container

Abstract

To provide a container that reduces material costs and lowers overall container costs while ensuring good rolling properties. [Solution] A container for use in a capsule vending machine, comprising: a first container half 101 having a first opening edge 1015; a second container half 102 having a second opening edge 1025; and a hinge 103 connecting the first container half 101 and the second container half, wherein when the first opening edge 1015 and the second opening edge 1025 are brought together to close the container, a first hemispherical surface 11, a second hemispherical surface 12, and a flange-shaped expansion portion 13 form a storage space, and the expansion portion is formed in a shape that conforms to the surface of the first hemispherical surface, the second hemispherical surface, or the expansion portion of another container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a capsule container for accommodating character toys and the like sold by a capsule vending machine.

Background Art

[0002] A capsule container used in a capsule vending machine is configured such that, for example, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, an internal space is formed by closing the opening edges of a first container half and a second container half connected by a hinge so as to face each other.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a capsule container, for example, a small-volume product, such as a product on a flat plate, may be accommodated. When accommodating a product on a flat plate in a spherical container, an internal space that is not occupied by the product will occur inside the container, resulting in extra space inside the container. As a result, the number of capsule containers that can be accommodated in the housing of the vending machine is limited. Further, due to the presence of the extra space, the material cost of the container and the manufacturing cost may increase. Furthermore, in order to be used in a capsule vending machine, it is necessary to ensure the rolling property of the container inside the housing of the capsule vending machine.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a container that reduces the material cost of the container, reduces the cost of the container, and ensures the rolling property.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A container used in a capsule vending machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first container half having a first opening edge, a second container half having a second opening edge, and a hinge connecting the first container half and the second container half. When the container is closed by bringing the first and second opening edges together, a first hemisphere formed by a part of the first container half and a part of the second container half, a second hemisphere formed by the other part of the first container half and the other part of the second container half, facing the first hemisphere in a second opposing direction perpendicular to the first opposing direction in which the first and second container halves face each other, and a flange-shaped expansion portion provided between the first and second hemispheres to connect them, and formed by expanding each of the first and second hemispheres, forms a storage space, and the expansion portion is formed in a shape that conforms to the surface of the first hemisphere, second hemisphere, or expansion portion of another container.

[0007] According to this embodiment, when the container is closed, the internal space of the container is formed by the first hemisphere, the second hemisphere, and the expansion portion. The internal space has two hemispherical spaces formed by the first and second hemispheres, respectively, and a flange-shaped space formed by the expansion portion. In a container having such an internal space, for example, a flat product can be placed in the flange-shaped space. This allows only the space necessary for accommodating the product to be expanded. Therefore, compared to a container that is entirely spherical and whose outer diameter is large enough to accommodate the product, the size occupied by the container can be reduced, thus reducing the cost of the container. In addition, since the expansion portion is formed in a shape that conforms to the first hemisphere, second hemisphere, or expansion portion of another container, the rolling ability of the container can be ensured.

[0008] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first container half has a first quarter-sphere and a second quarter-sphere facing the first quarter-sphere in a second opposing direction and connected to a hinge, and the second container half has a third quarter-sphere and a fourth quarter-sphere facing the third quarter-sphere in a second opposing direction and connected to a hinge, and when the container is closed, the first quarter-sphere and the third quarter-sphere form a first hemisphere, and the second quarter-sphere and the fourth quarter-sphere form a second hemisphere.

[0009] In this embodiment, the second quarter-sphere portion and the fourth quarter-sphere portion forming the second hemisphere are each connected to a hinge, and the container can be opened and closed by the rotation of the hinge.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first quarter-sphere is provided with a tongue-shaped portion extending from a first opening edge and a locking hole provided in the tongue-shaped portion, and the third quarter-sphere is provided with a first recess capable of accommodating the tongue-shaped portion when the container is closed and a projection provided in the first recess and projecting outward from the container, and the first container half and the second container half are locked together by the projection engaging with the locking hole.

[0011] In this embodiment, the first container half and the second container half can be locked together by the first locking portion and the second locking portion, which are provided on the first and third quarter-sphere portions facing the second and fourth quarter-sphere portions connected to the hinge. As a result, when opening the container from a closed state, the direction of the force to release the locking and the direction in which the container opens are the same, so the operation from releasing the locking to opening the container can be performed as a single operation, making it easier to open the container.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first recess is further provided with a second recess formed toward the inside of the container, and the tongue-shaped portion is provided with a third recess facing the second recess when the container is closed, and when the container is closed, the second recess and the third recess form a space.

[0013] According to this aspect, it becomes possible to guide the finger of the user who opens the container into the space formed by the second recess and the third recess. By guiding the finger to an appropriate position, an extra force is not required for the user to open the container, and the container can be easily opened.

[0014] Also, in another aspect of the present disclosure, the second recess and the third recess are formed to taper in a direction toward the protrusion when the container is closed.

[0015] According to this aspect, it is possible to guide the fingertip of the user to fit better into the space formed by the second recess and the third recess, and the user can more easily open the container.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a container that reduces the material cost of the container, reduces the cost of the container, and ensures rollability.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a side view seen from the width direction side of the container in the closed state. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram of a container housed in a capsule vending machine. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing the container in the opened state. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing the container in the closed state. [Figure 5] It is a front view of the container in the closed state. It is a plan view of the container in the opened state. [Figure 6] It is a plan view of the container in the opened state. [Figure 7] It is a bottom view of the container in the closed state. [Figure 8] It is a view showing the state in which a product is housed in the container in the opened state. [Figure 9] It is a view showing the state in which a product is housed in the container according to the comparative example. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view showing the closed container according to the comparative example.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Referring to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. In each figure, those denoted by the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations. Also, the positional relationships such as up, down, left, and right in the drawings are based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings unless otherwise specified.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a side view of the closed container '10' as viewed from the width direction (y direction) side according to the present embodiment.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the container '10' has a shape that becomes spindle-shaped in side view when closed. As will be described later, the container '10' is a container capable of accommodating an object on a flat plate. The container '10' is made of a synthetic resin such as PP (polypropylene), for example.

[0021] The container '10' includes, for example, a first container half '101', a second container half '102', and a hinge '103'. The first container half '101' and the second container half '102' are locked to each other by a locking mechanism including a tongue portion '10141' and a protrusion portion '10242' described later. The hinge '103' enables the rotational movement of the first container half '101' and the second container half '102' in the xz plane.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the first container half '101' has a first quarter-spherical portion '1011', a second quarter-spherical portion '1012', diameter-expanded portions '10111, 10121', a housing portion '1013', a tongue portion '10141', a locking hole '10142', a ventilation hole '10152', and a ventilation hole '10154'.

[0023] The first quarter-sphere portion 1011 and the second quarter-sphere portion 1012 are both curved surfaces with a thin wall thickness. The first quarter-sphere portion 1011 and the second quarter-sphere portion 1012 are arranged to face each other in the first opposing direction (x direction). The second quarter-sphere portion 1012 is connected to the hinge 103. The x direction can also be called the thickness direction. The first quarter-sphere portion 1011 and the second quarter-sphere portion 1012 are, for example, flattened spheres in the x direction, as shown in Figure 1. The first quarter-sphere portion 1011 and the second quarter-sphere portion 1012 may be quarter spheres. The shapes of the first quarter-sphere portion 1011 and the second quarter-sphere portion 1012 can be appropriately changed depending on the goods to be stored.

[0024] The first quarter-sphere 1011 is connected to an enlarged diameter portion 10111 that expands toward the second quarter-sphere 1012 in the x-direction. The second quarter-sphere 1012 is connected to an enlarged diameter portion 10121 that expands toward the first quarter-sphere 1011 in the x-direction. A ventilation hole 10152 is provided at the connection between the first quarter-sphere 1011 and the enlarged diameter portion 10111, and a ventilation hole 10154 is provided at the connection between the second quarter-sphere 1012 and the enlarged diameter portion 10121. The ventilation holes 10152 and 10154 are provided, for example, to ensure ventilation in the event that the container 10 is accidentally ingested.

[0025] A housing section 1013 is provided so as to be sandwiched between the enlarged diameter section 10111 and the enlarged diameter section 10121. The housing section 1013 has a shape that divides an annular curved surface in half. The enlarged diameter section 10111, the housing section 1013, and the enlarged diameter section 10121 form a housing space on the first container half 101 side.

[0026] The second container half 102 has a third quarter spherical portion 1021, a fourth quarter spherical portion 1022, enlarged diameter portions 10211, 10221, a housing portion 1023, a recess 10241, a projection 10242, and ventilation holes 10252, 10254.

[0027] The third quarter-sphere 1021 is positioned to face the first quarter-sphere 1011 in the second opposing direction (z-direction) when the container 10 is closed. The z-direction can also be called the height direction. The fourth quarter-sphere 1022 is positioned to face the third quarter-sphere 1021 in the x-direction. The fourth quarter-sphere 1022 is connected to the hinge 103.

[0028] The third quarter-sphere portion 1021 and the fourth quarter-sphere portion 1022 are both curved surfaces with a thin wall thickness. The third quarter-sphere portion 1021 and the fourth quarter-sphere portion 1022 are flattened spheres that appear as if a perfect sphere has been compressed in the x-direction, similar to the first quarter-sphere portion 1011 and the second quarter-sphere portion 1012, and may also be quarter spheres, and their shape can be appropriately changed depending on the goods to be contained.

[0029] The third quarter spherical portion 1021 is connected to an enlarged diameter portion 10211 that expands toward the fourth quarter spherical portion 1022 in the x-direction. The fourth quarter spherical portion 1022 is connected to an enlarged diameter portion 10221 that expands toward the third quarter spherical portion 1021 in the x-direction. A ventilation hole 10252 is provided at the connection between the third quarter spherical portion 1021 and the enlarged diameter portion 10121, and a ventilation hole 10254 is provided at the connection between the fourth quarter spherical portion 1022 and the enlarged diameter portion 10221.

[0030] A housing section 1023 is provided so as to be sandwiched between the enlarged diameter section 10211 and the enlarged diameter section 10221. The housing section 1023 has a shape that divides an annular curved surface in half. The enlarged diameter section 10211, the housing section 1023, and the enlarged diameter section 10221 form the housing space on the second container half 102 side.

[0031] When the container 10 is closed, the first quarter-sphere portion 1011 and the third quarter-sphere portion 1021 form the first hemisphere 11. The second quarter-sphere portion 1012 and the fourth quarter-sphere portion 1022 form the second hemisphere 12. Sandwiched between the first hemisphere 11 and the second hemisphere 12, the expanded portion 13 is formed by the enlarged diameter portions 10111, 10121, the housing portion 1013, the enlarged diameter portions 10211, 10221, and the housing portion 1023. When the container 10 is closed, the expanded portion 13 has a flange-like shape in which the first hemisphere 11 and the second hemisphere 12 are each enlarged by the enlarged diameter portions 10111, 10121, the housing portion 1013, the enlarged diameter portions 10211, 10221, and the housing portion 1023.

[0032] The expanded portion 13 is formed in a shape that conforms to the first hemisphere, second hemisphere, or expanded portion of the other container. Specifically, in container 10, the curved surfaces formed by the enlarged diameter portions 10111, 10121, 10211, and 10221 can be concave surfaces having the same curvature as the first quarter-sphere portion 1011, second quarter-sphere portion 1012, third quarter-sphere portion 1021, and fourth quarter-sphere portion 1022 of the other container, so as to conform to the outer surface of each quarter-sphere portion. Furthermore, the curved surfaces formed by each enlarged diameter portion can be concave surfaces having the same curvature as the ends of the storage portions 1013 and 1023 in the height direction, i.e., the curved surfaces formed at the periphery of container 10, so as to conform to the ends of the storage portions 1013 and 1023 in the height direction, i.e., the periphery of container 10.

[0033] The internal space of the container 10 has two hemispherical spaces formed by the first hemisphere 11 and the second hemisphere 12, respectively, and a flange-shaped space formed by the expansion portion 13. In a container 10 having such an internal space, for example, a flat product can be placed in the flange-shaped space. This allows only the space necessary for accommodating the product to be expanded. Therefore, compared to a container that is entirely spherical and whose outer diameter is large enough to accommodate the product, the size occupied by the container can be reduced, thus reducing the cost of the container.

[0034] Furthermore, since both the first and second hemispheres are hemispherical in shape, the container can be rolled easily.

[0035] The rolling properties will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 schematically shows multiple containers 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D arranged in random directions inside the casing B of a capsule vending machine. The containers 10 roll along the inclined surface of casing B, wait near the exit, and are discharged from the exit of casing B, for example, by inserting a coin and operating a lever.

[0036] When considering containers 10A and 10B, the end of the flange of the expansion portion 13B of container 10A contacts the curved surface between the expansion portion 13A of container 10A and the second hemisphere 12A. In this state, for example, if container 10A rotates counterclockwise due to being pushed by another container, its movement is not hindered by the expansion portion 13B of container 10B. Similarly, in the relationship between container 10B and container 10C, the second hemisphere 12B, the expansion portion 13C, and the second hemisphere 12C do not hinder each other's rotation. The second hemisphere 12B can rotate along the surfaces of the second hemisphere 12C and the expansion portion 13C. Similarly, in the relationship between container 10C and container 10D, the first hemisphere 11C, the expansion portion 13C, and the first hemisphere 11D do not hinder each other's rotation.

[0037] In this way, the surfaces formed by the first hemisphere 11, the second hemisphere 12, and the expansion portion 13 of the container 10 can be arranged so as not to hinder each other's rotation, thereby ensuring that the container 10 rolls smoothly inside the housing. Note that the external shape of the container 10 is not limited to that shown in Figure 1, etc., and may be other shapes in which the thickness of the expansion portion 13 in the width direction is increased or decreased to an extent that ensures smooth rolling.

[0038] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the container 10 in an open state. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the container 10 in a closed state.

[0039] The container 10 is closed so that the first opening edge 1015 of the first container half 101 and the second opening edge 1025 of the second container half 102 are brought together, resulting in the closed state shown in Figure 1.

[0040] In the first container half 101, the tongue-shaped portion 10141 is provided extending from the first opening edge 1015. A locking hole 10142 is provided in the tongue-shaped portion 10141. In addition, a recess 10143 is provided at the end of the tongue-shaped portion 10141.

[0041] The second container half 102 is provided with a recess 10241 capable of accommodating the tongue-shaped portion 10141. In the example shown in Figure 3, the recess 10241 is provided along the surface of the third quarter-sphere portion 1021. At the end of the recess 10241 on the second opening edge 1025 side, a projection 10242 is provided that protrudes outward from the container 10. The recess 10241 is further provided with a recess 10243 formed toward the inside of the container 10. The recesses 10143 and 10243 are tapered toward the projection 10242 when the container 10 is closed. The recesses 10143 and 10243 also form a space when the container 10 is closed. This space is for the consumer to insert their finger to open the container 10.

[0042] When the container 10 is closed, the tongue-shaped portion 10141 deforms along the surface of the projection 10242 and is housed in the corresponding recess 10241. The projection 10242 enters and engages with the locking hole 10142 of the tongue-shaped portion 10141, thereby locking the tongue-shaped portion 10141 to the projection 10242. This closes the container 10.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the container 10 in a closed state. As shown in Figure 4, the container 10 is provided with two locking mechanisms consisting of a tongue-shaped portion 10141 and a projection portion 10242.

[0044] To open container 10, as shown in Figure 5, the opener places their fingers on the two recesses 10241 of container 10. Then, by moving the fingers in the direction indicated by the arrows in the figure, the fingers move into the space formed by recesses 10143 and 10243. The tongue-shaped portion 10141 is pushed up by the fingers, the projection 10242 separates from the locking hole 10142, and the first container half 101 and the second container half 102 become able to rotate into an open state.

[0045] Here, the advantages of providing two locking mechanisms in the container 10, specifically the tongue-shaped portion 10141 and the projection portion 10242, will be explained. Assume that only one locking mechanism is provided at the center of the first quarter-sphere portion 1011 on the second container half 102 side. In this case, if a compressive force is applied to the container 10 in the x-direction while it is closed, the elastic deformation of the container 10 will cause the end of the container 10 in the y-direction to open. This opening of the end is undesirable because it can lead to jamming with other containers within the housing, displacement of goods, and soiling of goods. The tendency for the end of the container to open when subjected to compressive force is particularly pronounced when the container is expanded to accommodate flat goods, such as in the expanded portion 13. To suppress this opening of the container in response to compressive force, the container 10 is provided with two locking mechanisms.

[0046] Figure 6 shows a plan view of the container 10 when it is opened to 180 degrees. In the first container half 101, a rib 10161 is provided inside the first quarter spherical portion 1011, and a rib 10162 is provided inside the second quarter spherical portion 1012. The rib 10161 has a portion formed along the boundary between the first quarter spherical portion 1011 and the enlarged diameter portion 10111, and a portion formed in a direction perpendicular to the said boundary.

[0047] Furthermore, ribs 10161 are also provided around ventilation holes 10151 and 10152. Ribs 10162 also have two parts, similar to ribs 10161. Ribs 10162 are also provided around ventilation holes 10153 and 10154.

[0048] Similarly, the second container half 102 is also provided with ribs 10261 and 10262, each having two parts. Furthermore, rib 10261 is also provided around the ventilation holes 10251 and 10252, and rib 10262 is also provided around the ventilation holes 10253 and 10254. By providing each rib, deformation of the container under compressive force is suppressed, and damage to the container or unintentional opening can be avoided.

[0049] Figure 7 shows a bottom view of the container in a closed state. As shown in Figure 7, the vent hole 10251 is provided so as to be symmetrical in the xy plane with the vent hole 10151 of the first container half 101. The other vent holes 10252, 10253, and 10254 are also provided so as to be symmetrical with their corresponding vent holes. This prevents excessive compressive force from being applied to any part of the container. For example, even if a compressive force is applied in the x direction, the force will not concentrate on any part of the container, thus preventing damage to the container or unintended opening.

[0050] The storage of flat items in container 10 will be explained with reference to Figures 8, 9, and 10. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of container 10 with items P1 stored inside. The flat items P1 are positioned to be stored in the expanded portion 13 that is formed when the container is closed. When using container 10, flat items such as toys are placed in the first container half 101 or the second container half 102, the first container half 101 and the second container half 102 are brought together, and the first container half 101 and the second container half 102 are locked together to close container 10. Container 10 can accommodate flat items while reducing the size occupied by the container.

[0051] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the container 80 of the comparative example in which product P2 is contained.

[0052] Container 80 is a container in which a first container half 801 and a second container half 802 are connected by a hinge 803, and is a container for storing goods when closed so that the first opening edge 8015 and the second opening edge 8025 meet. The first container half 801 has a first quarter spherical portion 8011, a second quarter spherical portion 8012 facing the first quarter spherical portion 8011, and a storage portion 8013 provided so as to be sandwiched between the first quarter spherical portion 8011 and the second quarter spherical portion 8012.

[0053] The second container half 802 similarly has a third quarter-sphere 8021, a fourth quarter-sphere 8022, and a housing 8023. The first container half 801 and the second container half 802 are locked together by the tongue-shaped portion 80141 being housed in the recess 80241 and the projection 80242 engaging with the locking hole 80142. At this time, the tongue-shaped portion 80141 may be provided with a recess 80143, and the recess 80241 may be provided with a recess 80243. A perspective view of the container 80 in a closed state with the locking hole 80142 and the projection 80242 locked together is shown in Figure 10.

[0054] When accommodating products with equivalent radii, the thickness of product P2 that can be accommodated by container 80 must be thinner than the thickness of product P1 that can be accommodated by container 10. Also, when comparing Figure 10 and Figure 4, the total volume occupied by the container relative to the product is larger for container 80. Using container 10 makes it possible to reduce the size of the container. Therefore, compared to container 80, container 10 reduces the material cost of the container and thus the overall cost of the container. Furthermore, container 10 is a container that ensures the container can roll easily inside the enclosure.

[0055] The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The elements, arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, and sizes of the embodiments are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to partially substitute or combine the configurations shown in different embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 10...Container, 101...First container half 101, 102...Second container half 102, 1015...First opening edge, 1025...Second opening edge, 1011...First quarter-sphere, 1012...Second quarter-sphere 1012, 1021...Third quarter-sphere 1021, 1022...Fourth quarter-sphere 1022, 11...First hemisphere, 12...Second hemisphere, 13...13

Claims

1. A container used in a capsule vending machine, A first container half having a first opening edge, A second container half having a second opening edge, A hinge connecting the first container half and the second container half is provided, When the first opening edge and the second opening edge are brought together and the container is closed, A first hemisphere formed by a part of the first container half and a part of the second container half, In a second opposing direction perpendicular to the first opposing direction in which the first container half and the second container half face each other, the second hemisphere faces the first hemisphere and is formed by the other part of the first container half and the other part of the second container half, A flange-shaped extension is provided between the first hemisphere and the second hemisphere so as to connect the first hemisphere and the second hemisphere, and is formed by the expansion of each of the first and second hemispheres, forming a accommodating space. A container in which the expanded portion is formed in a shape that conforms to the first hemisphere, the second hemisphere, or the surface of the expanded portion of another container.

2. The first container half has a first quarter-sphere portion and a second quarter-sphere portion that faces the first quarter-sphere portion in the second opposing direction and is connected to the hinge, The second container half has a third quarter spherical portion and a fourth quarter spherical portion that faces the third quarter spherical portion in the second opposing direction and is connected to the hinge, When the aforementioned container is closed, The container according to claim 1, wherein the first quarter-sphere portion and the third quarter-sphere portion form the first hemisphere, and the second quarter-sphere portion and the fourth quarter-sphere portion form the second hemisphere.

3. The first quarter-sphere portion is provided with a tongue-shaped portion extending from the first opening edge and a locking hole provided in the tongue-shaped portion. The third quarter spherical portion is provided with a first recess capable of accommodating the tongue-shaped portion when the container is closed, and a projection provided in the first recess that protrudes outward from the container. The container according to claim 2, wherein the first container half and the second container half are locked together by the engagement of the projection in the locking hole.

4. The first recess is further provided with a second recess formed toward the inside of the container, The tongue-shaped portion is provided with a third recess that faces the second recess when the container is closed. The container according to claim 3, wherein when the container is closed, the second recess and the third recess form a space.

5. The container according to claim 4, wherein the second recess and the third recess are formed to taper toward the projection when the container is closed.

Images