container

Abstract

To provide a container that can be easily disassembled. [Solution] A container that forms a spherical shape by combining a first hemispherical member and a second hemispherical member, comprising: a first fixing part formed on the first hemispherical member and located on the outside of the second hemispherical member when it is in a spherical shape; and a second fixing part formed on the second hemispherical member and fixing the first fixing part when it is in a spherical shape, wherein the second fixing part has an opening that leads to the inside of the second hemispherical member at a position corresponding to the end of the first fixing part.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a container. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Spherical capsules containing commodities to be stored and dispensed by vending machines have been widely used conventionally. Further, a capsule (article storage container) provided with a plurality of holes has been developed (Patent Document 1). [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024-126278 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] However, in the article storage container described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to release the engagement between the connecting portion and the engagement opening when disassembling the container, so there remains room for further improvement.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a container that can be easily disassembled. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0006] To achieve the above object, the container of the present invention is: A container formed into a spherical shape by combining a first hemispherical member and a second hemispherical member, comprising: a first fixing portion formed on the first hemispherical member and located outside the second hemispherical member in the spherical shape; a second fixing portion formed on the second hemispherical member and fixing the first fixing portion in the spherical shape, wherein in the second fixing portion, an opening communicating with the inside of the second hemispherical member is formed at a position corresponding to the end portion of the first fixing portion. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the container of the present invention, when pressing the first fixing part in a direction that separates it from the second fixing part, the user can easily place their finger on the first fixing part by inserting it into the opening.

[0008] As a result, the container of the present invention can be easily disassembled.

[0009] The effects described above are merely illustrative for the sake of explanation and are not limiting. In addition to, or in lieu of, any other effects described herein or that would be obvious to those skilled in the art may be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the container 1 with the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12 assembled. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of container 1 in its disassembled state. [Figure 3] This is a top view of the first hemispherical member 11. [Figure 4] This is a bottom view of the second hemispherical member 12. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged view of area A in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the locking portion 27 without the finger grip portion 45. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of container 1 when the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12 of container 1 are assembled in a disassembled state. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of container 1 when the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12 of container 1 are assembled in a disassembled state. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of container 1 when the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12 of container 1 are assembled in a disassembled state. [Figure 10]It is an explanatory diagram illustrating a disassembly method when disassembling the container 1 in an assembled state. [Figure 11] It is an explanatory diagram illustrating the dimensions of the container 1. [Figure 12] It is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first mold 61 for forming the first hemispherical member 11. [Figure 13] It is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second mold 62 for forming the second hemispherical member 12. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For convenience of explanation, the description will be given using three mutually perpendicular three-dimensional directions (i.e., X direction, Y direction, and Z direction). Further, for convenience of explanation, rotation about an imaginary axis extending in a predetermined direction as a rotation axis may be simply expressed as rotating about the predetermined direction. Similarly, for convenience of explanation, an "imaginary axis extending in a predetermined direction", such as movement along an imaginary axis extending in a predetermined direction or a circle centered on an imaginary axis extending in a predetermined direction, may be expressed as "an axis in the predetermined direction".

[0012] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the container 1 in a state where the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12 are combined. Further, referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of the container 1 in a disassembled state. The container 1 is constituted by the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12. The container 1 forms a spherical shape by combining the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12. Further, when the container 1 is in a spherical shape, a space is formed inside. Accordingly, when the container 1 is in a spherical shape, an article can be accommodated inside. That is, the container 1 can be used, for example, as a container for capsule products that are accommodated and discharged by a vending machine described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-207580.

[0013] The first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12 contain, for example, resin. Both the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12 are integrally molded products. That is, since the container 1 is constituted by two members, production is easy. The first hemispherical member 11 is a substantially hemispherical member that protrudes in the Z-direction when viewed from the X-direction and the Y-direction. The first hemispherical member 11 includes a first mesh portion 21, a first rigid portion 23, a fitting portion 25, and a locked portion 27 (first fixing portion).

[0014] Referring to Fig. 3, a top view of the first hemispherical member 11 is shown. The first mesh portion 21 is a portion formed in a lattice shape including a plurality of openings (first openings 21a). That is, the first openings 21a form a square when viewed from the Z-direction and are arranged in a grid pattern. Specifically, the first openings 21a are arranged in a direction forming 45° with respect to the X-direction when viewed from the Z-direction (the imaginary line B in Fig. 3). In other words, the first openings 21a are formed in the first mesh portion 21 by forming a plurality of first ribs 29 extending in a direction forming 45° with respect to the X-direction when viewed from the Z-direction and in a direction perpendicular to said direction.

[0015] According to Fig. 2, the first rigid portion 23 is an annular portion along a circle centered on an axis extending in the Z-direction. When the container 1 forms a spherical shape, the first rigid portion 23 is in contact with a second rigid portion 33, which will be described later, of the second hemispherical member 12. By forming this first rigid portion 23, when the end portion on the -Z side of the first hemispherical member 11 is pressed by a user's finger 100 in, for example, the X-direction or the Y-direction, local deformation and breakage of the portion contacted by the finger 100 can be suppressed.

[0016] The fitting portion 25 is a part formed on the radially inward side of the first rigid body portion 23. Specifically, the fitting portion 25 is a recess formed so as to offset the -Z side portion of the radially inward surface of the first rigid body portion 23 radially outward. This fitting portion 25 covers the radially outward side of the guide portion 35 of the second hemispherical member 12, which will be described later. The locking portion 27 is a part that protrudes from the first rigid body portion 23 in the -Z direction. When the container 1 has a spherical shape, the locking portion 27 is located radially outward (X side) of the locking portion 37 of the second hemispherical member 12, which will be described later. There are, for example, four of these locking portions 27 formed on the first rigid body portion 23, and they are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0017] The second hemispherical member 12 is a substantially hemispherical member that protrudes in the -Z direction when viewed from the X and Y directions. This second hemispherical member 12 comprises a second mesh portion 31, a second rigid body portion 33, a guide portion 35, and a locking portion 37 (second fixing portion).

[0018] Referring to Figure 4, a bottom view of the second hemispherical member 12 is shown. The second mesh portion 31, like the first mesh portion 21, is a portion formed in a grid pattern including a plurality of openings (second openings 31a). That is, the second openings 31a form squares when viewed from the -Z direction and are arranged in a grid pattern. Specifically, the second openings 31a are arranged in a direction that forms a 45° angle with respect to the X direction when viewed from the -Z direction. In other words, the second mesh portion 31, like the first mesh portion 21, has its second openings 31a formed by a plurality of second ribs 39 extending in a direction that forms a 45° angle with respect to the X direction when viewed from the -Z direction and in a direction perpendicular to that direction.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the second rigid body portion 33, like the first rigid body portion 23, is an annular portion along a circle centered on an axis extending in the Z direction. When the container 1 takes on a spherical shape, the second rigid body portion 33 contacts the first rigid body portion 23 of the first hemispherical member 11. The formation of this second rigid body portion 33 prevents the second hemispherical member 12 from being damaged by external forces such as pressing, similar to the first rigid body portion 23.

[0020] The guide portion 35 is a portion that protrudes in the Z direction from the radially inner portion of the second rigid body portion 33. This guide portion 35 is formed at a position corresponding to the fitting portion 25 of the first hemispherical member 11 and is located inside the fitting portion 25 when viewed radially. As a result, the movement of the guide portion 35 in the X and Y directions is restricted by the fitting portion 25. The locking portion 37 is a portion cut radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the second rigid body portion 33. For example, four of these locking portions 37 are formed on the second rigid body portion 33 and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0021] Referring to Figure 5, an enlarged view of area A in Figure 1 is shown. In Figure 5, the container 1 is in a disassembled state with the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12 separated. The locking portion 27 has a projection 41, a weight-reducing groove 42, a locking hole 43, and a finger grip portion 45.

[0022] The projection 41 is a portion that protrudes from the first rigid body portion 23 in the -Z direction. The weight-reducing groove 42 is a groove that extends in the Z direction from the Z side of the finger-grip portion 45 on the projection 41. The locking hole 43 is a hole that extends radially inward from the weight-reducing groove 42. The finger-grip portion 45 is the -Z end of the projection 41. Multiple grooves are formed on the radially outward side of this finger-grip portion 45.

[0023] Referring to Figure 6, a perspective view of a locking portion 27 without a finger grip portion 45 is shown. Of the four locking portions 27, two have the aforementioned finger grip portion 45, while the other two do not. For the sake of explanation, the locking portions 27 with the finger grip portion 45 will be referred to as locking portion 27A, and the locking portions 27 without the finger grip portion 45 will be referred to as locking portion 27B. According to Figure 3, the locking portions 27A and 27B are aligned in the circumferential direction because they are formed on the first rigid body portion 23. Also, the locking portions 27A and 27B are arranged alternately, for example. Returning to Figure 6, in the locking portion 27B, a guide groove 47 is formed at the -Z direction end of the projection 41, replacing the finger grip portion 45 of the locking portion 27A. The guide groove 47 is a groove formed on the radially inner edge of the projection 41. This guide groove 47 is located on the Z side of the finger grip portion 45.

[0024] Returning to Figure 5, the locking portion 37 has an insertion groove 51, a locking claw 53, a recess 55, and an opening 57. The insertion groove 51 is formed at a position corresponding to the projection 41 and is a groove that extends in the Z direction. The insertion groove 51 is also formed to be wider than the width direction (Y direction) of the projection 41. The locking claw 53 is a projection that extends radially outward (X direction) from the bottom surface 51a of the insertion groove 51. The -Z side end face 53a of this locking claw 53 is inclined in the -Z direction as it extends radially outward from the bottom surface 51a. In addition, the locking claw 53 has an arcuate surface 53b that is roughly arcuate in cross-section, extending from the radially outward side surface to the Z side end, and as it extends inward in the Z direction.

[0025] The recess 55 is a recess that extends radially inward from the bottom surface 51a of the insertion groove 51. When the container 1 is spherical, the recess 55 is formed at a position corresponding to the finger grip portion 45 of the locking portion 27. That is, when the container 1 is spherical, the recess 55 is formed to recess in a direction away from the finger grip portion 45 of the locking portion 27. The opening 57 is a hole that leads radially inward from the recess 55 (inside the container 1). When the container 1 is spherical, this opening 57 is formed at a position away from the finger grip portion 45 of the locking portion 27 and away from the first hemispherical member 11 in the -Z direction. That is, the opening 57 is formed at a position not covered by the finger grip portion 45.

[0026] Referring to Figures 7-9, an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of container 1 when the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12 of the disassembled container 1 are combined is shown in a cross-sectional view of the ZX section. The configurations of the locking portion 27 and the locking portion 37 when container 1 transforms from a disassembled state to a spherical form will be described below in accordance with Figures 7-9.

[0027] As shown in Figure 7, when the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12 of the disassembled container 1 are brought closer together with the first rigid body 23 and the second rigid body 33 facing each other in the Z direction and -Z direction, the finger grip portion 45 and the locking claw 53 come into contact.

[0028] As shown in Figure 8, when the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12 are brought closer together in the Z and -Z directions after the finger rest portion 45 and the locking claw 53 have come into contact, the finger rest portion 45 is pressed radially outward (X direction) by the locking claw 53. Specifically, the arcuate surface 53b of the locking claw 53 comes into contact with the radially inward (-X side) end of the finger rest portion 45 in the -Z direction. Subsequently, as the locking claw 53 moves in the Z direction, the arcuate surface 53b of the locking claw 53 presses the finger rest portion 45 in the X direction. As described above, the projection 41 on which the finger rest portion 45 is formed protrudes from the first rigid body portion 23 in the -Z direction. That is, as the locking claw 53 moves in the Z direction, the projection 41 flexes around the Z side (i.e., the base of the projection 41) as an axis. Therefore, because the locking claw 53 has an arcuate surface 53b, the locking claw 53 can fit comfortably into the radially inward (-X side) of the finger grip portion 45.

[0029] As shown in Figure 9, the locking claw 53 moves in the Z direction, passes the finger grip portion 45, and then positions itself in the locking hole 43. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the bent projection 41 is no longer pressed by the locking claw 53 when the finger grip portion 45 passes the locking claw 53, and returns to its original shape due to elastic deformation. The end face 53a of the locking claw 53, positioned in this way, contacts the inner edge of the locking hole 43 on the -Z side. As a result, the locking portion 37 locks into the locking portion 27, and the coupled state of the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12 (i.e., the spherical shape of the container 1) can be maintained.

[0030] Referring to Figure 10, an explanatory diagram illustrating the method of disassembling the assembled container 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view of the ZX section. Below, an example of the method of disassembling the container 1 will be described in accordance with Figures 1 and 10. When disassembling the spherical container 1, the user first places their finger 100 on the -Z side end of the finger grip portion 45 of the locking portion 27A and pulls it radially outward (X direction) (Figure 10). As a result, the projection 41 bends around the Z side (i.e., the base of the projection 41) as an axis so that the -Z side end of the finger grip portion 45 moves in the X direction. Next, the user pulls a finger grip portion 45 different from the finger grip portion 45 shown in Figure 10 (i.e., the finger grip portion 45 of the locking portion 27 on the -X side) radially outward (-X direction) in the same way as the finger grip portion 45 shown in Figure 10. As a result, the locked portions 27A on the X side and -X side are released from their engagement with the locked hole 43 by the locking claw 53. At this time, since the end face 53a on the -Z side of the locking claw 53 is inclined in the -Z direction as it extends radially outward from the bottom surface 51a, the locked portion 27A comes into contact with the radially outward side of the locking claw 53. In other words, after the locked portion 27A is released from its engagement with the locked hole 43 by the locking claw 53, when the user removes their finger 100 from the finger rest 45, it remains bent (with the locking of the locking claw 53 released) and comes into contact with the radially outward side of the locking claw 53.

[0031] Subsequently, the user presses the recesses 55 of the locking portions 37 on both the Y-side and -Y-side, corresponding to the locked portion 27B, radially inward. This causes the second rigid portion 33 of the second hemispherical member 12 to flex so that the locking claws 53 of the pressed locking portion 37 move radially inward. When the locking claws 53 move radially inward in this way, the locked portion 27B is released from its locking to the locking hole 43 by the locking claws 53. That is, when the locked portion 27B is released from its locking by the locking claws 53 while the locked portion 27A is in contact with the radially outward side of the locking claws 53, the locking state of all locked portions 27 is released. Therefore, the user can easily release the locking to the locking hole 43 by the locking claws 53. Thus, the user can easily disengage the connection between the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12.

[0032] Here, when the user places their finger 100 on the finger rest 45, the tip of the finger 100 enters the recess 55. Therefore, by forming the recess 55 at a position corresponding to the finger rest 45 on the locking portion 37, it becomes easier for the user to place their finger 100 on the finger rest 45. In particular, since the recess 55, that is, the bottom surface 51a of the insertion groove 51, is formed in the bottom surface 51a, the tip of the user's finger 100 enters the opening 57, so that the finger 100 can be accurately placed on the finger rest 45.

[0033] Referring to Figure 11, an explanatory diagram illustrating the dimensions of container 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view. Specifically, it is a cross-sectional view of the spherical container 1 in the plane formed by the dashed line B and the Z axis in Figure 3. The dimensions of container 1, as well as the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12, will be described below.

[0034] The diameter φ of the container 1, which indicates the distance between the first mesh portion 21 and the second mesh portion 31 of the container 1 in its spherical form, is 27 mm or more and 70 mm or less. For example, the diameter φ is 65 mm. The radial plate thickness t1 of the first mesh portion 21 and the second mesh portion 31 is 1.1 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. For example, the plate thickness t1 is 1.1 mm. The radial plate thickness t2 of the second rigid body portion 33 is 1.8 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. For example, the plate thickness t2 is 2.2 mm. In particular, it is preferable that the plate thickness t2 is at least twice the plate thickness t1. This increases the strength of the second rigid body portion 33, which is prone to bending when the container 1 is disassembled.

[0035] The width t3 of the first rib 29 and the second rib 39 is 1.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. For example, the width t3 is 1.5 mm. In particular, the plate thickness t1 should be less than or equal to the width t3. This allows the rigidity of the first mesh section 21 and the second mesh section 31 to be reduced in the radial direction.

[0036] The position L1 of the -Z side end portion of the first mesh portion 21 is such that the angle θ1 between the Z direction and the radially outer tangent plane of the first mesh portion 21 (the tangent line as seen in Figure 11) is between 25° and 45°. Specifically, the angle θ1 is 25°. The position L2 of the Z side end portion of the second mesh portion 31 is such that, similar to the first mesh portion 21, the angle θ2 between the -Z direction and the radially outer tangent plane of the second mesh portion 31 (the tangent line as seen in Figure 11) is between 25° and 45°. Specifically, the angle θ2 is 25°. This allows the first mesh forming portion 71 and the second mesh forming portion 81, which are provided in the mold described later, to be formed so that they extend uniformly in the Z direction and the -Z direction. In other words, the mold used to form the first mesh portion 21 and the second mesh portion 31 can be simplified.

[0037] In this embodiment, the diameter φ is set to 65 mm. However, when increasing or decreasing the diameter φ, the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12 are formed in such a way that they satisfy the various dimensional conditions described above. Specifically, for the first rib 29 and the second rib 39, instead of increasing the width t3 from 2.0 mm or from 1.1 mm, it is possible to increase the number of the first rib 29 and the second rib 39. This makes it possible to form containers 1 of various diameters φ while maintaining the flexibility and strength of the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12.

[0038] In this way, by forming the first mesh portion 21 and the second mesh portion 31 on the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12, the rigidity can be reduced and the flexibility can be increased. Furthermore, by forming the first mesh portion 21 and the second mesh portion 31 on the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12, the product contained in the container 1 can be visually identified by the user.

[0039] Referring to Figure 12, an explanatory diagram illustrating the first mold 61 for forming the first hemispherical member 11 is shown in a cross-sectional view of the ZX section. Similarly, referring to Figure 13, an explanatory diagram illustrating the second mold 62 for forming the second hemispherical member 12 is shown in a cross-sectional view of the ZX section. The first mold 61 for manufacturing the first hemispherical member 11 and the second mold 62 for manufacturing the second hemispherical member 12 will be described below in accordance with Figures 12 and 13.

[0040] According to Figure 12, the first mold 61 comprises a first cavity 64 and a first core 65. The first cavity 64 is a mold that forms the Z-side of the first hemispherical member 11. This first cavity 64 has a first spherical forming portion 70, a first mesh forming portion 71, and a first locking forming portion 73. The first spherical forming portion 70 is the portion that forms the radially outer outer surface of the first hemispherical member 11. The first mesh forming portion 71 is a plurality of block-shaped portions that extend from the first spherical forming portion 70 in the -Z direction. The -Z-side end of this first mesh forming portion 71 contacts the first inner surface forming portion 75 of the first core 65, which will be described later. The first mesh forming portion 71 also has an outer peripheral edge that has the same shape as the inner peripheral edge of the first opening 21a.

[0041] The first locking portion 73 is the part that forms the outer shape of the Z-side of the locking portion 27. The first locking portion 73 is provided with a first press-cut portion 73a. The first press-cut portion 73a is the part that forms the weight-reducing groove 42 and the locking hole 43 of the locking portion 27. Specifically, the -Z side portion of the first press-cut portion 73a forms the Z-side edge of the locking hole 43. Also, the radially inward (-X side) portion of the first press-cut portion 73a forms the radially outward (X side) of the weight-reducing groove 42.

[0042] The first core 65 is a mold that forms the -Z side of the first hemispherical member 11. The first core 65 has a first inner surface forming portion 75 and a second locking portion 77. The first inner surface forming portion 75 is the part that forms the radially inner outer surface of the first hemispherical member 11. The -Z side end of the first mesh forming portion 71 contacts this first inner surface forming portion 75. The second locking portion 77 is the part that conforms to the -Z side outer shape of the locking portion 27. A first relief portion 77a is formed in this second locking portion 77. The first relief portion 77a is the part that corresponds to the locking hole 43, and its radially outer (X side) portion contacts the radially inner (-X side) portion of the first press-cut portion 73a.

[0043] By providing the first cavity 64 and the first core 65 as described above, the first mold 61 forms the first mesh portion 21 and the locking portion 27 of the first hemispherical member 11. Specifically, when the raw material for the first hemispherical member 11 is filled with the first cavity 64 and the first core 65 joined together, the raw material enters the gap between the first cavity 64 and the first core 65 and hardens, thereby forming the first hemispherical member 11.

[0044] At this time, the first mesh forming portion 71 forms the first rib 29, thereby forming the first opening 21a. In addition, the contact between the first press-cut portion 73a and the first relief portion 77a forms the locking hole 43. Furthermore, since the first mesh forming portion 71, the first press-cut portion 73a, and the first relief portion 77a extend in the Z direction or the -Z direction, the hardened first hemispherical member 11 can be pulled out from the first cavity 64 and the first core 65 in the Z direction or the -Z direction. In other words, by forming the first opening 21a and the locking hole 43 with the first mesh forming portion 71, the first press-cut portion 73a, and the first relief portion 77a that protrude in the Z direction or the -Z direction in the first cavity 64 and the first core 65, the first hemispherical member 11 can be formed with two molds, and consequently, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0045] According to Figure 13, the second mold 62 comprises a second cavity 67 and a second core 68. The second cavity 67 is a mold that forms the -Z side of the second hemispherical member 12. This second cavity 67 has a second spherical forming portion 80, a second mesh forming portion 81, and a first locking forming portion 83. The second spherical forming portion 80 is the portion that forms the radially outer outer surface of the second hemispherical member 12. The second mesh forming portion 81 is a plurality of block-shaped portions that extend in the Z direction from the second spherical forming portion 80. The Z-side end of this second mesh forming portion 81 contacts the second inner surface forming portion 85 of the second core 68, which will be described later.

[0046] The first locking-forming portion 83 is the part that forms the outer shape of the locking portion 37 on the -Z side. The first locking-forming portion 83 is provided with a second press-cut portion 83a. The second press-cut portion 83a is the part that forms the recess 55 and the opening 57 of the locking portion 37. The Z-side portion of the second press-cut portion 83a forms the -Z side edge of the recess 55. Also, the radially inward (-X side) portion of the second press-cut portion 83a forms the radially outward (X side) of the recess 55.

[0047] The second core 68 is a mold that forms the Z-side of the second hemispherical member 12. This second core 68 has a second inner surface forming portion 85 and a second locking forming portion 87. The second inner surface forming portion 85 is the part that forms the radially inner outer surface of the second hemispherical member 12. The Z-side end of the second mesh forming portion 81 contacts this second inner surface forming portion 85. The second locking forming portion 87 is the part that conforms to the Z-side outer shape of the locking portion 37. A second relief portion 87a is formed in this second locking forming portion 87. The second relief portion 87a is the part that corresponds to the opening 57, and its radially outer (X-side) portion contacts the radially inner (-X-side) portion of the second press-cut portion 83a.

[0048] By providing the second cavity 67 and second core 68, the second mold 62 forms the second mesh portion 31 and the locking portion 37 of the second hemispherical member 12. Specifically, when the raw material for the second hemispherical member 12 is filled with the second cavity 67 and second core 68 joined together, the raw material fills the gap between the second cavity 67 and second core 68 and hardens, thereby forming the second hemispherical member 12.

[0049] At this time, the second rib 39 is formed by the second mesh forming section 81, thereby forming the second opening 31a. In addition, the opening 57 can be formed by the contact between the second press-cut section 83a and the second relief section 87a. Furthermore, since the second mesh forming section 81, the second press-cut section 83a, and the second relief section 87a extend in the Z direction or the -Z direction, the hardened second hemispherical member 12 can be pulled out from the second cavity 67 and the second core 68 in the Z direction or the -Z direction. In other words, by forming the second opening 31a and the opening 57 with the second mesh forming section 81, the second press-cut section 83a, and the second relief section 87a that protrude in the Z direction or the -Z direction in the second cavity 67 and the second core 68, the second hemispherical member 12 can be formed with two molds, and consequently, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0050] As described above, the container according to the present invention is a container 1 that forms a spherical shape by combining a first hemispherical member 11 and a second hemispherical member 12, and comprises a locking portion 27 formed on the first hemispherical member 11 and located on the outside of the second hemispherical member 12 when it is in a spherical shape, and a locking portion 37 formed on the second hemispherical member 12 that fixes the locking portion 27 when it is in a spherical shape, and the locking portion 37 has an opening 57 that leads to the inside of the second hemispherical member 12 at a position corresponding to the finger hook portion 45 which is the end of the locking portion 27. As a result, when pulling the locking portion 27 in a direction away from the locking portion 37, the user's finger 100 can be easily placed on the locking portion 27.

[0051] Furthermore, in the container according to the present invention, when it is in a spherical shape, at least a portion of the opening 57 is formed at a position away from the finger-holding portion 45 of the locking portion 27, in a direction away from the first hemispherical member 11. This allows the user to insert their finger 100 into the opening 57 when placing their finger 100 on the finger-holding portion 45. Therefore, the user can comfortably place their finger on the finger-holding portion 45.

[0052] Furthermore, in the container according to the present invention, the locking portion 37 has a recess 55 that is recessed in a direction away from the locking portion 27 at a position corresponding to the finger-grip portion 45 of the locking portion 27, and the opening 57 is formed in the recess 55. This allows the user's finger 100 to be inserted into the opening 57 and then placed on the locking portion 27.

[0053] Furthermore, in the container according to the present invention, the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12 are formed with a first mesh portion 21 and a second mesh portion 31, which include a plurality of first openings 21a and second openings 31a. This allows the user to see inside the container 1, even if, for example, the transparency of the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12 is low.

[0054] Furthermore, in the container according to the present invention, the first mesh portion 21 and the second mesh portion 31 are configured such that at least a portion of the plurality of first openings 21a and second openings 31a are aligned in a grid pattern when viewed from the Z direction (a predetermined direction). This improves the aesthetic appearance of the first openings 21a and second openings 31a when viewed, for example, from the Z direction.

[0055] Furthermore, in the container according to the present invention, the second hemispherical member 12 has a second mesh portion 31 formed therein, which includes a plurality of second openings 31a, and the second openings 31a and the recesses 55 of the locking portion 37 are aligned in the same direction, the Z direction. As a result, the formation of the second openings 31a and the recesses 55 of the locking portion 37 can be formed with a single mold (second mold 62).

[0056] Furthermore, in the container according to the present invention, multiple locking portions 27 are provided and arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. This reduces the effort required to align the relative positions of the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12.

[0057] Furthermore, in the container according to the present invention, there are four or fewer locking parts 27. This improves the rate at which the locking of all locking parts 27 is released when the locking state between one locking part 37 and a locking part 27 is released. Consequently, the number of locking parts 27 that need to be released when disassembling the container 1 can be reduced.

[0058] Furthermore, in the container according to the present invention, the radial plate thickness t1 of the first mesh portion 21 and the second mesh portion 31 is 1.1 mm or more. Also, in the container according to the present invention, the shortest distance between the first openings 21a in the first mesh portion 21 and the shortest distance between the second openings 31a in the second mesh portion 31 is greater than or equal to the radial plate thickness t1 of the first mesh portion 21 and the second mesh portion 31. This makes it possible to have flexibility while also having appropriate strength.

[0059] Furthermore, in the container according to the present invention, the first mesh portion 21 and the second mesh portion 31 have an angle of 25° or more between the radially outer tangent plane of the first mesh portion 21 and the second mesh portion 31 and the direction along which the first opening 21a and the second opening 31a are aligned. This allows the first opening 21a and the second opening 31a to be suitably formed in the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12.

[0060] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and various modifications are possible.

[0061] For example, in this embodiment, it has been explained that there are four locking portions 27, but there may be three or fewer, or five or more. Similarly, in this embodiment, it has been explained that there are four locking portions 37, but there may be three or fewer, or five or more. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of locking portions 27 protruding in the -Z direction is preferably less than or equal to the number of locking portions 37 that accommodate the locking portions 27. That is, if the number of locking portions 27 is less than the number of locking portions 37, all the locking portions 27 can be accommodated by the locking portions 37 when combining the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12. In particular, it is preferable that the locking portions 37 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. This allows the user to combine the first hemispherical member 11 and the second hemispherical member 12 without being aware of the position of the locking portions 37.

[0062] Furthermore, although the shapes of the first mesh portion 21 and the second mesh portion 31 in this embodiment have been specifically described above, they may be modified as appropriate. For example, the first opening 21a and the second opening 21a are square when viewed from the -Z direction or the Z direction, but they may also be rectangular, triangular, polygons with pentagons or more sides, circular, or silhouette-shaped such as a character, and some or all of them may have different shapes.

[0063] Furthermore, the designations in the embodiments described above are merely used to distinguish the components from one another, and other designations may be used depending on the function and form. Also, even if there are descriptions such as "First" or "Second" in this disclosure, it does not mean that it is limited to only the two elements to which these designations are attached. Naturally, it may also include "Third," "Fourth," and more elements. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1 container 11. First hemispherical member 12. Second hemispherical member 21. First mesh section (mesh section) 21a 1st opening (opening) 27 Locked part (first fixed part) 29. First rib (rib) 31. Second mesh section (mesh section) 31a 2nd opening (opening) 37 Locking part (second fixing part) 39. Second rib (rib) 43 Locked hole 45 Finger rest (end) 55 recess 57 Opening

Claims

1. A container that forms a spherical shape by combining a first hemispherical member and a second hemispherical member, A first fixing portion is formed on the first hemispherical member and is located on the outside of the second hemispherical member when it is in a spherical shape, The second hemispherical member comprises a second fixing portion formed on the second hemispherical member, which fixes the first fixing portion when it is in a spherical shape, The second fixing portion has an opening formed at a position corresponding to the end of the first fixing portion, which leads to the interior of the second hemispherical member. container.

2. In the spherical shape, at least a portion of the opening is formed at a position separated from the first hemispherical member in a direction away from the end of the first fixing portion. The container according to claim 1.

3. The second fixing portion has a recess at a position corresponding to the end of the first fixing portion, which is recessed in a direction away from the first fixing portion. The opening is formed in the recess, The container according to claim 1.

4. At least one of the first hemispherical member and the second hemispherical member is formed with a mesh portion including a plurality of openings. The container according to claim 1.

5. The mesh portion is such that at least a portion of the plurality of openings are arranged in a grid pattern when viewed from a predetermined direction. The container according to claim 4.

6. The second hemispherical member is formed with a mesh portion containing a plurality of openings, The opening and the recess of the second fixing portion are aligned in the same direction. The container according to claim 3.

7. The first fixing part is provided in multiple locations and is arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The container according to claim 1.

8. The first fixing part is four or fewer. The container according to claim 7.

9. The radial thickness of the mesh portion is 1.1 mm or more. The container according to claim 4.

10. The shortest distance between the multiple openings in the mesh portion is greater than or equal to the plate thickness in the radial direction of the mesh portion. The container according to claim 4.

11. The mesh portion is such that the angle between the radially outer tangent plane of the mesh portion and the direction along which the opening is aligned is 25° or more. The container according to claim 5.

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