Refillable container

Abstract

To enable easily inserting an outlet part into an inlet part of the present container, and suppressing getting bulky in a radial direction of the outlet part.SOLUTION: There is provided an outlet part 11 inserted into an inlet part of the present container, while storing a content refilled in the present container. The outlet part is provided with: an elastic protrusion piece 23 coming into contact with an inner peripheral face of the inlet part, that extends in a vertical direction on an outer peripheral face of the outlet part, that is cylindrically formed extending in the vertical direction; and a flange part 24 placed at an upper end opening edge of the inlet part, that is located below the elastic protrusion piece.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refill container.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, there is known a refill container that contains a content to be refilled into the main container and has a pouring outlet portion inserted into the pouring inlet portion of the main container. The pouring outlet portion is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction, and on the outer peripheral surface of the pouring outlet portion, elastic protruding pieces are formed that protrude radially outward and whose front and back surfaces face the circumferential direction. In this refill container, when refilling the content into the main container, the pouring outlet portion is rotated and screwed into the pouring inlet portion of the main container, so that the elastic protruding pieces are elastically deformed and pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the pouring inlet portion. Thereby, even if the content volume of the refill container is large, the relative positions of the pouring inlet portion and the pouring outlet portion can be stabilized during refilling.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a conventional refill container, it may be difficult to insert the pouring outlet portion into the pouring inlet portion of the main container, or the radial dimension of the pouring outlet portion may be bulky.

[0005] The present invention provides a refill container that enables easy insertion of the pouring outlet portion into the pouring inlet portion of the main container and suppression of the radial bulkiness of the pouring outlet portion, respectively.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A refillable container according to one aspect of the present invention contains contents to be refilled into the container and has a spout portion that is inserted into the inlet portion of the container, the spout portion is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction, and the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion is provided with an elastic projection that extends in the vertical direction and abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the inlet portion, and a flange portion that is located below the elastic projection and rests on the upper opening edge of the inlet portion.

[0007] Since the outer circumferential surface of the spout is provided with an elastic projection and a flange, when the contents are refilled into the container, the spout is inserted into the inlet, causing the elastic projection to elastically deform inward in the radial direction and slide along the inner circumferential surface of the inlet, while the flange abuts against the upper opening edge of the inlet. This makes it possible to bring the elastic projection into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the inlet and the flange into contact with the upper opening edge of the inlet during refilling, thus stabilizing the relative position of the inlet and spout during refilling, even if the contents of the refill container are large. Since the elastic projection extends in the vertical direction, even if the spout is inserted straight up and down into the inlet of the container, the elastic projection can slide along the inner surface of the inlet and be elastically deformed radially inward, allowing the spout to be easily inserted into the inlet. Because the elastic projection extends in the vertical direction, the radial bulkiness of the spout can be reduced compared to, for example, a configuration where the front and back surfaces are oriented in the circumferential direction.

[0008] The elastic projections may be provided in pairs on the outer circumferential surface of the spout, or one on each of the radially opposing portions of the outer circumferential surface of the spout.

[0009] Since two elastic projections are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the spout, and one projection is also provided on each of the radially opposing portions of the outer circumferential surface of the spout, the spout can be easily injection molded using a mold that is divided into two radial sections by positioning the vertically extending parting line at the respective circumferential positions where the two elastic projections are located.

[0010] The elastic projection may be cantilevered, with its upper end connected to the outer circumferential surface of the spout and its lower end being a free end.

[0011] Since the elastic projection is cantilevered with its upper end connected to the outer circumferential surface of the spout and its lower end being a free end, it is possible to prevent the elastic projection from catching on the upper opening edge of the inlet when inserting the spout straight up and down into the inlet of the container, and the spout can be easily inserted into the inlet.

[0012] On the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion, a guide projection may be provided in a portion circumferentially away from the elastic projection, which protrudes upward from the upper surface of the flange portion and contacts the inner circumferential surface of the inlet portion.

[0013] On the outer circumferential surface of the spout, a guide projection is provided at a point circumferentially away from the elastic projection, which contacts the inner circumferential surface of the inlet. Thus, the elastic projection and the guide projection can support the inner circumferential surface of the inlet over a wide area in the circumferential direction. Since the guide projection protrudes upward from the upper surface of the flange portion, the elastic projection and the guide projection can support the inner circumferential surface of the injection port over a wide area in the vertical direction.

[0014] The elastic projection is cantilevered, with its upper end connected to the outer circumferential surface of the spout and its lower end being a free end. The upper end of the guide projection may be located at the same position in the vertical direction as the lower end of the elastic projection, or above it.

[0015] Since the upper end of the guide projection is located at the same position or above the lower end of the elastic projection in the vertical direction, the elastic projection and the guide projection can continuously support the inner circumferential surface of the inlet in the vertical direction while maintaining different circumferential positions. This ensures that the relative positions of the inlet and spout are reliably stabilized during refilling.

[0016] On the upper surface of the flange portion, a passage defining portion may be formed that defines an air passage through which air inside the main container and outside air can flow between the upper end opening edge of the injection port portion.

[0017] Since a passage defining portion that defines an air passage through which air inside the main container and outside air can flow is formed between the upper surface of the flange portion and the upper end opening edge of the injection port portion, when filling the contents of the refill container into the main container with the flange portion abutted against the upper end opening edge of the injection port portion, the air inside the main container can flow out to the outside through the air passage, and outside air can flow into the refill container through the air passage, making it possible to smoothly fill the contents.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily insert the discharge port portion into the injection port portion of the main container and suppress the bulging in the radial direction of the discharge port portion, respectively.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a first side view showing a main part of a refill container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a second side view showing a main part of a refill container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of a refill container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the refill container 1 of the present embodiment includes a discharge port portion 11, a shoulder portion 12, a body portion 13, and a bottom portion (not shown), and has a schematic configuration in which these are connected in this order with their respective central axes positioned on a common axis.

[0021] Hereinafter, the common axis is referred to as the container axis O. The side of the pouring outlet portion 11 is referred to as the upper side along the direction of the container axis O, the bottom side is referred to as the lower side, the direction along the container axis O is referred to as the vertical direction, and the direction intersecting the container axis O as viewed from the vertical direction is referred to as the radial direction, and the direction of orbiting around the container axis O as viewed from the vertical direction is referred to as the circumferential direction. Note that the refill container 1 is formed by blow-molding a preform formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape by injection molding, and is integrally formed of a synthetic resin material. The pouring outlet portion 11, the shoulder portion 12, the body portion 13, and the bottom portion each have a circular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the container axis O. The pouring outlet portion 11 does not deform during blow molding and is maintained in the shape during injection molding.

[0022] The content to be refilled into the refill container 1 is accommodated therein. When refilling the content in the refill container 1 into the main container, the pouring outlet portion 11 is inserted into the inlet portion of the main container. The pouring outlet portion 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. On the outer peripheral surface of the pouring outlet portion 11, a male screw portion 22, an elastic projection 23, a flange portion 24, and a guide projection 25 are provided.

[0023] The female screw portion formed on the inner peripheral surface of a cap (not shown) is screwed onto the male screw portion 22. The cap closes the upper end opening of the pouring outlet portion 11. The male screw portion 22 is provided at the upper end portion of the pouring outlet portion 11. The male screw portion 22 is a multi-start screw, but may be a single-start screw. Note that the male screw portion 22 may not be provided. The flange portion 24 is placed on the upper end opening edge of the inlet portion when the pouring outlet portion 11 is inserted into the inlet portion of the main container. The flange portion 24 is provided at the lower end portion of the pouring outlet portion 11. The front and back surfaces of the flange portion 24 face the vertical direction and continuously extend over the entire circumferential length. Note that the flange portion 24 may be intermittently disposed in the circumferential direction.

[0024] The elastic projection 23 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the inlet portion when the pouring outlet portion 11 is inserted into the inlet portion of the main container. The elastic projection 23 is located above the flange portion 24. The elastic projection 23 is located radially inside the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 24. Here, the cap may be configured to include an inner cylinder with a female threaded portion formed on its inner circumferential surface, and an outer cylinder that covers the inner cylinder from the radially outside, wherein the lower end of the outer cylinder is located below the lower end of the inner cylinder, and the outer cylinder surrounds the elastic projection 23 from the radially outside. The radial outer end of the elastic projection 23 may be located at the same radial position as the outer circumferential surface of the flange portion 24, or radially outward.

[0025] The elastic projection 23 extends vertically, has its front and back surfaces facing radially, and is formed in a plate shape with width in the circumferential direction. The elastic projection 23 is cantilevered, with its upper end 23a connected to the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion 11 and its lower end being a free end. The elastic projection 23 may be cantilevered, with its lower end connected to the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion 11 and its upper end 23a being a free end. Alternatively, both the lower end and the upper end 23a may be connected to the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion 11, with the intermediate portion in the vertical direction separated radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion 11.

[0026] Of the elastic projection 23, the width of the upper end 23a is wider than the width of the lower part located below the upper end 23a. The width of the upper end 23a of the elastic projection 23 narrows as it extends downward. In both the radial and vertical cross-sectional views, the elastic projection 23 exhibits a curved projection outward in the radial direction. In other words, the elastic projection 23 is formed in a spherical projection outward in the radial direction. The lower edge of the elastic projection 23 exhibits a curved projection downward in a front view taken from the radially outward direction. The width of the elastic projection 23 may be the same along its entire length in the vertical direction, and the width of the upper end portion 23a may be narrower than the width of the lower portion. The elastic projection 23 may be formed in a flat plate shape, and the shape of the elastic projection 23 may be appropriately modified, for example, by forming only the outer surface of the elastic projection 23 that faces outward in the radial direction into the spherical shape of the projection described above.

[0027] Two elastic projections 23 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion 11. One elastic projection 23 is provided on each of the radially opposing portions of the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion 11. Note that only one elastic projection 23 may be provided.

[0028] The guide projection 25 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the inlet when the spout portion 11 is inserted into the inlet portion of the container, together with the elastic projection 23. The guide projection 25 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion 11, at a point circumferentially away from the elastic projection 23. Two guide projections 25 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion 11. One guide projection 25 is provided on each of the radially opposing portions of the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion 11. The guide projection 25 is provided at a position 90° away from the elastic projection 23 with respect to the container axis O.

[0029] The guide projection 25 is formed as a ridge extending in the vertical direction. The circumferential size of the guide projection 25 decreases as it extends upward. As shown in Figure 3, the circumferential size of the guide projection 25 is smaller than the circumferential size of the elastic projection 23. When viewed from above, the guide projection 25 has a curved shape that extends radially outward. The guide projection 25 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the flange portion 24.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the upper end portion 25a of the guide projection 25 has a curved shape that is curved downward and inward in the radial direction when viewed from one direction perpendicular to the direction in which the guide projection 25 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion 11. The portion of the guide projection 25 located below the upper end portion 25a extends radially inward as it goes upward over its entire length when viewed from the aforementioned one direction. The upper end portion 25a of the guide projection 25 is located at the same vertical position as, or above, the lower end portion of the elastic projection 23. The upper end portion 25a of the guide projection 25 may also be located below the elastic projection 23.

[0031] Here, a passage defining portion 26 is formed on the upper surface of the flange portion 24, between it and the upper opening edge of the inlet portion of the container, defining an air passage through which air inside the container and outside air can flow. In the illustrated example, the passage defining portion 26 is a radially extending groove that opens onto the outer circumferential surface of the flange portion 24. The passage defining portion 26 may also be a projection. The radial inner end of the passage defining portion 26 is located radially inward from the radial outer ends of the guide projection 25 and the elastic projection 23, respectively. The passage defining portions 26 are provided on the upper surface of the flange portion 24, adjacent to the guide projection 25 from both sides in the circumferential direction.

[0032] As described above, in the refillable container 1 according to this embodiment, since the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion 11 is provided with an elastic projection 23 and a flange portion 24, when the contents are refilled into the container, when the spout portion 11 is inserted into the inlet portion, the elastic projection 23 slides along the inner circumferential surface of the inlet portion while elastically deforming inward in the radial direction, and the flange portion 24 abuts against the upper opening edge of the inlet portion. This makes it possible to bring the elastic projection 23 into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the inlet portion and the flange portion 24 into contact with the upper opening edge of the inlet portion during refilling, so that even if the contents of the refillable container 1 are large, the relative position of the inlet portion and the spout portion 11 can be stabilized during refilling.

[0033] Since the elastic projection 23 extends in the vertical direction, even if the spout portion 11 is inserted straight into the inlet portion of the container in the vertical direction, the elastic projection 23 can slide along the inner circumferential surface of the inlet portion and be elastically deformed radially inward, allowing the spout portion 11 to be easily inserted into the inlet portion. Since the elastic projection 23 extends in the vertical direction, the radial bulkiness of the spout portion 11 can be reduced compared to, for example, a configuration in which the front and back surfaces are formed in a plate shape facing the circumferential direction.

[0034] Since two elastic projections 23 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion 11, and one is positioned on each of the radially opposing portions of the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion 11, the spout portion 11 can be easily injection molded using a mold that is divided into two radial sections by positioning the parting line extending in the vertical direction at each of the circumferential positions where the two elastic projections 23 are located.

[0035] Since the elastic projection 23 is cantilevered with its upper end 23a connected to the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion 11 and its lower end being a free end, it is possible to prevent the elastic projection 23 from catching on the upper opening edge of the spout portion when inserting the spout portion 11 straight up and down into the inlet portion of the container, and the spout portion 11 can be easily inserted into the inlet portion.

[0036] Since a guide projection 25 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion 11 at a portion circumferentially away from the elastic projection 23, and which contacts the inner circumferential surface of the inlet portion, the inner circumferential surface of the inlet portion can be supported over a wide area in the circumferential direction by the elastic projection 23 and the guide projection 25. Since the guide projection 25 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the flange portion 24, the elastic projection 23 and the guide projection 25 can support the inner circumferential surface of the injection port over a wide area in the vertical direction.

[0037] Since the upper end portion 25a of the guide projection 25 is located at the same position or above the lower end portion of the elastic projection 23 in the vertical direction, the elastic projection 23 and the guide projection 25 can continuously support the inner circumferential surface of the inlet portion in the vertical direction while maintaining different circumferential positions, thereby ensuring that the relative positions of the inlet portion and the spout portion 11 are reliably stabilized during refilling.

[0038] Since a passage defining portion 26 is formed on the upper surface of the flange portion 24, between it and the upper opening edge of the inlet portion, which defines an air passage through which air inside the container and outside air can flow, when the contents of the refill container 1 are refilled into the container with the flange portion 24 in contact with the upper opening edge of the inlet portion, it is possible to allow air inside the container to flow out to the outside through the air passage and outside air to flow into the refill container 1 through the air passage, thereby enabling smooth refilling of the contents.

[0039] Furthermore, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0040] For example, the guide projection 25 and the passage defining portion 26 do not need to be provided.

[0041] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the components in the above embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0042] Examples of the present invention are as follows: <1> This container contains the contents to be refilled and has a spout that is inserted into the inlet of the container. The spout portion is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction. On the outer surface of the aforementioned spout portion, An elastic projection extending in the vertical direction and in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the injection port portion, A refillable container having a flange portion located below the elastic projection and resting on the upper opening edge of the inlet portion. <2> The elastic projections are provided in pairs on the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion, and one is provided on each of the radially opposing portions of the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion, <1> The refill container described. <3> The elastic projection is cantilevered, with its upper end connected to the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion and its lower end being a free end. <1> or <2> The refill container described. <4> On the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion, a guide projection is provided in a portion circumferentially away from the elastic projection, which protrudes upward from the upper surface of the flange portion and contacts the inner circumferential surface of the inlet portion. <1> from <3> A refill container as described in one of the following. <5> The elastic projection is cantilevered, with its upper end connected to the outer circumferential surface of the spout and its lower end being a free end. The upper end of the guide projection is located at the same position in the vertical direction as the lower end of the elastic projection, or above it. <4> The refill container described. <6> The upper surface of the flange portion has a passage defining portion that defines an air passage through which air from inside the container and outside air can flow, between it and the upper opening edge of the inlet portion. <1> from <5> A refill container as described in one of the following. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1 Refillable container 11 Spout part 23 Elastic projection 23a Upper end of elastic projection 24 Flange section 25 Guide projection 25a Upper end of guide projection 26 Passage definition section

Claims

1. This container contains the contents to be refilled and has a spout that is inserted into the inlet of the container. The spout portion is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction. On the outer surface of the aforementioned spout portion, An elastic projection extending in the vertical direction and in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the injection port portion, A flange portion is provided, located below the elastic projection and resting on the upper opening edge of the injection port portion. The refillable container has an elastic projection whose upper end is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the spout and whose lower end is a free end and cantilevered.

2. This container contains the contents to be refilled and has a spout that is inserted into the inlet of the container. The spout portion is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction. On the outer surface of the aforementioned spout portion, An elastic projection extending in the vertical direction and in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the injection port portion, A flange portion is provided, located below the elastic projection and resting on the upper opening edge of the injection port portion. On the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion, a guide projection is provided in a portion circumferentially away from the elastic projection, which protrudes upward from the upper surface of the flange portion and contacts the inner circumferential surface of the inlet portion. The elastic projection is cantilevered, with its upper end connected to the outer circumferential surface of the spout and its lower end being a free end. A refillable container in which the upper end of the guide projection is located at the same vertical position as, or above, the lower end of the elastic projection.

3. The refillable container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein two elastic projections are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion, and one projection is provided on each of the radially opposing portions of the outer circumferential surface of the spout portion.

4. The refillable container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a passage defining portion is formed on the upper surface of the flange portion, between it and the upper opening edge of the inlet portion, defining an air passage through which air inside the container and outside air can flow.

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