Cap unit and container with cap

Abstract

To provide a cap unit and a container with a cap.SOLUTION: The container comprises a cap body (2) for closing an upper opening of a container body (17) and provided with a liquid passage opening on one side of the center of the upper surface of the cap body (17), and an outer lid (3) capable of rotating about the axis of the cap body (2) between an open position and a closed position, wherein the cap body (2) has a shaft hole (6), the outer lid (3) has a shaft section (4) and an elastic member (5) mounted to the outer peripheral section on the tip end side of the shaft section (4), the shaft section (4) is supported by the shaft section (4), and the outer lid (3) has a notch (15) overlapping the liquid passage opening (14) in a plan view in the open position. The cap body 2 has a first rib 18 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the notch 15 on the upper surface of the cap body 2 at the open position, and the first rib 18 is in contact with the bottom surface of the outer lid 3 at least at the open position and the closed position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap unit and a capped container. [Background technology]

[0002] As the variety of water bottles used as drinking containers increases, a segmented market for tabletop water bottles for offices and homes has emerged. These types of products are typically used on a table and do not need to be carried around. For this reason, they generally feature dust-proof and leak-proof lids.

[0003] In conventional technology, the lid and container body are connected by screwing or by using the friction of a sealing ring to prevent the lid from falling off when the container body is tilted, thereby achieving a leak-proof function. In addition, the lid is provided with a drinking spout, and an outer lid is placed above the drinking spout, and the drinking spout can be opened and closed by sliding or rotating the outer lid.

[0004] Typically, a long plastic mating rib is provided at the bottom end of the outer lid, and a mating groove is provided at the top end of the lid body; the outer lid and the lid body are connected by mating the plastic mating rib with the mating groove (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3115142 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the hard resin fitting rib is easily affected by temperature. It also deforms due to repeated elastic fatigue, resulting in unstable or weak fitting strength between the outer cap and the lid body. Furthermore, it is difficult to stabilize the sliding resistance when the outer cap rotates or slides relative to the lid body.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention aims to provide a cap unit that enables further improvement in usability, and a capped container equipped with such a cap unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following means. [1] A cap unit that can be detachably attached to a container body that is open at the top, comprising: a cap body that closes the top opening of the container body and has a liquid passage hole on one side of the center of the top surface; and an outer lid that is attached to the cap body so as to be rotatable about an axis of the cap body between an open position that opens the liquid passage hole and a closed position that closes the liquid passage hole while facing the top surface of the cap body; the cap body has an axial hole that passes through the center of the top surface in the vertical direction; and the outer lid has an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the axial hole and extends downward from the bottom surface. a ring-shaped elastic member having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the axial hole and attached to the outer periphery of the tip side of the axial portion, the axial portion being supported while passing through the axial hole, and the elastic member being engaged around the periphery of the lower end side of the axial hole, thereby preventing the axial portion from coming off the axial hole; the outer lid having a notch that overlaps with the liquid passage hole in a plan view in the open position; and the cap body having a first rib on the upper surface of the cap body in the open position and having a shape corresponding to the shape of the notch, The cap unit is characterized in that the first rib is in contact with the bottom surface of the outer lid at least in the open position and the closed position.

[0009] [2] The cap unit described in [1] is characterized in that the cap body has a second rib on the upper surface of the cap body on the opposite side of the axis of the cap body from the first rib, and the second rib abuts against the bottom surface of the outer lid in the open position and the closed position. [3] The cap unit described in [2], characterized in that the second rib has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the cutout portion on the upper surface of the cap body when in the closed position. [4] The cap unit described in [3], wherein both ends of the first rib and the second rib are connected to the peripheral edge of the cap body. [5] The cap unit described in [1], characterized in that one of the opposing surfaces of the cap body and the outer lid has an abutment portion that abuts against the other surface, and when the outer lid is rotated between the open position and the closed position, the abutment portion slides against the other surface. [6] A cap unit as described in [1], characterized in that when the outer lid is rotated between the open position and the closed position, the elastic member elastically deforms and slides against the periphery of the lower end of the axial hole.

[0010] [7] A cap unit as described in [6], characterized in that when the outer lid is rotated between the open position and the closed position, the vertical distance between the upper surface of the cap body and the lower surface of the outer lid varies depending on the rotation angle of the outer lid. [8] A cap unit as described in [4], characterized in that a locking portion is provided on one surface, and a locking portion to which the locking portion is locked is provided on the other surface, and the locking portion is locked to the locking portion provided corresponding to the open position and the closed position. [9] The cap unit according to [8], characterized in that a clicking sensation is given when the locking portion is locked to the locked portion.

[10] The cap unit described in [8], characterized in that the locking portion is a convex portion provided on the underside of the outer lid, and the locked portion is a concave portion provided on the upper surface of the cap body, and when the outer lid is rotated between the open position and the closed position, the convex portion slides against the upper surface of the cap body.

[0011]

[11] The cap unit described in [8] is characterized in that the upper surface of the cap body has an upward slope in the circumferential direction of the axial hole toward the recess, the outer lid moves in a lifting direction in accordance with the upward slope, and after the elastic member is compressed between the periphery of the lower end side of the axial hole, when the convex portion overcomes the upward slope and engages with the recess, the outer lid moves downward due to the restoring force of the elastic member, giving a clicking sensation.

[12] The cap unit described in [8], characterized in that the locking portion constitutes at least a part of the abutment portion that slides against the other surface when the outer lid is rotated between the open position and the closed position.

[13] A cap unit as described in [1], characterized in that a pair of flange portions protruding in the radially expanding direction are provided side by side in the axial direction on the outer periphery of the shaft portion, and the elastic member is fitted between the pair of flange portions.

[0012]

[14] A capped container comprising the cap unit according to any one of [1] to

[13] above and a container body to which the cap unit is attached. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] As described above, the present invention provides a cap unit that allows for further improvement in usability, and a capped container equipped with such a cap unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a closed state of a capped container structure including a cap unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an open state of a capped container structure including a cap unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view showing the cap unit shown in FIG. 2 with the outer lid in an open position. FIG. [Figure 4A] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cap unit taken along line AA shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 4B] 4B is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the elastic ring and its surroundings shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is a perspective view of the upper surface side of the cap body with an outer lid provided on the cap unit shown in FIG. 3 removed. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a plan view of the upper surface side of the cap body with the outer lid provided on the cap unit shown in FIG. 3 removed. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a plan view showing only the outer cover of the cap unit in the closed state shown in FIG. 1 cut away along line BB shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cap unit in a closed state taken along line BB shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the upper surface side of an outer lid provided in the cap unit shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. [Figure 10] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the lower surface side of an outer lid provided in the cap unit shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. [Figure 11] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the outer lid has been moved from an open position to a lifted position in the cap unit shown in FIGS. [Figure 12A] 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cap unit taken along line CC shown in FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 12B] 12B is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the elastic ring and its surroundings shown in FIG. 12A. [Figure 13] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the cap unit shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 with the outer lid moved to an intermediate position. [Figure 14A]14 is a cross-sectional view of the cap unit taken along line DD shown in FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 14B] 14B is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the elastic ring and its surroundings shown in FIG. 14A. [Figure 15] 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the outer lid of the cap unit shown in FIG. 1 has been moved to a closed position. [Figure 16A] 16 is a cross-sectional view of the cap unit taken along line EE shown in FIG. 15. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the elastic ring and its surroundings shown in FIG. 16A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention described below are only a part of the present invention and do not cover all embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments that can be obtained by a person skilled in the art from the embodiments based on the present invention without making any creative efforts are also included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0016] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" indicate orientations and positional relationships based on the drawings, and do not limit specific structures or operations. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used simply for distinction and do not indicate importance.

[0017] [First embodiment] As a first embodiment of the present invention, a capped container 100 including a cap unit 50 shown in, for example, FIGS. 1 to 16 will be described.

[0018] 1 and 2 are cross-sectional views showing the structure of a capped container 100 equipped with a cap unit 50. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the cap unit 50 with the outer lid 3 in the open position. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the cap unit 50 taken along line AA in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 4A. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the top side of the cap body 2 with the outer lid 3 removed as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the top side of the cap body with the outer lid provided on the cap unit shown in FIG. 3 removed as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the cap unit in the closed state shown in FIG. 1 with only the outer lid cut along line BB in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cap unit in the closed state taken along line BB in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the top side of the outer lid, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the bottom side of the outer lid. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the outer lid 3 in the lifted position. Fig. 12A is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC shown in Fig. 11, and Fig. 12B is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of Fig. 12A. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the outer lid 3 is in an intermediate position. Fig. 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD shown in Fig. 13, and Fig. 14B is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of Fig. 14A. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which the outer lid 3 is in a closed position. Fig. 16A is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE shown in Fig. 15, and Fig. 16B is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of Fig. 16A.

[0019] In the following description, the side of the cap unit 50 (capped container 100) on which the liquid passage 14 described below is provided may be referred to as the "front side" of the cap unit 50 (capped container 100), and the side opposite the side on which the liquid passage 14 is provided may be referred to as the "rear side" of the cap unit 50 (capped container). The direction connecting these two sides may be referred to as the "front-rear direction" of the cap unit 50 (capped container 100), and the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction on a horizontal plane may be referred to as the "left-right direction" of the cap unit 50 (capped container 100). When the capped container 100 is upright, the cap unit 50 (capped container 100) side may be referred to as the "upper direction" of the "vertical direction," and the container body 17 side may be referred to as the "lower direction." The direction along the central axis of the cap unit 50 (capped container 100) may be referred to as the "axial direction."

[0020] (Container with cap) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the capped container 100 of this embodiment includes a cap unit 50 of this embodiment and a container body 17 to which the cap unit 50 is detachably attached.

[0021] The capped container 100 of this embodiment is a beverage container that can keep the beverage (contents) contained in the container body 17 hot or cold by using the container body 17 that has a vacuum insulation structure. On the other hand, the cap unit 50 is a lid for the beverage container that closes the upper opening 17a of the container body 17.

[0022] (Container body) The container body 17 has a cylindrical outer container 71 and an inner container 72 with a bottom made of, for example, stainless steel, and is configured as a double-structure container in which the mouths of the outer container 71 and the inner container 72 are joined together with the inner container 72 housed inside the outer container 71. A vacuum insulation layer 73 is provided between the outer container 71 and the inner container 72. The vacuum insulation layer 73 can be formed, for example, by blocking a vent hole provided in the center of the bottom of the outer container 71 in a chamber that has been reduced to a high vacuum (evacuated).

[0023] The container body 17 has a substantially circular bottom 17b, a body 17c that rises from the outer periphery of the bottom 17b in a substantially cylindrical shape and expands slightly in diameter at the top, and a mouth / neck 17d that gradually reduces in diameter toward the top of the body 17c. Near the top of the body 17c, a large-diameter section 71a is formed, increasing the peripheral wall diameter of the outer container 71. The upper end of this large-diameter section 71a gradually reduces in diameter and is integrated with the upper end 72a of the inner container 72 to form the mouth / neck 17d. The upper end of the mouth / neck 17d opens in a circular shape as the upper opening 17a of the container body 17.

[0024] A female thread 17e is provided on the upper side of the inner circumferential surface of the body 17c (inner container 72). Furthermore, a ring-shaped protruding portion 17f is provided below the female thread 17e, protruding all the way from the inner circumferential surface of the inner container 72. The female thread 17e and protruding portion 17f of the body 17c are located inside the large-diameter portion 71a of the outer container 71.

[0025] Although the capped container 100 of this embodiment has a generally cylindrical external shape overall, the external shape of the capped container 100 is not particularly limited and can be modified as appropriate to suit the size, design, etc. The outer peripheral surface of the container body 17 may be painted, printed, or the like.

[0026] (Cap unit) 1 to 16, the cap unit 50 of this embodiment includes a cap body 2 that closes the upper opening 17a of the container body 17 and has a liquid passage port 14 provided on the front side (one side) across the center of the top surface. The cap unit 50 also includes an outer lid 3 that is attached to the cap body 2 and is rotatable about the axis of the cap body 2 between an open position that opens the liquid passage port 14 and a closed position that closes the liquid passage port 14 while facing the top surface of the cap body 2.

[0027] In this embodiment, opening the liquid passage port 14 refers to a state in which the liquid passage port 14 is completely open, and closing the liquid passage port 14 refers to a state in which the liquid passage port 14 is completely covered by the outer lid 3. Closing the liquid passage port 14 does not necessarily refer to a watertight or airtight state.

[0028] The cap body 2 is made of a heat-resistant resin and, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 and 11 to 16, has a peripheral wall 2a formed in a generally cylindrical shape so as to be continuous with the barrel 17c of the container body 17, and a top wall 2b closing the upper part of the peripheral wall 2a. As shown in FIGS. 4A, 12A, etc., in the top wall 2b, the inner peripheral wall 2A is curved in a spherical concave shape, and the inner peripheral wall 2B is formed in a ring-like plate shape so as to be continuous with the inside of the inner peripheral wall 2A. A storage recess 2c for storing the outer lid 3 is provided on the upper surface of the top wall 2b. The liquid passage port 14 is located on the front side of the bottom surface of the storage recess 2c and is provided so as to open in a generally rectangular shape in a plan view with a predetermined width in the rotation direction of the outer lid 3. The inner circumferential wall 2A of the ceiling wall 2b extends circumferentially inside the peripheral wall 2a at a position slightly lower than the upper edge of the peripheral wall 2a, and a peripheral edge 2e is formed at the upper periphery of the peripheral wall 2a.

[0029] 5 and 6, the liquid passage 14 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view, having an outer peripheral edge 14a extending along the inside of the peripheral edge 2e of the cap body 2, inner edges 14b, 14b extending from both end edges of the outer peripheral edge 14a toward the center of the cap body 2, and an inner peripheral edge 14c continuous with these inner edges 14b, 14b. The liquid passage 14 is formed by cutting out a region in the top wall 2b that continues from the top wall inner wall 2B to the circumferential wall inner wall 2A. The liquid passage port 14 is formed by cutting out the top wall 2b of the cap body 2 from the circumferential inner wall 2A slightly inside the peripheral edge 2e toward the inside, near the outer periphery of the top wall inner wall 2B. When the cap body 2 is viewed from above, the liquid passage port 14 is formed with a width that occupies an angular range of about 60° around the circumference of the cap body 2, for example. Note that the shape and size of the liquid passage port 14 shown in each figure are merely examples, and of course, are not limited to the examples shown in each figure. On the upper surface of the top wall portion of the cap body 2, a first rib 18 is formed around the periphery of the liquid passage port 14 so as to frame the periphery of the liquid passage port 14. Because the outer peripheral edge 14a of the liquid passage port 14 is located near the peripheral edge 2e of the cap body 2, the first rib 18 is not formed on the side of the outer peripheral edge 14a of the liquid passage port 14. The first rib 18 is formed along the periphery on three sides of the liquid passage port 14, excluding the outer peripheral edge 14a that is located along the peripheral edge 2e. In other words, the first rib 18 is formed in a roughly U-shape that surrounds three sides, including the inner peripheral edge 14c side and the two inner edges 14b side of the liquid passage port 14 in a plan view. Therefore, the first rib 18 has an inner edge 18a formed along the inner peripheral edge 14c of the liquid passage port 14, and side edge portions 18b, 18b extending along the inner edges 14b, 14b of the liquid passage port 14 on both ends of the inner edge portion 18a. One end of the side edge portion 18b of the first rib 18 extends below the peripheral edge 2e of the cap body 2 so as to reach the peripheral wall portion 2a and is connected to the peripheral wall portion 2a.

[0030] When the cap body 2 is viewed from above as shown in Figure 6, the liquid passage port 14 can be described as being formed on the front side of the upper surface of the cap body 2. As shown in Figure 6, a second rib 21 is formed on the rear side of the upper surface of the cap body 2. The second rib 21 has a rotationally symmetrical shape with respect to the first rib 18. When the cap body 2 has a circular shape in a plan view, the second rib 21 is formed in a generally U-shape in a plan view, with a 180° rotationally symmetrical shape with respect to the first rib 18. Therefore, the second rib 21 has an inner edge 21a located toward the center of the cap body 2, and side edge portions 21b, 21b extending from both ends of the inner edge 21a to positions where they contact the peripheral wall portion 2a of the cap body 2. The tips of the side edge portions 21b, 21b are connected to the peripheral wall portion 2a.

[0031] The cap body 2 is provided integrally with the inside plug 1, which is fitted into the inside of the container body 17 through the upper opening 17a. Specifically, the inside plug 1 is made of heat-resistant resin, has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is attached integrally to the underside of the top wall portion 2b by welding or the like, with the central axis aligned with that of the cap body 2. As a result, the inside plug 1 is positioned around the entire periphery of the inside underside of the cap body 2.

[0032] The cap body 2 is detachably attached to the container body 17 via the inside plug 1 by threading. Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the bottom of the inside plug 1 is provided with a male thread portion 1a that threads into the female thread portion 17e of the container body 17. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom side of the inside plug 1 has an outer diameter that allows it to be inserted into the part of the container body 17 where the female thread portion 17e is formed, and an expanded diameter portion 1d whose outer diameter gradually increases is formed on the upper side of the inside plug 1. A joint portion 1e with a step is formed at the upper end of the expanded diameter portion 1d. In addition, a joint groove 2f is formed at the inner upper edge of the peripheral wall portion 2a of the cap body 2 at a portion where it intersects with the outer peripheral edge of the top wall portion 2b. The inside plug 1 is integrated with the cap body 2 by joining the joint portion 1e to the joint groove 2f.

[0033] With the above-described configuration, in the capped container 100 of this embodiment, the inside plug 1 (cap unit 50) is detachably attached to the container body 17 by screwing together the male threaded portion 1a and the female threaded portion 17e. A gap S that narrows slightly upward is formed between the expanded diameter portion 1d of the inside plug 1 and the lower peripheral wall of the cap body 2. When the male thread portion 1a of the inside plug 1 is deeply screwed into the female thread portion 17e of the container body 17, the mouth / neck portion 17d of the container body 17 is inserted deeply into the gap S. Therefore, when the upper opening 17a of the container body 17 is closed by the inside plug and the cap body 2, the periphery of the upper opening 17a can be covered by the cap body 2.

[0034] A waterproof gasket 16 is detachably attached to the lower end of the inside plug 1. The waterproof gasket 16 is a ring-shaped sealing member that seals the gap between the inside of the container body 17 and the inside plug 1, and is made of an elastic material such as heat-resistant rubber, elastomer, or the like, for example, silicone rubber. Meanwhile, a flange portion 1b is provided on the lower end side of the inside plug 1 so as to protrude in the direction of increasing diameter. A waterproof gasket 16 is fitted over the entire periphery of this flange portion 1b.

[0035] Furthermore, two elastic flange portions 16a are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the watertight gasket 16, protruding in the radially expanding direction over the entire circumference. When the inside plug 1 is attached to the container body 17 by screwing, the elastic flange portions 16a of the watertight gasket 16 elastically deform and come into close contact with the protruding portion 17f of the container body 17 over the entire circumference. This makes it possible to seal (watertightly seal) the gap between the protruding portion 17f (container body 17) and the inside plug 1.

[0036] On the other hand, watertight gasket 16 can be removed from flange portion 1b by elastically deforming (pulling and stretching) itself. This allows inside plug 1 and watertight gasket 16 to be washed separately, and the space between watertight gasket 16 and flange portion 1b can be kept hygienic.

[0037] The watertight gasket 16 is not necessarily limited to the shape described above, and for example, the number of elastic flange portions 16a is not limited to the two described above, but can be one or more. The watertight gasket 16 is not necessarily limited to a configuration provided with the elastic flange portions 16a described above, and its shape, etc., can be modified as appropriate. The watertight gasket 16 may also be molded integrally with the inside plug 1.

[0038] The cap body 2 has an axial hole 6 that penetrates the center of the bottom surface of the accommodation recess 2c, i.e., the center of the top wall 2b, in the axial direction (vertical direction). The axial hole 6 opens in a circular shape in plan view.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 7 to 16, the outer lid 3 is made of heat-resistant resin, is formed in an approximately circular disk shape overall, and has a bottom shape that bulges downward in an approximately spherical convex shape (the upper surface is spherical concave) to correspond to the accommodating recess 2c of the cap body 2.

[0040] A cutout 15 shown in Figures 3, 9, 10, etc. is provided on the front side of the outer lid 3. The cutout 15 corresponds to the shape of the liquid passage port 14 and is provided by cutting out a portion of the front side of the outer lid 3 in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view with a predetermined width in the rotation direction of the outer lid 3. The cutout 15 has a shape that overlaps with the liquid passage port 14 in plan view when in the open position shown in Figures 3 and 4A. Therefore, the cutout 15 has an inner edge 15a located toward the center of the outer lid 3 and inner edge portions 15b, 15b extending from both ends of the inner edge 15a toward the center of the outer lid 3.

[0041] The top surface of the outer lid 3 is provided with a knob 13 to facilitate rotation of the outer lid 3. The knob 13 extends a predetermined width from the center of the outer lid 3 to both left and right edges, and protrudes like a wall from the top surface of the outer lid 3 to a position along the top surface of the outer lid 3. This allows the top surface of the knob 13 to form a continuous surface with the outer periphery of the top surface of the outer lid 3. The top surface of the outer lid 3 is divided in the front-to-rear direction across the knob 13, and has recesses 3A that are spherically recessed downward on both sides of the knob 13. The recesses 3A, 3A are formed on both sides of the knob 13 in the outer lid 3, allowing the knob 13 to be securely gripped with fingers to rotate the outer lid 3. The aforementioned cutout 15 is formed on the outer periphery of the outer lid 3, partially cutting out one of the recesses 3A.

[0042] On the other hand, the underside of the outer lid 3 has a shape similar to the inverted shape of the upper side of the outer lid 3, as shown in Fig. 10. That is, a groove 13a, which has the shape of an inverted knob 13, is provided on the underside of the outer lid 3 so as to extend from the center to the left and right ends of the outer lid 3. The underside of the outer lid 3 is divided in the front-to-rear direction by the groove 13a, and has a bottom surface 3a that bulges downward in a generally spherical convex shape on both sides of the groove 13a.

[0043] The outer lid 3 has a shaft 4 that protrudes downward from the center of the groove 13a. The shaft 4 is formed in a rod shape, and the maximum outer diameter of the shaft 4 is slightly smaller than the minimum inner diameter of the shaft hole 6. In addition, a pair of flanges 9 are provided on the tip side of the shaft 4 so as to be aligned at a predetermined interval in the axial direction.

[0044] The pair of flange portions 9 are provided so as to protrude in a radially expanding direction from the outer periphery of the shaft portion 4 around the entire circumference. Of the pair of flange portions 9 (9a, 9b), the lower flange portion 9a is located at the tip (lower end) of the shaft portion 4. On the other hand, the upper flange portion 9b is located above the lower flange portion 9a with a gap therebetween. Either one or both of the pair of flange portions 9 (9a, 9b) has the largest outer diameter on the shaft portion 4. In this embodiment, the upper flange portion 9b has the largest outer diameter on the shaft portion 4.

[0045] An elastic ring 5 is attached to the outer periphery of the shaft portion 4. The elastic ring 5 is a circular ring-shaped elastic member, and like the waterproof packing 16, is made of an elastic member such as heat-resistant rubber or elastomer, for example, silicone rubber. The elastic ring 5 has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the shaft hole 6, and is fitted between the pair of flange portions 9 (9a, 9b) of the shaft portion 4.

[0046] An elastic flange portion 12 is provided on the outer periphery of the elastic ring 5. In this embodiment, the elastic flange portion 12 is provided so as to protrude in the radially expanding direction from the central portion of the outer periphery of the elastic ring 5 all around. As a result, the outer periphery of the elastic ring 5 protrudes in the radially expanding direction more than the outer peripheries of either of the pair of flange portions 9 (9a, 9b).

[0047] In the cap unit 50 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4A, 8, etc., the shaft portion 4 is supported while passing through the shaft hole 6, and the elastic flange portion 12 of the elastic ring 5 is engaged around the lower end side of the shaft hole 6, thereby preventing the shaft portion 4 from coming out of the shaft hole 6.

[0048] As a result, the outer lid 3 is attached to the cap body 2 so as to be rotatable about the axis thereof while being accommodated inside the accommodation recess 2c of the cap body 2. The bottom surface of the outer lid 3 accommodated inside the accommodation recess 2c is in partial contact with the top wall 2b of the cap body 2. Therefore, when the outer lid 3 is rotated between the open position and the closed position, the elastic ring 5 slides against the periphery of the lower end of the axial hole 6. Furthermore, when the outer lid 3 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 2c, the peripheral edge 3e on the upper surface of the outer lid 3 is positioned inside the peripheral edge 2e of the cap body 2 at approximately the same height. Therefore, when the outer lid 3 is rotated between the open position and the closed position, the peripheral edge 3e of the outer lid 3 rotates while remaining aligned with the inner periphery of the peripheral edge 2e of the cap body 2.

[0049] When the shank 4 is inserted into or removed from the shank hole 6, the elastic ring 5 is compressed in the direction of decreasing diameter within the shank hole 6, and elastically returns to its original state in the direction of increasing diameter after passing through the shank hole 6. This allows the outer lid 3 to be detachably attached to the cap body 2.

[0050] Of the opposing surfaces of the cap body 2 and the outer lid 3, one surface (in this embodiment, the lower surface of the outer lid 3) has a locking portion 7 as shown in Figure 10, etc., and the other surface (in this embodiment, the upper surface of the cap body 2) has a lockable portion 8 that locks the locking portion 7 as shown in Figures 4A, 5, 6, etc.

[0051] In this embodiment, the locking portion 7 is a pair of protrusions (hereinafter referred to as "protrusions 7") protruding downward from the underside of the outer lid 3, as shown in Figure 10. The pair of protrusions 7 are provided symmetrically on both sides in the front-to-rear direction across the rotation center (shaft 4 in this embodiment) on the underside of the outer lid 3. The pair of protrusions 7 are located on the bottommost surface of the outer lid 3 and extend in the front-to-rear direction from both sides across the groove portion 13a.

[0052] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the locked portions 8 are a pair of recesses (hereinafter referred to as "recesses 8") formed by recessing a portion of the upper surface (accommodating recess 2c) of the cap body 2 downward, corresponding to the pair of protrusions 7. The pair of recesses 8 are provided symmetrically on both sides in the front-to-rear direction across the rotation center (axial hole 6 in this embodiment) of the upper surface of the cap body 2. The pair of recesses 8 are located on the bottom surface of the accommodating recess 2c, and extend in the front-to-rear direction from both sides across the axial hole 6. The pair of recesses 8 are provided at positions closer to the inside of the inner wall 2B of the top wall portion of the cap body 2.

[0053] Furthermore, the upper surface (accommodating recess 2c) of the cap body 2 is provided with a pair of abutment surfaces 2d that are positioned between the pair of recesses 8 in the circumferential direction and against which the pair of protrusions 7 abut (slide in contact). The pair of abutment surfaces 2d have a ring shape in plan view, recessed around the axial hole 6 by a width corresponding to the pair of recesses 8, and are provided with an upward slope in the circumferential direction of the axial hole 6 toward the pair of recesses 8.

[0054] That is, the pair of contact surfaces 2d have a gradient shape with the lower ends on both left and right sides of the shaft hole 6, and upward gradients are provided in opposite directions from the left and right sides of the contact surfaces 2d toward the pair of recesses 8. Therefore, both ends in the circumferential direction of the pair of recesses 8 are gradient shapes positioned at the uppermost ends.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 10, the bottom surface (groove portion) of the outer lid 3 is provided with a first rib wall 10 and a second rib wall 11 that protrude in the radially expanding direction from positions along the axial direction of the shaft portion 4. 10, the first rib wall 10 is located in front of the groove 13a sandwiching the shank 4, and extends in the front-to-rear direction to a height from the base end of the shank 4 to the upper flange 9b so as to connect the shank 4 and the side surface of the groove 13a. The first rib wall 10 extends so as to connect one of the locking portions 7 formed in a position close to the cutout 15 with the center position of the shank 4 in a plan view. 10, the second rib wall 11 is located on the rear side of the groove 13a sandwiching the shank 4, and extends in the front-to-rear direction to a height from the base end side of the shank 4 to the upper flange 9b so as to connect the shank 4 and the side surface of the groove 13a. The second rib wall 11 extends so as to connect the other locking portion 7 formed at a position away from the notch 15 and the center position of the shank 4 in a plan view.

[0056] In this embodiment, the base end of the shank 4 does not directly protrude from the bottom surface of the groove 13a. Instead, the base end of the shank 4 is formed by a portion of the first rib wall 10 and the second rib wall 11 that protrude from the bottom surface of the groove 13a. The contact portion of the first rib wall 10 and the second rib wall 11 also serves as the base end of the shank 4. The shank 4 is formed so as to extend in a rod-like shape from the tip end side of the first rib wall 10 that is remote from the bottom surface of the groove 13a and the tip end side of the second rib wall 11 that is remote from the bottom surface of the groove 13a. A base piece 19 is formed at the contact portion of the first rib wall 10 and the second rib wall 11, at a position corresponding to the base end of the shank 4, so as to be perpendicular to the first rib wall 10 and the second rib wall 11. The first rib wall 10, the second rib wall 11, and the base piece 19 are shaped to also serve as the base end of the shank 4.

[0057] In the cap unit 50 of this embodiment, when the outer lid 3 is rotated between the open position and the closed position, the rotation of the outer lid 3 is restricted at the open position shown in Figures 3 and 4A and the closed position shown in Figures 15 and 16A.

[0058] That is, in the open position shown in Figures 3 and 4A, the protrusions (locking portions) 7, 7 are inserted into the locked portions 8, 8 of the cap body 2 and locked, and therefore rotation of the outer lid 3 is restricted in this state. Furthermore, the protrusions (locking portions) 7, 7 are locked by being inserted into the locked portions 8, 8 of the cap body 2 in the closed position shown in Figures 15 and 16A, and therefore rotation of the outer lid 3 is restricted in this state. When the outer lid 3 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about the shaft 4 so as to move away from the open position shown in Figures 3 and 4A or from the closed position shown in Figures 15 and 16A, the locking portions 7, 7 are disengaged from the locking portions 8, 8, and the outer lid 3 becomes rotatable.

[0059] The outer lid 3 is rotatably attached to the cap body 2 by inserting the shaft portion 4 into the shaft hole 6 via the elastic ring 5. Therefore, although the protrusions (locking portions) 7, 7 are inserted into the locked portions 8, 8, when the outer lid 3 is grasped and rotated, the shaft portion 4 moves slightly in the axial direction while bending the elastic ring 5, thereby disengaging the protrusions (locking portions) 7, 7 from the locked portions 8, 8, and the outer lid 3 can be rotated. In the cap unit 50 of this embodiment, when the outer lid 3 is rotated between the open position and the closed position, the outer lid 3 can be rotated to switch between the open position and the closed position in either the clockwise direction of the shaft 4 or the counterclockwise direction of the shaft 4.

[0060] As described above, in the cap unit 50 of this embodiment, when the outer lid 3 is positioned in the open position and the closed position, the outer lid 3 can be locked in the open position or the closed position by locking a pair of protrusions (locking portions) 7 with a pair of recesses (locked portions) 8.

[0061] As described above, the first rib 18 is formed at a position surrounding the three edges of the liquid passage port 14, and is formed at a height that contacts the bottom surface 3a of the cutout portion 15 of the outer lid 3 when the outer lid 3 is in the open position as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Note that in the open position, the liquid passage port 14 of the cap body 2 and the cutout portion 15 of the outer lid 3 are formed to have a size and shape that overlap in a plan view. The first rib 18 is also formed to overlap with the cutout portion 15 in a plan view. Therefore, when viewed obliquely at the overlapping portion of the liquid passage 14 and the cutout 15 in the open position as shown in Figure 3, it can be seen that the first rib 18 is positioned to close the upper and lower gaps between the peripheral edges of the liquid passage 14 and the cutout 15. As described above, the second rib 21 is formed on the rear side of the upper surface of the cap body 2, and is formed at a height that makes contact with the bottom surface 3a of the outer lid 3 when the outer lid 3 is in the open position as shown in Figures 3 and 4A. Furthermore, the second rib 21 is provided in a position that overlaps with the periphery of the cutout portion 15 in a plan view when the cap body 2 is in the closed position as shown in Figures 15 and 16A, and surrounds the periphery of the cutout portion 15. The height of the spine of the first rib 18 is constant over the entire length of the first rib 18, and the height of the spine of the second rib 21 is constant over the entire length of the second rib 21. Therefore, in the open position shown in Figures 3 and 4A, the upper end of the first rib 18 abuts against the peripheral edge of the notch 15 of the outer lid 3 on the front side of the cap body 2, and the upper end of the second rib 21 abuts against the bottom surface 3a of the outer lid 3 on the rear side of the cap body 2. This prevents the outer lid 3 from rattling in the open position, and ensures stable support of the outer lid 3.

[0062] Here, details of the operation of rotating the outer lid 3 from the open position to the closed position in the cap unit 50 of this embodiment will be described. In the following description, to make it easier to understand the amount of elastic deformation of the elastic ring 5, the drawings depict the elastic ring 5 in its original shape, overlapping with the outer lid 3. This indicates that when the degree of overlap of the elastic ring 5 with the outer lid 3 is small, the amount of elastic deformation of the elastic ring 5 is small and the compressive force is weak, and when the degree of overlap of the elastic ring 5 with the outer lid 3 is large, the amount of elastic deformation of the elastic ring 5 is large and the compressive force is strong.

[0063] In the cap unit 50 of this embodiment, first, as shown in Figures 3 and 4A, when the outer lid 3 is in the open position, the pair of protrusions 7 are engaged with the pair of recesses 8. At this time, the outer lid 3 is in the lowest position. That is, the distance between the bottom surface of the outer lid 3 and the top wall portion 2b of the cap body 2 in the vertical direction (axial direction) is the shortest.

[0064] In the open position shown in Figures 3 and 4A, the elastic ring 5 is weakly compressed between the periphery of the lower end of the axial hole 6 and the lower flange 9a provided on the shank 4. The elastic ring 5 is also weakly compressed between the periphery of the lower end of the axial hole 6 and the lower flange 9a provided on the shank 4, resulting in a small elastic deformation. In the open position shown in Figures 3 and 4A, the notch 15 and the liquid passage 14 can be aligned in a plan view. Therefore, the beverage contained in the container body 17 can be drunk by using the notch 15 and placing one's mouth on the peripheral edge 2e of the cap body 2 located outside the notch 15.

[0065] In the open position shown in Figures 3 and 4A, the first rib 18 around the liquid passage 14 abuts against the bottom peripheral edge of the notch 15 in the outer lid 3. Therefore, the first rib 18 can close the gap between the liquid passage 14 and the outer lid 3. Therefore, when drinking a beverage from the container body 17 through the liquid passage 14, the beverage does not leak into the gap between the cap body 2 and the outer lid 3. This prevents the gap between the cap body 2 and the outer lid 3 from being soiled by the beverage. Not being soiled by the beverage has the advantage of making it easier to clean the cap unit 50 and also prevents the beverage from oxidizing and producing an unpleasant odor. 3 and 4A, the second rib 21 also abuts against the bottom surface 3a of the outer lid 3. The first rib 18 and the second rib 21 stably support the outer lid 3 in the front-to-rear direction, which not only prevents the beverage from leaking into the gap between the cap body 2 and the outer lid 3 as described above, but also prevents the outer lid 3 from rattling, resulting in a comfortable feel when in use.

[0066] Next, the outer lid 3 is rotated from this open position toward the closed position. As a result, the pair of protrusions 7 move from the pair of recesses 8 onto the upper end of the upward slope of the contact surface 2d (hereinafter, this position will be referred to as the "rising position"), as shown in Figures 11 and 12A. At this time, the pair of protrusions 7 are released from the state in which they were locked with the pair of recesses 8, and a clicking sensation is simultaneously given.

[0067] At the lifted position, the pair of protrusions 7 contact the pair of contact surfaces 2d, and the outer lid 3 is lifted upward relative to the cap body 2. At this time, the outer lid 3 is at its highest position. That is, the distance between the outer lid 3 and the cap body 2 in the vertical direction (axial direction) is at its greatest.

[0068] 11 and 12A, the elastic ring 5 is compressed more strongly than in the open position between the periphery of the lower end of the axial hole 6 and the lower flange 9a provided on the shaft portion 4. The elastic ring 5 is also compressed strongly between the periphery of the lower end of the axial hole 6 and the lower flange 9a provided on the shaft portion 4, and is in a state of greatest elastic deformation.

[0069] Next, the outer lid 3 is rotated from this riding position toward the closed position. At this time, as shown in Figures 13 and 14A, the outer lid 3 rotates from the upper end of the upward slope of the contact surface 2d toward the lower end of the upward slope in the left-right direction while the pair of protrusions 7 are in sliding contact with the contact surface 2d. As a result, the outer lid 3 moves downward and rotates 90° (1 / 4 revolution) from the open position and the closed position (hereinafter, this position will be referred to as the "intermediate position").

[0070] 13 and 14A, the elastic ring 5 is compressed less than in the lifted position and more than in the released position between the periphery of the lower end of the axial hole 6 and the lower flange 9a provided on the shaft portion 4. The elastic ring 5 is also weakly compressed between the periphery of the lower end of the axial hole 6 and the lower flange 9a provided on the shaft portion 4, and is in a state of small elastic deformation.

[0071] Next, the outer lid 3 is rotated from this intermediate position toward the closed position. At this time, the outer lid 3 moves upward from the bottom end of the upward slope in the left-right direction shown in Fig. 5 in accordance with the upward slope of the contact surface 2d, and reaches the same lifted position as in Figs. 3 and 4A.

[0072] As a result, at the riding position, the elastic ring 5 is compressed more strongly (the most elastically deformed state) than at the intermediate position between the periphery of the lower end of the axial hole 6 and the lower flange portion 9a provided on the shaft portion 4, similar to the riding position on the open position side.

[0073] Next, the outer lid 3 is rotated from this raised position toward the closed position. At this time, as shown in Figures 15 and 16A, the pair of protrusions 7 climb over the upper end of the upward slope of the abutment surface 2d and are inserted into the pair of recesses 8, thereby locking the outer lid 3. At this time, a clicking sensation is given at the same time as the pair of protrusions 7 are locked into the pair of recesses 8.

[0074] In addition, in the closed position, the pair of protrusions 7 are locked into the pair of recesses 8, and at the same time, the outer lid 3 moves downward due to the restoring force of the elastic ring 5 and gravity. At this time, the outer lid 3 is in the lowest position. That is, similar to the open position, the distance between the bottom surface of the outer lid 3 and the top wall 2b of the cap body 2 in the vertical direction (axial direction) is the shortest.

[0075] 15 and 16A, the elastic ring 5 is compressed less than at the riding position and the intermediate position between the periphery of the lower end of the axial hole 6 and the lower flange 9a provided on the shaft portion 4. The elastic ring 5 is also compressed less than at the riding position and the intermediate position between the periphery of the lower end of the axial hole 6 and the lower flange 9a provided on the shaft portion 4, and is in a state of small elastic deformation.

[0076] 15 and 16A, the first rib 18 around the liquid passage 14 abuts against the bottom surface 3a of the outer lid 3, and the second rib 21 abuts against the bottom surface 3a of the outer lid 3 around the liquid passage 14. This allows the first rib 18 to block the gap between the liquid passage 14 and the outer lid 3. Therefore, when the liquid passage 14 is closed, the structure is such that the beverage does not leak into the gap between the cap body 2 and the outer lid 3 even if the capped container 100 is tilted. Furthermore, even from the lifted position to the intermediate position, the bottom surface 3a of the outer lid 3 continues to abut against the first rib 18 and the second rib 21, so that beverages are less likely to leak between the bottom side of the outer lid 3 and the cap body 2 regardless of the position of the outer lid 3. This provides a cap unit 50 and a capped container 100 that prevent the gap between the cap body 2 and the outer lid 3 from being soiled with beverages in any of the open position, closed position, lifted position and intermediate position. If only one of the first rib 18 and the second rib 21 were present, there would be a risk that the outer lid 3 would lose contact with the cap body 2 when the rear side of the outer lid 3 was pressed, causing the beverage to leak between the cap body 2 and the outer lid 3. However, the presence of the first rib 18 and the second rib 21 in the front-to-rear direction ensures that the liquid passage hole 14 is stably closed.

[0077] As described above, in the cap unit 50 of this embodiment, the vertical position of the outer lid 3 increases in the order of the above-mentioned riding position, intermediate position, and open / close position, and the sliding resistance increases accordingly when the outer lid 3 is rotated. In the cap unit 50 of this embodiment, the vertical positions of the intermediate position and the open / close position may be reversed. In other words, the intermediate position may be the lowest.

[0078] In addition, when rotating the outer lid 3 from the closed position shown in Figures 15 and 16A to the open position shown in Figures 3 and 4A, the operation is performed in the reverse order to the above-mentioned rotation operation.

[0079] In the cap unit 50 of this embodiment having the above-described configuration, when the outer lid 3 is in the open position as described above based on Figures 3 and 4A, the cutout portion 15 and the liquid passage port 14 overlap, thereby opening the liquid passage port 14. As a result, in the capped container 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to drink the beverage (contents) flowing out from the container body 17 through the liquid passage 14 while tilting the container body 17 in this state.

[0080] On the other hand, after finishing drinking the beverage, the outer lid 3 can be rotated from the open position to the closed position as shown in Figures 15 and 16A, so that the rear side of the outer lid 3 sandwiched between the knob portion 13 and the liquid passage port 14 overlaps in a planar view, thereby closing the liquid passage port 14. In this embodiment, the gap between the liquid passage port 14 of the cap body 2 and the outer lid 3 can be blocked by the first rib 18 or the second rib 21 in both the open position and the closed position. This prevents the gap between the cap body 2 and the outer lid 3 from becoming soiled with beverages, and provides a capped container 100 with reduced rattle and a comfortable feel.

[0081] As described above, the cap unit 50 of this embodiment has a simple structure with a small number of parts as described above, and yet allows for easy attachment and detachment of the outer lid 3 to the cap body 2 and easy opening and closing of the liquid passage port 14. Therefore, by providing such a cap unit 50, the capped container 100 of this embodiment can further improve usability.

[0082] In the cap unit 50 of this embodiment, one of the opposing surfaces of the cap body 2 and the outer lid 3 is provided with an abutment portion 20 that abuts against the other surface. The abutment portion 20 comes into sliding contact with the other surface when the outer lid 3 is rotated between the closed position and the open position.

[0083] In the cap unit 50 of this embodiment, the pair of protrusions 7 described above constitute at least a part of the abutment portion 20. That is, when the outer lid 3 is rotated between the closed position and the open position, the pair of protrusions 7 come into contact with the pair of abutment surfaces 2d.

[0084] Furthermore, when the outer lid 3 is rotated between the open position and the closed position, the pair of protrusions 7 slide against the pair of contact surfaces 2d, and the inclined shape of the pair of contact surfaces 2d causes the elastic ring 5 to elastically deform, and the vertical distance between the upper surface of the cap body 2 and the lower surface of the outer lid 3 varies depending on the rotation angle of the outer lid 3. This makes it possible to obtain a sense of operation that corresponds to the rotation of the outer lid 3.

[0085] Here, the operational feeling when rotating the outer lid 3 between the open position and the closed position in the cap unit 50 of this embodiment will be described.

[0086] In the cap unit 50 of this embodiment, the contact surface 2d against which the above-mentioned protrusion 7 contacts is provided with a sloped shape, so that when the outer lid 3 is rotated between the open position and the closed position, the pair of protrusions 7 slide against the pair of contact surfaces 2d, and the elastic ring 5 is elastically deformed by the sloped shape provided on the pair of contact surfaces 2d.

[0087] In this configuration, the elastic ring 5 is strongly compressed (largely elastically deformed) at the above-mentioned riding position, resulting in a relatively strong sliding resistance. On the other hand, the elastic ring 5 is weakly compressed (smallly elastically deformed) at the intermediate position, open position, and closed position, resulting in a relatively weak sliding resistance.

[0088] As a result, when the outer lid 3 moves upward in accordance with the upward gradient of the abutment surface 2d, the elastic ring 5 is strongly compressed between it and the periphery of the lower end of the axial hole 6 of the cap body 2. Furthermore, after overcoming this upward gradient, the outer lid 3 moves downward due to the restoring force of the elastic ring 5, and the ridge (edge) at the boundary between the inclined surface of the recess 8 and the abutment surface 2d provides a clicking sensation, allowing the protrusion 7 to be locked into the recess 8.

[0089] On the other hand, when the outer lid 3 moves downward in accordance with the downward slope of the abutment surface 2d, the compression of the elastic ring 5 is weakened between the periphery of the lower end of the axial hole 6 of the cap body 2 and the pair of flange portions 9 (in this embodiment, the lower flange portion 9a).

[0090] As a result, in the cap unit 50 of this embodiment, when rotating the outer lid 3 between the open position and the closed position, it is possible to obtain a lighter operation feel than when rotating from the open position or the closed position to the riding position. In particular, when the elastic ring 5 is made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber, it can have a fitting force and sliding property due to moderate elasticity, which can improve the operation feel. It is also possible to prevent deterioration due to repeated use.

[0091] In addition, in the cap unit 50 of this embodiment, the maximum outer diameter of the shaft portion 4 is formed smaller than the minimum inner diameter of the shaft hole 6, and the elastic ring 5 has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the shaft hole 6 and is fitted between a pair of flange portions 9 (9a, 9b) of the shaft portion 4.

[0092] In this configuration, when the outer lid 3 is rotated between the open position and the closed position, the above-mentioned elastic ring 5 remains engaged around the lower end of the axial hole 6, and the axial portion 4 can be prevented from slipping out of the axial hole 6 without the elastic ring 5 shifting up or down or twisting.

[0093] In addition, by constantly compressing the elastic ring 5, it is possible to prevent rattling of the outer lid 3 and improve the sense of positioning when opening and closing the outer lid 3. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the outer lid 3 from rotating unintentionally relative to the cap body 2 and to stop the outer lid 3 at any position.

[0094] Therefore, in the cap unit 50 of this embodiment, the liquid passage port 14 can be opened and closed stably while the outer lid 3 is stored inside the storage recess 2c, thereby improving reliability.

[0095] On the other hand, in the cap unit 50 of this embodiment, when the shaft portion 4 is inserted into or removed from the above-mentioned shaft hole 6, the elastic ring 5 is fitted tightly between the pair of flange portions 9 (9a, 9b) of the shaft portion 4.

[0096] In this configuration, the elastic ring 5 is compressed in the radially decreasing direction within the axial hole 6, and can elastically return to its original radially expanding direction after passing through the axial hole 6. Furthermore, the elastic ring 5 does not shift up or down or twist, making it possible to easily attach and detach the outer lid 3 to and from the cap body 2. As a result, with the cap unit 50 of this embodiment, cleaning and maintenance of the cap body 2 and outer lid 3 can be easily performed.

[0097] The present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0098] In the above-mentioned cap unit 50, of the opposing surfaces of the cap body 2 and the outer lid 3, a locking portion (convex portion) 7 is provided on the underside of the outer lid 3, and a lockable portion (concave portion) 8 is provided on the upper surface of the cap body 2. However, it is also possible to configure the lockable portion 8 to be provided on the underside of the outer lid 3, and the locking portion 7 to be provided on the upper surface of the cap body 2.

[0099] Furthermore, the locking portion 7 and the locked portion 8 are not limited to the configuration of a pair of convex portions 7 and a pair of concave portions 8 described above, but may be configured in any way so long as the locking portion 7 is locked to the locked portion 8 provided corresponding to the closed position and the open position. Therefore, it is also possible to configure the locking portion 7 so that one of the pair of convex portions 7 is omitted. Furthermore, the arrangement and number of the locking portion 7 and the locked portion 8 can be changed as appropriate.

[0100] In the cap unit 50, the above-mentioned protrusion 7 constitutes at least a part of the abutment portion 20, but it is sufficient that the abutment portion 20 is provided on either one of the opposing surfaces of the cap body 2 and the outer lid 3, so that it abuts against the other surface. The shapes and sizes of the liquid passage hole 14 and the cutout portion 15 can also be changed as appropriate. In addition, instead of the cutout portion 15, an opening having a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view corresponding to the liquid passage hole 14 may be provided, or a configuration in which a part of the outer lid 3 is cut out may be adopted. Furthermore, in the above-mentioned cap unit 50, the above-mentioned inner stopper 1 is configured to be integral with the cap body 2, but it is also possible to omit the inner stopper 1 and configure the cap body 2 so that it is directly attached to the container body 17 in a detachable manner by screwing or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1...inner plug, 2...cap body, 3...outer lid, 3a...bottom surface, 4...shaft portion, 5...elastic ring (elastic member), 6...shaft hole, 7...engaging portion (convex portion), 8...engaged portion (concave portion), 9 (9a, 9b)...flange portion, 10...first rib wall, 11...second rib wall, 12...elastic flange portion, 13...grip portion, 14...fluid passage hole, 15...notch portion, 16...watertight gasket, 17...container body, 17a...upper opening, 18...first rib, 20...abutment portion, 21...second rib, 50...cap unit, 100...container with cap.

Claims

1. A cap unit that can be detachably attached to a container body having an open top, a cap body that closes the upper opening of the container body and has a liquid passage hole on one side of the central portion of the upper surface; an outer lid attached to the cap body so as to be rotatable about an axis of the cap body between an open position at which the liquid passage port is opened and a closed position at which the liquid passage port is closed, while facing the upper surface of the cap body; The cap body has an axial hole that penetrates a central portion of an upper surface in a vertical direction, The outer cover has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the shaft hole and a shaft portion protruding downward from a lower surface thereof; a ring-shaped elastic member having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the shaft hole and attached to an outer periphery of the tip side of the shaft portion; The shaft portion is journaled in a state in which it passes through the shaft hole, and the elastic member is engaged around the periphery of the lower end side of the shaft hole, thereby preventing the shaft portion from slipping out of the shaft hole, the outer lid has a notch that overlaps with the liquid passage port in a plan view when in the open position, the cap body has a first rib on an upper surface of the cap body when in the open position, the first rib having a shape corresponding to a shape of the notch; The cap unit is characterized in that the first rib is in contact with the bottom surface of the outer lid at least in the open position and the closed position.

2. the cap body has a second rib on an upper surface of the cap body on an opposite side of the first rib across an axis of the cap body, The cap unit according to claim 1 , wherein the second rib abuts against a bottom surface of the outer lid in the open position and the closed position.

3. 3. The cap unit according to claim 2, wherein the second rib has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the notch on the top surface of the cap body when the cap unit is in the closed position.

4. The cap unit according to claim 3 , wherein both ends of the first rib and the second rib are connected to the peripheral edge of the cap body.

5. One of the opposing surfaces of the cap body and the outer lid is provided with an abutment portion that abuts against the other surface, 2. The cap unit according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion slides against the other surface when the outer lid is rotated between the open position and the closed position.

6. The cap unit according to claim 1, characterized in that when the outer lid is rotated between the open position and the closed position, the elastic member elastically deforms and slides against the periphery of the lower end of the axial hole.

7. A cap unit as described in claim 6, characterized in that when the outer lid is rotated between the open position and the closed position, the vertical distance between the upper surface of the cap body and the lower surface of the outer lid varies depending on the rotation angle of the outer lid.

8. A locking portion is provided on the one surface, a locked portion to which the locking portion is locked is provided on the other surface, The cap unit according to claim 5 , wherein the locking portion is locked to the locked portion provided corresponding to the open position and the closed position.

9. The cap unit according to claim 8 , wherein a clicking sensation is given when the locking portion is locked to the locked portion.

10. The locking portion is a protrusion provided on the lower surface of the outer lid, the engaging portion is a recess provided on the upper surface of the cap body, The cap unit according to claim 8, wherein the protrusion is in sliding contact with the upper surface of the cap body when the outer lid is rotated between the open position and the closed position.

11. The upper surface of the cap body is provided with an upward slope in the circumferential direction of the axial hole toward the recess, The outer cover moves in a lifting direction in accordance with the upward gradient, and the elastic member is compressed between the outer cover and the periphery of the lower end of the axial hole. The cap unit according to claim 10, wherein when the convex portion overcomes the upward slope and engages with the concave portion, the outer lid moves downward due to the restoring force of the elastic member, providing a clicking sensation.

12. The cap unit according to claim 8, characterized in that the engaging portion constitutes at least a part of the abutment portion that slides against the other surface when the outer lid is rotated between the open position and the closed position.

13. A pair of flanges protruding in a radially expanding direction are provided on the outer periphery of the shaft portion, and are aligned in the axial direction.

2. The cap unit according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is fitted between the pair of flange portions.

14. A cap unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13; A capped container comprising a container body to which the cap unit is attached.

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