Lid unit and beverage container
By designing the lever component in the cover unit to cooperate with the locking component, the cover can be opened with one hand, which solves the problem of poor operability after decompression inside the container in the prior art and improves the convenience of use.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THERMOS CHINA HOUSEWARES
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-22
AI Technical Summary
The existing cover unit is difficult to open with one hand after decompression inside the container, resulting in poor operability.
A cover unit was designed, comprising a cover body, a cover body, a water-stopping filler, a cover locking mechanism, and a cover opening mechanism. The cover body can be opened with one hand through the cooperation of the rod component and the locking component.
Even after decompression inside the container, users can easily open the lid with one hand, improving operability.
Smart Images

Figure CN115872049B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to lid units and beverage containers. Background Technology
[0002] Previously, it was known that there were cap units that could be easily attached to the neck of a container body with an upper opening (e.g., Patent Document 1).
[0003] The cover unit of Patent Document 1 comprises: a cover body having a liquid inlet; a cover body rotatably mounted on the cover body via a hinge (first hinge), which blocks the liquid inlet with a cover packing when a force is applied in the direction of opening the liquid inlet (opening direction); and a cover locking mechanism that fixes the cover body relative to the cover body in the blocking position where the cover body blocks the liquid inlet.
[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6554356
[0005] For example, if a hot beverage is placed into the container and the lid is closed, and some time has passed, the pressure inside the container may decrease due to the beverage cooling. In such cases, even if the user releases the lid locking mechanism to secure the lid, the lid seal may remain stuck to the inlet, preventing the lid from being opened. To open the lid, the user needs to use one hand (single hand) to release the lid locking mechanism and the other hand (another single hand) to pull the lid open; in other words, both hands must be used, resulting in poor operability. Summary of the Invention
[0006] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a lid unit and a beverage container that allows the user to easily open the lid with one hand, even when the pressure inside the container body is reduced, thus providing excellent operability.
[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a cover unit that is detachably mounted to a container body with an upper opening. The cover unit is characterized by comprising: a cover body mounted to the upper opening of the container body and having a liquid inlet that communicates the interior and exterior of the container body; a cover body rotatably mounted to the cover body via a first hinge, capable of blocking the liquid inlet in an openable manner when a force is applied in the opening direction surrounding the first hinge; a sealing packing that seals the cover body and the container body; a cover locking mechanism that fixes the cover body relative to the cover body when the cover body is in a blocked position blocking the liquid inlet; and a cover opening mechanism that, upon releasing the cover body from the locked position, pushes the cover body upward to open the liquid inlet.
[0008] In the aforementioned cover unit, the cover opening mechanism preferably has a rod member that can rotate around a rotation axis. When the cover locking mechanism is released from its fixed state, the rod member rotates around the rotation axis and pushes the cover at the blocked position upward from below.
[0009] In the aforementioned cover unit, the cover locking mechanism preferably has a locking member that engages with the cover body. The operation to release the state in which the cover body is fixed by the cover locking mechanism is to press the locking member into the extension direction of the rotation axis to release the engagement between the locking member and the cover body. The rod member has a conversion part that converts the pressing force of pressing the locking member into the extension direction into a rotational force around the rotation axis.
[0010] In the aforementioned cover unit, the aforementioned conversion part preferably has an inclined surface that extends toward the aforementioned extension direction in the direction surrounding the aforementioned rotation axis. The aforementioned locking member, which is pressed into the aforementioned extension direction, slides with the aforementioned inclined surface, thereby causing the aforementioned rod member to rotate around the aforementioned rotation axis.
[0011] In the aforementioned cover unit, the cover locking mechanism may also include: a second hinge that supports the locking member for free rotation; and a locking force application part that applies force to the locking member toward one side surrounding the second hinge, and by overcoming the force of the locking force application part, presses the locking member toward the other side surrounding the second hinge, thereby pressing the locking member toward the aforementioned extending direction, so that the rod member rotates around the aforementioned rotation axis.
[0012] In the aforementioned cover unit, the cover locking mechanism may also include: a second hinge that supports the locking member for free sliding movement in the aforementioned extension direction; and a locking force application part that applies force to the locking member toward the outer side of the cover in the aforementioned extension direction, thereby pressing the locking member toward the inner side of the cover in the aforementioned extension direction by overcoming the force of the locking force application part, thereby causing the rod member to rotate around the aforementioned rotation axis.
[0013] In the aforementioned cover unit, the aforementioned rod component is preferably disposed between the peripheral wall portion of the aforementioned cover body and the aforementioned second hinge.
[0014] Preferably, the amount by which the locking member is pressed into the extending direction until the locking member begins to slide against the inclined surface is greater than the amount by which the locking member is pressed into the extending direction until the locking member and the cover are released from their lock.
[0015] In the aforementioned cover unit, it is preferable that the rod member has an upward pushing portion that pushes the cover upward, and the amount of rotation of the upward pushing portion around the rotation axis is greater than the amount of pressing of the locking member in the extending direction.
[0016] In addition, one embodiment of the beverage container of the present invention includes: the aforementioned lid unit; and the aforementioned container body on which the aforementioned lid unit is mounted.
[0017] In the above-mentioned beverage containers, it is preferable that the container body has a vacuum insulation structure.
[0018] According to the above-described method of the present invention, the lid unit and beverage container can be easily opened with one hand even when the pressure inside the container body is reduced, thus providing excellent operability. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a beverage container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a beverage container.
[0021] Figure 3 This is a sectional view showing a portion of a beverage container, indicating the closed state (blocked position) of the lid. Implied lines (double-dotted lines) are used to represent portions of the rod components and locking components that are not shown in the cross-section.
[0022] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view representing a part of a beverage container, using imaginary lines (double-dotted lines) to represent locking components and the closed state (blocked position) of the lid.
[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a beverage container, depicting a lever component rotating about a rotation axis through the pressing operation of a locking component, thereby pushing the cap upward from its blocking position. A portion of the lever component and a portion of the locking component, which are not shown in the cross-section, are represented by imaginary lines (double-dotted lines).
[0024] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional view representing a part of a beverage container. The locking component is represented by an imaginary line (double-dotted line). The state in which the lever component rotates around the rotation axis through the pressing operation of the locking component, thereby pushing the cover at the blocking position upward.
[0025] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a beverage container, indicating the open state (open position) of the lid.
[0026] Figure 8It is a three-dimensional view showing a part of a beverage container, indicating the open state (open position) of the lid.
[0027] Figure 9 It is an exploded three-dimensional view showing a part of a beverage container.
[0028] Figure 10 It is an exploded three-dimensional view showing a part of a beverage container.
[0029] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view of the rod component.
[0030] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional view of the rod component.
[0031] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing a portion of a beverage container according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] Figure 14 This is a sectional view showing a portion of a beverage container, indicating the closed state (blocked position) of the lid. Implied lines (double-dotted lines) are used to represent portions of the rod components and locking components that are not shown in the cross-section.
[0033] Figure 15 It is a three-dimensional view representing a part of a beverage container, using imaginary lines (double-dotted lines) to represent locking components and the closed state (blocked position) of the lid.
[0034] Figure 16 This is a sectional view showing a portion of a beverage container, depicting a lever component rotating about a rotation axis through the pressing operation of a locking component, thereby pushing the lid upwards. Implied lines (double-dotted lines) are used to represent portions of the lever component and the locking component that are not shown in the cross-section.
[0035] Figure 17 It is a three-dimensional view representing a part of a beverage container. The locking component is represented by an imaginary line (double-dotted line). The state in which the lever component rotates around the rotation axis through the pressing operation of the locking component, thereby pushing the lid upward.
[0036] Figure 18 It is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a beverage container, indicating the open state (open position) of the lid.
[0037] Figure 19 It is a three-dimensional view showing a part of a beverage container, indicating the open state (open position) of the lid.
[0038] Figure 20 It is an exploded three-dimensional view showing a part of a beverage container.
[0039] Figure 21It is an exploded three-dimensional view showing a part of a beverage container.
[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures
[0041] 1A, 1B… Beverage container; 2… Container body; 2d… Upper opening; 3A, 3B… Lid unit; 10… Lid body; 10a… Peripheral wall; 11… Liquid inlet; 16… Rotating shaft; 20… Lid body; 31… First hinge; 35… Water-stopping filler; 40… Lid locking mechanism; 41… Second hinge; 42, 49… Locking component; 43… Locking force application part; 60… Lid opening mechanism; 61, 68… Rod component; 64… Conversion part; 66… Upward pushing part; 67… Inclined surface. Detailed Implementation
[0042] <First Implementation>
[0043] Reference Figures 1-12 The first embodiment of the present invention will now be described, including the lid unit 3A and the beverage container 1A having the lid unit 3A. In the following description, the lid unit 3A may be simply referred to as the lid, and the beverage container 1A as the container.
[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the beverage container 1A of this embodiment includes a lid unit 3A and a bottomed cylindrical container body 2 on which the lid unit 3A is mounted. The lid unit 3A is detachably mounted to the neck portion 2c of the container body 2, which has an upper opening. The lid unit 3A constitutes a plug that blocks the upper opening 2d of the container body 2.
[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the cover unit 3A is cylindrical with a top wall (upper wall), that is, it is a topped cylinder and is installed on the upper opening 2d of the container body 2. The cover unit 3A includes: a cover body 10, which has a liquid inlet 11 that communicates the interior and exterior of the container body 2; a cover body 20, which is cylindrical with a top and is disposed on the upper side of the cover body 10 and blocks the liquid inlet 11; a first hinge 31 that allows the cover body 20 to rotate freely and is connected to the cover body 10; a water-stopping packing 35 that seals the cover body 10 and the container body 2; a cover locking mechanism 40 that fixes the cover body 20 relative to the cover body 10; and a cover opening mechanism 60.
[0046] The cover unit 3A and the container body 2 are coaxially arranged around the central axis C.
[0047] 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 20b of the cover 20 is called the upper side, and the direction from the top wall part 20b toward the bottom part 2a is called the lower side.
[0048] 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.
[0049] Furthermore, the radial direction passing through the first hinge 31 and the central axis C is called the front-rear direction. The direction from the first hinge 31 toward the central axis C in the front-rear direction is called the front side, and the direction from the central axis C toward the first hinge 31 is called the rear side.
[0050] 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 viewing the beverage container 1A in an upright position with the top wall portion 20b of the lid 20 facing upward in the vertical direction from the front, the direction facing left in the left-right direction is referred to as the left side, and the direction facing right is referred to as the right side.
[0051] In addition, the direction around the central axis C is called the circumferential direction.
[0052] In addition, the central axis C can also be distinguished from the first hinge central axis A1, the second hinge central axis A2 and the rotation central axis B described later, in other words, the cover central axis C or the container central axis C.
[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the beverage container 1A can keep the beverage (liquid contents, liquid) contained in the container body 2 warm or cold through the container body 2, which has 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.
[0054] Specifically, the container body 2 is composed of a double-layered container, which has a bottomed cylindrical outer container 4 and an inner container 5 made of, for example, stainless steel. The opening edges of the inner container 5 are joined together with the inner container 4 inside the outer container 4.
[0055] 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.
[0056] The container body 2 has: a generally circular plate-shaped bottom portion 2a; a main body portion 2b that is generally cylindrical and whose lower end is connected to the outer periphery of the bottom portion 2a; and a neck portion 2c that is disposed on the upper side of the main body portion 2b and is narrower than the main body portion 2b.
[0057] The inner circumference of the neck portion 2c is narrower than the inner circumference of the main body portion 2b. The upper end of the neck portion 2c serves as the upper opening 2d of the container body 2, and has a circular opening. Figure 3 As shown, the neck portion 2c has an external thread portion 7, a protruding portion 8, and a shoulder portion 2e.
[0058] The external threaded portion 7 is disposed on the outer periphery of the neck portion 2c.
[0059] The protrusion 8 is disposed on the inner periphery of the neck portion 2c. The protrusion 8 protrudes radially inward from the inner periphery of the neck portion 2c and extends throughout the entire circumference. The protrusion 8 is annular about the central axis C and protrudes most inward in the neck portion 2c.
[0060] The shoulder 2e is located at the lower outer periphery of the neck portion 2c. The shoulder 2e is tapered, tapering upwards. The portion of the neck portion 2c adjacent to the upper side of the shoulder 2e is generally cylindrical, extending vertically. An externally threaded portion 7 is provided on the portion of the neck portion 2c adjacent to the upper side of the shoulder 2e.
[0061] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the beverage container 1A of this embodiment has a generally cylindrical shape as a whole, but the shape of the beverage container 1A 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 lid body 10, and the lid 20 can be coated, printed, etc.
[0062] The cover body 10 is, for example, made of a heat-resistant resin such as polypropylene (PP). Figure 3 As shown, the lid body 10 has a peripheral wall portion 10a that is formed in a generally cylindrical shape in a manner continuous with the main body portion 2b of the container body 2, and a top wall portion 10b connected to the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 10a. In addition, the top wall portion 10b has an opening portion 10c that extends through the top wall portion 10b in the vertical direction.
[0063] An internal thread 12 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 10a. The internal thread 12 engages with the external thread 7 of the neck portion 2c. Thus, the cap body 10 is freely mounted to the neck portion 2c of the container body 2 by screwing it on.
[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, a cover bearing portion 15 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 10a. The cover bearing portion 15 protrudes forward from the front end of the peripheral wall portion 10a. A pair of cover bearing portions 15 are provided at intervals in the left-right direction. Each cover bearing portion 15 is plate-shaped and extends in a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction.
[0065] like Figure 9As shown, a rotating shaft 16 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 10a. The rotating shaft 16 protrudes forward from the front end of the peripheral wall portion 10a. The rotating shaft 16 is arranged between a pair of cover bearing portions 15 in the left-right direction. The central axis B of the rotating shaft 16 (hereinafter referred to as the rotating central axis B) extends in the front-back direction. That is, in this embodiment, the extending direction of the rotating shaft 16 corresponds to the front-back direction. The rotating shaft 16 is cylindrical with the rotating central axis B as its center.
[0066] like Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the cover body 10 has an opening 10c installed on the cover body 10 and a liquid inlet 11 disposed thereon, and an opening loading and unloading mechanism 14 for detachably fixing the opening 10c to the opening 10c.
[0067] The mouth-forming component 13 is detachably mounted on the opening 10c to form a drinking spout or a pouring spout (in this embodiment, a drinking spout). The mouth-forming component 13 is made of, for example, a heat-resistant resin such as polypropylene (PP).
[0068] The mouth-forming component 13 includes: a bottom wall portion 13a having a liquid inlet 11; a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 13b rising upward from around the bottom wall portion 13a; a lower flange portion 13c extending radially outward from the lower end of the bottom wall portion 13a; a pair of upper flange portions (not shown) protruding to the left and right respectively from the outer periphery of the peripheral wall portion 13b and extending in the front-rear direction; and a chamfered drinking mouth portion 13d disposed at the upper opening edge of the peripheral wall portion 13b, extending downward from the front end of the upper opening edge toward the rear.
[0069] The mouth-mounting mechanism 14 is a component, for example, made of resin, used to detachably mount the mouth-forming member 13 onto the opening 10c of the cap body 10. The mouth-mounting mechanism 14 is disposed in the front-rear direction between the mouth-forming member 13 and the first hinge 31. The mouth-mounting mechanism 14 is located between the inner periphery of the opening 10c and the peripheral wall 13b of the mouth-forming member 13. The mouth-mounting mechanism 14 has an elastic portion (elastic sheet) capable of elastic deformation. By elastically deforming the elastic portion, the mouth-forming member 13 can be mounted onto and detached from the opening 10c. The mouth-forming member 13 is pressed and fixed to the opening 10c by restoring its elastic deformation.
[0070] As the loading and unloading mechanism 14, for example, the structure described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 6554356) can be used, but its detailed description is omitted in this embodiment.
[0071] Furthermore, the mouth-forming component 13 can be freely attached to and detached from the top wall portion 10b of the cover body 10 as in this embodiment, or it can be integrated with the top wall portion 10b.
[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, the sealing filler 35 is detachably installed on the lower flange portion 13c of the opening forming member 13. The sealing filler 35 is an annular sealing member used to seal the space between the protrusion 8 and the opening forming member 13. The sealing filler 35 is made of, for example, heat-resistant rubber such as silicone rubber, or elastic components such as elastomers.
[0073] The inner circumference of the water-stopping packing 35 is provided with an inner circumferential recess 35a that is recessed radially outward. The water-stopping packing 35 is installed on the mouth forming member 13 by being fitted into the lower flange portion 13c through the inner circumferential recess 35a.
[0074] An elastic flange portion 35b is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the water-stopping packing 35, protruding radially outward. The elastic flange portion 35b is disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the water-stopping packing 35 and extends throughout the entire circumference. Two elastic flange portions 35b are arranged in the vertical direction. When the cover unit 3A is installed on the container body 2, the elastic flange portion 35b is in a state of elastic deformation while being in close contact with the protrusion 8 of the container body 2 throughout the entire circumference. As a result, the water-stopping packing 35 can liquid-tightly seal the gap between the opening forming component 13 (cover body 10) and the protrusion 8 (container body 2).
[0075] The water-stopping packing 35 can be elastically deformed by stretching itself, thereby being removed from the lower flange portion 13c. This allows for separate cleaning of the opening forming member 13 and the water-stopping packing 35, thus maintaining hygiene between them.
[0076] Furthermore, the water-stopping filler 35 is not limited to the shape described above. For example, the number of elastic flange portions 35b is not limited to the two described above, but can also be one or more than three. In addition, the water-stopping filler 35 is not limited to the structure provided with the elastic flange portions 35b described above, and its shape and other features can be appropriately modified.
[0077] The cover 20 is made of, for example, a heat-resistant resin such as polypropylene (PP). Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the cover 20 opens and closes the liquid inlet 11, which serves as the drinking or pouring inlet of the mouth-forming component 13.
[0078] Specifically, the cover 20 is connected to the cover body 10 via a first hinge 31, thereby enabling... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The shown closed state (blocked position) and Figure 7 and Figure 8It can rotate freely around the first hinge 31 between the open states (open position) shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The blocking position of the cover 20 shown is the position where the cover 20 blocks the liquid inlet 11. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The open position of the cover 20 shown is the position where the liquid inlet 11 of the cover 20 is open. Additionally, Figure 5 and Figure 6 This indicates the intermediate state of the cover 20 as it transitions from the closed state to the open state.
[0079] The cover 20 is subjected to a torsion spring (not shown) on the first hinge 31 in the direction of the open liquid inlet 11 around the central axis A1 of the first hinge 31, i.e., the opening direction. That is, the cover 20 is rotatably mounted on the cover body 10 via the first hinge 31, and when subjected to a force in the opening direction around the first hinge 31, it blocks the liquid inlet 11 in a way that allows it to open.
[0080] The cover 20 has a cover peripheral wall portion 20a that is formed in a generally cylindrical shape in a manner continuous with the peripheral wall portion 10a of the cover body 10, a cover top wall portion 20b connected to the upper end of the cover peripheral wall portion 20a, and a cylindrical inner wall portion 20c that protrudes downward from the cover top wall portion 20b.
[0081] A cover packing 21 is provided on the inner side of the cover body 20 for the liquid inlet 11 of the blocking port forming member 13. That is, the cover body 20 has a cover packing 21. The cover packing 21 is a plug-shaped sealing member for sealing the liquid inlet 11. The cover packing 21 is made of an elastic member, and for example, a material of the same material as the water-stopping packing 35 described above can be used.
[0082] The cover packing 21 is generally cylindrical with a bottom, and is installed and removed freely within the inner wall portion 20c, with the inner wall portion 20c embedded inside. The bottom surface (lower surface) of the cover packing 21 is formed into a dome shape that bulges downward.
[0083] In the cover unit 3A, when the cover body 20 blocks the upper part of the cover body 10, the cover packing 21 becomes elastically deformed while in close contact with the surrounding area of the liquid inlet 11. As a result, the liquid inlet 11 of the inlet forming member 13 can be blocked.
[0084] When the cap packing 21 is installed into the inner wall portion 20c, it elastically deforms by expanding its diameter and tightly embeds itself into the inner wall portion 20c, thereby securing it tightly to the inner wall portion 20c. Therefore, even when the cap body 20 is blocked, and a tensile force is applied to the cap packing 21 towards the container body 2 due to negative pressure inside the container body 2, it is possible to prevent the cap packing 21 from falling off the inner wall portion 20c when the cap body 20 is opened. Therefore, when the cap body 20 is in the open state, the liquid inlet 11 can be stably opened.
[0085] The top wall portion 20b has a recess 20d that is recessed downward from the upper surface of the top wall portion 20b. A cover member 22 is installed in the recess 20d to cover the inner wall portion 20c from above. That is, the cover body 20 has a cover member 22. The cover member 22 is made of the same material as the cover body 20 and is formed into a generally circular plate shape.
[0086] The cover component 22 is not limited to the same material as the cover body 20; it can use different materials in terms of material and color, or it can be made of a transparent material. Furthermore, a three-dimensional structure can be placed on the upper part of the cover component 22, or an engraving can be applied to its upper surface. This allows for a cover unit 3A with an excellent appearance design.
[0087] The first hinge 31 is located at the rear of the cover unit 3A. The first hinge 31 connects the upper rear end of the cover body 10 to the rear of the cover body 20, allowing free relative rotation about the central axis A1 of the first hinge. The central axis A1 of the first hinge extends in the left-right direction. The central axis A1 of the first hinge is located further rearward than the central axis C. The central axis A1 of the first hinge and the central axis C are in a torsional position relative to each other.
[0088] The first hinge 31 has a torsion spring (force-applying part) not shown. The torsion spring is a torsion helical spring extending spirally around the central axis A1 of the first hinge. The torsion spring applies a force to the cover 20 relative to the cover body 10 in the opening direction around the first hinge 31 (around the central axis A1 of the first hinge).
[0089] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the cap locking mechanism 40 is disposed at the front of the cap unit 3A. The cap locking mechanism 40 secures the cap body 20 relative to the cap body 10 at the blocked position where the cap body 20 blocks the liquid inlet 11, thereby overcoming the force of the torsion spring of the first hinge 31. The cap locking mechanism 40 secures the front end of the cap body 10 to the front end of the cap body 20.
[0090] The cover locking mechanism 40 includes: a second hinge 41; a locking member 42 rotatably mounted on the cover body 10 via the second hinge 41; a locking force application part 43 that applies force to the locking member 42; a ring limiter 44 rotatably mounted on the cover body 10 via the second hinge 41; a locking support part 45 for locking the locking member 42; and a limiter support part 46 for locking the ring limiter 44.
[0091] The second hinge 41 is provided at the front end of the peripheral wall portion 10a of the cover body 10. The second hinge 41 connects the front end of the cover body 10 to the rear end of the locking member 42, allowing free relative rotation about the central axis A2 of the second hinge 41 (hereinafter referred to as the second hinge central axis A2). In addition, the second hinge 41 connects the front end of the cover body 10 to the two ends in the left and right directions of the ring limiter 44, allowing free relative rotation about the second hinge central axis A2.
[0092] The second hinge center axis A2 extends in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the second hinge center axis A2 extends parallel to the first hinge center axis A1. The second hinge center axis A2 is positioned forward of the center axis C. The second hinge center axis A2 and the center axis C are in a torsional position relative to each other.
[0093] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, when viewing the cover unit 3A from the right along the direction extending along the central axis A2 of the second hinge (the axis of the second hinge), the clockwise direction centered on the central axis A2 of the second hinge is called one side around the second hinge 41 (around the central axis A2 of the second hinge), and the counterclockwise direction centered on the central axis A2 of the second hinge is called the other side around the second hinge 41.
[0094] Furthermore, the direction in which the cover 20 is fixed by the cover locking mechanism 40 (locking member 42) around one side of the second hinge 41 can also be described as the locking direction around the second hinge 41. Conversely, the direction in which the cover 20 is released from the fixed state by the cover locking mechanism 40 (locking member 42) around the second hinge 41 can also be described as the unlocking direction around the second hinge 41.
[0095] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second hinge 41 has a locking hinge shaft 47. The locking hinge shaft 47 is cylindrical, centered on the second hinge central axis A2, and extends in the left-right direction. The locking hinge shaft 47 is configured to pass through a pair of cover bearing portions 15 in the left-right direction and is supported by the pair of cover bearing portions 15. In addition, the locking hinge shaft 47 supports the locking member 42 and the ring limiter 44 so that they can rotate freely about the second hinge central axis A2. That is, the second hinge 41 supports the locking member 42 and the ring limiter 44 so that they can rotate freely.
[0096] The locking member 42 is a component that secures the cover 20 to the blocked position by engaging with it. Furthermore, the locking member 42 is operated by the user to release the cover 20 from the blocked position. In this embodiment, the locking member 42 is generally formed in a circular plate shape. The locking member 42 is, for example, made of resin.
[0097] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the locking member 42 includes: a locking bearing portion 42c, which is supported by a second hinge 41; a first extension portion 42a, which is connected to the locking bearing portion 42c and extends upward from the second hinge 41; a second extension portion 42b, which is connected to the locking bearing portion 42c and extends downward from the second hinge 41; and a sliding protrusion 42d. The first extension portion 42a and the second extension portion 42b constitute the main body of the locking member 42. In this embodiment, the main body of the locking member 42 is in the shape of a circular plate.
[0098] The locking bearing portion 42c is disposed at the left-right end of the locking member 42 and protrudes rearward from the connecting portion (first extension portion 42a and second extension portion 42b) connected to the main body portion of the locking member 42. The locking bearing portion 42c is located at the rear end of the locking member 42. A pair of locking bearing portions 42c are provided at intervals in the left-right direction. That is, the locking bearing portions 42c are respectively provided at the left end and the right end of the locking member 42. Each locking bearing portion 42c is plate-shaped and extends in a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction.
[0099] In this embodiment, a pair of locking bearing portions 42c are arranged in the left-right direction inside a pair of cover bearing portions 15 (that is, between a pair of cover bearing portions 15). The pair of locking bearing portions 42c are supported by locking hinge shaft 47 to rotate freely about the second hinge central axis A2.
[0100] The first extension 42a is connected to the front end of the locking bearing portion 42c and is located in front of the second hinge 41 (locking hinge shaft 47). In this embodiment, the first extension 42a is a semi-circular plate that extends in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, and its left-right dimensions decrease as it moves upward. A hook 48 is provided at the upper end of the first extension 42a, protruding rearward. The hook 48 is detachably engaged with the locking support portion 45 of the cover 20. That is, the locking member 42 is detachably engaged with the cover 20.
[0101] The second extension 42b is connected to the front end of the locking bearing portion 42c and is located in front of the second hinge 41 (locking hinge shaft 47). In this embodiment, the second extension 42b is a semi-circular plate that extends in a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction, and its size in the left-right direction decreases as it moves downward.
[0102] like Figure 10 As shown, the sliding protrusion 42d protrudes rearward from the right side of the main body of the locking member 42. In this embodiment, the sliding protrusion 42d protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the second extension 42b. The sliding protrusion 42d is cylindrical in shape, extending in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the rear end of the sliding protrusion 42d is formed into a hemispherical shape protruding rearward.
[0103] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the locking force-applying part 43 is composed of an elastic component such as a compression coil spring, and is disposed between the peripheral wall part 10a and the second extension part 42b of the cover body 10 in a compressed state in the front-back direction. The locking force-applying part 43 applies force to the second extension part 42b towards the front, thereby applying force to the locking member 42 towards one side (locking direction) surrounding the second hinge 41.
[0104] The ring limiter 44 is a component that bends and extends in a generally arc shape around the locking member 42, and its two ends are supported by the second hinge 41 (locking hinge shaft 47) for free rotation. Thus, the ring limiter 44 can rotate in the vertical direction about the second hinge 41, specifically, it can rotate to one side and the other side around the second hinge 41.
[0105] The locking support portion 45 is formed in the shape of a claw protruding forward from the lower part of the front end of the cover peripheral wall portion 20a of the cover body 20. The locking support portion 45 is disposed on the rear side of the first extension portion 42a of the locking member 42 in the blocking position of the cover body 20, and is opposite to the first extension portion 42a.
[0106] The limiter support 46 has a shape that fits into the inner periphery of the ring limiter 44, and is formed by a wall portion that protrudes forward from the front end of the cover peripheral wall portion 20a at a position surrounding the locking support portion 45. When the hook portion 48 engages with the locking support portion 45, the hook portion 48 is inserted between the limiter support portion 46 and the locking support portion 45.
[0107] In the cover locking mechanism 40, when the cover 20 blocks the upper part of the cover body 10, the hook 48 of the locking member 42 engages with the locking support 45, thereby maintaining the state in which the cover 20 blocks the upper part of the cover body 10, that is, maintaining the blocked position of the cover 20. From this state, if the user presses the second extension 42b of the locking member 42 backward against the force of the locking force application part 43, the locking member 42 rotates about the second hinge 41 and the first extension 42a moves forward, thereby releasing the engagement of the hook 48 relative to the locking support 45. That is, if the user rotates the locking member 42 to the other side (lock release direction) around the second hinge 41, the state in which the cover locking mechanism 40 fixes the cover 20 can be released. Thus, the force of the torsion spring in the first hinge 31, such as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the cover 20 is rotated in the opening direction.
[0108] In addition, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in the cover locking mechanism 40, when the cover 20 obstructs the upper part of the cover body 10, the ring stop 44 rotates to one side (locking direction) around the second hinge 41 and engages with the stop support 46, thereby preventing the cover 20 from rotating in the opening direction. Thus, in the cover locking mechanism 40, the cover 20 can be prevented from opening due to unnecessary (accidental) operation of the locking member 42. Furthermore, by rotating the ring stop 44 to the other side (lock release direction) around the second hinge 41, the locking state of the ring stop 44 relative to the stop support 46 can be released.
[0109] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the cover opening mechanism 60 is disposed at the front of the cover unit 3A. The cover opening mechanism 60 has a rod member 61 that is rotatable about a rotation axis 16. The rod member 61 is supported by the rotation axis 16 and can rotate freely about the rotation center axis B. Hereinafter, the structure of the rod member 61 will be described using various directions based on the rotation center axis B.
[0110] In this embodiment, the direction in which the rotation center axis B extends, i.e., the direction in which the rotation shaft 16 extends, is referred to as the extension direction. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the rotation center axis B is equivalent to the front-back direction. That is, the extension direction of the rotation shaft 16 (rotation center axis B) is parallel to the front-back direction. Furthermore, one side of the extension direction is referred to as the outer side of the cover, and the other side is referred to as the inner side of the cover. Specifically, the outer side of the cover in the extension direction is the direction from the inside of the cover to the outside along the extension direction of the rotation center axis B, which is equivalent to the front side in this embodiment. The inner side of the cover in the extension direction is the direction from the outside of the cover to the inside along the extension direction of the rotation center axis B, which is equivalent to the rear side in this embodiment.
[0111] Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to the rotation center axis B is called the rotation radial direction. The direction in the rotation radial direction that is closest to the rotation center axis B is called the inner side of the rotation radial direction, and the direction that is far away from the rotation center axis B is called the outer side of the rotation radial direction.
[0112] Furthermore, the direction surrounding the rotation center axis B is called the circumferential direction of the rotation axis. Viewing the cover unit 3A from the front, the clockwise direction centered on the rotation center axis B within the circumferential direction of the rotation axis is called one side of the circumferential direction of the rotation axis, and the counterclockwise direction centered on the rotation center axis B is called the other side of the circumferential direction of the rotation axis.
[0113] Furthermore, one side of the rotation axis circumferentially is the direction in which the rod member 61 pushes the cover 20 upward, so it can also be described as the upward pushing direction in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis. Conversely, the other side of the rotation axis circumferentially can be described as the opposite direction to the upward pushing direction in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis.
[0114] The rod member 61 is disposed in the front-to-back direction between the peripheral wall portion 10a of the cover body 10 and the locking member 42. In this embodiment, the rod member 61 is disposed between the peripheral wall portion 10a and the second hinge 41 (locking hinge shaft 47). In addition, the rod member 61 is disposed in the left-to-right direction between a pair of cover bearing portions 15.
[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when viewed from the front, the entire lever member 61 is hidden behind the locking member 42. That is, when viewed from the front and rear, the lever member 61 (lid opening mechanism 60) overlaps entirely with the locking member 42. Therefore, despite the provision of the lid opening mechanism 60, the aesthetic appearance of the lid unit 3A and the beverage container 1A can still be well maintained.
[0116] like Figures 9-12 As shown, the rod member 61 is a generally L-shaped plate with a long side and a short side, and is made of resin, for example. The long side of the rod member 61 is located at the top of the rod member 61 and extends in the left-right direction. The short side of the rod member 61 extends downward from the right end of the long side of the rod member 61.
[0117] The rod member 61 has: a mounting hole 62 that extends through the rod member 61 in the extension direction (front-back direction) of the rotation center axis B; a thick-walled portion 63 located on the long side of the rod member 61; a transition portion 64 located on the short side of the rod member 61; and a thin-walled portion 65 located between the thick-walled portion 63 and the transition portion 64 and disposed adjacent to the mounting hole 62.
[0118] Mounting hole 62 is a circular hole centered on the rotation axis B, located at the junction of the long and short sides of rod member 61, approximately at the center of rod member 61. Rotation shaft 16 is slidably fitted into mounting hole 62. Mounting hole 62 and rotation shaft 16 can rotate freely relative to each other in the circumferential direction of rotation axis. Therefore, rod member 61 can rotate freely relative to cover body 10 about rotation axis 16 (about rotation axis B).
[0119] The thick-walled portion 63 is generally prismatic in shape, extending in the left-right direction. The thick-walled portion 63 is disposed adjacent to the upper side of the mounting hole 62 and the thin-walled portion 65. The thick-walled portion 63 is positioned above the second hinge 41 (locking hinge shaft 47). Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, when viewed from the top and bottom, the front end of the thick-walled portion 63 (the end of the cover outside in the extending direction) overlaps with the second hinge 41.
[0120] like Figure 11 As shown, the thick-walled portion 63 has an upward pushing portion 66 disposed at the left end of the thick-walled portion 63. That is, the rod member 61 has an upward pushing portion 66. In this embodiment, the upward pushing portion 66 is disposed furthest from the rotation center axis B in the rod member 61.
[0121] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, when the rod member 61 is rotated to one side of the rotation axis (upward pushing direction), the upward pushing part 66 contacts the lower front end of the cover peripheral wall part 20a of the cover 20 from the lower side, and pushes the cover 20 upward.
[0122] like Figures 9-12 As shown, the conversion part 64 is disposed adjacent to the lower side of the thin-walled part 65. The conversion part 64 is positioned lower than the second hinge 41 (locking hinge axis 47). Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, when viewed from the top and bottom, the front end of the conversion part 64 overlaps with the second hinge 41.
[0123] like Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the conversion part 64 has an inclined surface 67 disposed on the front surface of the conversion part 64, and extends in the extending direction (front-to-back direction) in the direction surrounding the rotation axis 16 (around the rotation center axis B). Specifically, the inclined surface 67 is inclined towards the outer side (front side) of the cover in the extending direction, towards one side (upward pushing direction) towards the circumferential direction of the rotation axis. Figure 4 As shown, the inclined surface 67 is opposite the sliding protrusion 42d of the locking member 42 from the rear side.
[0124] If the user from Figure 3 The blocking position of the cover 20 shown removes the ring retainer 44 from the retainer support 46, and presses the second extension 42b of the locking member 42 into the inner (rear) side of the cover in the extending direction. This releases the locking state of the hook 48 relative to the locking support 45. If the user further presses the second extension 42b of the locking member 42, the rear end (end portion) of the sliding protrusion 42d contacts the inclined surface 67 from the front, and presses the inclined surface 67 towards the rear (see reference). Figure 4 ).
[0125] This generates a rotational force that causes the conversion part 64 to rotate circumferentially toward one side of the rotation axis (in the upward pushing direction), and the sliding protrusion 42d slides on the inclined surface 67, and as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the lever member 61 rotates circumferentially towards the rotation axis. That is, the locking member 42, which is pressed in the extending direction, slides against the inclined surface 67, thereby causing the lever member 61 to rotate around the rotation axis 16. Furthermore, at this time, the sliding protrusion 42d extends in a spiral pattern along an imaginary line VL (refer to the axis of rotation) in the inclined surface 67 rotating around the rotation axis 16. Figure 11 and Figure 12 Slide it up.
[0126] In this embodiment, the locking member 42 is pressed into the other side (lock release direction) around the second hinge 41 in a manner that overcomes the force of the locking force application part 43. As a result, the locking member 42 is pressed into the extension direction, thereby causing the rod member 61 to rotate around the rotation axis 16.
[0127] Then, the rod member 61 rotates to one side of the rotation axis (upward pushing direction), thereby the upward pushing part 66 contacts the lower end face of the cover peripheral wall part 20a of the cover 20 located in the blocking position, thereby pushing the cover 20 upward from the lower side.
[0128] In this embodiment, as the cap locking mechanism 40 releases the state in which the cap 20 is fixed, the rod member 61 rotates around the rotation axis 16, pushing the cap 20, which is in a blocked position, upward from below. That is, the cap opening mechanism 60, as the cap locking mechanism 40 releases the state in which the cap 20 is fixed, pushes the cap 20, which is in a blocked position, upward to open the liquid inlet 11.
[0129] Specifically, the operation of releasing the cover 20 from the fixed state by the cover locking mechanism 40 is to press the locking member 42 into the extension direction of the rotation shaft 16 to release the locking member 42 from the lock body 20. The conversion part 64 (inclined surface 67) converts the pressing force of pressing the locking member 42 into the extension direction into a rotational force around the rotation shaft 16.
[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the amount by which the locking member 42 is pressed in the extending direction until it begins to slide against the inclined surface 67 is greater than the amount by which the locking member 42 is pressed in the extending direction until the locking member 42 and the cover 20 are released from their lock. That is, when the locking member 42 is pressed in, firstly, the hook 48 is released from its lock relative to the locking support 45, and then the lever member 61 begins to rotate around the rotation axis 16. Therefore, when the lever member 61 pushes the cover 20 upwards, the locking member 42 does not obstruct the rotation of the cover 20 in the opening direction.
[0131] like Figure 11 As shown, the thin-walled portion 65 is disposed below the thick-walled portion 63 and above the transition portion 64. The thin-walled portion 65 is a groove-shaped recess extending rearward from the front surface of the rod member 61, covering the left and right sides of the mounting hole 62 in the left-right direction. The groove width of the thin-walled portion 65 increases as it separates from the rotation center axis B to the left. In addition, the groove width of the thin-walled portion 65 increases as it separates from the rotation center axis B to the right. That is, the groove width of the thin-walled portion 65 increases as it moves away from the rotation center axis B.
[0132] like Figure 4 As shown, a portion of the second hinge 41 (locking hinge shaft 47) (the central portion between the two ends) is disposed in the thin-walled portion 65. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the rod member 61 can rotate freely around the rotation axis 16 within a range where the second hinge 41 and the thin-walled portion 65 do not interfere. In this embodiment, the range (rotation angle) in which the rod member 61 can rotate about the rotation center axis B is approximately 45°. However, the rotation angle of the rod member 61 is not limited to 45° in this embodiment; it can be less than 45° or more than 45°.
[0133] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the amount of rotation (movement distance) of the upward pushing part 66 of the rod member 61 around the rotation axis 16 is greater than the amount of pressing (movement distance) of the locking member 42 pressing into the extending direction.
[0134] Furthermore, the open cover 20 rotates in the opposite direction to the opening direction (closing direction) in a way that overcomes the force of the torsion spring in the first hinge 31, and is locked by the hook 48 of the locking member 42 to the locking support 45, and once again the cover 20 blocks the upper part of the cover body 10, that is, the cover 20 becomes the blocked position.
[0135] In the cap unit 3A and beverage container 1A of the above-described embodiment, for example, if the pressure inside the container body 2 is reduced due to the cooling of a hot beverage, making it impossible to open the cap 20, the cap opening mechanism 60 pushes the cap 20 upward from the blocked position by pressing the second extension 42b of the locking member 42 backward, thereby opening the liquid inlet 11. In other words, even if the cap filler 21 of the cap 20 adheres to the liquid inlet 11 due to pressure reduction, the cap 20 can be reliably opened by pushing it upward through a single operation (one action) to release the locking state of the cap locking mechanism 40.
[0136] Therefore, according to this embodiment, even when the container body 2 is in a depressurized state, the user can easily open the lid 20 with one hand without using both hands, thus providing excellent operability.
[0137] Specifically, in this embodiment, the cover opening mechanism 60 has a rod member 61 that rotates about a rotation axis 16 to push the cover 20 at the blocking position upward from below.
[0138] In this case, even if the cap packing 21 of the cap body 20 adheres to the liquid inlet 11 due to pressure reduction within the container body 2, the lever member 61 can rotate around the rotation axis 16 and contact the cap body 20 from below to push it upward, thereby opening the liquid inlet 11, as the cap opening mechanism 40 releases the state in which the cap body 20 is fixed. This allows for stable function and simplified structure of the cap opening mechanism 60, and also enables space-saving design of the cap opening mechanism 60.
[0139] In this embodiment, the user presses the locking member 42 backward (inside the cover in the direction of the extension of the rotation shaft 16) to release the locking member 42 from the cover 20, thereby releasing the state in which the cover locking mechanism 40 fixes the cover 20. At this time, the conversion part 64 of the lever member 61 converts the pressing force of pressing the locking member 42 backward into the rotational force of the lever member 61 around the rotation shaft 16, so that the cover 20 can be pushed upward from the bottom by the lever member 61. That is, the user can reliably open the cover 20 by one operation (one action) to release the locking state of the cover locking mechanism 40.
[0140] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the conversion part 64 has an inclined surface 67 that extends in the extending direction in the direction surrounding the rotation axis 16. Then, when the locking member 42 is pressed in the extending direction, the locking member 42 slides against the inclined surface 67, thereby causing the rod member 61 to rotate around the rotation axis 16. By providing such a simple structure as the inclined surface 67 in the conversion part 64, the pressing force applied to the locking member 42 can be stably converted into the rotational force of the rod member 61.
[0141] In this embodiment, the user presses the locking member 42 against the force of the locking force application part 43 to the other side (lock release direction) around the second hinge 41. This causes the locking member 42 to rotate around the second hinge 41 and be pressed rearward (inside the cover in the extension direction of the rotation axis 16). As a result, the locking member 42 is released from its locking position against the cover 20, and the lever member 61 rotates around the rotation axis 16, pushing the cover 20 upward from below, thereby enabling the cover 20 to be opened stably.
[0142] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a rod member 61 is provided between the peripheral wall portion 10a of the cover body 10 and the second hinge 41 in the unused space (unused space) of the existing cover unit. Therefore, although the cover opening mechanism 60 is provided, the large size of the cover unit 3A can still be suppressed. That is, by providing the cover opening mechanism 60, operability can be improved and space-saving of the cover opening mechanism 60 can be achieved, and the cover unit 3A can be compactly constructed.
[0143] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the amount of pressing of the locking member 42 in the extending direction until the locking member 42 and the inclined surface 67 begin to slide is greater than the amount of pressing of the locking member 42 in the extending direction until the locking member 42 and the cover 20 are released from the lock.
[0144] In this case, with the container body 2 undepressurized (that is, under normal conditions), the locking member 42 is pressed in until the lock between the locking member 42 and the cover 20 is released, thereby opening the cover 20. That is, the cover 20 opens before the locking member 42 and the inclined surface 67 begin to slide, so the pressing force required to press the locking member 42 does not increase due to their sliding resistance, etc. Therefore, according to this embodiment, operability is maintained well even under normal conditions other than depressurization.
[0145] In addition, in this embodiment, the amount of rotation (movement distance) of the upward pushing part 66 of the rod member 61 around the rotation axis 16 is greater than the amount of pressing (movement distance) of the locking member 42 pressing in the extending direction.
[0146] In this case, the pressing operation that allows the locking member 42 to be pressed rearward (inside the cover in the direction of the extension of the rotation shaft 16) is efficiently converted into the rotation of the upward pushing part 66 around the rotation shaft 16. That is, the amount of pressing of the locking member 42 can be suppressed to a small value, and the cover 20 can be opened by reliably pushing it upward by the upward pushing part 66. Corresponding to suppressing the amount of pressing of the locking member 42 to a small value, the space-saving range of movement of the locking member 42 can be easily realized, which can help to miniaturize the cover unit 3A.
[0147] <Second Implementation>
[0148] Next, refer to Figures 13-21 The second embodiment of the present invention will be described, including the lid unit 3B and the beverage container 1B having the lid unit 3B. Furthermore, in this embodiment, structures identical to those in the above-described embodiments may be labeled with the same names, reference numerals, etc., and their descriptions may be omitted.
[0149] The beverage container 1B includes a lid unit 3B and a container body 2 on which the lid unit 3B is mounted. The lid unit 3B of this embodiment differs from the lid unit 3A described in the above embodiments in the structure of the lid locking mechanism 40 and the lid opening mechanism 60.
[0150] In this embodiment, Figures 13-15 This indicates the closed state (blocked position) of the cover 20. Figure 18 and Figure 19 This indicates the open state (open position) of the cover 20. Figure 16 and Figure 17 This indicates the intermediate state of the cover 20 as it transitions from the closed state to the open state.
[0151] like Figure 14 and Figure 16As shown, in this embodiment, the cover locking mechanism 40 includes: a locking member 49 that can slide freely in the front-back direction (the extension direction of the rotation axis 16); and a locking support 50 that is engaged by the locking member 49.
[0152] like Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, in this embodiment, the lower end of the locking member 49 is a generally semi-circular plate protruding downwards, and the portion of the locking member 49 other than the lower end is a generally quadrilateral plate.
[0153] The locking member 49 has a hinge elongated hole 49a disposed in the locking bearing portion 42c. The hinge elongated hole 49a passes through the locking bearing portion 42c in the left-right direction and extends in the front-back direction. The hinge elongated hole 49a is provided in each locking bearing portion 42c (that is, a pair is provided).
[0154] Additionally, the locking member 49 has a locking hole (locking portion) 49b. The locking hole 49b is disposed at the upper end of the main body portion of the locking member 49 and extends through the main body portion in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the locking hole 49b is quadrilateral in shape.
[0155] like Figure 14 and Figure 16 As shown, the second hinge 41 (locking hinge axis 47) is inserted into a pair of hinge elongated holes 49a. Within the range where the second hinge 41 and the hinge elongated holes 49a can move relative to each other in the front-back direction, the locking member 49 can slide in the front-back direction. That is, the second hinge 41 supports the locking member 49 so that it can slide freely in the front-back direction (extension direction).
[0156] The locking force-applying part 43 applies force to the locking member 49 towards the forward side (outer side of the cover in the extending direction). In this embodiment, the locking force-applying part 43 contacts the lower end of the main body of the locking member 49 from the rear side, applying force to the main body towards the front. Furthermore, the position of the locking force-applying part 43 (the contact position with the locking member 49) is only required to be a position that allows the locking member 49 to be appropriately applied force towards the forward side (outer side of the cover in the extending direction), and does not need to be the lower end of the main body of the locking member 49.
[0157] The locking support 50 is formed in the shape of a claw, protruding rearward from the lower part of the front end of the cover peripheral wall 20a of the cover body 20. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the locking support 50 is inserted from the front into the locking hole 49b of the locking member 49 at the blocking position of the cover 20.
[0158] In the cover locking mechanism 40 of this embodiment, when the cover 20 blocks the upper part of the cover body 10, the locking hole 49b of the locking member 49 engages with the locking support 50, thereby maintaining the state in which the cover 20 blocks the upper part of the cover body 10, that is, maintaining the blocked position of the cover 20. From this state, when the user presses the locking member 49 backward against the force of the locking force application part 43, the locking member 49 slides backward, as... Figure 16 As shown, the locking hole 49b is released from its locking state relative to the locking support part 50. That is, the user presses the locking member 49 rearward (inward of the cover in the extending direction) against the force of the locking force part 43, thereby releasing the state in which the cover locking mechanism 40 fixes the cover body 20. Thus, through the force of the torsion spring within the first hinge 31, such as... Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the cover 20 can be rotated in the opening direction.
[0159] like Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, the cover opening mechanism 60 of this embodiment has a rod member 68 that can rotate about the rotation axis 16. The rod member 68 is a generally L-shaped plate. Unlike the rod member 61 described in the above embodiment, the rod member 68 does not have a thick-walled portion 63; instead, the area where the thin-walled portion 65 is arranged is larger.
[0160] Specifically, the thin-walled portion 65 is a thin plate-like portion (area) of the rod member 68 disposed on the upper side of the conversion portion 64, and is disposed on the left, right, and upper sides of the mounting hole 62. For example... Figure 14 and Figure 16 As shown, in this embodiment, the locking member 49 slides in the front-to-back direction, thus the placement area of the thin-walled portion 65 is larger in order to suppress interference between the locking member 49 and the rod member 68. Therefore, the cover opening mechanism 60 can be configured in a space-saving manner, and the large size of the cover can be prevented.
[0161] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 15 As shown, the upward pushing part 66 is disposed at the left end of the thin-walled part 65. A second hinge 41 (locking hinge shaft 47) is disposed on the front side of the thin-walled part 65.
[0162] If the user from Figure 14 The blocking position of the cover 20 shown removes the ring stopper 44 from the stopper support 46, and the locking member 49 is pressed into the inner (rear) side of the cover in the extending direction. This first releases the locking state of the locking hole 49b relative to the locking support 50. If the user further presses the locking member 49, the rear end (end portion) of the sliding protrusion 42d contacts the inclined surface 67 from the front, and presses the inclined surface 67 towards the rear (see reference). Figure 15).
[0163] This generates a rotational force that causes the conversion part 64 to rotate circumferentially toward one side of the rotation axis (in the upward pushing direction), causing the sliding protrusion 42d to slide on the inclined surface 67, and as... Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the lever member 68 rotates circumferentially toward the rotation axis. That is, the locking member 49, pressed in the extending direction, slides against the inclined surface 67, thereby causing the lever member 68 to rotate about the rotation axis 16. Furthermore, at this time, the sliding protrusion 42d follows a spiral imaginary line VL (see reference) on the inclined surface 67 rotating about the rotation axis 16. Figure 11 and Figure 12 )slide.
[0164] In this embodiment, the locking member 49 is pressed into the inner side (rear side) of the cover in the extending direction in a manner that overcomes the force of the locking force application part 43, thereby causing the rod member 68 to rotate around the rotation axis 16.
[0165] Then, the rod member 68 rotates to one side of the rotation axis (upward pushing direction), thereby the upward pushing part 66 contacts the lower end face of the cover peripheral wall part 20a of the cover 20 located in the blocking position, and pushes the cover 20 upward from the lower side.
[0166] Thus, even in this embodiment, as the cap locking mechanism 40 releases the state in which the cap 20 is fixed, the rod member 68 rotates around the rotation axis 16, pushing the cap 20 in the blocked position upward from below. In other words, the cap opening mechanism 60, in conjunction with the operation of the cap locking mechanism 40 releasing the state in which the cap 20 is fixed, pushes the cap 20 in the blocked position upward, thereby opening the liquid inlet 11.
[0167] Furthermore, even in this embodiment, the amount of pressure applied by the locking member 49 in the extending direction until the locking member 49 begins to slide against the inclined surface 67 is greater than the amount of pressure applied (movement distance) applied by the locking member 49 in the extending direction (front-back direction) until the locking member 49 and the cover 20 are released from their lock. Additionally, the amount of rotation (movement distance) of the upward pushing portion 66 of the rod member 68 around the rotation axis 16 is greater than the amount of pressure applied by the locking member 49 in the extending direction.
[0168] Furthermore, the open cover 20 rotates in the opposite direction to the opening direction (closing direction) in a way that overcomes the force of the torsion spring in the first hinge 31, and is locked by the locking hole 49b of the locking member 49 and the locking support 50, so that the cover 20 blocks the upper part of the cover body 10, that is, it becomes the blocked position of the cover 20.
[0169] The lid unit 3B and beverage container 1B of this embodiment, as described above, can achieve the same effects as the embodiment described above.
[0170] In addition, in this embodiment, the user presses the locking member 49 to the rear (inside the cover in the extension direction) and slides it, thereby releasing the locking member 49 from the cover 20. The lever member 68 pushes the cover 20 upward from below, thus enabling the cover 20 to be opened stably.
[0171] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, as will be explained below, structural modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0172] In the first and second embodiments described above, examples were given in which the extension direction of the rotation shaft 16 (rotation center shaft B) is parallel to the front-back direction, but this is not a limitation. For example, the extension direction of the rotation shaft 16 may also be a direction inclined relative to the front-back direction in an imaginary plane perpendicular to the center shaft C.
[0173] In the first and second embodiments described above, examples are given in which the rotating shaft 16 of the cover body 10 is rotatably inserted into the mounting holes 62 of the rod members 61 and 68, but this is not a limitation. For example, a mounting hole with a bottom hole may be provided in the peripheral wall portion 10a of the cover body 10, and the rod members 61 and 68 may have a rotating shaft that can be rotatably inserted into the mounting hole.
[0174] In the second embodiment described above, an example is given where the locking hole (locking portion) 49b of the locking member 49 locks with the claw-shaped locking support portion 50 of the cover 20, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a claw portion (locking portion) protruding forward may be provided at the upper end of the locking member 49, and this claw portion may lock with the locking support portion 50. In this case, the locking member 49 locks with the cover 20 by the contact between the lower surface of the claw portion and the upper surface of the locking support portion 50.
[0175] In the first and second embodiments described above, examples of applying the present invention to beverage containers 1A and 1B that have heat preservation / cold preservation functions through a container body 2 with a vacuum insulation structure are given, but the invention is not limited thereto. That is, the present invention can be widely applied to lidded containers with lids on which the lid unit is detachably installed at the neck of the container body.
[0176] Without departing from the spirit of the invention, the present invention can also be combined with the structures described in the above embodiments and variations, and additional, omitted, substituted, and other modifications to the structures are possible. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but only to the claims.
Claims
1. A cover unit that is detachably mounted to a container body with an upper opening. The cover unit is characterized in that it has: The cap body is installed at the upper opening of the container body and has a liquid inlet that allows the interior of the container body to communicate with the exterior. A cover body, which is rotatably mounted to the cover body via a first hinge, blocks the liquid inlet in an openable manner when a force is applied in the opening direction around the first hinge. Water-stopping filler, which seals the space between the cover body and the container body; A cap locking mechanism that fixes the cap body relative to the cap body at the blocking position where the cap body blocks the liquid inlet; as well as The cap opening mechanism, which, when combined with the operation of releasing the cap locking mechanism from the state where the cap body is fixed, pushes the cap body at the blocked position upward to open the liquid inlet. The cover opening mechanism has a rod component that can rotate around a rotation axis that protrudes forward from the front end of the peripheral wall of the cover body. As the cap locking mechanism releases the cap from its fixed position, the rod component rotates around the rotation axis, pushing the cap upward from the obstructed position from below.
2. The cover unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover locking mechanism has a locking component that engages with the cover body. The operation to release the lid locking mechanism from the state in which the lid is fixed is to press the locking member into the extension direction of the rotation axis, thereby releasing the locking member from the lid. The rod component has a conversion part that converts the pressing force that pushes the locking component into the extending direction into a rotational force about the rotation axis.
3. The cover unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conversion section has an inclined surface that extends in the extending direction in a direction surrounding the rotation axis. The rod component rotates about the rotation axis by sliding the locking member, which is pressed in the extending direction, against the inclined surface.
4. The cover unit according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The cover locking mechanism has: A second hinge supports the locking component for free rotation; as well as A locking force-applying part applies force to the locking component on one side surrounding the second hinge. By overcoming the force of the locking force application part, the locking member is pressed into the other side around the second hinge, thereby pressing the locking member into the extending direction, so that the rod member rotates around the rotation axis.
5. The cover unit according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The cover locking mechanism has: A second hinge supports the locking member for free sliding movement in the extending direction; as well as The locking force-applying part applies force to the locking component towards the outer side of the cover in the extending direction. By overcoming the force of the locking force application part, the locking component is pressed into the inside of the cover in the extending direction, thereby causing the rod component to rotate around the rotation axis.
6. The cover unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The rod component is disposed between the peripheral wall of the cover body and the second hinge.
7. The cover unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rod component is disposed between the peripheral wall of the cover body and the second hinge.
8. The cover unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The amount by which the locking member is pressed into the extending direction until the locking member begins to slide against the inclined surface is greater than the amount by which the locking member is pressed into the extending direction until the locking member and the cover are released from locking.
9. The cover unit according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The rod component has an upward pushing part that pushes the cover upward. The amount of rotation of the upward pushing part around the rotation axis is greater than the amount of pressing of the locking part into the extending direction.
10. A beverage container, characterized in that, have: The cover unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and The container body on which the cover unit is installed.