Dropper container

Abstract

To provide a dropper container with a reduced number of parts. [Solution] The dropper container 1 has an engaging projection 50 and a guide groove 60, the guide groove 60 has a first end 61A and a second end 61B, and includes an inclined groove 62 that extends in one direction in the container axis direction as it moves from the first end 61A toward the second end 61B toward the first direction in the circumferential direction around the container axis O, a vertical groove 67 that has a third end 61C and extends in the other direction in the container axis direction from the second end 61B toward the third end 61C of the inclined groove 62, and an elastic piece 66 disposed within the vertical groove 67 that elastically deforms radially upon contact with the engaging projection 50 and biases the engaging projection 50 toward the second end 61B from the third end 61C.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there has been known a dropper container in which a dropper assembly including a dropper tube, an inner cap, an outer cap, an actuating member, and an operating member is detachably attached to a container body.

[0003] Specifically, the dropper container includes: a bottomed cylindrical container body that accommodates contents; an inner cap that is detachably fitted onto the mouth of the container body from the outside and is attached to and detached from the mouth as the container rotates about its axis; a dropper tube that extends downward from the inner cap and has a lower end opening located inside the container body; an outer cap that is externally fitted onto the inner cap rotatably about the container axis in a state where rotation about the container axis exceeding a predetermined amount is restricted; an actuating member that is provided inside the outer cap, has rotation about the container axis relative to the outer cap restricted, and moves vertically relative to the inner cap by rotating about the container axis relative to the inner cap; and an operating member that is attached to the actuating member and defines an expandable / contractible space communicating with the upper end opening of the dropper tube between the operating member and the actuating member. The actuating member is provided with a sliding cylindrical portion that extends in the vertical direction and forms part of a partition wall of an actuating space communicating with the upper end opening of the dropper tube, and the inner cap is provided with a piston that slides on the inner peripheral surface of the sliding cylindrical portion to expand and contract the actuating space as the actuating member moves vertically relative to the inner cap.

[0004] In this dropper container, when the outer cap is rotated relative to the inner cap to which the dropper tube is attached, an operating member located between the outer and inner caps first rotates and rises relative to the inner cap, creating negative pressure within the dropper tube and drawing the contents of the container body into the dropper tube. Subsequently, if the rotation of the outer cap continues, the inner cap rotates and rises relative to the container body, and the dropper assembly is removed from the mouth of the container body. Then, by pressing the operating member against the operating member, the contents are discharged from the dropper tube. After the contents are discharged, in the process of attaching the dropper assembly to the container body, the operating member descends relative to the inner cap. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-89211 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In conventional dropper containers, the vertical movement of the operating member relative to the inner cap is achieved by the screw-fitting of the inner cap and the operating member. Therefore, an operating member is provided to allow the contents to be dispensed without rotating the operating member. However, a reduction in the number of parts is desired.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a dropper container with a reduced number of parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) The dropper container according to the present invention comprises: a bottomed cylindrical container body for containing contents; an inner cap detachably screwed onto the mouth of the container body; a dropper tube extending downward from the inner cap, with its lower end opening located inside the container body; an outer cap rotatably mounted on the inner cap so as to restrict rotation around the container axis by a predetermined amount or more; and an operating member provided inside the outer cap, whose rotation around the container axis relative to the outer cap is restricted, which communicates with the upper end opening of the dropper tube and defines an operating space that expands and contracts with vertical movement of the inner cap, wherein the operating member has an operating peripheral wall extending in the direction of the container axis, and the inner cap extends in the direction of the container axis and faces the operating peripheral wall radially. The container has a fitting guide tube portion, and one of the operating circumferential wall and the first tube portion of the guide tube portion has an engaging projection that protrudes toward the operating circumferential wall and the other second tube portion of the guide tube portion, and the second tube portion has a guide groove into which the engaging projection is movably inserted, and the guide groove has a first end and a second end, and is an inclined groove that extends toward a first direction in the circumferential direction around the container axis toward the first end from the first end toward the second end, a longitudinal groove that has a third end, and extends toward the other direction in the container axis toward the third end of the inclined groove, and an elastic piece that is disposed in the longitudinal groove and is elastically deformed radially by contact with the engaging projection and biases the engaging projection toward the second end from the third end.

[0009] According to the dropper container of the present invention, when the outer cap is rotated around the container axis relative to the container body, the outer cap rotates relative to the inner cap within a predetermined range. At this time, the operating member, whose rotation relative to the outer cap is restricted, rotates relative to the inner cap. As a result, the operating circumferential wall of the operating member and the guide cylinder portion of the inner cap rotate relative to each other. When the outer cap is rotated together with the operating member toward the loosening side relative to the inner cap, an engaging projection formed on the first cylinder portion of one of the operating circumferential wall and guide cylinder portions moves from the first end to the second end within the inclined groove of the guide groove formed on the other second cylinder portion of the operating circumferential wall and guide cylinder portion. As the engaging projection moves from the first end to the second end within the inclined groove, the operating member rises as the engaging projection moves in one direction relative to the second cylinder portion in the container axis direction. As a result, the volume of the operating space increases, creating negative pressure within the operating space. Therefore, the dropper tube communicating with the operating space also becomes negatively pressurized, allowing the contents of the container body to be drawn up from the lower end opening of the dropper tube. Subsequently, as the rotation of the outer cap continues, the outer cap and inner cap rotate together and rise relative to the container body with the engaging projection positioned at the second end of the guide groove. Then, the inner cap detaches from the mouth of the container body, and the dropper tube is pulled out from inside the container body. When the engaging projection is positioned at the second end of the guide groove, it becomes possible to move it within the longitudinal groove of the guide groove in the other direction in the container axis direction, thereby allowing the operating member to be pressed down. When the operating member is pressed down, the elastic piece positioned within the longitudinal groove elastically deforms radially upon contact with the engaging projection, reducing the operating space and discharging the contents from the dropper tube. In this way, the operating member can be lowered without rotating it relative to the inner cap, eliminating the need for a member to pressurize the operating space when discharging the contents. When the actuating member is released, the elastic piece that was elastically deformed radially within the longitudinal groove returns to its original shape, pushing the engaging projection back to the second end of the guide groove. In this state, when the inner cap is attached to the opening and the outer cap is rotated toward the tightening side relative to the inner cap together with the actuating member, the engaging projection returns from the second end to the first end within the guide groove. As a result, the dropper container becomes capable of drawing up its contents again when the outer cap is rotated toward the loosening side. As a result, a dropper container with a reduced number of parts can be provided.

[0010] (2) The guide groove is provided with a stopper piece at the first end that engages with the engaging projection, and the stopper piece may elastically deform in the other direction in the container axial direction by contact with the engaging projection and detach from the movement path of the engaging projection.

[0011] In this case, when the outer cap is rotated, the stopper piece that comes into contact with the engaging projection undergoes elastic deformation, providing the user with a click sensation. Furthermore, the engaging projection engages with the stopper piece at the first end of the guide groove, preventing the outer cap from rotating unexpectedly and sucking up the contents of the container body.

[0012] (3) The container body, the inner cap, the dropper tube, the outer cap, and the operating member may be formed from the same resin material.

[0013] In this case, since it is not necessary to use metal springs or elastic materials such as rubber to draw up the contents of the container body, it is possible to use a single material for each component and make the entire container out of resin, which is environmentally friendly. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The dropper container according to the present invention can reduce the number of parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1]It is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a dropper container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a side view planarly showing the outer circumferential surface of the guide cylinder portion shown in Figure 1, and is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the guide groove and the engaging projection. [Figure 3] It is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state where contents are sucked up in the dropper container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a side view planarly showing the outer circumferential surface of the guide cylinder portion shown in Figure 3, and is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the guide groove and the engaging projection. [Figure 5] It is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state where contents are discharged in the dropper container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a side view planarly showing the outer circumferential surface of the guide cylinder portion shown in Figure 5, and is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the guide groove and the engaging projection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, a dropper container according to one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the dropper container 1 of one embodiment includes a container body 2, an inner cap 10, a dropper tube 20, an outer cap 30, and an operating member 40. The inner cap 10, the dropper tube 20, the outer cap 30, and the operating member 40 constitute a dropper assembly 3 detachably attached to the container body 2.

[0017] The container body 2 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and contents are stored inside the container body 2. A male screw portion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the mouth portion 2a of the container body 2. Examples of the contents include chemical liquids, liquid cosmetics and the like. The constituent parts of the dropper container 1 in the present embodiment are formed of the same resin material (for example, a polypropylene (PP)-based resin material). That is, the dropper container 1 of the present embodiment does not include any metal members (such as coil springs).

[0018] It should be noted that the "same resin material" does not mean completely identical resin materials. As long as the resin materials are of the same type, different grades may be used according to the application of each component. In addition, the "same resin material" may have different structures due to differences in constituent substances as long as they are of the same type. For example, the same polypropylene (PP)-based resin material includes homopolymers, block polymers, random polymers, and the like.

[0019] The inner cap 10, dropper tube 20, outer cap 30, and actuating member 40 are formed coaxially with the center of the mouth 2a of the container body 2 as a common axis. Hereinafter, the common axis is referred to as the container axis O, and the direction along the container axis O is referred to as the container axial direction. In the container axial direction, the direction from the bottom of the container body 2 toward the mouth is defined as upward, and the opposite direction is defined as downward. In a plan view viewed from the container axial direction, the direction intersecting the container axis O is referred to as the radial direction, and the direction circling around the container axis O is referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0020] In addition, one side along the circumferential direction is referred to as the loosening side (first direction). When the inner cap 10 is rotated toward the loosening side relative to the mouth 2a, the inner cap 10 rises relative to the mouth 2a. The other side along the circumferential direction is referred to as the tightening side (second direction). When the inner cap 10 is rotated toward the tightening side relative to the mouth 2a, the inner cap 10 descends relative to the mouth 2a.

[0021] The inner cap 10 is formed into a capped cylindrical shape having a cylindrical inner cap peripheral wall 11 and an annular inner cap top wall 12. The inner cap 10 is detachably screwed onto the mouth 2a, and is attached to and detached from the mouth 2a as it rotates around the container axis O. In the illustrated example, an internal thread portion that screws with an external thread portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mouth 2a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cap peripheral wall 11.

[0022] The inner cap top wall 12 has a guide cylinder portion 13, a retaining cylinder portion 14, and a communication cylinder portion 15. The guide cylinder portion 13 extends upward from the inner cap top wall 12. The retaining cylinder portion 14 extends upward from the inner peripheral edge of the inner cap top wall 12 and is formed as a stepped cylinder with a reduced diameter at its upper end. The communication cylinder portion 15 extends downward from the lower surface of the stepped portion of the retaining cylinder portion 14.

[0023] Two circumferential regulating recesses 11a are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner cap peripheral wall 11, spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The circumferential regulating recesses 11a open to the upper surface of the inner cap top wall 12. When viewed from the radially outside, the circumferential regulating recesses 11a have a rectangular shape that is elongated in the circumferential direction. The circumferential regulating recesses 11a are provided over an angular range of approximately 90° around the container axis O.

[0024] A piston 16 is fixed to the upper end of the retaining cylinder portion 14. The piston 16 is formed in an annular shape and is fitted onto the upper end of the retaining cylinder portion 14. The piston 16 has an annular sliding contact portion that protrudes radially outward. The sliding contact portion of the piston 16 slides against the inner wall surface of the sliding cylinder portion 43 (described later) of the operating member 40 so as to be movable in the axial direction of the container.

[0025] A dropper tube 20 is fixed to the connecting cylinder portion 15. The dropper tube 20 extends downward from the inner cap 10, with its lower end opening located inside the container body 2. The connecting cylinder portion 15 of the inner cap 10 is fitted into the upper end of the dropper tube 20. The upper end opening of the dropper tube 20 communicates with the working space S through the connecting cylinder portion 15 and the retaining cylinder portion 14. At the upper end of the dropper tube 20, located above the mouth portion 2a, a flange portion 21 is formed that protrudes radially outward. The flange portion 21 is fitted and fixed inside the upper part of the inner cap peripheral wall 11.

[0026] A scraping cylinder member 22 is positioned inside the mouth 2a of the container body 2. A dropper tube 20 is inserted through the scraping cylinder member 22. A radial gap is provided between the inner circumferential surface of the scraping cylinder member 22 and the outer circumferential surface of the dropper tube 20. A scraping projection 23 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the scraping cylinder member 22, projecting radially inward and contacting the outer circumferential surface of the dropper tube 20. The scraping projection 23 is formed at the lower end of the scraping cylinder member 22.

[0027] The squeezing cylinder member 22 is formed integrally with the sealing member 24. The sealing member 24 is annular in shape and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The sealing member 24 is positioned at the upper opening edge of the mouth portion 2a. The sealing member 24 is in liquid-tight contact with the lower surface of the flange portion 21. The dropper tube 20 is detachably fitted inside the sealing member 24. Note that the sealing member 24 may be a separate component from the squeezing cylinder member 22.

[0028] The outer cap 30 has a cylindrical outer cap circumferential wall 31. The operating member 40 is inserted into the outer cap circumferential wall 31 in a manner that allows it to protrude upward. In the state shown in Figure 1, the upper surface of the outer cap circumferential wall 31 is at approximately the same height as the upper surface of the operating top wall 42. The outer cap circumferential wall 31 surrounds the inner cap 10 and the operating member 40 from the radial outside.

[0029] The inner circumferential surface of the outer cap circumferential wall 31 has longitudinal ribs 31a extending in the direction of the container axis and locking projections 31b. The longitudinal ribs 31a and locking projections 31b protrude radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the outer cap circumferential wall 31. The locking projections 31b are located below the longitudinal ribs 31a. The longitudinal ribs 31a are provided in pairs so as to face each other with the container axis O in the radial direction.

[0030] The lower end of the inner cap peripheral wall 11 is locked from above by the locking projection 31b. This prevents the inner cap 10 from detaching downward from the outer cap 30. The longitudinal rib 31a is integrally inserted into the operating longitudinal groove 45 of the operating member 40 and the circumferential restricting recess 11a of the inner cap 10. The longitudinal rib 31a is inserted into the operating longitudinal groove 45 so as to be vertically movable. In other words, the circumferential size of the longitudinal rib 31a and the operating longitudinal groove 45 are equivalent to each other. The operating member 40 is restricted from rotating around the container axis O relative to the outer cap 30.

[0031] The circumferential size of the circumferential restricting recess 11a is larger than the circumferential size of the longitudinal rib 31a, and the longitudinal rib 31a is located at the tightening end of the circumferential ends of the circumferential restricting recess 11a. As a result, when the outer cap 30 is rotated in the loosening direction along the circumferential direction, the longitudinal rib 31a moves in the loosening direction within the circumferential restricting recess 11a, and the outer cap 30 rotates with the inner cap 10 together with the operating member 40.

[0032] Subsequently, when the longitudinal rib 31a reaches the loosening end along the circumferential direction of the circumferential restricting recess 11a and abuts against the inner surface of the circumferential restricting recess 11a in the circumferential direction, the rotational movement of the outer cap 30 relative to the inner cap 10 is restricted. In other words, the outer cap 30 is externally mounted on the inner cap 10 so as to be rotatable around the container axis O, while its rotation around the container axis O is restricted to a predetermined amount or more.

[0033] The operating member 40 is formed in a top-top cylindrical shape having an operating peripheral wall 41 and an operating top wall 42, and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The operating peripheral wall 41 is positioned to surround the guide tube portion 13 of the inner cap 10. The operating top wall 42 covers the upper end opening of the dropper tube 20 from above. A sealing cylinder 46 is suspended downward from the lower surface of the operating top wall 42, which seals the upper end opening of the dropper tube 20 by contacting the piston 16 from above.

[0034] A sliding cylinder portion 43 is provided radially outside the sealing cylinder 46 within the operating member 40. The sliding cylinder portion 43 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the operating top wall 42 and is inserted between the outer circumferential surface of the piston 16 and the inner circumferential surface of the guide cylinder portion 13 of the inner cap 10. The sliding cylinder portion 43 forms part of the partition wall of the operating space S that communicates with the upper end opening of the dropper tube 20. In the illustrated example, the radially inner side of the sliding cylinder portion 43 is the operating space S.

[0035] The sliding contact portion of the piston 16 is in airtight contact with the inner circumferential surface of the sliding cylinder portion 43, allowing it to slide up and down. As a result, as the operating member 40 moves up and down relative to the inner cap 10, the sliding contact portion of the piston 16 slides along the inner circumferential surface of the sliding cylinder portion 43, expanding and contracting the operating space S. The operating space S is formed in the portion of the sliding cylinder portion 43 located above the piston 16.

[0036] The operating member 40 has a rotation restricting portion 44. The rotation restricting portion 44 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the operating peripheral wall 41. Two rotation restricting portions 44 are provided, one on each side of the container shaft O in the radial direction. The aforementioned operating longitudinal groove 45 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the rotation restricting portion 44, extending continuously along the entire length in the container axial direction.

[0037] An engaging projection 50 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the operating peripheral wall 41. The engaging projection 50 is formed in a position opposite the guide cylinder portion 13. The engaging projection 50 protrudes radially inward toward the guide cylinder portion 13. For example, in the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 2, the engaging projection 50 is semi-cylindrical (approximately a semi-circular shape) with a rounded bottom. Multiple engaging projections 50 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, a pair of engaging projections 50 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0038] Guide grooves 60 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the guide cylinder portion 13, into which engaging projections 50 are movably inserted. Multiple guide grooves 60 are formed, corresponding one-to-one with each engaging projection 50. As shown in Figure 2, the guide grooves 60 have a first end 61A, a second end 61B, and a third end 61C. The first end 61A is located at the tightening end of the guide groove 60. The first end 61A is provided with a stopper piece 64 that engages with the engaging projection 50.

[0039] The stopper piece 64 elastically deforms downward in the other direction (downward) in the axial direction of the container upon contact with the engaging projection 50, and disengages from the movement path of the engaging projection 50. Specifically, the stopper piece 64 is formed in a lever shape that is cantilevered to the tightening side wall of the guide groove 60. The stopper piece 64 extends linearly toward the loosening side in the circumferential direction, and has a convex portion that protrudes upward at its tip. Below the stopper piece 64, a gap (slit) is formed that allows the stopper piece 64 to elastically deform downward.

[0040] The second end portion 61B is located above the first end portion 61A and on the loosening side in the guide groove 60. An inclined groove 62 is formed between the first end portion 61A and the second end portion 61B. The inclined groove 62 extends upward from the first end portion 61A toward the second end portion 61B as it moves toward the loosening side. An introduction groove 63 is connected to the middle portion of the inclined groove 62, allowing the engaging projection 50 to be introduced into the guide groove 60 from above. The introduction groove 63 has a restricting projection 63a that restricts the engaging projection 50 from detaching from the guide groove 60.

[0041] The tightening end and loosening end of the inclined groove 62 extend parallel to the circumferential direction. The loosening side wall of the inclined groove 62 is provided with a contact portion 65 that abuts the engaging projection 50 in the circumferential direction. The contact portion 65 has a shape that bulges out on the tightening side. The third end 61C is located below the second end 61B in the guide groove 60. A longitudinal groove 67 is formed between the second end 61B and the third end 61C.

[0042] The longitudinal groove 67 extends in the opposite direction (downward) in the container axial direction from the second end 61B to the third end 61C. An elastic piece 66 is arranged within the longitudinal groove 67 that elastically deforms radially upon contact with the engaging projection 50, biasing the engaging projection 50 from the third end 61C towards the second end 61B. A rail-shaped reinforcing rib 66a extending in the container axial direction is formed on the radially outward-facing surface of the elastic piece 66. As shown in Figure 3, which will be described later, the elastic piece 66 is elastically deformable radially inward, with its lower end, which is connected to the top wall 12 of the inner cap, as a fulcrum.

[0043] The operation of the dropper container 1, which is configured as described above, will now be explained. When the outer cap 30 is rotated around the container axis O relative to the container body 2 from the state shown in Figure 1, the outer cap 30 rotates relative to the inner cap 10 within a predetermined range. At this time, the operating member 40, whose rotation relative to the outer cap 30 is restricted, rotates relative to the inner cap 10. As a result, the operating peripheral wall 41 of the operating member 40 and the guide cylinder portion 13 of the inner cap 10 rotate relative to each other.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, when the outer cap 30 is rotated together with the operating member 40 toward the loosening side relative to the inner cap 10, the engaging projection 50 formed on the operating peripheral wall 41 elastically deforms the stopper piece 64 downward and moves toward the loosening side from the first end 61A of the guide groove 60. The engaging projection 50 then slides within the inclined groove 62 and moves from the first end 61A toward the second end 61B.

[0045] As the engaging projection 50 moves within the inclined groove 62 from the first end 61A to the second end 61B, the operating member 40 moves upward relative to the outer cap 30, causing the operating space S to expand (see Figure 3). As the volume of the operating space S increases, a negative pressure is created inside the operating space S, which also creates a negative pressure inside the dropper tube 20, allowing a fixed amount of the contents of the container body 2 to be drawn up from the lower end opening of the dropper tube 20.

[0046] Subsequently, as the rotation of the outer cap 30 continues, as shown in Figure 4, with the engaging projection 50 in contact with the contact portion 65 at the second end 61B of the guide groove 60, the vertical rib 31a of the outer cap 30 engages with the circumferential regulating recess 11a of the inner cap 10, and the outer cap 30 and inner cap 10 rotate together and rise relative to the container body 2. Then, the inner cap 10 is detached from the mouth 2a of the container body 2, and the dropper tube 20 is pulled out from inside the container body 2.

[0047] When the engaging projection 50 is positioned at the second end 61B of the inclined groove 62, the engaging projection 50 can move downward within the vertical groove 67 of the guide groove 60, thereby allowing the operating member 40 to be pushed down. As shown in Figure 5, when the operating member 40, which protrudes upward from the outer cap 30, is pushed down, the operating space S is reduced and the contents of the dropper tube 20 are discharged. In this way, the operating member 40 can be lowered without rotating it relative to the inner cap 10.

[0048] When the operating member 40 is pressed, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the elastic piece 66 positioned in the longitudinal groove 67 elastically deforms radially inward upon contact with the engaging projection 50. Then, after the contents are discharged, when the pressure on the operating member 40 is released, the elastic piece 66, which had been elastically deformed radially inward within the longitudinal groove 67, returns to its original shape radially outward, pushing the engaging projection 50 back from the longitudinal groove 67 to the second end 61B (see Figure 4).

[0049] Subsequently, when the inner cap 10 is attached to the opening 2a and the outer cap 30 is rotated toward the tightening side relative to the inner cap 10 together with the operating member 40, the engaging projection 50 returns to the first end 61A from the second end 61B within the guide groove 60, as shown in Figure 2. As a result, as shown in Figure 1, the operating member 40 returns to an initial state where it does not protrude upward relative to the outer cap 30, and the contents can be drawn up again when the dropper container 1 rotates the outer cap 30 toward the loosening side.

[0050] As described above, with the dropper container 1, when the outer cap 30 is rotated around the container axis O relative to the container body 2, the outer cap 30 rotates relative to the inner cap 10 within a predetermined range. At this time, the operating member 40, whose rotation relative to the outer cap 30 is restricted, rotates relative to the inner cap 10. As a result, the operating peripheral wall 41 of the operating member 40 and the guide cylinder portion 13 of the inner cap 10 rotate relative to each other. When the outer cap 30 is rotated together with the operating member 40 relative to the inner cap 10 in the loosening direction, the engaging projection 50 formed on one of the first cylinder portions of the operating peripheral wall 41 and the guide cylinder portion 13 moves from the first end 61A to the second end 61B within the inclined groove 62 of the guide groove 60 formed on the other second cylinder portion of the operating peripheral wall 41 and the guide cylinder portion 13. As the engaging projection 50 moves from the first end 61A to the second end 61B within the inclined groove 62, the operating member 40 rises as the engaging projection 50 moves in one direction relative to the second cylinder portion in the container axis direction. As a result, the working space S becomes negatively pressurized as its volume increases. Consequently, the inside of the dropper tube 20, which is connected to the working space S, also becomes negatively pressurized, allowing the contents of the container body 2 to be drawn up from the lower end opening of the dropper tube 20. Subsequently, as the rotation of the outer cap 30 continues, the outer cap 30 and the inner cap 10 rotate together and rise relative to the container body 2 with the engaging projection 50 positioned at the second end 61B of the guide groove 60. Then, the inner cap 10 detaches from the opening of the container body 2, and the dropper tube 20 is pulled out from inside the container body 2. When the engaging projection 50 is positioned at the second end 61B of the guide groove 60, the engaging projection 50 can move to the other side in the container axial direction within the vertical groove 67 of the guide groove 60, thereby allowing the operating member 40 to be pressed down. When the operating member 40 is pressed down, the elastic piece 66 positioned within the vertical groove 67 elastically deforms radially upon contact with the engaging projection 50, reducing the operating space S and discharging the contents from the dropper tube 20. In this way, the operating member 40 can be lowered without rotating it relative to the inner cap 10, eliminating the need for a member to pressurize the operating space S when discharging the contents. When the actuating member 40 is released, the elastic piece 66, which had been elastically deformed radially within the longitudinal groove 67, returns to its original shape, pushing the engaging projection 50 back to the second end 61B of the guide groove 60. In this state, when the inner cap 10 is attached to the opening and the outer cap 30 is rotated toward the tightening side relative to the inner cap 10 together with the actuating member 40, the engaging projection 50 returns from the second end 61B to the first end 61A within the guide groove 60. As a result, the dropper container 1 becomes capable of drawing up contents again when the outer cap 30 is rotated toward the loosening side. As a result, we can provide a dropper container 1 with a reduced number of parts.

[0051] As described above, the dropper container 1 according to this embodiment comprises a bottomed cylindrical container body 2 for containing contents, an inner cap 10 detachably screwed onto the mouth of the container body 2, a dropper tube 20 extending downward from the inner cap 10 with its lower end opening located inside the container body 2, an outer cap 30 rotatably mounted on the inner cap 10 so as to restrict rotation around the container axis O by a predetermined amount or more, and an operating member 40 provided inside the outer cap 30, whose rotation around the container axis O relative to the outer cap 30 is restricted, which communicates with the upper end opening of the dropper tube 20 and defines an operating space S that expands and contracts with vertical movement relative to the inner cap 10, wherein the operating member 40 has an operating peripheral wall 41 extending in the direction of the container axis, and the inner cap 10 extends in the direction of the container axis and faces the operating peripheral wall 41 radially. The container has a guide cylinder portion 13, and one of the first cylinder portion of the operating peripheral wall 41 and the guide cylinder portion 13 has an engaging projection 50 that protrudes toward the other second cylinder portion of the operating peripheral wall 41 and the guide cylinder portion 13. The second cylinder portion has a guide groove 60 into which the engaging projection 50 is movably inserted. The guide groove 60 has a first end 61A and a second end 61B, and includes an inclined groove 62 that extends in one direction in the container axis direction as it moves from the first end 61A toward the second end 61B in the circumferential direction around the container axis O, a longitudinal groove 67 that has a third end 61C, and extends in the other direction in the container axis direction from the second end 61B toward the third end 61C of the inclined groove 62, and an elastic piece 66 disposed within the longitudinal groove 67 that elastically deforms radially upon contact with the engaging projection 50 and biases the engaging projection 50 toward the second end 61B from the third end 61C. This configuration allows for a reduction in the number of parts.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the guide groove 60 is provided with a stopper piece 64 at its first end 61A that engages with the engaging projection 50. The stopper piece 64 elastically deforms in the other direction in the container axis direction upon contact with the engaging projection 50, and disengages from the movement path of the engaging projection 50. With this configuration, when the outer cap 30 is rotated, the elastic deformation of the stopper piece 64 that comes into contact with the engaging projection 50 provides the user with a click sensation. In addition, the engagement of the engaging projection 50 with the stopper piece 64 at the first end 61A of the guide groove 60 prevents the outer cap 30 from rotating unexpectedly and sucking up the contents of the container body 2.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the container body 2, inner cap 10, dropper tube 20, outer cap 30, and operating member 40 are formed from the same resin material. With this configuration, it is not necessary to use metal springs or elastic materials such as rubber to draw up the contents of the container body 2, thus enabling the use of a single material for each component and an all-resin construction, which is environmentally conscious.

[0054] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0055] For example, in the above embodiment, the tightening end and the loosening end of the inclined groove 62 were formed parallel to each other in the circumferential direction, but such parallel portions may be absent or there may be multiple such parallel portions. Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, an engaging projection 50 was formed on the operating member 40 and a guide groove 60 was formed on the inner cap 10, but it is also possible for the guide groove 60 to be formed on the operating member 40 and the engaging projection 50 to be formed on the inner cap 10.

[0056] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, the inclined groove 62 is a through groove that penetrates radially, but it may also be a non-through groove. In this case, since the lever-type stopper piece 64 shown in Figure 2 is not provided, a ramp projection may be provided, or nothing may be provided. Even in this case, however, the longitudinal groove 67 needs to be a through groove in order to provide the elastic piece 66.

[0057] 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. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1. Dropper container 2. Container body 2a Mouth 3. Dropper Assembly 10 Inner cap 11 Inner cap peripheral wall 11a Circumferential regulating recess 12 Inner cap top wall 13 Guide tube section 14 Holding cylinder part 15 Communication cylinder part 16 pistons 20 dropper tubes 21 Flange section 22 Cylindrical member 23 Protrusion 24 sealing member 30 outer cap 31 Outer cap peripheral wall 31a Longitudinal ribs 31b Locking protrusion 40 Operating member 41 Working peripheral wall 42 Operating top wall 43 Sliding cylinder section 44 Rotation regulating section 45 Working longitudinal groove 46 Sealing cylinder 50 Engagement protrusion 60 Guide grooves 61A 1st end 61B 2nd end 61C 3rd end 62 Slant groove 63 Inlet groove 63a Regulating protrusion 64 Stopper pieces 65 Contact part 66 Elastic pieces 66a Reinforcement Rib 67. Longitudinal grooves O Container axis S Working space

Claims

1. A bottomed cylindrical container body for holding the contents, An inner cap is detachably screwed onto the mouth of the container body, A dropper tube extending downward from the inner cap, with its lower end opening located inside the container body, The inner cap is fitted with an outer cap that is rotatable around the container axis, while rotation around the container axis is restricted to a predetermined amount or less. The device comprises an operating member provided within the outer cap, which restricts rotation of the outer cap around the container axis, communicates with the upper end opening of the dropper tube, and defines an operating space that expands and contracts with vertical movement of the inner cap, The operating member has an operating peripheral wall that extends in the axial direction of the container, The inner cap has a guide tube portion that extends in the axial direction of the container and faces the operating peripheral wall in the radial direction, The first cylindrical portion of the operating peripheral wall and the guide cylinder portion has an engaging projection that protrudes toward the second cylindrical portion of the other operating peripheral wall and the guide cylinder portion. The second cylindrical portion has a guide groove into which the engaging projection is movably inserted. The aforementioned guide groove is Having a first end and a second end, the inclined groove extends in one direction in the axial direction of the container as it proceeds from the first end toward the second end toward the first direction in the circumferential direction around the container axis, A longitudinal groove having a third end and extending in the other direction in the container axial direction from the second end to the third end of the inclined groove, The system includes an elastic piece disposed within the longitudinal groove, which elastically deforms radially upon contact with the engaging projection and biases the engaging projection from the third end toward the second end, Dropper container.

2. The guide groove is provided with a stopper piece at the first end that engages with the engaging projection, The stopper piece elastically deforms in the other direction in the container axis direction upon contact with the engaging projection, and detaches from the movement path of the engaging projection. The dropper container according to claim 1.

3. The container body, the inner cap, the dropper tube, the outer cap, and the operating member are formed from the same resin material. The dropper container according to claim 1 or 2.

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