Discharge container

Abstract

To provide a discharge container in which a setting property of an indicator member to a holder member can be improved.SOLUTION: A discharge container according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: a container body; a discharger; an inner tray; an indicator member which has a connection part connected to the inner tray and an identification part extending in a belt shape from the connection part and capable of identifying a position in a lengthwise direction, and is pulled upward in the container body as the inner tray is raised; and a holder member around which the indicator member is wound. The holder member comprises: a placement part on which the connection part can be disposed; and a storage part which has a first opening which opens toward a side part below the placement part, and can house the identification part. The inner tray comprises an engagement part which approaches the placement part when it is located at the lowermost end position and is engaged with the connection part from below the connection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A known configuration of a dispensing container includes a container body that contains the contents, a dispenser that dispenses the contents, and an inner tray that moves up and down relative to the container body as the contents decrease. For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a configuration in which a gauge holder is fixed to a portion of the container body that is located below the inner tray. A tape roll is stored inside the gauge holder, with one end connected to the inner tray. The tape roll is provided with an identifier (colored or otherwise) that allows the position of the tape in the longitudinal direction to be recognized. With this configuration, the tape roll is pulled out from the gauge holder as the inner tray rises. It is believed that a user can check the identifier of the tape roll from below the container body and determine the remaining amount of contents (amount the inner tray has risen) based on the identifier. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4730777 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the prior art, there is still room for improvement in the ease of setting the wound tape (identification band) on the gauge holder.

[0005] The present invention provides a dispensing container that can improve the ease of setting an identification band on a gauge holder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following aspects. A dispensing container according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a container body in which contents are stored, a dispenser attached to the mouth of the container body and dispensing the contents, a middle tray arranged within the container body and rising within the container body as the contents within the container body decrease, a connecting portion connected to the middle tray below the middle tray, and an indicator member having a strip-like extension from the connecting portion and an identification portion whose longitudinal position can be identified, and being pulled upward within the container body as the middle tray rises, and a holder member attached to the container body below the middle tray and around which the indicator member is hung, the holder member comprising a mounting portion on which the connecting portion can be positioned, and a storage portion having a first opening below the mounting portion that opens to the side and in which the identification portion can be folded and stored, the middle tray being adjacent to the mounting portion when in its lowest position and having an engaging portion that engages with the connecting portion from below the connecting portion.

[0007] According to this aspect, simply by pushing the identifier into the storage section along the thickness direction, the identifier of the indicator member is pushed into the holder member through the first opening. This allows the identifier to be folded and stored in the storage section. This improves the ease of setting the indicator member compared to, for example, when the identifier is rolled up and stored in the holder member.

[0008] In the discharge container according to the above aspect, it is preferable that a plurality of through holes are formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the identification part in the portion of the storage part that is located between the placement part and the first opening in the longitudinal direction of the identification part, and the identification part is guided in a serpentine manner between adjacent through holes. According to this aspect, when the identifier attempts to move in the longitudinal direction, a frictional force between the opening edge of the passage hole and the identifier can be ensured, making it easier to restrict the identifier's movement in the longitudinal direction. This makes it possible to prevent the portion of the identifier located between the mounting portion and the first opening from being pulled into the storage portion when the identifier is pushed into the storage portion. As a result, it is possible to prevent the connecting portion from being displaced from the mounting portion.

[0009] In the discharge container according to the above aspect, it is preferable that the holder member includes a restricting portion that restricts displacement of the identifier in a thickness direction, at a portion positioned above the first opening. According to this aspect, when the indicator member and holder member are set on the container body or inner plate, the part of the identification part located above the first opening can be prevented from being caught between the container body or inner plate.

[0010] In the discharge container according to the above aspect, it is preferable that the storage section defines a second opening that opens in the opposite direction to the first opening within the storage section, and has a folded portion that can store the identification section. According to this aspect, the identifier is pushed toward the first opening, and then pushed through the second opening. This causes the identifier to be stored inside the folded portion within the storage portion. By folding the identifier within the storage portion in this way, the length of the identifier that can be stored within the storage portion can be ensured. This reduces the length of the portion of the identifier that protrudes from the storage portion, preventing the identifier from getting caught between the container body or the inner plate when the indicator member or holder member is set on the container body or inner plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the ease of setting the indicator member in the holder member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the discharge container according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the discharge container according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a holder member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the holder member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line VV in FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a development view of the indicator member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the holder module according to the first embodiment, illustrating a temporary setting step. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the holder module according to the first embodiment, illustrating a pushing step. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the discharge container, illustrating a method of using the discharge container. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the discharge container, illustrating how to use the discharge container. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the discharge container, illustrating a method of using the discharge container. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the discharge container, illustrating how to use the discharge container. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a discharge container according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the holder module according to the second embodiment, illustrating a temporary setting step. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the holder module according to the second embodiment, illustrating a pushing step. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (First embodiment) The discharge container 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called lift-up type discharge container 1. The discharge container 1 includes a cylindrical container body 2 with a bottom, a dispenser 3, a middle tray 4, and an indicator module 5. In this embodiment, the central axis of the container body 2 is referred to as the container axis O, and the direction along the container axis O is referred to as the up-down direction. In the up-down direction, the mouth portion 11a side of the container body 2 is referred to as the upper side, and the bottom member 13 side is referred to as the lower side. In a plan view seen from the up-down direction, a direction intersecting the container axis O is referred to as the radial direction, and a direction going around the container axis O is referred to as the circumferential direction. One of the radial directions is referred to as the front-rear direction L1, and a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction L1 is referred to as the left-right direction L2.

[0014] The container body 2 includes an inner tube 11, an outer tube 12, and a bottom member 13. The inner tube 11 is formed in a multi-stage cylindrical shape with the outer diameter decreasing as the section positioned higher. Specifically, the inner tube 11 has a mouth portion 11a and a main body cylindrical portion 11b. The mouth portion 11a opens upward. The main body cylindrical portion 11b is connected to the lower edge of the mouth portion 11a via a shoulder portion that extends radially outward. Within the container body 2, the space surrounded by the inner tube 11 and the inner plate 4 is filled with contents. Examples of contents include cosmetics. However, the contents may be other than cosmetics.

[0015] The outer tube 12 is formed in a multi-stage cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the inner tube 11. The inner tube 11 is fitted inside the outer tube 12 with the opening 11a protruding upward.

[0016] The bottom member 13 closes the lower end openings of the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12. The bottom member 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The bottom member 13 includes a bottom plate 13a and a fitting tube 13b. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom plate 13a is formed in a disk shape coaxial with the container axis O. The outer diameter of the bottom plate 13a is larger than the inner diameter of the outer tube 12 but smaller than the outer diameter of the outer tube 12. The bottom plate 13a covers the lower end openings of the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12 from below. A viewing window 13c is formed in a portion of the bottom plate 13a located on one side (hereinafter referred to as the front) of the container axis O in the front-to-rear direction L1. The viewing window 13c is a rectangular through-hole in a plan view. A pair of mounting rails 13d (see FIG. 2) are formed in a portion of the bottom plate 13a located on the other side (hereinafter referred to as the rear) of the container axis O in the front-to-rear direction L1. The mounting rails 13d rise upward from the bottom plate 13a and face each other in the left-to-right direction L2. 1, the fitting cylinder 13b extends upward from the outer periphery of the bottom plate 13a and is fitted between the inner cylinder 11 and the outer cylinder 12 from below.

[0017] The dispenser 3 dispenses the content inside the container body 2. The dispenser 3 includes an attachment cap 21, a pump mechanism 22, and a dispense head . The attachment cap 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The attachment cap 21 is attached to the opening portion 11a. The pump mechanism 22 includes a cylinder 25, a piston 26 arranged in the cylinder 25 so as to be able to slide up and down, a biasing member 27 that biases the piston 26 upward, and a stem 28 that is linked to the piston 26 and can move downward while being biased upward. The pump mechanism 22 is held in the attachment cap 21 via the cylinder 25. As a result, the pump mechanism 22 is disposed inside the attachment cap 21 coaxially with the container axis O.

[0018] The discharge head 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom and is disposed coaxially with the container axis O. The discharge head 23 is attached to the upper end of the stem. The discharge head 23 is formed with a discharge nozzle 23a facing forward.

[0019] The inner tray 4 is provided in the inner tube 11 so as to be movable upward within the inner tube 11 in response to a decrease in pressure within the container body 2 as the contents within the container body 2 decrease. The inner tray 4 includes an inner tray body 31 and a connecting member 32.

[0020] The inner tray body 31 includes a sliding cylindrical portion 31a, a connecting ring 31b, and a relief cylindrical portion 31c. The sliding cylinder portion 31a is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The sliding cylinder portion 31a is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 11 at both ends in the vertical direction. The sliding cylinder portion 31a slides on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 11 as the inner plate 4 moves upward. The connecting ring 31b projects radially inward from the sliding cylindrical portion 31a. The escape tube portion 31c is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape coaxial with the container axis O. The upper end opening edge of the escape tube portion 31c is continuous with the inner peripheral edge of the connecting ring 31b. When the inner tray 4 is in the uppermost position, the lower end of the cylinder 25 can be accommodated inside the escape tube portion 31c.

[0021] The connecting member 32 includes a mounting cylinder 32a and an engaging portion 32b. The mounting tube 32a is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom that opens upward. The relief tube portion 31c is fitted from above into the inside of the mounting tube 32a. Note that rotation of the mounting tube 32a around the container axis O relative to the relief tube portion 31c is restricted by a rotation prevention portion.

[0022] The engaging portion 32b protrudes downward from the bottom of the mounting tube 32a. The engaging portion 32b is formed in a columnar shape that is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The lower end of the engaging portion 32b has a larger outer diameter than the upper end.

[0023] The indicator module 5 includes a holder member 51 and an indicator member 52 . An indicator member 52 is hung around the holder member 51. The holder member 51 is attached to the bottom plate 13a. The holder member 51 includes a storage portion 51a, a holding cylinder 51b, and a restriction wall 51c. The storage section 51a is formed in a C-shape that opens forward when viewed in the left-right direction L2. The storage section 51a includes a bottom wall 61, a rear wall 62, a side wall 63, and a top wall 64.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 5, the bottom wall 61 extends in the front-rear direction L1 with the thickness direction being the up-down direction. Locking pieces 61a (see Figure 5, etc.) are formed at the rear of the bottom wall 61, protruding on both sides in the left-right direction L2. The locking pieces 61a are respectively locked to a pair of mounting rails 13d (see Figure 2). Thus, the bottom wall 61 is fixed to the bottom member 13 (bottom plate 13a) by being fitted between the pair of mounting rails 13d.

[0025] A pair of guide rails 65 are formed on both ends of the bottom wall 61 in the left-right direction L2. The guide rails 65 protrude downward from the bottom wall 61 and extend in the front-rear direction L1. The rear ends of the guide rails 65 protrude rearward from the bottom wall 61. When the holder member 51 is attached to the bottom member 13, the guide rails 65 are in close proximity to or in contact with the bottom plate 13a from above the bottom plate 13a. Therefore, a gap is formed between the bottom wall 61 and the bottom plate 13a, allowing the indicator member 52 (the identification portion 76, described later) to pass through. The rear ends of the guide rails 65 are in close proximity to or in contact with a restricting protrusion 13e provided on the bottom plate 13a in the circumferential direction. This restricts circumferential rotation of the indicator module 5 relative to the bottom member 13.

[0026] The bottom wall 61 has through holes 61b and 61c that penetrate the bottom wall 61 in the up-down direction. The through holes 61b and 61c are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction L1. The front edge of the bottom wall 61 bulges forward and upward from the bottom wall 61 in a rounded manner.

[0027] The rear wall portion 62 extends upward from the rear end edge of the bottom wall portion 61 . The side wall portion 63 extends upward from one end edge in the left-right direction L2 of the bottom wall portion 61. The rear end edge of the side wall portion 63 is continuous with the rear wall portion 62.

[0028] The top wall portion 64 is continuous with the upper edges of the rear wall portion 62 and the side wall portion 63. The top wall portion 64 is disposed facing the bottom wall portion 61. The top wall portion 64 includes a rear wall portion 64a, a mounting portion 64b, and a forward protruding wall 64c. The rear wall portion 64a extends rearward from the upper edge of the rear wall portion 62.

[0029] The mounting portion 64b is continuous with the front edge of the rear wall portion 64a. The mounting portion 64b is formed in a circular shape and is disposed coaxially with the container axis O. A storage hole 64e is formed in the center of the mounting portion 64b. The inner diameter of the storage hole 64e is larger than the maximum outer diameter portion of the engagement portion 32b. Retaining claws 64f (see FIG. 5, etc.) are formed at both ends of the mounting portion 64b in the left-right direction L2. The retaining claws 64f rise upward from the mounting portion 64b and then extend in directions approaching each other in the left-right direction L2. The forward protruding wall 64c extends forward from the mounting portion 64b. The front end edge of the forward protruding wall 64c is located rearward of the front end edge of the side wall portion 63.

[0030] The inside of the storage section 51a defines a storage space 70 surrounded by a bottom wall 61, a rear wall 62, a side wall 63, and a top wall 64. The storage space 70 opens forward through a front end opening 70a and opens to the other end in the left-right direction L2 through a side opening 70b (see FIG. 5). The storage space 70 is also connected to the passage holes 61b, 61c formed in the bottom wall 61 and to a storage hole 64e formed in the top wall 64 (mounting section 64b).

[0031] The retaining tube 51b extends upward from the outer peripheral edge of the mounting portion 64b. The retaining tube 51b is disposed coaxially with the container axis O and surrounds the mounting portion 64b. The inner diameter of the retaining tube 51b is smaller than the outer diameter of the connecting portion 75, which will be described later. A rear open opening 71a is formed in the retaining tube 51b at a position corresponding to the rear wall portion 64a in the circumferential direction. The rear open opening 71a has a circumferential width that gradually narrows from top to bottom. The lower edge of the rear open opening 71a reaches the top wall portion 64 (the boundary between the rear wall portion 64a and the mounting portion 64b). Therefore, the retaining tube 51b provides communication between the rear wall portion 64a and the mounting portion 64b, while separating the forward protruding wall 64c from the mounting portion 64b.

[0032] Furthermore, a front open opening 71b is formed in a portion of the retaining tube 51b facing the rear open opening 71a in the front-to-rear direction L1. The lower edge of the front open opening 71b reaches the top wall portion 64. A protrusion 64d that protrudes upward is formed in a portion of the top wall portion 64 that is located within the front open opening 71b.

[0033] The restriction wall 51c is formed in an L-shape in a plan view. The restriction wall 51c includes a side restriction portion 72 and a front restriction portion 73. The side restriction portion 72 extends forward from the retaining tube 51b and reaches the rear end edge of the side wall portion 63 along one end edge of the forward protruding wall 64c in the left-right direction L2. The front restricting portion 73 extends from the front edge of the lateral restricting portion 72 toward the other end in the left-right direction L2. The front restricting portion 73 protrudes upward beyond the retaining tube 51b. The front restricting portion 73 faces the retaining tube 51b (front open opening 71b) in the front-rear direction L1 with a gap (hereinafter referred to as the retaining space S1) between them. An extraction hole 74 is formed between the front restricting portion 73 and the forward protruding wall 64c. The extraction hole 74 is open in the vertical direction and connects the retaining space S1 and the storage space 70 (front end opening 70a). A restricting claw 73a (see FIGS. 3 and 4) protruding rearward is formed at the tip end (the other end in the left-right direction L2) of the front restricting portion 73.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, the indicator member 52 allows the user to recognize the remaining amount of contents based on the amount of lift of the inner tray 4. The indicator member 52 is formed into a flexible film made of a resin material or the like. The indicator member 52 includes a connecting portion 75, an identifying portion 76, and a positioning piece 77.

[0035] The connecting portion 75 is formed in a circular shape. A connecting hole 75a is formed in the center of the connecting portion 75. The connecting hole 75a is a circular hole that penetrates the connecting portion 75 in the thickness direction. A plurality of slits 75b are formed in the connecting portion 75, extending radially from the connecting hole 75a as an intersection. Each slit 75b opens on the inner peripheral edge of the connecting hole 75a.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1 , the connecting portion 75 is disposed on the mounting portion 64b when the inner tray 4 is at its lowest position. Specifically, the connecting portion 75 is disposed on the mounting portion 64b with the connecting hole 75a and the accommodating hole 64e overlapping in a plan view, and the outer periphery of the connecting portion 75 engaged with the retaining claws 64f from above. A reinforcing sheet 100 is disposed between the mounting portion 64b and the connecting portion 75. The reinforcing sheet 100 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view. A through hole 100a is formed in the center of the reinforcing sheet 100. The reinforcing sheet 100 is disposed on the mounting portion 64b with the through hole 100a and the accommodating hole 64e overlapping in a plan view, and the outer periphery of the reinforcing sheet 100 engaged with the retaining claws 64f from above. The reinforcing sheet 100 may be provided integrally with the connecting portion 75 by, for example, being attached to the lower surface of the connecting portion 75 , or may be provided separately from the connecting portion 75 .

[0037] As shown in FIG. 6, the identification portion 76 extends in a strip shape from the connecting portion 75. The identification portion 76 is formed so that its position in the longitudinal direction can be identified. Specifically, the identification portion 76 has a first region 76a that occupies more than half of the longitudinal direction from the end on the connecting portion 75 side. The first region 76a is a region that indicates that a sufficient amount of content remains in the container body 2.

[0038] Of the regions of the distinguishable portion 76 other than the first region 76a, the region adjacent to the first region 76a is designated as the second region 76b, and the region adjacent to the second region 76b is designated as the third region 76c. The second region 76b is a region indicating that the amount (remaining amount) of the contents filled in the container body 2 has decreased by a predetermined amount. The third region 76c is a region indicating that the amount of the contents filled in the container body 2 is small. In the distinguishable portion 76 of this embodiment, the respective regions 76a to 76c have different colors. However, the distinguishable portion 76 may be different in shape or the like other than color, as long as the respective regions 76a to 76c can be distinguished.

[0039] The positioning piece 77 protrudes from the connecting portion 75 toward the opposite side to the identification portion 76. When the connecting portion 75 is placed on the mounting portion 64b, the positioning piece 77 is disposed within the front open opening 71b. A positioning hole 77a is formed in the positioning piece 77. The protrusion 64d is inserted into the positioning hole 77a. This restricts movement of the indicator member 52 relative to the holder member 51 in the front-to-rear direction L1.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, the identification unit 76 is pulled out to the rear of the placement unit 64b through the rear opening 71a, wraps around the outside of the storage unit 51a from the rear, passes below the storage unit 51a, and is pulled from the front to the top of the storage unit 51a. The identifier 76 is folded downward at the rear edge of the rear wall 64a and then folded backward at the lower edge of the rear wall 62, thereby extending below the bottom wall 61. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the identifier 76 enters the storage space 70 through the rear passage hole 61b below the bottom wall 61, exits the storage space 70 through the front passage hole 61c, and extends to the rear edge of the bottom wall 61. That is, the identifier 76 is guided in a serpentine manner through the adjacent passage holes 61b and 61c in the longitudinal direction of the identifier 76, in a portion located between the placement portion 64b and the front-end opening 70a. As shown in FIG. 2, a portion of the identifier 76 located forward of the passage hole 61c is exposed to the outside through the viewing window 13c. This allows the user to view the identifier 76 through the viewing window 13c.

[0041] Here, the identifier 76 is folded back upward at the front edge of the bottom wall 61, and then bypasses the storage space 70. The identifier 76 enters the storage space 70 from the front end opening 70a, then folds back at a position close to the rear wall 62, and is pulled out of the storage space 70 through the front end opening 70a. As a result, the identifier 76 is stored in the storage space 70 in a folded state. The identifier 76 pulled out of the storage space 70 enters the holding space S1 through the pulling hole 74. Any identifier 76 that cannot be accommodated in the holding space S1 is supported from the front by a portion of the front restricting portion 73 that is positioned above the holding tube 51b.

[0042] Next, a description will be given of a method for setting the indicator member 52 in the holder member 51. The indicator member 52 is set in the holder member 51 through a temporary setting step and a pushing step. First, in the temporary setting step, as shown in Fig. 7, the protrusion 64d is inserted into the positioning hole 77a, and then the reinforcing sheet 100 and the connecting portion 75 are placed on the mounting portion 64b. Then, the identifier 76 is pulled rearward through the rear opening 71. In this state, the identifier 76 is pulled behind the rear wall 62 and below the bottom wall 61.

[0043] Next, the indicator 76 is pulled forward below the bottom wall 61. At this time, the indicator 76 is inserted into the passage holes 61b, 61c from the other end in the left-right direction L2 through the lateral opening 70b. Thereafter, the indicator 76 is folded back upward at the rear end of the bottom wall 61 and inserted into the holding space S1 through the drawing hole 74. As a result, the indicator member 52 is hooked around the holder member 51 with the indicator 76 straddling the front end opening 70a in the up-down direction from the front of the front end opening 70a. Note that the portion of the indicator 76 positioned within the holding space S1 is locked by the restricting claw 73a, thereby preventing it from slipping out of the holding space S1 toward the other end in the left-right direction L2. This completes the temporary setting process.

[0044] In the pushing step, as shown in Fig. 8, the portion of the identifier 76 located in front of the front-end opening 70a is pushed forward (in the thickness direction of the identifier 76) into the storage space 70. At this time, a tool or the like is used to push the identifier 76 to a position close to the rear wall 62. Then, the portion of the identifier 76 that has been pulled upward through the pull-out hole 74 is pulled into the storage space 70. This causes the identifier 76 to fold back in the storage space 70, and the identifier 76 is folded in the storage space 70. As a result, the amount of the portion of the identifier 76 that protrudes upward from the top wall 64 (the amount of protrusion) is reduced. This completes the pushing step and the indicator module 5 is completed.

[0045] Next, a method for setting the indicator module 5 in the container body 2 will be described. To set the indicator module 5 in the container body 2, first, the connecting member 32 is attached to the holder member 51. Specifically, the connecting member 32 is inserted into the holding tube 52b. This causes the engaging portion 32b to vertically pass through the connecting hole 75a, the through-hole 100a, and the accommodating hole 64e. This causes the engaging portion 32b to engage with the reinforcing sheet 100 and the connecting portion 75. Meanwhile, the inner tray 4 is fitted inside the interior tube 11 (main body tube portion 11b) in advance.

[0046] Next, the indicator module 5 is fixed to the bottom plate 13a. Next, the bottom member 13 is set in the container body 2. Specifically, the bottom member 13 (fitting tube 13b) is fitted inside the outer tube 12. After that, the inner plate body 31 is pushed downward through the opening 11a of the container body 2. At this time, the inner plate body 31 is pushed downward to a position where the relief tube portion 31c fits into the connecting member 32 (mounting tube 32a). In this way, the indicator module 5 is assembled to the container body 2.

[0047] Next, a method of using the dispensing container 1 will be described. In the following description, the initial state is a state in which the inner tray 4 is at the lowest position (full of contents) as shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, in the initial state, the first region 76a of the identification portion 76 can be seen through the viewing window 13c. 1 and 2, when the discharge head 23 is pressed down in the discharge container 1 in the initial state, the piston 26 is pushed downward, and the content in the cylinder 25 is sent out through the stem 28 and the discharge head 23. As a result, the content is discharged through the discharge nozzle 23a.

[0048] When the downward pressure on the discharge head 23 is released, the piston 26 and stem 28 move upward due to the biasing force of the biasing member 27. This creates a negative pressure inside the cylinder 25, and the contents of the container body 2 flow into the cylinder 25. This prepares for the next discharge. When the contents inside the container body 2 flow into the cylinder 25, the pressure inside the container body 2 decreases as the contents inside the container body 2 decrease. This causes the inner plate 4 to move upward inside the container body 2, as shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 1, the inner tray 4 and the indicator member 52 are connected between the engaging portion 32b and the connecting portion 75, and therefore, as the inner tray 4 rises, the indicator member 52 is pulled upward. Therefore, the portion of the indicator portion 76 held by the holder member 51 is pulled upward from the rear of the holder member 51 through the lower portion of the bottom wall portion 61. As a result, as the inner tray 4 rises, the longitudinal position of the indicator portion 76 exposed to the outside through the viewing window 13c changes. For example, in the initial state shown in Fig. 2, the first region 76a is exposed to the outside through the viewing window 13c. In contrast, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, when the amount of content in the container body 2 falls to half or less (when the inner tray 4 rises to more than half of the container body 2), the second region 76b is exposed to the outside through the viewing window 13c. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, when the amount of content filled in the container body 2 becomes small (when the inner tray 4 approaches the pump mechanism 22), the third region 76c is exposed to the outside through the viewing window 13c.

[0050] In this way, in the dispensing container 1 of this embodiment, as the inner tray 4 rises, the longitudinal position of the identification portion 76 exposed to the outside through the viewing window 13c changes, making it possible to determine the remaining amount of contents.

[0051] In the discharge container 1 of this embodiment, the holder member 51 is configured to have a mounting portion 64b on which the connecting portion 75 can be mounted, and a front end opening (first opening) 70a that opens forward below the mounting portion 64b, and a storage portion 51a in which the identification portion 76 can be stored by pushing the identification portion 76 in the thickness direction toward the front end opening 70a. According to this configuration, by simply pushing the identification part 76 into the storage part 51a (storage space 70), the identification part 76 can be folded and stored in the holder member 51. This improves the ease of setting the indicator member 52 compared to, for example, when the identification part is wound into a roll and stored in the holder member 51.

[0052] In the discharge container 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of through holes 61b, 61c are formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the identification portion 76 in the portion located between the placing portion 64b and the front end opening 70a in the longitudinal direction of the identification portion 76, and the identification portion 76 is configured to be guided in a serpentine manner between adjacent through holes 61b, 61c. According to this configuration, when the identifier 76 attempts to move in the longitudinal direction, a frictional force is ensured between the opening edges of the passage holes 61b, 61c and the identifier 76, making it easier to restrict the longitudinal movement of the identifier 76. This makes it possible to prevent the portion of the identifier 76 located between the placement portion 64b and the front end opening 70a from being dragged into the storage space 70 when the identifier 76 is pushed into the storage space 70. As a result, it is possible to prevent the connecting portion 75 from becoming misaligned with the placement portion 64b.

[0053] In the discharge container 1 of this embodiment, the holder member 51 is configured to have a front regulating portion 73 located above the front end opening 70a, which regulates displacement of the identification portion 76 in the front-to-rear direction L1 (thickness direction). According to this configuration, when the indicator module 5 is set on the container body 2 or the inner plate 4, the part of the identification portion 76 located above the front end opening 70a can be prevented from being caught between the container body 2 or the inner plate 4.

[0054] In the discharge container 1 of this embodiment, the front end opening 70a is configured to be formed between the mounting portion 64b and the bottom wall portion 61 arranged below the mounting portion 64b and facing the mounting portion 64b. According to this configuration, the placement portion 64b constitutes a part of the storage portion 51a, and therefore the holder member 51 can be made smaller than when the storage portion 51a and the placement portion 64b are provided separately.

[0055] (Second embodiment) This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a folding portion 200 for folding back the indicator 76 in the storage space 70 is formed. 13, the folded portion 200 includes a front wall portion 201 and a rearward extending wall 202. The front wall portion 201 extends upward from the front end edge of the bottom wall portion 61. A front end opening 70a that opens forward is formed between the upper end edge of the front wall portion 201 and the top wall portion 64.

[0056] The rear extension wall 202 extends rearward from the upper edge of the front wall portion 201. A gap S2 is provided between the rear edge of the rear extension wall 202 and the rear wall portion 62. Furthermore, within the storage space 70, a rear opening (second opening) 200a that opens rearward is formed between the rear extension wall 202 and the bottom wall portion 61. The rear opening 200a opens in the opposite direction to the front end opening 70a.

[0057] In this configuration, to set the indicator member 52 in the holder member 51, after the temporary setting step, as shown in Fig. 14, the indicator portion 76 is pushed toward the front end opening 70a, and then pushed downward through the gap S. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 15, the indicator portion 76 is pushed forward through the rear opening 200a. As a result, the indicator portion 76 is folded back from the rear extending wall 202 and stored inside the folded back portion 200 in the storage space 70.

[0058] In this embodiment, a rear opening 200a that opens in the opposite direction to the front end opening 70a is defined in the storage section 51a, and a folded-back section 200 that can store the identifier 76 is formed. According to this configuration, the identification portion 76 is folded back inside the storage space 70, thereby ensuring a length of the identification portion 76 that can be stored within the storage space 70. This reduces the length of the portion of the identification portion 76 that protrudes from the storage space 70, and prevents the identification portion 76 from becoming caught between the container body 2 and the inner plate 4 when the indicator module 5 is set on the container body 2 and the inner plate 4.

[0059] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the appended claims. In the above-described embodiment, the storage section 51a has a configuration including the front end opening 70a and the side opening 70b, but the configuration is not limited to this. The storage section 51a only needs to have an opening that opens to the side (in a direction intersecting the up-down direction) into which the identifier 76 can be pushed. In this case, the storage section 51a may be open both to the front and rear. In the above-described embodiment, the holder member 51 is attached to the bottom member 13, and the identification portion 76 is visible through the viewing window 13c formed in the bottom member 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the holder member 51 may be attached to the main body tubular portion 11b or the like. In this case, the container body 2 may not have a bottom member 13.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the through holes 61b, 61c are formed in the bottom wall portion 61 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The through holes may be formed between the placement portion 64b and the front-end opening 70a in the length direction of the recognition portion 76, and may be formed in, for example, the rear wall portion 62. However, the through holes 61b, 61c are not essential components. In the above embodiment, the case where the placement portion 64b constitutes a part of the storage portion 51a has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The placement portion 64b may be configured separately from the storage portion 51a. In the above-described embodiment, the remaining amount of contents can be determined by differentiating the colors of the indicator 76 among the regions 76a to 76c, but this is not a limitation. For example, when the remaining amount of contents is low, the indicator 76 may pass through the viewing window 13c, allowing the bottom wall 61 to be seen through the viewing window 13c. In this case, the remaining amount of contents can be determined by coloring the underside of the bottom wall 61.

[0061] In addition, within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate.

[0062] The aspects of the present invention are as follows, for example. <1> a container body in which contents are accommodated; a dispenser attached to the mouth of the container body and discharging the contents; an inner tray disposed within the container body and rising within the container body as the contents within the container body decrease; an indicator member having a connecting portion connected to the inner tray below the inner tray and an identifying portion extending in a strip shape from the connecting portion and capable of identifying its position in the longitudinal direction, the indicator member being pulled upward within the container body as the inner tray is raised; a holder member attached to the container body below the inner tray and around which the indicator member is hung, The holder member is a mounting portion on which the connecting portion can be placed; a storage section having a first opening that opens laterally below the placement section and is capable of storing the identification section; The inner tray is a dispensing container having an engaging portion that is adjacent to the placing portion when in the lowest position and engages with the connecting portion from below the connecting portion. <2> a plurality of passage holes are formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the identifier in a portion of the storage section that is located between the placement section and the first opening in the longitudinal direction of the identifier, The identification portion is guided in a serpentine manner between the adjacent passage holes. <1> The discharge container according to claim 1. <3> The holder member has a restricting portion at a portion positioned above the first opening, the restricting portion restricting displacement of the identifier in a thickness direction. <1> or <2> The discharge container according to claim 1. <4> The storage section defines a second opening that opens in the opposite direction to the first opening within the storage section, and has a folded portion that can store the identification section. <1> from <3> 10. A discharge container according to any one of the preceding items. <5> The first opening is formed between the placement portion and a bottom wall portion disposed below the placement portion and facing the placement portion. <1> from <4> 10. A discharge container according to any one of the preceding items. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1: Discharge container 2: Container body 3:Dispenser 4: Medium plate 11a: Mouth 32b: Engagement part 51: Holder member 51a: Storage section 52: Indicator member 61: Bottom wall 61b: Passing hole 61c: Passing hole 64b: Placement section 70a: Front end opening (first opening) 75:Connection part 76: Identification unit 200: Folded section 200a: Rear opening (second opening)

Claims

1. a container body in which contents are accommodated; a dispenser attached to the mouth of the container body and discharging the contents; an inner tray disposed within the container body and rising within the container body as the contents within the container body decrease; an indicator member having a connecting portion connected to the inner tray below the inner tray and an identifying portion extending in a strip shape from the connecting portion and capable of identifying its position in the longitudinal direction, the indicator member being pulled upward within the container body as the inner tray is raised; a holder member attached to the container body below the inner tray and around which the indicator member is hung, The holder member is a mounting portion on which the connecting portion can be placed; a storage section that has a first opening that opens laterally below the placement section and that can store the identification section in a folded state, The inner tray is a dispensing container having an engaging portion that is adjacent to the placing portion when in the lowest position and engages with the connecting portion from below the connecting portion.

2. a plurality of passage holes are formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the identifier in a portion of the storage section that is located between the placement section and the first opening in the longitudinal direction of the identifier, The discharge container according to claim 1 , wherein the identification portion is guided in a serpentine manner between the adjacent passage holes.

3. 3. The discharge container according to claim 1, wherein the holder member includes a restricting portion, which restricts displacement of the identifier in a thickness direction, at a portion located above the first opening.

4. The discharge container according to claim 1, wherein the storage section defines a second opening that opens in the opposite direction to the first opening within the storage section, and has a folded portion that can store the identification portion.

Images