JP7569822B2 - Item storage container - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an item storage container.

Conventionally, there are capsule-type article storage containers that store articles inside the capsule and are sold by vending machines. For example, in Patent Document 1, the capsule includes a first storage section, a second storage section, a first hinge section, a hinge-type fastener, and a first locking section that can lock the fastener. The hinge-type fastener includes a protrusion that protrudes outward along the outer surface of the other of the first storage section and the second storage section when the fastener is locked to the first locking section. The other of the first storage section and the second storage section is disclosed to have a structure including a second locking section 7 that accommodates the protrusion and elastically restricts the fastener from displacing in a direction away from the first locking section when the fastener is locked to the first locking section.

JP 2018-150055 A

Patent Document 1 provides a capsule that can be prevented from opening unintentionally during transportation or stirring, and can be easily opened when removing the stored product. However, in this case, no consideration is given to the problem of the stored product rattling inside the capsule. Also, in conventional capsule-type product storage containers, the dimensions of the stored product are naturally limited by the dimensions of the storage space.

The present invention aims to provide an easy-to-handle container that reduces rattling of items and can accommodate large items.

An object storage container according to one aspect of the present invention is an object storage container that includes a main body portion having a spherical shape, the main body portion including a first outer shell portion and a second outer shell portion that can be connected to the first outer shell portion, and the first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion have through holes formed in their outer surfaces through which a part of the stored object can protrude.

The present invention provides an easy-to-handle container that reduces rattling of items and can accommodate large items.

1 is a first side view showing one embodiment of an item storage container of the present invention in an item storage state. FIG. 2 is a second side view of the container shown in FIG. 1 in an article-containing state. FIG. FIG. 2 is a third side view of the container shown in FIG. 1 in a stored state. 2 is a perspective view of the container shown in FIG. 1 in an open state, as viewed from the outer surface side. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the container is in a spherical state and the opposite wall surface is viewed through one through hole. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of the container shown in FIG. 1 . 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing an example of an engagement state between an object and a through hole. FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing different shapes of through holes.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of an item storage container of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Fig. 1 is a first side view of one embodiment of an article storage container in an article storage state, Fig. 2 is a second side view of the article storage container in the article storage state, and Fig. 3 is a third side view of the article storage container in the article storage state. Fig. 2 shows a side view rotated 90 degrees from Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 shows a side view rotated 90 degrees from Fig. 2.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the item storage container 1 has a main body 10 in a spherical shape (spherical capsule) consisting of a first outer shell 11 and a second outer shell 12. That is, the two hemispherical outer shells 11, 12 (see Figure 4) are configured to be connectable as described below, and the storage spaces SP1, SP2 are also configured to be hemispherical in shape as well as in appearance. In addition, the outer surfaces 10s of the first outer shell 11 and the second outer shell 12 each have a plurality of through holes 18.

The article 50 stored in the storage space SP is stored with a first corner 51, two second corners 52, and two third corners 53 protruding from the through hole 18. Furthermore, each corner 51, 52, 53 protruding from the outer surface 10s of the main body 10 is covered by, for example, a transparent packaging part 60 that encases the outer surface 10s. The degree to which the article 50 protrudes from the through hole 18 is such that it does not impede the rolling of the article storage container 1 when the article supply device supplies the article storage container 1.

The first outer shell 11 and second outer shell 12 constituting the main body 10 are formed, for example, from a synthetic resin material and have appropriate rigidity, and when in a substantially spherical state containing the goods 50, are configured to be easily rollable by themselves, and can be supplied and sold from the goods supply device. The goods supply device includes a storage section capable of storing multiple goods storage containers 1 containing goods in a random arrangement, a supply section capable of randomly selecting and supplying the goods storage containers 1 one by one from the storage section, a locking section that locks the supply section, an operating section that can be operated to unlock the locking section and rotate the supply section on the condition that a price is paid, and a passage section that allows the goods storage containers 1 to pass rotatably from the storage section to the supply port.

The through holes 18 of the first outer shell part 11 and the second outer shell part 12 are formed in positions and shapes according to the stored items 50. For example, the first outer shell part 11 has one rectangular first type through hole 18A and two elliptical second type through holes 18B arranged to surround the top 11t of the first outer shell part 11 at three points. On the other hand, the second outer shell part 12 has two approximately trapezoidal third type through holes 18C arranged to sandwich the top 12t of the second outer shell part 12.

Here, the through hole 18 has three types of shapes as described above. The first type of through hole 18A is a shape formed by a straight line or a combination of straight lines (see FIG. 4), the second type of through hole 18B is a shape formed by a curved line or a combination of curved lines (see FIG. 4), and the third type of through hole 18C is a shape including a straight line and a curved line (see FIG. 4). In the first type of through hole 18A and the third type of through hole 18C, the inner corner 18d at the end of the straight line portion is formed in a rounded shape. The size of the through hole 18 relative to the article 50 is such that the article 50 and parts constituting the article 50 cannot pass through it. In addition, the through hole 18 does not include the very small circular hole formed in the conventional capsule for the purpose of securing an airway and ventilation in case the capsule is swallowed.

The first type of through hole 18A is rectangular, but this shape corresponds to the shape of the first corner 51. The second type of through hole 18B and the third type of through hole 18C also have shapes that appropriately correspond to the shapes of the second corner 52 and the third corner 53. Therefore, the item 50 does not pass through the through hole 18 but gets caught on the edge of the through hole 18. In this embodiment, the item 50 is accommodated in the five through holes 18 so that the main corners of the item 50 protrude from the outer surface 10s. By accommodating the item 50 in this manner, the item 50 is securely held in the storage space SP. The item 50 can also be accommodated and held items larger than the inner diameter size of the storage space SP. The size of the article 50 relative to the main body 10 is such that if the main body 10 does not have a through hole 18, a part of the article 50 (e.g., a protrusion or a corner) will come into contact with the inner wall of the main body 10 and the first outer shell 11 and the second outer shell 12 will not be able to be closed.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container 1 when opened and viewed from the outer surface 10s side.
As shown in FIG. 4, the through holes 18 are not formed near the opening ends 11e, 12e of both outer shell parts 11, 12. For example, in an article storage container 1 having a size of about several centimeters, the distance d between the third type through hole 18C closest to the opening end 12e and the opening end 12e is formed at a position 5 millimeters or more away from the opening end 12e in the direction of the top 12t. In addition, the through holes 18 are not formed at the tops 11t, 12t of the first outer shell part 11 and the second outer shell part 12, or in the vicinity of the tops 11t, 12t. In addition, the positions and shapes of the through holes 18 do not have any particular regularity, but are formed at irregular positions and shapes according to the shape of the article 50.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first outer shell portion 11 and the second outer shell portion 12 are configured so that the area of the region where the through holes 18 are formed is smaller than the area of the region where the through holes 18 are not formed. Also, in the first outer shell portion 11, the area of the region where the first type of through holes 18A and the second type of through holes 18B are formed is configured so that it is smaller than the area of the region where the third type of through holes 18C are formed in the second outer shell portion 12. In other words, the second outer shell portion 12 has a larger through hole area than the first outer shell portion 11, and is configured to be slightly more easily deformed.

The first outer shell part 11 and the second outer shell part 12 are connected via a connecting part 30 provided at the opening ends 11e and 12e. Therefore, the two outer shell parts 11 and 12 are configured to be inseparable. In addition, as a configuration for locking the first outer shell part 11 and the second outer shell part 12 in an assembled state, the opening ends 11e and 12e are provided with a first locking part 31 on the opposite side to the connecting part 30, and a pair of second locking parts 32 (see FIG. 6) are provided at positions 90 degrees away from the connecting part 30.
Furthermore, an insertion protrusion 11f is provided at the opening end 11e of the first outer shell part 11, protruding toward the second outer shell part 12 on the inside of the outer surface 10s. This insertion protrusion 11f has a guide function during opening and closing by fitting inside the opening end 12e of the second outer shell part 12, and the first outer shell part 11 and the second outer shell part 12 are reliably connected without misalignment at both opening ends 11e, 12e.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the opposite wall surface of the container 1 when the container 1 is in a spherical shape, viewed through the through hole 18. As shown in FIG.
5, the first outer shell portion 11 and the second outer shell portion 12 are configured to have a facing wall portion Ow at a position facing the first type through hole 18A, that is, at a position on the opposite side of the virtual center point Cp of the container 1. This configuration is configured so that the through holes 18 do not face each other at positions that are completely aligned with each other across the virtual center point Cp. In this way, since the through holes 18 are not provided at positions symmetrical to each other across the virtual center point Cp, it is possible to avoid a decrease in strength of the container 1 in a specific direction.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the inside of the container 1. As shown in FIG.
The first locking portion 31 and the second locking portion 32 will be described in more detail. The first locking portion 31 has a fitting hole 12d formed in a protruding piece portion 12b protruding toward the first outer shell portion 11 on the second outer shell portion 12 side, and a protrusion portion 11b that fits into the fitting hole 12d is provided on the outer surface 10s on the first outer shell portion 11 side. The second locking portion 32 has a fitting opening 12c formed on the second outer shell portion 12 side that communicates with the outer surface 10s from the inner surface 10is side so as to form a locking piece portion 12a, and a fitting protrusion 11a that fits into the fitting opening 12c is provided on the first outer shell portion 11 side.

When storing the item 50 in the item storage container 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first outer shell 11 and the second outer shell 12 are placed in an open state, and the item 50 is placed in the second outer shell 12. At this time, the item 50 is placed in a direction such that, for example, the third corner 53 is inserted into the pair of third-type through holes 18C. Then, the first outer shell 11 is closed. This closing operation is performed by fitting the protrusion 11b into the fitting hole 12d in the first locking portion 31, and further, by hooking the tip locking portion 11c of the fitting protrusion 11a into the locking piece portion 12a in the second locking portion 32. As a result, the first corner 51 is held in the first-type through hole 18A, and the second corner 52 is held in the second-type through hole 18B.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing an example of an engagement state between the article 50 and the through-hole 18. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, when the article 50 is accommodated in the article storage container 1, a part of the article 50 is held in contact with the edge of the through hole 18. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the edge 53e of the third corner portion 53 is in contact with the contact point 18g of the edge portion 18e of the third type through hole 18C. In this contact state, the edge portion 18e is pushed by the edge 53e and elastically deforms from the initial position (position shown by the dashed line) and moves toward the outside of the container. The contact force at this time is generated, for example, by engagement with the article 50 at the first corner portion 51 or the second corner portion 52, etc., on the opposite side to the third corner portion 53. As a result of the deformation of the third type through hole 18C (the deformation of the second outer shell portion 12), the article 50 is held without rattling in the storage space SP.

The deformation of the through hole 18 does not occur only on the second outer shell part 12 side, but also on the first outer shell part 11 side due to the same contact force. However, as described above, the first outer shell part 11 is configured to be less prone to deformation than the second outer shell part 12 (the through hole area is smaller), so the deformation is smaller than that of the second outer shell part 12.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing various shapes of the through holes 18. As shown in FIG.
As mentioned above, there are three types of through holes 18, and the first type of through hole 18A can be various polygonal shapes such as a parallelogram shown in Fig. 8(a) and a triangle shown in Fig. 8(b). The second type of through hole 18B may be a curved line whose edge bulges inward, other than an ellipse shown in Fig. 8(c). The third type of through hole 18C is not limited to a curved line whose edge bulges inward as shown in Fig. 8(e), but may be a curved line whose edge bulges outward as shown in Fig. 8(f), or may be a combination of these shapes.

As described above, the item storage container 1 of this embodiment has a spherical body 10, so that when an item 50 is stored in the storage space SP formed within the body 10, the item can have a spherical appearance. This allows the item 50 to have a rolling shape, making it easy to automatically supply the item by an item supply device. Also, by storing the item 50 so that it protrudes outward from the outer surface 10s through the through hole 18, it becomes possible to store an item 50 that is larger than the storage space SP. Of course, it is also possible to store an item 50 that is smaller than the storage space SP, making it possible to accommodate a wide range of sizes of item 50.

In addition, in this embodiment of the item storage container 1, the first outer shell portion 11 and the second outer shell portion 12 have hemispherical storage spaces SP1, SP2 inside, which allows the storage space SP to be made larger, and the opening ends 11e, 12e, which are the joining parts of the two outer shell portions 11, 12, are circular, which allows for easy assembly.

In addition, the container 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the item 50 cannot pass through the through hole 18, so that the item 50 can be engaged with the through hole 18 and stored in the container 1.

In this embodiment of the item storage container 1, the amount of material used for the main body 10 can be reduced by providing a perforated structure with through holes 18 in both outer shells 11 and 12. In addition, the item 50 to be stored in the storage space SP can be stored in a state where it is engaged with the edge of the through hole 18.

In this embodiment of the item storage container 1, the position and shape of the through hole 18 are structured to correspond to the item 50, so that the main body 10 can hold the item 50 accurately, making it easier to store and remove the item 50.

The item storage container 1 of this embodiment is elastically deformable, so that when storing the item 50, the item 50 can be held more securely by elastic deformation.

In this embodiment of the container 1, the area of the non-through holes (wall surface portion) is larger than the total area of the through holes 18 in the entire spherical surface area of the container 1 when it is closed, thereby maintaining the strength of the container 1.

In this embodiment of the item storage container 1, the rigidity of the first outer shell portion 11 can be made stronger than the rigidity of the second outer shell portion 12 by changing the size of the through hole 18. This results in one side (the second outer shell portion 12) being configured to be easily deformed when the item 50 is stored therein, while the other side (the first outer shell portion 11) is configured to be less easily deformed. This allows the easily deformed portion and the less easily deformed portion to be used differently depending on the engaging portion of the item 50.

In this embodiment of the item storage container 1, the two outer shells 11, 12 are configured so that they can be combined and connected at the opening ends 11e, 12e, so the storage space SP can be opened wide to make it easy to remove the item 50.

In addition, in the item storage container 1 of this embodiment, the through hole 18 is formed at a position that is a predetermined distance or more away from the opening ends 11e and 12e, so that the rigidity of the connecting portion can be maintained and the protective function of the item 50 can be maintained.

In this embodiment of the container 1, the through holes 18 are not provided at or near the tops 11t, 12t, so the rigidity of the essential parts of the hemispherical shape of both outer shells 11, 12 is maintained, thereby maintaining the rigidity of the outer shells 11, 12.

In this embodiment of the item storage container 1, multiple through holes 18 are provided in each of the outer shells 11, 12, allowing the items 50 to be securely held by both outer shells 11, 12.

According to the present embodiment of the item storage container 1, the shape of the through holes 18 (shape in plan view) has straight or curved edges, and the edges have a variety of shapes (first to third types of through holes), making it possible to diversify the way in which the edges deform in response to an external force. This means that even when multiple through holes 18 are provided, it is possible to distribute stress in response to an external force, and the concentration of stress in a specific location can be avoided, thereby maintaining the strength of the container against external forces.

In the present embodiment of the container 1, the first type of through hole 18A has a rounded inner corner 18d, which prevents stress from concentrating on the inner corner 18d, making the through hole 18A less likely to crack, and providing a container 1 that is easy to handle.

In the spherical shape of the item storage container 1 of this embodiment, a facing wall portion Ow facing at least a part of the through hole 18 is present at a position facing the container center (virtual center point Cp), thereby eliminating a state in which there is no wall surface in a symmetrical position when viewed from the container center. This makes it possible to make the positions of the through holes 18 irregular when the item storage container 1 is viewed as a sphere, dispersing the areas of stress concentration as a sphere against external forces and suppressing a decrease in strength. In addition, since the through holes 18 are not regularly shaped, for example, patterned in the same shape, stress can be easily dispersed, and a decrease in rigidity due to the formation of the through holes 18 can be suppressed.

In the present embodiment of the container 1, the first outer shell 11 and the second outer shell 12 are connected by the connecting portion 30, so that the outer shells 11 and 12 do not separate even when both outer shells 11 and 12 are open, improving ease of handling.

According to this embodiment of the item storage container 1, the item 50 can be protected by covering it with the packaging part 60 while a portion of the item 50 protrudes from the main body part 10, and the external shape of the main body part 10 can be made to have a gently curved surface shape overall, without any sharp edges.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of its technical concept. For example, in the above embodiment, a part of the item 50 abuts against the edge of the through hole 18, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured to house the item 50 so that the main body 10 does not deform due to the item 50.

As explained above, this specification discloses the following:

(1)
An article storage container,
A body portion having a spherical shape,
The main body portion includes a first shell portion and a second shell portion connectable to the first shell portion,
The first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion have through holes formed on their outer surfaces through which a part of the stored article can protrude.
Item storage container.

(2)
The container according to (1),
The first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion each have a hollow hemispherical shape.
Item storage container.

(3)
The container according to (1) or (2),
The through holes formed in the first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion are configured so that the stored article cannot pass through.
Item storage container.

(4)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (3),
The first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion are configured to be able to hold the stored article in a state in which a part of the article protrudes from the through hole.
Item storage container.

(5)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (4),
The through holes of the first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion are formed in positions and shapes corresponding to the stored items.
Item storage container.

(6)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (5),
The first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion are configured to be at least partially deformable according to the size of the stored item.
Item storage container.

(7)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (6),
The first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion are configured such that an area of a region in which the through hole is formed is smaller than an area of a region in which the through hole is not formed.
Item storage container.

(8)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (7),
The area of the region in which the through hole is formed in the first outer shell is configured to be smaller than the area of the region in which the through hole is formed in the second outer shell.
Item storage container.

(9)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (8),
The first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion are configured to be connectable to each other at their respective open ends.
Item storage container.

(10)
The container according to (9),
The through hole is not formed in the vicinity of the opening end.
Item storage container.

(11)
An article storage container according to (9) or (10),
The through hole is not formed within 5 mm of the open end toward the top.
Item storage container.

(12)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (11),
The through holes are not formed at or near the tops of the first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion.
Item storage container.

(13)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (12),
The through holes are formed in a plurality of the first outer shell portion and a plurality of the second outer shell portion.
Item storage container.

(14)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (13),
The through holes are formed at irregular positions in the first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion.
Item storage container.

(15)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (14),
The through holes include a first type of through hole and a second type of through hole, the first type of through hole being configured in a straight line shape or a combination of straight lines, and the second type of through hole being configured in a curved line shape or a combination of curved lines.
Item storage container.

(16)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (15),
The through holes further include a third type of through hole, and the third type of through hole is configured to have a shape including a straight line and a curved line.
Item storage container.

(17)
The container according to (15),
The first type of through hole is configured so that its inner corners are rounded.
Item storage container.

(18)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (17),
The first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion are configured to have a facing wall portion facing at least a portion of the through hole at a position facing the through hole when they are connected to each other.
Item storage container.

(19)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (18),
The first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion are connected via a connecting portion (hinge) and are configured to be inseparable from each other.
Item storage container.

(20)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (19),
The device further includes a packaging section that wraps and packages the main body section and the article protruding from the through hole.
Item storage container.

1 Item storage container 10 Main body 10s Outer surface 11 First outer shell 11t, 12t Top 12 Second outer shell 18 Through hole 18A First type of through hole 18B Second type of through hole 18C Third type of through hole 30 Connection 50 Item 60 Packaging Ow Facing wall SP Storage space

Claims (6)

An item storage container set ,
An item storage container and an item that can be stored in the item storage container,
The article storage container includes a main body portion having a spherical shape, the main body portion includes a first outer shell portion and a second outer shell portion connectable to the first outer shell portion, and a plurality of through holes having different shapes are formed on the outer surfaces of the first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion and capable of holding a portion of the stored article ,
The article includes a plurality of corners, and the corners are configured to be able to protrude from the through hole when the article is contained in the article container.
Item storage container set . The container set according to claim 1,
The first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion each have a hollow hemispherical shape.
Item storage container set . The container set according to claim 2,
The through holes formed in the first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion are configured so that the stored articles cannot pass through.
Item storage container set . The container set according to claim 3,
The first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion are configured to be rollable in a state in which a part of the article protrudes from the through hole.
Item storage container set . The container set according to claim 4,
The through holes of the first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion are formed in positions and shapes according to the stored items.
Item storage container set . The container set according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The device further includes a packaging portion that wraps and packages the main body portion and the article protruding from the through hole.
Item storage container set .

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