Dispensing container

Abstract

Perform stable operations. [Solution] The present invention provides a dispensing container 1 comprising an operating section 3 having an outer casing 2, a dispensing member 4 having a spiral shaft 30, a sleeve 5, and a middle tray 6, wherein the outer casing includes an inner locking cylinder 22 extending upward from the bottom wall 21 and having a locking projection 23, and the dispensing member includes an outer locking cylinder 42 surrounding the inner locking cylinder from the radial outside, and the outer locking cylinder has a locking hole 91 formed so as to penetrate the outer locking cylinder radially and into which the locking projection is locked from above.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing container.

Background Art

[0002] As a dispensing container of this type, for example, in Patent Document 1 below, there are a middle dish portion for holding the contents, an operation cylinder portion, a sleeve surrounding the middle dish portion from the radially outer side, a rotation restricting shaft whose rotation around the container axis with respect to the sleeve is restricted, an engaging cylinder portion integrally formed with the middle dish portion, a spiral cylinder portion in which a first spiral groove is formed, and a columnar portion in which a second spiral groove is formed. A dispensing container is known. The rotation of the spiral cylinder portion around the container axis with respect to the engaging cylinder portion is restricted. The columnar portion is located inside the spiral cylinder portion in the radial direction, and the rotation around the container axis with respect to the operation cylinder portion is restricted. Further, on the inner peripheral surface at the lower end portion of the engaging cylinder portion, a first engaging portion that engages with the first spiral groove is formed. On the inner peripheral surface of the spiral cylinder portion, a second engaging portion that engages in the second spiral groove is formed.

[0003] According to the dispensing container configured as described above, by relatively rotating the sleeve and the operation cylinder portion around the container axis, a first operation in which the first spiral groove and the first engaging portion engage, or a second operation in which the second spiral groove and the second engaging portion engage can be performed. Therefore, by using a double helix, the middle dish portion can be raised. As a result, the contents can be fed upward and the contents can be used.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the conventional dispensing container described above, the operating section is formed by combining an outer member including an operating cylinder and an inner member including a columnar portion. Specifically, the outer member and the inner member are combined by an undercut fitting between an annular groove formed in the outer member and an annular projection formed in the inner member. However, when using the dispensing container, the undercut fitting may unintentionally loosen, potentially causing looseness in the combination of the outer and inner components of the operating part, or even the inner component unintentionally detaching from the outer component. Consequently, it was difficult to ensure stable operation.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a dispensing container that can be operated stably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The dispensing container according to the present invention has a bottomed cylindrical outer casing, an operating part rotatable around the container axis, a helical shaft having a helical groove extending around the container axis, a dispensing member assembled to the outer casing in a state in which rotation around the container axis relative to the outer casing is restricted, a sleeve arranged to surround the helical shaft from the radially outside and provided to be rotatable around the container axis relative to the helical shaft, and a middle tray portion arranged inside the sleeve and movable in the vertical direction relative to the sleeve, wherein the middle tray portion has a middle tray body for holding contents and an engaging projection that engages with the helical groove, extending downward from the middle tray body. The present invention comprises a movable cylinder that surrounds the helical shaft from the radially outside and restricts its rotation around the container axis relative to the sleeve, the outer casing comprising an inner locking cylinder having a locking projection that extends upward from the bottom wall and protrudes radially outward, the dispensing member comprising an outer locking cylinder that surrounds the inner locking cylinder from the radially outside and is positioned inside the sleeve and is rotatable around the container axis relative to the sleeve, the outer locking cylinder having a locking hole formed to penetrate the outer locking cylinder radially and locking the locking projection from above as it enters from the radially inside.

[0008] According to the dispensing container of the present invention, by rotating the operating part, including the outer casing, and the sleeve relative to each other around the container axis, the dispensing member, whose rotation is restricted relative to the outer casing, and the inner tray portion, whose rotation is restricted relative to the sleeve, can be rotated relative to each other around the container axis. This allows the engaging projection of the movable cylinder, which is engaged with the helical groove of the helical shaft, to move along the helical groove. As a result, the entire inner tray portion can be moved upward, and the contents can be dispensed above the sleeve. Consequently, the contents can be used. Furthermore, after the contents have been used, the inner tray can be moved downward by rotating the operating cylinder and sleeve in opposite directions relative to each other around the container axis, thereby allowing the contents to be stored inside the sleeve.

[0009] In particular, the outer casing and the dispensing member are integrally assembled by a locking projection formed on the inner locking cylinder engaging with a locking hole formed on the outer locking cylinder. In this case, the locking projection protrudes radially outward from the inner locking cylinder, which protrudes upward from the bottom wall of the outer casing. The locking hole is formed to penetrate radially through the outer locking cylinder, which surrounds the inner locking cylinder from the radial outside. The locking projection then enters the locking hole from the radial inside and engages with the locking hole from above. Therefore, since the locking projection is locked into the horizontal locking hole from above, the inner locking cylinder and the outer locking cylinder can be firmly locked together, and the outer casing and the dispensing member can be stably assembled. In particular, since the locking projection is locked into the locking hole from above, unintended detachment, such as the operating part including the outer casing falling downward from the operating member, can be prevented. As a result, the dispensing member and the operating part can be rotated stably and integrally, enabling stable operation.

[0010] (2) The locking projections and locking holes are each formed in multiple locations at intervals in the circumferential direction with respect to the container axis, and are formed to extend along the circumferential direction, and may lock together at multiple locations in the circumferential direction.

[0011] In this case, the locking projections and locking holes can be locked at multiple points in the circumferential direction, and a sufficient contact area can be secured at each point where the locking projections and locking holes engage with each other. Therefore, the inner locking cylinder and the outer locking cylinder can be locked together more firmly, and the outer casing and the dispensing member can be assembled more stably.

[0012] (3) The locking projection comprises a flat locking surface that extends radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the inner locking cylinder and faces downward, and a guide surface that extends radially inward from the outer edge of the locking surface upward and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the inner locking cylinder, and the lower inner wall surface defining the locking hole may be a flat locked surface that faces upward and locks in a state of surface contact with the locking surface.

[0013] In this case, the locking surface of the locking projection is locked to the locking surface of the locking hole in a surface contact manner from above, so that the inner locking cylinder and the outer locking cylinder can be locked to each other more firmly, and the outer casing and the dispensing member can be assembled more stably. On the other hand, during the assembly stage of the dispensing container, for example, by combining the outer casing with the dispensing member from below, the guide surface of the locking projection can be brought into sliding contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer locking cylinder, allowing the inner locking cylinder to enter the inside of the outer locking cylinder. Therefore, the locking projection can be smoothly guided into the locking hole using the guide surface and locked in place. Consequently, the assembly of the dispensing member and the outer casing can be performed efficiently and reliably.

[0014] (4) The inner locking cylinder has longitudinal ribs that protrude radially inward, and the dispensing member includes a connecting cylinder positioned radially inward of the inner locking cylinder, and the connecting cylinder may have a slit portion that opens at least downward and into which the longitudinal ribs cannot move in the circumferential direction.

[0015] In this case, the dispensing member and the outer casing can be positioned circumferentially by inserting the vertical ribs into the slits formed in the connecting cylinder. Therefore, during the assembly stage of the dispensing container, for example, when combining the outer casing with the dispensing member from below, the dispensing member and the outer casing can be combined while properly aligning them circumferentially. As a result, the locking projection can be reliably and smoothly inserted into the locking hole and locked in place. Furthermore, since the vertical ribs are immobilely positioned within the slit, the operating section, including the outer casing, and the dispensing member can be rotated more reliably as a single unit. Therefore, operability can be further improved.

[0016] (5) The outer locking cylinder is formed with a pressing projection that protrudes radially outward and presses against the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve, and the pressing projection may provide sliding resistance to the sleeve when the operating part and the sleeve are rotated relative to each other around the container axis.

[0017] In this case, when the operation part including the exterior body and the sleeve are rotated around the container axis, the pressing projection can impart sliding resistance to the sleeve. Therefore, an operation feeling when operating the feeding container can be felt, and it can contribute to an improvement in operability.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to stably rotate the feeding member and the operation part integrally, and to provide a feeding container capable of performing stable operations.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing an embodiment of a feeding container according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state where the middle dish part shown in FIG. 1 is raised. [Figure 3] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of the inner locking cylinder of the exterior body and the outer locking cylinder of the feeding member shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a sectional view showing the relationship between the vertical rib and the slit hole shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a side view of the feeding main body shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a bottom view of the feeding main body shown in FIG. 5.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the feeding container 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the feeding container 1 of the present embodiment has a bottomed cylindrical exterior body 2, an operation part 3 rotatable around the container axis O, a feeding member 4 combined with the operation part 3, a sleeve 5 provided rotatably around the container axis O, a middle dish part 6 for holding the content W, and a capped cylindrical cap 7.

[0021] The contents W are not particularly limited, but examples include cosmetics (lipstick, lip balm, stick eyeshadow, etc.), medicines, glue, and other stick-shaped contents. However, the contents W are not limited to this case and may be changed as appropriate.

[0022] In this embodiment, the axis passing through the center of the operating section 3 is called the container axis O, and the direction along the container axis O is defined as the vertical direction. Furthermore, in a plan view from the direction of the container axis O, the direction intersecting the container axis O is defined as the radial direction, and the direction revolving around the container axis O is defined as the circumferential direction. Furthermore, within the vertical direction, the side of the bottom wall 21 of the outer casing 2 is defined as downward, and the opposite side is defined as upward. In addition, within the circumferential direction, the direction that causes the contents W to rise is called the dispensing direction.

[0023] Furthermore, all of the components of the dispensing container 1 in this embodiment can be made of bioplastic parts. Examples of bioplastics include biomass plastics (such as biopolyethylene terephthalate) and biodegradable plastics. In this case, the dispensing container 1 can be made with excellent recyclability. However, the components are not limited to bioplastic parts. For example, the components can be molded parts made from petroleum-derived thermoplastic resins such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

[0024] In this embodiment, the dispensing container 1, including the outer casing 2, can be operated by relatively rotating the operating section 3 and the sleeve 5 around the container axis O, thereby moving the inner tray 6 upward as shown in Figure 2, and making it possible to raise and dispense the contents W.

[0025] (Operation unit) As shown in Figure 1, the operating unit 3 constitutes the outer casing of the dispensing container 1. The operating unit 3 comprises a bottomed cylindrical outer casing 2 arranged coaxially with the container shaft O, and an inner component 10 assembled inside the outer casing 2.

[0026] The outer casing 2 comprises a circumferential wall 20 formed in a cylindrical shape around the container axis O, and a bottom wall 21 that closes the lower end opening of the circumferential wall 20. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, an inner locking cylinder 22 is formed in the bottom wall 21 so as to extend upward. In addition, a vertical hole 24 is formed in the bottom wall 21 in the vertical direction, serving as a punch hole for the molding die. The inner locking cylinder 22 is formed to be arranged coaxially with the container axis O and is positioned radially inward from the peripheral wall 20, with a certain gap between them.

[0027] A locking projection 23 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner locking cylinder 22, so as to protrude radially outward. Multiple locking projections 23 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction with respect to the container axis O. In the illustrated example, a pair of locking projections 23 are formed, facing each other radially across the container axis O, and spaced apart in the circumferential direction. However, the number of locking projections 23 is not limited to one pair (two), and there may be three or more formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the locking projections 23 are formed in an arc shape in plan view so as to extend along the circumferential direction.

[0028] The locking projection 23 extends radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the inner locking cylinder 22 and includes a flat locking surface 23a facing downward, and a guide surface 23b that extends radially inward from the outer edge of the locking surface 23a upward and is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the inner locking cylinder 22.

[0029] Furthermore, the locking projection 23 can be formed by injection molding through the gap between the peripheral wall 20 and the inner locking cylinder 22, and through the vertical hole 24 formed in the bottom wall 21. As a result, the locking projection 23 can be formed as a relatively large ridge, and its outer shape can be formed to have a sharp edge. Consequently, the locking surface 23a can be made flat with high precision, and the locking with the lockable surface 91a described later can be made stronger.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the inner locking cylinder 22 has longitudinal ribs 25 that protrude radially inward. The longitudinal ribs 25 have a constant circumferential width and are formed to be elongated vertically along the outer surface of the inner locking cylinder 22 so that their lower ends are connected to the bottom wall 21. Furthermore, the longitudinal ribs 25 are formed so that their upper ends are located below the upper ends of the inner locking cylinder 22. However, this is not the only case; for example, the longitudinal ribs 25 may be formed so that the height of the upper end of the longitudinal rib 25 is equal to the height of the upper end of the inner locking cylinder 22. Furthermore, the longitudinal ribs 25 are formed in pairs, spaced apart in the circumferential direction, facing each other radially with the container axis O in between. However, the number of longitudinal ribs 25 is not limited to one pair (two); there may be three or more, spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the internal component 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is positioned coaxially with the container axis O. The internal component 10 is fitted inside the peripheral wall 20 of the outer casing 2 and is integrally assembled with the outer casing 2. The internal component 10 is formed to protrude above the peripheral wall 20 and is non-rotatably fitted inside the upper end of the peripheral wall 20. This allows the outer casing 2 and the internal component 10 to be rotated together around the container axis O, enabling the operating part 3 to be rotated as a single unit.

[0032] Furthermore, the inner part 10 has an annular flange portion 11 that protrudes radially outward. The flange portion 11 contacts the upper end opening edge of the peripheral wall 20 from above. As a result, the inner part 10 is integrally assembled with the outer casing 2 with its vertical positioning relative to the outer casing 2 determined by the flange portion 11. An engaging projection 12 is formed on the portion of the central fitting 10 that is located above the flange portion 11, projecting radially outward. The engaging projection 12 may be formed as an annular shape extending continuously along the circumferential direction, or multiple projections may be formed at intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0033] (feeding member) As shown in Figure 1, the dispensing member 4 has a helical shaft 30 arranged coaxially with the container shaft O, and is assembled to the outer casing 2 in a manner that restricts the rotation of the operating unit 3 around the container shaft O. The dispensing member 4 is placed on the bottom wall 21 of the outer casing 2 and positioned inside the peripheral wall 20, supporting the entire middle tray portion 6 so that it can move up and down. The dispensing member 4 comprises a dispensing body 40 having an inner helical shaft 31, and an outer helical shaft 32 surrounding the inner helical shaft 31 from the radial outside. The inner helical shaft 31 and the outer helical shaft 32 constitute the helical shaft 30 as the dispensing member 4.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the dispensing body 40 comprises a base portion 41, an inner spiral shaft 31, an outer locking cylinder 42, and a connecting cylinder 43, and is assembled to the outer casing 2 in a way that prevents rotation.

[0035] The base portion 41 is formed in an annular shape and is positioned coaxially with the container axis O inside the peripheral wall 20 of the outer casing 2. The base portion 41 is positioned above the inner locking cylinder 22, with a gap between it and the inner locking cylinder 22 of the outer casing 2. The outer peripheral edge of the base portion 41 protrudes radially outward from the inner locking cylinder 22. The lower surface of the base portion 41 is close to or in contact with the upper end opening edge of the inner locking cylinder 22 from above.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the inner helical shaft 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the container shaft O, extending upward from the inner peripheral edge of the base portion 41. An inner helical groove (helical groove according to the present invention) 31a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner helical shaft 31, extending around the container shaft O. The inner helical groove 31a extends spirally upward as it is directed in the dispensing direction (see Figure 5). In this embodiment, two inner helical grooves 31a are formed. However, the inner helical grooves 31a may be one or three or more, not limited to this configuration.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the outer locking cylinder 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. Specifically, the outer locking cylinder 42 is positioned between the inner locking cylinder 22 and the peripheral wall 20 so as to surround the inner locking cylinder 22 of the outer casing 2 from the radial outside. The upper end of the outer locking cylinder 42 is integrally formed with the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 41. The outer locking cylinder 42 is positioned inside the lower end of the sleeve body 60 and is rotatable around the container axis O relative to the sleeve body 60. The outer locking cylinder 42 is integrally assembled with the inner locking cylinder 22 by locking into it. The outer locking cylinder 42 will be explained in detail later.

[0038] The connecting cylinder 43 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is positioned radially inward from the inner locking cylinder 22 of the outer casing 2, and is also positioned coaxially with the container axis O. The upper end of the connecting cylinder 43 is integrally formed with the base portion 41. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the connecting cylinder 43 has a slit hole (slit portion according to the present invention) 45 that opens at least downward and into which the vertical rib 25 formed in the inner locking cylinder 22 cannot move in the circumferential direction.

[0039] The slit holes 45 are formed to penetrate the lower end of the connecting cylinder 43 radially and to open downward. The slit holes 45 are formed in pairs, spaced apart in the circumferential direction, facing each other radially across the container axis O, corresponding to the longitudinal ribs 25. The circumferential width of the slit holes 45 is equal to the circumferential width of the longitudinal ribs 25. This allows the longitudinal ribs 25 to be fitted into the slit holes 45 in a state where they cannot move circumferentially.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the outer helical shaft 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the inner helical shaft 31 from the outside in the radial direction along its entire length. A first engagement thread portion 32a is formed at the lower end of the outer helical shaft 32, projecting radially inward. The first engaging screw portion 32a is, for example, an intermittent screw portion and is engaged within the inner helical groove 31a. As a result, the outer helical shaft 32 can move vertically relative to the inner helical shaft 31 as the outer helical shaft 32 rotates circumferentially with respect to the inner helical shaft 31, by causing the first engaging screw portion 32a to move helically within the inner helical groove 31a. In this embodiment, two first engaging screw portions 32a are provided, spaced apart in the circumferential direction, corresponding to the number of threads (two) in the inner helical groove 31a.

[0041] An outer helical groove (helical groove according to the present invention) 32b is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer helical shaft 32, extending around the container shaft O. The outer helical groove 32b extends spirally upward as it is directed in the dispensing direction. The outer helical groove 32b is formed in two grooves, similar to the inner helical groove 31a. However, the outer helical groove 32b is not limited to this case and may be formed in one groove or three or more grooves.

[0042] (sleeve) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sleeve 5 surrounds the helical shaft 30 (inner helical shaft 31, outer helical shaft 32) from the radial outside, extends upward from the operating section 3, and is rotatable around the container axis O relative to the helical shaft 30 (inner helical shaft 31, outer helical shaft 32). Sleeve 5 is positioned inside the operating section 3 and is also rotatable relative to the operating section 3. Sleeve 5 is formed in a double-tube shape and comprises a sleeve body 60 and a movable sleeve 70 positioned radially inward from the sleeve body 60, and is positioned coaxially with the container axis O.

[0043] The sleeve body 60 is positioned inside the inner component 10 and inserted inside the outer casing 2. The upper opening edge of the sleeve body 60 is positioned above the inner component 10, and its tip is inclined with respect to the container axis O, for example. The portion of the sleeve body 60 inserted inside the outer casing 2 surrounds the base portion 41 and the outer locking cylinder 42 from the radial outside. The lower edge of the sleeve body 60 contacts the support surface 90 formed on the outer locking cylinder 42 (described later) from above. As a result, the sleeve body 60 is supported from below by the dispensing member 4 via the support surface 90.

[0044] The sleeve body 60 has a first projection 61 and a second projection 62 formed on it. As shown in Figure 3, the first projection 61 is formed to protrude radially inward from the lower end of the sleeve body 60. The first projection 61 may be formed as an annular shape extending continuously along the circumferential direction, or multiple projections may be formed at intervals along the circumferential direction. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second projection 62 is formed to protrude radially inward from the portion of the sleeve body 60 located inside the inner component 10. Multiple second projections 62 are formed at circumferential intervals, for example, facing each other radially across the container shaft O. Each of the second projections 62 is housed in one of the multiple first regulating grooves 71, which will be described later.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the movable sleeve 70 is assembled to move vertically relative to the sleeve body 60, while its relative rotation to the sleeve body 60 is restricted. The movable sleeve 70 is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the movable cylinder 81 of the central tray portion 6 (described later) from the radial outside, and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The total length of the movable sleeve 70 in the vertical direction is shorter than the total length of the sleeve body 60. When the movable sleeve 70 is in the lowest position shown in Figure 1, it is approaching or in contact with the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 41 from above. Furthermore, the upper end of the movable sleeve 70 is positioned above the second projection 62.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a first regulating groove 71 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the movable sleeve 70, which is recessed radially inward and opens upward. The first regulating groove 71 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the movable sleeve 70 so as to extend vertically in the portion facing radially from the second projection 62. Therefore, multiple first regulating grooves 71 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction, corresponding to the second projection 62. The second projection 62 is housed within the first regulating groove 71 from the radially outer side. As a result, the movable sleeve 70 uses the first regulating groove 71 to restrict the circumferential movement of the second projection 62 while guiding its vertical movement.

[0047] Furthermore, a retaining projection 72 is formed at the lower end of the movable sleeve 70, which protrudes radially outward and fits within the first regulating groove 71. As a result, when the movable sleeve 70 moves upward, the second projection 62 contacts the retaining projection 72 from above (see Figure 2). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the second projection 62 from falling out of the first regulating groove 71.

[0048] A first stopper projection 73 is formed at the upper end of the movable sleeve 70, projecting radially inward. The first stopper projection 73 is formed to extend circumferentially, for example, in the shape of a circular arc in plan view. Furthermore, a vertically elongated second regulating groove 74 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the movable sleeve 70, which is recessed radially outward and opens vertically. A pair of second regulating grooves 74 are formed facing each other radially with the container axis O in between. For example, in a plan view taken from the direction of the container axis O, the second regulating groove 74 is formed at a position 90 degrees apart in the circumferential direction from the first regulating groove 71 with respect to the container axis O.

[0049] (Middle dish section) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the intermediate tray portion 6 is positioned inside the sleeve 5 and is movable vertically relative to the sleeve 5. The intermediate tray portion 6 comprises an intermediate tray body 80 and a movable cylinder 81 extending downward from the intermediate tray body 80.

[0050] The inner tray body 80 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and is positioned coaxially with the container axis O. The inner tray body 80 is located inside the sleeve body 60 and is positioned above the helical axis 30 (outer helical axis 32, inner helical axis 31). The inside of the inner tray body 80 is filled with contents W. The contents W are filled in such a way that they protrude above the inner tray body 80.

[0051] The movable cylinder 81 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending downward from the bottom wall 21 of the inner tray body 80 and is positioned between the outer helical shaft 32 and the movable sleeve 70. As a result, the movable cylinder 81 is inserted inside the movable sleeve 70, surrounding the outer helical shaft 32 from the radial outside. The lower end of the movable cylinder 81 is in contact with or close to the base portion 41 of the dispensing member 4 from above.

[0052] The outer circumferential surface of the movable cylinder 81 has regulating ribs 82 that protrude radially outward. The regulating ribs 82 are in the shape of vertical ribs that extend vertically along almost the entire length of the movable cylinder 81, and are formed in pairs facing each other with the container axis O in between. The restricting rib 82 is housed radially from the inside within the second restricting groove 74 formed in the movable sleeve 70 and is circumferentially locked to the second restricting groove 74. As a result, the movable cylinder 81 is allowed to move vertically relative to the movable sleeve 70, while its relative rotation to the movable sleeve 70 is restricted. Therefore, the entire middle tray portion 6 is made movable in the vertical direction while its rotation around the container axis O relative to the sleeve 5 is restricted.

[0053] Furthermore, a second stopper projection 83 is formed at the lower end of the movable cylinder 81, projecting radially outward. The second stopper projection 83 is formed in a position that faces the first stopper projection 73 formed on the movable sleeve 70 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 2, when the middle plate portion 6 reaches its highest position, the second stopper projection 83 approaches the first stopper projection 73 from below. This prevents the middle plate portion 6 from rising beyond its highest position. When the middle plate portion 6 reaches its highest position, the retaining projection 72 formed on the movable sleeve 70 contacts the second projection 62 formed on the sleeve body 60 from below.

[0054] Furthermore, a second engagement screw portion (engagement projection according to the present invention) 81a is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the movable cylinder 81, projecting radially inward. The second engaging screw portion 81a is an intermittent screw portion that extends around the container axis O with a predetermined circumferential width along the inner circumferential surface of the movable cylinder 81 and is housed within the outer helical groove 32b. As a result, as the movable cylinder 81 rotates relative to the outer helical shaft 32, the second engaging screw portion 81a moves helically within the outer helical groove 32b, causing the movable cylinder 81 to move up and down relative to the outer helical shaft 32.

[0055] In this embodiment, the second engaging screw portion 81a is provided in pairs, arranged intermittently at a constant interval in the circumferential direction, corresponding to the number of threads (two) of the outer helical groove 32b.

[0056] (cap) As shown in Figure 1, the cap 7 is formed in a top-cylindrical shape and is positioned coaxially with the container axis O. The cap 7 is detachably attached to the portion of the inner component 10 located above the flange portion 11. In this way, the cap 7 is attached to the inner component 10 so as to cover the sleeve body 60 from above. When the cap 7 is attached, the engaging projection 12 formed on the inner part 10 fits into the inside of the cap 7. This ensures that the cap 7 is securely attached to the inner part 10.

[0057] (External locking cylinder) In the dispensing container 1 configured as described above, the outer locking cylinder 42 formed on the outer casing 2 will be described in detail. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the outer locking cylinder 42 is positioned between the inner locking cylinder 22 and the peripheral wall 20 so as to surround the inner locking cylinder 22 of the outer casing 2 from the radial outside. The outer locking cylinder 42 is then integrally assembled with the inner locking cylinder 22 by locking it with its lower open end in contact with the bottom wall 21 of the outer casing 2 from above.

[0058] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the outer locking cylinder 42 is formed in a two-stage cylindrical shape with a two-stage change in outer diameter. Specifically, a stepped portion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer locking cylinder 42, including an annular support surface 90 facing upward. As a result, the outer locking cylinder 42 is formed in a two-stage cylindrical shape, with the lower end protruding radially outward more than the upper end due to the stepped portion. The lower open end of the sleeve body 60 is in contact with the support surface 90 from above. As a result, the sleeve body 60 is positioned vertically relative to the dispensing member 4 and surrounds the upper end of the outer connecting cylinder 43 from the radial outside.

[0059] A locking hole 91 is formed in the lower end of the outer locking cylinder 42, located below the support surface 90, and penetrates the outer locking cylinder 42 radially. The locking hole 91 is formed in the portion of the outer locking cylinder 42 that is radially opposite to the locking projection 23 formed on the inner locking cylinder 22. Therefore, the locking holes 91 are formed in pairs, spaced apart in the circumferential direction, facing each other radially across the container axis O, corresponding to the locking projection 23, and are formed in an arc shape in plan view so as to extend along the circumferential direction.

[0060] The locking projection 23 is designed to enter the locking hole 91 from the radially inner side and lock from above. In particular, the lower inner wall surface defining the locking hole 91 is a flat locking surface 91a that faces upward and locks in a state where the locking surface 23a of the locking projection 23 is in surface contact with it. The locking hole 91 is formed, for example, by injection molding, so that its outer shape has a sharp edge. Therefore, the locking surface 91a is ensured to be flat with high precision. Consequently, the locking projection 23 can firmly lock with the locking surface 91a.

[0061] An annular recess 92 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the outer locking cylinder 42, which is recessed radially inward and extends continuously along the circumferential direction. The annular recess 92 is formed on the portion of the outer locking cylinder 42 that is radially opposite to the first projection 61 formed on the sleeve body 60. The first projection 61 is housed within the annular recess 92.

[0062] Furthermore, a pressing projection 93 is formed on the outer locking cylinder 42 in a portion located above the support surface 90 and below the annular recess 92. This projection protrudes radially outward and presses against the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve body 60. The pressing projection 93 provides sliding resistance to the sleeve 5 when the operating part 3 and the sleeve 5 are rotated relative to each other around the container axis O.

[0063] The pressing projection 93 is provided on the elastic piece 95, which is formed by a slit hole 94 that penetrates the outer locking cylinder 42 radially. The slit hole 94 is formed in a U-shape when viewed from the side. As a result, the elastic piece 95 is formed in a cantilever shape with a base portion 96. The annular recess 92 is formed to cross the base portion 96 of the elastic piece 95. Therefore, the base portion 96 is formed to be thinner than the elastic piece 95 by the annular recess 92.

[0064] As described above, the elastic piece 95 deforms radially outward from its base portion 96, thereby pressing the pressing projection 93 against the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve body 60 from the radially inward direction. The elastic pieces 95, including the pressing projection 93, are formed in multiple locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction. In the illustrated example, four elastic pieces 95 are arranged at 90-degree intervals around the container axis O. However, the number of elastic pieces 95 is not limited to this case.

[0065] (Function of the dispensing container) Next, we will explain the operation of the dispensing container 1 configured as described above. When using the dispensing container 1, remove the cap 7 shown in Figure 1 from the operating unit 3. Next, grasp the sleeve body 60 and the outer casing 2 of the operating unit 3, and rotate the sleeve body 60 and the operating unit 3 relative to each other in the dispensing direction around the container axis O.

[0066] In this configuration, the inner component 10 and the dispensing body 40 are assembled to the outer casing 2 in a manner that prevents relative rotation, allowing the inner component 10 and the dispensing body 40 to rotate integrally with the outer casing 2. Furthermore, the sleeve body 60 and the movable sleeve 70 are assembled in a manner that prevents relative rotation, and the movable sleeve 70 and the movable cylinder 81 of the inner tray 6 are assembled in a manner that prevents relative rotation. As a result, the entire inner tray 6 can rotate integrally with the sleeve body 60.

[0067] Therefore, the second engaging screw portion 81a of the movable cylinder 81, which is engaged with the outer helical groove 32b of the outer helical shaft 32 in the dispensing member 4, can be moved along the outer helical groove 32b. As a result, as shown in Figure 2, the entire middle tray portion 6 can be moved upward, and the contents W can be dispensed above the sleeve body 60.

[0068] Specifically, when the operating unit 3 and the sleeve body 60 are rotated relative to each other, at least one of the following actions occurs: the inner helical shaft 31 and the outer helical shaft 32 rotate together with respect to the movable cylinder 81, or the inner helical shaft 31 rotates relative to the outer helical shaft 32.

[0069] When the inner helical shaft 31 and the outer helical shaft 32 rotate together relative to the movable cylinder 81, the second engaging screw portion 81a engages with the outer helical groove 32b and moves spirally within the outer helical groove 32b. This allows the entire middle plate portion 6, including the movable cylinder 81, to be moved upward relative to the dispensing member 4. In this embodiment, the movement of the inner helical shaft 31 and the outer helical shaft 32 and the movable cylinder 81 relative to each other in the feeding direction, causing the middle plate portion 6 to move upward, is referred to as the "first operation."

[0070] In contrast, when the inner helical shaft 31 rotates relative to the outer helical shaft 32, the first engaging screw portion 32a engages with the inner helical groove 31a and moves spirally within the inner helical groove 31a, causing the outer helical shaft 32 to rise relative to the inner helical shaft 31. At this time, the second engaging screw portion 81a is pushed up via the outer helical groove 32b, causing the entire middle plate portion 6 to move upward together with the outer helical shaft 32. In this embodiment, the movement in which the inner helical shaft 31 and the outer helical shaft 32 rotate relative to each other in the feeding direction, causing the middle plate portion 6 to move upward together with the outer helical shaft 32, is referred to as the "second movement."

[0071] Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, when the operating unit 3 and the sleeve body 60 are rotated relative to each other in the dispensing direction, the middle tray 6 can be moved upward by at least one of the first and second operations. As a result, the contents W can be dispensed above the sleeve body 60, and the contents W can be used. The occurrence of either the first or second operation depends on factors such as frictional resistance between the components. However, regardless of whether the first or second operation takes priority, the contents W can still be dispensed. Therefore, the user can use the contents W. Furthermore, both the first and second operations may occur simultaneously.

[0072] In the initial stage when the middle plate portion 6 rises due to the first or second operation, the middle plate portion 6 moves upward relative to the movable sleeve 70 (first rising process). Specifically, during the first upward movement, the regulating rib 82 is guided into the second regulating groove 74. Therefore, the intermediate plate portion 6 can be moved upward relative to the movable sleeve 70 while restricting the rotation of the intermediate plate portion 6 relative to the movable sleeve 70. Furthermore, during the first upward movement, the second stopper projection 83 of the intermediate plate portion 6 contacts the first stopper projection 73 of the movable sleeve 70 from below. This restricts the upward movement of the intermediate plate portion 6 relative to the movable sleeve 70.

[0073] After the first upward movement, if the middle tray portion 6 moves further upward due to the first or second operation, the movable sleeve 70 can be pushed upward via the first stopper projection 73 and the second stopper projection 83. As a result, the middle tray portion 6 moves upward relative to the sleeve body 60 together with the movable sleeve 70 (second upward movement).

[0074] During the second upward movement, the second projection 62 is housed within the first regulating groove 71. Therefore, the movable sleeve 70 moves upward relative to the sleeve body 60 while restricting the rotation of the movable sleeve 70 relative to the sleeve body 60. Furthermore, during the second upward movement, the retaining projection 72 of the movable sleeve 70 comes into contact with the second projection 62 of the sleeve 5, restricting the further upward movement of the intermediate tray portion 6. This allows the intermediate tray portion 6 to be positioned at its highest position.

[0075] In this embodiment, a configuration in which the second rising process occurs after the first rising process has been described, but this is not the only configuration. For example, the first rising process may occur after the second rising process, or the first and second rising processes may occur simultaneously.

[0076] Furthermore, after using the contents W, by rotating the operating unit 3 and the sleeve body 60 in opposite directions relative to each other around the container axis O, the inner tray 6 can be moved downward by the reverse of the above-described operation, and the contents W can be stored inside the sleeve 5 (see Figure 1).

[0077] In particular, as shown in Figure 3, the outer casing 2 and the dispensing member 4 are integrally assembled by the locking projection 23 formed on the inner locking cylinder 22 engaging with the locking hole 91 formed on the outer locking cylinder 42. In this case, the locking projection 23 enters the locking hole 91 from the radially inner side and engages with the locking hole 91 from above. Therefore, since the locking projection 23 engages with the horizontally shaped locking hole 91 from above, the inner locking cylinder 22 and the outer locking cylinder 42 can be firmly locked together, and the outer casing 2 and the dispensing member 4 can be stably assembled.

[0078] Furthermore, the locking projections 23 and locking holes 91 can be locked at multiple points in the circumferential direction, and sufficient contact area is ensured at each point where the locking projections 23 and locking holes 91 lock together. As a result, the inner locking cylinder 22 and the outer locking cylinder 42 can be locked together more firmly, and the outer casing 2 and the dispensing member 4 can be assembled more stably.

[0079] Furthermore, since the locking projection 23 is locked to the locking hole 91 from above, unintended detachment, such as the operating section 3 including the outer casing 2 falling downward from the dispensing member 4, can be prevented. As a result, the dispensing member 4 and the operating section 3 can be rotated stably and integrally, enabling stable operation.

[0080] Furthermore, since the locking surface 23a of the locking projection 23 is in surface contact with the locking surface 91a of the locking hole 91 from above, the inner locking cylinder 22 and the outer locking cylinder 42 can be locked to each other more firmly, and the outer casing 2 and the dispensing member 4 can be assembled even more stably. On the other hand, during the assembly stage of the dispensing container 1, for example, by combining the outer casing 2 with the dispensing member 4 from below, the guide surface 23b of the locking projection 23 can be brought into sliding contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer locking cylinder 42, allowing the inner locking cylinder 22 to enter the inside of the outer locking cylinder 42. Therefore, the locking projection 23 can be smoothly guided into the locking hole 91 using the guide surface 23b and locked in place. Consequently, the assembly of the dispensing member 4 and the outer casing 2 can be performed efficiently and reliably.

[0081] As described above, the dispensing container 1 of this embodiment allows the dispensing member 4 and the operating unit 3 to be rotated stably and integrally, enabling stable operation.

[0082] Furthermore, by inserting the vertical ribs 25 into the slit holes 45 formed in the connecting cylinder 43, the dispensing member 4 and the outer casing 2 can be positioned in the circumferential direction. Therefore, during the assembly stage of the dispensing container 1, for example, when combining the outer casing 2 with the dispensing member 4 from below, the dispensing member 4 and the outer casing 2 can be combined while appropriately aligning them in the circumferential direction. As a result, the locking projection 23 can be reliably and smoothly inserted into the locking hole 91 and locked in place. Furthermore, since the vertical ribs 25 are immobilely positioned within the slit holes 45, the operating section 3, including the outer casing 2, and the dispensing member 4 can be rotated more reliably as a single unit. Therefore, operability can be further improved.

[0083] Furthermore, since a pressing projection 93 is formed on the outer locking cylinder 42, when the operating part 3 including the outer casing 2 and the sleeve 5 are rotated around the container axis O, the pressing projection 93 provides sliding resistance to the sleeve 5. Therefore, the user can feel the operation when operating the dispensing container 1, contributing to improved operability.

[0084] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, modifications in each embodiment may be combined as appropriate. In addition, these embodiments and their modifications include, for example, those that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are equivalent.

[0085] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the dispensing member 4 includes an inner helical shaft 31 and an outer helical shaft 32 was described, but the invention is not limited to this case. For example, the dispensing member 4 only needs to have at least an inner helical shaft 31. In this case, the second engaging screw portion 81a can be engaged with the inner helical groove 31a of the inner helical shaft 31.

[0086] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which the operating unit 3 comprises an outer casing 2 and an inner component 10, it is not limited to this case. For example, the operating unit 3 may consist only of the outer casing 2.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a slit hole 45 was formed so as to penetrate the connecting cylinder 43 in the radial direction, but the slit portion is not limited to a slit hole 45. For example, a slit groove into which a vertical rib 25 fits can be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder 43, and this can function as a slit portion.

[0088] Furthermore, the present invention includes the following embodiments. <1> It has a bottomed cylindrical outer casing and an operating part that can rotate around the container axis, A dispensing member having a spiral shaft with a spiral groove extending around the container axis, which is assembled to the outer casing in a state in which rotation around the container axis relative to the outer casing is restricted, A sleeve is provided that surrounds the helical shaft from the radially outer side and is rotatable around the container axis relative to the helical shaft, The system comprises a middle tray portion which is positioned inside the sleeve and is movable vertically relative to the sleeve, The aforementioned middle tray portion is The inner tray body that holds the contents, The device comprises a movable cylinder having an engaging projection that engages with the helical groove, extending downward from the inner tray body, surrounding the helical shaft from the radial outside, and restricting rotation of the sleeve around the container axis, The outer casing comprises an inner locking cylinder having a locking projection that extends upward from the bottom wall and protrudes radially outward. The dispensing member includes an outer locking cylinder that surrounds the inner locking cylinder from the radially outer side and is positioned inside the sleeve, and is rotatable around the container axis relative to the sleeve. The dispensing container is characterized in that the outer locking cylinder has a locking hole formed so as to penetrate the outer locking cylinder radially, into which the locking projection enters from the radially inward side and is locked from above. <2> <1> In the dispensing container described above, A dispensing container wherein the locking projections and locking holes are each formed in multiple locations at intervals in the circumferential direction with respect to the container axis, and are formed to extend along the circumferential direction, and are locked to each other at multiple locations in the circumferential direction. <3> <1> or <2> In the dispensing container described above, The aforementioned locking projection is The inner locking cylinder has a flat locking surface that extends radially outward from its outer circumferential surface and faces downward, The device comprises a guide surface that extends radially inward from the outer edge of the locking surface upward and is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the inner locking cylinder, The lower inner wall surface defining the locking hole is a flat locking surface that faces upward and locks in a state of surface contact with the locking surface, in a dispensing container. <4> <1> from <3> In a dispensing container described in any of the following, The inner locking cylinder has longitudinal ribs that protrude radially inward. The dispensing member comprises a connecting cylinder positioned radially inside the inner locking cylinder, The dispensing container has a slit portion formed in the connecting cylinder that opens at least downward and into which the vertical ribs are immovably inserted in the circumferential direction. <5> <1> from <4> In a dispensing container described in any of the following, The outer locking cylinder is formed with a pressing projection that protrudes radially outward and presses against the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve. The aforementioned pressing projection provides sliding resistance to the sleeve when the operating part and the sleeve are rotated relative to each other around the container axis, in a dispensing container. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] O…Container axis 1… Dispensing container 2…Exterior 3...Operation unit 4… Feed-out member 5...Sleeves 6... Middle plate section 21...Bottom wall of the exterior 22...Inner locking cylinder 23...Latching protrusion 23a... Locking surface of locking projection 23b... Guide surface of the locking projection 25…Vertical ribs 30…Spiral axis 31a...Inner spiral groove (spiral groove) 32b...Outer spiral groove (helical groove) 42...Outer locking cylinder 43...Connection tube 45... Slit hole (slit portion) 80...Main body of the tray 81...Movable tube 81a...Second engaging screw portion (engaging projection) 91… Locking hole 91a... Locking surface of the locking hole (lower inner wall surface) 93...Pressure projection

Claims

1. It has a bottomed cylindrical outer casing and an operating part that can rotate around the container axis, A dispensing member having a spiral shaft with a spiral groove extending around the container axis, which is assembled to the outer casing in a state in which rotation around the container axis relative to the outer casing is restricted, A sleeve is provided that surrounds the helical shaft from the radially outer side and is rotatable around the container axis relative to the helical shaft, The system comprises a middle tray portion which is positioned inside the sleeve and is movable vertically relative to the sleeve, The aforementioned middle tray portion is The inner tray body that holds the contents, The device comprises a movable cylinder having an engaging projection that engages with the helical groove, extending downward from the inner tray body, surrounding the helical shaft from the radial outside, and restricting rotation of the sleeve around the container axis, The outer casing comprises an inner locking cylinder having a locking projection that extends upward from the bottom wall and protrudes radially outward. The dispensing member includes an outer locking cylinder that surrounds the inner locking cylinder from the radially outer side and is positioned inside the sleeve, and is rotatable around the container axis relative to the sleeve. The dispensing container is characterized in that the outer locking cylinder has a locking hole formed so as to penetrate the outer locking cylinder radially, into which the locking projection enters from the radially inward side and is locked from above.

2. In the dispensing container according to claim 1, A dispensing container wherein the locking projections and locking holes are each formed in multiple locations at intervals in the circumferential direction with respect to the container axis, and are formed to extend along the circumferential direction, and are locked to each other at multiple locations in the circumferential direction.

3. In the dispensing container according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned locking projection is The inner locking cylinder has a flat locking surface that extends radially outward from its outer circumferential surface and faces downward, The device comprises a guide surface that extends radially inward from the outer edge of the locking surface upward and is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the inner locking cylinder, The lower inner wall surface defining the locking hole is a flat locking surface that faces upward and locks in a state of surface contact with the locking surface, in a dispensing container.

4. In the dispensing container according to claim 1 or 2, The inner locking cylinder has longitudinal ribs that protrude radially inward. The dispensing member comprises a connecting cylinder positioned radially inside the inner locking cylinder, The dispensing container has a slit portion formed in the connecting cylinder that opens at least downward and into which the vertical ribs are immovably inserted in the circumferential direction.

5. In the dispensing container according to claim 1 or 2, The outer locking cylinder is formed with a pressing projection that protrudes radially outward and presses against the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve. The aforementioned pressing projection provides sliding resistance to the sleeve when the operating part and the sleeve are rotated relative to each other around the container axis, in a dispensing container.

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