Feeding container

Abstract

The present invention provides a feeding container (1). This feeding container (1) comprises: an operation part (3) having an exterior body (2); a feeding member (4) having a spiral shaft (30); a sleeve (5); and an inner tray part (6). The exterior body (2) is provided with an inner locking cylinder (22) extending upward from a bottom wall (21) and having a locking protrusion (23). The feeding member (4) is provided with an outer locking cylinder (42) that surrounds the inner locking cylinder (22) from the outside in the radial direction. The outer locking cylinder (42) is formed with a locking hole (91) which is formed so as to penetrate the outer locking cylinder (42) in the radial direction and to which the locking protrusion (23) is locked from above.

Description

Pay-out container

[0001] The present invention relates to a pay-out container. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-232387 filed in Japan on December 27, 2024, and the contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

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

[0003] According to the pay-out container configured as described above, by relatively rotating the sleeve and the operation cylinder portion with respect to each other around the container axis, a first operation in which the first spiral groove and the first engagement portion engage with each other, or a second operation in which the second spiral groove and the second engagement portion engage with each other can be performed. Therefore, by utilizing the double spiral, the middle plate portion can be raised. As a result, the contents can be fed out upward from the sleeve, and the contents can be used.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-54486

[0005] In the conventional dispensing container described above, the operating section is formed by the combination of an outer member including an operating cylinder and an inner member including a columnar section. Specifically, the outer and inner members are joined together by an undercut fitting between an annular groove formed in the outer member and an annular projection formed in the inner member. However, during use of the dispensing container, the undercut fitting may unintentionally loosen. In that case, problems such as rattling of the combination of the outer and inner members constituting the operating section, or the inner member unintentionally detaching from the outer member may occur. Therefore, it is difficult to ensure stable operation of the dispensing container.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a dispensing container that allows the user to perform stable operation.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention comprises a bottomed cylindrical outer casing, an operating part rotatable around the container axis, a helical shaft having a helical groove extending around the container axis, a dispensing member assembled to the outer casing in such a state that rotation around the container axis relative to the outer casing is restricted, a sleeve arranged to surround the helical shaft from the radially outside and provided to be rotatable around the container axis relative to the helical shaft, and a middle tray portion arranged inside the sleeve and movable vertically relative to the sleeve, wherein the middle tray portion has a middle tray body for holding contents and an engaging projection that engages with the helical groove, extending downward from the middle tray body and forward. The dispensing container comprises a movable cylinder that surrounds the spiral shaft from the radial outside and restricts its rotation around the container axis relative to the sleeve, the outer body having an inner locking cylinder that extends upward from the bottom wall and has a locking projection formed to protrude radially outward, the dispensing member having an outer locking cylinder that surrounds the inner locking cylinder from the radial outside and is positioned inside the sleeve and is rotatable around the container axis relative to the sleeve, and the outer locking cylinder has a locking hole formed that penetrates the outer locking cylinder radially and locks the locking projection from above as it enters from the radial inside.

[0008] According to the first aspect of the dispensing container of the present invention, by rotating the operating part, which includes the outer casing, and the sleeve relative to each other around the container axis, the dispensing member, whose rotation is restricted relative to the outer casing, and the inner tray, whose rotation is restricted relative to the sleeve, can be rotated relative to each other around the container axis. This allows the engaging projection of the movable cylinder, which is engaged with the helical groove of the helical shaft, to move along the helical groove. As a result, the entire inner tray can be moved upward, and the contents can be dispensed above the sleeve. As a result, the contents can be used. After the contents have been used, the operating part and the sleeve are rotated relative to each other around the container axis in the opposite direction to the direction in which the contents are lifted (dispensing direction) in the circumferential direction. This allows the inner tray to be moved downward by the reverse of the above operation, and the contents can be stored inside the sleeve.

[0009] In particular, the outer casing and the dispensing member are integrally assembled by a locking projection formed on the inner locking cylinder engaging with a locking hole formed on the outer locking cylinder. In this case, the locking projection protrudes radially outward from the inner locking cylinder, which protrudes upward from the bottom wall of the outer casing. The locking hole is formed to penetrate radially through the outer locking cylinder, which surrounds the inner locking cylinder from the radial outside. The locking projection enters the locking hole from the radial inside and engages with the locking hole from above. Therefore, since the locking projection engages with the horizontally shaped locking hole from above, the inner locking cylinder and the outer locking cylinder can be firmly locked together. This stabilizes the combination of the outer casing and the dispensing member. In particular, since the locking projection engages with the locking hole from above, it is possible to prevent unintended detachment of components, such as the operating part including the outer casing falling downward from the operating member. This allows for stable rotation of the dispensing member and the operating part as a single unit, enabling stable operation of the dispensing container.

[0010] A second aspect of the present invention is a dispensing container according to the first aspect, wherein the locking projections and locking holes are each formed in a plurality at intervals in the circumferential direction with respect to the container axis, and are formed to extend along the circumferential direction, and are locked to each other at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction.

[0011] In this case, the locking projections and locking holes can be locked together at multiple points in the circumferential direction, and a sufficient contact area can be secured at one point where the locking projections and locking holes (which are in surface contact with each other) lock together. Therefore, the inner locking cylinder and the outer locking cylinder can be locked together more firmly, and the combination of the outer casing and the dispensing member can be further stabilized.

[0012] A third aspect of the present invention is a dispensing container according to the first or second aspect, wherein the locking projection comprises a flat locking surface that extends radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the inner locking cylinder and faces downward, and a guide surface that extends radially inward from the outer edge of the locking surface upward and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the inner locking cylinder, and the lower inner wall surface defining the locking hole is a flat locked surface that faces upward and locks in a state of surface contact with the locking surface.

[0013] In this case, the locking surface of the locking projection is brought into surface contact with the locking surface of the locking hole from above, thereby locking the locking projection into the locking hole. This allows the inner locking cylinder and the outer locking cylinder to be locked more firmly to each other, further stabilizing the combination of the outer casing and the dispensing member. On the other hand, during the assembly stage of the dispensing container, for example, by combining the outer casing with the dispensing member from below, the guide surface of the locking projection can be brought into sliding contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer locking cylinder, allowing the inner locking cylinder to enter the inside of the outer locking cylinder. Therefore, the guide surface can be used to smoothly guide the locking projection into the locking hole, allowing the locking projection to be locked into the locking hole. Consequently, the assembly of the dispensing member and the outer casing can be performed efficiently and reliably.

[0014] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a dispensing container according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the inner locking cylinder has longitudinal ribs that protrude radially inward, the dispensing member includes a connecting cylinder disposed radially inside the inner locking cylinder, and the connecting cylinder has a slit portion that opens at least downward and into which the longitudinal ribs cannot move in the circumferential direction.

[0015] In this case, by inserting the vertical ribs into the slits formed in the connecting cylinder, the dispensing member and the outer casing can be positioned in the circumferential direction. Therefore, during the assembly stage of the dispensing container, for example, when combining the outer casing with the dispensing member from below, the dispensing member and the outer casing can be combined while appropriately aligning them in the circumferential direction. As a result, the locking projection can be reliably and smoothly inserted into the locking hole and locked into the locking hole. Furthermore, since the vertical ribs are inserted into the slits so as not to move in the circumferential direction, the operation part including the outer casing and the dispensing member can be rotated integrally more reliably. Therefore, the stable operability of the dispensing container can be further improved.

[0016] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a dispensing container according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the outer locking cylinder has a pressing projection that protrudes radially outward and presses against the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve, and the pressing projection provides sliding resistance to the sleeve when the operating part and the sleeve are rotated relative to each other around the container axis.

[0017] In this case, when the operating part, including the outer casing, and the sleeve are rotated relative to each other around the container axis, the pressing projection can provide sliding resistance to the sleeve. Therefore, the user can feel the tactile sensation when operating the dispensing container, and this tactile sensation can contribute to improving the operability of the dispensing container.

[0018] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a dispensing container which is made of PET resin and is one of the dispensing containers of the first to fifth aspects.

[0019] In this case, the dispensing container is made of PET resin. Therefore, all of the components of the dispensing container can be molded from PET resin, improving the processability of the components during molding and the recyclability of the dispensing container.

[0020] According to the present invention, the dispensing member and the operating part can be rotated stably and integrally, and a dispensing container can be provided that allows the user to perform stable operation.

[0021] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the dispensing container according to the present invention. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the inner tray portion shown in Figure 1 in a raised state. This is a magnified longitudinal cross-sectional view of the area around the inner locking cylinder of the outer casing and the outer locking cylinder of the dispensing member shown in Figure 1. This is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the longitudinal ribs and the slit holes shown in Figure 3. This is a side view of the dispensing body shown in Figure 1. This is a bottom view of the dispensing body shown in Figure 5.

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the dispensing container 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the dispensing container 1 of this embodiment has a bottomed cylindrical outer body 2 and comprises an operating part 3 that can rotate around the container axis O, a dispensing member 4 that is combined with the operating part 3, a sleeve 5 that is rotatably provided around the container axis O, a middle tray 6 that holds the contents W, and a topped cylindrical cap 7.

[0023] Examples of contents W include cosmetics (lipstick, lip balm, stick eyeshadow, etc.), medicines, glues, and other rod-shaped contents. However, contents W is not limited to this case and may be changed as appropriate.

[0024] In this embodiment, the axis passing through the center of the operating section 3 is called the container axis O, and the direction along the container axis O is defined as the vertical direction. Furthermore, in a plan view from the direction of the container axis O, the direction intersecting the container axis O is defined as the radial direction, and the direction revolving around the container axis O is defined as the circumferential direction. Furthermore, within the vertical direction, the side of the bottom wall 21 of the outer casing 2 is defined as downward, and the opposite side is defined as upward. Furthermore, within the circumferential direction, the direction that raises the contents W is called the dispensing direction.

[0025] Furthermore, in the dispensing container 1 of this embodiment, all of the components of the dispensing container 1 can be made of bioplastic components. Examples of bioplastics include biomass plastics (such as biopolyethylene terephthalate) and biodegradable plastics. In this case, a dispensing container 1 with excellent recyclability can be provided. However, the components are not limited to bioplastic components. For example, the components can be molded parts made from petroleum-derived thermoplastic resins such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

[0026] In the dispensing container 1 of this embodiment, the inner tray portion 6 can be moved upward, as shown in Figure 2, by operating the operating section 3, which includes the outer casing 2, and the sleeve 5 so as to rotate them relative to each other around the container axis O. This makes it possible to raise the contents W and dispense them from the sleeve 5.

[0027] (Operating section) As shown in Figure 1, the operating section 3 constitutes the outer casing of the dispensing container 1. The operating section 3 comprises a bottomed cylindrical outer casing 2 arranged coaxially with the container shaft O, and an inner component 10 assembled inside the outer casing 2.

[0028] The outer casing 2 comprises a circumferential wall 20 formed in a cylindrical shape around the container axis O, and a bottom wall 21 that closes the lower end opening of the circumferential wall 20. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, an inner locking cylinder 22 is formed in the bottom wall 21 so as to extend upward. In addition, a vertical hole 24 is formed in the bottom wall 21, penetrating it vertically as a punch hole for the molding die. The inner locking cylinder 22 is formed so that its central axis is coaxial with the container axis O. The inner locking cylinder 22 is positioned radially inward from the circumferential wall 20, with a certain gap between them.

[0029] A locking projection 23 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner locking cylinder 22, so as to protrude radially outward. Multiple locking projections 23 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction with respect to the container axis O. In the illustrated example, a pair of locking projections 23 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction, facing each other radially with respect to the container axis O. However, the number of locking projections 23 is not limited to one pair (two), and there may be three or more formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the locking projections 23 are formed in an arc shape in plan view so as to extend along the circumferential direction.

[0030] The locking projection 23 extends radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the inner locking cylinder 22. The locking projection 23 comprises a flat locking surface 23a facing downward and a guide surface 23b that extends radially inward from the outer edge of the locking surface 23a upward and is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the inner locking cylinder 22.

[0031] Furthermore, the locking projection 23 can be formed by injection molding through the gap between the peripheral wall 20 and the inner locking cylinder 22, and through the vertical hole 24 formed in the bottom wall 21. As a result, the locking projection 23 can be formed into a relatively large ridge, and the outer shape of the locking projection 23 can be formed to have a sharp edge. Consequently, the locking surface 23a can be made flat with high precision, and the locking surface 23a can firmly lock with the lockable surface 91a described later.

[0032] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the inner locking cylinder 22 has vertical ribs 25 that protrude radially inward. The vertical ribs 25 have a constant circumferential width and are formed to be elongated vertically along the outer surface of the inner locking cylinder 22 so that their lower ends are connected to the bottom wall 21. Furthermore, the upper ends of the vertical ribs 25 are positioned lower than the upper ends of the inner locking cylinder 22. However, the vertical ribs 25 are not limited to this case, and for example, they may be formed so that the height of the upper end of the vertical rib 25 is equal to the height of the upper end of the inner locking cylinder 22. In addition, the vertical ribs 25 are formed in pairs, spaced apart in the circumferential direction, facing each other radially across the container axis O. However, the number of vertical ribs 25 is not limited to one pair (two), and there may be three or more formed at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the internal component 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is positioned so that its central axis is coaxial with the container axis O. The internal component 10 is fitted inside the peripheral wall 20 of the outer casing 2 and is integrally assembled with the outer casing 2. The internal component 10 is formed to protrude above the peripheral wall 20 and is non-rotatably fitted inside the upper end of the peripheral wall 20. This allows the outer casing 2 and the internal component 10 to be rotated together around the container axis O, enabling the operating part 3 to be rotated as a single unit.

[0034] Furthermore, the internal component 10 has an annular flange portion 11 that protrudes radially outward. The flange portion 11 contacts the upper end opening edge of the peripheral wall 20 from above. As a result, the internal component 10 is integrally assembled with the outer casing 2 with its vertical positioning relative to the outer casing 2 determined by the flange portion 11. The portion of the internal component 10 located above the flange portion 11 has an engaging projection 12 that protrudes radially outward. The engaging projection 12 may be formed as an annular shape extending continuously along the circumferential direction, or multiple projections may be formed at intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0035] (Dispensing Member) As shown in Figure 1, the dispensing member 4 has a helical shaft 30 arranged coaxially with the container shaft O, and is assembled to the outer casing 2 in a state where the rotation of the operating unit 3 relative to the outer casing 2 around the container shaft O is restricted. The dispensing member 4 is placed on the bottom wall 21 of the outer casing 2 and is positioned inside the peripheral wall 20, supporting the entire middle tray portion 6 so that it can move up and down. The dispensing member 4 comprises a dispensing body 40 having an inner helical shaft 31, and an outer helical shaft 32 that surrounds the inner helical shaft 31 from the radial outside. The inner helical shaft 31 and the outer helical shaft 32 constitute the helical shaft 30 of the dispensing member 4.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the dispensing body 40 comprises a base portion 41, an inner spiral shaft 31, an outer locking cylinder 42, and a connecting cylinder 43. The dispensing body 40 is assembled to the outer casing 2 in a way that prevents rotation.

[0037] The base portion 41 is formed in an annular shape and is positioned inside the peripheral wall 20 of the outer casing 2 such that its central axis is coaxial with the container axis O. The base portion 41 is positioned above the inner locking cylinder 22, with a gap between them. The outer peripheral edge of the base portion 41 protrudes radially outward from the inner locking cylinder 22. The lower surface of the base portion 41 is close to or in contact with the upper end opening edge of the inner locking cylinder 22 from above.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the inner helical shaft 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its central axis coaxial with the container axis O, and extends upward from the inner peripheral edge of the base portion 41. An inner helical groove (helical groove according to the present invention) 31a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner helical shaft 31, extending around the container axis O. The inner helical groove 31a extends spirally upward as it is directed in the dispensing direction (see Figure 5). In this embodiment, two inner helical grooves 31a are formed. However, the number of inner helical grooves 31a is not limited to this case, and may be one or three or more.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the outer locking cylinder 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is positioned so that its central axis is coaxial with the container axis O. Specifically, the outer locking cylinder 42 is positioned between the inner locking cylinder 22 and the peripheral wall 20 so as to surround the inner locking cylinder 22 of the outer casing 2 from the radial outside. The upper end of the outer locking cylinder 42 is integrally formed with the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 41. The outer locking cylinder 42 is positioned radially inward from the lower end of the sleeve body 60 and is rotatable around the container axis O relative to the sleeve body 60. The outer locking cylinder 42 is integrally combined with the inner locking cylinder 22 by being locked to it. The outer locking cylinder 42 will be described in detail later.

[0040] The connecting cylinder 43 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is positioned radially inward from the inner locking cylinder 22 of the outer casing 2, and its central axis is positioned coaxially with the container axis O. The upper end of the connecting cylinder 43 is integrally formed with the base portion 41. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the connecting cylinder 43 has a slit hole (slit portion according to the present invention) 45 that opens at least downward and into which the vertical rib 25 formed in the inner locking cylinder 22 cannot move in the circumferential direction.

[0041] The slit holes 45 are formed to penetrate the lower end of the connecting cylinder 43 radially and to open downward. The slit holes 45 are formed in pairs, spaced apart in the circumferential direction, facing each other radially across the container axis O, corresponding to a pair of vertical ribs 25. The circumferential width of the slit holes 45 is formed to be equal to the circumferential width of the vertical ribs 25. As a result, each vertical rib 25 can be fitted into each slit hole 45 in a state where it is immobilely inserted inside each slit hole 45 in the circumferential direction.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer spiral shaft 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the inner spiral shaft 31 from the outside in the radial direction over its entire length. At the lower end of the outer spiral shaft 32, a first engagement screw portion 32a that protrudes inward in the radial direction is formed. The first engagement screw portion 32a is, for example, an intermittent screw portion and is engaged in the inner spiral groove 31a. Thereby, as the outer spiral shaft 32 rotates in the circumferential direction with respect to the inner spiral shaft 31, the first engagement screw portion 32a moves spirally within the inner spiral groove 31a, so that the outer spiral shaft 32 can move in the vertical direction with respect to the inner spiral shaft 31. In the present embodiment, two first engagement screw portions 32a are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction corresponding to the number of the inner spiral grooves 31a (two).

[0043] On the outer peripheral surface of the outer spiral shaft 32, an outer spiral groove (the spiral groove according to the present invention) 32b extending around the container axis O is formed. The outer spiral groove 32b extends spirally upward as it goes in the feeding direction. The outer spiral groove 32b is formed in two, similar to the inner spiral groove 31a. However, the number of the outer spiral grooves 32b is not limited to this case, and it may be formed in one or three or more.

[0044] (Sleeve) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sleeve 5 surrounds the spiral shaft 30 (inner spiral shaft 31, outer spiral shaft 32) from the outside in the radial direction, extends upward from the operation portion 3, and is provided so as to be rotatable around the container axis O with respect to the spiral shaft 30 (inner spiral shaft 31, outer spiral shaft 32). The sleeve 5 is disposed inside the operation portion 3 and is also disposed so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the operation portion 3. The sleeve 5 is formed in a double cylindrical shape including a sleeve main body 60 and a movable sleeve 70 disposed inside the sleeve main body 60 in the radial direction. The sleeve 5 is disposed so that its central axis is coaxial with the container axis O.

[0045] The sleeve body 60 is positioned inside the inner component 10 and inserted inside the outer casing 2. The upper opening edge of the sleeve body 60 is positioned above the inner component 10. The tip of the upper opening edge of the sleeve body 60 is inclined, for example, with respect to the container axis O. The portion of the sleeve body 60 inserted inside the outer casing 2 surrounds the base portion 41 and the outer locking cylinder 42 from the radial outside. The lower end edge of the sleeve body 60 contacts the support surface 90, which will be described later, formed on the outer locking cylinder 42, from above. As a result, the sleeve body 60 is supported from below by the dispensing member 4 via the support surface 90.

[0046] The sleeve body 60 has a first projection 61 and a second projection 62 formed thereon. As shown in Figure 3, the first projection 61 is formed to protrude radially inward from the lower end of the sleeve body 60. The first projection 61 may be formed as an annular shape extending continuously along the circumferential direction, or multiple projections may be formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second projection 62 is formed to protrude radially inward from the portion of the sleeve body 60 located inside the inner component 10. Multiple second projections 62 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction, for example, facing each other radially across the container shaft O. Each of the multiple second projections 62 is housed in a plurality of first regulating grooves 71, which will be described later.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the movable sleeve 70 is assembled to move vertically relative to the sleeve body 60, with its relative rotation restricted. The movable sleeve 70 is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the movable cylinder 81 of the intermediate tray portion 6 (described later) from the radial outside, and is positioned so that its central axis is coaxial with the container axis O. The total length of the movable sleeve 70 in the vertical direction is shorter than the total length of the sleeve body 60 in the vertical direction. When the movable sleeve 70 is in the lowest position shown in Figure 1, it is close to or in contact with the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 41 from above. Furthermore, the upper end of the movable sleeve 70 is positioned above the second projection 62.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the outer peripheral surface of the movable sleeve 70, a first regulating groove 71 is formed which is recessed inward in the radial direction and opens upward. The first regulating groove 71 is formed so as to extend in the vertical direction at a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the movable sleeve 70 that faces the second protrusion 62 in the radial direction. Therefore, a plurality of first regulating grooves 71 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction corresponding to the plurality of second protrusions 62. In the first regulating groove 71, the second protrusion 62 is accommodated from the outside in the radial direction. Thereby, the movable sleeve 70 guides the movement in the vertical direction while restricting the movement of the second protrusion 62 in the circumferential direction by using the first regulating groove 71.

[0049] At the lower end portion of the movable sleeve 70, a retaining protrusion 72 is formed which protrudes outward in the radial direction and fits into the first regulating groove 71. Thereby, when the movable sleeve 70 moves upward, the second protrusion 62 contacts the retaining protrusion 72 from above (see FIG. 2). Therefore, it is possible to restrict the second protrusion 62 from falling out of the first regulating groove 71.

[0050] At the upper end portion of the movable sleeve 70, a first stopper protrusion 73 is formed which protrudes inward in the radial direction. The first stopper protrusion 73 is formed so as to extend in the circumferential direction so as to be arc-shaped in a plan view, for example, when viewed from the direction of the container axis O. Further, on the inner peripheral surface of the movable sleeve 70, a vertically long second regulating groove 74 is formed which is recessed outward in the radial direction and opens in the vertical direction. A pair of second regulating grooves 74 are formed so as to face each other in the radial direction with the container axis O interposed therebetween. The second regulating groove 74 is formed at a position that is circumferentially separated from the first regulating groove 71 by 90 degrees around the container axis O in a plan view, for example, when viewed from the direction of the container axis O.

[0051] (Middle dish portion) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the middle dish portion 6 is disposed inside the sleeve 5 so as to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the sleeve 5. The middle dish portion 6 includes a middle dish main body 80 and a movable cylinder 81 that extends downward from the middle dish main body 80.

[0052] The inner tray body 80 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and is positioned so that its central axis is coaxial with the container axis O. The inner tray body 80 is located inside the sleeve body 60 and is positioned above the helical axis 30 (outer helical axis 32, inner helical axis 31). The inside of the inner tray body 80 is filled with contents W. The contents W are filled in such a way that they protrude above the inner tray body 80.

[0053] The movable cylinder 81 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending downward from the bottom wall 21 of the inner tray body 80 and is positioned between the outer helical shaft 32 and the movable sleeve 70. As a result, the movable cylinder 81 is inserted inside the movable sleeve 70, surrounding the outer helical shaft 32 from the radial outside. The lower end of the movable cylinder 81 can contact or approach the base portion 41 of the dispensing member 4 from above.

[0054] The outer circumferential surface of the movable cylinder 81 is formed with restricting ribs 82 that protrude radially outward. The restricting ribs 82 are formed as vertical ribs that extend vertically along almost the entire length of the movable cylinder 81, and are formed in pairs facing each other across the container axis O. The restricting ribs 82 are housed from the radially inner side within a second restricting groove 74 formed in the movable sleeve 70 and are locked to the second restricting groove 74 in the circumferential direction. As a result, the movable cylinder 81 is configured to allow vertical movement relative to the movable sleeve 70, while restricting relative rotation to the movable sleeve 70. Therefore, the entire middle tray portion 6 is movable vertically while restricting rotation around the container axis O relative to the sleeve 5.

[0055] Furthermore, a second stopper projection 83 is formed at the lower end of the movable cylinder 81, projecting radially outward. The second stopper projection 83 is positioned to face the first stopper projection 73 formed on the movable sleeve 70 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 2, when the middle plate portion 6 reaches its highest position, the second stopper projection 83 approaches the first stopper projection 73 from below. This prevents the middle plate portion 6 from rising beyond its highest position. When the middle plate portion 6 reaches its highest position, the retaining projection 72 formed on the movable sleeve 70 contacts the second projection 62 formed on the sleeve body 60 from below.

[0056] Furthermore, a second engaging screw portion (engaging projection according to the present invention) 81a is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the movable cylinder 81, projecting radially inward. The second engaging screw portion 81a is an intermittent screw portion that extends around the container axis O with a predetermined circumferential width along the inner circumferential surface of the movable cylinder 81 and is housed in the outer helical groove 32b. As a result, the movable cylinder 81 moves up and down relative to the outer helical shaft 32 as the second engaging screw portion 81a moves helically within the outer helical groove 32b as the movable cylinder 81 rotates relative to the outer helical shaft 32.

[0057] In this embodiment, the second engaging screw portion 81a is provided in pairs, arranged intermittently at a constant interval in the circumferential direction, corresponding to the number of threads (two threads) of the outer helical groove 32b.

[0058] (Cap) As shown in Figure 1, the cap 7 is formed in a top-cylindrical shape and is positioned so that its central axis is coaxial with the container axis O. The cap 7 is detachably attached to the portion of the inner part 10 that is located above the flange portion 11. As a result, the cap 7 is attached to the inner part 10 so as to cover the sleeve body 60 from above. When the cap 7 is attached, the engaging projection 12 formed on the inner part 10 fits inside the cap 7. As a result, the cap 7 is stably attached to the inner part 10.

[0059] (Outer Locking Cylinder) The outer locking cylinder 42 formed on the outer casing 2 of the dispensing container 1 configured as described above will now be explained in detail. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the outer locking cylinder 42 is positioned between the inner locking cylinder 22 and the peripheral wall 20 so as to surround the inner locking cylinder 22 of the outer casing 2 from the radial outside. The outer locking cylinder 42 is locked to the inner locking cylinder 22 with its lower open end in contact with the bottom wall 21 of the outer casing 2 from above, and is thus integrally combined with the inner locking cylinder 22.

[0060] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the outer locking cylinder 42 is formed in a two-stage cylindrical shape with a two-stage change in outer diameter. Specifically, the outer circumferential surface of the outer locking cylinder 42 has a stepped portion including an annular support surface 90 facing upward. As a result, the outer locking cylinder 42 is formed in a two-stage cylindrical shape in which the portion located at the lower end protrudes radially outward more than the portion located at the upper end due to the stepped portion. The lower open end of the sleeve body 60 is in contact with the support surface 90 from above. As a result, the sleeve body 60 is positioned vertically relative to the dispensing member 4 and surrounds the upper end of the outer connecting cylinder 43 from the radial outside.

[0061] A locking hole 91 is formed in the lower end of the outer locking cylinder 42, which is located below the support surface 90, and penetrates the outer locking cylinder 42 radially. The locking hole 91 is formed in the portion of the outer locking cylinder 42 that is radially opposite to the locking projection 23 formed on the inner locking cylinder 22. Therefore, the locking holes 91 are formed in pairs, spaced apart in the circumferential direction, facing each other radially across the container axis O, corresponding to the locking projection 23, and are formed in an arc shape in plan view so as to extend along the circumferential direction.

[0062] The locking projection 23 can be locked from above by entering the locking hole 91 from the radially inner side. In particular, the lower inner wall surface defining the locking hole 91 is a flat locked surface 91a that faces upward and is locked in a state where the locking surface 23a of the locking projection 23 is in surface contact with it. The locking hole 91 is formed, for example, by injection molding, so that its outer shape has sharp edges. Therefore, the locked surface 91a is ensured to be flat with high precision. Consequently, the locking projection 23 can firmly lock with the locked surface 91a.

[0063] Of the outer locking cylinder 42, an annular recess 92 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the upper end, which is recessed radially inward and extends continuously along the circumferential direction. The annular recess 92 is formed on the portion of the outer locking cylinder 42 that is radially opposite to the first projection 61 formed on the sleeve body 60. The first projection 61 is housed within the annular recess 92.

[0064] Furthermore, a pressing projection 93 is formed on the outer locking cylinder 42 in a portion located above the support surface 90 and below the annular recess 92. This projection protrudes radially outward and presses against the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve body 60. The pressing projection 93 provides sliding resistance to the sleeve 5 when the operating part 3 and the sleeve 5 are rotated relative to each other around the container axis O.

[0065] The pressing projection 93 is provided on the elastic piece 95, which is formed by a slit hole 94 that penetrates the outer locking cylinder 42 radially. The slit hole 94 is formed in a U-shape when viewed from the side. As a result, the elastic piece 95 is formed in a cantilever shape with a base portion 96. The annular recess 92 is formed so as to cross the base portion 96 of the elastic piece 95 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the base portion 96 is formed to be thinner than the elastic piece 95 by the annular recess 92.

[0066] As described above, the elastic piece 95 deforms radially outward from its base portion 96, thereby pressing the pressing projection 93 against the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve body 60 from the radially inward direction. Multiple elastic pieces 95, including the pressing projection 93, are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In the illustrated example, four elastic pieces 95 are arranged at 90-degree intervals around the container axis O. However, the number of elastic pieces 95 is not limited to this case.

[0067] (Operation of the dispensing container) Next, the operation of the dispensing container 1 configured as described above will be explained. When using the dispensing container 1, remove the cap 7 shown in Figure 1 from the operating part 3. Then, grasp the sleeve body 60 and the outer casing 2 of the operating part 3, and rotate the sleeve body 60 and the operating part 3 relative to each other around the container axis O in the dispensing direction (the direction in which the contents W are raised in the circumferential direction).

[0068] In this configuration, the inner component 10 and the dispensing body 40 are each assembled to the outer casing 2 in a manner that prevents relative rotation. Therefore, the inner component 10 and the dispensing body 40 can be rotated integrally together with the outer casing 2. Furthermore, the sleeve body 60 and the movable sleeve 70 are assembled in a manner that prevents relative rotation, and the movable sleeve 70 and the movable cylinder 81 of the inner tray portion 6 are assembled in a manner that prevents relative rotation. As a result, the entire inner tray portion 6 can be rotated integrally together with the sleeve body 60.

[0069] Therefore, since the second engaging screw portion 81a of the movable cylinder 81 is engaged with the outer helical groove 32b of the outer helical shaft 32 of the dispensing member 4, the second engaging screw portion 81a of the movable cylinder 81 can be moved along the outer helical groove 32b. As a result, as shown in Figure 2, the entire middle tray portion 6 can be moved upward, and the contents W can be dispensed above the sleeve body 60.

[0070] Specifically, when the operating unit 3 and the sleeve body 60 are rotated relative to each other, at least one of the following actions occurs: the inner helical shaft 31 and the outer helical shaft 32 rotate together with respect to the movable cylinder 81, or the inner helical shaft 31 rotates relative to the outer helical shaft 32.

[0071] When the inner helical shaft 31 and the outer helical shaft 32 rotate together relative to the movable cylinder 81, the second engaging screw portion 81a engages with the outer helical groove 32b and moves spirally within the outer helical groove 32b. This allows the entire middle plate portion 6, including the movable cylinder 81, to move upward relative to the dispensing member 4. In this embodiment, the movement of the middle plate portion 6 upward due to the relative rotation of the inner helical shaft 31, the outer helical shaft 32, and the movable cylinder 81 in the dispensing direction is hereinafter referred to as the "first operation".

[0072] In contrast, when the inner helical shaft 31 rotates relative to the outer helical shaft 32, the first engaging screw portion 32a engages with the inner helical groove 31a and moves spirally within the inner helical groove 31a. This allows the outer helical shaft 32 to move upward relative to the inner helical shaft 31. At this time, the second engaging screw portion 81a is pushed up via the outer helical groove 32b, causing the entire middle plate portion 6 to move upward together with the outer helical shaft 32. In this embodiment, the operation in which the entire middle plate portion 6 moves upward together with the outer helical shaft 32 due to the relative rotation of the inner helical shaft 31 and the outer helical shaft 32 in the feeding direction is hereinafter referred to as the "second operation".

[0073] Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, when the operating unit 3 and the sleeve body 60 are rotated relative to each other in the dispensing direction, the middle tray 6 can be moved upward by at least one of the first and second operations. As a result, the contents W can be dispensed above the sleeve body 60, and the contents W can be used. Note that which of the first and second operations occurs will vary depending on the frictional resistance between the components. However, even if one of the first and second operations takes precedence over the other, the contents W can still be dispensed. Therefore, the user can use the contents W. Note that both the first and second operations may occur simultaneously.

[0074] In the initial stage when the intermediate plate portion 6 is raised by at least one of the first and second operations, the intermediate plate portion 6 moves upward relative to the movable sleeve 70 (first upward process). Specifically, in the first upward process, the regulating rib 82 is guided into the second regulating groove 74. Therefore, the intermediate plate portion 6 can be moved upward relative to the movable sleeve 70 while restricting its rotation relative to the movable sleeve 70. Furthermore, in the first upward process, the second stopper projection 83 of the intermediate plate portion 6 contacts the first stopper projection 73 of the movable sleeve 70 from below. This restricts the upward movement of the intermediate plate portion 6 relative to the movable sleeve 70.

[0075] After the first upward movement, if the middle plate portion 6 moves further upward due to at least one of the first and second movements, the movable sleeve 70 can be pushed upward via the first stopper projection 73 and the second stopper projection 83 which engage with each other. As a result, the middle plate portion 6 moves upward relative to the sleeve body 60 together with the movable sleeve 70 (second upward movement).

[0076] During the second upward movement, the second projection 62 is housed within the first regulating groove 71. Therefore, the movable sleeve 70 moves upward relative to the sleeve body 60 while restricting the rotation of the movable sleeve 70 relative to the sleeve body 60. Furthermore, during the second upward movement, the retaining projection 72 of the movable sleeve 70 contacts the second projection 62 of the sleeve 5 from below, restricting further upward movement of the intermediate tray portion 6. This allows the intermediate tray portion 6 to be positioned at its highest position.

[0077] In this embodiment, the case in which the second rising process occurs after the first rising process has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this case. For example, the first rising process may occur after the second rising process, or the first rising process and the second rising process may occur simultaneously.

[0078] After using the contents W, the operating unit 3 and the sleeve body 60 are rotated relative to each other around the container axis O in the opposite direction to the direction that raises the contents W (dispensing direction) in the circumferential direction. This allows the inner tray 6 to be moved downward by the reverse of the above-described operation, and the contents W can be stored inside the sleeve 5 (see Figure 1).

[0079] In particular, as shown in Figure 3, the outer casing 2 and the dispensing member 4 are integrally assembled by the locking projection 23 formed on the inner locking cylinder 22 engaging with the locking hole 91 formed on the outer locking cylinder 42. In this case, the locking projection 23 enters the locking hole 91 from the radially inner side and engages with the locking hole 91 from above. Therefore, since the locking projection 23 engages with the horizontally shaped locking hole 91 from above, the inner locking cylinder 22 and the outer locking cylinder 42 can be firmly locked together, and the combination of the outer casing 2 and the dispensing member 4 can be stabilized.

[0080] Furthermore, the locking projections 23 and locking holes 91 can be locked together at multiple points in the circumferential direction, and a sufficient contact area can be secured at one point where the locking projections 23 and locking holes 91 (which are in surface contact with each other) lock together. As a result, the inner locking cylinder 22 and the outer locking cylinder 42 can be locked together more firmly, and the combination of the outer casing 2 and the dispensing member 4 can be further stabilized.

[0081] Furthermore, since the locking projection 23 is locked into the locking hole 91 from above, it is possible to prevent unintended detachment of components, such as the operating section 3 including the outer casing 2 falling downward from the dispensing member 4. This stabilizes the rotation of the dispensing member 4 and the operating section 3 as a single unit, enabling stable operation of the dispensing container 1.

[0082] Furthermore, the locking projection 23 is locked into the locking hole 91 by making surface contact from above with the locking surface 91a of the locking hole 91. Therefore, the inner locking cylinder 22 and the outer locking cylinder 42 can be locked to each other more firmly, and the combination of the outer casing 2 and the dispensing member 4 can be made even more stable. On the other hand, during the assembly stage of the dispensing container 1, for example, by combining the outer casing 2 with the dispensing member 4 from below, the inner locking cylinder 22 can be inserted into the inner locking cylinder 42 while the guide surface 23b of the locking projection 23 is in sliding contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer locking cylinder 42. Therefore, the locking projection 23 can be smoothly guided into the locking hole 91 using the guide surface 23b, and the locking projection 23 can be locked into the locking hole 91. Therefore, the assembly of the dispensing member 4 and the outer casing 2 can be performed efficiently and reliably.

[0083] As described above, the dispensing container 1 of this embodiment allows for stable rotation of the dispensing member 4 and the operating unit 3 as a single unit, enabling stable operation of the dispensing container 1.

[0084] Furthermore, by inserting the vertical ribs 25 into the slit holes 45 formed in the connecting cylinder 43, the dispensing member 4 and the outer casing 2 can be positioned in the circumferential direction. Therefore, during the assembly stage of the dispensing container 1, for example, when combining the outer casing 2 with the dispensing member 4 from below, the dispensing member 4 and the outer casing 2 can be combined with each other while appropriately aligning them in the circumferential direction. As a result, the locking projection 23 can be reliably and smoothly inserted into the locking hole 91, and the locking projection 23 can be locked into the locking hole 91. Moreover, since the vertical ribs 25 are immobilely inserted into the slit holes 45, the operation unit 3 including the outer casing 2 and the dispensing member 4 can be rotated integrally more reliably. Therefore, the stable operability of the dispensing container 1 can be further improved.

[0085] Furthermore, since a pressing projection 93 is formed on the outer locking cylinder 42, when the operating part 3, including the outer casing 2, and the sleeve 5 are rotated relative to each other around the container axis O, the pressing projection 93 provides sliding resistance to the sleeve 5. Therefore, the user can feel the tactile sensation when operating the dispensing container 1, and this tactile sensation can contribute to improving the operability of the dispensing container 1.

[0086] Furthermore, the dispensing container 1 is made of PET resin. Therefore, all of the components of the dispensing container can be molded from PET resin, improving the processability when molding the components and the recyclability of the dispensing container.

[0087] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, modifications in each embodiment may be combined as appropriate. In addition, these embodiments and their modifications include, for example, those that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are equivalent.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the case in which the dispensing member 4 includes an inner helical shaft 31 and an outer helical shaft 32 was described, but the dispensing member is not limited to this case. For example, the dispensing member 4 only needs to have at least an inner helical shaft 31. In this case, the second engaging screw portion 81a should be engaged with the inner helical groove 31a of the inner helical shaft 31.

[0089] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described a case in which the operating unit 3 comprises an outer casing 2 and an inner component 10, the operating unit is not limited to this case. For example, the operating unit 3 may consist only of the outer casing 2.

[0090] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a case in which the slit hole 45 is formed so as to penetrate the connecting cylinder 43 in the radial direction, the slit portion is not limited to this case. For example, a slit groove into which the vertical rib 25 fits can be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder 43, and the slit groove can function as the slit portion.

[0091] Furthermore, the present invention includes the following aspects: <1> An operating part having a bottomed cylindrical outer casing and rotatable around the container axis; a dispensing member having a spiral shaft with a spiral groove extending around the container axis and being combined with the outer casing in such a way that its rotation around the container axis relative to the outer casing is restricted; a sleeve arranged to surround the spiral shaft from the radially outside and provided to be rotatable around the container axis relative to the spiral shaft; and a middle tray portion arranged inside the sleeve and movable vertically relative to the sleeve, wherein the middle tray portion comprises a middle tray body for holding contents; a movable cylinder having an engaging projection that engages with the spiral groove, extending downward from the middle tray body, surrounding the spiral shaft from the radially outside, and having its rotation around the container axis relative to the sleeve restricted, wherein the outer casing comprises an inner locking cylinder having a locking projection that extends upward from the bottom wall and is formed to protrude radially outward, and the dispensing member is A dispensing container comprising an outer locking cylinder that surrounds the inner locking cylinder from the radially outside and is positioned inside the sleeve, and is rotatable around the container axis relative to the sleeve, wherein the outer locking cylinder has a locking hole formed so as to penetrate the outer locking cylinder radially, into which the locking projection enters from the radially inside and locks from above. <2> The dispensing container according to <1>, wherein the locking projection and the locking hole are each formed in multiple locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction with respect to the container axis, and are formed to extend along the circumferential direction, and are locked to each other at multiple locations in the circumferential direction. <3> The dispensing container according to <1> or <2>, wherein the locking projection comprises a flat locking surface that extends radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the inner locking cylinder and faces downward, and a guide surface that extends radially inward from the outer edge of the locking surface upward and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the inner locking cylinder, and the lower inner wall surface defining the locking hole is a flat locked surface that faces upward and locks in a state of surface contact with the locking surface.<4> The inner locking cylinder has vertical ribs that protrude radially inward, the dispensing member includes a connecting cylinder positioned radially inward of the inner locking cylinder, and the connecting cylinder has a slit portion that opens at least downward and into which the vertical ribs cannot move in the circumferential direction, as described in any one of <1> to <3>. <5> The outer locking cylinder has a pressing projection that protrudes radially outward and presses against the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve, the pressing projection provides sliding resistance to the sleeve when the operating part and the sleeve are rotated relative to each other around the container axis, as described in any one of <1> to <4>. <6> The dispensing container is made of PET resin, as described in any one of <1> to <5>.

[0092] According to the present invention, the dispensing member and the operating part can be rotated stably and integrally, and a dispensing container can be provided that allows the user to perform stable operation.

[0093] O Container shaft 1 Dispensing container 2 Outer body 3 Operating part 4 Dispensing member 5 Sleeve 6 Inner tray part 21 Bottom wall of outer body 22 Inner locking cylinder 23 Locking projection 23a Locking surface of locking projection 23b Guide surface of locking projection 25 Vertical rib 30 Helical shaft 31a Inner helical groove (helical groove) 32b Outer helical groove (helical groove) 42 Outer locking cylinder 43 Connecting cylinder 45 Slit hole (slit part) 80 Inner tray body 81 Movable cylinder 81a Second engaging screw part (engaging projection) 91 Locking hole 91a Locking surface of locking hole (lower inner wall surface) 93 Pressing projection

Claims

1. A container comprising: an operating part having a bottomed cylindrical outer casing and rotatable around the container axis; a dispensing member having a spiral shaft with a spiral groove extending around the container axis and assembled to the outer casing in a manner that restricts its rotation around the container axis relative to the outer casing; a sleeve arranged to surround the spiral shaft from the radially outside and rotatable around the container axis relative to the spiral shaft; and a middle tray portion arranged inside the sleeve and movable vertically relative to the sleeve, wherein the middle tray portion comprises: a middle tray body for holding contents; a movable cylinder having an engaging projection that engages with the spiral groove, extending downward from the middle tray body, surrounding the spiral shaft from the radially outside, and restricting its rotation around the container axis relative to the sleeve; the outer casing comprises: an inner locking cylinder having a locking projection that extends upward from the bottom wall and protrudes radially outward; and the dispensing member is A dispensing container comprising an outer locking cylinder that surrounds the inner locking cylinder from the radial outside and is positioned inside the sleeve, and is rotatable around the container axis relative to the sleeve, wherein the outer locking cylinder has a locking hole formed so as to penetrate the outer locking cylinder radially, into which the locking projection enters from the radial inside and locks from above.

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

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

4. The inner locking cylinder has longitudinal ribs formed thereon that protrude radially inward, the dispensing member comprises a connecting cylinder disposed radially inside the inner locking cylinder, and the connecting cylinder has a slit portion formed thereon that opens at least downward and into which the longitudinal ribs cannot move in the circumferential direction, the dispensing container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The outer locking cylinder is provided with a pressing projection that protrudes radially outward and presses against the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve, and the pressing projection provides sliding resistance to the sleeve when the operating part and the sleeve are rotated relative to each other around the container axis, the dispensing container according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The dispensing container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dispensing container is made of PET resin.

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