51, and the outer movable cylinder 51 and the inner tray body 52 are each provided so as not to rotate relative to each other, the sleeve 11 and the inner tray 12 rotate together as a single unit.

[0033] When the operating section 10 and the sleeve 11 are rotated relative to each other, at least one of the following occurs: the fixed shaft member 23a and the outer transmission shaft 23b rotate together with respect to the inner movable cylinder 56, or the fixed shaft member 23a rotates with respect to the outer transmission shaft 23b.

[0034] When the fixed shaft member 23a and the outer transmission shaft 23b rotate together relative to the inner movable cylinder 56, the second engaging projection 56c moves spirally within the outer helical groove 32, causing the inner movable cylinder 56 (middle pan body 52) to rise relative to the transmission shaft 23. This operation, in which the middle pan body 52 rises due to the relative rotation of the transmission shaft 23 and the inner movable cylinder 56 in the payout direction, is referred to as the "first operation" in this specification.

[0035] When the fixed shaft member 23a rotates relative to the outer transmission shaft 23b, the first engaging projection 31 moves spirally within the inner helical groove 26a, causing the outer transmission shaft 23b to rise relative to the fixed shaft member 23a. At this time, the second engaging projection 56c is pushed up via the inner surface of the outer helical groove 32, causing the inner pan body 52 to rise together with the outer transmission shaft 23b. In this specification, the operation in which the inner pan body 52 rises together with the outer transmission shaft 23b due to the relative rotation of the fixed shaft member 23a and the outer transmission shaft 23b in the payout direction is referred to as the "second operation".

[0036] In other words, when the operating unit 10 and the sleeve 11 are rotated relative to each other in the dispensing direction, the inner tray body 52 rises due to at least one of the first and second actions. This causes the rod-shaped contents to be dispensed upward from the sleeve 11. Which of the first and second actions occurs is determined by the frictional resistance between each component, etc. Note that both the first and second actions may occur simultaneously.

[0037] In the initial stage when the inner tray body 52 rises due to the first or second operation, the inner tray body 52 rises relative to the outer movable cylinder 51 (first rising process). In the first upward movement, the projection 56a of the inner movable cylinder 56 is guided by the second restricting groove 51c of the outer movable cylinder 51, thereby restricting the relative rotation of the outer movable cylinder 51 and the inner tray body 52. ​​The inner stopper projection 56b then contacts the lower end surface of the outer stopper projection 51b as the inner tray body 52 rises relative to the outer movable cylinder 51.

[0038] After the first upward movement, if the inner tray body 52 attempts to rise further due to the first or second movement, the outer movable cylinder 51 is pushed upward via the inner stopper projection 56b and the outer stopper projection 51b. As a result, the inner tray body 52 rises relative to the sleeve 11 together with the outer movable cylinder 51 (second upward movement). During the second upward movement, the upper projection 43 of the sleeve 11 is housed within the first regulating groove 51a, so the relative rotation of the sleeve 11 and the outer movable cylinder 51 is restricted. The outer movable cylinder 51 rises relative to the sleeve 11 until the lower end surface of the first regulating groove 51a contacts the upper projection 43. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the second rising process occurs after the first rising process has been described, but the first rising process may occur after the second rising process, or the first and second rising processes may occur simultaneously.

[0039] When lowering the inner tray 12, the operating section 10 and the sleeve 11 are rotated relative to each other in the housing direction. As a result, the inner tray body 52 descends relative to the sleeve 11, either by the fixed shaft member 23a and the outer transmission shaft 23b rotating together relative to the inner movable cylinder 56, or by the fixed shaft member 23a rotating relative to the outer transmission shaft 23b. As the inner tray body 52 descends, the outer movable cylinder 51 descends together with the inner tray body 52 due to its own weight, etc. Then, the lower end opening edge of the outer movable cylinder 51 comes into contact with the upper surface of the base portion 25, restricting the descent of the outer movable cylinder 51 relative to the sleeve 11. Subsequently, as the inner tray body 52 descends further, the inner tray body 52 descends relative to the sleeve 11 and the outer movable cylinder 51.

[0040] In the dispensing container 1 described above, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, a cartridge 101 for the dispensing container, which is composed of a sleeve 11, a tray 12, and a transmission shaft 23, is detachably attached to the operating section 10, which is composed of an outer cylinder 21 and an inner component 22. To assemble the cartridge 101 to the operating unit 10, the cartridge 101 is inserted into the operating unit 10 through the upper end opening of the central part 22 of the operating unit 10, and the fitting part 21b is fitted into the fitting part 24 by undercutting, thereby mounting the cartridge 101 to the operating unit 10. When the rod-shaped contents have been used up, etc., to remove the cartridge 101 from the operating unit 10, pulling the cartridge 101 up relative to the operating unit 10 releases the engagement between the fitting portion 24 and the fitting portion 21b, and the cartridge 101 is removed from inside the operating unit 10 through the upper end opening of the internal fitting 22 of the operating unit 10.

[0041] In this embodiment, the cartridge 101 further includes a cartridge cap 44 (hereinafter referred to as cap 44) that is detachably attached to the sleeve 11. The cap 44 is formed in a top-cylindrical shape. The lower surface of the top wall of the cap 44 is located above the rod-shaped contents. The support projection 41 of the sleeve 11 is fitted inside the lower end of the cap 44, fixing the cap 44 to the sleeve 11. The sleeve 11 is detachably inserted into the inner surface of the upper part of the cap 44, which is located above the lower end. The inner circumferential surface of the upper part of the cap 44 is radially separated from the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 11. However, the inner circumferential surface of the upper part of the cap 44 may be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 11. The diameter of the upper part of the cap 44 is smaller than the diameter of the lower end of the cap 44. The connection portion between the upper and lower ends of the cap 44 is a stepped portion with the front and back surfaces facing vertically. The lower surface of the stepped portion is located above the upper surface of the support projection 41 of the sleeve 11. However, the cap 44 may also be configured without a stepped portion, with the diameter being the same along its entire vertical length.

[0042] The lower end of the cap 44 has a slit 45 that opens at the lower end opening edge and penetrates radially. Multiple slits 45 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (for example, four). Alternatively, only one slit 45 may be provided. A thin-walled portion 46 is formed in the lower end of the cap 44, specifically in the portion that extends from above the slit 45. The thin-walled portion 46 has a recess formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the cap 44. The thin-walled portion 46 is the thinnest part of the lower end of the cap 44. The circumferential dimensions of the slit 45 and the thin-walled portion 46 are the same. The circumferential centers of the slit 45 and the thin-walled portion 46 coincide. The vertical dimensions of the slit 45 and the thin-walled portion 46 are equivalent.

[0043] On the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the cap 44, a locking projection 47 is formed at the same vertical position as the slit 45, projecting radially inward. The locking projection 47 is undercut fitted into the support projection 41 of the sleeve 11. The locking projection 47 is provided between adjacent slits 45 in the circumferential direction and is formed as a rib extending in the circumferential direction. In a vertical cross-sectional view along the vertical direction, the locking projection 47 has a horizontal triangular shape with a corner that points radially inward, an upward sloping surface that extends radially outward from the corner, and a downward sloping surface 47a that extends radially outward from the corner. The lower end edge of the downward sloping surface 47a is connected to the lower end opening edge of the cap 44. The upper end edge of the upward sloping surface and the lower surface of the support projection 41 of the sleeve 11 are located at the same vertical position as the connection portion between the slit 45 and the thin-walled portion 46. The outer circumferential surface of the support projection 41 of the sleeve 11 is in contact with the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the cap 44 that is located above the slit 45.

[0044] Next, we will explain how to install the new cartridge 101 into the control unit 10.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, when the portion of the sleeve 11 located below the support projection 41 is inserted into the inside of the operating section 10, and the lower end opening edge of the cap 44 abuts against the upper end opening edge 22a of the inner part 22, and the cartridge 101 is pushed inward into the operating section 10 as shown in Figure 5, the slit 45 expands circumferentially, the lower end opening edge of the cap 44 slides radially outward against the upper end opening edge 22a of the inner part 22, and the downward inclined surface 47a of the locking projection 47 slides radially outward against the upper end opening edge 21c of the outer cylinder 21, the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the cap 44 moves radially outward from the support projection 41 of the sleeve 11, and the support projection 41 of the sleeve 11 is fitted into the support recess 22b of the inner part 22 and supported at the upper end of the operating section 10. The pushed-in cartridge 101 is held in place by the undercut fitting of the fitting portion 21b inside the mating portion 24. At this time, the upper surface of the support projection 41 of the sleeve 11 is pushed downward by the connection portion between the upper part and the stepped portion on the inner surface of the cap 44. As a result, the cap 44 can be detached from the sleeve 11, and the cartridge 101 can be attached to the operating unit 10.

[0046] As described above, with the cartridge 101 according to this embodiment, the support projection 41 of the sleeve 11 is fitted inside the lower end of the cap 44, and the cap 44 is fixed to the sleeve 11. Therefore, the cap 44 cannot be removed from the sleeve 11 using the cartridge 101 alone, and it is possible to prevent the erroneous operation of attaching a new cartridge 101 upside down to the operating unit 10 or the cap for the dispensing container 1 that was used before replacement while the cap 44 is detached from the sleeve 11.

[0047] Since the outside of the transmission shaft 23 is surrounded by the sleeve 11 along its entire length in the vertical direction, the cartridge 101 alone cannot grasp the transmission shaft 23 and rotate it circumferentially relative to the sleeve 11. This prevents the transmission shaft 23 from rotating circumferentially relative to the sleeve 11, which would cause the rod-shaped contents to rise and strike the top wall of the cap 44.

[0048] Since a thin-walled portion 46 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the cap 44, in the portion that extends from above the slit 45, when a new cartridge 101 is attached to the operating section 10, the thin-walled portion 46 is more easily stretched in the circumferential direction, making it easier to expand the slit 45 in the circumferential direction even if the length of the slit 45 is kept short, and because the length of the slit 45 is kept short, it is possible to suppress the slit 45 from easily expanding due to unexpected external force applied to the cap 44 by the cartridge 101 alone.

[0049] Since the locking projection 47, which is undercut fitted onto the support projection 41 of the sleeve 11, is located at the same vertical position as the slit 45 on the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the cap 44, when the slit 45 expands circumferentially and the lower end opening edge of the cap 44 slides radially outward from the upper end opening edge of the operating part 10, the engagement of the locking projection 47 with the support projection 41 of the sleeve 11 can be reliably released, and the cap 44 can be easily detached from the sleeve 11.

[0050] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but only by the appended claims.

[0051] In the embodiments described above, a configuration was described in which the transmission shaft 23 comprises a fixed shaft member 23a and an outer transmission shaft 23b, but the configuration is not limited to this. The transmission shaft 23 only needs to have at least a fixed shaft member 23a. In the embodiment described above, the inner tray body 52 was described as being formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. However, the inner tray body 52 may have any configuration, such as one without a bottom wall, as long as it is capable of accommodating the lower end of a rod-shaped contents. In the embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which a locking projection 47 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the cap 44 is undercut fitted onto the support projection 41 of the sleeve 11. However, a configuration in which the locking projection 47 is not formed on the cap 44, and the outer circumferential surface of the support projection 41 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the cap 44 over its entire circumference, is also possible.

[0052] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0053] Examples of the present invention are as follows: <1> A transmission shaft extending vertically along the container axis, A sleeve is arranged to surround the outside of the transmission shaft and is rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the transmission shaft, A tray is inserted inside the sleeve and is provided to be movable in the vertical direction while its rotation in the circumferential direction is restricted relative to the sleeve, and which holds a rod-shaped contents. The sleeve has a cartridge cap that is detachably attached to it, As the sleeve rotates relative to the transmission shaft, the intermediate plate rotates with it and engages with the transmission shaft, causing it to move up and down relative to the sleeve. A cartridge for a dispensing container that is attached to and detached from the operating part through the upper end opening of the bottomed cylindrical operating part, The sleeve has a support projection that protrudes radially outward and is supported at the upper end of the operating portion. Of the cartridge cap, the support projection is fitted and fixed to the inside of the lower end, and the sleeve is detachably inserted into the inside of the portion located above the lower end. A cartridge for a dispensing container, wherein the lower end of the cartridge cap has a slit formed that opens at the lower end opening edge and penetrates radially. <2> The outer side of the transmission shaft is surrounded by the sleeve over its entire length in the vertical direction, <1> Cartridge for the dispensing container described above. <3> A thin-walled portion is formed in the lower end of the cartridge cap, in the portion that is connected to the slit from above the slit, <1> or <2> Cartridge for the dispensing container described above. <4> On the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the cartridge cap, a locking projection is formed at the same vertical position as the slit, projecting radially inward. The locking projection is undercut-fitted to the support projection, <1> from <3> A cartridge for the dispensing container described in one of the following items. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1. Dispenser 10 Control section 11 sleeves 12 medium plates 23 Transmission shaft 41 Support protrusion 44 Cartridge caps 45 slits 46 Thin-walled section 47 Locking protrusion 101 Cartridges O Container axis

Claims

1. A transmission shaft extending vertically along the container axis, A sleeve is arranged to surround the outside of the transmission shaft and is rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the transmission shaft, A tray is inserted inside the sleeve and is provided to be movable in the vertical direction while its rotation in the circumferential direction is restricted relative to the sleeve, and which holds a rod-shaped contents. The sleeve has a cartridge cap that is detachably attached to it, As the sleeve rotates relative to the transmission shaft, the intermediate plate rotates with it and engages with the transmission shaft, causing it to move up and down relative to the sleeve. A cartridge for a dispensing container that is attached to and detached from the operating part through the upper end opening of the bottomed cylindrical operating part, The sleeve has a support projection that protrudes radially outward and is supported at the upper end of the operating portion. Of the cartridge cap, the support projection is fitted and fixed to the inside of the lower end, and the sleeve is detachably inserted into the inside of the portion located above the lower end. A cartridge for a dispensing container, wherein the lower end of the cartridge cap has a slit formed that opens at the lower end opening edge and penetrates radially.

2. The cartridge for a dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein the outside of the transmission shaft is surrounded by the sleeve over its entire length in the vertical direction.

3. A cartridge for a dispensing container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a thin-walled portion is formed in the lower end of the cartridge cap, in the portion that is connected to the slit from above the slit.

4. On the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the cartridge cap, a locking projection is formed at the same vertical position as the slit, projecting radially inward. The cartridge for a dispensing container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking projection is undercut-fitted to the support projection.

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