Cooler box

Abstract

To provide a cooler box whose locking mechanism can be easily released.SOLUTION: A cooler box 1 includes a box body 3, a lid body 5, a lock mechanism 7, and an operating member 9. The lid body 5 has a third recess 43A at an outer edge. The third recess 43A includes a first wall surface 44a and a second wall surface 44b. The first wall surface 44a extends from a first outer surface 31 toward the box body 3. The second wall surface 44b is provided between the first wall surface 44a and a second outer surface 33A. The operating member 9 operates the lock mechanism 7. The operating member 9 is at least partially arranged in the third recess 43A so that the user's finger can be inserted between the first wall surface 44a and itself and between the second wall surface 44b and itself, in a locked state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooler box.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose cooler boxes. These cooler boxes include a main body, a lid, a locking mechanism, and an operating member.

[0003] The main body has an opening. The lid covers the opening. The locking mechanism is configured to be able to switch the lid between a locked state where it cannot be opened with respect to the main body and an unlocked state where it can be opened with respect to the main body. The operating member is provided so as to be able to operate the locking mechanism.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the cooler box of Patent Document 1, an operating gap is provided. The operating gap is provided between the side surface of the recess of the lid and the upper wall portion of the operating member. The user inserts their fingertip into the operating gap and catches the upper wall portion of the operating member, and then swings the operating member to switch the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0006] In the cooler box described in Patent Document 2, an operating gap is provided. The operating gap is located between the lower surface of the recess in the lid and the lower surface of the operating member. The user inserts their fingertip into the operating gap and hooks it onto the lower surface of the operating member, and then swings the operating member to switch the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0007] In the cooler box described above, the user's fingertips are inserted into the operating gap from either the top or side of the lid. This configuration makes it difficult to ensure sufficient spacing and depth in the operating gap. As a result, the user may only be able to insert their fingertips, for example, the first joint of their finger, into the operating gap, making it difficult to release the locking mechanism. Furthermore, releasing the locking mechanism becomes even more difficult if the user's fingers are wet or if they are wearing thick gloves.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a cooler box in which the locking mechanism can be easily released. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Regarding a first aspect of the present invention, the cooler box comprises a body, a lid, a locking mechanism, and an operating member. The body has an opening. The lid covers the opening. The lid has a recess on its outer edge. The recess includes a first wall surface and a second wall surface. The first wall surface extends toward the body from a first outer surface facing the opening. The second wall surface is provided between the first wall surface and a second outer surface intersecting the first outer surface.

[0010] The locking mechanism is provided between the main body and the lid. The locking mechanism is configured to be switchable between a locked state and an unlocked state, and between a locked state and an unlocked state. The locked state is a state in which the lid cannot be opened relative to the main body. The unlocked state is a state in which the lid can be opened relative to the main body. An operating member is provided so as to be able to operate the locking mechanism. In the locked state, the operating member is at least partially positioned in a recess between the first wall surface and the second wall surface, so as to allow the user's finger to be inserted.

[0011] In a cooler box according to the first aspect of the present invention, the operating member is at least partially positioned in the recess so that, in the locked state, the user's fingers can be inserted between the first wall surface of the recess of the lid and between the second wall surface of the recess of the lid.

[0012] This configuration allows the user to release the lock from the first and second outer sides, that is, from the top and side of the lid. As a result, this cooler box allows for easier release of the locking mechanism compared to conventional technology.

[0013] Regarding a second aspect of the present invention, in the cooler box according to the first aspect, the locking mechanism has a pivot shaft and an arm. The pivot shaft is pivotably supported by the lid inside the lid. The arm connects the pivot shaft and the operating member. The arm pivots together with the pivot shaft.

[0014] With respect to a third aspect of the present invention, in the cooler box according to the second aspect, the lid is unlocked when the operating member swings away from the second wall surface, and the lid is locked when the operating member swings towards the second wall surface.

[0015] With respect to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the cooler box according to the third aspect, at least a portion of the operating member is positioned outside the recess when the lid is unlocked, and the entire operating member is positioned inside the recess when the lid is locked.

[0016] With respect to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in a cooler box according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the operating member has an axis defined in the direction in which the operating member extends. At least a portion of the cross section of the operating member is defined by a plane perpendicular to the axis. At least a portion of the cross section of the operating member is formed by a first outer surface facing the second wall surface of the recess and a second outer surface connected to the first outer surface and provided around the axis. In at least a portion of the cross section of the operating member, the first shortest distance from the axis to the first outer surface is smaller than the second shortest distance from the axis to the second outer surface in at least a portion of the cross section of the operating member.

[0017] Regarding a sixth aspect of the present invention, the cooler box according to the second aspect further comprises a rod-shaped engaged member. The rod-shaped engaged member is provided on the main body so as to be parallel to the pivot axis. The locking mechanism further comprises a link mechanism and an engagement structure. The link mechanism is connected to the pivot axis. The engagement structure engages with the engaged member by the link mechanism. The engagement structure is released from engagement with the engaged member by the link mechanism.

[0018] The link mechanism comprises a base member, a first link member, and a second link member. The base member pivots with the pivot axis. The first link member is pivotably connected to the base member. The first link member extends toward the second outer surface. The second link member is pivotably connected to the first link member. The second link member is pivotably supported toward the lid.

[0019] Regarding the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the cooler box according to the sixth aspect, the base member oscillates together with the pivot shaft by non-circular engagement with the pivot shaft.

[0020] Regarding the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the cooler box according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the engagement structure has a first engagement portion, a second engagement portion, and a biasing member. The first engagement portion is provided on the second link member. The first engagement portion engages with the engaged member. The second engagement portion is arranged so as to be able to contact and separate from the engaged member. The second engagement portion engages with the engaged member. The biasing member biases the second engagement portion toward the engaged member with respect to the second link member.

[0021] Regarding the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the cooler box according to the eighth aspect, the second engagement portion has a contact surface and a guide surface. The contact surface contacts the engaged member in the locked state of the lid body. The guide surface guides the engaged member to the contact surface in the process of the state changing from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0022] Regarding the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the cooler box according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the lid body has a lid main body and a cover portion. The cover portion is provided on the lid main body. A part of the cover portion is arranged between the lid main body and the operation member. Regarding the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the cooler box according to the tenth aspect, the cover portion is arranged at the outer edge portion of the lid body. The recess is provided in the cover portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0023] In the present invention, in the cooler box, the unlocking operation of the locking mechanism can be easily performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] External perspective view of the cooler box according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Top view of the cooler box. [Figure 3] External perspective view of a partial enlargement of the long side portion of the cooler box with the cover portion made transparent in the locked state. [Figure 4] External perspective view of a partial enlargement of the cover portion and the operation member in the locked state. [Figure 5A] A partially enlarged external perspective view of the vicinity of the link mechanism. [Figure 5B] A partially enlarged external perspective view of the vicinity of the link mechanism. [Figure 6] Side view of the link mechanism. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view of the operating component cut at its center. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the cooler box 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a box body 3, a lid 5, locking mechanisms 7A and 7B, and a pair of operating members 9A and 9B. The cooler box 1 further comprises an engaging member 11 shown in Figure 5A.

[0026] In the following, the vertical direction is defined with cooler box 1 in contact with the ground plane. In other words, the downward direction is the direction in which gravity acts on cooler box 1, and the upward direction is the opposite of the downward direction. The horizontal direction is perpendicular to the direction in which gravity acts.

[0027] The box body 3 is formed in a box shape. When viewed from above, the box body 3 has a substantially rectangular outer shape. The box body 3 has a bottom wall 13 which forms the bottom of the box body 3. The bottom wall 13 has a contact surface. The box body 3 further has a pair of first side walls 15A, 15B which form the long sides of the rectangle when viewed from above, and a pair of second side walls 17A, 17B which form the short sides of the rectangle when viewed from above.

[0028] The bottom wall 13, a pair of first side walls 15A, 15B, and a pair of second side walls 17A, 17B are formed integrally. For example, the pair of first side walls 15A, 15B extend upward from the bottom wall 13. The pair of first side walls 15A, 15B are arranged facing each other. The pair of second side walls 17A, 17B extend upward from the bottom wall 13. The pair of second side walls 17A, 17B are arranged facing each other. The box body 3 has an opening 19. The opening 19 is formed by the upper ends of the pair of first side walls 15A, 15B and the pair of second side walls 17A, 17B.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lid 5 covers the opening 19 of the box body 3. For example, the lid 5 opens and closes the opening 19 at the top of the box body 3. In a top view, the lid 5 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape to correspond to the outer shape of the box body 3. The lid 5 is composed of a lid body 21 and a pair of cover parts 23A and 23B provided on the lid body 21.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lid body 21 covers the opening 19 of the box body 3. The lid body 21 has an upper wall 25 that constitutes the upper part of the lid body 21, a pair of third side walls 27A, 27B that constitute the longitudinal side of the lid body 5 (the side in the direction of the long side of the rectangle), and a pair of fourth side walls 29A, 29B that constitute the short side of the lid body 5 (the side in the direction of the short side of the rectangle).

[0031] A pair of third side walls 27A and 27B extend downward from the upper wall 25. The pair of third side walls 27A and 27B are positioned opposite each other. A pair of fourth side walls 29A and 29B extend downward from the upper wall 25. The pair of fourth side walls 29A and 29B are positioned opposite each other.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, with the lid body 21 covering the box body 3, the upper wall 25 is positioned opposite the bottom wall 13 in the vertical direction, with a gap between them. In this state, the upper wall 25 is positioned opposite the opening 19 of the box body 3. That is, the upper wall 25 is positioned above the opening 19.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, with the lid body 21 covering the box body 3, a pair of third side walls 27A and 27B are positioned facing each other individually from the upper ends of a pair of first side walls 15A and 15B. For example, a pair of third side walls 27A and 27B are in contact with each other individually from the upper ends of a pair of first side walls 15A and 15B.

[0034] With the lid body 21 covering the box body 3, a pair of fourth side walls 29A, 29B are positioned facing each other individually towards the upper ends of a pair of second side walls 17A, 17B. For example, a pair of fourth side walls 29A, 29B are in contact with each of the upper ends of a pair of second side walls 17A, 17B. Here, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 6, and 7, packings P are placed in the portions of the third side walls 27A, 27B and the fourth side walls 29A, 29B that are in contact with the upper ends of the first side walls 15A, 15B and the upper ends of the second side walls 17A, 17B.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the outer surface of the upper wall 25 of the lid body 21 and the upper surfaces of the pair of cover parts 23A and 23B form a first outer surface 31. The first outer surface 31 is positioned to face the opening 19 of the box body 3. That is, the first outer surface 31 is positioned above the opening 19.

[0036] The outer surfaces of the third side walls 27A and 27B of the lid body 21, and the sides of the pair of cover portions 23A and 23B form a pair of second outer surfaces 33A and 33B. The pair of second outer surfaces 33A and 33B intersect with the first outer surface 31. For example, the pair of second outer surfaces 33A and 33B extend downward from the first outer surface 31.

[0037] The outer surfaces of a pair of fourth side walls 29A and 29B each form a pair of third outer surfaces 35A and 35B. The pair of third outer surfaces 35A and 35B intersect with the first outer surface 31. For example, the pair of third outer surfaces 35A and 35B extend downward from the first outer surface 31.

[0038] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cooler box 1 with the cover portion 23A made transparent in the locked state, partially enlarged to show the long side. The lid body 21, which is located on the inside of the cover portion 23B (not shown), has the same configuration as in Figure 3. The following description will use the lid body 21 on the cover portion 23A side for explanation of the configuration.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the portion of the lid body 21 located inside the cover portion 23A has a first recess 37A, a pair of second recesses 39A1 and 39A2, and a pair of stepped protrusions 41A1 and 41A2. The first recess 37A is provided at the corner of the lid body 21. The first recess 37A is located below the upper wall 25. The pivot shaft 45A of the locking mechanism 7A, which will be described later, passes through the first recess 37A, and both ends of the pivot shaft 45A reach the pair of second recesses 39A1 and 39A2.

[0040] A pair of second-stage recesses 39A1 and 39A2 are provided at the corners of the lid body 21 on the inside of the cover portion 23A. The second-stage recess 39A1 is provided between the first-stage recess 37A and the fourth side wall 29A. The second-stage recess 39A2 is provided between the first-stage recess 37A and the fourth side wall 29B. The link mechanisms 49A1 and 49A2 of the locking mechanism 7A, which will be described later, are arranged in the pair of second-stage recesses 39A1 and 39A2.

[0041] A pair of stepped protrusions 41A1 and 41A2 are provided at the corners of the lid body 21 on the inside of the cover portion 23A. Stepped protrusion 41A1 is provided between the first recessed portion 37A and the second recessed portion 39A1. Stepped protrusion 41A2 is provided between the first recessed portion 37A and the second recessed portion 39A2. The pivot shaft 45A of the locking mechanism 7A passes above the pair of stepped protrusions 41A1 and 41A2.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the cover portion 23A covers the first recessed portion 37A, a pair of second recessed portions 39A1 and 39A2, and a pair of protruding portions 41A1 and 41A2. The cover portion 23A covers the pivot shaft 45A of the locking mechanism 7A. The cover portion 23A is mounted on the lid body 21. As shown in Figure 1, a part of the cover portion 23A, for example, the central part of the cover portion 23A, is positioned between the lid body 21 and the operating member 9A. The cover portion 23A pivotably supports the pivot shaft 45A of the locking mechanism 7A.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the lid 5 has third-stage recesses 43A and 43B (an example of recesses). The third-stage recesses 43A and 43B are formed to accommodate at least a portion of the operating members 9A and 9B. The third-stage recesses 43A and 43B are provided at the corners of the lid 5. In this embodiment, is, The three recessed sections 43A and 43B are each provided separately in the center of the cover sections 23A and 23B. Operating members 9A and 9B are each separately positioned in the third recessed section 43A and 43B.

[0044] Figure 4 is a partially enlarged external perspective view of the cover portion 23A and the operating member 9A in the locked state. The cover portion 23B has the same configuration as in Figure 4. The following description will use the cover portion 23A as an example.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, the third recess 43A includes a first wall surface 44a, a second wall surface 44b, a first side wall surface 44c, and a second side wall surface 44d. The first wall surface 44a extends from the outer edge 31a of the upper wall 25 toward the box body 3. For example, the first wall surface 44a extends downward from the upper surface 23a1 of the cover portion 23A. The second wall surface 44b is provided between the first wall surface 44a and the second outer surface 33A. For example, the second wall surface 44b is provided between the lower end of the first wall surface 44a and the side surface 23a2 of the cover portion 23A.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the first side wall surface 44c extends downward from the upper surface 23a1 of the cover portion 23A and extends from the first wall surface 44a toward the second outer surface 33A. The second side wall surface 44d is positioned at a distance from the first side wall surface 44c. The second side wall surface 44d extends downward from the upper surface 23a1 of the cover portion 23A and extends from the first wall surface 44a toward the second outer surface 33A.

[0047] The locking mechanisms 7A and 7B shown in Figure 1 are provided between the box body 3 and the lid 5. For example, the locking mechanisms 7A and 7B are provided between the box body 3 and the cover portion 23.

[0048] The locking mechanisms 7A and 7B are configured to be switchable from a locked state to an unlocked state. The locked state is a state in which the lid 5 cannot be opened relative to the box body 3. The unlocked state is a state in which the lid 5 can be opened relative to the box body 3.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the locking mechanism 7A has a pivot shaft 45A and a pair of arm portions 47A. The locking mechanism 7A further has a pair of link mechanisms 49A1, 49A2 and a pair of engagement structures 51A1, 51A2.

[0050] The pivot shaft 45A is pivotably supported within the lid 5. In this embodiment, the pivot shaft 45A is located inside the cover portion 23 and pivotably supported by the cover portion 23. The cross-section of the pivot shaft 45A is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0051] A pair of arm sections 47A connect the pivot shaft 45A and the operating member 9A. The pair of arm sections 47A are spaced apart from each other in the direction in which the pivot shaft 45A extends. The pair of arm sections 47A swing together with the pivot shaft 45A. For example, the pair of arm sections 47A swing together with the pivot shaft 45A by non-circular engagement with the pivot shaft 45A.

[0052] A pair of link mechanisms 49A1 and 49A2 are connected to the pivot shaft 45A. The pair of link mechanisms 49A1 and 49A2 are each positioned in a pair of second-stage recesses 39A1 and 39A2. Since the configurations of the pair of link mechanisms 49A1 and 49A2 are substantially the same, the following description will use one of the link mechanisms 49A1 to explain its configuration.

[0053] As shown in Figures 5A and 6, the link mechanism 49A1 includes a base member 53A, a first link member 55A, and a second link member 57A. The base member 53A oscillates together with the pivot shaft 45A. For example, the base member 53A oscillates together with the pivot shaft 45A by non-circular engagement with the pivot shaft 45A.

[0054] The first link member 55A is pivotably connected to the base member 53A. For example, the first link member 55A is pivotably connected to the base member 53A via a first link shaft 59. A return spring 61 is mounted on the first link shaft 59 to return the first link member 55A to its initial position. The first link member 55A is positioned below the pivot shaft 45A. The first link member 55A extends toward the second outer surface 33A.

[0055] The second link member 57A extends downward from the first link member 55A, for example, from the second link shaft 63. The second link member 57A is pivotably connected to the first link member 55A. The second link member 57A is pivotably supported on the cover 5. For example, the second link member 57A is pivotably connected to the first link member 55A via the second link shaft 63. The second link member 57A is pivotably supported on the cover portion 23 via the support shaft 65. Both ends of the support shaft 65 are supported on the cover portion 23.

[0056] As shown in Figures 3 and 5A, a pair of engaging structures 51A1 and 51A2 engage with a pair of engaged members 11A1 and 11A2 individually by a pair of link mechanisms 49A1 and 49A2. Each of the pair of engaged members 11A1 and 11A2 is formed in the shape of a rod.

[0057] Each of the pair of engaged members 11A1 and 11A2 is provided on the box body 3 so as to be parallel to the pivot axis 45A. For example, both ends of each of the pair of engaged members 11A1 and 11A2 are supported by the box body 3 below the second recesses 39A1 and 39A2. For example, the engaged members 11A1 and 11A2 are supported by the support base 40.

[0058] The configuration in which the engaged members 11A1 and 11A2 are supported by the support base 40 is the same. Below, the configuration of the support base 40 that supports the engaged member 11A1 will be described with reference to Figure 5B. The support base 40 has a support portion 40a that supports the engaged member 11A1, a fixing portion 40b that is fixed to the box body 3, and a contact portion 40c that protrudes from the fixing portion 40b. The fixing portion 40b is fixed to the second recess 39A1. The contact portion 40c contacts the positioning portion 24 provided on the lid body 21. The support portion 40a, the fixing portion 40b, and the contact portion 40c are integrally formed with each other.

[0059] This configuration allows the locking mechanisms 7A and 7B to accurately lock the box body 3 and the lid 5 in the locked state. Furthermore, it enables stable control of the compression margin of the packing P.

[0060] A pair of engaging structures 51A1 and 51A2 are each positioned in a pair of second-stage recesses 39A1 and 39A2. Since the configurations of the pair of engaging structures 51A1 and 51A2 are substantially the same, the following explanation will use engaging structure 51A1 as an example.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5A, the engagement structure 51A1 is released from engagement with the engaged member 11A1 by the link mechanism 49A1. The engagement structure 51A1 includes a first engagement portion 67, a second engagement portion 69, and a biasing member 71 as shown in Figure 6.

[0062] The first engaging portion 67 is provided on the second link member 57A. In this embodiment, the first engaging portion 67 is integrally formed with the tip of the second link member 57A. The first engaging portion 67 is a claw portion provided on the tip of the second link member 57A. The first engaging portion 67 engages with the engaged member 11A1. For example, the first engaging portion 67 engages with the lower part of the engaged member 11A1.

[0063] The second engaging portion 69 is positioned inside the cover 5 so as to be able to move toward and away from the engaged member 11A1. In this embodiment, the second engaging portion 69 is positioned on the second link member 57A above the first engaging portion 67. The second engaging portion 69 is mounted on the second link member 57A so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The second engaging portion 69 engages with the engaged member 11A1. For example, the second engaging portion 69 engages with the upper part of the engaged member 11A1.

[0064] As shown in Figure 6, the second engaging portion 69 has a contact surface 69a and a guide surface 69b. The contact surface 69a contacts the engaged member 11A1 when the lid 5 is locked. The guide surface 69b guides the engaged member 11A1 to the contact surface 69a when the lid 5 is unlocked. The guide surface 69b is an inclined surface that slopes upward from the contact surface 69a.

[0065] In the locked state, the biasing member 71 biases the second engaging portion 69 toward the engaged member 11A1 relative to the second link member 57A. In this embodiment, the biasing member 71 is a coil spring. In the compressed state, the biasing member 71 is positioned between the second link member 57A and the second engaging portion 69. The biasing member 71 biases the second engaging portion 69 toward the engaged member 11A1 and the first engaging portion 67 relative to the second link member 57A. As a result, the contact surface 69a of the second engaging portion 69 contacts the engaged member 11A1, and the engaged member 11A1 is clamped by the first engaging portion 67 and the second engaging portion 69.

[0066] The operating member 9A shown in Figure 4 is provided to operate the locking mechanism 7A. In the locked state, the operating member 9A is at least partially positioned in the third recess 43A so that the user's fingers can be inserted between it and the first wall surface 44a and between it and the second wall surface 44b. In this embodiment, in the locked state, the entire operating member 9A is positioned within the third recess 43A so that it can be grasped by the user.

[0067] As shown in Figure 7, in the locked state, the lock is released when the operating member 9A swings in a direction R1 away from the second wall surface 44b of the cover portion 23. The direction R1 in which the operating member 9A swings away from the second wall surface 44b of the cover portion 23, that is, the operating direction R1 of the operating member 9A, is the same as the operating direction for opening the lid 5. As a result, the operating member 9A does not need to perform a special operation to pull the lid outward as in the prior art, and the lid 5 can be opened smoothly.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, when the operating member 9A swings in the operating direction R1, the lock on the lid 5 is released. For example, when the operating member 9A swings in the operating direction R1, the link mechanism 49A1 shown in Figure 6 operates via the pivot shaft 45A, and the first engaging portion 67 and the second engaging portion 69 move away from the side surface 23a2 of the cover portion 23 and move closer to the lid body 21.

[0069] In this embodiment, the second engaging portion 69 shown in Figure 6 is pressed upward by the engaged member 11A1, and the engagement between the engaged member 11A1 and the engaging structure 51A1 is released. When the operating member 9A is operated as described above, the link mechanism 49A2 shown in Figure 3 also operates in the same manner as the link mechanism 49A1, and the engagement between the engaged member 11A2 and the engaging structure 51A2 is also released. As a result, the lock of the lid 5 on the box body 3 is released. In this state, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 7, the operating member 9A is positioned outside the third recess 43A. If the user continues to operate in the operating direction R1 in this state, the lid 5 swings around the engaged member (not shown) inside the cover portion 23B as an axis and is released from the box body 3.

[0070] As shown in Figure 7, when the lid 5 is in a state where it is closing the box body 3, if the operating member 9A swings in the direction R2 toward the second wall surface 44b, that is, if the operating member 9A swings in the operating direction R2, the lid 5 is locked. In this embodiment, when the operating member 9A swings in the operating direction R2, the link mechanism 49A1 shown in Figure 6 operates via the pivot shaft 45A, and the first engaging portion 67 and the second engaging portion 69 move away from the lid body 21 and toward the side surface 23a2 of the cover portion 23.

[0071] In this case, the guide surface 69b of the second engaging portion 69 contacts the engaged member 11A1, and the second engaging portion 69 is pressed upward by the engaged member 11A1. As a result, as shown in Figure 6, the engaged member 11A1 is guided by the contact surface 69a of the second engaging portion 69 and is held between the first engaging portion 67 and the second engaging portion 69. In other words, the engaged member 11A1 and the engaging structure 51A1 engage.

[0072] When the operating member 9A is operated as described above, the link mechanism 49A2 shown in Figure 3 operates in the same way as the link mechanism 49A1, and the engaged member 11A2 and the engaging structure 51A2 engage. In this state, as shown by the solid line in Figure 7, the operating member 9A is entirely positioned within the third recess 43A.

[0073] Furthermore, by operating the operating member 9B in the same way as the operating member 9A, the locking mechanism 7B can also be switched from the locked state (unlocked state) to the unlocked state (locked state), just like the locking mechanism 7A.

[0074] As shown in Figure 7, the operating member 9A has an axis X. For example, the axis X is positioned parallel to the pivot axis 45A. The operating member 9A extends along the axis X. At least a portion of the cross-section of the operating member 9A is defined by a plane perpendicular to the axis X. At least a portion of the cross-section of the operating member 9A is formed in a non-circular shape.

[0075] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the cross-section of the central part of the operating member 9A is formed by a first outer surface 9a, a pair of second outer surfaces 9b, and a third outer surface 9c. The first outer surface 9a faces the second wall surface 44b of the third recess 43A. For example, the first outer surface 9a is formed to be substantially parallel to the second wall surface 44b. The pair of second outer surfaces 9b are connected to the first outer surface 9a. The pair of second outer surfaces 9b are arranged around the axis X. The third outer surface 9c is connected to the pair of second outer surfaces 9b. In the horizontal direction H from the first wall surface 44a toward the side surface 23a2 of the cover portion 23A, the third outer surface 9c is formed to be inclined upward toward the corner formed by the upper surface 23a1 and the side surface 23a2 of the cover portion 23A as it moves away from the first wall surface 44a.

[0076] In a cross-section perpendicular to the axis X of the central part of the operating member 9A, the first shortest distance L1 from the axis X to the first outer surface 9a is smaller than the second shortest distance L2 from the axis X to the second outer surface 9b. In a cross-section perpendicular to the axis X of the central part of the operating member 9A, the third shortest distance L3 from the axis X to the third outer surface 9c is smaller than the second shortest distance L2 from the axis X to the second outer surface 9b. The first shortest distance L1 is smaller than the third shortest distance L3.

[0077] In the cooler box 1 having the above configuration, the user can release the locking mechanism and open the lid 5 using the operating members 9A and 9B from the first outer surface 31 and the second outer surfaces 33A and 33B. In other words, the user can release the lock and open the lid 5 using the operating members 9A and 9B from the top or side of the lid 5. That is, the cooler box 1 allows for easy operation of the operating members 9A and 9B. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1 Cooler box 3 Box Body 5. Lid 7. Locking mechanism 9 Operating Member 9a 1st outer surface 9b 2nd outer surface 11 Engaged member 19 Opening 21 Lid body 23, 23A, 23B Cover section 31 1st outer surface 33 Second outer surface 43 Third recess 44a First wall 44b Second wall 45. Pivot axis 47 Arm section 49 Link mechanism 51 Engagement structure 53 Base member 55 First link member 57 Second link member 67 First engagement portion 69 Second engaging portion 69a Contact surface 69b Guide surface 71. Biasing member L1 1st shortest distance L2 Second shortest distance X-axis center

Claims

1. A body having an opening, A lid having a recess on its outer edge that covers the opening and includes a first wall surface extending toward the main body from a first outer surface facing the opening, and a second wall surface provided between the first wall surface and a second outer surface intersecting the first outer surface, A locking mechanism provided between the main body and the lid, configured to switch between a locked state in which the lid cannot be opened relative to the main body and an unlocked state in which the lid can be opened relative to the main body, and the other state between the locked state and the unlocked state, An operating member is provided so as to be operable for the locking mechanism, and is at least partially positioned in the recess so as to allow the user's fingers to be inserted between the first wall surface and the second wall surface when the locking mechanism is in the locked state, Equipped with, The second wall surface is continuously connected to the first wall surface and the second outer surface. Cooler box.

2. The locking mechanism comprises a pivot shaft that is pivotably supported by the lid inside the lid, and an arm portion that connects the pivot shaft and the operating member and pivots together with the pivot shaft. The cooler box according to claim 1.

3. The lock on the lid is released when the operating member swings away from the second wall surface, and the lid is locked when the operating member swings towards the second wall surface. The cooler box according to claim 2.

4. When the lid is unlocked, at least a portion of the operating member is positioned outside the recess, and when the lid is locked, the entire operating member is positioned inside the recess. The cooler box according to claim 3.

5. The operating member has an axis defined in the direction in which the operating member extends, At least a portion of the cross-section of the operating member is defined by a plane perpendicular to the axis and is formed by a first outer surface facing the second wall surface of the recess and a second outer surface connected to the first outer surface and provided around the axis. In the cross-section, the first shortest distance from the axis to the first outer surface is smaller than the second shortest distance from the axis to the second outer surface in the cross-section. The cooler box according to claim 1.

6. A rod-shaped engaging member provided on the main body so as to be parallel to the pivot axis, Furthermore, The locking mechanism is A link mechanism connected to the aforementioned pivot shaft, The device further comprises an engagement structure which engages with the engaged member by the link mechanism and releases the engagement with the engaged member by the link mechanism, The aforementioned link mechanism is A base member that swings together with the aforementioned pivot axis, A first link member is pivotably connected to the base member and extends toward the second outer surface, The second link member is pivotably connected to the first link member and pivotably supported with respect to the lid, The cooler box according to claim 2.

7. The base member pivots together with the pivot shaft by non-circular engagement with the pivot shaft. The cooler box according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned engagement structure is The second link member is provided with a first engaging portion that engages with the engaged member, A second engaging portion is arranged to be able to move toward and away from the engaged member and engages with the engaged member, A biasing member that biases the second engagement portion toward the engaged member relative to the second link member, The cooler box according to claim 6.

9. The second engaging portion has a contact surface that contacts the engaged member in the locked state of the lid, and a guide surface that guides the engaged member to the contact surface during the process of changing state from the unlocked state to the locked state. The cooler box according to claim 8.

10. The lid comprises a lid body and a cover portion provided on the lid body. A portion of the cover is positioned between the lid body and the operating member. The cooler box according to claim 1.

11. The cover portion is positioned on the outer edge of the lid body, The recess is provided in the cover portion, The cooler box according to claim 10.

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