Air vent structure for cup lids and their containers

Abstract

Air valve structure for cup lids, characterized in that it comprises a cup lid body (1), wherein the upper surface of the cup lid body (1) is provided with a through-hole (11), wherein the inner underside of the cup lid body (1) has an annular seat (2) extending axially and coaxially through the through-hole (11), an elastic valve core (3), wherein the upper part of the elastic valve core (3) contacts the upper surface of the annular seat (2), while its lower part extends downwards through the annular seat (2), wherein the lower end of the elastic valve core (3) has a radial sealing element corresponding to the opening along the lower edge of the annular seat (2), wherein an air passage gap is provided between the sealing element and the opening along the lower edge of the annular seat (2), and a washer (4).wherein the washer (4) is mounted on the top of the elastic valve core (3) and the top of the washer (4) has a projecting section (41), this projecting section (41) forming a transition ramp to the top of the washer (4), and comprises a movable pin (5), the lower end of the movable pin (5) projecting through the washer (4) and being secured by insertion into the elastic valve core (3), a closed ring (6) being pivoted to the top of the movable pin (5), the pivot point of the closed ring (6) having a curved surface that contacts the transition ramp, the movable pin (5) driving the elastic valve core (3) upwards and thus bringing the sealing part into contact with the opening at the lower edge of the annular seat (2),when the closed ring (6) is folded upwards and the curved surface of the closed ring (6) presses against the transition ramp until the closed ring (6) is folded by 90° and rests against the projecting section (41).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present utility model relates to the technical field of everyday consumer goods, in particular to an air valve structure for cup lids and their containers. Background technology

[0002] The production and storage of fermented foods such as pickles and enzymes, as well as the preservation of dry goods, generally require the creation of a vacuum environment in sealed containers to inhibit bacterial growth and extend shelf life. Vacuum-sealed containers have been developed for this purpose. The core component of such containers is the air vent structure on the lid, the performance of which directly determines the sealing reliability, ease of use, and lifespan of the container.

[0003] Currently, common air valve designs for cup lids have the following shortcomings: Complex operation and limited functionality: Many conventional air valves use a simple push-fit design for pressure applications. This typically provides only a basic seal and is unable to vent quickly and controllably in the event of excessive internal pressure. This poses risks, including difficulty opening the lid due to the high pressure or even the possibility of the contents being expelled along with the escaping gas.

[0004] Insufficient sealing reliability, especially when inverted: Some air valves maintain an acceptable seal when the container is upright, but when the container is inverted, liquid can enter the valve body. Alternatively, internal pressure or external compression can displace the valve core, compromising the sealing surface and causing leaks, thus invalidating the vacuum environment.

[0005] Complex structure: Some modified valves attempt to switch between sealing and venting functions using multiple independent locking components, which increases the number of parts and complicates the assembly processes.

[0006] Therefore, providing an air vent structure for cup lids that is structurally simple, integrates vacuum extraction, reliable sealing and convenient venting functions, while effectively preventing leakage when tipped over, presents an urgent technical problem for professionals in this field. Contents of the utility model

[0007] Against this background, the present utility model provides an air valve structure for cup lids and their containers, intended to solve the aforementioned technical problem. To achieve this objective, the utility model employs the following technical solutions: An air valve structure for cup lids, comprising: a cup lid body, wherein the top of the cup lid body is provided with a through-hole, the inner underside of the cup lid body having an annular seat extending axially and coaxially through the through-hole; an elastic valve core, wherein the upper part of the elastic valve core contacts the top of the annular seat, while its lower part extends downwards through the annular seat and to the outside of the annular seat; a washer, wherein the washer is mounted on the top of the elastic valve core and the top of the washer has a projecting section;a movable pin, the lower end of which projects through the washer and extends to the elastic valve core, a closed ring being hinged to the top of the movable pin, the closed ring being able to rotate about the hinge point to engage with or disengage from the projecting section; when the closed ring engages the projecting section, the movable pin is pulled upwards, thereby pressing the base of the elastic valve core firmly against the lower end face of the annular seat to create a seal; when the closed ring disengages from the projecting section, the movable pin is pushed downwards, creating a gap between the base of the elastic valve core and the lower end face of the annular seat.

[0008] The aforementioned technical solution enables the air valve structure for cup lids provided by this utility model to quickly switch between the "sealed" and "gap-formed" states through the folding motion of a single component – ​​the closed ring. Folding it up and resting it against the projecting section creates a seal, while folding it down and releasing it creates a gap. This integrates three important functions: vacuum extraction, pressure retention, and rapid venting, with exceptionally simple and intuitive operation. The curved surface at the pivot point of the closed ring, combined with the transition ramp of the washer, ensures a smooth and effortless folding motion, efficiently converting the folding movement into a vertical lifting of the movable pin.As the internal pressure in the vessel increases, atmospheric pressure acts on the sealing element at the base of the elastic valve core, generating an additional force that acts in the direction of the lifting force. This causes the sealing element to press more firmly against the lower edge of the annular seat, creating a self-reinforcing effect where "higher internal pressure results in a tighter seal." This significantly improves sealing reliability under high-pressure conditions such as fermentation and inversion. This utility model achieves several functions through the mechanical connection of certain core components, such as the elastic valve core, movable pin, and closed ring. This eliminates the need for multiple independent locking parts, simplifying the structure and reducing manufacturing costs, minimizing potential points of failure, and thus increasing overall service life and reliability.

[0009] Preferably, the elastic valve core in the aforementioned air valve structure for cup lids comprises a one-piece formed sealing seat and a connecting pillar, wherein the sealing seat contacts the top of the annular seat, the bottom of the connecting pillar extends through the through-hole and the annular seat, and is provided with a radially projecting limiting section, the outer diameter of which is larger than the inner diameter of the central through-hole of the annular seat. The integrated structure of the sealing seat and the connecting pillar improves structural integrity and strength while simplifying manufacturing and assembly; the limiting section prevents excessive upward tensile force on the elastic valve core when the movable pin is lifted, thus preventing the elastic valve core from falling out.

[0010] Preferably, in the aforementioned air valve structure for cup lids, it further comprises an elastic snap closure that is clamped to the outside of the limiting section. The elastic snap closure interacts with the limiting section at the base of the movable pin to effectively prevent the movable pin from disengaging from the elastic valve core under frequent downward pressure or vibration. Preferably, the sealing element in the aforementioned air valve structure for cup lids comprises an annular rib projecting radially from the outer side wall of the connecting column, the annular rib being positioned between the limiting section and the lower end face of the annular seat. The annular rib acts as a line contact seal, generating a higher pressure for the same lifting force to achieve a faster and more effective seal.This significantly reduces the risk of leakage and ensures airtightness.

[0011] Preferably, the upper surface of the sealing seat in the aforementioned air valve structure for cup lids features an actuating section. After vacuum extraction, the interior of the container body remains under negative pressure. The actuating section provides a manual pressure relief function. When rapid pressure relief is required, the user can simply pull the actuating section upwards to raise the valve core and achieve pressure release.

[0012] Preferably, a first projection is provided in the aforementioned air valve structure for cup lids on the side wall of the sealing seat, corresponding to the actuating section. The top of the cup lid body is provided with a mounting recess, the through-hole being formed in the center of the mounting recess, and the side wall of the through-hole having a second projection corresponding to the first projection. The two sides of the second projection have curved ramps, while the first projection has a corresponding chamfer. When the elastic valve core rotates into the corresponding position of the second projection, the chamfer on the first projection can climb along the curved ramp of the second projection and forcibly lift the sealing seat. This creates a gap between the sealing seat and the top of the annular seat.Through the interaction of the ramps of the first and second projections, the elastic valve core is forcibly lifted by rotating it, creating a stable gap channel between the sealing seat and the top of the annular seat. This function allows the use of external vacuum extraction / air intake devices, enabling repeated vacuum extraction and air intake cycles. It is particularly suitable for scenarios requiring intensified fermentation or brining, ensuring more thorough processing. A reverse rotation, i.e., a downhill reset, causes the sealing seat to contact the top of the annular seat. It can be rotated into a specific position to activate the function. Reversing the rotation smoothly resets it, and the state transitions are clear and reliable.

[0013] Preferably, the upper surface of the cup lid body in the aforementioned air valve structure for cup lids has an identification point at the position corresponding to the second projection. This identification point design provides users with clear, intuitive visual guidance and allows for precise rotation of the elastic valve core into its operating position (i.e., the position that forms the air circulation gap), significantly improving the ease of use and user experience of the product.

[0014] The present utility model further provides a container comprising a container body and the aforementioned air vent structure for cup lids, which is detachably connected to the container body. By integrating one of the aforementioned air vent structures for cup lids, the container exhibits enhanced functionality, including simplified operation, reliable sealing, and easy venting or even air circulation, thereby significantly improving its practical use in areas such as food fermentation and preservation.

[0015] Preferably, a silicone partition is provided within the container body of the aforementioned container. This silicone partition divides the interior of the container into sections, facilitating the categorized storage of various items or serving as a weight to prevent the contents from floating, thus optimizing storage space. Preferably, the base of the container body of the aforementioned container has a silicone pad. This silicone pad provides an anti-slip effect, shock absorption, and prevents scratching of surfaces, thereby improving the stability and safety of the container during use and setup.

[0016] As can be seen from the above-mentioned technical solution, the utility model discloses, in comparison to the prior art, an air valve structure for cup lids and their containers with the following advantageous effects: 1. The present utility model offers a highly integrated and user-friendly switching mechanism for an air valve. By simply flipping the closed ring, the internal movable pin is driven into a vertical movement, thereby controlling the sealing or separation between the elastic valve core and the annular seat. This achieves switching between three functions with a single operation: vacuum extraction, pressure-holding sealing, and rapid venting. This not only significantly simplifies operation for the user but, through a sophisticated structural design, also improves sealing performance when the pressure in the vessel increases. This effectively solves the technical problem of leakage, which frequently occurs with conventional air valves under high-pressure conditions such as fermentation or inversion. 2. The integrated design of the elastic valve core increases structural strength, while the interaction between the limiting section and the elastic snap closure prevents moving components from loosening during frequent use. In particular, the introduction of annular ribs through line contact sealing generates higher pressure with the same counterforces, thus ensuring a fast and reliable seal. These design elements collectively improve the overall service life of the product, enabling it to withstand long, frequent state transitions without being susceptible to damage. 3. By incorporating rotatable alignment projections and clearly marked identification points, this utility model enables users not only to perform basic airtightness checks but also to actively open a stable gap channel, facilitating connection to external devices for cyclical air extraction and supply. This functionality proves particularly advantageous in scenarios requiring control of the fermentation process, promoting more thorough and uniform curing or fermentation. It thus meets users' demands for more precise and improved food processing. Figures

[0017] In order to illustrate the technical solution in the embodiments of the utility model or in the prior art more clearly, a brief description of the figures that must be used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art follows, whereby it is obvious that the figures in the following description are only examples for the utility model and that other figures can be obtained on the basis of the figures without creative effort by general technical personnel. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the air valve structure for cup lids in this utility model; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the structure of the elastic valve core, washer, movable pin and closed ring in this utility model; Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the Fig. 3; Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the structure of the elastic valve core in this utility model; Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the structure of the cup lid body in this utility model; Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic representation of the structure of the cup lid body from a different perspective in this utility model; Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic representation of the structure of the container in this utility model; Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the Fig. 8.

[0018] Where: 1. Cup lid body; 11. Through hole; 111. Second projection; 12. Mounting recess; 13. Identification point; 2. Annular seat; 21. Projection; 3. Elastic valve core; 31. Seal seat; 311. First projection; 32. Connecting column; 33. Limiting section; 34. Elastic snap closure; 35. Annular rib; 36. Actuating section; 4. Washer; 41. Projection section; 5. Movable pin; 6. Closed ring; 7. Container body; 71. Silicone partition; 72. Silicone pad; 8. Sealing ring. Specific embodiments

[0019] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model are clearly and completely described below with reference to the figures in those embodiments. It is obvious that the described embodiments represent only a subset of the embodiments of the utility model and not all of them. All other embodiments that are obtained by general technical personnel in this field, without creative effort, based on the embodiments of the utility model, are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0020] With reference to the Fig. Figures 1 to 7 of the present utility model disclose an air valve structure for cup lids, comprising: a cup lid body 1, wherein the top of the cup lid body 1 is provided with a through-hole 11, the inner underside of the cup lid body 1 having an annular seat 2 extending axially and coaxially through the through-hole 11; an elastic valve core 3, wherein the upper part of the elastic valve core 3 contacts the top of the annular seat 2, while its lower part extends downwards through the annular seat 2 and to the outside of the annular seat 2; a washer 4, wherein the washer 4 is mounted on the top of the elastic valve core 3 and the top of the washer 4 has a projecting section 41;a movable pin 5, wherein the lower end of the movable pin 5 projects through the washer 4 and extends to the elastic valve core 3, a closed ring 6 being pivoted to the upper side of the movable pin, the closed ring 6 being able to rotate about the pivot point to engage with or disengage from the projecting section 41; when the closed ring 6 is in contact with the projecting section 41, the movable pin 5 is pulled upwards, thereby pressing the base of the elastic valve core 3 firmly against the lower end face of the annular seat 2 to create a seal; when the closed ring 6 disengages from the projecting section 41, the movable pin 5 is pushed downwards, creating a gap between the base of the elastic valve core 3 and the lower end face of the annular seat 2.

[0021] In particular, the elastic valve core 3 consists of silicone rubber.

[0022] In some embodiments, the elastic valve core 3 comprises an integrally formed sealing seat 31 and a connecting column 32, wherein the sealing seat 31 contacts the upper surface of the annular seat 2, the base of the connecting column 32 extends through the through-hole 11 and the annular seat 2, and is provided with a radially projecting limiting section 33, the outer diameter of which is larger than the inner diameter of the central through-hole of the annular seat 2. In some other embodiments, it further comprises an elastic snap closure 34 which is clamped to the outside of the limiting section 33.

[0023] In exemplary embodiments, the sealing element comprises an annular rib 35 that projects radially from the outer side wall of the connecting column 32, the annular rib 35 being positioned between the limiting section 33 and the lower end surface of the annular seat 2. In particular, the annular seat 2 has an axially extending projection 21, the annular rib 35 bearing against the lower end surface of the projection 21 when compressed. In one exemplary embodiment, the upper surface of the sealing seat 31 has an actuating section 36.

[0024] In some embodiments, a first projection 311 is provided on the side wall of the sealing seat 31, which corresponds to the actuating section 36, wherein the top of the cup lid body 1 is provided with a fastening recess 12, wherein the through hole 11 is formed in the middle of the fastening recess 12 and the side wall of the through hole 11 has a second projection 111, which corresponds to the first projection 311.

[0025] More precisely, the upper surface of the cup lid body 1 has an identification point 13 at the position corresponding to the second projection 111. As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 8 to 9, the present utility model further provides a container comprising a container body 7 and the aforementioned air valve structure for cup lids, which is detachably connected to the container body 7. In some embodiments, a silicone partition 71 is provided in the container body 7. In some other embodiments, the bottom of the container body 7 has a silicone pad 72. More precisely, the cup lid 1 is screwed to the container body 7, and the inside of the cup lid 1 has a sealing ring 8.

[0026] The embodiments of the present utility model are as follows: 1. Sealed pressure holding condition

[0027] With reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The sealing ring 6 is folded upwards from its flat position when it is necessary to keep the container in a vacuum or sealed condition.

[0028] During this folding process, the curved surface at the pivot point of the closed ring 6 slides along the transition ramp on the washer 4 and presses it together, thereby exerting an upward force on the movable pin 5.

[0029] When the closed ring 6 is folded by approximately 90°, its lower end abuts the projecting section 41. At this point, the movable pin 5 is lifted upwards.

[0030] Since the base of the movable pin 5 is secured by insertion into the elastic valve core 3, this lifting force drives the entire elastic valve core 3 upwards.

[0031] Ultimately, the sealing part at the lower end of the elastic valve core 3 (in particular the annular rib 35) comes into close contact with the opening of the lower edge of the annular seat 2, thereby achieving a reliable seal (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 5).

[0032] Self-reinforcing effect: Should the pressure in the container rise, the high-pressure gas acting on the sealing element generates an additional upward pressure. This pressure acts in the direction of the previous upward pull, thus further reinforcing the sealing effect.

[0033] If venting is required due to high pressure in the container body 7, rotate the closed ring 6 by 90° to release it from the projecting section 41 (at this point, the closed ring 6 will be in the open position). Press the movable pin 5 downwards to drive the annular rib 35 downwards, thereby disengaging the annular rib 35 from the lower end face of the annular seat 2 (creating an air gap). This allows venting without having to open the cup lid for venting, as is the case in prior art, thus preventing the splashing of gases or liquids from the container body. 2. Venting / vacuum state

[0034] Referring to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 When the internal pressure is released or when a vacuum extraction is performed, the closed ring 6 is folded away from its bumped state against the projecting section 41.

[0035] At this point, the movable pin 5 loses its upward lifting force and lowers under its own weight or slight external pressure.

[0036] The downward movement of the movable pin 5 drives the elastic valve core 3 downwards, causing its lower sealing part (annular rib 35) to detach from the opening of the lower edge of the annular seat 2 and form an air gap. The air inside the container can then quickly escape through this gap via the through-hole 11, or an external vacuum device can extract the air inside through this gap (see Fig. 2). 3. Recirculation mode

[0037] The user rotates the elastic valve core 3 over the actuating section 36, aligns the first projection 311 on its side wall with the curved ramp of the second projection 111 on the side wall of the through-hole 11, and climbs up. This climbing movement raises the entire sealing seat 31 and the associated elastic valve core 3 upwards. At this point, not only is a vent gap created at the bottom, but, more importantly, a stable, larger gap channel is formed between the sealing seat 31 and the top of the annular seat 2. The identification point 13, located at the corresponding position on the top of the cup lid body 1, provides the user with a clear visual guide to rotate precisely into this operating position. In this state, external devices (e.g.,The air pump can be adapted to achieve a "suction and supply" cycle operation, which is particularly suitable for precise scenarios requiring inert gas injection for preservation or to promote fermentation. Reversing the rotation of the valve core allows for a downward reset of the first projection 311, thereby restoring the seal. 4. Comprehensive use of the container

[0038] With reference to the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 forms a container by combining the aforementioned air valve structure for cup lids with the container body 7. The silicone divider 71 facilitates compartmentalized storage or acts as a weight to prevent the contents from floating. The silicone pad 72 provides an anti-slip effect, shock absorption, and protects tabletops.

[0039] The cup lid and the container body are connected via a threaded connection, with the main seal being provided by the sealing ring 8. In conjunction with the air valve structure, this provides an easy-to-use storage solution that offers a reliable seal and versatile functionality. Each embodiment in this description is presented step by step, with the focus of each embodiment on the differences from the other embodiments. Reference may be made to similar content shared between the individual embodiments. The description of the device disclosed in the embodiments is straightforward, as it corresponds to the method disclosed in the embodiments, and the relevant content can be found in the section on methods.

[0040] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables a person skilled in the art to implement or use the utility model. Various modifications of these embodiments are obvious to a person skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the concept or scope of the utility model. Accordingly, the utility model is not limited to the embodiments shown here, but is subject to the broadest possible scope of application compatible with the principles and new features disclosed herein.

Claims

[1] Air vent structure for cup lids, characterized by, that it comprises a cup lid body (1), wherein the upper surface of the cup lid body (1) is provided with a through-hole (11), wherein the inner underside of the cup lid body (1) has an annular seat (2) extending axially and coaxially through the through-hole (11), an elastic valve core (3), wherein the upper part of the elastic valve core (3) contacts the upper surface of the annular seat (2), while its lower part extends downwards through the annular seat (2), wherein the lower end of the elastic valve core (3) has a radial sealing portion corresponding to the opening along the lower edge of the annular seat (2), wherein an air passage gap is provided between the sealing portion and the opening along the lower edge of the annular seat (2), a washer (4),wherein the washer (4) is mounted on the top of the elastic valve core (3) and the top of the washer (4) has a projecting section (41), this projecting section (41) forming a transition ramp to the top of the washer (4), and comprises a movable pin (5), the lower end of the movable pin (5) projecting through the washer (4) and being secured by insertion into the elastic valve core (3), a closed ring (6) being pivoted to the top of the movable pin (5), the pivot point of the closed ring (6) having a curved surface that contacts the transition ramp, the movable pin (5) driving the elastic valve core (3) upwards and thus bringing the sealing part into contact with the opening at the lower edge of the annular seat (2),when the closed ring (6) is folded upwards and the curved surface of the closed ring (6) presses against the transition ramp until the closed ring (6) is folded by 90° and rests against the projecting section (41). [2] Air valve structure for cup lid according to claim 1, characterized by , that the elastic valve core (3) comprises a one-piece formed sealing seat (31) and a connecting column (32), wherein the sealing seat (31) contacts the top of the annular seat (2), the bottom of the connecting column (32) passes through the through hole (11) and the annular seat (2) and is provided with a radially projecting limiting section (33), wherein the outer diameter of the limiting section (33) is larger than the inner diameter of the central through hole of the annular seat (2). [3] Air valve structure for cup lid according to claim 2, characterized by, that it further comprises an elastic snap closure (34) which is clamped to the outside of the boundary section (33). [4] Air valve structure for cup lid according to claim 2, characterized by , that the sealing part comprises an annular rib (35) which projects radially from the outer side wall of the connecting column (32), wherein the annular rib (35) is provided between the limiting section (33) and the lower end surface of the annular seat (2). [5] Air valve structure for cup lid according to claim 2, characterized by , that the upper side of the sealing seat (31) has an actuating section (36). [6] Air valve structure for cup lid according to claim 4, characterized by, that a first projection (311) is provided on the side wall of the sealing seat (31) corresponding to the actuating section (36), wherein the top of the cup lid body (1) is provided with a fastening recess (12), wherein the through hole (11) is formed in the center of the fastening recess (12) and the side wall of the through hole (11) has a second projection (111) corresponding to the first projection (311). [7] Air valve structure for cup lid according to claim 6, characterized by , that the top of the cup lid body (1) has an identification point (13) at the position corresponding to the second projection (111). [8] Containers, characterized by , that it comprises a container body (7) and an air valve structure for cup lids according to one of claims 1 to 7, which is detachably connected to the container body (7). [9] Container according to claim 8, characterized by, that a silicone partition (71) is provided in the container body (7). [10] Container according to claim 8, characterized by , that the bottom of the container body (7) has a silicone pad (72).

Images