Dispensing container

Abstract

To easily perform a refill operation.SOLUTION: A pouring container 1 includes: a container 2 capable of storing a first liquid W1 therein and provided with a lower middle stopper 20; and a small container 3 in which a second liquid W2 that generates a content liquid by mixing with the first liquid is filled, and which is attached to a mouth part 2a of the container. A communication hole 24 and a blade part 25 are formed in the lower middle stopper, and the small container includes an upper middle stopper 30 and a cap 50. The upper middle stopper includes: an upper middle stopper body 31 having a bottom wall part 34 in which a pouring hole is formed; a closing plate 39 that closes the pouring hole and is connected to the bottom wall part via an easily broken weakened part 40 that extends along an opening edge of the pouring hole; and a pouring nozzle 32. The blade part cuts the weakened part when attaching the small container to the mouth part of the container and opens the pouring hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART As a container suitable for dispensing liquid contents such as liquid detergent (for example, laundry detergent or fabric softener), a dispensing container with a measuring cap as shown in Patent Document 1 below is known. This dispensing container comprises a container body with a dispensing nozzle (dispensing tube) formed therein, and a measuring cap detachably attached to the mouth of the container body. The tip of the dispensing nozzle protrudes above the mouth of the container body and is cut at an angle to make it easier to dispense the liquid content. The measuring cap is a double-cylinder with a measuring tube and is formed as a closed-topped tube. In the dispensing container configured in this manner, after removing the measuring cap, the liquid content can be dispensed into the measuring cylinder through the dispensing nozzle, allowing the liquid content to be measured and used. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 62-99541 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional dispensing containers described above have the problem that it is difficult to refill the contents. Generally, when refilling a liquid content, it is necessary to transfer the liquid content from a refill container or refill pouch containing the refill liquid into the container body. Since the container body has a dispensing nozzle protruding upward, the dispensing nozzle tends to get in the way when refilling the liquid content, making it difficult to perform a smooth refill. In particular, the spout of the refill container or the like may shift from the inside of the dispensing nozzle, causing the liquid content to spill around, making it difficult to use. Furthermore, the refill container or refill pouch is heavy, making it inconvenient to carry when purchased, and there is room for improvement.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing container that can be easily refilled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A pouring container according to the present invention comprises a main container capable of containing a first liquid therein and having a lower stopper provided inside a mouth portion thereof, and a small container filled with a second liquid that forms a content liquid by mixing with the first liquid and removably attached to the mouth portion of the main container, the lower stopper having a communication hole communicating with the inside of the main container and a blade portion protruding upward, the small container being attachable to the mouth portion of the main container and having an upper stopper that fits liquid-tightly against the lower stopper when attached to the mouth portion; and a cap that is detachably attached to the upper and middle stopper, wherein the upper and middle stopper comprises an upper and middle stopper body having a bottom wall portion in which a pouring hole is formed, a closing plate that closes the pouring hole and is connected to the bottom wall portion via an easily breakable weakened portion that extends along the opening edge of the pouring hole, and a pouring nozzle that extends upward from the bottom wall portion and is disposed within the cap, and wherein the blade portion cuts the weakened portion to open the pouring hole as the small container is attached to the mouth of the main container.

[0007] According to the dispensing container of the present invention, by attaching a small container to the opening of the main container, the first liquid in the main container can be mixed with the second liquid in the small container to produce the content liquid, which allows the small container to function as a cartridge for refilling the content liquid. Specifically, as a small container is attached to the opening of the main container, a blade formed on the lower inner plug presses against a weakened portion connecting the bottom wall and the closure plate that blocks the spout hole. As additional small containers are attached, the blade cuts the weakened portion. This allows the upper inner plug to be fitted liquid-tightly onto the lower inner plug with the spout hole open when the small container is completely attached to the opening of the main container. Furthermore, because the spout hole can be opened, the second liquid in the small container can be supplied to the main container through the spout hole and the communication hole, and mixed with the first liquid previously contained in the main container to produce the content liquid.

[0008] This allows the liquid contents to be used from this point on. When pouring out the liquid contents, after removing the cap from the upper and middle stopper, the liquid contents can be poured out using the pouring nozzle, for example, by tilting the container. Furthermore, by pouring the liquid contents into the cap, it is possible to use the liquid contents while measuring it, for example.

[0009] In particular, since the small container can function as a cartridge for refilling the content liquid, there is no need to transfer the content liquid from a conventional refill container, etc. Therefore, the refilling process can be performed easily and inconveniences such as spilling the content liquid onto the surrounding area are unlikely to occur. Furthermore, since the small container can be made more compact than a heavy refill container, it is easier to carry after purchase and more convenient.

[0010] (2) The small container is attached to the mouth of the main container by screwing it into the mouth by rotating the main container in a first rotation direction around the container axis of the main container, and is detached from the mouth of the main container by rotating it in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, and the blade portion may be formed along the opening edge of the communicating hole and cut the weakened portion while moving relatively along the weakened portion as the small container rotates in the first rotation direction.

[0011] In this case, by rotating the small container in a first rotation direction, the small container can be screwed in and attached to the mouth of the main container. Conversely, by rotating the small container in a second rotation direction, the small container can be loosened and removed from the mouth of the main container. In this way, the small container can be attached and detached by rotating it around the container axis, thereby improving the operability of the small container. In particular, when the small container is rotated in the first rotation direction to refill the liquid content, the blade portion moves relatively along the weakened portion as the small container rotates, thereby efficiently cutting the weakened portion. Therefore, the blade portion can smoothly cut the weakened portion in conjunction with the rotation of the small container.

[0012] (3) The blade portion may include a cutting blade that extends downward from the top portion located at the uppermost position in the second rotation direction and cuts the weakened portion over a certain range, and a pushing-up portion that extends flatly from the lower end of the cutting blade in the second rotation direction and pushes the closure plate upward after the weakened portion has been cut.

[0013] In this case, when the small container is rotated in the first rotation direction, the top of the blade (a part of the cutting blade) can be brought into contact with the weakened portion first. At this time, the cutting blade extends downward from the top as it moves in the second rotation direction. Therefore, by further rotating the small container in the first rotation direction, the small container is moved downward while being screwed in, and the entire cutting blade can be used to cut the weakened portion over a certain range. In other words, the weakened portion can be cut from the top of the cutting blade, which is the cutting start point, to the bottom end of the cutting blade, which is the cutting end point. Furthermore, a push-up portion that extends flatly in the second rotation direction is continuously formed at the lower end of the cutting blade, so that by further rotating the small container in the first rotation direction to move it downward, the closure plate can be pushed upward after the weakened portion has been cut.

[0014] In particular, since the cutting blade is used to cut the weakened portion over a certain area and then the push-up portion is used to push up the closure plate, even if the weakened portion is formed around the entire circumference of the pouring hole, the closure plate can be pushed up using the uncut portion of the weakened portion as a base point, thereby preventing the closure plate from being cut off by cutting the weakened portion around the entire circumference. Furthermore, even if the weakened portion is formed so as to extend along the opening edge of the pouring hole rather than around the entire circumference of the pouring hole, the pushing-up portion can be used to push up the closure plate, for example, using as a base point the connecting portion (the portion connecting the bottom wall portion and the closure plate) where no weakened portion is formed.

[0015] (4) The dispensing nozzle is formed in a U-shape that opens toward the rear when viewed in a plan view from the container axial direction, and the blade portion may push up the closure plate so as to face the inner surface of the dispensing nozzle, and may also use the outer surface of the blade portion to regulate the restoration displacement of the pushed-up closure plate.

[0016] In this case, the closure plate can be pushed up so as to face the inner surface of the dispensing nozzle, and the outer surface of the blade portion can be used to support the closure plate, preventing it from returning to its original state. This prevents the closure plate from closing the dispensing hole again, and keeps the dispensing hole open. Therefore, the content liquid can be smoothly dispensed through the dispensing hole toward the dispensing nozzle.

[0017] (5) The upper and middle plug has an attachment tube that surrounds the mouth of the container from the outside in the radial direction, and a rotating piece that can rotate radially outward is formed at the lower end of the attachment tube, and the mouth of the container is formed with a first locking protrusion that protrudes radially outward and has a first locking surface that faces the first rotation direction and a first guide surface that extends radially inward from the outer edge of the first locking surface toward the second rotation direction, and the rotating piece is formed with a second locking protrusion that protrudes radially inward and faces the second rotation direction and has a second locking surface that faces the second rotation direction and a second guide surface that extends radially outward from the inner edge of the second locking surface toward the first rotation direction, and when the cap is attached to the upper and middle plug, the rotation of the rotating piece radially outward may be restricted by the cap.

[0018] In this case, when the entire small container with the cap attached is screwed onto the upper and middle plug in the first rotation direction, the second guide surface of the second locking protrusion formed on the rotating piece moves circumferentially while contacting the first guide surface of the first locking protrusion formed on the mouth of the container. Therefore, the second locking protrusion moves circumferentially over the first locking protrusion, allowing the small container to be rotated in the first rotation direction. Therefore, the small container can be attached to the mouth of the container.

[0019] Thereafter, when the cap is rotated, for example, in the second direction to dispense the liquid contents, the upper and middle stoppers rotate in the second direction as the cap rotates. At this time, in the initial stage of the cap rotation, the cap is attached to the upper and middle stoppers, so the rotation of the rotating piece is restricted. Therefore, even if the upper and middle stoppers attempt to rotate in the second direction, the second locking surface facing the second direction of rotation remains locked with the first locking surface facing the first direction of rotation. This prevents the upper and middle stoppers from rotating together, and the cap can be smoothly removed by rotating only the cap in the second direction of rotation.

[0020] Furthermore, when removing the upper and inner stopper from the opening of the container after the contents have been used up, first remove the cap from the upper and inner stopper. This allows the rotating piece to rotate. Then, the entire upper and inner stopper is rotated in the second rotation direction to loosen it. At this time, the second locking surface of the second locking protrusion is locked with the first locking surface of the first locking protrusion, but the rotational force from the upper and inner stopper can transmit stress that pushes the rotating piece radially outward. This allows the rotating piece to rotate radially outward, releasing the lock between the second locking protrusion and the first locking protrusion. This allows the entire upper and inner stopper to be rotated in the second rotation direction, allowing the upper and inner stopper to be smoothly removed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] The dispensing container according to the present invention allows for easy refilling. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a dispensing container according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the small container shown in FIG. 1 attached to the opening of the main container. [Figure 3] 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which a content liquid is produced by mixing the first liquid and the second liquid shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the container and lower plug shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of the container shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the small container shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 3 (the measuring cap is not shown). [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a development view of the cutting part taken along line BB shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the small container shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 4 is a view showing a state in which the measuring cap has been removed from the state shown in FIG. 3 and then the small container has been removed. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pouring container according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the dispensing container 1 of this embodiment comprises a main container 2 that is capable of containing a first liquid W1 inside and has a lower middle stopper 20 provided on the inside of the mouth 2a, and a small container 3 that is filled with a second liquid W2 that produces a content liquid W3 when mixed with the first liquid W1 and is removably attached to the mouth 2a of the main container 2.

[0024] Unless otherwise specified, each component of the dispensing container 1 is a molded product made of a synthetic resin material. The liquid content W3 is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include liquid detergents such as laundry detergents and fabric softeners. In this case, for example, the first liquid W1 may be water, and the second liquid W2 may be a concentrated detergent. However, the first liquid W1 and the second liquid W2 are not limited to a combination of water and concentrated detergent.

[0025] In Figure 1, the small container 3 is arranged coaxially with the container axis O of the main container 2. Hereinafter, the small container 3 side along the container axis O will be referred to as the upper side, and the main container 2 side will be referred to as the lower side, and the direction along the container axis O will be referred to as the up-down direction. Furthermore, in a plan view seen from the up-down direction, the direction intersecting the container axis O will be referred to as the radial direction, and the direction going around the container axis O will be referred to as the circumferential direction. Furthermore, among the circumferential directions, the direction going around the container axis O clockwise in a top view of the dispensing container 1 is referred to as a first rotation direction M1, and the direction going around the container axis O counterclockwise is referred to as a second rotation direction M2.

[0026] The small container 3 of this embodiment functions as a refill cartridge. Fig. 1 shows the state immediately before the small container 3 is fitted to the mouth 2a of the main container 2. Fig. 2 shows the state in which the small container 3 shown in Fig. 1 is rotated in a first rotation direction M1, thereby fitting the small container 3 to the mouth 2a of the main container 2 and mixing the second liquid W2 with the first liquid W1. Fig. 3 shows the state in which the first liquid W1 and the second liquid W2 are mixed to produce the content liquid W3, which can be used as a dispensing container 1.

[0027] (This container) As shown in FIG. 1, the container 2 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape in which a mouth 2a, a shoulder 2b, a body 2c, and a bottom (not shown) are connected in this order from above. A first male thread 10 is formed on the outer peripheral surface at the upper end of the mouth 2a of the container 2. The first male thread 10 is, for example, a single-start thread. A neck ring 11 that protrudes radially outward is formed on a portion of the mouth 2a of the container 2 that is located below the first male thread 10.

[0028] Furthermore, a first locking projection 12 that projects radially outward is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mouth portion 2a of the container 2. The first locking projection 12 is formed so that its lower end is integrally connected to the upper surface of the neck ring 11. The first locking projection 12 will be described in detail later.

[0029] (bottom stopper) The lower plug 20 is arranged coaxially with the container axis O and is fitted liquid-tightly inside the mouth 2a of the container 2. 4 and 5, the lower plug 20 is formed in the shape of a cylinder with a bottom, and includes a sealing tube 21 fitted inside the mouth 2a of the container 2, and a blocking wall 22 that blocks the opening at the bottom of the sealing tube 21. An annular flange 23 that protrudes radially outward is formed at the upper end of the sealing tube 21. The flange 23 is positioned on the edge of the opening at the top end of the mouth 2a of the container 2. This prevents the entire lower plug 20 from falling off downward and is positioned inside the mouth 2a of the container 2.

[0030] The closing wall 22 is formed with a communication hole 24 that communicates with the inside of the container 2 and a blade portion 25 that protrudes upward. The communication hole 24 passes through the blocking wall 22 from top to bottom, is formed in a circular shape in a plan view, and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The blade portion 25 is formed to extend in the circumferential direction along the opening edge of the communication hole 24. The blade portion 25 will be described in detail later.

[0031] Furthermore, auxiliary communicating holes 26 are formed in the blocking wall 22, penetrating the blocking wall 22 in the vertical direction. The auxiliary communicating holes 26 are arranged radially outward of the communicating holes 24. In the illustrated example, a plurality of auxiliary communicating holes 26 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction so as to surround the periphery of the communicating hole 24. However, the auxiliary communicating holes 26 are not essential and may not be provided.

[0032] The container 2 configured as described above can be used continuously even after the liquid content W3 has been used up. In this case, after removing the small container 3 already installed, the first liquid W1 can be filled into the container 2 before installing a new small container 3, as shown in FIG.

[0033] (Small container) As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the small container 3 is equipped with an upper middle stopper 30 that can be attached to the mouth 2a of the main container 2 and that, when attached to the mouth 2a, fits liquid-tightly into the lower middle stopper 20 (see Figures 2 and 3), and a measuring cap (cap according to the present invention) 50 that is detachably attached to the upper middle stopper 30 and forms a filling space between the upper middle stopper 30 and the upper middle stopper 30 into which the second liquid W2 is filled.

[0034] (Upper and middle stoppers) The upper and inner plug 30 is provided with an upper and inner plug body 31 formed in a double cylindrical shape with a bottom, and a dispensing nozzle 32. The upper plug body 31 comprises an inner tube 33 arranged inside the sealing tube 21 of the lower plug 20, a bottom wall portion 34 that closes the lower end opening of the inner tube 33, an annular flange portion 35 that protrudes radially outward from the upper end of the inner tube 33, and an attachment tube 36 that extends downward from the outer peripheral edge of the flange portion 35 and surrounds the mouth portion 2a of the container 2 from the radial outside.

[0035] A first female thread portion 37 that screws into the first male thread portion 10 formed on the mouth portion 2 a of the container 2 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the mounting tube 36 . As a result, the entire small container 3 is screwed in by rotation in a first rotation direction M1 about the container axis O, and attached to the mouth 2a of the main container 2 (see Figures 2 and 3). Conversely, the entire small container 3 is loosened by rotation in a second rotation direction M2 about the container axis O, and detached from the mouth 2a of the main container 2.

[0036] 2 and 3, when the small container 3 is attached to the mouth 2a of the main container 2, the inner tube 33 is placed inside the sealing tube 21 with a gap between them. However, this is not limited to this case, and the inner tube 33 may be fitted liquid-tightly inside the sealing tube 21. Furthermore, the flange portion 35 comes into contact with the collar portion 23 of the lower inner plug 20 so as to be pressed from above, thereby ensuring an appropriate seal between the flange portion 35 and the collar portion 23. Therefore, the entire upper inner plug 30 fits liquid-tightly into the lower inner plug 20. When the small container 3 is attached to the opening 2a of the main container 2, the bottom wall 34 is positioned above the closing wall 22 of the lower plug 20 with a gap between them.

[0037] 1 to 3 and 6, the bottom wall portion 34 is formed with a pouring hole 38 that passes through the bottom wall portion 34 in the vertical direction. The pouring hole 38 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view, and is disposed coaxially with the container axis O. The pouring hole 38 is formed with an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the communicating hole 24.

[0038] Furthermore, a blocking plate 39 that blocks the pouring hole 38 is connected to the bottom wall portion 34 via a weakened portion 40 that can be easily broken. The closure plate 39 is formed in a circular shape in plan view to correspond to the shape of the pouring hole 38, and is formed to be thinner than the bottom wall portion 34. The weakened portion 40 is formed to extend along the opening edge of the pouring hole 38, and is a thin portion that is formed to be even thinner than the closure plate 39. In the example shown, the weakened portion 40 is formed to extend around the entire periphery of the pouring hole 38. Therefore, before the small container 3 is attached to the opening portion 2a of the main container 2, the pouring hole 38 is closed by the closure plate 39.

[0039] An inner connecting tube 41 extending upward is formed on the flange portion 35. A second male threaded portion 42 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner connecting tube 41. The second male threaded portion 42 is threaded in the same direction as the first male threaded portion 10.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 7, the dispensing nozzle 32 is formed to extend upward from the bottom wall portion 34 and is disposed within the measuring cap 50. The pouring nozzle 32 is formed so as to protrude upward beyond the inner connecting cylinder 41. Furthermore, the pouring nozzle 32 is formed in a U-shape that opens rearward in a plan view, and is formed so as to be positioned radially outward beyond the pouring hole 38 and the blade portion 25. Furthermore, the pouring nozzle 32 is formed so that the upper end side tapers forward as it extends upward.

[0041] This makes it possible to dispense the liquid content W3 through the dispensing nozzle 32 by tilting the container 2 forward and pointing the upper end side of the dispensing nozzle 32 downward. The shape of the dispensing nozzle 32 is not limited to a U-shape in plan view, but may be formed into a cylindrical or elliptical cylindrical shape in plan view, for example.

[0042] 1 to 3, 6 and 7, an expanded diameter tube 45 that bulges outward in the radial direction is formed at the lower end of the mounting tube 36. Note that the measuring cap 50 is not shown in FIG. The expanding diameter tube 45 is formed so as to surround the first locking projection 12 formed on the mouth 2a of the main container 2 from the radial outside when the small container 3 is attached to the mouth 2a of the main container 2. The lower edge of the expanding diameter tube 45 is positioned above the neck ring 11 with a gap between it and the neck ring 11.

[0043] A rotating piece 46 that can rotate radially outward is formed on the expanding diameter tube 45. On both sides of the rotating piece 46 along the circumferential direction, a vertically elongated slit groove 47 that extends upward from the lower end edge of the expanding diameter tube 45 and opens downward is formed. This allows the rotating piece 46 to rotate so as to open radially outward from the upper end portion as a base point. The slit groove 47 is formed so as to extend beyond the enlarged diameter tube 45 to the mounting tube 36. Therefore, the upper end of the rotating piece 46 is located above the enlarged diameter tube 45.

[0044] In this embodiment, two rotating pieces 46 are formed facing each other across the container axis O. Furthermore, a second locking protrusion 48 that protrudes radially inward is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the rotating piece 46. The second locking protrusion 48 will be described in detail later.

[0045] (Measuring cap) As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 6, the measuring cap 50 comprises a measuring section 51 formed in the shape of a closed-topped cylinder, an annular wall 52 protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the measuring section 51, an operating tube 53 extending downward from the outer peripheral edge of the annular wall 52 and surrounding the mounting tube 36 of the upper and middle plug 30 from the radially outer side, and an outer connecting tube 54 extending downward from the annular wall 52, being located radially inward of the operating tube 53, and surrounding the inner connecting tube 41 of the upper and middle plug 30 from the radially outer side.

[0046] The measuring part 51 is formed in the shape of a topped cylinder having a measuring cylinder 51a and a top wall 51b that closes the upper end opening of the measuring cylinder 51a. The top wall 51b is located above the dispensing nozzle 32. The measuring cylinder 51a surrounds the dispensing nozzle 32 from the outside in the radial direction, and its lower end side is located inside the inner cylinder 33 of the upper and center plug 30.

[0047] A second female thread portion 55 that screws into the second male thread portion 42 formed on the inner connecting cylinder 41 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer connecting cylinder 54. As a result, the entire measuring cap 50 is attached to the upper and middle plug 30 by the threaded connection between the second male thread portion 42 and the second female thread portion 55. Specifically, the measuring cap 50 is attached to the upper and middle plug 30 by being screwed in by rotating in a first rotation direction M1, and is detached from the upper and middle plug 30 by being loosened by rotating in a second rotation direction M2.

[0048] The annular wall 52 is pressed from above against the upper end opening edge of the inner connecting cylinder 41. Furthermore, the annular wall 52 is formed with a seal cylinder 56 that protrudes downward and fits liquid-tightly inside the inner connecting cylinder 41. This ensures an appropriate seal between the inner connecting cylinder 41 and the seal cylinder 56. Therefore, the spaces between the inner connecting cylinder 41 and the inner cylinder 33 and the measuring cylinder 51a, and the internal space of the measuring cylinder 51a function as a filling space filled with the second liquid W2.

[0049] The operating tube 53 surrounds the mounting tube 36 from the outside in the radial direction, and its lower edge is close to or abuts against the upper end of the expanding tube 45 from above. As a result, when the measuring cap 50 is attached to the upper and middle plug 30, the rotating piece 46 is restricted from rotating radially outward by the operating tube 53 of the measuring cap 50.

[0050] (blade) Next, the blade portion 25 will be described in detail. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, when the small container 3 is attached to the mouth 2a of the main container 2, the blade portion 25 cuts the weakened portion 40 of the upper and middle plug 30 while pushing the closure plate 39 upward, thereby opening the pouring hole 38. Specifically, as described above, the blade portion 25 is formed to extend circumferentially along the opening edge of the communication hole 24. Furthermore, the blade portion 25 is disposed below and facing the weakened portion 40. This allows the blade portion 25 to cut the weakened portion 40 while moving relatively along the weakened portion 40 as the small container 3 rotates in the first rotation direction M1.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 8, the blade portion 25 is formed in a region of the opening edge of the communication hole 24 that is positioned forward of the container axis O. The blade portion 25 includes a cutting blade 60 that extends downward from the uppermost apex portion 61 toward the second rotation direction M2 and cuts the weakened portion 40 over a certain range, and a pushing-up portion 62 that extends flatly from the lower end of the cutting blade 60 toward the second rotation direction M2 and pushes the closure plate 39 upward after the weakened portion 40 has been cut.

[0052] The blade portion 25 is, for example, single-edged, with the top portion 61 functioning as the cutting start point and the bottom end functioning as the cutting end point. The entire cutting edge of the blade portion 25, from the top portion 61, which is the cutting start point, to the bottom end, which is the cutting end point, faces the second rotation direction M2. This makes it possible to attach the small container 3 to the mouth portion 2a of the main container 2 by screwing the small container 3 in the first rotation direction M1, thereby using the entire cutting blade 60 to cut the weakened portion 40 over a certain area.

[0053] Furthermore, since the push-up portion 62 is continuously formed at the lower end of the cutting blade 60, it is possible to use the push-up portion 62 to push up the closure plate 39 that has been cut over a certain range and after the weakened portion 40 has been cut. In this embodiment, the weakened portion 40 is formed over the entire circumference of the pouring hole 38. Therefore, after the weakened portion 40 has been cut over a certain range, the push-up portion 62 can push up the closure plate 39 upward, starting from the uncut portion 40a of the weakened portion 40 (see Figures 2 and 7). The length of the push-up portion 62 in the circumferential direction is set to be equal to the length of the cutting blade 60 in the circumferential direction.

[0054] A first inclined portion 63 extending downward in the second rotation direction M2 is connected to the peripheral end of the push-up portion 62 located on the second rotation direction M2 side. Furthermore, a second inclined portion 64 extending downward in the first rotation direction M1 is connected to the apex portion 61. Furthermore, a third inclined portion 65 extending downward in the first rotation direction M1 and having a larger inclination angle than the second inclined portion 64 is connected to the second inclined portion 64. The first inclined portion 63, the second inclined portion 64, and the third inclined portion 65 are parts that constitute the blade portion 25. That is, the blade portion 25 of this embodiment is formed so that the third inclined portion 65, the second inclined portion 64, the cutting blade 60, the push-up portion 62, and the first inclined portion 63 are arranged in this order in the second rotation direction M2.

[0055] The blade portion 25 configured as described above is formed in a region of the opening edge of the communication hole 24 that is located forward of the container axis O, and therefore, as shown in Figures 3 and 7, it is possible to push up the closure plate 39 forward and make the closure plate 39 face the inner surface of the dispensing nozzle 32. Furthermore, the blade portion 25 is capable of restricting the restoration displacement of the pushed-up closure plate 39 by utilizing the outer peripheral surface of the blade portion 25.

[0056] (1st locking protrusion, 2nd locking protrusion) Next, the first locking projection 12 formed on the mouth portion 2a of the container 2 and the second locking projection 48 formed on the rotating piece 46 will be described in detail.

[0057] As shown in Figures 3 and 9, the first locking projection 12 has a first locking surface 12a and a first guide surface 12b, and protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the mouth portion 2a of the container 2. The first locking surface 12a is a flat surface along the radial direction and faces the first rotation direction M1. The first guide surface 12b extends radially inward from the outer edge of the first locking surface 12a toward the second rotation direction M2. In the illustrated example, the first guide surface 12b is an inclined surface.

[0058] In this embodiment, two first locking projections 12 are formed so as to face each other in the radial direction across the container axis O. However, the number of first locking projections 12 is not limited to two, and three or more first locking projections 12 may be formed at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 3, 9, and 10, the second locking projection 48 has a second locking surface 48a and a second guide surface 48b, and protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the rotating piece 46. The second locking surface 48a is a slightly inclined surface with respect to the radial direction and faces the second rotation direction M2. The second guide surface 48b extends radially outward from the inner edge of the second locking surface 48a toward the first rotation direction M1. In the illustrated example, the second guide surface 48b is a curved surface. In this embodiment, the second locking projection 48 is formed on each of the two rotating pieces 46.

[0060] As described above, the first locking projection 12 and the second locking projection 48 are formed, so that when the measuring cap 50 is attached to the upper and inner plug 30, the small container 3 is permitted to be screwed in the first rotation direction M1, and is prevented from being loosened in the second rotation direction M2. This point will be explained in detail later.

[0061] (Function of the dispensing container) Next, a case where the dispensing container 1 configured as described above is used will be described. According to the dispensing container 1 of this embodiment, by attaching the small container 3 shown in Figure 1 to the mouth 2a of the main container 2 as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first liquid W1 in the main container 2 can be mixed with the second liquid W2 in the small container 3, thereby producing the content liquid W3. This allows the small container 3 to function as a refill cartridge.

[0062] Specifically, the small container 3 is rotated in the first rotation direction M1 from the state shown in Figure 1 to perform the screwing operation. As a result, the first male thread portion 10 and the first female thread portion 37 engage with each other, and the small container 3 gradually moves downward. As a result, the blade portion 25 of the lower inner plug 20 presses against the weakened portion 40 of the upper inner plug 30 from below. In this embodiment, when the small container 3 is rotated a further 30° in the first rotation direction M1 from the state in which the first male thread portion 10 and the first female thread portion 37 are engaged, the top portion 61 of the blade portion 25 presses against the weakened portion 40 from below.

[0063] As the small container 3 is further screwed in the first rotation direction M1, the blade portion 25 pushes the closure plate 39 upward while cutting the weakened portion 40, as shown in FIG. 2. As a result, when the small container 3 is completely attached to the opening 2a of the main container 2, the upper inner plug 30 can be liquid-tightly fitted to the lower inner plug 20 with the spout 38 open. Furthermore, because the spout 38 can be opened, the second liquid W2 in the small container 3 can be supplied into the main container 2 through the spout 38 and the communication hole 24. This allows the second liquid W2 to mix with the first liquid W1 previously contained in the main container 2, producing the content liquid W3 as shown in FIG. 3. This allows the content liquid W3 to be used thereafter.

[0064] The cutting of the weakened portion 40 by the blade portion 25 and the lifting up of the closure plate 39 will now be described in detail. When the small container 3 is further screwed in the first rotation direction M1 after the apex 61 of the blade portion 25 has pressed against the weakened portion 40 from below, the cutting blade 60 faces the second rotation direction M2, so that the entire cutting blade 60 can be used to cut the weakened portion 40 over a certain range. In other words, the weakened portion 40 can be cut from the apex 61, which is the cutting start point, to the lower end of the cutting blade 60, which is the cutting end point.

[0065] In this embodiment, when the top portion 61 of the blade portion 25 is pressed against the weakened portion 40 from below, the small container 3 is rotated an additional 300° in the first rotation direction M1, whereby the weakened portion 40 can be cut using the cutting blade 60. Therefore, only an angular range of 330° of the weakened portion 40 can be cut.

[0066] Furthermore, a push-up portion 62 extending flatly in the second rotation direction M2 is continuously formed at the lower end of the cutting blade 60. Therefore, by further screwing the small container 3 in the first rotation direction M1, the small container 3 moves downward relative to the push-up portion 62, and the closure plate 39 can be pushed upward by using the push-up portion 62. In detail, the closure plate 39 can be efficiently pushed upward by using the push-up portion 62, starting from the uncut portion 40a of the weakened portion 40.

[0067] In this embodiment, after the weakened portion 40 is cut using the cutting blade 60, the small container 3 can be rotated a further 30° in the first rotation direction M1, and the pushing-up portion 62 can be used to push the closure plate 39 upward.

[0068] As described above, according to the dispensing container 1 of this embodiment, the small container 3 can function as a refill cartridge, eliminating the need for the work of transferring the content liquid W3 from a conventional refill container, etc. Therefore, the refilling work can be performed easily, and inconveniences such as spilling the content liquid W3 onto the surrounding area are unlikely to occur. Furthermore, since the small container 3 can be made more compact than a heavy refill container, it is easier to carry after purchase, improving convenience.

[0069] Furthermore, when refilling the content liquid W3, the small container 3 is screwed in the first rotation direction M1, and in conjunction with the screwing operation, the blade portion 25 can smoothly cut the weakened portion 40 and push up the closure plate 39. In particular, in this embodiment, by rotating the small container 3 by 30° in the first rotation direction M1 from a state in which the first male thread portion 10 and the first female thread portion 37 are engaged, the apex portion 61 of the blade portion 25 presses against the weakened portion 40 from below. Then, by rotating the small container 3 by a further 300° from that state, the weakened portion 40 can be cut using the blade portion 25, and by rotating it by a further 30°, the closure plate 39 can be pushed up using the push-up portion 62. Therefore, by simply rotating the small container 3 once in the first rotation direction M1, the weakened portion 40 can be cut and the closure plate 39 can be pushed up continuously and smoothly.

[0070] Furthermore, after using the cutting blade 60 to cut the weakened portion 40 over a certain range, the pushing-up portion 62 can be used to push up the blocking plate 39 using the uncut portion 40a of the weakened portion 40 as a base point, thereby preventing, for example, the weakened portion 40 from being cut all the way around and cutting off the blocking plate 39.

[0071] When the small container 3 is attached to the opening 2a of the main container 2, the measuring cap 50 is attached to the upper and inner plug 30. Therefore, the measuring cap 50 restricts the rotation of the rotating piece 46. In this state, when the small container 3 is screwed in in the first rotation direction M1, as shown in Figure 9, the second guide surface 48b of the second locking protrusion 48 formed on the rotating piece 46 moves circumferentially while contacting the first guide surface 12b of the first locking protrusion 12 formed on the mouth 2a of the main container 2. Therefore, the second locking protrusion 48 moves over the first locking protrusion 12 in the circumferential direction, allowing the small container 3 to rotate in the first rotation direction M1. Therefore, the small container 3 can be attached to the mouth 2a of the main container 2.

[0072] 3, when dispensing the liquid content W3, the measuring cap 50 is removed from the upper stopper 30, and then the container 2 is tilted forward, for example, to dispense the liquid content W3 using the dispensing nozzle 32. Furthermore, by dispensing the liquid content W3 into the measuring portion 51 of the measuring cap 50, the liquid content W3 can be measured while being used.

[0073] 3, the closure plate 39 can be pushed forward so as to face the inner surface of the dispensing nozzle 32, and the closure plate 39 can be prevented from being displaced back to its original state by utilizing the outer peripheral surface of the blade portion 25. This prevents the dispensing hole 38 from being blocked again by the closure plate 39, and keeps the dispensing hole 38 open. Therefore, the content liquid W3 can be smoothly poured out through the pouring hole 38 toward the pouring nozzle 32.

[0074] In addition, when the measuring cap 50 is rotated in the second rotation direction M2 to dispense the content liquid W3, the upper and middle plugs 30 behave in such a way that they rotate together in the second rotation direction M2 as the measuring cap 50 rotates. At this time, in the initial stage of the rotation operation of the metering cap 50, the metering cap 50 is attached to the upper inner plug 30, so rotation of the rotating piece 46 is restricted. Therefore, even if the upper inner plug 30 attempts to rotate in the second rotation direction M2, the second locking surface 48a facing the second rotation direction M2 is locked with the first locking surface 12a facing the first rotation direction M1, as shown in Figure 9. This prevents the upper inner plug 30 from rotating together with the metering cap 50, and allows only the metering cap 50 to rotate in the second rotation direction M2.

[0075] When the metering cap 50 begins to loosen in the second rotation direction M2, the metering cap 50 moves upward, allowing the rotating piece 46 to rotate. However, the fastening force between the second male thread portion 42 and the second female thread portion 55 decreases, reducing the stress that causes the upper and inner plug 30 to rotate together in the second rotation direction M2. Therefore, the metering cap 50 can be removed smoothly without causing the upper and inner plug 30 to rotate together.

[0076] Next, the case where the upper and inner plug 30 is removed from the opening 2a of the container 2 after the content liquid W3 has been used up will be described. In this case, as shown in Figure 11, the metering cap 50 is removed from the upper inner plug 30. This allows the rotating piece 46 to rotate. Then, the entire upper inner plug 30 is rotated in the second rotation direction M2 to loosen it. At this time, as shown in Figure 9, the second locking surface 48a of the second locking projection 48 is locked with the first locking surface 12a of the first locking projection 12, but the rotational force from the upper inner plug 30 can transmit stress that pushes the rotating piece 46 radially outward.

[0077] 11 and 12, the rotating pieces 46 can be rotated radially outward, thereby releasing the engagement between the second locking projections 48 and the first locking projections 12. This allows the entire upper inner plug 30 to be rotated in the second rotation direction M2, allowing the upper inner plug 30 to be smoothly removed. It should be noted that the rotating pieces 46 may be rotated radially outward in advance before the entire upper and center plug 30 is rotated in the second rotation direction M2 to perform the loosening operation.

[0078] Thereafter, after the first liquid W1 is placed in the main container 2, a new small container 3 filled with the second liquid W2 is attached, thereby refilling the content liquid W3 as already explained.

[0079] Although the 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. The present embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the present embodiments and their modifications include, for example, those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are equivalent.

[0080] For example, in the above embodiment, the blade portion 25 is shaped so that the third inclined portion 65, the second inclined portion 64, the cutting blade 60, the push-up portion 62, and the first inclined portion 63 are arranged in this order in the second rotation direction M2, but this is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the blade portion 25 has at least a cutting blade that fits along the opening edge of the communication hole 24. In addition, if the blade portion 25 has the push-up portion 62, it is more preferable because it can push up the closure plate 39.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the number and arrangement of the first locking projections 12, the pivot pieces 46, and the second locking projections 48 may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the measuring cap 50 is used as an example of a cap, but this is not limited to this, and a general cap with a top may also be used.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the weakened portion 40 is formed around the entire circumference of the pouring hole 38, but it does not necessarily have to be formed around the entire circumference, and it may be formed so as to extend along the opening edge of the pouring hole 38. For example, the weakened portion 40 may be formed so as to have a C-shape along the opening edge of the pouring hole 38 when viewed from above. In this case, the closure plate 39 is connected to the bottom wall portion 34 of the upper and center plug 30 via the weakened portion 40, and is connected to the bottom wall portion 34 with the unformed portion of the weakened portion 40 serving as a connecting portion. Even in such a case, after using the cutting blade 60 to cut the weakened portion 40, it is possible to use the pushing-up portion 62 to push the closure plate 39 upward using the above-mentioned connecting portion as a base point. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] O…Container axis M1...1st rotation direction M2…Second rotation direction W1…1st liquid W2: Second liquid W3…content liquid 1... Dispensing container 2...This container 2a...mouth of this container 3…Small container 12...First locking protrusion 12a...first locking surface 12b...First guide surface 20...Lower stopper 24...Communication hole 25...Blade part 30...Upper and middle stopper 31...Upper and middle stopper body 32...Dispensing nozzle 36...Attachment tube 38…Spout hole 39...occlusion plate 40...Weakened part 40a…uncut part 46...Pivot piece 48…Second locking protrusion 48a...Second locking surface 48b...Second guide surface 50...Measuring cap (cap) 61...Top part 60…cutting blade 62...Push-up section

Claims

1. a container capable of containing a first liquid therein and having a lower plug provided inside a mouth portion; a small container filled with a second liquid that generates a content liquid when mixed with the first liquid, the small container being removably attached to the opening of the main container; The lower plug has a communication hole that communicates with the inside of the container and a blade portion that protrudes upward, The small container comprises: an upper and lower stopper that can be attached to the mouth of the container and that fits liquid-tightly with the lower and upper stopper when attached to the mouth; a cap that is detachably attached to the upper and lower plug, The upper and lower plugs are an upper and middle plug body having a bottom wall portion with a spout hole formed therein; a closing plate that closes the pouring hole and is connected to the bottom wall portion via a frangible weakened portion that extends along an opening edge of the pouring hole; a dispensing nozzle extending upward from the bottom wall portion and disposed within the cap; A pouring container characterized in that the blade cuts the weakened portion to open the pouring hole when the small container is attached to the opening of the main container.

2. The dispensing container according to claim 1, the small container is threadedly attached to the mouth of the main container by rotating the main container in a first rotational direction about the container axis, and is detached from the mouth of the main container by rotating the small container in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction; A pouring container in which the blade portion is formed along the opening edge of the communicating hole and cuts the weakened portion by moving relatively along the weakened portion as the small container rotates in the first rotation direction.

3. The dispensing container according to claim 2, The blade portion is a cutting blade extending downward from a top portion located at the uppermost position in the second rotation direction and cutting the weakened portion over a certain range; A pouring container comprising: a push-up portion that extends flat from the lower end of the cutting blade in the second rotation direction and pushes the closure plate upward after the weakened portion has been cut.

4. The dispensing container according to claim 3, The pouring nozzle is formed in a U-shape that opens rearward in a plan view seen from the container axial direction, The blade portion pushes up the closure plate so as to face the inner surface of the dispensing nozzle, and uses the outer peripheral surface of the blade portion to regulate the restoration displacement of the pushed-up closure plate.

5. The dispensing container according to any one of claims 2 to 4, The upper and middle plugs each have an attachment tube that surrounds the opening of the container from the outside in the radial direction, A rotating piece that can rotate radially outward is formed at the lower end of the mounting tube, A first locking projection is formed on the opening of the container, the first locking projection having a first locking surface that projects radially outward and faces the first rotation direction, and a first guide surface that extends radially inward from an outer edge of the first locking surface toward the second rotation direction, The rotating piece is formed with a second locking projection having a second locking surface that projects radially inward and faces the second rotation direction, and a second guide surface that extends radially outward from an inner edge of the second locking surface toward the first rotation direction, A pouring container, wherein when the cap is attached to the upper and middle plug, the rotation of the rotating piece toward the outside in the radial direction is restricted by the cap.

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