Refillable container

Abstract

To provide a filling container in which a user can easily open and close a lid member to refill contents, and the lid member is hard to open even if external force is applied during use.SOLUTION: A refilling container 20 comprises a lid member having: an outer shell member 10 in which an opening part O2 is formed in a first direction Z1; a storage part which is fixed inside the outer shell member 10, and in which an opening part O3 opened inside the opening part O2 is formed, and contents M are stored; a lid body 3c which detachably fits to the opening part O3 from the outside of the outer shell member 10 and closes the opening part O3 when attached; and an elastic engaging part 3d which is provided on the lid body 3c and is detachably engaged to the outer shell member 10 by elastic deformation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a refillable container. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in order to reduce the burden on the environment, refillable containers have been proposed that can be reused by users by replacing or refilling the contents. The lid of the refill container is preferably easy to open by the user, but, depending on the contents, is preferably resistant to accidental or child opening. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a packaging container in which the lid is opened by pressing the lid down against a frame attached to the opening of the container body, releasing the engagement between the locking protrusion on the frame and the locking hole on the operating protrusion on the lid, and rotating the operating protrusion forward to rotate the lid around a hinge. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-124553 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques have the following problems. In the packaging container described in Patent Document 1, when the lid is closed, the lid must be floating from the frame, so a certain amount of gap is generated between the lid and the frame, and the packaging container cannot be sealed with the lid. For this reason, it is not suitable for containing granular or liquid contents. Furthermore, since the operating protrusion is provided on the outside of the lid, if a similar structure is adopted for a refill container that may be subjected to various external forces during use, there is a possibility that the lid may accidentally open depending on how the external force acts.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a refillable container that allows a user to easily open and close the lid member to refill the contents, and in which the lid member is unlikely to open even if an external force is applied during use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a refillable container of a first aspect of the present invention comprises: an outer shell member having a first opening formed in a first direction; a storage section fixed to the inside of the outer shell member and having a second opening formed therein that opens to the inside of the first opening, and storing an item inside; a lid body that removably fits into the second opening from the outside of the outer shell member and closes the second opening when attached; and an elastic engagement section that is provided on the lid body and removably engages with the outer shell member by elastic deformation. The outer shell member has a first outer shell member to which the accommodating portion is fixed on the inside, and a second outer shell member having an outer peripheral surface in which the first opening is formed, and the second outer shell member is prevented from coming off the first outer shell member in the first direction by a first connecting portion provided on the outer periphery of the accommodating portion engaging a second connecting portion provided on an inner periphery of the second outer shell member.

[0008] In the above refillable container, a first engagement protrusion is formed at the first opening, protruding toward the inside of the first outer shell member, and the elastic engagement portion is made of an elastic body having a bent portion extending from the outer periphery of the lid body and bent into a U-shape, and when engaged with the first outer shell member, the elastic member is inserted between the first engagement protrusion and the storage portion with the bent portion facing a second direction opposite to the first direction without protruding from the outer periphery surface, and a second engagement protrusion is formed at the first opening, protruding toward the inside of the first outer shell member from a surface of the elastic member away from the bent portion in the first direction, and engages with the first engagement protrusion from the first direction.

[0009] In the refill container, the lid member may be connected to the container portion by a bendable hinge member.

[0010] A refillable container according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises an outer shell member having a first opening in a first direction, a storage section fixed to the inside of the outer shell member and having a second opening that opens to the inside of the first opening, and storing an item inside, a lid body that removably fits into the second opening from the outside of the outer shell member and closes the second opening when the container is attached, and an elastic engagement section that is provided on the lid body and removably engages with the outer shell member by elastic deformation. A first through hole is formed on the outer periphery of the storage section, the first through hole communicating with the inside of the storage section and the inside of the outer shell member, and through which the contents can move by volatilization or elution. A second through hole is formed on the outer periphery of the outer shell member, the second through hole communicating with the outside of the outer shell member, and discharging the contents that have moved through the first through hole to the outside. has been formed. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the refillable container of the present invention, the user can easily open and close the lid member to refill the contents, and the lid member is unlikely to open even if an external force is applied during use. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a refill container according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F2-F2 in FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a second outer shell member in the refillable container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view taken along the line F4 in FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F5-F5 in FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a storage section and a lid member in a refillable container according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 5A to 5C are explanatory views of the operation of the refillable container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 5A to 5C are explanatory views of the operation of the refillable container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a refillable container according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F10-F10 in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a refillable container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 11A to 11C are explanatory views of the operation of a refillable container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In all the drawings, even if the embodiments are different, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals, and common explanations will be omitted.

[0014] [First embodiment] A refillable container according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a refillable container according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F2-F2 in Fig. 1.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a refillable container 20 of this embodiment comprises an outer shell member 10 and a containing member 3. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, each part of the refillable container 20 will be described based on the arrangement posture when assembled into the refillable container 20 and the opening O3 described below is closed by the lid main body 3c described below.

[0016] The outer shell member 10 forms most of the outer periphery of the refillable container 20. The outer shape of the outer shell member 10 is not particularly limited, but in the example shown in Fig. 1, the end in the first direction Z1 is formed in a semi-spherical shape, and the end in the second direction Z2 is in a cylindrical shape extending along a central axis C that extends in the second direction Z2. The first direction Z1 is not particularly limited, but the following description will be given taking as an example an arrangement state in which the first direction Z1 coincides with the vertically upward direction. The direction opposite to the first direction Z1 is a second direction Z2. Hereinafter, a view from the second direction Z2 may be referred to as a planar view. 2 perpendicular to the first direction Z1, the direction from right to left is defined as the X1 direction, and the direction from left to right is defined as the X2 direction. In the direction perpendicular to the first direction Z1 and the X1 direction, the direction from the front to the back of the paper is defined as the Y1 direction, and the direction from the back to the front is defined as the Y2 direction. The first direction Z1, the second direction Z2, the X1 direction, the X2 direction, the Y1 direction, and the Y2 direction represent directions fixed to the refillable container 20. Hereinafter, these directions may be used when describing the relative positions in the refillable container 20.

[0017] The outer shell member 10 comprises a first outer shell member 1 and a second outer shell member 2. The first outer shell member 1 forms the outer periphery of the refillable container 20 on the lower side in the figure. The outer shape of the first outer shell member 1 is not particularly limited as long as it has an opening that opens in one direction. In the example shown in Fig. 2, it is a bottomed cylinder with an opening O1 that opens in the first direction Z1 at the end in the first direction Z1.

[0018] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first shell member 1 has a bottom surface portion 1a and a cylindrical portion 1b extending in the first direction Z1 from the outer edge of the bottom surface portion 1a. The bottom surface portion 1a may be disk-shaped, but in the example shown in Fig. 2, a cylindrical protrusion 1f extending in the first direction Z1 protrudes from the center of the bottom surface portion 1a. A circular opening 1g is formed on the inside of the protrusion 1f when viewed from the first direction Z1. On the bottom surface portion 1a, locking claws 1c for fixing a storage member 3 (described later) protrude outward from the protrusion 1f. A plurality of locking claws 1c are provided at appropriate positions so as to be locked to the storage member 3. A locking projection 1e that protrudes toward the center of the bottom surface portion 1a is formed at the tip of the locking claws 1c in the protruding direction. At the bottom surface portion 1a, a hole 1h is formed on the inside of each locking claw 1c to eliminate an undercut shape of the locking claw 1c.

[0019] The cylindrical portion 1b has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface, and an opening O1 is formed on the inside of the inner peripheral surface. A substantially cylindrical fitting portion 1d having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 1b is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the tip of the cylindrical portion 1b. The fitting portion 1d is detachably fitted to the inside of a second outer shell member 2 described below. The fitting portion 1d forms a step portion recessed inward from the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 1b, and the second outer shell member 2 can be locked at the step portion from the second direction Z2.

[0020] The material of the first outer shell member 1 is not particularly limited as long as it allows elastic deformation of the locking claws 1c when the containing member 3 described below is fixed, and allows for the necessary external decoration of the refillable container 20. For example, an appropriate resin material may be used as the material of the first outer shell member 1. The material of the first outer shell member 1 may be a transparent or translucent material, or may be an opaque material.

[0021] 2, the second shell member 2 forms an outer periphery at the end in the first direction Z1 of the shell member 10. The second shell member 2 covers the opening O1 of the first shell member 1 from the second direction Z2. The outer shape of the second shell member 2 is not particularly limited as long as it is an appropriate shape required at the end of the outer shell member 10 in the first direction Z1 and can cover the opening O1. Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a second shell member in the refillable container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a plan view taken along line F4 in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F5-F5 in Fig. 1.

[0022] 3, the second outer shell member 2 has a hemispherical outer peripheral surface 2a, and the outer shape of the second outer shell member 2 is a hemispherical shape that is convex in the first direction Z1 as a whole. An opening O2 (first opening) that penetrates the second outer shell member 2 in the second direction Z2 is formed at the apex of the second outer shell member 2 in the first direction Z1. As shown in FIG. 4, the edge of the opening O2 is formed by a pair of arcuate portions 2c, a pair of flat plate portions 2d, a first engagement projection 2e, and a step portion 2f.

[0023] The pair of arcuate portions 2c are formed on the same circumference centered on the central axis C in a plan view, and face the central axis C from the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction.

[0024] The pair of flat plate portions 2d are provided in the X2 direction from the end of each arc portion 2c in the X2 direction in a plan view. Each flat plate portion 2d is a flat plate bent in the second direction Z2 from the outer peripheral surface 2a. Therefore, each flat plate portion 2d forms a linear edge portion extending in the X2 direction in a plan view. As shown in FIG. 2, each flat plate portion 2d extends in the second direction Z2 from a tip T in the first direction Z1 of the second outer shell member 2 formed by the intersection of the arc portion 2c and the outer peripheral surface 2a to a position of a distance h1. However, the distance h1 is smaller than the distance from the tip T to the end of the second outer shell member 2 in the second direction Z2.

[0025] The first engagement projections 2e are projections made of flat plates with a thickness t that extend in the X1 direction from the X2-direction ends of the respective flat plate portions 2d toward the inside of the opening O2. As shown in FIG. 4, the first engagement projection 2e has a circular arc shape in a plan view that extends along the curvature of the outer circumferential surface 2a. The first engagement protrusion 2e forms an edge of the opening O2 in the X2 direction in a plan view. The distance between the end face of the first engagement protrusion 2e in the X1 direction and the central axis C is d1. However, d1 is shorter than the radius of the outline of the second outer shell member 2 when viewed from the second direction Z2.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the step portion 2f is spaced a distance h2 (where h2 As shown in FIG. 4, the shape of the step portion 2f in a plan view is an arc that connects the ends of the arc portions 2c in the X1 direction along the outer circumferential surface 2a. The step portion 2f forms the edge of the opening portion O2 in the X1 direction in a plan view.

[0027] ​A pair of holes SL that penetrate the second outer shell member 2 in the second direction Z2 are formed on a circumference about the central axis C outside the opening O2 in plan view. The pair of holes SL are formed facing the central axis C in the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction, respectively. Each hole SL has an arc shape in a plan view. As shown in FIG. 5, a protrusion 2g (second connection portion) protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the second outer shell member 2 toward the central axis C is provided on the second direction Z2 side of each hole SL.

[0028] A fitting portion 2b that detachably fits into the fitting portion 1d of the first shell member 1 is formed on the outer periphery of the second shell member 2 at the end in the second direction Z2. The fitting portion 2b fits into the outer periphery of the fitting portion 1d from the second direction Z2, and can be locked when its tip in the second direction Z2 abuts against a step formed between the fitting portion 1d and the cylindrical portion 1b.

[0029] The material of the second outer shell member 2 is not particularly limited as long as it is a material having the rigidity to allow the first engaging protrusions 2e to engage with the second engaging protrusions 3f of the housing member 3 described later. For example, the material of the second outer shell member 2 may be an appropriate resin material. The material of the second outer shell member 2 may be a transparent or translucent material, or it may be an opaque material.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a storage section and a lid member in a refillable container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the storage member 3 has a storage section 3A, a cover member 3B, and a hinge 3C (hinge member).

[0031] The storage portion 3A is a cylindrical body with a bottom extending in the first direction Z1. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the storage member 3 has a bottom surface portion 3a, a cylindrical portion 3b, a locking projection 3n, and a connecting projection 3k (first connecting portion). As shown in FIG. 2, the storage section 3A is fixed to the bottom surface section 1a of the first shell member 1.

[0032] The bottom surface portion 3a is disposed opposite to the tip of the protrusion portion 1f of the first outer shell member 1 in the second direction Z2. The cylindrical portion 3b extends in the first direction Z1 from the outer edge of the bottom portion 3a. An opening O3 (second opening) having a circular shape in a plan view is formed by the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 3b at the end of the cylindrical portion 3b in the first direction Z1. The opening O3 opens in the first direction Z1 on the inside of the opening O2. A fitting protrusion 3i for fitting with a lid body 3c (described later) protrudes from the inside of the end of the cylindrical portion 3b in the first direction Z1. The fitting protrusion 3i may protrude over the entire inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 3b, or may protrude at multiple points spaced apart in the circumferential direction as long as the fitting protrusion 3i is located at a position where it can be fitted with a fitting protrusion 3m (described later).

[0033] An engagement groove 3j is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 3b at the end in the second direction Z2 (the lower end in the figure). With the bottom surface portion 3a in contact with the tip of the protrusion portion 1f, the locking groove 3j locks onto the locking protrusion 1e of the locking claw 1c of the first outer shell member 1. As a result, the storage portion 3A is fixed to the center of the bottom surface portion 1a of the first outer shell member 1.

[0034] An item M can be stored in the space surrounded by the bottom portion 3a and the cylindrical portion 3b. The form and type of the contained item M are not particularly limited as long as it can be contained inside the first outer shell member 1. For example, the contained item M may be a solid or a liquid. For example, the contained item M may be a gel, a sol, or the like. The contained item M may have sublimation properties, volatility, elution properties, or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the contained item M is a granular solid. When the storage section 3A is fixed to the first outer shell member 1, the bottom surface portion 3a faces the opening 1g. Therefore, when the storage section 3A is made of a light-transmitting material, the inside of the storage member 3 can be visually observed through the opening 1g. In this case, the user can easily visually check the presence or absence of the contents M in the storage member 3 or the remaining amount.

[0035] 5, the locking projection 3n is a plate-like projection extending along a plane perpendicular to the X1 direction and passing through the central axis C. The locking projection 3n protrudes in the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction from the end of the cylindrical portion 3b in the first direction Z1. The shape of the tip of each locking projection 3n in the first direction Z1 as viewed from the X2 direction is inclined so that the distance from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 3b increases as it progresses in the second direction Z2. An end of each locking projection 3n in the first direction Z1 abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the second outer shell member 2 along the arc portion 2c of the second outer shell member 2. A portion of each locking projection 3n excluding the abutting portion with the second outer shell member 2 extends inwardly of the inner circumferential surface away from the inner circumferential surface of the second outer shell member 2.

[0036] The connecting projections 3k are disposed adjacent to the respective locking projections 3n in the second direction Z2, and protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 3b in the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction, respectively. Each connecting protrusion 3k is a flat plate parallel to a plane perpendicular to the first direction Z1. A tip of each connecting protrusion 3k in the protruding direction extends to a position where it engages with the surface of the protruding portion 2g in the first direction Z1 from the second direction Z2. In a plan view, the width of each connecting protrusion 3k in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 3b is slightly narrower than the width of the protrusion 2g in the circumferential direction, so that the tip of each connecting protrusion 3k is engaged with almost the entire width of each protrusion 2g.

[0037] The cover member 3B is a member for opening and closing the opening O3 of the storage section 3A from the outside of the refillable container 20 when the refillable container 20 is in an assembled state. As shown in FIG. 2, the lid member 3B has a lid main body 3c and an elastic engagement portion 3d.

[0038] The lid body 3c is detachably fitted into the opening O3 from the outside of the outer shell member 10, and closes the opening O3 when attached. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the lid body 3c has a disk portion 3c1 and a fitting portion 3c2. The disk portion 3c1 covers the tip of the cylindrical portion 3b in the first direction Z1. The fitting portion 3c2 is a cylinder that protrudes in the second direction Z2 from the surface of the disk portion 3c1 in the second direction Z2 and fits into the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 3b. A fitting protrusion 3m that fits into a fitting protrusion 3i that protrudes inward from the cylindrical portion 3b protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the end portion in the second direction Z2 of the fitting portion 3c2. The fitting projection 3m may protrude over the entire inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 3b, or may protrude at a plurality of locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction as long as the fitting projection 3m is located at a position where it can be fitted into the fitting projection 3i.

[0039] The elastic engagement portion 3d is provided on the lid main body 3c, and is elastically deformed by operation by the user to detachably engage with the outer shell member 10. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the elastic engagement portion 3d has an elastic member 3e and a second engagement projection 3f. The elastic member 3e is a plate-like elastic body disposed on the outside of the outer periphery of the lid main body 3c The elastic member 3e is connected to the outer periphery of the disk portion 3c1 of the lid main body 3c in the X2 direction. When viewed from the Y1 direction, the elastic member 3e has a first portion 3e1 extending from the disc portion 3c1 in the second direction Z2, a bent portion 3e2 bent in a U-shape toward the first direction Z1 from the end of the first portion 3e1 in the second direction Z2, and a second portion 3e3 extending from the bent portion 3e2 in the first direction Z1. Therefore, the elastic member 3e has a U-shape as a whole when viewed from the Y1 direction.

[0040] A protrusion 3g protruding in the X2 direction is formed at the tip of the second portion 3e3 in the first direction Z1. The protrusion 3g is provided for the purpose of making it easier for a user to press the elastic engagement portion 3d in the X1 direction by, for example, hooking a finger thereon when performing an operation to open the lid main body 3c. The protrusion 3g is formed at a position such that there is a distance of t or more between it and a second engagement protrusion 3f, which will be described later. A second engagement projection 3f that projects in the X2 direction is formed on the surface of the second portion 3e3 in the X2 direction between the projection 3g and the bent portion 3e2. The distance from the surface in the first direction Z1 of the lid main body 3c to the surface in the first direction Z1 of the second engagement protrusion 3f is a length that enables the distance from the tip T of the second outer shell member 2 to the surface in the first direction Z1 of the second engagement protrusion 3f to be (h1+t) when the lid member 3B is closed. The distance between the end of the second engagement projection 3f in the X2 direction and the central axis C is d2, which is longer than d1. Therefore, when the cover member 3B is closed, the second engagement protrusion 3f engages with the surface of the first engagement protrusion 2e of the second outer shell member 2 in the second direction Z2 from the first direction Z1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, when the second engagement protrusion 3f is engaged, a gap is formed between the second portion 3e3 and the first engagement protrusion 2e. In this case, no pressing force is applied from the elastic member 3e to the first engagement protrusion 2e in the X2 direction. However, it is not necessary that a gap is formed between the second portion 3e3 and the first engagement protrusion 2e. In this case, a pressing force may be applied from the elastic member 3e to the arc portion 2c in the X2 direction due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic member 3e.

[0041] When the cover member 3B is closed, the elastic member 3e is inserted into the gap between the first engagement projection 2e and the cylindrical portion 3b with the bent portion 3e2 facing the second direction Z2. At this time, a gap is formed between the first portion 3e1 and the second portion 3e3 of the elastic member 3e. Therefore, when the projection portion 3g is pressed in the X1 direction, the second portion 3e3 can move toward the first portion 3e1. The amount of movement of the second portion 3e3 in the X1 direction is the distance by which the engagement of the second engagement projection 3f with the first engagement projection 2e can be released.

[0042] When the cover member 3B is closed, the elastic member 3e is disposed at a position that does not protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface 2a. Therefore, when the outer peripheral surface 2a comes into contact with an object, for example, if the object is larger than the width between the flat plate portions 2d, the object will not come into contact with the elastic member 3e, and no external force will act from the object to the elastic member 3e.

[0043] The hinge 3C connects the end of the disk portion 3c1 in the X1 direction to the end of the cylindrical portion 3b in the X1 direction. The hinge 3C fixes the cover member 3B to the cylindrical portion 3b so as to be rotatable about the hinge 3C. For example, the hinge 3C is made of a bendable resin material, and it is more preferable that the hinge 3C is made of a resin material that has high durability against repeated bending.

[0044] The accommodating member 3 having such a configuration can be formed by a resin molding made of an appropriate resin material that can provide the elastic engagement portion 3d and the hinge 3C with the necessary elasticity.

[0045] The refill container 20 can be assembled as follows. First, the opening O3 of the housing member 3 is closed by the lid member 3B. At this time, the fitting portion 3c2 of the lid body 3c is inserted into the inside of the cylindrical portion 3b and fits into the fitting protrusion 3m of the cylindrical portion 3b. The elastic member 3e is disposed at a position along the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 3b. Thereafter, the bottom surface portion 3a of the housing member 3 is inserted between the locking claws 1c toward the protrusions 1f, and the locking protrusions 1e are locked in the locking grooves 3j. This fixes the housing member 3 to the first outer shell member 1. Then, the fitting portion 2b of the second outer shell member 2 is directed toward the fitting portion 1d of the first outer shell member 1, and the lid body 3c is aligned so that it can pass through the opening O2. That is, the opening O2 sandwiched between the flat plate portions 2d is oriented so as to overlap the elastic member 3e when viewed from the second direction Z2. Then, the second outer shell member 2 is moved in the second direction Z2. The second outer shell member 2 is guided by the cylindrical portion 1b, and the position where it intersects with the second direction Z2 is restricted. When the second outer shell member 2 is further moved in the second direction Z2, each protrusion 2g of the second outer shell member 2 abuts against the surface of each connecting protrusion 3k in the first direction Z1. In this state, the second outer shell member 2 is further pushed in the second direction Z2. The protrusions 2g and the connecting protrusions 3k elastically deform, and the connecting protrusions 3k pass between the protrusions 2g. At this time, if the outer periphery of the second outer shell member 2 is pinched and deformed from the X1 and X2 directions toward the central axis C, the distance between the protrusions 2g increases, making it easier for the connecting protrusions 3k to pass through. Each connecting protrusion 3k that passes between each protrusion 2g engages with the surface of each protrusion 2g in the first direction Z1. At this time, each locking protrusion 3n locks with the inner circumferential surface of the second outer shell member 2 in the vicinity of the arc portion 2c from the first direction Z1. In this way, the second shell member 2 fits into the first shell member 1 while being prevented from slipping off in the first direction Z1 by each of the connecting protrusions 3k of the housing member 3. This completes the assembly of the refill container 20.

[0046] Next, the operation of the refill container 20 will be described, focusing on the refilling operation of the contents M. 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the refillable container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] 7, the user presses the protrusion 3g of the elastic engagement portion 3d in the X1 direction, for example, by hooking a finger on the protrusion 3g. This causes the second portion 3e3 to deform toward the first portion 3e1, so that the second engagement protrusion 3f moves in the X1 direction and is released from the engagement with the first engagement protrusion 2e. In this state, the user rotates the cover member 3B around the hinge 3C in a direction away from the cylindrical portion 3b. At this time, since the housing member 3 is fixed to the first outer shell member 1, the fitting of the fitting projections 3i, 3m is released by the operating force of the user. At this time, the cover member 3B is connected to the housing portion 3A by the hinge 3C. In this way, the cover member 3B opens, as shown in Fig. 8. At this time, the opening O3 of the cylindrical portion 3b opens inside the opening O2 of the second outer shell member 2 in the first direction Z1. A user can replace the contents M inside the storage section 3A or replenish the contents M into the storage section 3A through the opening O3. According to the refillable container 20, the storage section 3A can be easily opened by simply pressing the protrusion 3g and rotating the lid member 3B without using any tools, etc. This operation can be performed without disassembling the components of the refillable container 20. The cover member 3B is connected to the storage section 3A by a hinge 3C, so that the cover member 3B can be prevented from being lost in the open state.

[0048] When the replacement or refilling of the contents M is completed, the cover member 3B can be rotated in the opposite direction to when it was opened to close the opening O3. At this time, the elastic engagement portion 3d is inserted into the gap between the first engagement protrusion 2e and the cylindrical portion 3b. The second engagement protrusion 3f, which has moved in the second direction Z2 further than the first engagement protrusion 2e, moves in the X1 direction due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic member 3e and engages with the surface of the first engagement protrusion 2e in the second direction Z2. In this manner, the opening O3 is closed by the lid member 3B. At this time, since the elastic member 3e is disposed at a position that does not protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface 2a, the engagement state of the second engagement protrusion 3f is unlikely to be released by an external force due to contact with an object or the like. Even if the protrusion 3g is moved by an object that has entered the opening O2, the engagement protrusion 3i of the lid member 3B is engaged with the engagement protrusion 3m. Therefore, as in the case of a user's operation, the lid member 3B will not be opened unless an external force of a magnitude equal to or greater than the magnitude of releasing the engagement state of the engagement protrusions 3i, 3m acts in a direction that rotates the lid member 3B. Therefore, even if various external forces are accidentally applied to the refillable container 20 while it is in use, the lid member 3B will not open unless the position, direction, and magnitude of the forces meet all of the above-mentioned conditions. As a result, the lid member 3B is difficult to open unless the user intentionally operates it.

[0049] As described above, according to the refillable container 20 of this embodiment, the user can easily open and close the lid member to refill the contents, and the lid member is unlikely to open even if an external force is applied during use.

[0050] [Variations] Next, a refillable container according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a refillable container according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F10-F10 in Fig. 9.

[0051] 9, refillable container 20A of the present embodiment includes an outer shell member 10A and a housing member 13 instead of the outer shell member 10 and the housing member 3 of refillable container 20 of the first embodiment. Outer shell member 10A includes a first outer shell member 11 and a second outer shell member 12 instead of the first outer shell member 1 and the second outer shell member 2 of outer shell member 10. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 10, first shell member 11 is similar to first shell member 1 except that a plurality of through holes H1 (second through holes) are formed through cylindrical portion 1b. Each of the plurality of through holes H1 has a size at least large enough to allow gas and liquid to flow smoothly through it. The number of the plurality of through holes H1 is not particularly limited.

[0053] Second shell member 12 is similar to second shell member 2, except that second shell member 12 has a plurality of through holes H2 (second through holes) formed therein that penetrate outer circumferential surface 2a. Each of the plurality of through holes H2 has a size that allows at least gas and liquid to flow smoothly through.

[0054] The housing member 13 is similar to the housing member 3, except that a plurality of through holes H3 (first through holes) penetrating the cylindrical portion 3b are formed. In the example shown in Figures 9 and 10, the plurality of through holes H3 are formed only in the cylindrical portion 3b, but the plurality of through holes H3 may also be formed in the disc portion 3c1 so as to penetrate in the thickness direction of the disc portion 3c1. Each of the plurality of through holes H3 has a size that allows at least gas and liquid to flow smoothly through. In this modification, a solid is used as the contents M. The multiple through holes H3 are formed to a size that does not allow the solid contents M to pass through. The number of the multiple through holes H3 is not particularly limited. However, in the case where the storage member 13 does not have multiple through holes H3 provided in the bottom portion 3a and the cylindrical portion 3b close to the bottom portion 3a, the liquid content M can also be stored in the area surrounded by the bottom portion 3a and the cylindrical portion 3b where the multiple through holes H3 are not formed.

[0055] According to this configuration, the interior of the containing member 13 communicates with the inner spaces of the first outer shell member 11 and the second outer shell member 12 through the multiple through holes H3. The first outer shell member 11 and the second outer shell member 12 communicate with the outside of the refillable container 20A through the multiple through holes H1 and H2, respectively. Therefore, gas and liquid can pass between the storage member 13 and the internal spaces of the first and second shell members 11 and 12 and the outside of the refillable container 20A. For example, if the contained item M is volatile or sublimable, the volatile or sublimable matter of the contained item M diffuses into the interior of the refillable container 20A through the multiple through holes H3, and then is released to the outside through the multiple through holes H1 and H2. For example, if the contained item M has elution properties, the contained item M will be eluted into the liquid that has flowed through the multiple through-holes H1, H2, and H3 into the container member 13 and the internal spaces of the first outer shell member 11 and the second outer shell member 12. The eluted contained item M moves into the refillable container 20A together with the liquid through the multiple through-holes H3, and then flows out to the outside through the multiple through-holes H1 and H2. The refill container 20A is particularly suitable as a container for containing the contents M such as an air freshener, a bath additive, or a detergent.

[0056] The refillable container 20A is similar to the refillable container 20 of the first embodiment except that it has multiple through holes H1, H2, and H3. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the user can easily open and close the lid member to refill the contents, and the lid member is unlikely to open even if an external force is applied during use.

[0057] [Second embodiment] Next, a refillable container according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a refillable container according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the refillable container according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] 11, refillable container 20B of the present embodiment includes an outer shell member 10B and a housing member 23 instead of the outer shell member 10 and the housing member 3 of refillable container 20 of the first embodiment. Outer shell member 10B includes a second outer shell member 22 instead of the second outer shell member 2 in outer shell member 10. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0059] The second outer shell member 22 has a first engagement protrusion 2e instead of the step portion 2f in the second outer shell member 2. That is, the second outer shell member 22 is formed by arranging the shape in the X2 direction of a plane S that includes the central axis C and is perpendicular to the X1 direction in the second outer shell member 2 in the first embodiment so as to be plane-symmetrical with respect to the plane S in the X1 direction. Therefore, the second shell member 22 has an opening O22 instead of the opening O2. In the opening O2 in the first embodiment, the opening O22 is also formed in the X1 direction such that its shape in the X2 direction is plane-symmetrical with respect to the plane S compared to the plane S. Therefore, first engagement projections 2e having shapes and arrangements that are plane-symmetrical with respect to the plane S are formed on the edges of the opening O22 in the X1 and X2 directions.

[0060] The storage member 23 has a storage portion 23A and a cover member 23B. The housing portion 23A is similar to the housing portion 3A, except that the hinge 3C is not connected. The cover member 3B is similar to the storage section 3A, except that the hinge 3C is not connected, and the elastic engagement portion 3d is also formed at a position facing the central axis C. Therefore, the storage section 23A is a separate member that is not connected to the storage section 23A. The storage section 23A has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the plane S.

[0061] The refillable container 20B can be assembled in the same manner as the refillable container 20 of the first embodiment. To open the opening O3 in the refillable container 20B, for example, the user presses the X1-direction protrusion 3g with two fingers in the X2 direction toward the central axis C and the X2-direction protrusion 3g in the X1 direction toward the central axis C, respectively, to grip the lid member 23B. This releases the engagement between the second engagement protrusions 3f and the first engagement protrusions 2e. Thereafter, as shown in Figure 12, the user, while gripping lid member 23B, moves lid member 23B in first direction Z1, thereby removing lid member 23B from cylindrical portion 3b of housing portion 23A. As a result, an opening O3 is formed inside the opening O22. As in the first embodiment, a user can replace the contents M inside the storage section 23A or replenish the contents M to the storage section 23A through the opening O3.

[0062] According to the refillable container 20B, the storage section 23A can be easily opened by simply pressing the protrusions 3g and moving the lid member 3B in the first direction Z1 without using any tools, etc. This operation can be performed without disassembling any of the components of the refillable container 20B other than the lid member 23B.

[0063] After replacing or replenishing the contents M, the above-mentioned operations can be carried out in reverse order to close the opening O3 of the cover member 23B. At this time, as in the first embodiment, each elastic member 3e of each elastic engagement portion 3d is disposed at a position that does not protrude outward from the outer circumferential surface 2a, so that the second engagement protrusions 3f are unlikely to be released from their engagement state by an external force due to contact with an object, etc. Even if one of the protrusions 3g moves in the X1 or X2 direction due to an object that has entered the opening O2 and releases the engagement with the first engagement protrusion 2e, the cover member 3B will not be opened unless the other protrusion 3g is released from its engagement. Even if an external force is applied pressing each protrusion 3g toward the central axis C, causing both engagements to be released, the lid member 23B will not be opened unless this state is maintained and the lid member 23B is moved in the first direction Z1. Therefore, even if various external forces are accidentally applied to the refillable container 20 while it is in use, the lid member 23B will not open unless the position, direction, and magnitude of the forces meet all of the above-mentioned conditions. As a result, the lid member 23B is difficult to open unless the user intentionally operates it.

[0064] As described above, according to the refillable container 20B of this embodiment, the user can easily open and close the lid member to refill the contents, and the lid member is unlikely to open even if an external force is applied during use.

[0065] In the above embodiments and modified examples, the outer shape of the refillable container is described as a cylinder with a hemispherical end in the first direction Z1. However, the outer shape of the refillable container is not limited to this, and any appropriate outer shape is possible. For example, the outer shape of the refillable container may be a sphere, a spheroid, a pyramid, a cone, a polyhedron, or the like.

[0066] In the above-mentioned embodiments and modified examples, the storage section is described as being cylindrical. However, the storage section is not limited to being cylindrical as long as it is a cylindrical body. For example, the storage section may be a cylindrical body having a polygonal prism cross section, a cylindrical body having an elliptical cross section, or the like.

[0067] In the above embodiments and modified examples, the outer shell member has been described as an assembly of a first outer shell member and a second outer shell member. However, the outer shell member may be an assembly of three or more members.

[0068] In the above embodiments and modified examples, the contents are placed inside the outer shell member and not outside the containing member. However, if the contents do not need to be replaced or replenished, the contents may be placed in the space outside the containing member inside the outer shell member.

[0069] In the above-described embodiments and modified examples, the housing member and the outer shell member are separate members that are engaged and fixed to each other. However, the housing member may be molded on the bottom surface of the outer shell member.

[0070] In each of the above embodiments and modified examples, an example has been described in which the inside of the housing member can be seen through an opening formed in the bottom surface of the outer shell member, but an opening through which the inside of the housing member can be seen does not necessarily have to be formed.

[0071] In the above second embodiment, an example has been described in which a plurality of through holes H1, H2 are formed in each of the first outer shell member 11 and the second outer shell member 12. However, when a sufficient flow path to the outside of the refillable container 20A is ensured, either of the plurality of through holes H1, H2 may be omitted.

[0072] In the above-described embodiments, the fitting portion 3c2 and the cylindrical portion 3b have the fitting protrusions 3m and 3i, respectively. However, when an appropriate amount of frictional force acts between the fitting portion 3c2 and the cylindrical portion 3b, at least one of the fitting portion 3c2 and the cylindrical portion 3b does not need to have the fitting protrusion.

[0073] In the above first embodiment and the modified example, the bendable hinge 3C is used as the hinge member. However, the hinge member is not limited to a bendable hinge member as long as it can rotatably connect the cover member 3B to the storage section 3A. For example, the hinge member may be a hinge member having a hinge structure in which a shaft portion is rotatably fitted into a hole portion.

[0074] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above together with the modified examples, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and the modified examples. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited by the foregoing description, but only by the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1, 11 First shell member 2, 12, 22 Second outer shell member 2a Outer surface 2e 1st engagement protrusion 2g Projection (second connection part) 3, 13, 23 Housing material 3a Bottom part 3A, 23A storage section 3b Cylindrical part 3B, 23B Lid member 3c Lid body 3C Hinge 3c2 Mating part 3d Elastic engagement part 3e Elastic member 3e2 Bend part 3f 2nd engagement protrusion 3g protrusion 3i, 3m mating protrusion 3k connecting protrusion (1st connecting part) 10, 10A, 10B Outer shell material 20, 20A, 20B Refill Containers C center axis H1, H2 Multiple through holes (second through holes) H3 Multiple through holes (first through hole) M Containment O2, O22 opening (1st opening) O3 Opening (2nd opening) S-Plane T-Tip Z1 1st direction Z2 2nd direction

Claims

1. an outer shell member having a first opening formed in a first direction; a storage section that is fixed to an inside of the outer shell member, has a second opening that opens to the inside of the first opening, and stores an object therein; a lid member including a lid body that detachably fits into the second opening from the outside of the outer shell member and closes the second opening when the lid body is attached, and an elastic engagement portion that is provided on the lid body and detachably engages with the outer shell member by elastic deformation; Equipped with The outer shell member is a first shell member to which the storage portion is fixed; a second shell member having an outer circumferential surface on which the first opening is formed; having The second outer shell member is prevented from coming off from the first outer shell member in the first direction by a first connecting portion provided on an outer periphery of the accommodation portion engaging with a second connecting portion provided on an inner periphery of the second outer shell member. Refillable container.

2. a first engagement protrusion protruding toward an inside of the first outer shell member is formed in the first opening, The elastic engagement portion is an elastic member including an elastic body having a bent portion extending from the outer circumferential portion of the lid body and bent into a U-shape, the elastic member being inserted between the first engagement projection and the storage portion in a state in which the bent portion faces a second direction opposite to the first direction without protruding from the outer circumferential surface when engaging with the first outer shell member; a second engagement projection that protrudes from a surface of the elastic member away from the bent portion in the first direction toward the first engagement projection when engaged with the first outer shell member and engages with the first engagement projection from the first direction; having 2. The refill container of claim 1.

3. The cover member is connected to the housing portion by a bendable hinge member.

3. A refillable container according to claim 1 or 2.

4. An outer shell member having a first opening formed in a first direction; a storage section that is fixed to an inside of the outer shell member, has a second opening that opens to the inside of the first opening, and stores an object therein; a lid member including a lid body that detachably fits into the second opening from the outside of the outer shell member and closes the second opening when the lid body is attached, and an elastic engagement portion that is provided on the lid body and detachably engages with the outer shell member by elastic deformation; Equipped with a first through hole is formed in an outer periphery of the storage portion, the first through hole communicating with an interior of the storage portion and an interior of the outer shell member and allowing the content to move by volatilization or elution; A second through hole is formed in the outer periphery of the outer shell member, the second through hole being in communication with the outside of the outer shell member and discharging the contents that have moved through the first through hole to the outside. Refillable container.

Images