JP2015131686A - container - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cylindrical container which allows smooth dispensing from a vending machine.SOLUTION: A container 100 comprises: a first shell 110 and a second shell 120 each having an opening so that the openings face each other to form a cylindrical body closed at both ends; and at least one elastic hinge 130 which connects the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 such that they can open and close. Each of the openings of the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 includes a linear edge part 114a, 124a. The elastic hinge 130 bridges the edge parts 114a, 124a along an outer face of the cylindrical body formed by the first shell 110 and the second shell 120.

Description

  The present invention relates to a container.

  There is a sales device that stores a plurality of containers containing articles such as toys, and when the purchaser inserts coins and operates the rotary handle, it discharges one container containing the articles. Typically, a spherical container is used as the container (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, in view of the limitation of the size and shape of articles that can be accommodated in a spherical container, there has also been proposed a sales apparatus that accommodates a cylindrical container and discharges it (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3). ).

JP 2011-255916 A Japanese Patent No. 4234154 Japanese Patent No. 4902807

  The spherical container described in Patent Document 1 is configured by connecting a hemispherical first frame body and a second frame body with an elastic hinge so as to be opened and closed. Since each opening of the hemispherical first frame body and the second frame body is circular, if the section of the elastic hinge forms an arc along the opening, the bending rigidity of the elastic hinge increases. Is bridged between the linear protruding ends of the ribs standing on the outer surfaces of the first frame and the second frame. Therefore, the elastic hinge protrudes from the outer surface of the container.

  The cylindrical container used in the sales apparatus described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 is limited in the change of posture in the apparatus as compared with a spherical container. For this reason, if there is a protrusion on the outer surface of the container, this protrusion may be caught by, for example, another container disposed around or a mechanical part of the discharge mechanism of the sales apparatus, which may hinder the discharge of the container.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the situation mentioned above, and it aims at providing the cylindrical container which can be discharged | emitted smoothly with a sales apparatus.

  A container according to the present invention has an opening, a first shell and a second shell that form a cylindrical body closed at both ends in a state where the openings are abutted with each other, and the first shell and the second shell. At least one elastic hinge that connects the first shell and the second shell so as to be openable and closable, and each opening of the first shell and the second shell includes a straight edge, and the elastic hinge includes the first shell. And it is spanned between the said edge part of each said 2nd shell, and it follows the outer surface of the said cylinder, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  Further, in the container according to the present invention, a notch is provided in each of the edge portions of the first shell and the second shell, and the elastic hinge is formed between the first shell and the second shell in the notch. It may be spanned between the edges.

  Further, in the container according to the present invention, a plurality of the elastic hinges are provided, and the cutouts provided at the edge portions of the first shell and the second shell are individually provided for each elastic hinge. Provided, the end surfaces between the adjacent notches at the edge portions of the first shell and the second shell are in a state in which the openings of the first shell and the second shell are in contact with each other. You may contact | abut mutually.

  Moreover, in the container which concerns on this invention, the cover wall of the both ends of the said cylinder comprised by the said 1st shell and the said 2nd shell may be formed thicker than the surrounding wall of this cylinder.

  Moreover, in the container which concerns on this invention, it extends along this edge to the end surface of the said opening of the said 1st shell except the said edge over which the said elastic hinge is spanned, and the said 1st shell And the rib which overlaps with the edge part of the said 2nd shell from the inner side of the said 2nd shell may be standingly arranged in the state where each said opening of the said 2nd shell was mutually abutted.

  Moreover, in the container which concerns on this invention, the latching | locking part engaged with each other may be provided in each opposing surface of the said rib.

  In the container according to the present invention, a recess is provided on an outer surface of the edge of the opening of the first shell excluding the edge over which the elastic hinge is bridged, and at least one locking projection is provided in the recess. The openings of the first shell and the second shell are abutted against each other on the end face of the opening of the second shell except for the edge where the elastic hinge is bridged. A locking claw that is accommodated in the concave portion of the first shell and engages with the locking projection may be provided upright.

  Further, in the container according to the present invention, the first shell, the second shell, and the elastic hinge are integrally formed of a resin material, and the elastic hinge is formed of the first shell and the second shell. It may be formed thinner than each edge.

  Further, the container according to the present invention has an opening, a first shell and a second shell forming a cylindrical body closed at both ends in a state where the openings are abutted with each other, the first shell and the first shell And at least one elastic hinge that connects the two shells so as to be openable and closable, and has a diameter of 50 to 70 mm. Further, the container according to the present invention has an opening, a first shell and a second shell forming a cylindrical body closed at both ends in a state where the openings are abutted with each other, the first shell and the first shell And at least one elastic hinge that connects the two shells so as to be openable and closable, and has an axial length of 90 mm to 110 mm.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the cylindrical container which can be discharged | emitted smoothly with a sales apparatus can be provided.

It is a figure which shows the structure of an example of a sales apparatus for describing embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the sales apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the sales apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the container used for the sales apparatus of FIG. 1, (A) is a figure which shows the state which the container opened, and (B) each shows the state which the container closed. It is a figure which shows the elastic hinge of the container of FIG. 4, (A) is an elastic hinge in the state which the container opened, (B) is a figure which shows the elastic hinge in the state where the container closed, respectively. (A) is a figure which shows the latching | locking part which hold | maintains the container of FIG. 4 in a closed state, (B) is a figure which expands and shows the part enclosed by the broken line circle VIB. (A) is a figure which shows the structure of the modification of the container of FIG. 4, (B) is a figure which shows the VIIB-VIIB sectional view. It is a figure which shows the structure of the other example of a container for describing embodiment of this invention, (A) is a figure which shows the state which the container opened, (B) is a figure which shows the state which the container closed, respectively. . It is a figure which shows the structure of the other example of the container for demonstrating embodiment of this invention.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an example of a sales apparatus for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.

  The sales apparatus 1 has a box-shaped housing 2. A storage case 3 for storing a plurality of cylindrical containers 100 storing articles such as toys is provided in the upper part of the housing 2, and is stored in the storage case 3 on the front surface of the lower part of the storage case 3. A discharge port 4 for discharging the container is provided. The container 100 is formed in a cylindrical shape in the illustrated example.

  Further, a coin insertion slot 5 into which coins are inserted, a rotary handle 6 operated to eject the container 100, and coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 5 are returned to the front surface of the lower portion of the housing 2. For this purpose, a return button 7 to be operated and a coin tray 8 for discharging the coins to be returned are provided. The casing 2 of the sales apparatus 1 is the same as the casing of an existing sales apparatus that stores and discharges a spherical container except for the storage case 3. In the existing sales apparatus, the spherical container The storage case for storing is replaced with the storage case 3.

  2 and 3 show the internal configuration of the sales apparatus 1.

  The interior of the storage case 3 is partitioned into two storage chambers 11A and 11B on the left and right by a partition member 10 extending in the front-rear direction. The horizontal dimensions of the storage chambers 11A and 11B are set to be substantially the same as the axial dimension of the container 100. The container 100 is arranged in the horizontal direction of the storage case 3 with the axial direction thereof being the storage chamber 11A. , 11B.

  A plurality of guide protrusions 12 are provided on the inner side surface of the storage case 3 and both side surfaces of the partition member 10 so as to extend in the vertical direction parallel to each other with a space in the front-rear direction. In each of the storage chambers 11 </ b> A and 11 </ b> B, the containers 100 are stacked in the vertical direction by the guide protrusions 12 to form a row, and are stored in a double row (in the illustrated example, 5 rows).

  A discharge mechanism that operates in conjunction with the operation of the rotary handle 6 and operates to discharge one container 100 stored in the storage case 3 in response to a single operation of the rotary handle 6 at the bottom of the storage case 3. Is provided. The configuration and operation of the discharge mechanism are described in Japanese Patent No. 4902807, and will be briefly described below.

  The discharge mechanism is connected to the rear of the discharge port 4, and receives a pocket portion 20 that receives one container 100, a bottom plate member 21 that pushes the container 100 disposed in the pocket portion 20 toward the discharge port 4, and a pocket portion 20. And an annular belt 22 that conveys the container 100 toward the container. The pocket portion 20, the bottom plate member 21, and the annular belt 22 are provided for each of the storage chambers 11A and 11B.

  As the rotary handle 6 is operated once, the container 100 accommodated in the pocket portion 20 is pushed out to the discharge port 4 by the bottom plate member 21 in one of the storage chambers 11A and 11B. Then, with the next operation of the rotary handle 6, the container 100 accommodated in the pocket portion 20 is pushed out to the discharge port 4 by the bottom plate member 21 in the other storage chamber. In the one storage chamber, the container 100 is conveyed by the annular belt 22, and the container 100 is pushed out to the discharge port 4 by the operation of the rotary handle 6, and the pocket portion 20 is emptied. 100 is accepted. In the space opened on the annular belt 22 by the movement of the container 100 to the pocket portion 20, the container 100 drops and is replenished in order from the front row. In response to the operation of the rotary handle 6, the above-described discharging operation of the discharging mechanism is repeated, and one container 100 is discharged alternately from the storage chambers 11A and 11B.

  In the above-described discharging operation of the discharging mechanism, the outer surface of the container 100 is formed flat in order to prevent the containers 100 stacked in the vertical direction or the containers 100 and the mechanical parts constituting the discharging mechanism from being caught. ing.

  Further, when diverting the case of an existing sales apparatus, the cylindrical container 100 stored in the storage case 3 as described above is, for example, a container having a diameter of about 62 mm and an axial length of about 103 mm. Is possible. The cylindrical container 100 preferably has a diameter of 50 mm to 70 mm and an axial length of 90 mm to 110 mm.

Moreover, in this Embodiment, the partition member 10 of the storage case 3 can also be removed and used. When the partition member 10 is removed, the storage case 3 becomes a single storage chamber, and the container 100 can store a longer one in the axial direction. For example, a container having a diameter of about 124 mm and an axial length of about 206 mm is used. It is possible. In addition, when the partition member 10 is removed, the cylindrical container 100 to be stored preferably has a diameter of 50 mm to 70 mm and an axial length of 195 mm to 215 mm.

  4 and 5 show the configuration of the container 100. FIG. 4A shows a state in which the container is opened, and FIG. 4B shows a state in which the container is closed. FIG. 5 is a view showing the elastic hinge of the container. FIG. 5A is a view showing the elastic hinge when the container is opened, and FIG. 5B is a view showing the elastic hinge when the container is closed. is there.

  The container 100 includes a first shell 110 and a second shell 120, and an elastic hinge 130 that connects the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 in an openable and closable manner.

  The first shell 110 and the second shell 120 each have an opening, and form a cylinder whose both ends are closed in a state where each opening is abutted with each other. In this example, the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 are configured to form a cylindrical body closed at both ends in a state where each opening is abutted with each other, and include a central axis of the cylindrical body. Each is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape formed by dividing a cylindrical body into two by a plane.

  The opening of the first shell 110 formed in a semicylindrical shape has a rectangular shape, and the edges 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d are all formed in a straight line. Similarly to the first shell 110, the opening of the second shell 120 formed in a semi-cylindrical shape also has a rectangular shape, and the edges 124a, 124b, 124c, and 124d are all formed in a straight line.

  The elastic hinge 130 is substantially parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical body formed by the first shell 110 and the second shell 120, and the openings of the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 are abutted with each other. It spans between the edge part 114a of the 1st shell 110 which opposes, and the edge part 124a of the 2nd shell 120, and connects the 1st shell 110 and the 2nd shell 120.

  Since the edges 114a and 124a are both linear, the elastic hinge 130 having a linear cross section can be directly connected to the edges 114a and 124a. Accordingly, the elastic hinge 130 can be provided along the outer surface of the container 100 without protruding from the outer surface of the container 100 in the closed state.

  The first shell 110 and the second shell 120 and the elastic hinge 130 are integrally formed of a resin material such as polypropylene, for example, and the elastic hinge 130 is formed thinner than the first shell 110 and the second shell 120. Thus, sufficient flexibility for opening and closing the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 is provided.

  The elastic hinge 130 formed integrally with the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 is formed by, for example, providing a notched groove between the edge portion 114 a of the first shell 110 and the edge portion 124 a of the second shell 120. In this case, the elastic hinge 130 is formed in a very narrow shape like a thread between the edges 114a and 124a. On the other hand, in the illustrated example, notches 115 and 125 are provided in the edges 114a and 124a, respectively, and the elastic hinge 130 is provided between the edges 114a and 124a in the notches 115 and 125. The belt is formed with a suitable width. Thereby, the tolerance of the elastic hinge 130 with respect to twist can be increased, and the breakage of the elastic hinge 130 can be suppressed.

  Further, in the illustrated example, a plurality of elastic hinges 130 are provided at intervals along the edges 114 a and 124 a, and the notches 115 and 125 of the edges 114 a and 124 a are provided individually for each elastic hinge 130. It has been. The end surfaces between the adjacent cutouts 115 and 125 in the edge portions 114a and 124a are the same as the end surfaces of the other edge portions (edge portions 114b and 124b, edge portions 114c and 124c, and edge portions 114d and 124d). The first shell 110 and the second shell 120 are in contact with each other in a state where the respective openings are abutted with each other.

  In the sales apparatus 1 described above, the containers 100 are stacked in the vertical direction and stored in the storage case 3. At this time, the container 100 positioned below is loaded with the weight of the container 100 stacked on top. Further, the container 100 is dropped and replenished in the open space on the annular belt 22. As described above, by bringing the end surfaces between the adjacent cutouts 115 and 125 at the edges 114a and 124a into contact with each other, the strength of the container 100 can be increased, and the weight of the container 100 stacked on top or when it falls. The deformation of the container 100 can be suppressed against the impact. Thereby, it can suppress that the container 100 opens inside the storage case 3. FIG.

  Here, a locking portion for holding the container 100 in a closed state is provided on the other edge portion except for the edge portions 114a and 124a around which the elastic hinge 130 is bridged.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration of a locking portion for holding the container 100 in a closed state. FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the locking portions provided at the edge portion 114 b of the first shell 110 and the edge portion 124 b of the second shell 120. Note that FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a broken-line circle VIB in FIG.

  First, a rib 116 extending along the edge 114b is provided upright on the end surface of the edge 114b of the first shell 110. The rib 116 is formed so as to overlap the edge portion 124b of the second shell 120 from the inside of the second shell 120 in a state where the openings of the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 are in contact with each other.

  As described above, the rib 116 overlaps the edge portion 124b, so that it is possible to suppress the displacement of the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 that cause the elastic hinge 130 to be twisted. Further, by overlapping the rib 116 on the edge 124b from the inside of the second shell 120, no protrusion is formed on the outer surface of the container 100, and the outer surface of the container 100 can be kept flat.

  Locking protrusions 117 and 127 that engage with each other are provided on the opposing surfaces of the overlapping rib 116 and edge 124b. When the locking protrusions 117 and 127 are engaged with each other, the container 100 is held in a closed state. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the above latching | locking part can be provided also in edge part 114c, 124c and edge part 114d, 124d used as another pair.

  From the viewpoint of increasing the strength of the container 100, the lid walls 101 and 102 at both ends of the container 100 may be formed thicker than the peripheral wall 103. Thereby, the deformation | transformation of the container 100 resulting from the weight of the container 100 stacked on top or the impact at the time of falling can be suppressed further.

  FIG. 7 shows a configuration of a modified example of the container 100. Note that FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIIB-VIIB in FIG.

  The container shown in FIG. 7 is different from the container 100 described above in the configuration of the locking portion for holding the container in the closed state.

  A concave portion 118 is provided on the outer surface of the edge portion 114 b of the first shell 110, and at least one (two in the illustrated example) locking projection 119 is formed in the concave portion 118. On the other hand, on the end surface of the edge portion 124b of the second shell 120, the locking claws 129 received in the recesses 118 of the first shell 110 in a state where the openings of the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 are in contact with each other. Is erected. When the locking protrusion 119 and the locking claw 129 are engaged with each other, the container is held in a closed state.

  And since the latching nail | claw 129 is accommodated in the recessed part 118 provided in the outer surface of the edge part 114b, a protrusion part is not formed in the outer surface of the container 100, but the outer surface of the container 100 can be kept flat.

  So far, the cylindrical container 100 has been described, but the shape of the container is not limited to the cylindrical shape. For example, as shown in FIG. In the container 200 shown in FIG. 8, the first shell 210 and the second shell 220 are configured to form a rectangular tube whose both ends are closed in a state where the respective openings are in contact with each other. The rectangular tube is divided into two by a plane including the center axis of the body.

  The elastic hinge 230 that connects the first shell 210 and the second shell 220 so as to be openable and closable is substantially parallel to the central axis of the rectangular cylinder, and the openings of the first shell 210 and the second shell 220 are abutted with each other. The first shell 210 and the second shell 220 are bridged between the straight edge portion 214a of the opening of the first shell 210 and the straight edge portion 224a of the opening of the second shell 220 that face each other. Are connected.

  In the container 100 described above, the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 are formed by dividing the cylindrical body into two parts by a plane including the central axis of the cylindrical body. In the container 200, the first shell 210 and the second shell 220 are formed. Is formed by dividing the rectangular cylinder into two parts by a plane including the central axis of the rectangular cylinder. The method of dividing the cylindrical body into the first shell and the second shell is the same as that of the first shell and the second shell. As long as each opening includes a straight edge, there is no particular limitation. For example, in the container 300 shown in FIG. 9, the first shell 310 and the second shell 320 are formed by dividing the cylindrical body into two parts by a plane oblique to the central axis of the cylindrical body.

  The elastic hinge 330 that connects the first shell 310 and the second shell 320 so as to be openable and closable is a linear edge 314 d of the opening of the first shell 310 that appears on the lid wall 302 that closes one end of the cylindrical body, and the second shell 320. The first shell 310 and the second shell 320 are connected to each other with a straight edge 324d of the opening.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sales apparatus 100 Container 110 1st shell 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d Edge 116 Rib 117 Locking protrusion 118 Recessed part 119 Locking protrusion 120 Second shell 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d Edge 129 Locking claw 130 Elastic hinge

Claims (10)

A first shell and a second shell, each having an opening, forming a cylinder closed at both ends in a state where the openings are butted against each other;
At least one elastic hinge connecting the first shell and the second shell so as to be openable and closable;
With
The opening of each of the first shell and the second shell includes a straight edge;
The elastic hinge is bridged between the edges of each of the first shell and the second shell, and is a container along the outer surface of the cylindrical body. The container according to claim 1,
Notches are provided in the edges of each of the first shell and the second shell,
The elastic hinge is a container that spans between the edges of the first shell and the second shell in the cutout. A container according to claim 2,
A plurality of the elastic hinges are provided,
The notches provided at the edges of each of the first shell and the second shell are individually provided for each elastic hinge,
End surfaces between notches adjacent to each other at the edge of each of the first shell and the second shell are in contact with each other in a state where the openings of the first shell and the second shell are in contact with each other. container. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A container in which lid walls at both ends of the cylindrical body constituted by the first shell and the second shell are formed thicker than a peripheral wall of the cylindrical body. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The opening of the edge of the opening of the first shell excluding the edge over which the elastic hinge is bridged extends along the edge, and the opening of each of the first shell and the second shell. A container in which ribs are erected from the inner side of the second shell so as to overlap the edge of the second shell in a state where they are butted against each other. The container according to claim 5,
A container provided with engaging portions that engage with each other on each opposing surface of the rib. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A recess is provided on the outer surface of the edge of the opening of the first shell excluding the edge over which the elastic hinge is bridged, and at least one locking projection is formed in the recess.
Except for the edge portion over which the elastic hinge is bridged, the first shell and the second shell in the state where the openings of the first shell and the second shell are abutted with each other on the end surface of the opening of the second shell. A container in which a locking claw that is accommodated in the concave portion of one shell and engages with the locking protrusion is erected. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The first shell, the second shell, and the elastic hinge are integrally formed of a resin material,
The elastic hinge is a container formed thinner than the edge of each of the first shell and the second shell. A first shell and a second shell, each having an opening, forming a cylindrical body closed at both ends with the openings butted against each other;
At least one elastic hinge connecting the first shell and the second shell so as to be openable and closable;
With
A container having a diameter of 50 mm to 70 mm. A first shell and a second shell, each having an opening, forming a cylindrical body closed at both ends with the openings butted against each other;
At least one elastic hinge connecting the first shell and the second shell so as to be openable and closable;
With
A container having an axial length of 90 mm to 110 mm.