JP7550708B2 - Feeding container - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a dispensing container.

The dispensing container comprises a cylindrical operating part with a bottom, a sleeve supported inside the operating part so as to be rotatable around the container axis, and an inner plate provided inside the sleeve to hold the contents. The inner plate is provided so as to be movable in the axial direction of the container while its rotation around the container axis relative to the sleeve is restricted.

Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the operating part is formed as a bottomed cylinder overall by a cylindrical outer member and an inner member fitted inside the outer member. The inner member extends inside the outer member in the container axial direction and has a columnar part with a spiral groove formed on its outer circumferential surface. In the dispensing container, by rotating the sleeve around the container axis relative to the operating part, the engagement protrusion provided on the inner plate moves within the spiral groove. As a result, the inner plate moves up and down inside the sleeve, allowing the contents to be dispensed and stored through the sleeve.

JP 2021-54486 A

In a dispensing container, in order to improve marketability and operability, it is preferable that the operating part and the sleeve are aligned at the desired positions in the circumferential direction when, for example, the inner plate is at the lowermost position (initial position). In other words, in order to align the operating part and the sleeve when the inner plate is at the lowermost position, it is necessary to set the lower end position of the spiral groove to a desired position relative to the operating part.

However, with the conventional configuration, it was difficult to fit the outer member and the inner member together while aligning their circumferential positions. On the other hand, after fitting the outer member and the inner member together, if you try to rotate the outer member and the inner member relative to each other to align them, there is a problem that the sliding resistance generated between the outer member and the inner member becomes large.

The present invention provides a dispensing container that improves the ease of assembly between the operating tube portion and the dispensing member, while making it easy to position the sleeve and operating tube portion in the desired position.

In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure employs the following aspects.
A dispensing container according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a bottomed cylindrical operation tube portion, a sleeve rotatably provided inside the operation tube portion about a container axis, an inner plate body supported inside the sleeve so as to be movable in the container axial direction with rotation about the container axis restricted and for holding contents, a dispensing member having a transmission shaft extending from a bottom wall of the operation tube portion in the container axial direction, the transmission shaft having a spiral groove formed thereon, and a movable tube extending from the inner plate body in the container axial direction and having an engagement protrusion that engages with the spiral groove, the operation tube portion being provided on the bottom wall, and an engagement portion provided on the dispensing member being movable. The dispensing member has an engaged portion that engages with the container axial direction by climbing over it in the container axial direction, and of the dispensing member and the operating tube portion, a first member is provided with a protrusion that protrudes in the container axial direction toward the second member, and the second member is provided with a positioning portion having a recess in which the protrusion is accommodated when the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion, and the surface of the positioning portion that faces the first member in the container axial direction extends spirally from the opening edge of the recess around the container axis and is provided with a sliding surface along which the protrusion can slide as the operating tube portion and the dispensing member rotate relative to each other around the container axis.
According to this aspect, when the dispensing member is assembled to the operating tube, the operating tube and the dispensing member are rotated relative to each other with the protrusion abutting the sliding surface. As a result, the protrusion slides on the sliding surface, and the dispensing member and the operating tube approach each other in the container axial direction as the dispensing member rotates relative to the operating tube. Thereafter, the protrusion is inserted into the recess with the recess facing the protrusion in the container axial direction, so that the engaging portion and the engaged portion can be engaged with each other in a state where the dispensing member and the operating tube are aligned around the container axis (circumferential direction). This allows the end position of the spiral groove to be set at a desired position relative to the operating tube, making it easy to position the sleeve at a desired position in the circumferential direction relative to the operating tube. As a result, the marketability and operability of the dispensing container can be improved.
Moreover, in this aspect, by performing the alignment process before the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion is completed, the sliding resistance required for alignment can be reduced compared to when the alignment process is performed after the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion is completed, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the operating tube portion and the advancing member.

In the dispensing container of the above-mentioned aspect, it is preferable that the first member has a slope portion extending spirally from the protrusion around the container axis, and that the slope portion has an opposing surface that faces the sliding surface in the container axial direction when the engaging portion and the engaged portion are engaged.
According to this aspect, the slope portion is connected to the protrusion, thereby reinforcing the protrusion, which, for example, suppresses deformation of the protrusion when the protrusion slides on the sliding surface and makes it easier for the protrusion to enter the recess after alignment.
Furthermore, when the advancing member is assembled to the operating tube portion, the sliding surface faces the opposing surface, thereby preventing the advancing member from rattling relative to the operating tube portion.

In the dispensing container of the above-mentioned aspect, it is preferable that the sliding surface extends around the entire circumference of the positioning portion in a direction away from the first member in the container axial direction as it moves from one side to the other side about the container axis, and that of the inner surfaces of the recess, a first inner surface facing one side about the container axis protrudes toward the first member more than a second inner surface facing the other side about the container axis.
According to this aspect, in the alignment step, the protrusion abuts against a portion of the first inner surface of the recess that protrudes beyond the second inner surface, thereby restricting rotation of the advancing member to the other side in the circumferential direction relative to the operating tube, thereby allowing the protrusion and the recess to face each other and making it easy to align the circumferential positions of the advancing member and the exterior body.

In the dispensing container of the above-mentioned aspect, the spiral groove may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the transmission shaft, the movable shaft may be formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the transmission shaft from the radial outside, and the engagement protrusion may protrude radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the movable shaft.
According to this aspect, since the movable shaft is disposed outside the transmission shaft, the movement of the inner plate during the extension operation can be stabilized.

The present invention improves the ease of assembly between the operating tube portion and the extension member, while making it easier to position the sleeve and operating tube portion in the desired position.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing container according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a positioning mechanism corresponding to FIG. 1 . 11A to 11C are explanatory views of the operation of the dispensing container according to the present embodiment when in use. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing container according to the embodiment when it is assembled. FIG. 13 is a development view of the positioning mechanism when the dispensing container is assembled. FIG. 13 is a development view of the positioning mechanism when the dispensing container is assembled.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 is used by dispensing a stick-shaped content (not shown). Examples of the stick-shaped content include cosmetics (lipstick, lip balm, stick eye shadow, etc.), medicines, glue, etc.

The dispensing container 1 comprises an operating part 10, a sleeve 11, a middle plate 12, and a cap 13. The operating part 10, the sleeve 11, and the middle plate 12 are arranged with their respective central axes positioned on a common axis. Each component part of the dispensing container 1 is a molded product made of synthetic resin, unless otherwise specified.

Hereinafter, the common axis will be referred to as the container axis O, and the direction along the container axis O will be referred to as the vertical direction (container axial direction). In a plan view seen from the vertical direction, the direction intersecting the container axis O will be referred to as the radial direction, and the direction going around the container axis O will be referred to as the circumferential direction. In this case, of the dispensing container 1, the top wall side of the cap 13 in the vertical direction will be referred to as the upper side, and the bottom wall side of the operating unit 10 (bottom wall 21a of the exterior body 21) will be referred to as the lower side. Additionally, within the circumferential direction, the direction in which the contents are raised will be referred to as the dispensing direction, and the direction in which the contents are lowered will be referred to as the storage direction.

The operating unit 10 constitutes the exterior part of the lower part of the dispensing container 1. The operating unit 10 is formed as a bottomed cylinder arranged coaxially with the container axis O as a whole. The operating unit 10 comprises an exterior body (operating cylinder part, first member) 21, a center part (operating cylinder part) 22, and a dispensing member (second member) 23.

The exterior body 21 is integrally formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The bottom wall 21a of the exterior body 21 is formed with a mounting tube 21b extending upward. The mounting tube 21b is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The upper end of the mounting tube 21b is formed with an engagement portion 21c that protrudes radially outward. In this embodiment, the mounting tube 21b is formed with slits 21d that open upward and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The mounting tube 21b is configured so that the portion located between the slits 21d adjacent in the circumferential direction can elastically deform in the radial direction. Note that the exterior body 21 may have a bottom wall 21a and a peripheral wall 21f that are separate bodies.

The centering member 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the exterior body 21. The centering member 22 is fitted from above into the inside of the exterior body 21. The centering member 22 is provided in a state where the upper end portion protrudes upward from the exterior body 21 and cannot rotate in the circumferential direction relative to the exterior body 21. The centering member 22 may be formed integrally with the exterior body 21. In addition, as long as the inner peripheral surface of the centering member 22 of the operating unit 10 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view, the plan view shape of the peripheral wall 21f may be a shape other than a circle.

The feeding member 23 supports the inner tray 12 so as to be vertically movable inside the exterior body 21. The feeding member 23 includes a fixed shaft member 23a and an outer transmission shaft 23b.
The fixed shaft member 23a is provided so as to be non-rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the exterior body 21. Specifically, the fixed shaft member 23a includes a fitting cylinder 24, a seat portion 25, and an inner transmission shaft (transmission shaft) 26.

The fitting tube 24 is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The mounting tube 21b is undercut fitted inside the fitting tube 24. Specifically, an engaged portion 24a that protrudes radially inward is formed in the vertical middle portion of the fitting tube 24. The engaged portion 24a is engaged with the engaging portion 21c from below. When the engaged portion 24a is engaged with the engaging portion 21c, the lower edge of the fitting tube 24 is in close proximity to or in contact with the bottom wall 21a from above. This restricts the vertical movement of the payout member 23 relative to the exterior body 21.

The lower end of the fitting tube 24 is formed with a protruding portion 24b that protrudes outward in the radial direction. A circumferential groove 24c is formed in the upper portion of the fitting tube 24. The circumferential groove 24c opens on the outer peripheral surface of the fitting tube 24 and extends around the entire circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the fitting tube 24. In addition, ribs 24d that protrude outward in the radial direction from the bottom surface of the circumferential groove 24c are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction within the circumferential groove 24c.

The base portion 25 protrudes radially from the upper opening edge of the fitting tube 24. The base portion 25 is formed in an annular shape arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The outer peripheral edge of the base portion 25 protrudes radially outward from the fitting tube 24. The upper edge of the mounting tube 21b is adjacent to or abuts against the inner peripheral portion of the base portion 25 from below.

The inner transmission shaft 26 extends upward from the inner peripheral edge of the base portion 25. The inner transmission shaft 26 is formed in a cylindrical shape arranged coaxially with the container axis O. An inner spiral groove 26a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner transmission shaft 26. The inner spiral groove 26a extends spirally upward in the payout direction. In this embodiment, the inner spiral groove 26a is formed in two stripes. However, the inner spiral groove 26a may be one stripe or three or more stripes.

The outer transmission shaft 23b surrounds the inner transmission shaft 26 on the outside of the inner transmission shaft 26. A first engagement protrusion 31 that protrudes radially inward is formed at the lower end of the outer transmission shaft 23b. The first engagement protrusion 31 is accommodated (engaged) in the inner spiral groove 26a of the inner transmission shaft 26. As the outer transmission shaft 23b rotates in the circumferential direction relative to the inner transmission shaft 26, the first engagement protrusion 31 moves spirally within the inner spiral groove 26a, causing the outer transmission shaft 23b to move up and down relative to the inner transmission shaft 26. In this embodiment, two first engagement protrusions 31 are provided circumferentially spaced apart to match the number of threads of the inner spiral groove 26a. Each first engagement protrusion 31 extends at an angle along the inner spiral groove 26a.

An outer spiral groove 32 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer transmission shaft 23b. The outer spiral groove 32 extends spirally upward in the payout direction. In this embodiment, the outer spiral groove 32 is formed in two rows. However, the outer spiral groove 32 may be formed in one row or in three or more rows.

The sleeve 11 is provided inside the operating unit 10 and is rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the operating unit 10. The sleeve 11 is formed in a double cylindrical shape arranged coaxially with the container axis O. Specifically, the sleeve 11 includes an outer sleeve 11a and an inner sleeve 11b.

The outer sleeve 11a is inserted into the operating unit 10 through the gap between the inner fixture 22 and the base portion 25 inside the inner fixture 22. Therefore, the outer sleeve 11a surrounds the inner transmission shaft 26. The lower edge of the outer sleeve 11a is supported from below by the protruding portion 24b. The upper edge of the outer sleeve 11a is inclined with respect to the container axis O above the operating unit 10. The outer sleeve 11a may be made of a metal material or the like.

The outer sleeve 11a is formed with a lower protrusion 11c and an upper protrusion 11d.
The lower protrusion 11c protrudes radially inward from the lower end of the outer sleeve 11a. The lower protrusion 11c engages with the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 25 from below while being accommodated in the circumferential groove 24c. This allows the outer sleeve 11a to rotate in the circumferential direction while its upward movement relative to the operating unit 10 is restricted.
The upper protrusion 11d protrudes radially inward from the middle portion of the outer sleeve 11a (the portion located below the upper end edge of the center fitting 22 and above the lower protrusion 11c).

The inner sleeve 11b is provided so as to be movable up and down relative to the outer sleeve 11a, with its circumferential rotation restricted relative to the outer sleeve 11a. The vertical dimension of the inner sleeve 11b is shorter than the vertical dimension of the outer sleeve 11a. When the inner sleeve 11b is in the lowest position, it is in close proximity to or in contact with the outer periphery of the base portion 25 from above. In the illustrated example, the upper edge of the inner sleeve 11b is located below the upper edge of the center fitting 22.

The inner sleeve 11b is formed with a first restricting groove 11f that opens on the outer circumferential surface. The first restricting groove 11f extends vertically at a position radially facing the upper protrusion 11d of the inner sleeve 11b. The upper protrusion 11d is accommodated in the first restricting groove 11f. The inner sleeve 11 restricts the circumferential movement of the upper protrusion 11d in the first restricting groove 11f while guiding the movement in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the first restricting groove 11f is open at the upper end edge of the inner sleeve 11b, but is not open at the lower end edge of the inner sleeve 11b. Therefore, when the inner sleeve 11b rises, the upper protrusion 11d abuts against the lower end surface of the first restricting groove 11f from above, restricting the upper protrusion 11d from falling out of the first restricting groove 11f.

A stopper projection 11g is formed at the upper end of the inner sleeve 11b so as to project radially inward.
A second restricting groove 11h that opens onto the inner peripheral surface of the inner sleeve 11b is formed in the inner sleeve 11b at a position different in the circumferential direction from the stopper projection 11g. The second restricting groove 11h extends in the vertical direction and is open on both upper and lower end edges of the inner sleeve 11b.

The middle plate 12 is provided in the sleeve 11 so as to be movable up and down relative to the sleeve 11 while its circumferential rotation relative to the sleeve 11 (inner sleeve 11b) is restricted. The middle plate 12 includes a middle plate main body 51 and a movable cylinder (movable shaft) 52.
The inner plate body 51 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape coaxial with the container axis O. The inner plate body 51 is accommodated inside the outer sleeve 11a in a portion located above the inner transmission shaft 26. The inner plate body 51 is filled with contents. The contents are filled in a state where they protrude upward from the inner plate body 51.

The movable cylinder 52 is integrally formed with the inner plate body 51. The movable cylinder 52 extends downward from the bottom wall of the inner plate body 51. The movable cylinder 52 is inserted inside the inner sleeve 11b and surrounds the outer transmission shaft 23b. The movable cylinder 52 is formed with a protrusion 52a that protrudes radially outward. The protrusion 52a extends vertically on the outer circumferential surface of the movable cylinder 52. The protrusion 52a is accommodated in the second restricting groove 11h. The protrusion 52a abuts against the inner surface of the second restricting groove 11h in the circumferential direction, so that the rotation of the inner plate 12 relative to the inner sleeve 11b is restricted while vertical movement relative to the inner sleeve 11b is permitted.

At the lower end of the movable cylinder 52, at a position different in the circumferential direction from the protrusion 52a, a stopper protrusion 52b is formed that protrudes radially outward. The stopper protrusion 52b faces the stopper protrusion 11g of the inner sleeve 11b in the up-down direction. The stopper protrusion 52b abuts against the stopper protrusion 11g of the inner sleeve 11b from below, restricting the upward movement of the middle plate 12 relative to the inner sleeve 11b.

A second engagement protrusion (engagement protrusion) 52c that protrudes radially inward is formed at the lower end of the movable cylinder 52. The second engagement protrusion 52c is housed (engaged) in the outer spiral groove 32. As the movable cylinder 52 rotates in the circumferential direction relative to the outer transmission shaft 23b, the second engagement protrusion 52c moves spirally within the outer spiral groove 32, causing the movable cylinder 52 to move up and down relative to the outer transmission shaft 23b. In this embodiment, two second engagement protrusions 52c are provided circumferentially spaced apart to match the number of threads in the outer spiral groove 32. Each second engagement protrusion 52c extends at an angle along the outer spiral groove 32.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a positioning mechanism 61 is provided on the bottom wall 21a and the payout member 23. The positioning mechanism 61 includes a first positioning portion (positioning portion) 62 provided on the payout member 23 and a second positioning portion 63 provided on the bottom wall 21a.

The first positioning portion 62 protrudes downward from the inner peripheral edge of the base portion 25. The first positioning portion 62 is formed in a cylindrical shape arranged coaxially with the container axis O. A recess 62a is formed in a portion of the first positioning portion 62 in the circumferential direction, dividing the first positioning portion 62 in the circumferential direction. The recess 62a penetrates the first positioning portion 62 in the radial direction and is open on the lower end surface of the first positioning portion 62.

The protruding height of the first positioning portion 62 from the base portion 25 gradually decreases from one side to the other side in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the lower end surface of the first positioning portion 62 extends in a spiral shape, with the lower end opening edge located on the other side of the circumferential direction of the recess 62a as its lowermost end and the lower end opening edge located on one side of the circumferential direction of the recess 62a as its uppermost end. The lower end surface of the first positioning portion 62 forms a sliding surface 62b that extends upward from one side to the other side in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the uppermost end of the sliding surface 62b is located below the lower surface of the base portion 25.

Of the inner surfaces of the recess 62a, the first inner surface 62c facing one circumferential side protrudes downward compared to the second inner surface 62d facing the other circumferential side. In the recess 62a, the lower part of the first inner surface 62c forms a rotation prevention portion 62f that protrudes downward relative to the uppermost end of the sliding surface 62b (the lower edge of the second inner surface 62d).

The second positioning portion 63 includes a protrusion 67 and a slope portion 68 .
The protrusion 67 protrudes upward from a position on the bottom wall 21a facing the recess 62a in the up-down direction. The protrusion 67 is housed in the recess 62a from below. The protrusion 67 abuts against the first inner side surface 62c or the second inner side surface 62d, thereby restricting the circumferential movement of the exterior body 21 relative to the payout member 23. With the protrusion 67 housed in the recess 62a, the upper end surface of the protrusion 67 is in close proximity to or abuts against the base portion 25 from below.

The slope portion 68 extends spirally around the container axis O so that the protruding height from the bottom wall 21a gradually increases from one side to the other side in the circumferential direction. The end portion located on the other side of the circumferential direction of the slope portion 68 is connected to the middle part in the vertical direction with respect to the first outer surface 67a facing one side of the circumferential direction of the protrusion 67. On the other hand, the end portion located on one side of the circumferential direction of the slope portion 68 is connected to the boundary part between the second outer surface 67b facing the other side of the circumferential direction of the protrusion 67 and the bottom wall 21a. The upper end surface of the slope portion 68 constitutes an opposing surface 68a that faces the entire sliding surface 62b in the vertical direction when the protrusion 67 is accommodated in the recess 62a. In the illustrated example, the opposing surface 68a extends following the sliding surface 62b and is close to or in contact with the entire sliding surface 62b.

The cap 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a top that is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The inner plate 12 is removably attached to the cap 13 with the upper part of the sleeve 11 (outer sleeve 11a) inserted through it.

Next, there will be described the operation of the above-mentioned dispensing container 1. In the following explanation, first, a method of using the dispensing container 1 will be described, and then a method of assembling the dispensing container 1 will be described.
When using the dispensing container 1, first, the cap 13 is removed from the operating part 10. Next, the outer sleeve 11a and the exterior body 21 (peripheral wall 21f) are grasped, and the operating part 10 and the sleeve 11 are rotated relative to each other in the dispensing direction. At this time, since the center fixture 22 and the fixed shaft member 23a are attached to the exterior body 21 so as not to rotate relative to each other, the exterior body 21, the center fixture 22 and the fixed shaft member 23a rotate together. Meanwhile, since the outer sleeve 11a and the inner sleeve 11b are attached to each other so as not to rotate relative to each other, and the inner sleeve 11b and the middle plate 12 are attached to each other so as not to rotate relative to each other, the sleeve 11 and the middle plate 12 rotate together.

When the operating part 10 and the sleeve 11 are rotated relative to each other, at least one of the following occurs: the inner transmission shaft 26 and the outer transmission shaft 23b rotate together relative to the movable cylinder 52, or the inner transmission shaft 26 rotates relative to the outer transmission shaft 23b.

When the inner transmission shaft 26 and the outer transmission shaft 23b rotate together relative to the movable cylinder 52, the second engagement protrusion 52c moves helically within the outer spiral groove 32 while engaged within the outer spiral groove 32, causing the movable cylinder 52 (middle plate 12) to rise relative to the payout member 23. In this specification, the operation in which the payout member 23 and the movable cylinder 52 rotate relative to each other in the payout direction to cause the middle plate 12 to rise is referred to as the "first operation."

When the inner transmission shaft 26 rotates relative to the outer transmission shaft 23b, the first engagement protrusion 31 moves spirally within the inner spiral groove 26a while engaged within the inner spiral groove 26a, causing the outer transmission shaft 23b to rise relative to the inner transmission shaft 26. At this time, the second engagement protrusion 52c is pushed up via the inner surface of the outer spiral groove 32, causing the middle plate 12 to rise together with the outer transmission shaft 23b. In this specification, the operation in which the inner transmission shaft 26 and the outer transmission shaft 23b rotate relative to each other in the payout direction, causing the middle plate 12 to rise together with the outer transmission shaft 23b, is referred to as the "second operation."

In other words, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, when the operating part 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 and second actions. This causes the contents to be dispensed upward from the sleeve 11. Which of the first and second actions occurs varies depending on the frictional resistance between the various members. However, regardless of which action takes precedence, the contents are dispensed and the user can use them. It should be noted that both the first and second actions may occur simultaneously.

In the initial stage of the middle plate 12 rising due to the first or second action, the middle plate 12 rises relative to the inner sleeve 11b (first rising process). Specifically, in the first rising process, the protrusion 52a is guided by the second regulating groove 11h, so that the rotation of the middle plate 12 relative to the inner sleeve 11b is restricted, and the middle plate 12 rises relative to the inner sleeve 11b. In the first rising process, the stopper protrusion 52b of the middle plate 12 abuts against the stopper protrusion 11g of the inner sleeve 11b from below. This restricts the rise of the middle plate 12 relative to the inner sleeve 11b.

After the first rising process, when the middle plate 12 tries to rise further by the first or second operation, the inner sleeve 11b is pushed upward via the stopper protrusions 11g and 52b. As a result, the middle plate 12 rises together with the inner sleeve 11b relative to the outer sleeve 11a (second rising process). In the second rising process, since the upper protrusion 11d is accommodated in the restricting groove 11f, the rotation of the inner sleeve 11b relative to the outer sleeve 11a is restricted, and the inner sleeve 11b rises relative to the outer sleeve 11a. In the second rising process, the lower end surface of the restricting groove 11f abuts against the upper protrusion 11d from below, restricting the rise of the inner sleeve 11b relative to the outer sleeve 11a. As a result, the middle plate 12 reaches the uppermost position. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the second rising process occurs after the first rising process has been described, but the first rising process may occur after the second rising process, or the first rising process and the second rising process may occur simultaneously.

When the middle plate 12 is lowered, the operating unit 10 and the sleeve 11 are rotated relative to each other in the storage direction. Then, the inner transmission shaft 26 and the outer transmission shaft 23b rotate integrally relative to the movable cylinder 52, or the inner transmission shaft 26 rotates relative to the outer transmission shaft 23b, causing the middle plate 12 to lower relative to the sleeve 11. As the middle plate 12 lowers, the inner sleeve 11b lowers together with the middle plate 12 due to its own weight. Then, the lower edge of the inner sleeve 11b abuts against the base portion 25, restricting the descent of the inner sleeve 11b relative to the outer sleeve 11a. After that, the middle plate 12 further lowers, causing the middle plate 12 to lower relative to the outer sleeve 11a and the inner sleeve 11b.

Next, a method for assembling the dispensing container 1 will be described. In the following explanation, the action of combining an exterior module, which combines the exterior body 21 and the center piece 22, with a center plate module, which combines the sleeve 11, the center plate 12, and the dispensing member 23, via the positioning mechanism 61 will be described. However, the dispensing member 23 may be assembled separately to the exterior body 21.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, when combining the exterior module and the middle plate module, first insert the middle plate module into the exterior module through the upper end opening of the middle fixture 22. Then, as the middle plate module enters the exterior module, the upper end surface of the protrusion 67 abuts against the sliding surface 62b (lower end surface) of the first positioning portion 62 at any position in the circumferential direction, and the mounting tube 21b enters the inside of the fitting tube 24 from below. In this state, with the middle plate module pressed downward, the middle plate module and the exterior module are rotated relatively, for example, from the other side to one side in the circumferential direction (positioning process). Then, the protrusion 67 slides on the sliding surface 62b toward the recess 62a, and the middle plate module descends relative to the exterior module as the middle plate module rotates to one side in the circumferential direction relative to the exterior module. Note that it is preferable that the rotation direction when the middle plate module descends coincides with the storage direction. This makes it possible to suppress the middle plate 12 from rising due to the relative rotation between the exterior module and the middle plate module.

Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the second outer surface 67b of the protrusion 67 abuts against the first inner surface 62c (rotation prevention portion 62f) of the recess 62a, restricting the rotation of the inner tray module to the other side in the circumferential direction relative to the exterior module. This causes the protrusion 67 and the recess 62a to face each other in the vertical direction.

2 and 6, with the protrusion 67 and the recess 62a facing each other in the vertical direction, the inner tray module is pushed downwardly relative to the exterior module, so that the protrusion 67 enters the recess 62a (pushing process). In the process of the protrusion 67 entering the recess 62a, the fitting tube 24 moves downward relative to the mounting tube 21b. At this time, the engaged portion 24a climbs downward over the engaging portion 21c, so that the engaged portion 24a engages with the engaging portion 21c from below. In addition, as the engaged portion 24a climbs downward over the engaging portion 21c, the protrusion 67 is accommodated in the recess 62a with the sliding surface 62b and the opposing surface 68a in close proximity or abutment in the vertical direction. This allows the payout member 23 (fixed shaft member 23a) to be assembled to the exterior body 21. That is, the vertical movement of the payout member 23 relative to the exterior body 21 is restricted via the fitting tube 24 and the mounting tube 21b, and the circumferential movement of the payout member 23 relative to the exterior body 21 is restricted via the positioning mechanism 61.

In this embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the protrusion 67 and the recess 62a face each other in the vertical direction, and then in the process of the protrusion 67 entering the recess 62a (pushing process), the engaged portion 24a climbs over the engaging portion 21c. However, this is not limited to the configuration. For example, in the process of the protrusion 67 sliding on the sliding surface 62b (positioning process), the engaged portion 24a may start climbing over the engaging portion 21c while the inner tray module is rotating relative to the exterior module.

Thus, in this embodiment, the outer casing 21 (bottom wall 21a) is provided with a protrusion 67 that protrudes upward toward the advancement member 23 (fixed shaft member 23a), and the advancement member 23 is provided with a positioning portion 62 having a recess 62a in which the protrusion 67 is accommodated when the engaging portion 21c is engaged with the engaged portion 24a, and the lower surface of the positioning portion 62 is provided with a sliding surface 62b that extends spirally.
According to this configuration, when the dispensing member 23 is assembled to the exterior body 21, the exterior body 21 and the dispensing member 23 are rotated relative to each other with the protrusion 67 in contact with the sliding surface 62b. As a result, the protrusion 67 slides on the sliding surface 62b, and the dispensing member 23 descends relative to the exterior body 21 as the dispensing member 23 rotates relative to the exterior body 21. Thereafter, with the recess 62a and the protrusion 67 facing each other in the vertical direction, the protrusion 67 is inserted into the recess 62a, and the engaging portion 21c and the engaged portion 24a can be engaged with each other with the circumferential positions of the dispensing member 23 and the exterior body 21 aligned. This allows the lower end positions of the spiral grooves 26a and 32 to be set at a desired position relative to the exterior body 21, making it easy to position the sleeve 11 at a desired position relative to the exterior body 21. As a result, the marketability and operability of the dispensing container 1 can be improved.
Moreover, in this embodiment, by performing the alignment process before the engagement between the engaging portion 21c and the engaged portion 24a is completed, the sliding resistance required for alignment can be reduced compared to when the alignment process is performed after the engagement between the engaging portion 21c and the engaged portion 24a is completed. As a result, the ease of assembly between the exterior body 21 and the payout member 23 can be improved.

In this embodiment, the outer casing 21 has a slope portion 68 extending circumferentially from the protrusion 67, and the slope portion 68 is configured to have an opposing surface 68a that faces the sliding surface 62b when the engaging portion 21c and the engaged portion 24a are engaged with each other.
According to this configuration, the slope portion 68 is connected to the protrusion 67, thereby reinforcing the protrusion 67. As a result, for example, when the protrusion 67 slides on the sliding surface 62b, deformation of the protrusion 67 is suppressed, and the protrusion 67 can easily enter the recess 62a after alignment.
Furthermore, when the payout member 23 is attached to the exterior body 21, the sliding surface 62b faces the opposing surface 68a, thereby preventing the payout member 23 from rattling relative to the exterior body 21.

In this embodiment, the sliding surface 62b extends around the entire circumference of the first positioning portion 62, and among the inner surfaces of the recess 62a, the first inner side surface 62c protrudes downward further than the second inner side surface 62d.
According to this configuration, in the alignment step, the protrusion 67 abuts against the first inner side surface 62c (rotation prevention portion 62f) of the recess 62a, thereby restricting rotation of the payout member 23 to the other circumferential side relative to the exterior body 21. This allows the protrusion 67 and the recess 62a to face each other in the up-down direction, making it easy to align the circumferential positions of the payout member 23 and the exterior body 21.

In this embodiment, the spiral grooves 26a, 32 are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the transmission shafts 26, 23b, the movable cylinder 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the transmission shafts 26, 23b from the radial outside, and the second engagement protrusion 52c protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the movable cylinder 52.
According to this configuration, the movable cylinder 52 is disposed outside the transmission shafts 26, 23b, so that the movement of the inner tray 12 during the extension operation can be stabilized.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the scope of the attached claims.
In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the concave portion 62a is provided on the payout member 23 and the protrusion portion 67 is provided on the exterior body 21 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. A protrusion may be provided on the payout member 23 and a concave portion may be provided on the exterior body 21.
In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the slope portion 68 is continuous with the protrusion 67 has been described, but the slope portion 68 may not be provided.
In the above embodiment, the sliding surface 62b extends in a spiral shape around the entire circumference of the first positioning portion 62, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. It is sufficient that the sliding surface 62b is formed on at least a part of the first positioning portion 62 in the circumferential direction.

In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the payout member 23 includes the inner transmission shaft 26 and the outer transmission shaft 23b has been described, but the payout member 23 is not limited to this configuration. It is sufficient that the payout member 23 has at least the inner transmission shaft 26.
In the above-described embodiment, the positioning mechanism 61 is provided on the inside of the fitting tube 24 or the mounting tube 21b, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The positioning mechanism 61 may be provided on the outside of the fitting tube 24 or the mounting tube 21b.
In the above-described embodiment, the operation tube portion includes the exterior body 21 and the center tool 22, but is not limited to this configuration. The operation tube portion may include only the exterior body 21.
In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a spiral groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the transmission shaft and the movable shaft surrounds the outside of the transmission shaft has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a configuration in which a spiral groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical transmission shaft and a movable shaft having an engagement protrusion is disposed inside the transmission shaft may also be used.

In addition, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the above-described modifications may be combined as appropriate.

1: Dispensing container 11: Sleeve 21: Exterior body (operating cylinder portion, first member, second member)
21a: Bottom wall 21c: Engagement part 22: Middle tool (operation cylinder part)
23: Feed-out member (second member, first member)
24a: Engaged portion 26: Inner transmission shaft (transmission shaft)
26a: Inner spiral groove (helical groove)
32: Outer spiral groove (helical groove)
51: Middle plate body 52: Movable cylinder (movable axis)
52c: Second engagement protrusion (engagement protrusion)
62: First positioning portion (positioning portion)
62a: Recess 62b: Sliding surface 62c: First inner surface 62d: Second inner surface 67: Protrusion 68: Slope portion 68a: Opposing surface O: Container axis

Claims (4)

A cylindrical operation portion having a bottom,
a sleeve provided inside the operation cylinder portion so as to be rotatable around a container axis;
an inner plate body that is supported inside the sleeve so as to be movable in the axial direction of the container while being restricted in rotation about the container axis, and that holds the contents;
a feeding member having a transmission shaft extending in a container axial direction from a bottom wall of the operation tube portion, the transmission shaft having a spiral groove formed thereon;
A movable shaft extends from the inner plate body in the container axial direction and has an engagement protrusion that engages with the spiral groove,
the operation cylinder portion is provided on the bottom wall, and includes an engaged portion with which the dispensing member engages in the container axial direction when an engaging portion provided on the dispensing member rides over the engaged portion in the container axial direction,
a first member, which is either the advancing member or the operating tube portion, is provided with a protrusion protruding in a container axial direction toward a second member, which is the other member, which is either the advancing member or the operating tube portion ;
the second member is provided with a positioning portion having a recess into which the protrusion is housed when the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion,
A surface of the positioning portion that faces the first member in the container axial direction extends spirally from the opening edge of the recess around the container axis, and is provided with a sliding surface along which the protrusion can slide in response to relative rotation between the operating tube portion and the dispensing member around the container axis.
The first member includes a slope portion that extends spirally from the protrusion around the container axis,
2. The dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein the slope portion has an opposing surface that faces the sliding surface in the container axial direction when the engaging portion and the engaged portion are in an engaged state. the sliding surface extends around the entire circumference of the positioning portion in a direction away from the first member in the container axial direction as it moves from one side to the other side around the container axis,
3. The dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein, of the inner surfaces of the recess, a first inner surface facing one side about the container axis protrudes toward the first member more than a second inner surface facing the other side about the container axis. The spiral groove is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the transmission shaft,
The movable shaft is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the transmission shaft from the outside in the radial direction,
4. The dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein the engagement projection projects radially inward from an inner circumferential surface of the movable shaft.

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