EP4674311A1

EP4674311A1 - Dispensing container

Info

Publication number: EP4674311A1
Application number: EP24763955.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Akinori Suzuki
Original assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co Ltd
Current assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co Ltd
Priority date: 2023-02-28
Filing date: 2024-02-28
Publication date: 2026-01-07
Also published as: CN120693085A; KR20250160132A; WO2024181476A1

Abstract

A dispensing container (1) of the present invention includes an operating portion (10) having a bottomed cylindrical shape, a transmission shaft (23) having a helical groove (26a) extending around a container axis (O) and extending upward from a bottom wall of the operating portion (10), a sleeve (11) disposed inside the operating portion (10) to surround an outside of the transmission shaft (23) and provided to be rotatable in a circumferential direction around the container axis (O) with respect to the transmission shaft (23), and an inner tray (12) provided inside the sleeve (11) to be vertically movable with respect to the sleeve (11) in accordance with rotation of the sleeve (10) with respect to the transmission shaft (23), in which the inner tray (12) includes an inner tray main body (51) which holds a content, and a cylinder (52, 53) extending downward from the inner tray main body (51), and the cylinder (52, 53) is integrally formed with the inner tray main body (51).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a dispensing container. Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-029378 filed on February 28, 2023 , Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-074971 filed on April 28, 2023 , and Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-141837 filed on August 31, 2023 , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND ART

A dispensing container includes a bottomed cylindrical outer casing, a sleeve rotatably supported around a container axis inside the outer casing, an inner tray provided inside the sleeve to hold a content, and a rotation restriction portion provided between the inner tray and the sleeve to restrict rotation of the inner tray with respect to the sleeve (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). In a dispensing container, when the outer casing and the sleeve are rotated relative to each other, the inner tray vertically moves inside the sleeve, causing a content to advance and retract through the sleeve.
In a dispensing container, when the outer casing and the sleeve are rotated relative to each other, the inner tray vertically moves inside the sleeve, causing a rod-shaped content to advance and retract through the sleeve.

Citation List

Patent Document

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2021-54486

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

However, in the above-described conventional technology, there is still room for improvement in terms of reducing the number of parts.
The present invention provides a dispensing container at a low cost with a reduced number of parts.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention employs the following aspects.
A first aspect of the present invention is a dispensing container including an operating portion having a bottomed cylindrical shape, a transmission shaft having a helical groove extending around a container axis and extending upward from a bottom wall of the operating portion, a sleeve disposed inside the operating portion to surround an outside of the transmission shaft and provided to be rotatable in a circumferential direction around the container axis with respect to the transmission shaft, and an inner tray provided inside the sleeve to be vertically movable with respect to the sleeve in accordance with rotation of the sleeve with respect to the transmission shaft, in which the inner tray includes an inner tray main body which holds a content, and a cylinder extending downward from the inner tray main body, and the cylinder is integrally formed with the inner tray main body.
According to the present aspect, the number of parts can be reduced by forming the cylinder integrally with the inner tray main body, thereby making it possible to provide the dispensing container at a low cost.
A second aspect of the present invention is the dispensing container according to the first aspect, in which the cylinder may include a movable cylinder having an engagement protrusion which engages with the helical groove, and a restriction cylinder which restricts rotation of the inner tray with respect to the sleeve by engaging with the sleeve in the circumferential direction, and the movable cylinder and the restriction cylinder may be integrally formed with the inner tray main body.
According to the present aspect, when the restriction cylinder is integrally formed with the inner tray main body and the movable cylinder, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a conventional case in which a separate rotation restriction portion is provided between the sleeve and the inner tray, thereby making it possible to provide the dispensing container at a low cost.
A third aspect of the present invention is the dispensing container according to the second aspect, in which a vertical groove extending in a vertical direction may be formed on the sleeve, and a rib, which is provided to be vertically movable within the vertical groove and restricts rotation of the inner tray with respect to the sleeve by coming into contact with an inner surface of the vertical groove in the circumferential direction may be formed on the restriction cylinder.
According to the present aspect, vertical movement of the inner tray with respect to the sleeve can be smoothly realized.
A fourth aspect of the present invention is the dispensing container according to the second or third aspect, in which the inner tray and the sleeve may constitute a cartridge which is integrally attached to and detached from the operating portion through an upper end opening of the operating portion, a fitting portion extending in a vertical direction may be provided in one member of the operating portion and the transmission shaft, and a cylindrical fitted portion into which the fitting portion is fitted while rotation around the container axis with respect to the operating portion is restricted when the fitting portion is inserted in the vertical direction may be formed in the other member of the operating portion and the transmission shaft.
According to the present aspect, when the cartridge is attached to the operating portion, the cartridge is inserted into the inside of the operating portion through the upper end opening of the operating portion. Thereby, when the fitting portion is inserted into the fitted portion in the vertical direction, the fitting portion is fitted into the fitted portion while rotation of the dispensing member around the container axis with respect to the operating portion is restricted. On the other hand, when the cartridge is removed from the operating portion, the cartridge is pulled upward with respect to the operating portion. Thereby, the fitting between the fitting portion and the fitted portion is released. That is, in the dispensing container of the present aspect, the cartridge can be easily attached to and detached from the operating portion merely by insertion and removal of the cartridge with respect to the operating portion.
A fifth aspect of the present invention is the dispensing container according to the second or third aspect, in which the movable cylinder may be formed in a cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with the container axis, the restriction cylinder may be disposed to surround the movable cylinder, and the restriction cylinder may be provided with a deformation suppression portion which, in a state in which the inner tray is attached to the sleeve, is disposed closer to an outer circumferential surface of the movable cylinder than to an inner circumferential surface of the restriction cylinder in a radial direction and restricts deformation of the movable cylinder outward in the radial direction.
For example, when the inner tray is at an uppermost end position or the like, if the operating portion and the sleeve are rotated relative to each other in the dispensing direction, there is a possibility that the engagement protrusion may pass over an upper end of the outer helical groove (that is, an overrun of the engagement protrusion may occur) while the movable cylinder deforms outward in the radial direction.
In contrast, in the present aspect, deformation of the movable cylinder outward in the radial direction can be restricted by the deformation suppression portion. Therefore, it is possible to curb the engagement protrusion passing over the upper end of the helical groove. As a result, the dispensing container with excellent reliability can be provided.
A sixth aspect of the present invention is the dispensing container according to the fifth aspect, in which the deformation suppression portion may be provided on the restriction cylinder to be displaceable in the radial direction, and the deformation suppression portion may include a guide protruding portion which, in a process in which the inner tray is attached to the sleeve through an upper end opening of the sleeve, is pushed inward in the radial direction by an inner surface of the sleeve.
According to the present aspect, since the deformation suppression portion is provided on the restriction cylinder to be displaceable in the radial direction, when the inner tray is attached to the sleeve, the guide protruding portion is pushed inward in the radial direction by an inner surface of the sleeve as the inner tray descends with respect to the sleeve. Thereby, the deformation suppression portion can be brought closer to the movable cylinder as the inner tray is attached to the sleeve. Therefore, when the inner tray is molded, a decrease in moldability due to the addition of the deformation suppression portion can be suppressed.
A seventh aspect of the present invention is the dispensing container according to the first aspect, in which the cylinder may include a hanging cylinder disposed between an outer circumferential surface of the transmission shaft and an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve, and the hanging cylinder may include an engagement protrusion engaging with the helical groove, and a restriction portion restricting rotation of the inner tray with respect to the sleeve by engaging with the sleeve in the circumferential direction, and may be formed integrally with the inner tray main body.
According to the present aspect, when the hanging cylinder is integrally formed with the inner tray main body, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a conventional case in which a separate rotation restriction portion is provided between the sleeve and the inner tray, thereby making it possible to provide the dispensing container at a low cost.
Both the engagement protrusion that engages with the helical groove and the restriction portion that restricts rotation of the inner tray with respect to the sleeve by engaging with the sleeve in the circumferential direction are provided on the hanging cylinder, which thus has a single-cylinder structure. Thereby, for example, compared to a double-cylinder structure that includes a cylinder body on which an engagement protrusion is provided and another cylinder body on which a restriction portion is provided, it is possible to reduce an outer diameter of the inner tray, thereby allowing the dispensing container to be made slimmer.
An eighth aspect of the present invention is the dispensing container according to the seventh aspect, in which when the inner tray is at an uppermost end position, an outer circumferential surface of the hanging cylinder may be in proximity to or in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve.
For example, when the inner tray is at the uppermost end position or the like, if the operating portion and the sleeve are rotated relative to each other in the dispensing direction, there is a possibility that the engagement protrusion may pass over an upper end of the outer helical groove (that is, an overrun of the engagement protrusion may occur) while the hanging cylinder deforms outward in the radial direction.
In contrast, in the present aspect, deformation of the hanging portion outward in the radial direction can be restricted by the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve. Therefore, it is possible to curb the engagement protrusion passing over the upper end of the helical groove. As a result, the dispensing container with excellent reliability can be provided.
A ninth aspect of the present invention is the dispensing container according to the seventh or eighth aspect, in which a vertical groove extending in a vertical direction may be formed on the sleeve, and the restriction portion may be provided to be vertically movable within the vertical groove and restrict rotation of the inner tray with respect to the sleeve by coming into contact with an inner surface of the vertical groove in the circumferential direction.
According to the present aspect, vertical movement of the inner tray with respect to the sleeve can be smoothly realized.
A tenth aspect of the present invention is the dispensing container according to the seventh or eighth aspect, in which the transmission shaft, the sleeve, and the inner tray may constitute a cartridge which is integrally attached to and detached from the operating portion through an upper end opening of the operating portion, a fitting portion extending in a vertical direction may be provided in one member of the operating portion and the transmission shaft, and a cylindrical fitted portion into which the fitting portion is fitted while rotation of the transmission axis around the container axis with respect to the operating portion is restricted when the fitting portion is inserted in the vertical direction may be formed in the other member of the operating portion and the transmission shaft.
According to the present aspect, when the cartridge is attached to the operating portion, the cartridge is inserted into the inside of the operating portion through the upper end opening of the operating portion. Thereby, when the fitting portion is inserted into the fitted portion in the vertical direction, the fitting portion is fitted into the fitted portion while rotation of the transmission shaft around the container axis with respect to the operating portion is restricted. On the other hand, when the cartridge is removed from the operating portion, the cartridge is pulled upward with respect to the operating portion. Thereby, the fitting between the fitting portion and the fitted portion is released. That is, in the dispensing container of the present aspect, the cartridge can be easily attached to and detached from the operating portion merely by insertion and removal of the cartridge with respect to the operating portion.

[Advantageous Effects of Invention]

According to the present invention, the number of parts can be reduced, thereby making it possible to provide a dispensing container at a low cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[FIG. 1] A cross-sectional view of a dispensing container according to a first embodiment.
[FIG. 2] A plan view of an outer casing.
[FIG. 3] A bottom view of the dispensing member (transmission shaft).
[FIG. 4] A partial cross-sectional view of a sleeve.
[FIG. 5] A partial cross-sectional view of an inner tray.
[FIG. 6] An operation explanatory view of the dispensing container according to the first embodiment when in use.
[FIG. 7] An operation explanatory view for explaining a method of attaching and detaching an outer casing module and a cartridge.
[FIG. 8] An enlarged cross-sectional view of a dispensing container according to a second embodiment.
[FIG. 9] A partial cross-sectional view of an inner tray.
[FIG. 10] An operation explanatory view for explaining a state in which the inner tray is attached to a sleeve.
[FIG. 11] An operation explanatory view for explaining a state in which the inner tray is attached to the sleeve.
[FIG. 12] An enlarged cross-sectional view of the dispensing container according to the second embodiment.
[FIG. 13] A cross-sectional view of a dispensing container according to a third embodiment.
[FIG. 14] A plan view of an outer casing.
[FIG. 15] A bottom view of a transmission shaft.
[FIG. 16] A partial cross-sectional view of a sleeve.
[FIG. 17] A partial cross-sectional view of an inner tray.
[FIG. 18] An operation explanatory view of the dispensing container according to the third embodiment when in use.
[FIG. 19] An operation explanatory view for explaining a method of attaching and detaching an operating portion and a cartridge.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(First embodiment)

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
A dispensing container 1 shown in FIG. 1 is used by dispensing a rod-shaped content (not shown). Examples of the rod-shaped content include cosmetics (lipstick, lip balm, stick eyeshadow, and the like), pharmaceuticals, glue, and the like.
The dispensing container 1 includes an operating portion (one member) 10, a sleeve 11, an inner tray 12, and a cap 13. The operating portion 10, the sleeve 11 and the inner tray 12 are disposed such that their central axes are positioned on a common axis. Hereinafter, the common axis will be referred to as a container axis O, and a direction along the container axis O will be referred to as a vertical direction. In a plan view in the vertical direction, a direction intersecting the container axis O is referred to as a radial direction, and a direction of revolving around the container axis O is referred to as a circumferential direction. In this case, in the dispensing container 1, a top wall side of the cap 13 in the vertical direction is referred to as an upward direction, and a bottom wall side of the operating portion 10 (a bottom wall 21a of an outer casing 21) is referred to as a downward direction. Also, in the circumferential direction, a direction in which the content is raised is referred to as a dispensing direction, and a direction in which the content is lowered is referred to as a retraction direction.
The operating portion 10 constitutes a lower outer casing portion of the dispensing container 1. The operating portion 10 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that is disposed coaxially with the container axis O as a whole. The operating portion 10 includes the outer casing 21, an intermediate member 22, and a dispensing member (the other member) 23. The dispensing member 23 is a transmission shaft.
The outer casing 21 is integrally formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. A fitting portion 21b extending upward is formed in the bottom wall 21a of the outer casing 21. The fitting portion 21b is formed in a cylindrical shape that is disposed coaxially with the container axis O.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a slit 21c is formed in the fitting portion 21b. The slit 21c extends in the vertical direction and opens on an upper end opening edge of the fitting portion 21b. A plurality of slits 21c are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In a plan view, if one direction orthogonal to the radial direction (one of the radial directions) is defined as a first direction L1, two slits 21c are provided on each of one side and the other side of the first direction L1 with respect to the container axis O. Among the slits 21c, a distance between adjacent slits 21c1 in a region on one side of the first direction L1 or between adjacent slits 21c2 in a region on the other side is smaller than a distance between the adjacent slits 21c1 and 21c2 across the regions on one side and the other side of the first direction L1.
In the fitting portion 21b, a portion positioned between the adjacent slits 21c constitutes a tongue piece portion 21d. The tongue piece portion 21d is configured to be elastically deformable in the radial direction. The tongue piece portion 21d includes first tongue piece portions 21d1 respectively positioned between the slits 21c1 and between the slits 21c2, and second tongue piece portions 21d2 respectively positioned between the slits 21c1 and 21c2. The first tongue piece portions 21d1 face each other in the first direction L1. The second tongue piece portions 21d2 face each other in a second direction L2 that is orthogonal to the first direction L1 in the radial direction. A circumferential width of the first tongue piece portion 21d1 is smaller than a circumferential width of the second tongue piece portion 21d2. However, a distance between the slits 21c (a width of the tongue piece portion 21d) can be changed as appropriate. Further, the slit 21c is not an essential component.
An engaging portion 21e is formed on the first tongue piece portion 21d1. The engaging portion 21e is a protrusion that protrudes inward in the radial direction from the first tongue piece portion 21d1 and extends in the vertical direction. In the shown example, of the pair of first tongue piece portions 21d1 facing each other in the first direction L1, one engaging portion 21e1 is provided on the first tongue piece portions 21d1 on one side. Of the pair of first tongue piece portions 21d1 facing each other in the first direction L1, two engaging portions 21e2 are provided on the first tongue piece portion 21d1 on the other side. An upper end edge of each engaging portion 21e is formed in an arc shape protruding upward. The engaging portions 21e are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Further, the number, pitch, and the like of the engaging portions 21e can be changed as appropriate.
A first locking protrusion 21f is formed on the second tongue piece portion 21d2. The first locking protrusion 21f protrudes outward in the radial direction from an upper end part of each of the second tongue piece portions 21d2. The first locking protrusion 21f extends over the entire length of each of the second tongue piece portions 21d2 in the circumferential direction. The first locking protrusion 21f may be formed on the first tongue piece portion 21d1.
As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate member 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with the outer casing 21. The intermediate member 22 is fitted into the inside of the outer casing 21 from above. The intermediate member 22 is provided to be non-rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the outer casing 21 with an upper end part thereof protruding upward from the outer casing 21. The intermediate member 22 may be formed integrally with the outer casing 21. Also, in the operating portion 10, a circumferential wall 21g of the outer casing 21 in a plan view may have a shape other than a circular shape as long as an inner circumferential surface of the intermediate member 22 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view.
The dispensing member 23 extends upward from the bottom wall of the operating portion 10. The dispensing member 23 supports the inner tray 12 to be vertically movable on an inner side of the outer casing 21. The dispensing member 23 includes a fixed shaft member 23a and an outer transmission shaft 23b.
The fixed shaft member 23a is provided to be non-rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the outer casing 21. Specifically, the fixed shaft member 23a includes a fitted portion 24, a pedestal portion 25, an inner transmission shaft 26, and an insertion portion 27.
The fitted portion 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with the container axis O. The fitting portion 21b is undercut-fitted to the inside of the fitted portion 24. Specifically, a second locking protrusion 24a is formed in the fitted portion 24. The second locking protrusion 24a protrudes inward in the radial direction from an intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the fitted portion 24. The second locking protrusion 24a extends over the entire length of the fitted portion 24 in the circumferential direction. The second locking protrusion 24a is locked to the first locking protrusion 21f from below the first locking protrusion 21f.
A protruding portion 24b that extends outward in the radial direction is formed at a lower end part of the fitted portion 24. A circumferential groove 24c is formed on an upper part of the fitted portion 24. The circumferential groove 24c opens on an outer circumferential surface of the fitted portion 24 and extends over the entire circumference on the outer circumferential surface of the fitted portion 24 in the circumferential direction. A sliding contact portion 24d is embedded in the circumferential groove 24c. The sliding contact portion 24d extends over the entire circumference within the sliding contact portion 24d. The sliding contact portion 24d is formed of a material that is softer than a material of the fixed shaft member 23a (for example, PP or the like), has a higher elastic modulus than the fixed shaft member 23a, and has a higher frictional coefficient than the fixed shaft member 23a. The sliding contact portion 24d is fixed to the fixed shaft member 23a by two-color molding a thermoplastic resin such as, for example, an elastomer together with the fixed shaft member 23a. However, the sliding contact portion 24d may be fixed to the fixed shaft member 23a by insert molding the fixed shaft member 23a using nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, silicone rubber, or the like as an insert. Further, the sliding contact portion 24d may be interposed between the sleeve 11 and the outer casing 21.
The pedestal portion 25 protrudes inward in the radial direction from an upper end opening edge of the fitted portion 24. The pedestal portion 25 is formed in an annular shape disposed coaxially with the container axis O. An upper end edge of the fitting portion 21b is in proximity to or in contact with the inner circumferential portion of the pedestal portion 25 from below.
The inner transmission shaft 26 extends upward from an inner circumferential edge of the pedestal portion 25. The inner transmission shaft 26 is formed in a cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with the container axis O. An inner helical groove (helical groove) 26a is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the inner transmission shaft 26. The inner helical groove 26a helically extends upward in the dispensing direction. In the present embodiment, the inner helical groove 26a is formed as a double-start thread. However, the inner helical groove 26a may be formed with a single-start thread or a triple-start thread or more.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the insertion portion 27 is formed in a cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with the container axis O. With the fitting portion 21b fitted into the fitted portion 24, the insertion portion 27 is inserted into the fitting portion 21b. An engaged portion 27a is formed on the insertion portion 27. The engaged portion 27a protrudes outward in the radial direction from the insertion portion 27 and extends in the vertical direction. A lower end edge of the engaged portion 27a is formed in an arc shape protruding downward. A plurality of engaged portions 27a are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 27, and are provided in a knurled shape in the present embodiment. The number of engaged portions 27a is greater than the number of engaging portions 21e. In a state in which the fitting portion 21b is fitted into the fitted portion 24, the engaging portion 21e1 is sandwiched in the circumferential direction by the engaged portions 27a positioned on both sides of the engaging portion 21e in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, the engaging portions 21e2 are sandwiched in the circumferential direction between the engaged portion 27a positioned between the two engaging portions 21e2, and the engaged portions 27a positioned on an outer side of the two engaging portions 21e2 in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the engaging portions 21e and the engaged portions 27a are engaged in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting relative rotation of the fixed shaft member 23a with respect to the operating portion 10.
The outer transmission shaft 23b surrounds the inner transmission shaft 26 on an outer side of the inner transmission shaft 26. A first engagement protrusion 31 that protrudes inward in the radial direction is formed at a lower end part of the outer transmission shaft 23b. The first engagement protrusion 31 is accommodated (engaged) within the inner helical groove 26a of the inner transmission shaft 26. The outer transmission shaft 23b vertically moves with respect to the inner transmission shaft 26 as the first engagement protrusion 31 moves helically within the inner helical groove 26a in accordance with its rotation in the circumferential direction with respect to the inner transmission shaft 26. In the present embodiment, two first engagement protrusions 31 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction in accordance with the number of thread starts of the inner helical groove 26a. Each of the first engagement protrusions 31 extends obliquely along the inner helical groove 26a.
An outer helical groove 32 is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the outer transmission shaft 23b. The outer helical groove 32 helically extends upward in the dispensing direction. In the present embodiment, the outer helical groove 32 is formed as a double-start thread. However, the outer helical groove 32 may be formed with a single-start thread or a triple-start thread or more.
The sleeve 11 is provided inside the operating portion 10 to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the operating portion 10. The sleeve 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with the container axis O. The sleeve 11 is inserted into the operating portion 10 through a space between the intermediate member 22 and the pedestal portion 25 on an inner side of the intermediate member 22. Therefore, the sleeve 11 surrounds the dispensing member 23. A lower end edge of the sleeve 11 is supported by the protruding portion 24b from below. An upper end edge of the sleeve 11 is inclined with respect to the container axis O above the operating portion 10. Further, the sleeve 11 may be formed of a metal material or the like.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a protruding portion 11a is formed in the sleeve 11.
The protruding portion 11a protrudes inward in the radial direction at a lower end part of the sleeve 11. The protruding portion 11a engages with an upper end opening edge and a lower end opening edge of the circumferential groove 24c while being accommodated in the circumferential groove 24c. Thereby, the sleeve 11 is supported by the fixed shaft member 23a to be rotatable in the circumferential direction while vertical movement thereof with respect to the operating portion 10 is restricted.
A thin portion 11b is formed in a portion of the sleeve 11 positioned above the protruding portion 11a. The thin portion 11b extends over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction at the lower end part of the sleeve 11.
A vertical groove 11c is formed in a portion of the sleeve 11 positioned above the thin portion 11b. The vertical groove 11c opens on an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve 11. The vertical groove 11c extends in the vertical direction. A lower end part of the vertical groove 11c terminates at the thin portion 11b at the lower end part of the sleeve 11. An upper end part of the vertical groove 11c terminates at a central part of the sleeve 11 in the vertical direction. A plurality of (for example, eight) vertical grooves 11c are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. Further, the vertical groove 11c may penetrate the sleeve 11 in the radial direction.
The inner tray 12 is provided inside the sleeve 11 to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the sleeve 11 while its circumferential rotation with respect to the sleeve 11 is restricted. The inner tray 12 includes an inner tray main body 51, a movable cylinder (movable shaft) 52, and a restriction cylinder 53. In the present embodiment, the inner tray main body 51, the movable cylinder 52 and the restriction cylinder 53 are integrally formed. The inner tray 12 includes the inner tray main body 51 for holding a content, and a cylinder extending downward from the inner tray main body 51, in which the cylinder includes the movable cylinder 52 and the restriction cylinder 53. These will be described in detail below.
The inner tray main body 51 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that is coaxial with the container axis O. The inner tray main body 51 is accommodated at a portion inside the sleeve 11 that is positioned above the inner transmission shaft 26. The inner tray main body 51 is filled with the content. The content is filled in a state in which it protrudes upward from the inner tray main body 51.
The movable cylinder 52 is formed integrally with the inner tray main body 51. The movable cylinder 52 extends downward from a bottom wall of the inner tray main body 51. The movable cylinder 52 is inserted inside the sleeve 11 and surrounds the outer transmission shaft 23b. A second engagement protrusion (engagement protrusion) 52a protruding inward in the radial direction is formed at a lower end part of the movable cylinder 52. The second engagement protrusion 52a is accommodated (engaged) within the outer helical groove 32. The movable cylinder 52 vertically moves with respect to the outer transmission shaft 23b as the second engagement protrusion 52a moves helically within the outer helical groove 32 in accordance with its rotation in the circumferential direction with respect to the outer transmission shaft 23b. In the present embodiment, two second engagement protrusions 52a are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction in accordance with the number of thread starts of the outer helical groove 32. Each of the second engagement protrusions 52a extends obliquely along the outer helical groove 32.
A slit 52b is formed in the movable cylinder 52. The slit 52b penetrates the movable cylinder 52 in the radial direction and extends in the vertical direction. The slit 52b opens on a lower end edge of the movable cylinder 52. A plurality of (for example, two) slits 52b are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. Thereby, the movable cylinder 52 is divided into two in the circumferential direction by the slits 52b, and is formed to be easily elastically deformed in the radial direction.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the restriction cylinder 53 extends downward from a portion of the bottom wall of the inner tray main body 51 that is positioned outside the movable cylinder 52. The restriction cylinder 53 is disposed coaxially with the container axis O. In the shown example, an outer diameter of the restriction cylinder 53 is larger than an outer diameter of the inner tray main body 51. A lower end edge of the restriction cylinder 53 is positioned at the same height as the lower end edge of the movable cylinder 52.
A rib 53a is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the restriction cylinder 53. The rib 53a protrudes outward in the radial direction from the restriction cylinder 53 and extends in the vertical direction. A length of the rib 53a in the vertical direction is smaller than a length of the vertical groove 11c. In the shown example, a lower end edge of the rib 53a reaches the lower end edge of the restriction cylinder 53. An upper end edge of the rib 53a reaches an intermediate portion of the restriction cylinder 53. A plurality of (for example, four) ribs 53a are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. That is, the number of ribs 53a is smaller than the number of vertical grooves 11c. However, the number of ribs 53a and vertical grooves 11c can be changed as appropriate.
Each of the ribs 53a is accommodated in (engaged with) the corresponding vertical groove 11c. The rib 53a vertically moves within the vertical groove 11c as the inner tray 12 vertically moves with respect to the sleeve 11. The rib 53a restricts rotation of the inner tray 12 with respect to the sleeve 11 by coming into contact with an inner surface (a surface facing the circumferential direction) of the vertical groove 11c. That is, the inner tray 12 is configured to be vertically movable with respect to the sleeve 11 while rotation thereof with respect to the sleeve 11 is restricted by the rib 53a.
The cap 13 is formed in a topped cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with the container axis O. The inner tray 12 is detachably attached to the cap 13 with an upper part of the sleeve 11 inserted therethrough.
Next, an operation of the dispensing container 1 described above will be described. In the following description, first, a method of using the dispensing container 1 will be described.
When using the dispensing container 1, first, the cap 13 is removed from the operating portion 10. Next, the sleeve 11 and the outer casing 21 (circumferential wall 21g) are respectively gripped, and the operating portion 10 and the sleeve 11 are relatively rotated in the dispensing direction. At this time, since the intermediate member 22 and the fixed shaft member 23a are attached to the outer casing 21 to be non-rotatable relative thereto, the outer casing 21, the intermediate member 22, and the fixed shaft member 23a rotate integrally. On the other hand, since the sleeve 11 and the inner tray 12 are attached to be non-rotatable relative to each other, the sleeve 11 and the inner tray 12 rotate integrally.
When the operating portion 10 and the sleeve 11 are rotated relative to each other, at least one of the following actions occurs: the inner transmission shaft 26 and the outer transmission shaft 23b rotate integrally with respect to the movable cylinder 52, or the inner transmission shaft 26 rotates with respect to the outer transmission shaft 23b.
When the inner transmission shaft 26 and the outer transmission shaft 23b rotate integrally with respect to the movable cylinder 52, the second engagement protrusion 52a, while engaged within the outer helical groove 32, moves helically within the outer helical groove 32, thereby causing the movable cylinder 52 (inner tray 12) to rise with respect to the dispensing member 23. In this manner, an operation in which the inner tray 12 rises as the dispensing member 23 and the movable cylinder 52 rotate relative to each other in the dispensing direction is referred to as a "first operation" in the present specification.
When the inner transmission shaft 26 rotates with respect to the outer transmission shaft 23b, the first engagement protrusion 31, while helically engaged within the inner helical groove 26a, moves helically within the inner helical groove 26a, thereby causing the outer transmission shaft 23b to rise with respect to the inner transmission shaft 26. At this time, the second engagement protrusion 52a is pushed upward via an inner surface of the outer helical groove 32, thereby causing the inner tray 12 to rise together with the outer transmission shaft 23b. In this manner, an operation in which the inner tray 12 rises together with the outer transmission shaft 23b as the inner transmission shaft 26 and the outer transmission shaft 23b rotate relative to each other in the dispensing direction is referred to as a "second operation" in the present specification.
That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, when the operating portion 10 and the sleeve 11 are rotated relative to each other in the dispensing direction, the inner tray 12 rises due to at least one of the first operation and the second operation. Thereby, the content is dispensed upward from the sleeve 11. Which of the first operation or the second operation occurs varies depending on a frictional resistance or the like between the members. However, regardless of which operation is performed preferentially, the content is dispensed, and therefore a user can use the content. Further, both the first and second operations may occur simultaneously.
When the inner tray 12 rises with respect to the sleeve 11, the rib 53a is guided within the vertical groove 11c. Thereby, the inner tray 12 rises with respect to the sleeve 11 while rotation of the inner tray 12 with respect to the sleeve 11 is restricted. Further, when the rib 53a comes into contact with an upper end edge of the vertical groove 11c, the rise of the inner tray 12 with respect to the sleeve 11 is restricted. Thereby, the inner tray 12 reaches an uppermost end position.
When the inner tray 12 is lowered, the operating portion 10 and the sleeve 11 are rotated relative to each other in the retraction direction. Then, the inner tray 12 descends with respect to the sleeve 11 depending on whether the inner transmission shaft 26 and the outer transmission shaft 23b rotate integrally with respect to the movable cylinder 52, or the inner transmission shaft 26 rotates with respect to the outer transmission shaft 23b. That is, when the inner tray 12 descends with respect to the sleeve 11, the rib 53a is guided into the vertical groove 11c. With the rotation of the inner tray 12 with respect to the sleeve 11 restricted, the inner tray 12 descends with respect to the sleeve 11. Further, when the rib 53a comes into contact with the vicinity of the thin portion 11b, the descent of the inner tray 12 with respect to the sleeve 11 is restricted. Thereby, the inner tray 12 reaches a lowermost end position.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, in the dispensing container 1 described above, a cartridge 101 in which the sleeve 11, the inner tray 12, and the dispensing member 23 are assembled is detachably assembled to an outer casing module 100 in which the outer casing 21 and the intermediate member 22 are assembled. In the following description, a method for attaching and detaching (replacing) the cartridge 101 with respect to the outer casing module 100 will be described.
First, in order to assemble the cartridge 101 to the outer casing module 100, the cartridge 101 is inserted into the outer casing module 100 through an upper end opening of the outer casing module 100 (the intermediate member 22). Then, the second locking protrusion 24a of the fitted portion 24 comes into contact with the first locking protrusion 21f of the fitting portion 21b from above, and in this state, the cartridge 101 is pushed downward into the outer casing module 100 so that the engaging portion 21e and the engaged portion 27a do not overlap in a plan view. In the present embodiment, since the engaged portion 27a is formed in a knurled shape, the cartridge 101 can be pushed downward into the outer casing module 100 without requiring positional alignment.
Then, when the second locking protrusion 24a passes over the first locking protrusion 21f downward, the second locking protrusion 24a is locked to the first locking protrusion 21f from below. Thereby, the fitting portion 21b is undercut-fitted into the fitted portion 24. Thereafter, the fitted portion 24 comes close to or into contact with the bottom wall 21a, and thereby the insertion of the cartridge 101 is completed. In this state, vertical movement of the cartridge 101 with respect to the outer casing module 100 is restricted.
On the other hand, in a process of the second locking protrusion 24a passing over the first locking protrusion 21f downward, the engaging portion 21e enters between the adjacent engaged portions 27a. Thereby, the engaging portion 21e and the engaged portion 27a engage with each other in the circumferential direction. As a result, circumferential movement of the fixed shaft member 23a with respect to the outer casing 21 is restricted. Also, as the engaging portion 21e enters between the adjacent engaged portions 27a, the insertion portion 27 is inserted into the inside of the fitting portion 21b. Thereby, the fitting portion 21b is clamped in the radial direction between the insertion portion 27 and the fitted portion 24. As a result, radial movement of the cartridge 101 with respect to the outer casing module 100 is restricted.
As described above, the attachment of the cartridge 101 with respect to the outer casing module 100 is completed.
When the cartridge 101 is removed from the outer casing module 100 such as when the content has been used up, the cartridge 101 is pulled upward with respect to the outer casing module 100. Then, the second locking protrusion 24a passes over the first locking protrusion 21f upward, thereby releasing the fitting between the fitted portion 24 and the fitting portion 21b. Also, when the cartridge 101 is pulled upward with respect to the outer casing module 100, the fitting portion 21b is released from between the fitted portion 24 and the insertion portion 27, and the engaging portion 21e is released from between the adjacent engaged portions 27a.
As a result, the cartridge 101 is removed from the outer casing module 100.
Here, the dispensing container 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the inner tray 12 includes the inner tray main body 51 holding a content, the movable cylinder 52 extending downward from the inner tray main body 51, and the restriction cylinder 53 extending downward from the inner tray main body 51 and restricting rotation of the inner tray with respect to the sleeve 11 by engaging with the sleeve 11 in the circumferential direction, in which the inner tray main body 51, the movable cylinder 52, and the restriction cylinder 53 are formed integrally.
According to this configuration, when the restriction cylinder 53 is integrally formed with the inner tray main body 51 and the movable cylinder 52, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a conventional case in which a separate rotation restriction portion is provided between the sleeve and the inner tray, thereby making it possible to provide the dispensing container 1 at a low cost.
The dispensing container 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the vertical groove 11c extending in the vertical direction is formed on the sleeve 11, and the rib 53a provided to be vertically movable within the vertical groove 11c and restricting rotation of the inner tray 12 with respect to the sleeve 11 by coming into contact with the inner surface of the vertical groove 11c in the circumferential direction is formed on the restriction cylinder 53
According to this configuration, vertical movement of the inner tray 12 with respect to the sleeve 11 can be smoothly realized.
The dispensing container 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the operating portion 10 includes the fitting portion 21b extending upward from the bottom wall 21a, and the dispensing member 23 includes the fitted portion 24 that is fitted into the fitting portion 21b in the vertical direction.
According to this configuration, when the cartridge 101 is attached to the outer casing module 100, the cartridge 101 is inserted into the inside of the outer casing module 100 through the upper end opening of the outer casing module 100. Thereby, when the fitting portion 21b is inserted into the fitted portion 24 in the vertical direction, the fitting portion 21b is fitted into the fitted portion 24. On the other hand, when the cartridge 101 is removed from the outer casing module 100, the cartridge 101 is pulled upward with respect to the outer casing module 100. Thereby, the fitting between the fitting portion 21b and the fitted portion 24 is released. That is, in the dispensing container 1 of the present embodiment, the cartridge 101 can be easily attached to and detached from the outer casing module 100 merely by insertion and removal of the cartridge 101 with respect to the outer casing module 100.

(Second embodiment)

A second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that a deformation suppression portion 200 is provided on a restriction cylinder 53.
In a dispensing container 1 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a through hole 53b is formed in the restriction cylinder 53. The through hole 53b penetrates in a radial direction at a position offset in a circumferential direction from a rib 53a at a lower part of the restriction cylinder 53. Also, the through hole 53b is formed such that at least a part thereof overlaps a portion of a movable cylinder 52 positioned between slits 52b (hereinafter referred to as an intermediate leg portion 210) when viewed in the radial direction. That is, the through hole 53b is disposed such that at least a part thereof is offset in the circumferential direction from the slit 52b. A plurality of (two in the present embodiment) through holes 53b are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In the shown example, each of the through holes 53b overlaps a corresponding second engagement protrusion 52a formed on the intermediate leg portion 210 when viewed in the radial direction. Further, if the movable cylinder 52 is elastically deformable in the radial direction, the slit 52b is not an essential component.
The deformation suppression portion 200 is provided in each through hole 53b. Each deformation suppression portion 200 is configured to be elastically displaceable in the radial direction through the through hole 53b. That is, each deformation suppression portion 200 is disposed to overlap the corresponding second engagement protrusion 52a when viewed in the radial direction. The deformation suppression portion 200 includes a base piece 201 and a guide protruding portion 202.
The base piece 201 extends downward in a cantilevered manner from an upper end edge of the through hole 53b. An upper end edge of the base piece 201 is connected to the upper end edge of the through hole 53b via a thin hinge portion 203. Thereby, the deformation suppression portion 200 is connected to the restriction cylinder 53 to be rotatable around the hinge portion 203. Further, the hinge portion 203 may be provided at a lower end edge or a side end edge of the through hole 53b. Also, the deformation suppression portion 200 is not limited to elastic displacement, but may be configured to be at least displaceable.
The guide protruding portion 202 protrudes outward in the radial direction from a lower part of the base piece 201. The guide protruding portion 202 is formed in a triangular or trapezoidal shape when viewed in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the guide protruding portion 202 has an inclined surface whose protrusion amount outward in the radial direction gradually increases upward from a lower end edge of the base piece 201.
As shown in FIG. 11, in a state in which an inner tray 12 is attached inside a sleeve 11, at least a part of the deformation suppression portion 200 is positioned radially inward from an inner circumferential surface of the restriction cylinder 53. Specifically, the deformation suppression portion 200 is inclined radially inward as it extends downward. Therefore, the lower end edge of the base piece 201 is in proximity to or in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the movable cylinder 52 (intermediate leg portion 210) from the outside in the radial direction. The deformation suppression portion 200 restricts deformation of the movable cylinder 52 outward in the radial direction by coming into contact with an outer circumferential surface of the intermediate leg portion 210 from the radial inner side.
As shown in FIG. 10, in a state before the inner tray 12 is inserted into the sleeve 11, the base piece 201 is positioned within the through hole 53b, and the guide protruding portion 202 protrudes outward in the radial direction from the outer circumferential surface of the restriction cylinder 53. That is, in the shown example, the deformation suppression portion 200 does not protrude radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the restriction cylinder 53. In this state, when the inner tray 12 is inserted into the sleeve 11, the inclined surface of the guide protruding portion 202 comes into contact with an upper end opening edge of the sleeve 11. Thereafter, when the inner tray 12 is further pushed into the sleeve 11, the inclined surface of the guide protruding portion 202 slides on the upper end opening edge of the sleeve 11. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 11, as the inner tray 12 moves downward with respect to the sleeve 11, the guide protruding portion 202 is pushed inward in the radial direction, causing the deformation suppression portion 200 to be displaced inward in the radial direction. As a result, the deformation suppression portion 200 approaches the outer circumferential surface of the movable cylinder 52.
Thereafter, in a process of the inner tray 12 moving downward, the guide protruding portion 202 slides on an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve 11, thereby restricting return of the deformation suppression portion 200 outward in the radial direction. As a result, the inner tray 12 can be attached to the sleeve 11 while the deformation suppression portion 200 is in close proximity to the outer circumferential surface of the movable cylinder 52.
In the dispensing container 1 of the present embodiment, since the slit 52b is formed in the movable cylinder 52, the intermediate leg portion 210 elastically deforms during demolding of the inner tray 12 (movable cylinder 52), making it easier for the second engagement protrusion 52a to pass over the mold. Thereby, manufacturing efficiency and yield can be improved.
On the other hand, when the dispensing container 1 is in use, if an operating portion 10 and the sleeve 11 are rotated relative to each other in the dispensing direction at a time point in which the second engagement protrusion 52a has reached an upper end of an outer helical groove 32 such as, for example, when the inner tray 12 is at an uppermost end position or the like, there is a possibility that the second engagement protrusion 52a may pass over the upper end of the outer helical groove 32 while the intermediate leg portion 210 elastically deforms outward in the radial direction (that is, overrun of the second engagement protrusion 52a may occur). In contrast, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, deformation of the intermediate leg portion 210 outward in the radial direction can be restricted by the deformation suppression portion 200. Therefore, it is possible to curb the second engagement protrusion 52a passing over the upper end of the outer helical groove 32. As a result, the dispensing container 1 with excellent reliability can be provided.
Moreover, in the present embodiment, since the deformation suppression portion 200 is provided on the restriction cylinder 53 to be displaceable in the radial direction, when the inner tray 12 is attached to the sleeve 11, the guide protruding portion 202 is pushed inward in the radial direction by an inner surface of the sleeve 11 as the inner tray 12 descends with respect to the sleeve 11. Thereby, the deformation suppression portion 200 can be brought closer to the movable cylinder 52 as the inner tray 12 is attached to the sleeve 11. Therefore, when the inner tray 12 is molded, a decrease in moldability due to the addition of the deformation suppression portion 200 can be suppressed.
Further, in the second embodiment, a configuration in which the deformation suppression portion 200 is provided for one through hole 53b has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration. A plurality of deformation suppression portions 200 may be provided within one through hole 53b. Also, the deformation suppression portion 200 may have a configuration that does not include the through hole 53b such as, for example, being provided on a lower end edge of the restriction cylinder 53.
In the second embodiment, a configuration in which the deformation suppression portion 200 is displaceable in the radial direction has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration. The deformation suppression portion 200 may in advance be positioned radially inward of the inner circumferential surface of the restriction cylinder 53.
While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configuration can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the dispensing member 23 includes the inner transmission shaft 26 and the outer transmission shaft 23b has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration. The dispensing member 23 only needs to include at least the inner transmission shaft 26.
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration including the outer casing 21 and the intermediate member 22 as the operating portion has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration. The operating cylinder portion may include only the outer casing 21. In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which a helical groove is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the inner transmission shaft 26 and the movable cylinder (movable shaft) 52 surrounds an outer side of the inner transmission shaft 26 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration. For example, a configuration in which a helical groove is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical inner transmission shaft 26, and the movable cylinder (movable shaft) 52 having an engagement protrusion is disposed inside the inner transmission shaft 26 may be employed.
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the fitting portion, the fitted portion, and the insertion portion according to the present invention are formed in a cylindrical shape has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration. As long as at least the fitted portion is cylindrical, the fitting portion may be columnar or the like.
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the fitting portion 21b is formed in the operating portion (one member) 10 and the fitted portion 24 is formed in the dispensing member (the other member) 23 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration. A fitting portion may be formed in the dispensing member (one member) 23, and a fitted portion may be formed in the operating portion (the other member) 10.
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the vertical groove 11c is formed on the sleeve 11 and the rib 53a is formed on the restriction cylinder 53 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration. The restriction cylinder 53 only needs to be configured to restrict rotation of the inner tray 12 with respect to the sleeve 11. In this case, a vertical groove may be formed on the restriction cylinder 53, and a rib may be formed on the sleeve 11.
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the cartridge 101 is detachably attached to the outer casing module 100 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration. The dispensing container 1 may be configured such that the inner tray 12 and the sleeve 11 are not detachable (disposable) with respect to the operating portion 10. In this case, the inner transmission shaft 26 may be formed integrally with the bottom wall 21a of the outer casing 21.
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which plan view shapes of the fitting portion and the non-fitting portion according to the present invention are formed in a circular (cylindrical) shape has been described, but the present invention is not limited the configuration. Plan view shapes of the fitting portion and the fitted portion may be polygonal shapes or the like corresponding to each other. In this case, in a state in which the fitting portion and the fitted portion are fitted to each other, corresponding corner portions engage with each other in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting relative rotation in the circumferential direction between the fitting portion and the fitted portion. That is, the corresponding corner portions constitute a rotation stopper.

(Third embodiment)

Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
A dispensing container 1A shown in FIG. 13 is used by dispensing a rod-shaped content (not shown). Examples of the rod-shaped content include cosmetics (lipstick, lip balm, stick eyeshadow, and the like), pharmaceuticals, glue, and the like.
The dispensing container 1A includes an operating portion (one member) 10A, a transmission shaft (the other member) 23A, a sleeve 11A, an inner tray 12A, and a cap 13A. The operating portion 10A, the transmission shaft 23A, the sleeve 11A, and the inner tray 12A are disposed such that their central axes are positioned on a common axis. Hereinafter, the common axis will be referred to as a container axis O, and a direction along the container axis O will be referred to as a vertical direction. In a plan view in the vertical direction, a direction intersecting the container axis O is referred to as a radial direction, and a direction of revolving around the container axis O is referred to as a circumferential direction. In this case, in the dispensing container 1A, a top wall side of the cap 13A in the vertical direction is referred to as an upward direction, and a bottom wall side of the operating portion 10A (a bottom wall 21aA of an outer casing 21A) is referred to as a downward direction. Also, in the circumferential direction, a direction in which the inner tray 12A is raised is referred to as a dispensing direction, and a direction in which the inner tray 12A is lowered is referred to as a retraction direction.
The operating portion 10A constitutes a lower outer casing portion of the dispensing container 1A. The operating portion 10A is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that is disposed coaxially with the container axis O as a whole. The operating portion 10A includes the outer casing 21A and an intermediate member 22A.
The outer casing 21A is integrally formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. A fitting portion 21bA extending upward is formed in the bottom wall 21aA of the outer casing 21A. The fitting portion 21bA is formed in a cylindrical shape that is disposed coaxially with the container axis O.
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a slit 21cA is formed in the fitting portion 21bA. The slit 21cA extends in the vertical direction and opens on an upper end opening edge of the fitting portion 21bA. A plurality of slits 21cA are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In a plan view, if one of the radial directions is defined as a first direction L1, two slits 21cA are provided on each of one side and the other side of the first direction L1 with respect to the container axis O. Among the slits 21cA, a distance between adjacent slits 21c1A in a region on one side of the first direction L1 and a distance between adjacent slits 21c2A in a region on the other side are each smaller than a distance between the adjacent slits 21c1A and 21c2A across the regions on one side and the other side of the first direction L1.
In the fitting portion 21bA, a portion positioned between the adjacent slits 21cA in the circumferential direction constitutes a tongue piece portion 21dA. The tongue piece portion 21dA is configured to be elastically deformable in the radial direction. The tongue piece portion 21dA includes first tongue piece portions 21d1A respectively positioned between the slits 21c1A and between the slits 21c2A, and second tongue piece portions 21d2A respectively positioned between the slits 21c1A and 21c2A on both sides. The first tongue piece portions 21d1A face each other in the first direction L1. The second tongue piece portions 21d2A face each other in a second direction L2 that is orthogonal to the first direction L1 in the radial direction. A circumferential width of the first tongue piece portion 21d1A is smaller than a circumferential width of the second tongue piece portion 21d2A. However, a distance between the slits 21cA (a width of the tongue piece portion 21dA) can be changed as appropriate. Further, the slit 21cA is not an essential component.
An engaging portion 21eA is formed on the first tongue piece portion 21d1A. The engaging portion 21eA is a protrusion that protrudes inward in the radial direction from the first tongue piece portion 21d1A and extends in the vertical direction. In the shown example, of the pair of first tongue piece portions 21d1A facing each other in the first direction L1, one engaging portion 21e1A is provided on the first tongue piece portions 21d1A on one side. Of the pair of first tongue piece portions 21d1A facing each other in the first direction L1, two engaging portions 21e2A are provided on the first tongue piece portion 21d1A on the other side. An upper end edge of each engaging portion 21eA is formed in an arc shape protruding upward. Further, the number, pitch, and the like of the engaging portions 21eA can be changed as appropriate.
A first locking protrusion 21fA is formed on the second tongue piece portion 21d2A. The first locking protrusion 21fA protrudes outward in the radial direction from an upper end part of each of the second tongue piece portions 21d2A. The first locking protrusion 21fA extends over the entire length of each of the second tongue piece portions 21d2A in the circumferential direction. The first locking protrusion 21fA may be formed on the first tongue piece portion 21d1A.
As shown in FIG. 13, the intermediate member 22A is formed in a cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with the outer casing 21A. The intermediate member 22A is fitted into the inside of the outer casing 21A from above. The intermediate member 22A is provided to be non-rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the outer casing 21A with an upper part thereof protruding upward from the outer casing 21A. The intermediate member 22A may be formed integrally with the outer casing 21A. Also, a circumferential wall 21gA of the outer casing 21A in a plan view may have a shape other than a circular shape as long as an inner circumferential surface of the intermediate member 22A is formed in a circular shape in a plan view.
The transmission shaft 23A extends upward from the bottom wall of the operating portion 10A. The transmission shaft 23A supports the inner tray 12A to be vertically movable on an inner side of the outer casing 21A. The transmission shaft 23A includes a fixed shaft member 23aA and an outer transmission shaft 23bA.
The fixed shaft member 23aA is provided to be non-rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the outer casing 21A. Specifically, the fixed shaft member 23aA includes a fitted portion 24A, a pedestal portion 25A, an inner transmission shaft 26A, and an insertion portion 27A.
The fitted portion 24A is formed in a cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with the container axis O. The fitting portion 21bA is undercut-fitted to the inside of the fitted portion 24A. Specifically, a second locking protrusion 24aA is formed in the fitted portion 24A. The second locking protrusion 24aA protrudes inward in the radial direction from an intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the fitted portion 24A. The second locking protrusion 24aA is provided on the fitted portion 24A over the entire length in the circumferential direction. The second locking protrusion 24aA is locked to the first locking protrusion 21fA from below the first locking protrusion 21fA.
A protruding portion 24bA that extends outward in the radial direction is formed at a lower end part of the fitted portion 24A. A circumferential groove 24cA is formed on an upper part of the fitted portion 24A. The circumferential groove 24cA opens on an outer circumferential surface of the fitted portion 24A and extends over the entire circumferential length on the outer circumferential surface of the fitted portion 24A. A sliding contact portion 24dA is embedded in the circumferential groove 24cA. The sliding contact portion 24dA extends over the entire circumference within the sliding contact portion 24dA. The sliding contact portion 24dA is formed of a material that is softer than a material of the fixed shaft member 23aA (for example, PP or the like), has a higher elastic modulus than the fixed shaft member 23aA, and has a higher frictional coefficient than the fixed shaft member 23aA. The sliding contact portion 24dA is fixed to the fixed shaft member 23aA by two-color molding a thermoplastic resin such as, for example, an elastomer together with the fixed shaft member 23aA. However, the sliding contact portion 24dA may be formed of, for example, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, or silicone rubber, and fixed to the fixed shaft member 23aA by injection molding the fixed shaft member 23aA using the sliding contact portion 24dA as an insert. Further, the sliding contact portion 24dA may be interposed between the sleeve 11A and the outer casing 21A.
The pedestal portion 25A protrudes inward in the radial direction from an upper end opening edge of the fitted portion 24A. The pedestal portion 25A is formed in an annular shape disposed coaxially with the container axis O. An upper end opening edge of the fitting portion 21bA is in proximity to or in contact with a lower surface of an inner circumferential portion of the pedestal portion 25A from below.
The inner transmission shaft 26A extends upward from an inner circumferential edge of the pedestal portion 25A. The inner transmission shaft 26A is formed in a cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with the container axis O. An inner helical groove 26aA is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the inner transmission shaft 26A. The inner helical groove 26aA helically extends upward in the dispensing direction. In the present embodiment, the inner helical groove 26aA is formed as a double-start thread. However, the inner helical groove 26aA may be formed with a single-start thread or a triple-start thread or more.
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, the insertion portion 27A is formed in a cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with the container axis O. With the fitting portion 21bA fitted into the fitted portion 24A, the insertion portion 27A is inserted into the fitting portion 21bA. An engaged portion 27aA is formed on the insertion portion 27A. The engaged portion 27aA protrudes outward in the radial direction from the insertion portion 27A and extends in the vertical direction. A lower end edge of the engaged portion 27aA is formed in an arc shape protruding downward. A plurality of engaged portions 27aA are formed on an outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 27A at intervals in the circumferential direction, and are provided in a knurled shape in the present embodiment. The number of engaged portions 27aA is greater than the number of engaging portions 21eA. In a state in which the fitting portion 21bA is fitted into the fitted portion 24A, the engaging portion 21e1A is sandwiched in the circumferential direction by the engaged portions 27aA positioned on both sides of the engaging portion 21e1A in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, the engaging portions 21e2A are sandwiched in the circumferential direction between the engaged portion 27aA positioned between the two engaging portions 21e2A, and the engaged portions 27aA positioned on an outer side of the two engaging portions 21e2A in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the engaging portions 21eA and the engaged portions 27aA are engaged in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting relative rotation of the fixed shaft member 23aA of the transmission shaft 23A with respect to the operating portion 10A.
The outer transmission shaft 23bA surrounds the inner transmission shaft 26A. A first engagement protrusion 31A that protrudes inward in the radial direction is formed at a lower end part of the outer transmission shaft 23bA. The first engagement protrusion 31A is accommodated (engaged) within the inner helical groove 26aA of the inner transmission shaft 26A. The outer transmission shaft 23bA vertically moves with respect to the inner transmission shaft 26A as the first engagement protrusion 31A moves helically within the inner helical groove 26aA in accordance with its rotation in the circumferential direction with respect to the inner transmission shaft 26A. In the present embodiment, two first engagement protrusions 31A are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction in accordance with the number of thread starts of the inner helical groove 26aA. Each of the first engagement protrusions 3 1A extends obliquely along the inner helical groove 26aA.
An outer helical groove (helical groove) 32A is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the outer transmission shaft 23bA. The outer helical groove 32A helically extends upward in the dispensing direction. In the present embodiment, the outer helical groove 32A is formed as a double-start thread. However, the outer helical groove 32A may be formed with a single-start thread or a triple-start thread or more.
The sleeve 11A is provided inside the operating portion 10A to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the operating portion 10A and the transmission shaft 23A. The sleeve 11A is formed in a cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with the container axis O. The sleeve 11A is inserted inside the intermediate member 22A, and a lower end part of the sleeve 11A is inserted between the intermediate member 22A and the pedestal portion 25A. The sleeve 11A surrounds an outer side of the transmission shaft 23A. A lower end opening edge of the sleeve 11A is supported by an upper surface of the protruding portion 24bA. An upper end opening edge of the sleeve 11A is positioned above the operating portion 10A and is inclined with respect to the container axis O. Further, the sleeve 11A may be formed of a metal material or the like.
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 16, a protruding portion 11aA is formed in the sleeve 11A. The protruding portion 11aA is formed at a lower end part of the sleeve 11A and protrudes inward in the radial direction. The protruding portion 11aA engages with an upper end edge and a lower end edge of the circumferential groove 24cA while being accommodated in the circumferential groove 24cA. Thereby, the sleeve 11A is supported by the transmission shaft 23A to be rotatable in the circumferential direction while vertical movement thereof with respect to the operating portion 10A is restricted.
A thin portion 11bA is formed in a portion of the sleeve 11A that is positioned above the protruding portion 11aA. The thin portion 11bA is provided at a lower end part of the sleeve 11A over the entire length in the circumferential direction.
A vertical groove 11cA is formed in a portion of the sleeve 11A that is positioned above the thin portion 11bA. The vertical groove 11cA opens on an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve 11A. The vertical groove 11cA extends in the vertical direction. A lower end part of the vertical groove 11cA terminates at the thin portion 11bA at a lower end part of the sleeve 11A. An upper end part of the vertical groove 11cA terminates at a central part of the sleeve 11A in the vertical direction. A plurality of (for example, eight) vertical grooves 11cA are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. Further, the vertical groove 11cA may penetrate the sleeve 11A in the radial direction.
The inner tray 12A is provided inside the sleeve 11A to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the sleeve 11A while its circumferential rotation with respect to the sleeve 11A is restricted. The inner tray 12A includes an inner tray main body 51A and a hanging cylinder 52A. In the present embodiment, the inner tray main body 51A and the hanging cylinder 52A are integrally formed. The inner tray 12A includes the inner tray main body 51A for holding a content, and a cylinder extending downward from the inner tray main body 51A, in which the cylinder includes the hanging cylinder 52A. These will be described in detail below.
The inner tray main body 51A is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that is coaxial with the container axis O. The inner tray main body 51A is accommodated at a portion inside the sleeve 11A that is positioned above the transmission shaft 23A. A rod-shaped content is held in the inner tray main body 51A. The rod-shaped content protrudes upward from the inner tray main body 51A.
The hanging cylinder 52A extends downward from a bottom wall of the inner tray main body 51A. The hanging cylinder 52A extends downward from an outer circumferential edge portion of the bottom wall of the inner tray main body 51A. The hanging cylinder 52A is disposed between an outer circumferential surface of the transmission shaft 23A and the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve 11A. An outer diameter of the hanging cylinder 52A is substantially the same as an outer diameter of the inner tray main body 51A. The hanging cylinder 52A is inserted into the inside of the sleeve 11A and surrounds the outer transmission shaft 23bA.
As shown in FIG. 18, an outer circumferential surface of the hanging cylinder 52A is in proximity to or in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve 11A when the inner tray 12A is at an uppermost end position. In the present embodiment, the outer circumferential surface of the hanging cylinder 52A is always in proximity to or in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve 11A regardless of a position of the inner tray 12A in the vertical direction.
A second engagement protrusion (engagement protrusion) 52aA protruding inward in the radial direction is formed on a lower end part of the hanging cylinder 52A. The second engagement protrusion 52aA is accommodated (engaged) within the outer helical groove 32A. The hanging cylinder 52A vertically moves with respect to the outer transmission shaft 23bA as the second engagement protrusion 52aA moves helically within the outer helical groove 32A in accordance with its rotation in the circumferential direction with respect to the outer transmission shaft 23bA. In the present embodiment, two second engagement protrusions 52aA are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction in accordance with the number of thread starts of the outer helical groove 32A. Each of the second engagement protrusions 52aA extends obliquely along the outer helical groove 32A.
A slit 52bA is formed in the hanging cylinder 52A. The slit 52bA penetrates the hanging cylinder 52A in the radial direction and extends in the vertical direction. The slit 52bA opens on a lower end opening edge of the hanging cylinder 52A. A plurality of (for example, two) slits 52bA are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. Thereby, at least a lower part of the hanging cylinder 52A is divided into two in the circumferential direction by the slit 52bA, and is easily elastically deformed in the radial direction. Therefore, during demolding of the injection-molded inner tray 12A, a lower part of the hanging cylinder 52A is elastically deformed in the radial direction, thereby allowing the inner tray to more easily pass over the second engagement protrusion 52aA downward.
A restriction portion 52cA restricting rotation of the inner tray 12A with respect to the sleeve 11A by engaging with the sleeve 11A in the circumferential direction is formed on the hanging cylinder 52A. The restriction portion 52cA is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the hanging cylinder 52A. The restriction portion 52cA protrudes outward in the radial direction from the hanging cylinder 52A and extends in the vertical direction. A length of the restriction portion 52cA in the vertical direction is smaller than a length of the vertical groove 11cA. In the shown example, a lower end edge of the restriction portion 52cA reaches a lower end edge of the hanging cylinder 52A. An upper end edge of the restriction portion 52cA is positioned below an upper end edge of the slit 52bA and reaches an intermediate portion of the hanging cylinder 52A. A plurality of (for example, four) restriction portions 52cA are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. The number of the restriction portions 52cA is smaller than the number of the vertical grooves 11cA. However, the number of the restriction portions 52cA and the vertical grooves 11cA can be changed as appropriate.
Each of the restriction portions 52cA is accommodated in (engaged with) the corresponding vertical groove 11cA. The restriction portion 52cA vertically moves within the vertical groove 11cA as the inner tray 12A vertically moves with respect the sleeve 11. The restriction portion 52cA restricts rotation of the inner tray 12A with respect to the sleeve 11A by coming into contact with an inner surface (a surface facing the circumferential direction) of the vertical groove 11cA. That is, the inner tray 12A is provided to be vertically movable with respect to the sleeve 11A while rotation thereof with respect to the sleeve 11A is restricted by the restriction portion 52cA. Thereby, the inner tray 12A is provided inside the sleeve 11A to be vertically movable with respect to the sleeve 11A as the sleeve 11A rotates with respect to the transmission shaft 23A.
The cap 13A is formed in a topped cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with the container axis O. The cap 13A is detachably attached to an upper part of the intermediate member 22A with an upper part of the sleeve 11A inserted therein.
Next, an operation of the dispensing container 1A described above will be described. In the following description, first, a method of using the dispensing container 1A will be described.
When using the dispensing container 1A, first, the cap 13A is removed from an upper part of the intermediate member 22A. Next, the sleeve 11A and the outer casing 21A (circumferential wall 21gA) are respectively gripped, and the operating portion 10A and the sleeve 11A are rotated relative to each other in the dispensing direction. At this time, since the intermediate member 22A and the fixed shaft member 23aA are attached to the outer casing 21A to be non-rotatable relative thereto, the outer casing 21A, the intermediate member 22A, and the fixed shaft member 23aA rotate integrally. On the other hand, since the sleeve 11A and the inner tray 12A are attached to be non-rotatable relative to each other, the sleeve 11A and the inner tray 12A rotate integrally.
When the operating portion 10A and the sleeve 11A are rotated relative to each other, at least one of the following operations occurs: the inner transmission shaft 26A and the outer transmission shaft 23bA rotate integrally with respect to the hanging cylinder 52A, or the inner transmission shaft 26A rotates with respect to the outer transmission shaft 23bA.
When the inner transmission shaft 26A and the outer transmission shaft 23bA rotate integrally with respect to the hanging cylinder 52A, the second engagement protrusion 52aA, while engaged within the outer helical groove 32A, moves helically within the outer helical groove 32A, thereby causing the hanging cylinder 52A (inner tray 12A) to rise with respect to the transmission shaft 23A. In this manner, an operation in which the inner tray 12A rises as the transmission shaft 23A and the hanging cylinder 52A rotate relative to each other in the dispensing direction is referred to as a "first operation" in the present specification.
When the inner transmission shaft 26A rotates with respect to the outer transmission shaft 23bA, the first engagement protrusion 31A, while helically engaged within the inner helical groove 26aA, moves helically within the inner helical groove 26aA, thereby causing the outer transmission shaft 23bA to rise with respect to the inner transmission shaft 26A. At this time, the second engagement protrusion 52aA is pushed upward via an inner surface of the outer helical groove 32A, thereby causing the inner tray 12A to rise together with the outer transmission shaft 23bA. In this manner, an operation in which the inner tray 12A rises together with the outer transmission shaft 23bA as the inner transmission shaft 26A and the outer transmission shaft 23bA rotate relative to each other in the dispensing direction is referred to as a "second operation" in the present specification.
That is, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 18, when the operating portion 10A and the sleeve 11A are rotated relative to each other in the dispensing direction, the inner tray 12A rises due to at least one of the first operation and the second operation. Thereby, the rod-shaped content is dispensed upward from an upper end opening of the sleeve 11A. Which of the first operation or the second operation occurs varies depending on a frictional resistance or the like between the members. However, regardless of which operation is preferentially performed, the rod-shaped content is dispensed, allowing a user to use the rod-shaped content. Further, both the first and second operations may occur simultaneously.
When the inner tray 12A rises with respect to the sleeve 11A, the restriction portion 52cA is guided within the vertical groove 11cA. Thereby, the inner tray 12A rises with respect to the sleeve 11A while rotation of the inner tray 12A with respect to the sleeve 11A is restricted. Further, when the restriction portion 52cA comes into contact with an upper end edge of the vertical groove 11cA, the rise of the inner tray 12A with respect to the sleeve 11A is restricted. Thereby, the inner tray 12A reaches the uppermost end position.
When the inner tray 12A is lowered, the operating portion 10A and the sleeve 11A are rotated relative to each other in the retraction direction. Then, the inner tray 12A descends with respect to the sleeve 11A depending on whether the inner transmission shaft 26A and the outer transmission shaft 23bA rotate integrally with respect to the hanging cylinder 52A, or the inner transmission shaft 26A rotates with respect to the outer transmission shaft 23bA. That is, when the inner tray 12A descends with respect to the sleeve 11A, the restriction portion 52cA is guided into the vertical groove 11cA. With the rotation of the inner tray 12A with respect to the sleeve 11A restricted, the inner tray 12A descends with respect to the sleeve 11A. Further, when a lower end part of the restriction portion 52cA enters the thin portion 11bA, the descent of the inner tray 12A with respect to the sleeve 11A is restricted. Thereby, the inner tray 12A reaches a lowermost end position.
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 19, in the dispensing container 1A described above, a cartridge 101A in which the sleeve 11A, the inner tray 12A, and the transmission shaft 23A are assembled is detachably assembled to the operating portion 10A in which the outer casing 21A and the intermediate member 22A are assembled. In the following description, a method for attaching and detaching (replacing) the cartridge 101A with respect to the operating portion 10A will be described.
First, in order to assemble the cartridge 101A to the operating portion 10A, the cartridge 101A is inserted into the operating portion 10A through an upper end opening of the intermediate member 22A of the operating portion 10A. Then, the second locking protrusion 24aA of the fitted portion 24A comes into contact with the first locking protrusion 21fA of the fitting portion 21bA from above, and in this state, the cartridge 101A is pushed downward into the operating portion 10A so that the engaging portion 21eA and the engaged portion 27aA do not overlap in a planar view. In the present embodiment, since the engaged portion 27aA is formed in a knurled shape, the cartridge 101A can be pushed downward into the operating portion 10A without requiring positional alignment in the circumferential direction.
Then, when the second locking protrusion 24aA passes over the first locking protrusion 21fA downward, the second locking protrusion 24aA is locked to the first locking protrusion 21fA from below. Thereby, the fitting portion 21bA is undercut-fitted into the fitted portion 24A. Thereafter, the fitted portion 24A comes close to or into contact with an upper surface of the bottom wall 21aA, and thereby the insertion of the cartridge 101A is completed. In this state, vertical movement of the cartridge 101A with respect to the operating portion 10A is restricted.
On the other hand, in the process of the second locking protrusion 24aA passing over the first locking protrusion 21fA downward, the engaging portion 21eA enters between the adjacent engaged portions 27aA. Thereby, the engaging portion 21eA and the engaged portion 27aA engage with each other in the circumferential direction. As a result, circumferential movement of the fixed shaft member 23aA with respect to the outer casing 21 is restricted. Also, as the engaging portion 21eA enters between the adjacent engaged portions 27aA, the insertion portion 27A is inserted into the inside of the fitting portion 21bA. Thereby, the fitting portion 21bA is clamped in the radial direction between the insertion portion 27A and the fitted portion 24A. As a result, radial movement of the cartridge 101A with respect to the operating portion 10A is restricted.
As described above, the attachment of the cartridge 101A with respect to the operating portion 10A is completed.
When the cartridge 101A is removed from the operating portion 10A such as when the content has been used up, the cartridge 101A is pulled upward with respect to the operating portion 10A. Then, the second locking protrusion 24aA passes over the first locking protrusion 21fA upward, thereby releasing the fitting between the fitted portion 24A and the fitting portion 21bA. Also, when the cartridge 101A is pulled upward with respect to the operating portion 10A, the fitting portion 21bA is released from between the fitted portion 24A and the insertion portion 27A, and the engaging portion 21eA is released from between the adjacent engaged portions 27aA in the circumferential direction.
As a result, the cartridge 101A is removed from the operating portion 10A.
Here, the dispensing container 1A of the present embodiment is configured such that the inner tray 12A includes the inner tray main body 51A holding the rod-shaped content and the hanging cylinder 52A extending downward from the inner tray main body 51A, and the inner tray main body 51A and the hanging cylinder 52A are formed integrally.
According to this configuration, when the hanging cylinder 52A is integrally formed with the inner tray main body 51A, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a conventional case in which a separate rotation restriction portion is provided between the sleeve and the inner tray, thereby making it possible to provide the dispensing container 1A at a low cost.
The dispensing container 1A of the present embodiment is configured such that both the second engagement protrusion 52aA that engages with the outer helical groove 32A of the transmission shaft 23A and the restriction portion 52cA that restricts rotation of the inner tray 12A with respect to the sleeve 11A by engaging with the sleeve 11A in the circumferential direction are provided on the hanging cylinder 52A.
According to this configuration, for example, compared to a double-cylinder structure that includes a cylinder body on which the second engagement protrusion is provided and another cylinder body on which the restriction portion is provided, it is possible to reduce an outer diameter of the inner tray 12A, thereby allowing the dispensing container 1A to be made slimmer.
For example, when the inner tray 12A is at the uppermost end position or the like, if the operating portion 10A and the sleeve 11A are rotated relative to each other in the dispensing direction, there is a possibility that the second engagement protrusion 52aA may pass over an upper end of the outer helical groove 32A (that is, an overrun of the second engagement protrusion 52aA may occur) while the hanging cylinder 52A deforms outward in the radial direction.
In contrast, the dispensing container 1A of the present embodiment is configured such that, when the inner tray 12A is at the uppermost end position, the outer circumferential surface of the hanging cylinder 52A is in proximity to or in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve 11A.
According to this configuration, when the inner tray 12A is at the uppermost end position, deformation of the hanging cylinder 52A outward in the radial direction can be restricted by the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve 11A, thereby making it possible to curb the second engagement protrusion 52aA passing over the upper end of the outer helical groove 32A. As a result, the dispensing container 1A with excellent reliability can be provided.
The dispensing container 1A of the present embodiment is configured such that the vertical groove 11cA extending in the vertical direction is formed in the sleeve 11A, and the restriction portion 52cA is provided to be vertically movable within the vertical groove 11cA and comes into contact with an inner surface of the vertical groove 11cA in the circumferential direction to restrict rotation of the inner tray 12A with respect to the sleeve 11A.
According to this configuration, vertical movement of the inner tray 12A with respect to the sleeve 11A can be smoothly realized.
The dispensing container 1A of the present embodiment is configured such that the operating portion 10A includes the fitting portion 21bA extending upward from the bottom wall 21aA, and the transmission shaft 23A includes the fitted portion 24A that is fitted into the fitting portion 21bA in the vertical direction.
According to this configuration, when the cartridge 101A is attached to the operating portion 10A, the cartridge 101A is inserted into the inside of the operating portion 10A through the upper end opening of the operating portion 10A. Thereby, the fitting portion 21bA is inserted into the fitted portion 24A in the vertical direction, and thereby the fitting portion 21bA is fitted into the fitted portion 24A. On the other hand, when the cartridge 101A is removed from the operating portion 10A, the cartridge 101A is pulled upward with respect to the operating portion 10A. Thereby, the fitting between the fitting portion 21bA and the fitted portion 24A is released. That is, in the dispensing container 1A of the present embodiment, the cartridge 101A can be easily attached to and detached from the operating portion 10A merely by insertion and removal of the cartridge 101A with respect to the operating portion 10A.
While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configuration can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the transmission shaft 23A includes the inner transmission shaft 26A and the outer transmission shaft 23bA has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration. As the transmission shaft 23A, a configuration in which the inner transmission shaft 26A, the outer transmission shaft 23bA, the pedestal portion 25A, and the like are integrally formed may be employed.
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration including the outer casing 21A and the intermediate member 22A as the operating portion has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration. The operating portion may include only the outer casing 21A.
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the fitting portion 21bA is formed in the operating portion (one member) 10A and the fitted portion 24A is formed in the transmission shaft (the other member) 23A has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration. A fitting portion may be formed in the transmission shaft (one member) 23A, and a fitted portion may be formed in the operating portion (the other member) 10A.
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which plan view shapes of the fitting portion and the fitted portion according to the present invention are formed in a circular (cylindrical) shape has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration. Plan view shapes of the fitting portion and the fitted portion may be polygonal shapes or the like corresponding to each other. In this case, when the fitting portion and the fitted portion are fitted to each other, corresponding corner portions engage with each other in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting relative rotation in the circumferential direction between the fitting portion and the fitted portion. That is, the corresponding corner portions constitute a rotation stopper.
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the fitting portion, the fitted portion, and the insertion portion are formed in a cylindrical shape has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration. As long as at least the fitted portion is cylindrical, the fitting portion may be columnar or the like.
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the vertical groove 11cA is formed in the sleeve 11 and the restriction portion 52cA is formed in the hanging cylinder 52A has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration. A vertical groove may be formed in the hanging cylinder 52A, and a restriction portion may be formed in the sleeve 11A.
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the cartridge 101A is detachably attached to the operating portion 10A has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration. The dispensing container 1A may be configured such that the inner tray 12A and the sleeve 11A are not detachable (disposable) with respect to the operating portion 10A. In this case, the inner transmission shaft 26A may be formed integrally with the bottom wall 21aA of the outer casing 21A.
In addition, the components in the above-described embodiments can be appropriately replaced with well-known components within a range not departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the modified examples described above may be appropriately combined.
Aspects of the present invention are, for example, as follows.

<1> A dispensing container including:
- an operating portion having a bottomed cylindrical shape;
- a transmission shaft having a helical groove extending around a container axis and extending upward from a bottom wall of the operating portion;
- a sleeve disposed inside the operating portion to surround an outside of the transmission shaft and provided to be rotatable in a circumferential direction around the container axis with respect to the transmission shaft; and
- an inner tray provided inside the sleeve to be vertically movable with respect to the sleeve in accordance with rotation of the sleeve with respect to the transmission shaft, in which
- the inner tray has:
  - an inner tray main body which holds a content; and
  - a cylinder extending downward from the inner tray main body, and
  - the cylinder is integrally formed with the inner tray main body.
<2> The dispensing container according to <1> described above, wherein
the cylinder includes:
- a movable cylinder having an engagement protrusion that engages with the helical groove; and
- a restriction cylinder that restricts rotation of the inner tray with respect to the sleeve by engaging with the sleeve in the circumferential direction, and
- the movable cylinder and the restriction cylinder are integrally formed with the inner tray main body.
<3> The dispensing container according to <2> described above, wherein
- a vertical groove extending in a vertical direction is formed on the sleeve, and
- a rib, which is provided to be vertically movable within the vertical groove and restricts rotation of the inner tray with respect to the sleeve by coming into contact with an inner surface of the vertical groove in the circumferential direction is formed on the restriction cylinder.
<4> The dispensing container according to <2> or <3> described above, wherein
- the inner tray and the sleeve constitute a cartridge that is integrally attached to and detached from the operating portion through an upper end opening of the operating portion,
- a fitting portion extending in a vertical direction is provided in one member of the operating portion and the transmission shaft, and
- a cylindrical fitted portion into which the fitting portion is fitted while rotation around the container axis with respect to the operating portion is restricted when the fitting portion is inserted in the vertical direction is formed in the other member of the operating portion and the transmission shaft.
<5> The dispensing container according to <2> or <3> described above, wherein
- the movable cylinder is formed in a cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with the container axis,
- the restriction cylinder is disposed to surround the movable cylinder, and
- the restriction cylinder is provided with a deformation suppression portion which, in a state in which the inner tray is attached to the sleeve, is disposed closer to an outer circumferential surface of the movable cylinder than to an inner circumferential surface of the restriction cylinder in a radial direction and restricts deformation of the movable cylinder outward in the radial direction.
<6> The dispensing container according to <5> described above, wherein
- the deformation suppression portion is provided on the restriction cylinder to be displaceable in the radial direction, and
- the deformation suppression portion includes a guide protruding portion which, in a process in which the inner tray is attached to the sleeve through an upper end opening of the sleeve, is pushed inward in the radial direction by an inner surface of the sleeve.
<7> The dispensing container according to <1> described above, wherein
- the cylinder includes a hanging cylinder disposed between an outer circumferential surface of the transmission shaft and an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve, and
- the hanging cylinder includes an engagement protrusion engaging with the helical groove, and a restriction portion restricting rotation of the inner tray with respect to the sleeve by engaging with the sleeve in the circumferential direction, and is integrally formed with the inner tray main body.
<8> The dispensing container according to <7> described above, wherein when the inner tray is at an uppermost end position, an outer circumferential surface of the hanging cylinder is in proximity to or in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve.
<9> The dispensing container according to <7> or <8> described above, wherein
- a vertical groove extending in a vertical direction is formed on the sleeve, and
- the restriction portion is provided to be vertically movable within the vertical groove and restricts rotation of the inner tray with respect to the sleeve by coming into contact with an inner surface of the vertical groove in the circumferential direction.
<10> The dispensing container according to <7> or <8> described above, wherein
- the transmission shaft, the sleeve, and the inner tray constitute a cartridge which is integrally attached to and detached from the operating portion through an upper end opening of the operating portion,
- a fitting portion extending in a vertical direction is provided in one member of the operating portion and the transmission shaft, and
- a cylindrical fitted portion into which the fitting portion is fitted while rotation of the transmission axis around the container axis with respect to the operating portion is restricted when the fitting portion is inserted in the vertical direction is formed in the other member of the operating portion and the transmission shaft.

In addition, the components in the above-described embodiments can be appropriately replaced with well-known components within a range not departing from the meaning of the present invention, and the modified examples described above may be appropriately combined.

[Industrial Applicability]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1 Dispensing container
10 Operating portion (one member, the other member)
11 Sleeve
11c Vertical groove
12 Inner tray
21a Bottom wall
21b Fitting portion
23 Dispensing member (transmission shaft)
24 Fitted portion
26 Inner transmission shaft (the other member, one member)
51 Inner tray main body
52 Movable cylinder (movable shaft)
53 Restriction cylinder
53a Rib
101 Cartridge
200 Deformation suppression portion
202 Guide protruding portion
1A Dispensing container
10A Operating portion (one member, the other member)
11A Sleeve
11cA Vertical groove
12A Inner tray
21aA Bottom wall
21bA Fitting portion
23A Transmission shaft (the other member, one member)
24A Fitted portion
26A Inner transmission shaft
32A Outer helical groove (helical groove)
51A Inner tray main body
52A Hanging cylinder
52aA Second engagement protrusion (engagement protrusion)
52cA Restriction portion
101A Cartridge
O Container axis

Claims

A dispensing container comprising:
an operating portion having a bottomed cylindrical shape;

a transmission shaft having a helical groove extending around a container axis and extending upward from a bottom wall of the operating portion;

a sleeve disposed inside the operating portion to surround an outside of the transmission shaft and provided to be rotatable in a circumferential direction around the container axis with respect to the transmission shaft; and

an inner tray provided inside the sleeve to be vertically movable with respect to the sleeve in accordance with rotation of the sleeve with respect to the transmission shaft, wherein

the inner tray includes:
an inner tray main body which holds a content; and

a cylinder extending downward from the inner tray main body, and

the cylinder is integrally formed with the inner tray main body.
The dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein
the cylinder includes:
a movable cylinder having an engagement protrusion which engages with the helical groove; and

a restriction cylinder which restricts rotation of the inner tray with respect to the sleeve by engaging with the sleeve in the circumferential direction, and

the movable cylinder and the restriction cylinder are integrally formed with the inner tray main body.
The dispensing container according to claim 2, wherein
a vertical groove extending in a vertical direction is formed on the sleeve, and

a rib, which is provided to be vertically movable within the vertical groove and restricts rotation of the inner tray with respect to the sleeve by coming into contact with an inner surface of the vertical groove in the circumferential direction, is formed on the restriction cylinder.
The dispensing container according to according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
the inner tray and the sleeve constitute a cartridge which is integrally attached to and detached from the operating portion through an upper end opening of the operating portion,

a fitting portion extending in a vertical direction is provided in one member of the operating portion and the transmission shaft, and

a cylindrical fitted portion, into which the fitting portion is fitted while rotation around the container axis with respect to the operating portion is restricted when the fitting portion is inserted in the vertical direction, is formed in the other member of the operating portion and the transmission shaft.
The dispensing container according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
the movable cylinder is formed in a cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with the container axis,

the restriction cylinder is disposed to surround the movable cylinder, and

the restriction cylinder is provided with a deformation suppression portion which, in a state in which the inner tray is attached to the sleeve, is disposed closer to an outer circumferential surface of the movable cylinder than to an inner circumferential surface of the restriction cylinder in a radial direction and restricts deformation of the movable cylinder outward in the radial direction.
The dispensing container according to claim 5, wherein
the deformation suppression portion is provided on the restriction cylinder to be displaceable in the radial direction, and

the deformation suppression portion includes a guide protruding portion which, in a process in which the inner tray is attached to the sleeve through an upper end opening of the sleeve, is pushed inward in the radial direction by an inner surface of the sleeve.
The dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein
the cylinder includes

a hanging cylinder disposed between an outer circumferential surface of the transmission shaft and an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve, and

the hanging cylinder includes

an engagement protrusion engaging with the helical groove, and

a restriction portion restricting rotation of the inner tray with respect to the sleeve by engaging with the sleeve in the circumferential direction, and is integrally formed with the inner tray main body.
The dispensing container according to claim 7, wherein
when the inner tray is at an uppermost end position, an outer circumferential surface of the hanging cylinder is in proximity to or in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve.
The dispensing container according to claim 7 or 8, wherein
a vertical groove extending in a vertical direction is formed on the sleeve, and

the restriction portion is provided to be vertically movable within the vertical groove and restricts rotation of the inner tray with respect to the sleeve by coming into contact with an inner surface of the vertical groove in the circumferential direction.
The dispensing container according to claim 7 or 8, wherein
the transmission shaft, the sleeve, and the inner tray constitute a cartridge which is integrally attached to and detached from the operating portion through an upper end opening of the operating portion,

a fitting portion extending in a vertical direction is provided in one member of the operating portion and the transmission shaft, and

a cylindrical fitted portion, into which the fitting portion is fitted while rotation of the transmission axis around the container axis with respect to the operating portion is restricted when the fitting portion is inserted in the vertical direction, is formed in the other member of the operating portion and the transmission shaft.