Cap unit and beverage container

Abstract

This invention provides a cap unit and a beverage container that can suppress leakage of beverage from a vent even when the beverage is violently moved in an inverted direction, thanks to a simple construction. The cap unit is installed on a container body with an upper opening and includes: a cap body that closes the upper opening of the container body and has a top wall and a peripheral wall; a cap body disposed on the upper side of the cap body; a hinge that connects the cap body relative to the cap body for free rotation; and a waterproof seal that seals the container body and the cap body. The cap body has a liquid inlet and a vent, which penetrate the top wall in the vertical direction to communicate between the interior and exterior of the container body and are covered by the cap body. When viewed from below, the vent is covered by the waterproof seal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to cap units and beverage containers. Background Technology

[0002] As an existing cap unit, for example, there are cap units described in Patent Documents 1 and 2. The cap unit includes: a cap body that closes the upper opening of the container body; a cap body that is connected to the cap body via a hinge and can rotate freely; and a waterproof seal that seals the container body and the cap body. The cap body has a liquid inlet and a vent hole that communicate between the interior and exterior of the container body.

[0003] By incorporating a vent, air can be drawn into the container body as the contents (beverage) flow out through the inlet, allowing the beverage to flow smoothly out of the container.

[0004] In particular, as in Patent Document 1, in beverage containers that contain a spout (drinking opening) with a liquid inlet, the container is under reduced pressure when the user drinks, thus necessitating a vent. Furthermore, when the lid is closed, the vent is blocked by an elastic member (vent seal). This prevents leakage of beverage from the vent after the container is tilted.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3937428

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-235137

[0007] However, in situations such as when a beverage container is dropped upside down and collides with the ground, causing the beverage to move violently in the inverted direction, the beverage may sometimes leak out through the vent hole and the sealed portion of the vent seal. Additionally, when drinking from a beverage with the lid open, or when the beverage container is tilted violently, the beverage may also move violently in the inverted direction, and sometimes leak out through the inside of the vent hole.

[0008] To prevent leakage, one could consider positioning the vent as far away as possible from the side opposite to the tilting direction when drinking from the drinking spout (the hinge side, i.e., further back than the drinking spout). This would allow the inside of the vent to be filled with beverage when the beverage container is tilted moderately (i.e., maintaining an air layer inside the vent), thus preventing leakage. However, the size of the cap limits the space available for the vent, and when the beverage container is tilted significantly, the inside of the vent also becomes filled with beverage, failing to prevent leakage.

[0009] Alternatively, a valve component could be considered that can be opened and closed to block the vent, and configured so that the valve component only opens when air is drawn in from the vent. However, this approach introduces problems such as increased structural complexity, reduced cleanability, and increased costs. Summary of the Invention

[0010] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a cap unit and a beverage container that can suppress leakage of beverage from the vent through a simple construction, even when the beverage is violently moved in an inverted direction.

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention is a cap unit installed on a container body with an upper opening, comprising: a cap body that closes the upper opening of the container body and has a top wall and a peripheral wall; a cover body disposed on the upper side of the cap body; a hinge that connects the cover body relative to the cap body for free rotation; and a waterproof seal that seals the container body and the cap body. The cap body has a liquid inlet and a vent hole that penetrate the top wall in the vertical direction to communicate between the interior and exterior of the container body and are covered by the cover body. When viewed from below, the vent hole is covered by the waterproof seal.

[0012] Preferably, based on the cap unit, the cap body has a cylindrical portion that extends downward from the top wall portion and surrounds the liquid inlet when viewed from below. The cylindrical portion has a longitudinal venting groove that is radially recessed from the circumference of the cylindrical portion and extends downward from the vent hole. When viewed from below, the waterproof seal also covers the longitudinal venting groove.

[0013] Preferably, based on the cap unit, the cylindrical part has a transverse vent groove, which is recessed upward from the lower end of the cylindrical part and extends radially, connecting with the longitudinal vent groove, and the waterproof seal is opposite to the transverse vent groove from the lower side.

[0014] Preferably, based on the cap unit, the cap body has a cylindrical portion that extends downward from the top wall portion and surrounds the liquid inlet when viewed from below. The waterproof seal has: a cylindrical sealing peripheral wall that is fitted into the cylindrical portion; an annular sealing flange that extends radially outward from the sealing peripheral wall and seals the upper opening of the container body with the top wall portion of the cap body; and an extended protruding edge that extends radially inward from the lower end of the sealing peripheral wall. When viewed from below, at least the extended protruding edge of the waterproof seal overlaps with the vent.

[0015] Alternatively, based on the cap unit, the waterproof seal can be elastically deformed to seal the vent hole and the interior of the container body in a communicative manner.

[0016] Alternatively, based on the cap unit, the center of the liquid inlet is located in front of the central axis of the container body, and the vent is located between the liquid inlet and the hinge in the front-back direction.

[0017] Alternatively, the cap body may be configured such that, based on the cap unit, the cap body has a spout that is elastically deformable, the spout being formed by a component that is separate from the top wall and having the liquid inlet inside.

[0018] In addition, one embodiment of the beverage container of the present invention includes the above-described cap unit and the above-described container body for mounting the cap unit.

[0019] Preferably, based on the above-mentioned beverage container, the main body of the container has a vacuum insulation structure.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the cap unit and beverage container of the present invention, even when the beverage moves violently in an inverted direction, leakage of the beverage from the vent can be suppressed by a simple construction. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a beverage container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a beverage container.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a beverage container, indicating the closed state (closed position) of the lid.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a beverage container, indicating the open state (open position) of the lid.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional view showing a part of the cap body. Specifically, it shows a part of the cylinder, vent holes, longitudinal vent grooves, and transverse vent grooves, etc., but the illustration of the waterproof seal is omitted.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a beverage container according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7It is a three-dimensional view showing a part of the cap body. Specifically, it shows a part of the cylinder, vent holes, and longitudinal vent grooves, etc., but the illustration of the waterproof seal is omitted.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a beverage container according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9 It is a three-dimensional view showing a part of the cap body, specifically a part of the cylinder and vents, etc., omitting the illustration of the waterproof seal.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0031] 1A, 1B, 1C…cap unit; 2…container body; 2d…upper opening; 10…cap body; 10a…top wall; 10b…peripheral wall; 11…spouse; 12…liquid inlet; 13…vent; 14…cylindrical section; 16…longitudinal vent; 17…transverse vent; 20…cap; 22…ventilated sealing section; 30…first hinge; 40…waterproof seal; 41…seal peripheral wall; 42…sealing flange; 43…extended protruding edge; 100…beverage container; C…central shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0032] <First Implementation>

[0033] Reference Figures 1-5 The cap unit 1A of the first embodiment of the present invention and the beverage container 100 having the cap unit 1A will be described. Furthermore, in the following description, the cap unit 1A may be simply referred to as a cap, and the beverage container 100 as a container.

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the beverage container 100 of this embodiment includes a cap unit 1A and a bottomed cylindrical container body 2 for the cap unit 1A to be freely attached and detached. The cap unit 1A includes a top cylindrical cap body 10 having a top wall (top plate wall), a top cylindrical cap 20, a first hinge 30 connecting the cap 20 to the cap body 10 for free rotation, a waterproof seal 40 sealing the container body 2 and the cap body 10, and a cap locking mechanism 50.

[0035] The cap unit 1A and the container body 2 are coaxially arranged around the central axis C.

[0036] In this embodiment, the direction in which the central axis C extends is called the vertical direction. The direction from the bottom part 2a of the container body 2 toward the top wall part 20a of the cover 20 is called the upper side, and the direction from the top wall part 20a toward the bottom part 2a is called the lower side.

[0037] The direction orthogonal to the central axis C is called the radial direction. The direction of the radial direction closest to the central axis C is called the radial inner side or simply the inner side, and the direction farther away from the central axis C is called the radial outer side or simply the outer side.

[0038] The direction of rotation around the central axis C is called the circumferential direction.

[0039] Furthermore, the radial direction passing through the first hinge 30 and the central axis C is referred to as the front-rear direction. The direction from the first hinge 30 toward the central axis C in the front-rear direction is referred to as the front side, and the direction from the central axis C toward the first hinge 30 is referred to as the rear side.

[0040] Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to the front-back direction in the radial direction is called the left-right direction. For example... Figure 2 As shown, when the beverage container 100 is viewed from the front as an upright position with the top wall 20a of the lid 20 facing upward in the vertical direction, the direction facing left is referred to as the left side, and the direction facing right is referred to as the right side. Additionally, although not specifically illustrated, the posture (state) of the beverage container 100 with the top wall 20a of the lid 20 facing downward in the vertical direction is referred to as the inverted posture.

[0041] In addition, the central axis C can also be distinguished from the drinking spout central axis, hinge central axis A, etc., and referred to as the cap central axis C or the container central axis C.

[0042] The beverage container 100 can keep the beverage (liquid contents, liquid) contained in the container body 2 warm or cold through the container body 2 having a vacuum insulation structure. The container body 2 is a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open top. In addition, the container body 2 can also contain contents other than beverages.

[0043] Specifically, the container body 2 is composed of a double-structured container, which for example has a bottomed cylindrical outer container 4 made of stainless steel and an inner container 5, and the mouth parts of the inner container 5 are joined together when the inner container 5 is housed inside the outer container 4.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, the upper cylindrical portion of the inner container 5 is fitted into the upper cylindrical portion of the outer container 4, and the upper cylindrical portions are welded together in this fitted state. As a result, the upper opening 2d of the container body 2 becomes a sharp shape known as the "rolled edge welding structure".

[0045] In addition, a vacuum insulation layer 6 is provided between the outer container 4 and the inner container 5. The vacuum insulation layer 6 can be formed, for example, by blocking the exhaust hole located at the center of the bottom surface of the outer container 4 in a chamber that has been depressurized (evacuated) to a high vacuum.

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the container body 2 has: a generally circular plate-shaped bottom portion 2a; a body portion 2b, which is generally cylindrical and whose lower end is connected to the outer periphery of the bottom portion 2a; a generally cylindrical neck portion 2c, which is disposed on the upper side of the body portion 2b and is narrower than the body portion 2b; and a shoulder portion 2e, which is generally conical and narrower as it faces upward, connecting the upper end of the body portion 2b to the lower end of the neck portion 2c.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the inner circumference of the neck portion 2c is narrower than the inner circumference of the body portion 2b. Additionally, an external thread 7 is provided on the outer circumference of the neck portion 2c. Furthermore, the upper end of the neck portion 2c serves as the upper opening 2d of the container body 2, and the opening is circular.

[0048] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the beverage container 100 of this embodiment has a generally cylindrical shape, but the shape of the beverage container 100 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately modified according to size, design, etc. In addition, the outer surfaces of the container body 2, the cap body 10, and the cap 20 can be coated or printed.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the cap unit 1A is installed at the neck 2c of the container body 2, forming a plug that closes the upper opening 2d of the container body 2.

[0050] The cap body 10 is a component that closes the upper opening 2d of the container body 2, and is made of, for example, a heat-resistant resin such as polypropylene (PP).

[0051] The cap body 10 has a top wall portion 10a, a peripheral wall portion 10b, and a cylindrical portion 14.

[0052] The top wall portion 10a covers the upper opening 2d of the container body 2 from above. The top wall portion 10a is generally annular. The top wall portion 10a has a drinking spout portion 11 that protrudes upward from the top wall portion 10a. The drinking spout portion 11 is cylindrical in the vertical direction, and its central axis (not shown) is located forward of the central axis C of the container.

[0053] The spout 11 has a liquid inlet 12 inside. That is, the cap body 10 has a liquid inlet 12. The liquid inlet 12 extends vertically through the top wall 10a to connect the interior of the container body 2 with the exterior. Specifically, the liquid inlet 12 extends vertically inside the spout 11 and opens at both the upper and lower ends of the spout 11. The center of the liquid inlet 12 (the center of the opening) corresponds to the central axis of the spout of the spout 11. The center of the liquid inlet 12 is located forward of the central axis C of the container body 2.

[0054] In the beverage container 100 of this embodiment, the user holds the spout 11 in his mouth to drink the beverage, thereby reducing the pressure inside the container body 2.

[0055] Furthermore, the top wall portion 10a has a vent 13 that extends through the top wall portion 10a in the vertical direction and connects the interior of the container body 2 with the exterior. That is, the cap body 10 has a vent 13. The vent 13 is disposed in the front-to-back direction between the drinking spout portion 11 (liquid inlet 12) and the first hinge 30. In this embodiment, the vent 13 is circular and located behind the central axis C of the container.

[0056] exist Figure 3 With the cover 20 in the closed state, the liquid inlet 12 and the vent 13 are covered by the cover 20. Additionally, in Figure 4 With the cover 20 shown in the open state, the liquid inlet 12 and the vent 13 are open to the upward.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the peripheral wall portion 10b is a cylindrical shape extending downward from the outer periphery of the top wall portion 10a. The peripheral wall portion 10b surrounds the neck portion 2c circumferentially from the radially outer side. The lower end of the peripheral wall portion 10b faces or contacts the shoulder portion 2e from the upper side with a gap. The peripheral wall portion 10b is a generally cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction in a continuous manner with the body portion 2b of the container body 2.

[0058] The peripheral wall portion 10b has an internal thread portion 15 on its inner peripheral surface. The internal thread portion 15 is screwed onto the external thread portion 7 of the neck portion 2c. That is, the cap body 10 is installed on the outside of the neck portion 2c by screwing on while covering the upper opening 2d of the container body 2.

[0059] The cylindrical portion 14 is cylindrical about the central axis C and extends downward from the top wall portion 10a. When viewed from below, the cylindrical portion 14 forms an annulus surrounding the liquid inlet 12. Specifically, when viewed from below, the cylindrical portion 14 circumferentially surrounds the liquid inlet 12 from the radially outer side. The cylindrical portion 14 is inserted into the neck portion 2c.

[0060] like Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the cylindrical portion 14 has a longitudinal ventilation groove 16 and a transverse ventilation groove 17.

[0061] A longitudinal vent groove 16 is disposed at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 14. The longitudinal vent groove 16 is radially recessed from the circumference of the cylindrical portion 14 and extends downward from the vent hole 13. In this embodiment, the longitudinal vent groove 16 is radially inwardly recessed from the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 14 and extends in the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, the longitudinal vent groove 16 is a circular groove with a concave arc cross-section. The upper end of the longitudinal vent groove 16 is connected to the lower end of the vent hole 13.

[0062] A transverse vent groove 17 is disposed at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 14. The transverse vent groove 17 is recessed upwards from the lower end face of the cylindrical portion 14 and extends radially. The radially outer end of the transverse vent groove 17 connects to the lower end of the longitudinal vent groove 16. That is, the transverse vent groove 17 is connected to the vent hole 13 via the longitudinal vent groove 16. In the illustrated example, the transverse vent groove 17 is a circular groove with a concave arc cross-section.

[0063] In this embodiment, the radial dimension, i.e., the wall thickness, of the portion of the cylindrical portion 14 in which the longitudinal ventilation groove 16 and the transverse ventilation groove 17 are arranged in the circumferential direction is greater than the wall thickness of the portion other than the aforementioned portion. The aforementioned portion (thick-walled portion) of the cylindrical portion 14 protrudes radially inward more than the inner circumferential surface of the portion other than the aforementioned portion.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, the cover 20 is disposed on the upper side of the cap body 10. The cover 20 is a component that covers the upper part of the cap body 10 and opens and closes the liquid inlet 12 and the vent 13. The cover 20 has a portion made of a heat-resistant resin such as polypropylene (PP) (for example, the portion other than the liquid sealing portion 21 and the vent sealing portion 22 described later).

[0065] The cover 20 has a top wall portion 20a, a peripheral wall portion 20b, a liquid-permeable sealing portion 21, and a ventilated sealing portion 22.

[0066] The top wall portion 20a is disposed on the upper side of the top wall portion 10a of the cap body 10. In this embodiment, the top wall portion 20a is a plate-shaped portion extending in the front-rear direction and tilts upward as it moves from the first hinge 30 toward the front.

[0067] The top wall portion 20a has: a hole portion 20c that extends through the top wall portion 20a in the vertical direction; and a support cylinder 20d that protrudes downward from the top wall portion 20a and is disposed between the hole portion 20c and the first hinge 30 in the front-rear direction.

[0068] The peripheral wall portion 20b is a cylindrical shape extending downward from the outer periphery of the top wall portion 20a. The peripheral wall portion 20b is configured to surround the periphery of the top wall portion 10a of the cap body 10.

[0069] The liquid-sealing part 21 is made of an elastic component such as heat-resistant rubber or an elastomer. That is, the liquid-sealing part 21 is elastically deformable. The liquid-sealing part 21 is detachably mounted to the top wall 20a of the cover 20. When the cover 20 is closed, the liquid-sealing part 21 contacts the upper opening of the drinking spout 11 in a liquid-tight manner. Thus, the liquid-sealing part 21 can be opened to block the liquid inlet 12 from above. The liquid-sealing part 21 is a plug-like sealing component that closes the liquid inlet 12 of the drinking spout 11.

[0070] The liquid-permeable closure 21 has: a shaft portion 21a, which is embedded in the hole portion 20c; and a plug portion 21b, which is connected to the lower end of the shaft portion 21a, forming a generally dome shape that convexes downward. The liquid-permeable closure 21 can be freely attached to and detached from the hole portion 20c. Therefore, the cover 20 and the liquid-permeable closure 21 can be cleaned separately, thereby maintaining a hygienic relationship between the cover 20 and the liquid-permeable closure 21.

[0071] In this cap unit 1A, when the cap 20 is in Figure 3 When the liquid-sealing part 21 is in the closed position as shown, the plug 21b of the liquid-sealing part 21 abuts against the upper opening edge of the drinking spout 11, i.e., the opening of the liquid-sealing port 12. The plug 21b elastically deforms and becomes tightly fitted to the opening of the liquid-sealing port 12. Thus, the liquid-sealing part 21 can block the liquid-sealing port 12 of the drinking spout 11.

[0072] The vent seal 22 is made of an elastic component such as heat-resistant rubber or an elastomer. That is, the vent seal 22 is elastically deformable. The vent seal 22 is detachably mounted on the top wall 20a of the cover 20. When the cover 20 is closed, the vent seal 22 is in liquid-tight contact with the upper opening of the vent hole 13. Thus, the vent seal 22 can open and block the vent hole 13 from above. The vent seal 22 is a bottomed cylindrical sealing component that blocks the vent hole 13.

[0073] The vent seal 22 is externally fitted into the support cylinder 20d. The vent seal 22 can be freely attached to and detached from the support cylinder 20d. Therefore, the cover 20 and the vent seal 22 can be cleaned separately, thereby maintaining a hygienic relationship between the cover 20 and the vent seal 22.

[0074] In this cap unit 1A, when the cap 20 is in the closed position, the bottom of the vent sealing part 22 abuts against the area around the opening of the vent hole 13, and the bottom elastically deforms and becomes tightly fitted against the area around the opening of the vent hole 13. Thus, the vent hole 13 can be blocked by the vent sealing part 22.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the liquid-sealing section 21 and the venting-sealing section 22 are integrally formed from a single component. Therefore, the number of components can be reduced, and component loss during cleaning can be prevented.

[0076] The first hinge 30 connects the upper rear end of the cap body 10 and the rear end of the cap 20, allowing them to rotate freely relative to each other about the hinge central axis A. The hinge central axis A of the first hinge 30 extends in the left-right direction. The cap 20 is connected to the cap body 10 via the first hinge 30, thereby enabling free relative rotation about the cap body 10. Figure 3 The positions of the blocked liquid inlet 12 and the vent 13 shown (blocked positions) are related to... Figure 4 The open liquid inlet 12 and the vent 13 shown can rotate freely between their positions (open position).

[0077] Although not specifically illustrated, the first hinge 30 has a torsion coil spring extending in a helical shape around the hinge central axis A. The torsion coil spring exerts a force on the cover 20 relative to the cap body 10 in the opening direction. That is, it imparts a force on the cover 20 in the opening direction around the hinge central axis A. Therefore, after the locking state based on the cover locking mechanism 50 is released, the cover 20 rotates from the closed position to the open position.

[0078] like Figure 3 As shown, the waterproof seal 40 is detachably installed on the inner side of the cap body 10. The waterproof seal 40 is an annular sealing component that seals (waterproofs) the container body 2 and the cap body 10, and is made of, for example, heat-resistant rubber such as silicone rubber, or elastic components such as elastomers. That is, the waterproof seal 40 can elastically deform. Specifically, in this embodiment, the waterproof seal 40 seals the upper opening 2d of the container body 2 and the top wall 10a of the cap body 10 in a liquid-tight manner.

[0079] In addition, Figure 3 In the middle, as the shape before elastic deformation, a portion of the waterproof seal 40 is shown with a double-dotted line (imaginary line).

[0080] The waterproof seal 40 is installed on the cap body 10 while being externally embedded in the cylindrical portion 14. Furthermore, the waterproof seal 40 can be removed from the cylindrical portion 14. This allows for separate cleaning of the cap body 10 and the waterproof seal 40, thus maintaining a hygienic relationship between the cap body 10 and the waterproof seal 40.

[0081] The waterproof seal 40 has: a cylindrical seal peripheral wall 41 that is embedded in the cylindrical portion 14; an annular sealing flange 42 that extends radially outward from the seal peripheral wall 41 and seals the upper opening 2d of the container body 2 with the top wall portion 10a of the cap body 10; and an extended protruding convex edge 43 that extends radially inward from the lower end of the seal peripheral wall 41.

[0082] The sealing element peripheral wall 41 extends vertically about the central axis C and fits onto the outer side of the cylindrical portion 14. The inner circumferential surface of the sealing element peripheral wall 41 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 14. Furthermore, a flow path (longitudinal venting path) for air circulation is provided between the inner circumferential surface of the sealing element peripheral wall 41 and the longitudinal venting groove 16 of the cylindrical portion 14. The longitudinal venting path extends vertically and communicates with the vent hole 13. The lower end of the sealing element peripheral wall 41 protrudes downwards further than the lower end of the cylindrical portion 14.

[0083] The sealing flange 42 is a generally annular plate centered on the central axis C. The sealing flange 42 protrudes radially outward from the upper end of the peripheral wall 41 of the seal and extends in the circumferential direction.

[0084] As in Figure 3 As indicated by the double-dotted line, in this embodiment, the sealing flange 42 has: a groove 42a, which is recessed radially inward from the outer peripheral surface of the sealing flange 42 and extends circumferentially; and a pair of flange portions 42b, disposed above and below the groove 42a. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape (longitudinal cross-sectional shape) of the sealing flange 42 parallel to the central axis C is approximately C-shaped or approximately U-shaped, opening radially outward.

[0085] The upper surface of the upper flange of the pair of flange portions 42b contacts the lower surface of the top wall portion 10a. That is, the upper surface of the sealing flange 42 contacts the lower surface of the top wall portion 10a. The wall thickness (plate thickness) of one of the pair of flange portions 42b is thinner than the wall thickness of the sealing element peripheral wall 41. The pair of flange portions 42b are also particularly easy to elastically deform in the waterproof seal 40, and can easily fit tightly against the upper opening portion 2d and the top wall portion 10a respectively, thereby enabling a stable seal between them.

[0086] The extended protruding edge 43 is an annular plate centered on the central axis C. The extended protruding edge 43 protrudes radially inward from the lower end of the peripheral wall 41 of the seal and extends circumferentially. The extended protruding edge 43 is positioned directly below the peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 14. A gap is provided in the vertical direction between the upper surface of the extended protruding edge 43 and the lower end face of the cylindrical portion 14. Therefore, during the assembly of the waterproof seal 40, the extended protruding edge 43 is prevented from contacting the lower end face of the cylindrical portion 14 first, for example due to manufacturing errors of the components, thus preventing an unstable fit between the sealing flange 42 and the top wall portion 10a.

[0087] Furthermore, the inner periphery of the extended protruding edge 43 protrudes slightly radially inward or is coplanar with respect to the portion of the cylindrical portion 14, excluding the portion where the longitudinal ventilation groove 16 and the transverse ventilation groove 17 are arranged in the circumferential direction (the thick-walled portion at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 14). Therefore, when a user drinks a beverage, the beverage in the forward-leaning container body 2 easily flows towards the liquid inlet 12, passing over the inner periphery of the extended protruding edge 43, and the beverage flows smoothly out of the liquid inlet 12, making it easy to drink the beverage.

[0088] Furthermore, a flow path (lateral ventilation path) for air circulation is provided between the upper surface of the extended protruding edge 43 and the lateral ventilation groove 17 of the cylinder 14. The lateral ventilation path extends radially. The radially outer end of the lateral ventilation path connects to the longitudinal ventilation path. That is, the lateral ventilation path communicates with the ventilation hole 13 via the longitudinal ventilation path. The radially inner end of the lateral ventilation path opens toward the inside of the cylinder 14 and communicates with the inside of the container body 2. Thus, the outside (outside the container, outside the cap) is connected to the inside of the container body 2, so when the user holds the drinking spout 11 to drink a beverage, air is drawn into the container body 2 through the ventilation hole 13 after the pressure inside the container body 2 is reduced.

[0089] When viewed from below, the waterproof seal 40 covers the vent 13. In other words, when viewed from below, the vent 13 is covered by the waterproof seal 40. Furthermore, when viewed from below, the waterproof seal 40 covers at least a portion of the longitudinal vent groove 16 (longitudinal venting passage) and the transverse vent groove 17 (transverse venting passage). Additionally, the extended protruding edge 43 is positioned from below, spaced apart from the transverse vent groove 17. That is, the waterproof seal 40 is positioned from below opposite the transverse vent groove 17.

[0090] Specifically, when viewed from below, at least the extended protruding edge 43 of the waterproof seal 40 overlaps with the vent hole 13. In this embodiment, when viewed from below, the sealing peripheral wall 41 and the extended protruding edge 43 of the waterproof seal 40 overlap with the vent hole 13. When viewed from below, the vent hole 13 is covered by the sealing peripheral wall 41 and the extended protruding edge 43.

[0091] Furthermore, when viewed from below, the extended protruding edge 43 overlaps with the longitudinal vent groove 16. When viewed from below, the longitudinal vent groove 16 is covered by the extended protruding edge 43.

[0092] Furthermore, when viewed from below, the extended protruding edge 43 overlaps with the transverse vent groove 17. When viewed from below, at least a portion of the transverse vent groove 17 is covered by the extended protruding edge 43.

[0093] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4As shown, the cap locking mechanism 50 overcomes the rotational force in the opening direction about the first hinge 30 (hinge center axis A), fixing the cap 20 relative to the cap body 10 in the aforementioned closed position (closed state). The cap locking mechanism 50 is disposed at the front end of the cap unit 1A. Furthermore, Figure 1 and Figure 3 This indicates that the cover 20 is fixed in the closed position (locked state) by the cover locking mechanism 50. Figure 4 This indicates that the locking mechanism 50 has released the cover body 20 from its fixed position (lock released state).

[0094] The cover locking mechanism 50 includes: a second hinge 55, whose hinge central axis (not shown) extends in the left-right direction; a locking member 52, which can swing about the hinge central axis of the second hinge 55; and a ring limiter 54, which can rotate freely about the hinge central axis of the second hinge 55. Furthermore, the second hinge 55 includes: an inner hinge portion 51; and outer hinge portions 53, located on either side of the inner hinge portion 51 in the left-right direction. The inner hinge portion 51 and the outer hinge portion 53 are coaxially arranged about the hinge central axis of the second hinge 55.

[0095] The locking component 52 is rotatably mounted to the cap body 10 via the inner hinge portion 51. The ring limiter 54 is rotatably mounted to the cap body 10 via the outer hinge portion 53.

[0096] An inner hinge portion 51 is provided on the front surface of the peripheral wall portion 10b of the cap body 10. The inner hinge portion 51 is disposed inside the outer hinge portion 53 (i.e., on the side of the central axis C) in the left-right direction. The locking member 52 is supported by the inner hinge portion 51 to swing freely in the front-back direction. The locking member 52 has: an upper arm portion 52a extending upward from the hinge center axis of the second hinge 55; and a lower arm portion 52b extending downward from the hinge center axis of the second hinge 55. A hook portion 56 is provided protruding rearward at the front end of the upper arm portion 52a (the upper end of the locking member 52). A compression coil spring 57 is provided between the lower arm portion 52b and the peripheral wall portion 10b in a compressed state in the front-back direction.

[0097] The outer hinge portion 53 is provided on the front surface of the peripheral wall portion 10b of the cap body 10. The ring limiter 54 is composed of a curved, approximately C-shaped component, the two ends of which are supported by the outer hinge portion 53 so that it can rotate freely in the vertical direction.

[0098] Additionally, the cover locking mechanism 50 includes: a locking receiving portion 58 for the hook portion 56 of the locking member 52 to engage; and a limiter receiving portion 59 for the ring limiter 54 to hook onto. The locking receiving portion 58 is a claw-shaped portion protruding forward from the lower end of the front side of the cover body 20. The limiter receiving portion 59 is a generally semi-circular ring shape adapted to the shape of the inner circumference of the ring limiter 54, protruding forward from a position surrounding the locking receiving portion 58 on the front surface of the cover body 20.

[0099] In the cover locking mechanism 50, when the cover 20 is in the closed position, the hook 56 of the locking member 52 engages with the locking bearing part 58, thereby the cover 20 overcomes the rotational force of the first hinge 30 in the opening direction and becomes fixed relative to the cap body 10.

[0100] From this state, the user compresses the coil spring 57 and presses it backward into the lower arm 52b of the locking member 52, thereby releasing the hook 56 from the locking bearing 58. This allows the cover 20, which has been forced in the opening direction, to rotate to the open position.

[0101] Furthermore, in the lid locking mechanism 50, when the lid 20 is in the closed position, the lid 20 is prevented from rotating in the opening direction by hooking the ring limiter 54 onto the limiter receiving part 59. Thus, the lid locking mechanism 50 can prevent the lid 20 from opening due to unnecessary (unintentional) operation of the locking member 52.

[0102] According to the cap unit 1A and beverage container 100 of this embodiment described above, when viewed from below, the vent hole 13 of the cap body 10 is covered by the waterproof seal 40. Therefore, for example, even if the beverage container 100 is violently tilted while drinking, or if the beverage container 100 is dropped in an inverted position and collides with the ground, the beverage inside the container body 2 is prevented from violently immersing into the vent hole 13. That is, even if the beverage in the container body 2 moves violently toward the cap unit 1A (i.e., the inverted direction), the waterproof seal 40 blocks the impact of the beverage before it reaches the vent hole 13, thereby reducing the momentum of the beverage. Therefore, when the cap 20 is open, leakage of beverage through the vent hole 13 can be prevented, and even when the cap 20 is closed, leakage of beverage from the vent hole 13 and the sealed portion of the vent seal 22 can be prevented.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a waterproof seal 40 that seals the container body 2 and the cap body 10 is used to suppress leakage of beverage from the vent 13. That is, the increase in the number of components is suppressed by giving the waterproof seal 40 multiple functions. Specifically, it is not necessary to use a complex structure, such as a newly provided valve component that can be opened and closed to block the vent and only opens when air is drawn from the vent, to prevent the above-mentioned leakage.

[0104] According to this embodiment, leakage of beverages from the vent 13 is suppressed, and no new components are required, thus simplifying the construction. Therefore, the cleanability of the container can be well maintained, and cost increases can be controlled.

[0105] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if the beverage in the container body 2 moves violently toward the cap unit 1A, the leakage of the beverage from the vent 13 can be stably suppressed by a simple structure.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the waterproof seal 40 covers the longitudinal vent groove 16 (longitudinal venting path) and the vent hole 13 together from below. Therefore, when the beverage container 100 is violently tilted while drinking, and a strong impact is applied to the container in the inverted direction, the force of the beverage inside the container body 2 is weakened by the waterproof seal 40, preventing it from violently seeping into the vent hole 13 through the longitudinal vent groove 16. Thus, leakage of beverage from the vent hole 13 is more reliably controlled.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the waterproof seal 40 is disposed opposite the transverse vent groove 17 (transverse venting passage) from the bottom. Therefore, when the beverage container 100 is violently tilted while drinking, and the container is subjected to a strong impact in the inverted direction, the beverage inside the container body 2 is weakened by the waterproof seal 40, preventing it from violently immersing into the vent hole 13 from the transverse vent groove 17 through the longitudinal vent groove 16.

[0108] In addition, in this embodiment, the waterproof seal 40 has a seal peripheral wall 41, a sealing flange 42, and an extended protruding convex edge 43.

[0109] In this case, the upper opening 2d of the container body 2 and the top wall 10a of the cap body 10 are sealed by the sealing flange 42 of the waterproof seal 40, and the leakage of beverage from the vent 13 can be stably suppressed by the extended protruding edge 43.

[0110] Furthermore, when fitting the waterproof seal 40 into the cylindrical portion 14, the extended protruding edge 43 can be used as a pressing amount, so the waterproof seal 40 can be easily pressed into contact with the top wall portion 10a of the cap body 10. Additionally, when removing the waterproof seal 40 from the cylindrical portion 14, the extended protruding edge 43 can be used as a clamping amount, so the waterproof seal 40 can be easily removed.

[0111] <Second Implementation>

[0112] Next, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The cap unit 1B of the second embodiment of the present invention and the beverage container 100 having the cap unit 1B will be described. Furthermore, in this embodiment, structures identical to those in the above-described embodiments will be labeled with the same names, reference numerals, etc., and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0113] The cap unit 1B of this embodiment and the cap unit 1A described in the above embodiments have different structures for the cylindrical portion 14 and the waterproof seal 40.

[0114] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the longitudinal vent groove 16 of the cylinder portion 14 is recessed radially outward from the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder portion 14 and extends downward from the vent hole 13. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cylinder portion 14 does not have a transverse vent groove 17 (transverse venting path).

[0115] Additionally, the cylindrical portion 14 has a stepped surface 14a. The stepped surface 14a is located in the portion of the cylindrical portion 14 where the longitudinal ventilation groove 16 is disposed in the circumferential direction (the thick-walled portion at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 14). The stepped surface 14a extends inward from the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 14, is located above the lower end face of the cylindrical portion 14, and faces downward. The stepped surface 14a is a planar surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the central axis C.

[0116] Furthermore, the vent 13 has a portion (upper part) that penetrates the top wall portion 10a in the vertical direction, and a portion (lower part) that extends downward from this portion and is located within the thick wall portion of the cylindrical portion 14. The lower end of the vent 13 opens at the stepped surface 14a. That is, in this embodiment, a portion of the vent 13 extends in the vertical direction within the peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 14.

[0117] The extended protruding edge 43 of the waterproof seal 40 has a laterally extending protrusion 43a and a longitudinally extending protrusion 43b.

[0118] A laterally extending protrusion 43a extends radially inward from the lower end of the peripheral wall 41 of the seal. The laterally extending protrusion 43a is an annular plate centered on the central axis C. A gap is provided between the upper surface of the laterally extending protrusion 43a and the lower end face of the cylindrical portion 14.

[0119] The longitudinally extending protrusion 43b protrudes upward from the inner periphery of the transversely extending protrusion 43a. The longitudinally extending protrusion 43b is cylindrical about the central axis C and extends in the vertical direction. In the radial direction, the lower end of the cylindrical portion 14 is disposed between the longitudinally extending protrusion 43b and the peripheral wall 41 of the sealing member. The outer peripheral surface of the longitudinally extending protrusion 43b and the inner peripheral surface of the lower end of the cylindrical portion 14 are in contact with each other or are separated by a gap.

[0120] A flow path (longitudinal ventilation path) for air circulation is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the longitudinally extending protrusion 43b and the longitudinal ventilation groove 16 of the cylindrical portion 14. The longitudinal ventilation path is connected to the lower end of the ventilation hole 13.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper end face of the longitudinally extending protrusion 43b contacts the stepped surface 14a. Thus, the waterproof seal 40 seals the vent 13 in a communicative manner with the interior of the container body 2.

[0122] The cap unit 1B and beverage container 100 of this embodiment, as described above, can achieve the same effects as the embodiments described above.

[0123] In addition, in this embodiment, the elastically deformable waterproof seal 40 seals the vent 13 in a way that allows communication between the vent 13 and the interior of the container body 2.

[0124] In this case, the leakage of beverage from the vent hole 13 can be more reliably suppressed by the waterproof seal 40. For example, even if time passes from when the user holds the mouthpiece 11 and tilts the beverage container 100 until drinking the beverage in the container body 2, the leakage of beverage from the vent hole 13 can be suppressed because the vent hole 13 is sealed from the interior of the container body 2. Moreover, when the user holds the mouthpiece 11 and drinks the beverage in the container body 2 through the liquid inlet 12, the pressure inside the container body 2 is reduced, and air is drawn into the container body 2 through the vent hole 13. The waterproof seal 40 elastically deforms and connects the outside to the interior of the container body 2 through the vent hole 13. In addition, if the air is stopped from being drawn into the container body 2 through the vent hole 13, the waterproof seal 40 returns to its original deformation and seals the vent hole 13 from the interior of the container body 2 again. That is, in this embodiment, the waterproof seal 40 functions as an on / off valve, and therefore, with a simple structure, the above-mentioned effects of the present invention become more significant.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the rigidity of the extended protruding edge 43 is further improved, when the waterproof seal 40 is fitted into the cylindrical portion 14, it is easier to press the waterproof seal 40 in by using the extended protruding edge 43 as the pressing amount. Additionally, when removing the waterproof seal 40 from the cylindrical portion 14, it is easier to remove the waterproof seal 40 by using the more rigid extended protruding edge 43 as the clamping amount.

[0126] <Third Implementation Method>

[0127] Next, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The cap unit 1C of the third embodiment of the present invention and the beverage container 100 having the cap unit 1C will be described. Furthermore, in this embodiment, structures identical to those in the above-described embodiments will be labeled with the same names, reference numerals, etc., and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0128] The cap unit 1C of this embodiment and the cap units 1A and 1B described in the above embodiments have different structures for the cylindrical portion 14 and the waterproof seal 40.

[0129] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 14 does not have a longitudinal venting groove 16 (longitudinal venting path) and a transverse venting groove 17 (transverse venting path). Furthermore, the lower end face of the thick-walled portion at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 14 protrudes further downward than the lower end face of the portion other than the thick-walled portion in the cylindrical portion 14. The lower end face of the thick-walled portion of the cylindrical portion 14 is a planar shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis C.

[0130] Additionally, the vent 13 has a portion (upper side portion) that extends through the top wall portion 10a in the vertical direction, and a portion (lower side portion) that extends downward from this portion and extends through the thick-walled portion of the cylindrical portion 14 in the vertical direction. The lower end of the vent 13 opens at the lower end face of the thick-walled portion of the cylindrical portion 14.

[0131] The extended protruding edge 43 of the waterproof seal 40 protrudes radially inward more than the portion other than the thick-walled portion in the cylindrical portion 14. In the illustrated example, the amount by which the extended protruding edge 43 protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the portion other than the thick-walled portion in the cylindrical portion 14 is greater than the wall thickness of that portion. Therefore, the rigidity of the extended protruding edge 43 is increased.

[0132] Furthermore, the upper surface of the extended protruding edge 43 contacts the lower end face of the thick-walled portion of the cylindrical portion 14. Thus, the extended protruding edge 43 blocks the opening at the lower end of the vent hole 13. In other words, the waterproof seal 40 seals the vent hole 13 in a communicative manner with the interior of the container body 2. Additionally, a gap is provided between the upper surface of the extended protruding edge 43 and the lower end face of the portion of the cylindrical portion 14 other than the thick-walled portion.

[0133] The cap unit 1C and beverage container 100 of this embodiment described above can achieve the same effects as those of the embodiment described above.

[0134] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, structural changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, as will be described below.

[0135] In the first embodiment, an example is given where a gap is provided between the upper surface of the extended protruding edge 43 of the waterproof seal 40 and the lower end face of the cylindrical portion 14, but this is not a limitation. That is, for example, if the manufacturing error of the component is sufficiently suppressed, the upper surface of the extended protruding edge 43 may be in contact with the lower end face of the cylindrical portion 14. In the first embodiment, a transverse venting groove 17 (transverse venting path) is provided on the lower end face of the cylindrical portion 14, so even in the structure where the upper surface of the extended protruding edge 43 is in contact with the lower end face of the cylindrical portion 14, air is stably drawn into the container body 2 from the vent hole 13 via the longitudinal venting groove 16 and the transverse venting groove 17, regardless of the elastic deformation of the waterproof seal 40.

[0136] In the above embodiment, an example is given where the cap body 10 has a drinking spout 11 protruding upward from the top wall portion 10a of the cap body 10, and a liquid inlet 12 that penetrates the interior of the drinking spout 11 in the vertical direction to communicate between the interior and exterior of the container body 2, but it is not limited to this. That is, for drinking beverages from the container body 2 by holding the drinking spout 11 in one's mouth and drinking from the liquid inlet 12, the same effect can be obtained even if the drinking spout 11 is made of an elastic member. Although not specifically illustrated, the present invention can be applied in the same way even in a configuration in which the cap body 10 has an elastically deformable drinking spout 11 that is detachably mounted to the top wall portion 10a, a liquid inlet 12 that penetrates the interior of the drinking spout 11 in the vertical direction to communicate between the interior and exterior of the container body 2, and a straw member that is continuously mounted to the lower end of the liquid inlet 12. Furthermore, in this case, the top wall portion 10a of the cap body 10, the mouthpiece portion 11, and the straw component are formed as separate components.

[0137] In the above embodiments, an example was given of applying the present invention to a beverage container 100 that has heat preservation and cold preservation functions through a container body 2 with a vacuum insulation structure, but it is not limited thereto. That is, the present invention can be widely applied to capped containers with caps on which the cap unit is detachably installed at the neck of the container body.

[0138] For the purposes of this invention, the structures described in the above embodiments and variations can be combined in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications to the structures are possible. Moreover, this invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but only to the claims.

Claims

1. A cap unit, installed on a container body with an upper opening, characterized in that, The cap unit includes: The cap body blocks the upper opening of the container body and has a top wall and a peripheral wall. A cover body is disposed on the upper side of the cap body; A hinge connects the cover body relative to the cap body, allowing it to rotate freely; as well as A waterproof seal is used to tightly seal the space between the container body and the cap body. The cap body has a liquid inlet and a vent hole, which extend through the top wall in the vertical direction to connect the interior and exterior of the container body, and are covered by the cap. The entire vent is covered by the waterproof seal in such a way that the waterproof seal overlaps with the vent from below.

2. The cap unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cap body has a cylindrical portion that extends downward from the top wall portion and surrounds the liquid inlet when viewed from below. The cylindrical portion has a longitudinal venting groove that is radially recessed from the circumference of the cylindrical portion and extends downward from the vent hole. When viewed from below, the waterproof seal also covers the longitudinal venting groove.

3. The cap unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cylindrical section has a transverse venting groove, which is recessed upward from the lower end of the cylindrical section and extends radially, connecting with the longitudinal venting groove. The waterproof seal is positioned opposite the transverse vent groove from the bottom.

4. The cap unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The cap body has a cylindrical portion that extends downward from the top wall portion and surrounds the liquid inlet when viewed from below. The waterproof seal has the following features: The cylindrical sealing element is externally embedded in the cylindrical portion; An annular sealing flange extends radially outward from the peripheral wall of the seal, sealing the upper opening of the container body with the top wall of the cap body; and The extended protruding edge extends radially inward from the lower end of the peripheral wall of the seal. When viewed from below, at least the extended protruding edge of the waterproof seal overlaps with the vent hole.

5. The cap unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The waterproof seal is elastically deformable, allowing for a continuous seal between the vent and the interior of the container body.

6. The cap unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The center of the liquid inlet is located further forward than the central axis of the container body. The vent is located between the liquid inlet and the hinge in the front-to-back direction.

7. The cap unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The cap body has a spout that can be elastically deformed. The spout is formed by a component that is separate from the top wall and has the liquid inlet inside.

8. A beverage container, characterized in that, The beverage container includes: The cap unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and The container body for mounting the cap unit.

9. The beverage container according to claim 8, characterized in that, The container body has a vacuum insulation structure.

Images