JP7540326B2 - Refillable container - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a refillable container.

In recent years, in order to reduce the burden on the environment, refillable containers have been proposed that can be reused by users by replacing or refilling the contents.
It is preferable that the refill container be easily opened by the user, but it is necessary that it cannot be opened when the user does not intend to do so.
For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,399,633 discloses an easily refillable child-resistant container that houses blister packs containing tablets or capsules. In the container disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,399,633, the tray is rotated horizontally to an open position by releasing the latch with the index finger of the right hand while holding the container with the left hand.
Furthermore, after refilling, the contents of the refill container must be placed in the correct position relative to the container.
For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a volatile agent container in which an outer case is provided with a rib for preventing incorrect installation, thereby preventing incorrect installation of a drawer-type inner case that contains the volatile agent.

Special Publication No. 2009-504520 Patent No. 5748973

However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques have the following problems.
The container described in Patent Document 1 cannot be opened unless both hands are used, which improves safety for children. However, it is inconvenient that the container cannot be opened unless both hands are used.
Furthermore, because the tray rotates horizontally to open, the workability may be poor depending on the weight and volume of the contents, and a large work area must be secured, making it unsuitable for replacing deodorants, fragrances, etc., at the installation site.
The volatile agent container described in Patent Document 2 is a drawer type, so a large work area is required for refilling. In addition, a large opening is required on the side, so there is a possibility that a good appearance cannot be obtained.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a refillable container that is difficult to open due to external forces other than the user's intentional operation, and that allows the contents to be quickly and easily refilled.

In order to solve the above problems, a refillable container according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: an outer shell member having a first opening formed at an end in a first direction; a lid member covering the first opening from a second direction opposite to the first direction and having a gripping portion that can be gripped in a direction intersecting the first direction, a second opening formed adjacent to the gripping portion, and a locking portion formed on the inside of the second opening as viewed from the second direction; and a storage portion that is fixed to the inside of the outer shell member and stores an item placed through the first opening, and the storage portion is movable in the first direction when the lid member is moved in the first direction. a locking member having at least a portion disposed inside the second opening and locked to the locking portion so as not to cause the locking member to move from the gripping portion to the inside of the second opening, the locking member having a locking operation portion movable between a first position in which a tip portion of the locking member, as viewed from the second direction, protrudes beyond the gripping portion into the inside of the second opening, and a second position in which the tip portion of the locking member is retracted from the second opening and does not protrude from the gripping portion; a first protrusion portion that is protruding in the first direction and is provided on the locking operation portion; and a locking operation portion that is provided in cooperation with the locking operation portion, the locking member being locked to the locking portion from the second direction when the locking operation portion is located at the first position;
The cover member has a locking protrusion that is released from the locking portion before the locking operation portion moves from the first position to the second position, and the cover member has a second protrusion that is arranged on a movement path of the first protrusion and abuts against the first protrusion while the locking operation portion moves in a third direction from the first position to the second position, thereby generating a component force in the first direction of the pressing force acting from the locking operation portion.

In the refillable container, the second protrusion may be formed of a material that is elastically deformable in the third direction, protrude from the lid member in the second direction, and form an inclined surface that inclines toward the third direction as it advances in the second direction when the first protrusion abuts against the lid member from the third direction.

In the refillable container, the second protrusion protrudes from the lid member in the second direction and may have an inclined surface that inclines toward the third direction as it advances in the second direction.

In the above-mentioned refillable container, the storage portion has a cylindrical body extending in the first direction, and a plate-like portion that penetrates the cylindrical body in a radial direction and is sandwiched between a pair of slits extending from the tip of the cylindrical body in the extending direction in the second direction forms an elastic arm that extends outward beyond the outer shell member in the first direction and is elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the first direction, the locking operating portion is provided at the tip of the elastic arm in the first direction, and the locking protrusion may be provided at a position on the elastic arm farther in the second direction than the locking operating portion.

In the refillable container, the second opening and the locking portion of the lid member may be provided at two opposing positions across the grip portion when viewed from the second direction, and the locking members may be provided corresponding to the second opening and the locking portion, respectively.

The refillable container of the present invention is unlikely to open due to external forces other than the user's intentional operation, and the contents can be quickly and easily refilled.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a refillable container according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F2-F2 in FIG. 1. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a storage section in a refillable container according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a lid member in the refillable container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view taken along the line F5 in FIG. 4 . FIG. 5 is a rear view taken along line F6 in FIG. 4 . 5A to 5C are explanatory views of the operation of the refill container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5A to 5C are explanatory views of the operation of the refill container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion F9 in FIG. 8 . 5A to 5C are explanatory views of the operation of the refill container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5A to 5C are explanatory views of the operation of the refill container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a refillable container according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a refillable container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a refillable container according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In all drawings, even if the embodiment is different, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals, and common explanations will be omitted.

[First embodiment]
A refillable container according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a refillable container according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F2-F2 in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a storage section in a refillable container according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , a refillable container 10 of this embodiment includes an outer shell member 1 , a container portion 3 , and a cover member 2 .
In the following description, unless otherwise specified, each part of the refillable container 10 will be described based on the arrangement and orientation of the refillable container 10 when assembled.

The outer shell member 1 forms the outer periphery of the refillable container 10 on the lower side in the figure. The outer shape of the outer shell member 1 is not particularly limited as long as it has an opening that opens in one direction. In the example shown in FIG. 2, it is a bottomed cylinder with an opening O1 (first opening) that opens in the first direction Z1 at the end in the first direction Z1. The first direction Z1 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a vertically upward direction. The direction opposite to the first direction Z1 is the second direction Z2. Hereinafter, viewing from the second direction Z2 may be referred to as a planar view.

The outer shell member 1 accommodates an item M inside the opening O1.
The form and type of the contained item M are not particularly limited as long as it can be contained inside the outer shell member 1. For example, the contained item M may be a solid or a liquid. For example, the contained item M may be a gel, a sol, or the like. The contained item M may have sublimation properties, volatility, elution properties, or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the contained item M is a granular solid.

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

The cylindrical portion 1b has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface, and an opening O1 is formed on the inside of the inner peripheral surface. A generally cylindrical fitting portion 1d having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 1b is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the tip of the cylindrical portion 1b. The fitting portion 1d fits removably into the inside of the lid member 2 described below. The fitting portion 1d forms a step recessed inward from the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 1b, and the lid member 2 can be engaged at the step from the second direction Z2.

The material of the outer shell member 1 is not particularly limited as long as it allows the locking claw 1c to be elastically deformed when the storage section 3, which will be described later, is fixed, and allows for the necessary external decoration of the refillable container 10. For example, an appropriate resin material may be used as the material of the outer shell member 1. The material of the outer shell member 1 may be a transparent or translucent material, or may be an opaque material.

The storage unit 3 is a cylindrical body with a bottom extending in the first direction Z1. The storage unit 3 is fixed to the bottom surface portion 1a of the outer shell member 1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 3 has a bottom surface portion 3a, a cylindrical portion 3b (cylindrical body), and a locking member L.
The bottom surface portion 3a is disposed opposite to the tip portion of the protrusion portion 1f in the second direction Z2.
As shown in Fig. 3, the cylindrical portion 3b extends from the outer edge of the bottom portion 3a in the first direction Z1. As shown in Fig. 2, an item M can be stored in a space surrounded by the bottom portion 3a and the cylindrical portion 3b.
An engagement groove 3g is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 3b at its end in the second direction Z2 (the lower end in the drawing).
The locking groove 3g locks onto the locking protrusion 1e of the locking claw 1c when the bottom surface 3a abuts against the tip of the protrusion 1f. This fixes the housing 3 to the center of the bottom surface 1a in the outer shell member 1.
When the storage unit 3 is fixed to the outer shell member 1, the bottom surface 3a faces the opening 1g. Therefore, if the storage unit 3 is made of a light-transmitting material, the inside of the storage unit 3 can be visually observed through the opening 1g. In this case, the user can easily visually check the presence or absence of the contents M in the storage unit 3 and the remaining amount.

The locking member L is provided at the tip of the accommodation portion 3 in the first direction Z1, and is fixed to the outer shell member 1 by the presence of the accommodation portion 3. At least a portion of the locking member L is disposed inside an opening O2 of the lid member 2, which will be described later, and locks onto the lid member 2 so as to prevent the lid member 2 from moving in the first direction Z1.
As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the locking members L are provided at two positions facing each other across a central axis P3 extending in the first direction Z1 of the cylindrical portion 3b.
The configuration of each locking member L is plane symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through the central axis P3 of the cylindrical portion 3b. The same reference numerals are given to corresponding shapes in each locking member L. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the detailed configuration of one of the locking members L will be described.

The locking member L has an elastic arm 3c, a locking operation portion 3d, and a locking projection 3f.
The elastic arms 3c extend in the first direction Z1 further than the tip of the cylindrical portion 3b and the tip of the outer shell member 1 in the first direction Z1, and are elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the first direction Z1. In this embodiment, each elastic arm 3c is elastically deformable in its respective opposing direction C. The opposing direction C is perpendicular to the first direction Z1.
In the following, in the opposing direction C, the direction from the outer periphery of the storage section 3 toward the central axis P3 of the storage section 3 may be referred to as the inward direction C1, and the direction opposite the inward direction may be referred to as the outward direction C2.
2 and 3 show a state (undeformed state) in which the elastic arm 3c is not elastically deformed in the opposing direction C. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the shape and arrangement of the elastic arm 3c in the undeformed state will be described.

The shape of the elastic arm 3c is not particularly limited as long as it is elastically deformable in the opposing direction C. For example, the elastic arm 3c may be rod-shaped or flat-plate-shaped. The elastic arm 3c may extend from the tip of the cylindrical portion 3b as long as the required elasticity is obtained.
In the example shown in Fig. 3, the base end of the elastic arm 3c in the extension direction is formed of a plate-like portion sandwiched between a pair of slits S that penetrate the cylindrical portion 3b in the thickness direction and extend from the tip of the cylindrical portion 3b in the second direction Z2. Therefore, the base end of the elastic arm 3c is curved with the same curvature as the cylindrical portion 3b in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction Z1, and is a curved plate that extends in the first direction Z1 while maintaining the same curvature. Each elastic arm 3c further extends in the first direction Z1 from the tip of the cylindrical portion 3b in the first direction Z1.
As shown in FIG. 2, the tip of the elastic arm 3c extends to a position inside an opening O2 of the cover member 2 described below and does not protrude outward beyond the outer circumferential surface 2a of the cover member 2.

The elasticity of the elastic arm 3c can be appropriately set by the length in the first direction Z1, the width in the circumferential direction, and the thickness in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the length and width of the elastic arm 3c can be changed without changing the position of the tip of the elastic arm 3c by changing the length of the pair of slits S in the first direction Z1 and the interval in the circumferential direction.
Although FIG. 3 illustrates the elastic arm 3c having a constant width in the first direction Z1, the width of the elastic arm 3c may vary in the first direction Z1.

The locking operation portion 3d is a portion where a user places his/her finger in the inward direction C1 to perform an unlocking operation for the purpose of unlocking the locking protrusion 3f. The locking operation portion 3d is provided at the tip of the elastic arm 3c in the first direction Z1. The shape of the locking operation portion 3d can be formed into an appropriate shape that is easy for a user to operate.
For example, the width of the locking operation portion 3d in the circumferential direction of the storage portion 3 is more preferably wider than the width of a user's finger so that the locking operation portion 3d can be operated with the pad of the user's finger.
In the example shown in Fig. 2, the locking operation portion 3d is a flat protrusion protruding from the tip of the elastic arm 3c in the outward direction C2. The locking operation portion 3d may be provided within a part of the width of the elastic arm 3c or in a range exceeding the width, but in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the locking operation portion 3d is provided over the same width as the elastic arm 3c.
The locking operation portion 3d protrudes inwardly of an opening O2 of the cover member 2, which will be described later, in a plan view, but does not protrude outwardly beyond the outer circumferential surface 2a of the cover member 2.

The upper surface of the locking operation part 3d, which overlaps with the elastic arm 3c in a plan view, is formed with a tip convex part 3e (first protrusion) that protrudes in a mountain shape toward the first direction Z1 and extends along the curve of the elastic arm 3c. Therefore, the inner circumferential surface of the elastic arm 3c is formed with an inclined part 3i at the tip convex part 3e that inclines in the outward direction C2 as it progresses in the first direction Z1.

As shown in Fig. 2, the locking projection 3f locks with a locking portion 2e of the cover member 2, which will be described later, from the second direction Z2. The locking projection 3f is a flat projection that protrudes in the outward direction C2 from the elastic arm 3c at a position farther in the second direction Z2 than the locking operation portion 3d. The locking projection 3f may be provided within a portion of the width of the elastic arm 3c or in a range exceeding the width, but in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the locking projection 3f is provided across the entire width of the elastic arm 3c.
The locking projection 3f protrudes into an opening O2 of the cover member 2 (described later) in a plan view, but does not protrude outside the outer circumferential surface 2a of the cover member 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, side plate portions 3h extending in the opposing direction C are provided on both ends of the locking operation portion 3d and the locking projection 3f in the circumferential direction of the storage portion 3. As shown in FIG.
Like the locking operation portion 3d and the locking projection 3f, each side plate portion 3h protrudes into an opening O2 of the cover member 2, which will be described later, in a plan view. However, an edge 3k of the side plate portion 3h is inclined along the outer circumferential surface 2a so as not to protrude outward from the outer circumferential surface 2a of the cover member 2, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first direction Z1 and the opposing direction C. In the example shown in Fig. 2, each edge 3k is inclined in an arc shape toward the outward direction C2 as it proceeds in the second direction Z2 along the arc shape of the outer circumferential surface 2a.

The material of the storage section 3 is not particularly limited as long as the elastic arm 3c can be elastically deformed and the storage item M can be stored. For example, an appropriate resin material may be used as the material of the storage section 3. The material of the storage section 3 may be a transparent or translucent material, or an opaque material.

2, the cover member 2 covers the opening O1 from the second direction Z2. The outer shape of the cover member 2 is not particularly limited as long as it can cover the opening O1.
Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a lid member of the refillable container according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 5 is a plan view seen from F5 in Fig. 4, Fig. 6 is a back view seen from F6 in Fig. 4.

It is more preferable that the outer shape of the cover member 2 has an inclined portion that inclines from the outer periphery toward the center as viewed from the second direction Z2 in the first direction Z1. The inclined surface may be a flat or curved surface with a constant inclination angle, or a curved surface with a changing inclination angle as it progresses in the first direction Z1.
4, the cover member 2 has a hemispherical outer peripheral surface 2a (inclined surface) that is convex in the first direction Z1. The outer peripheral surface 2a is an example of an inclined surface whose inclination angle with respect to the first direction Z1 gradually increases from an angle close to 0 degrees to an angle close to a right angle as it advances in the first direction Z1.
When the opening O2 penetrates the outer peripheral surface 2a, which is an inclined surface, in this manner, the locking protrusion 3f, which is located in the second direction Z2 further than the locking operating portion 3d, can be configured in a shape that does not protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface 2a, even if its length in the protruding direction is longer than that of the locking operating portion 3d.

As shown in FIG. 5, the lid member 2 has a top portion 2d, a grip portion 2c, an opening O2 (second opening), and a locking portion 2e. The shape of the lid member 2 in a plan view is symmetrical with respect to a straight line that passes through the center P2 of the lid member 2 and is perpendicular to the facing direction C.

The top portion 2d is provided at an end portion in the first direction Z1 of the cover member 2. The top portion 2d is a circular plate extending in a direction intersecting the first direction Z1. The center of the top portion 2d is concentric with the center P2 of the cover member 2 in a plan view.
The gripping portions 2c are portions capable of gripping the lid member 2 in the opposing direction C. The gripping portions 2c are provided at both ends of the top portion 2d in the opposing direction C. For this reason, the gripping portions 2c are provided at two locations sandwiching the center P2 of the lid member 2 in a plan view.
As shown in FIG. 2, each grip portion 2c is provided at a position where the locking operation portion 3d of the locking member L in an undeformed state protrudes by a distance D beyond the tip of the grip portion 2c in the outward direction C2.

The openings O2 are openings that penetrate the cover member 2 in the second direction Z2. The openings O2 are formed at positions adjacent to each other in the outward direction C2 relative to the gripping portions 2c.
The width of the opening O2 in a direction perpendicular to the opposing direction C in a plan view is wider than the width of the locking operation portion 3d and the locking protrusion 3f in the circumferential direction of the storage portion 3. Therefore, the tip portion of the locking member L including the locking operation portion 3d, the locking protrusion 3f, and the side plate portion 3h can be inserted inside the opening O2.

The locking portion 2e is provided so that the locking projection 3f of the locking member L can be locked from the second direction Z2.
The locking portion 2e is formed on the inside of each opening O2 in a plan view. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the locking portion 2e is a flat plate that protrudes in an inward direction C1 from an edge of the opening O2 in the outward direction C2 in a plan view. In this embodiment, a protrusion 2g that protrudes in the first direction Z1 from the locking portion 2e is formed at an end of the locking portion 2e in the outward direction C2. The protrusion 2g is formed further outward in the direction C2 than the locking protrusion 3f that is locked to the locking portion 2e, and prevents an external force acting on the locking protrusion 3f from the outside toward the inward direction C1 from directly acting on the locking protrusion 3f.
2, the position of the locking portion 2e in the first direction Z1 is a position where the locking portion 2e abuts against the surface of the locking projection 3f in the second direction Z2 from the first direction Z1. Therefore, the locking portion 2e is formed at a position farther away in the second direction Z2 than the gripping portion 2c in accordance with the position of the locking projection 3f.
2, when the elastic arm 3c is in an undeformed state, the tip of the locking portion 2e in the inward direction C1 is located in the inward direction C1 further than the tip of the locking projection 3f in the outward direction C2. The overlapping amount between the locking projection 3f and the locking portion 2e in a plan view is d in the opposing direction C. Here, the overlapping amount d is equal to or less than the protrusion amount D of the locking operation portion 3d from the grip portion 2c.

6, a protrusion 2f (second protrusion) protruding in the second direction Z2 is provided on the back surface (surface in the second direction Z2) of the top portion 2d. The protrusion 2f is provided for the purpose of directing the pressing force from the elastic arm 3c in the first direction Z1 when the elastic arm 3c is deformed from the undeformed state and moves in the inward direction C1.
The shape of the protrusion 2f is not particularly limited as long as it can direct the pressing force toward the inward direction C1 toward the first direction Z1. In the example shown in Fig. 6, each protrusion 2f is an arc-shaped thin-walled rib extending in the circumferential direction of the center P2 of the top portion 2d.
As shown in FIG. 2, the protrusion 2f is located at a position facing in the facing direction C to the inner circumferential surface of the elastic arm 3c in an undeformed state and the inclined portion 3i of the tip convex portion 3e.

As shown in FIG. 6, a fitting portion 2b that detachably fits into the fitting portion 1d of the outer shell member 1 is formed on the outer periphery of the cover member 2 when viewed in the first direction Z1.
As shown in Figure 2, the fitting portion 2b fits into the outer periphery of the fitting portion 1d from the second direction Z2, and can be engaged when its tip in the second direction Z2 abuts against a step formed between the fitting portion 1d and the cylindrical portion 1b.

The material of the lid member 2 is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that allows the protrusion 2f to be elastically deformed to a certain degree in the inward direction C1 when the protrusion 2f is pressed by the elastic arm 3c and the tip convex portion 3e. For example, an appropriate resin material that is softer than the material of the storage portion 3 may be used as the material of the lid member 2. For example, if the material of the protrusion 2f can be separated from the material of the other parts of the lid member 2, an appropriate resin material that is softer than the material of the storage portion 3 may be used only for the protrusion 2f.
The material of the cover member 2 may be a transparent or translucent material, or may be an opaque material.

Next, the operation of the refill container 10 will be described, focusing on the refilling operation of the contents M.
Figures 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the refillable container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is an enlarged view of part F9 in Figure 8. Figures 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the refillable container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the assembled state of the refillable container 10, the fitting portion 2b of the lid member 2 fits into the fitting portion 1d of the outer shell member 1 from the second direction Z2.
Each of the locking members L of the accommodation portion 3 is in an undeformed state, and each of the locking projections 3f is locked to the locking portion 2e from the second direction Z2. The overlapping amount between the locking projections 3f and the locking portion 2e is d.
Therefore, the cover member 2 is prevented from coming off in the first direction Z1 by the locking projections 3f.
Each locking operation portion 3d protrudes from the grip portion 2c in the outward direction C2 by an amount D.
The locking projection 3f and the locking operation portion 3d do not protrude outward beyond the outer peripheral surface 2a. Therefore, even if the cover member 2 hits an object with a small curvature such as an external wall or floor, an external force is unlikely to act on the locking projection 3f and the locking operation portion 3d which are recessed from the outer peripheral surface 2a. In the embodiment, the locking portion 2e is provided with the protrusion 2g, which makes it particularly difficult for an external force to act on the locking projection 3f.

To replace or replenish the contents M in the refill container 10, the cover member 2 is removed as follows.
First, as shown in Fig. 7, the user inserts fingers f1 and f2 into the openings O2 facing each other across the top portion 2d. After this, the user grips each grip portion 2c and each locking operation portion 3d with fingers f1 and f2 in the facing direction C. The type of fingers f1 and f2 is not particularly limited as long as they can grip each grip portion 2c and each locking operation portion 3d. For example, fingers f1 and f2 may be the first finger and the second finger, respectively.
8, the user increases the gripping force of the fingers f1 and f2 to press the locking operation parts 3d inwardly C1 (third direction), causing the elastic arms 3c to elastically deform in the inward direction C1, and the locking operation parts 3d and the locking projections 3f to move in the inward direction C1.

At this time, the inclined portions 3i of the end projections 3e press against the projections 2f, so that the projections 2f are inclined inwardly in the direction C1.
That is, as indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 9, the surface 2k of the protrusion 2f in the outward direction C2 extends in the second direction Z2 until it comes into contact with the tip convex portion 3e.
When the tip convex portion 3e moves in the inward direction C1 and abuts against the surface 2k, the surface 2k is inclined along the inclined portion 3i as shown by the solid line. The pressing force fp acting on the welded portion M2 through the inclined surface 2k is resolved into a horizontal force component fh in the inward direction C1 and a vertical force component fv in the first direction Z1.
As a result, a perpendicular force component fv in the first direction Z1 acts on the cover member 2 in accordance with the inclination angle of the surface 2k.
Therefore, while a pressing force is applied to the cover member 2 in the first direction Z1, the locking operation portion 3d moves in the inward direction C1.
For example, when the user presses the locking operation portion 3d inwardly by Δ (where 0<Δ≦D), the locking protrusion 3f moves inwardly by d.
As a result, the engagement of the engagement projections 3f with the engagement portions 2e is released.

When the locking projection 3f is released, the user can move the cover member 2 in the first direction Z1 while gripping the grip portion 2c, as shown in FIG.
At this time, while the tip convex portion 3e is in contact with the protrusion portion 2f, a vertical component of force fv is generated. This biases the cover member 2 in the first direction Z1. As a result, the user can easily move the cover member 2 in the first direction Z1 with a lighter force than when the vertical component of force fv is not generated.
When the vertical force component fv is not generated, the user must consciously perform a two-step action of gripping the gripping portion 2c and the locking operation portion 3d with the fingers f1 and f2 in the inward direction C1, and then pulling up the lid member 2 in the first direction Z1 in this state. However, in this embodiment, the lid member 2 is biased in the first direction Z1 at the same time as the gripping action in the inward direction C1 is performed. Therefore, the lid member 2 can be removed smoothly without the user being particularly conscious of the action of pulling up in the first direction Z1.

The tip 3j of each locking protrusion 3f is located inward C1 from each locking portion 2e while fingers f1 and f2 are on each locking operation portion 3d, so each locking operation portion 3d can pass inside each locking portion 2e.

Since the storage unit 3 provided with each locking member L is fixed to the outer shell member 1, for example, by holding down the outer shell member 1 with a hand, the storage unit 3 cannot move in the first direction Z1 even when each locking operation portion 3d is gripped by fingers f1, f2. Therefore, the fingers f1, f2 can move in the first direction Z1 while sliding on each locking operation portion 3d.
When the inclined portion 3i moves away from the protruding portion 2f, the protruding portion 2f returns to its original shape before deformation due to an elastic restoring force.
When the cover member 2 moves by more than the thickness of each locking portion 2e, causing each locking operation portion 3d to be released from the fingers f1, f2, each elastic arm 3c returns to its undeformed state due to its elastic restoring force.

As described above, the locking operating portion 3d of the locking member L is movable between a first position in which the leading portion protrudes beyond the gripping portion 2c into the inside of the opening O2, which is the second opening, when viewed from the second direction Z2, and a second position in which the leading portion retracts from the opening O2 and does not protrude from the gripping portion 2c.
The locking projection 3f of the locking member L is provided to interlock with the locking operation portion 3d. When the locking operation portion 3d is located at the first position, the locking projection 3f locks with the locking portion 2e from the second direction Z2, and is released from the locking projection 3f by the time the locking operation portion 3d moves from the first position to the second position.

In this manner, the lid member 2 is removed from the outer shell member 1. The above-mentioned removal operation is achieved by moving both of the locking projections 3f in the inward direction C1 by more than d. Therefore, when only one of the locking operation portions 3d is pressed and only the locking projection 3f on the side where the locking operation portion 3d is pressed is released, the lid member 2 cannot be removed.
Therefore, the cover member 2 will not come off unless the user intentionally holds both locking operation parts 3d together with the gripping part 2c and moves each locking operation part 3d close to the gripping part 2c. This makes it possible to prevent the cover member 2 from opening simply by accidentally touching it, for example, by an infant.

Once the cover member 2 is removed, the contents M can be replaced or replenished through the opening in the first direction Z1 of the storage section 3.
After replacing or replenishing the contents M, the user can assemble the cover member 2 as follows.
As shown in FIG. 11, the user positions the lid member 2 so that the fitting portion 2b of the lid member 2 faces the fitting portion 1d of the outer shell member 1, and moves the lid member 2 in the second direction Z2.
Since each elastic arm 3c is not deformed, the tip 3j of each locking projection 3f is located outwardly in the second direction C2 from the tip of each locking portion 2e. Therefore, the locking portion 2e abuts against the edge 3k of the side plate portion 3h in the second direction Z2.

Each edge 3k is inclined along the shape of the outer peripheral surface 2a so as not to protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface 2a in the assembled state. Therefore, when the user further presses the cover member 2 in the second direction Z2, a pressing force acts on each edge 3k from each locking portion 2e, and a horizontal component force that deforms the elastic arm 3c in the inward direction C1 is generated according to the inclination of each edge 3k.
As a result, as the cover member 2 moves in the second direction Z2, each of the elastic arms 3c deforms in the inward direction C1. The fitting portion 2b moving in the second direction Z2 passes outside the fitting portion 1d.
When each of the locking portions 2e passes through the tip 3j of each of the locking projections 3f and moves in the second direction Z2 beyond the locking projections 3f, the horizontal component force acting on the side plate portion 3h from the locking portion 2e disappears, and each of the locking projections 3f advances in the outward direction C2 along the surface of each of the locking portions 2e in the first direction Z1 due to the elastic restoring force of each of the elastic arms 3c.

In this manner, the locking projections 3f are locked to the locking portions 2e, and the fitting portion 2b is fitted into the fitting portion 1d. As a result, the refill container 10 is in an assembled state.
According to this embodiment, the lid member 2 is placed on the outer shell member 1, and the storage section 3 can be easily closed by simply moving the lid member 2 in the second direction Z2 to form the refillable container 10 in an assembled state.

As described above, the refillable container 10 of this embodiment is not easily opened by external forces other than the user's intentional operation, and the contents M can be quickly and easily refilled.

[Variations]
Next, a refillable container according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a refillable container according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12(a) shows an example of the positional relationship when the elastic arm 3c is not deformed. Fig. 12(b) shows an example of the positional relationship when the elastic arm 3c is elastically deformed in the inward direction C1.

As shown in FIG. 12(a), a refillable container 10A of this modification includes a lid member 2A instead of the lid member 2 of the refillable container 10 in the first embodiment.
The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

Lid member 2A includes protrusions 2fA in place of the protrusions 2f of lid member 2.
The protrusion 2fA is an arc-shaped protrusion extending in the circumferential direction of the center P2 of the top portion 2d. The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 2fA along the facing direction C is a mountain shape convex in the second direction Z2.
A surface 2fkA of the protrusion 2fA in the outward direction C2 is an inclined surface that inclines in the inward direction C1 as it advances in the second direction Z2.
The protrusion 2fA is located at a position facing in the facing direction C to the inclined portion 3i of the tip convex portion 3e in an undeformed state.
As long as the inclination angle of the surface 2fkA of the protrusion 2fA can generate a vertical force component fv of a required magnitude, the protrusion 2fA does not need to be inclined inwardly C1 when pressed by the tip convex portion 3e, as in the case of the protrusion 2f in the first embodiment. In this case, the material of the lid member 2A including the protrusion 2fA may be a resin material having the same hardness as the storage portion 3.

12B, the inclined portion 3i of the tip convex portion 3e of the protrusion 2fA moving in the inward direction C1 comes into contact with the surface 2kA (inclined surface) inclined in the inward direction C1. Therefore, even if the protrusion 2fA does not deform, a vertical component of force fv is generated according to the inclination angle of the surface 2kA.
However, the shape and material of the protrusion 2fA may be set so that the inclination angle of the surface 2kA becomes appropriate by elastically deforming the protrusion 2fA to a certain extent due to the pressing force.

The refillable container 10A of this modification is similar to the refillable container 10, except that a protrusion 2fA is formed instead of the protrusion 2f. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the refillable container 10A is unlikely to be opened by external forces other than the user's intentional operation, and the contents M can be quickly and easily refilled.
In particular, in this modified example, even if the protrusion 2fA does not deform, a vertical force component fv is generated according to the inclination angle of the surface 2kA, so that even if the material of the protrusion 2fA is relatively hard, operability similar to that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Second Embodiment
Next, a refillable container according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a refillable container according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 13, a refillable container 10C of this embodiment includes a container portion 3C and a lid member 2C instead of the container portion 3 and the lid member 2 of the refillable container 10 of the first embodiment.
The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

The accommodation portion 3C has a protrusion 3r instead of one of the locking members L in the first embodiment.
The protrusion 3r has the same shape as the elastic arm 3c of the locking member L in a state where the locking operation portion 3d, the tip convex portion 3e, the locking projection 3f, and the pair of slits S are deleted. That is, the protrusion 3r is formed of an arc-shaped curved plate extending in the first direction Z1 from the tip of the cylindrical portion 3b with the same width and height as the elastic arm 3c.

The cover member 2C has, instead of one of the openings O2, a recess V having substantially the same opening shape as the opening O2.
The recess V is formed by a first wall portion 2h, a second wall portion 2i, and a third wall portion 2j.
The first wall portion 2h extends in the second direction Z2 from an edge of the top portion 2d that faces the grip portion 2c along the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion 3r. The end of the first wall portion 2h in the second direction Z2 extends from the top portion 2d to the same height as the locking portion 2e.
The second wall portion 2i extends from the end portion in the second direction Z2 of the first wall portion 2h in the outward direction C2 to the outer circumferential surface 2a.
The third wall portion 2j is a wall parallel to the opposing direction C and the second direction Z2, and is formed between both ends of the first wall portion 2h and the second wall portion 2i and the outer circumferential surface 2a in a direction perpendicular to the opposing direction C and the second direction Z2.

According to this configuration, the cover member 2C can be removed in substantially the same manner as in the first embodiment.
For example, a user inserts a finger f1 into the recess V and a finger f2 into the opening O2, and grasps the first wall 2h, the gripping portion 2c, and the locking operation portion 3d with the fingers f1 and f2. When the locking operation portion 3d is pressed inwardly C1, the protruding portion 3r comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first wall 2h, and the elastic arm 3c is elastically deformed inwardly C1 by the action of the pressing force. As a result, the locking portion 2e and the locking protrusion 3f are released from the locking protrusion 3f in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
In this state, the user moves the cover member 2C in the first direction Z1 to remove the cover member 2C.

In this embodiment, the protrusion 3r serves as a guide member when the first wall 2h slides in the first direction Z1. For this reason, it is more preferable that the frictional force when the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 3r and the inner peripheral surface of the first wall 2h come into contact is low. The outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 3r or the inner peripheral surface of the first wall 2h may be formed with a protrusion that reduces the contact area, such as a hemispherical protrusion or a protrusion extending in the first direction Z1.

The refillable container 10C of the present embodiment is unlikely to be opened by external forces other than the user's intentional operation, and the contents M can be quickly and easily refilled.
This embodiment is an example in which only one locking member L may be used.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a refillable container according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a refillable container according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 14, a refillable container 10D of the present embodiment includes an outer shell member 1D, a cover member 2D, and a storage portion 3D, instead of the outer shell member 1, the cover member 2, and the storage portion 3 of the refillable container 10 of the first embodiment.
The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

Outer shell member 1D is similar to outer shell member 1 except that a plurality of through holes H1 are formed penetrating cylindrical portion 1b.
Each of the plurality of through holes H1 has a size at least large enough to allow gas and liquid to flow smoothly through it. The number of the plurality of through holes H1 is not particularly limited.

The cover member 2D is similar to the cover member 2, except that a plurality of through holes H2 penetrating the outer peripheral surface 2a or the top portion 2d is formed in at least one of the outer peripheral surface 2a and the top portion 2d. In the example shown in Fig. 14, the plurality of through holes H2 are formed in each of the outer peripheral surface 2a and the top portion 2d. However, the plurality of through holes H2 may be formed only in the outer peripheral surface 2a or only in the top portion 2d.
Each of the multiple through holes H2 has a size that allows at least gas and liquid to flow smoothly through.

The accommodation section 3D is similar to the accommodation section 3, except that at least one of the cylindrical section 3b and the elastic arm 3c has a plurality of through holes H3 formed therein, penetrating the cylindrical section 3b or the elastic arm 3c.
Each of the plurality of through holes H3 has a size at least large enough to allow gas and liquid to flow smoothly through it. However, when the contents M are solid, the through holes H3 are formed to a size that does not allow the solid contents M to pass through. The number of the plurality of through holes H3 is not particularly limited.

According to this configuration, the interior of container 3D communicates with the spaces inside outer shell member 1D and lid member 2D through a plurality of through holes H3. Outer shell member 1D and lid member 2D communicate with the outside of refillable container 10D through a plurality of through holes H1, H2, respectively.
Therefore, gas and liquid can pass between the storage section 3D and the internal space of the outer shell member 1D and the lid member 2D and the outside of the refillable container 10D.
For example, if the contained item M is volatile or sublimable, the volatile or sublimable matter of the contained item M diffuses into the interior of the refillable container 10D through the multiple through holes H3, and then is released to the outside through the multiple through holes H1 and H2.
For example, if the contents M are soluble, the contents M will dissolve into the liquid that has flowed through the multiple through holes H1, H2, and H3 into the storage section 3D and the internal spaces of the outer shell member 1D and the lid member 2D. The dissolved contents M will move into the refillable container 10D together with the liquid through the multiple through holes H3, and then flow out to the outside through the multiple through holes H1 and H2.
The refillable container 10D is particularly suitable as a container for containing the contents M such as fragrances, bath additives, detergents, and the like.

The refillable container 10D is similar to the refillable container 10 of the first embodiment, except that it has multiple through holes H1, H2, and H3. As with the first embodiment, it is difficult to open due to external forces other than the user's intentional operation, and the contents M can be quickly and easily refilled.

In the above embodiments and modified examples, the outer shape of the refillable container has been described as being cylindrical with a hemispherical end in the first direction Z1. However, the outer shape of the refillable container is not limited to this, and any appropriate outer shape is possible. For example, the outer shape of the refillable container may be a sphere, an ellipsoid, a pyramid, a cone, a polyhedron, etc.

In the above embodiments and modified examples, the storage section has been described as being cylindrical. However, the storage section is not limited to being cylindrical as long as it is a tubular body. For example, the storage section may be a tubular body having a polygonal prism cross section, a tubular body having an elliptical cross section, etc.

In the above embodiments and modified examples, the locking operation unit is provided on an elastic arm extending in a first direction, and is thereby movable between a first position and a second position. However, the locking operation unit may be fixed to the storage unit via a member other than an elastic arm extending in the first direction, so long as the locking operation unit can move from the first position to the second position when a pressing force is applied in a direction intersecting the first direction, and can move from the second position to the first position when the pressing force is released. For example, the locking operation unit may be fixed to the storage unit via an appropriate elastic member that biases the locking operation unit in a direction intersecting the first direction.

In each of the above embodiments and modifications, the storage section and the outer shell member are separate members that are engaged and fixed to each other. However, the storage section may be molded into the bottom surface of the outer shell member.

In each of the above embodiments and modified examples, the inside of the storage unit can be seen through an opening formed in the bottom surface of the outer shell member, but an opening through which the inside of the storage unit can be seen does not necessarily have to be formed.

In the above first embodiment and modified example, the first protrusion and the second protrusion extend in an arc shape in a plan view. However, as long as the first protrusion can abut against the inclined surface of the second protrusion when the locking operation unit moves in the third direction, the plan view shape of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is not limited to the arc shape.
For example, the first protrusion and the second protrusion may have a linear shape in a plan view that intersects with the third direction.
For example, at least one of the first protrusions and the second protrusions may be formed in a plurality of pieces at intervals in a direction intersecting the third direction.

In the above third embodiment, an example was described in which multiple through holes H1, H2 were formed in the outer shell member 1D and the lid member 2D, respectively. However, if a sufficient flow path to the outside of the refillable container 10D is secured, either one of the multiple through holes H1, H2 may be omitted.

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

1, 1D Outer shell member 2, 2A, 2C, 2D Lid member 2a Outer peripheral surface (slanted surface)
2b Fitting portion 2c Gripping portion 2d Top portion 2e Locking portions 2f, 2fA Projection (second projection)
2h 1st wall part 2k, 2kA surface (slanted surface)
3, 3C, 3D Storage section 3b Cylindrical section (cylindrical body)
3c Elastic arm 3d Locking operation portion 3e Tip convex portion (first protrusion portion)
3f: locking projection 3i: inclined portion 3k: edge 3m, 3p: rib 3n: tip (inclined portion)
3q1 Curved section (inclined section)
10, 10A, 10C, 10D Refill container C Opposing direction C1 Inward direction (third direction)
C2 Outer direction f1, f2 Fingers H1, H2, H3 Multiple through holes L, LA, LB Locking member M Content O1 Opening (first opening)
O2 opening (second opening)
S Slit V Recess Z1 First direction Z2 Second direction

Claims (5)

an outer shell member having a first opening formed at an end portion in a first direction;
a cover member covering the first opening from a second direction opposite to the first direction and including a gripping portion that can be gripped in a direction intersecting the first direction, a second opening formed adjacent to the gripping portion, and a locking portion formed on the inside of the second opening as viewed from the second direction;
a storage section that is fixed to an inside of the outer shell member and that stores an item inserted through the first opening;
Equipped with
the housing portion has a locking member at least a portion of which is disposed inside the second opening portion and locks onto the locking portion so as to prevent the lid member from moving in the first direction;
The locking member is
a locking operation part that is movable between a first position in which a tip part of the locking operation part is protruding beyond the grip part toward the inside of the second opening when viewed from the second direction and a second position in which the tip part of the locking operation part is retracted from the second opening and does not protrude from the grip part;
A first protrusion portion provided on the locking operation portion and protruding in the first direction;
a locking projection that is provided in cooperation with the locking operation portion, that locks with the locking portion from the second direction when the locking operation portion is located at the first position, and that is released from the locking portion before the locking operation portion moves from the first position to the second position;
having
The cover member is
a second protrusion that is disposed on a moving path of the first protrusion and comes into contact with the first protrusion while the lock operation portion moves in a third direction from the first position to the second position to generate a component force in the first direction of a pressing force applied from the lock operation portion;
having
Refillable container. the second protrusion is formed of a material elastically deformable in the third direction, protrudes from the lid member in the second direction, and forms an inclined surface that inclines toward the third direction as it advances in the second direction when the first protrusion abuts against the lid member from the third direction;
2. The refill container of claim 1. The second protrusion protrudes from the cover member in the second direction and has an inclined surface that inclines toward the third direction as it advances in the second direction.
2. The refill container of claim 1. The housing portion has a cylindrical body extending in the first direction,
a plate-like portion sandwiched between a pair of slits that penetrate the cylindrical body in a radial direction and extend from a tip of the cylindrical body in an extension direction to the second direction forms an elastic arm that extends outward beyond the outer shell member in the first direction and is elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the first direction,
The locking operation portion is provided at a tip end portion of the elastic arm in the first direction,
The locking protrusion is provided at a position on the elastic arm farther in the second direction than the locking operation portion.
A refillable container according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The second opening and the locking portion of the lid member are provided at two positions facing each other with the grip portion therebetween when viewed from the second direction,
The locking members are provided corresponding to the second openings and the locking portions, respectively.
A refillable container according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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