Stopper unit, container, and container with contents

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to provide a spout unit, a container, and a container containing contents that can reduce the possibility of the lid becoming loose. [Solution] When viewed downwards, the length of the container body in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the container body in the front-back direction. The lid closes the spout when it is rotated in the closing rotation direction and the lid projection passes over the spout projection. When the spout is closed by the lid, when viewed downwards, the length of the outer surface of the lid body in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the outer surface of the lid body in the front-back direction. When viewed downwards, the spout projection is located in the left or right region. The length of the lid projection in the up-down direction is shorter than the length of the lid projection in the closing rotation direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stopper unit, a container, and a container containing contents.

Background Art

[0002] As an invention related to a conventional stopper unit, for example, the stopper unit described in Patent Document 1 is known. The stopper unit is composed of a spout having a cylindrical mouth portion and a cap that closes the mouth portion of the spout. The cap has a tamper-proof ring connected via an easily cutable connecting piece at the lower end portion. The tamper-proof ring is provided with an easily cutable portion that is cut by a circumferential tensile force and a claw portion that engages with a ratchet provided on the spout side. At least two locations around the mouth portion of the spout are provided with a tamper-proof ring support portion having a height that contacts a part of the lower surface of the tamper-proof ring when the cap is screwed on and keeps the horizontal position of the tamper-proof ring constant.

[0003] Such a stopper unit has an anti-tampering function that allows it to be easily visually determined whether it has been opened when the unopened cap is opened. Also, in such a stopper unit, when the spout is sealed with the cap, while correcting the deformation that occurs based on the easily cutable portion of the tamper-proof ring, on the other hand, a strong force is not required for opening.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the stopper unit described in Patent Document 1, the cap may loosen after the spout is sealed with the cap.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a spout unit, a container, and a container containing contents that can reduce the possibility of the lid becoming loose. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first form is, The spout unit includes a lid and a spout. The aforementioned lid includes a lid body and a lid projection. The lid body has an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface. The inner circumferential surface of the lid body is provided with either screw threads or screw grooves. The spout is fixed to the container body and includes a spout body and a spout projection. Looking downwards, the length of the container body in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the container body in the front-back direction. The spout body has a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending upward from the container body. The spout body is provided with a thread or groove that engages with either one of the threads or grooves provided on the inner circumferential surface of the lid body. The rotational direction of the lid body when the lid closes the spout is defined as the closing rotational direction. When the lid is rotated in the closing rotation direction and the lid projection overcomes the spout projection, the lid completes closing the spout. When the lid completes the closure of the spout, when viewed downwards, the length of the outer surface of the lid body in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the outer surface of the lid body in the front-back direction. Viewed downwards, a straight line passing through the central axis and extending in the left-right direction is defined as the reference line, and a straight line obtained by rotating the reference line by 50° around the central axis in the closing rotation direction is defined as the first straight line, and a straight line obtained by rotating the reference line by 50° around the central axis in the opposite direction to the closing rotation direction is defined as the second straight line, and the region located between the first straight line and the second straight line, and through which the reference line passes, is defined as the left region and the right region, Looking downwards, the spout projection is located in the left region or the right region. The length of the lid projection in the vertical direction is shorter than the length of the lid projection in the closing rotation direction. This is a plug unit.

[0008] The second form is, Looking downwards, the regions located between the first line and the second line, and which are not traversed by the reference line, are defined as the front region and the rear region. When viewed downwards, there are no protrusions in the front region and the rear region that come into contact with the lid protrusion. This is the plug unit described in the first form.

[0009] The third form is, The spout is fixed to the container body that holds the food. This is a plug unit as described in the first or second form.

[0010] The fourth form is, The aforementioned lid projection protrudes downward from the lower end of the lid body, When viewed downwards, the spout projection protrudes from the spout body in a direction away from the central axis. This is a plug unit described in any of the first, second, or third forms.

[0011] The fifth form is, When the lid is rotated in the closing rotation direction and the lid protrusion gets over the spout protrusion, the upper end of the spout body contacts the top surface of the lid body. The plug unit according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0012] The sixth embodiment is The plug unit according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, and The container body, and is provided with a container.

[0013] The seventh embodiment is The container according to the sixth embodiment, and The content accommodated in the container body, and is provided with a container with content.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, the possibility of the lid loosening can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the container 1 with content. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the plug unit 12. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a view of the lid 20 and the spout 40 seen in the forward direction when the spout 40 is in an open state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view of the lid 20 and the spout 40 seen in the forward and downward directions when the spout 40 is in a closed state. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a view of the lid protrusion 24R seen in the third direction d3 and a view of the lid protrusion 24R seen in the opening rotation direction R2. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view of the spout protrusion 44R seen in the third direction d3 and a view of the spout protrusion 44R seen in the opening rotation direction R2. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the lid projection 24R and the spout projection 44R as viewed in the third direction d3. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the spout projection 44R viewed in the third direction d3, and the spout projection 44R viewed in the open rotation direction R2. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the lid projection 24R viewed in the third direction d3, and the lid projection 24R viewed in the opening rotation direction R2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] (Embodiment) Below, a container 10, a spout unit 12, and a container 1 containing contents according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the container 1 containing contents. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the spout unit 12.

[0017] In this specification, as shown in Figure 1, when the container 10 is upright on a horizontal plane, the vertical direction is defined as the up-and-down direction. Looking downwards, the longitudinal direction of the container 10 is defined as the left-and-right direction, and the short direction of the container 10 is defined as the front-and-back direction. The up-and-down direction, the left-and-right direction, and the front-and-back direction are orthogonal to each other. However, the up-and-down direction, the left-and-right direction, and the front-and-back direction in this specification do not necessarily coincide with the up-and-down direction, the left-and-right direction, and the front-and-back direction when the container 10 is actually used.

[0018] The container 1 containing contents includes a container 10 and food 200. As shown in Figure 1, the container 10 comprises a spout unit 12 and a container body 100. The container body 100 is a bag that contains the food 200. In the container 1 containing contents shown in Figure 1, the food 200 is contained in the container body 100. The food 200 is an item that a person ingests orally. Therefore, the food 200 also includes pharmaceuticals. The food 200 may be a fluid, and may be in liquid or gel form. The container body 100 is flexible. Therefore, when a person grasps the container body 100, the container body 100 deforms. When viewed downwards, the length L1 of the container body in the left-right direction is longer than the length L2 of the container body in the front-back direction.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the spout unit 12 comprises a lid 20 and a spout 40. The material of the spout unit 12 is an elastic material. For example, the material of the spout unit 12 is resin.

[0020] The lid 20 includes a lid body 22 and lid protrusions 24L and 24R. The lid body 22 has a cylindrical shape. More specifically, the lid body 22 has a top surface, a bottom surface, and sides. The top and bottom surfaces have an elliptical shape. The lid body 22 is also provided with a hole H. The hole H extends upward from the bottom surface of the lid body 22. When viewed upward, the hole H has a circular shape. However, the hole H does not penetrate the lid body 22 upward.

[0021] The lid body 22 described above has a top surface S0, an inner circumferential surface S1, and an outer circumferential surface S2. The inner circumferential surface S1 has a hole H and is cylindrical in shape. A screw groove 26 is provided on the inner circumferential surface S1. The top surface S0 is connected to the upper end of the inner circumferential surface S1. The top surface S0 faces downward. The outer circumferential surface S2 has an elliptical cylindrical shape. Although not shown in the illustration, the outer circumferential surface S2 of the lid is knurled.

[0022] The lid protrusions 24L and 24R protrude downward from the lower end of the lid body 22. When viewed from above, the lid protrusions 24L and 24R are adjacent to the hole H. However, the position and shape of the lid protrusions 24L and 24R will be described later.

[0023] The spout 40 is fixed to the container body 100. The spout 40 includes a spout body 42, spout protrusions 44L, 44R, flanges 48, 50, and welded parts 52L, 52R.

[0024] The spout body 42 has a cylindrical shape with a central axis Ax extending upward from the container body 100. The central axis Ax also coincides with the central axis of the hole H. The spout body 42 has an inner circumferential surface S11 and an outer circumferential surface S12. Near the upper end of the outer circumferential surface S12 of the spout body, there is a screw thread 46 that engages with a screw groove 26 provided on the inner circumferential surface S1 of the lid body. When the user sucks on the upper end of the spout body 42, the food 200 inside the container body 100 is sucked up from the lower end of the spout body 42.

[0025] The flanges 48 and 50 have a plate shape with an upper and lower surface. The upper and lower surfaces of the flanges 48 and 50 are rectangular in shape. The longer sides of the upper and lower surfaces of the flanges 48 and 50 extend in the left-right direction. The shorter sides of the upper and lower surfaces of the flanges 48 and 50 extend in the front-back direction. Flange 48 is located below the screw threads 46. Flange 50 is located below flange 48. The spout body 42 penetrates flange 48 in the vertical direction. As a result, the spout body 42 protrudes upward from flange 48. The spout body 42 protrudes downward from flange 50.

[0026] The welded sections 52L and 52R have a plate shape with a front and a rear surface. The front and rear surfaces of the welded sections 52L and 52R are rectangular in shape. The upper surface of the welded section 52L is joined to the flange 50. The right surface of the welded section 52L is joined to the spout body 42. The upper surface of the welded section 52R is joined to the flange 50. The left surface of the welded section 52R is joined to the spout body 42.

[0027] Viewed downwards, the spout projection 44L protrudes from the spout body 42 in a direction away from the central axis Ax. In this embodiment, the spout projection 44L protrudes to the left from the left end of the spout body 42. Also, the spout projection 44L protrudes upward from the flange 48. Such a spout projection 44L is located below the screw threads 46.

[0028] Viewed downwards, the spout projection 44R protrudes from the spout body 42 in a direction away from the central axis Ax. In this embodiment, the spout projection 44R protrudes to the right from the right end of the spout body 42. Also, the spout projection 44R protrudes upward from the flange 48. Such a spout projection 44R is located below the screw threads 46. However, the position and shape of the spout projections 44L and 44R will be described later.

[0029] The spout 40 described above is fixed to the container body 100. Specifically, before the spout 40 is attached to the container body 100, the upper end 102 of the container body 100 is open. Therefore, the upper end 102 includes an upper end front piece 102F and an upper end rear piece 102B. Thus, the welded portions 52L and 52R are sandwiched from the front and rear directions by the upper end front piece 102F and the upper end rear piece 102B. The container body 100 is then sealed by welding the upper end front piece 102F and the upper end rear piece 102B together. At this time, the upper end front piece 102F and the upper end rear piece 102B are joined to the welded portions 52L and 52R. This fixes the spout 40 to the container body 100. The upper part of the spout body 42, the spout projections 44L, 44R, and the flanges 48, 50 are exposed to the outside of the container body 100.

[0030] Here, the positions of the lid projections 24L and 24R and the spout projections 44L and 44R will be explained with reference to the drawings. Figure 3 is a view of the lid 20 and spout 40 facing forward with the spout 40 open. Figure 4 is a view of the lid 20 and spout 40 facing forward and downward with the spout 40 closed. In Figures 3 and 4, the screw threads 46 and screw grooves 26 are omitted. Note that the positions of the lid projection 24R and the spout projection 44R are point-symmetric with respect to the central axis Ax with respect to the positions of the lid projection 24L and the spout projection 44L when viewed downward. Therefore, the positions of the lid projection 24R and the spout projection 44R will be explained, and the explanation of the positions of the lid projection 24L and the spout projection 44L will be omitted.

[0031] Furthermore, the rotation direction of the lid body 22 when the lid 20 closes the spout 40 is defined as the closing rotation direction R1. The closing rotation direction R1 is clockwise when viewed downwards. The rotation direction of the lid body 22 when the lid body 22 opens the spout body 42 is defined as the opening rotation direction R2. The opening rotation direction R2 is counterclockwise when viewed downwards.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, when the lid 20 is attached to the spout 40, the lid 20 is positioned on top of the spout 40. Then, the spout body 42 is inserted into the hole H in the lid 20, and the lid 20 is rotated in the closing rotation direction R1. As a result, as shown in Figure 4, the closure of the spout 40 by the lid 20 is completed. When the closure of the spout 40 by the lid 20 is completed, looking downwards, the length L11 of the outer surface S2 of the lid body in the left-right direction is longer than the length L12 of the outer surface S2 of the lid body in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the major axis of the upper surface of the lid body 22 is substantially parallel to the left-right direction. The minor axis of the upper surface of the lid body 22 is substantially parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0033] Here, as shown in Figure 4, we define the reference line L100 as a straight line that passes through the central axis Ax and extends in the left-right direction when viewed downwards. We define the first line L101 as a straight line obtained by rotating the reference line L100 by 50° in the closing rotation direction R1 around the central axis Ax when viewed downwards. We define the second line L102 as a straight line obtained by rotating the reference line L100 by 50° in the opening rotation direction R2 (opposite direction to the closing rotation direction) around the central axis Ax when viewed downwards.

[0034] Looking downwards, the regions located between the first line L101 and the second line L102, and through which the reference line L100 passes, are defined as the left region AL and the right region AR. The left region AL is located to the left of the right region AR. Looking downwards, the regions located between the first line L101 and the second line L102, and through which the reference line L100 does not pass, are defined as the front region AF and the rear region AB. The front region AF is located in front of the rear region AB.

[0035] At this time, looking downwards, the spout projection 44L is located in the left region AL. In this embodiment, the spout projection 44L is located on the reference line L100. Also, looking downwards, the spout projection 44R is located in the right region AR. In this embodiment, the spout projection 44R is located on the reference line L100.

[0036] Furthermore, looking downwards, the lid projection 24L is located in the left region AL. In this embodiment, the lid projection 24L is located in the closing rotation direction R1 relative to the spout projection 44L. The lid projection 24L is in contact with the spout projection 44L. Furthermore, looking downwards, the lid projection 24R is located in the right region AR. In this embodiment, the lid projection 24R is located in the closing rotation direction R1 relative to the spout projection 44R. The lid projection 24R is in contact with the spout projection 44R.

[0037] However, when viewed from below, there are no protrusions in the front region AF and rear region AB that come into contact with the lid protrusions 24L and 24R.

[0038] Next, the shapes of the lid projections 24L and 24R and the spout projections 44L and 44R will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 5 shows the lid projection 24R viewed in the third direction d3, and the lid projection 24R viewed in the opening rotation direction R2. Figure 6 shows the spout projection 44R viewed in the third direction d3, and the spout projection 44R viewed in the opening rotation direction R2. Note that the shapes of the lid projection 24R and the spout projection 44R are the same as the shapes of the lid projection 24L and the spout projection 44L. Therefore, the shapes of the lid projection 24R and the spout projection 44R will be described, and the descriptions of the shapes of the lid projection 24L and the spout projection 44L will be omitted.

[0039] At an intermediate position between the point where the lid projection 24R begins to contact the spout projection 44R and the point where contact ends, the direction from the spout projection 44R toward the lid projection 24R is defined as the first direction d1. In this embodiment, the first direction d1 is the direction away from the central axis Ax when viewed downwards. That is, the first direction d1 is the so-called radial direction. At an intermediate position between the point where the lid projection 24R begins to contact the spout projection 44R and the point where contact ends, the direction from the lid projection 24R toward the spout projection 44R is defined as the second direction d2. In this embodiment, the second direction d2 is the direction toward the central axis Ax when viewed downwards. That is, the second direction d2 is the so-called radial direction.

[0040] Furthermore, the directions perpendicular to the first direction d1 and the closing rotation direction R1 are defined as the third direction d3 and the fourth direction d4. The third direction d3 is downward. The fourth direction d4 is upward.

[0041] First, let's describe the shape of the lid projection 24R. As shown in Figure 5, the length L21 of the lid projection 24R in the vertical direction is shorter than the length L22 of the lid projection 24R in the closing rotation direction R1. Also, the length L23 of the lid projection 24R in the first direction d1 is shorter than the length L22 of the lid projection 24R in the closing rotation direction R1.

[0042] The lid projection 24R includes a first section A1, a second section A2, and a fifth section A5. The second section A2, the fifth section A5, and the first section A1 are arranged in this order in the closing rotation direction R1. Therefore, the first section A1 is located R1 further in the closing rotation direction than the second section A2.

[0043] The inclination of the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the first section A1 is gentler than the inclination of the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the second section A2. More specifically, when viewed toward the third direction d3, the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the first section A1 has a shape that progresses toward the first direction d1 as it progresses toward the closing rotation direction R1. Therefore, the normal to the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the first section A1 has a component of the closing rotation direction R1 and a component of the second direction d2. In this embodiment, the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the first section A1 is convex.

[0044] On the other hand, when viewed toward the third direction d3, the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the second section A2 has a shape that progresses toward the first direction d1 as it progresses toward the opening rotation direction R2 (opposite direction to the closing rotation direction). Therefore, the normal to the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the second section A2 has a component of the opening rotation direction R2 and a component of the second direction d2. In this embodiment, the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the second section A2 has a shape that combines a convex surface having an arc shape and a plane extending toward the first direction d1 from the end of the convex surface toward the first direction d1.

[0045] Furthermore, the length l1 of the first section A1 in the closing rotation direction R1 is longer than the length l2 of the second section A2 in the closing rotation direction R1. Because the lid projection 24R has the above structure, the inclination of the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the first section A1 is gentler than the inclination of the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the second section A2.

[0046] Furthermore, when viewed in the third direction d3, the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the fifth section A5 has a shape parallel to the closing rotation direction R1; therefore, the normal to the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the fifth section A5 extends in the second direction d2. In this embodiment, the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the fifth section A5 has a planar shape.

[0047] Furthermore, when viewed in the opening rotation direction R2, the lid projection 24R has a rectangular shape with two sides extending in the first direction d1 and two sides extending in the vertical direction. However, when viewed in the opening rotation direction R2, the two corners of the lid projection 24R located in the second direction d2 have a chamfered shape.

[0048] Next, the shape of the spout projection 44R will be described. As shown in Figure 6, when viewed in the third direction d3, the spout projection 44R has a rectangular shape with two sides extending in the closing rotation direction R1 and two sides extending in the first direction d1. When viewed in the third direction d3, the two corners of the spout projection 44R located in the first direction d1 have a chamfered shape.

[0049] Furthermore, when viewed in the open rotation direction R2, the spout projection 44R has a rectangular shape with two sides extending in the first direction d1 and two sides extending in the vertical direction. However, when viewed in the open rotation direction R2, the corner of the spout projection 44R that is in the upward direction and in the first direction d1 has a chamfered shape.

[0050] Next, the operation of the lid 20 when closing the spout 40 will be explained with reference to the drawings. Figure 7 is a view of the lid projection 24R and the spout projection 44R in the third direction d3.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3, when the lid 20 closes the spout 40, the lid 20 is positioned on top of the spout 40. Then, the spout body 42 is inserted into the hole H in the lid 20, and the lid 20 is rotated in the closing rotation direction R1. When the lid body 22 is rotated in the closing rotation direction R1 and the lid projection 24R overcomes the spout projection 44R, the closure of the spout 40 by the lid 20 is completed.

[0052] More specifically, when the user rotates the lid 20 in the closing rotation direction R1, the lid projection 24R advances in the closing rotation direction R1, as shown in Figure 7(a). Then, as shown in Figure 7(b), the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the first section A1 comes into contact with the spout projection 44R. At this time, the lid projection 24R is pushed in the opening rotation direction R2 by the spout projection 44R. Therefore, the user experiences a force that prevents them from rotating the lid 20 in the closing rotation direction R1. Furthermore, the lid projection 24R is pushed in the first direction d1 by the spout projection 44R, and the spout projection 44R is pushed in the second direction d2 by the lid projection 24R. Therefore, the lid 20 and spout 40 undergo elastic deformation so that the spout projection 44R is displaced in the second direction d2 and the lid projection 24R is displaced in the first direction d1.

[0053] When the user rotates the lid 20 further in the closing rotation direction R1, the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the fifth section A5 comes into contact with the spout projection 44R, as shown in Figure 7(c). At this time, the lid projection 24R receives a force in the opening rotation direction R2 due to friction with the spout projection 44R. However, the magnitude of the force that the lid projection 24R receives in the opening rotation direction R2 in Figure 7(c) is smaller than the magnitude of the force that the lid projection 24R receives in the opening rotation direction R2 in Figure 7(b).

[0054] As the user rotates the lid 20 further in the closing rotation direction R1, the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the second section A2 comes into contact with the spout projection 44R, as shown in Figure 7(d). At this time, the lid projection 24R is pushed in the closing rotation direction R1 by the spout projection 44R. Therefore, the user receives a force that facilitates the rotation of the lid 20 in the closing rotation direction R1. Furthermore, the elastic deformation occurring in the lid 20 and spout 40 is restored. However, the magnitude of the force that the lid projection 24R receives in the closing rotation direction R1 in Figure 7(d) is greater than the magnitude of the force that the lid projection 24R receives in the opening rotation direction R2 in Figure 7(b). Furthermore, as the lid 20 is rotated in the closing rotation direction R1 and the lid projection 24R moves over the spout projection 44R, the upper end of the spout body 42 comes into contact with the top surface S0 of the lid body 22. As a result, the user cannot rotate the lid 20 any further in the closing rotation direction R1. As a result, the operation of the lid 20 closing the spout 40 is completed.

[0055] [effect] The spout unit 12 reduces the possibility of the lid 20 becoming loose. More specifically, in the spout unit 12, the lid 20 is rotated in the closing rotation direction R1, and the lid projection 24R overcomes the spout projection 44R when the lid 20 completes closing the spout 40. Therefore, when the lid 20 rotates in the opening rotation direction R2, the lid projection 24R comes into contact with the spout projection 44R. Thus, the spout projection 44R prevents the lid 20 from rotating in the opening rotation direction R2. As a result, the spout unit 12 reduces the possibility of the lid 20 becoming loose.

[0056] The spout unit 12 allows the user to recognize that the lid 20 has completed closing the spout 40. More specifically, in the spout unit 12, the lid 20 is rotated in the closing rotation direction R1, and the lid projection 24R overcomes the spout projection 44R, at which point the lid 20 completes closing the spout 40. When the lid projection 24R overcomes the spout projection 44R, the lid 20 and spout 40 produce a clicking sensation. As a result, the user can recognize that the lid 20 has completed closing the spout 40.

[0057] With the spout unit 12, when viewed downwards, the longitudinal direction of the lid 20 and the longitudinal direction of the container body 100 substantially coincide. More specifically, when viewed downwards, the length L1 of the container body 100 in the left-right direction is longer than the length L2 of the container body 100 in the front-back direction. Furthermore, when the spout 40 is completely closed by the lid 20, when viewed downwards, the length of the outer peripheral surface S2 of the lid body in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the outer peripheral surface S2 of the lid body in the front-back direction. Therefore, when viewed downwards, the longitudinal direction of the lid 20 and the longitudinal direction of the container body 100 substantially coincide. As a result, the lid 20 is less likely to protrude forward or backward from the container body 100.

[0058] In the spout unit 12, when viewed downwards, the spout projection 44R is located in the right region AR. This makes it less likely for the spout projection 44R to come into contact with the user's mouth. In particular, in the spout unit 12, when viewed downwards, there are no projections in the front region AF and rear region AB that come into contact with the lid projection 24R. Therefore, the projections are less likely to come into contact with the user's mouth.

[0059] In the spout unit 12, the vertical length of the spout unit 12 can be shortened. More specifically, in the spout unit 12, the length of the lid projection 24R in the vertical direction is shorter than the length of the lid projection 24R in the closing rotation direction R1. This allows the vertical length of the spout unit 12 to be shortened. However, when the lid projection 24R comes into contact with the spout projection 44R, the lid projection 24R becomes less elastically deformable. Therefore, wear is more likely to occur on the lid projection 24R. From the standpoint of preventing wear on the lid projection 24R, it is preferable for the length of the lid projection 24R in the vertical direction to be longer.

[0060] Therefore, the container body 100 contains food 200. When the container body 100 contains food 200, it is common for the food 200 to be consumed in a short period of time after the container body 100 is opened. For this reason, the lid 20 is not opened and closed frequently. As a result, even if the vertical length of the spout unit 12 is short, wear of the lid projection 24R is unlikely to be a problem. For these reasons, the vertical length of the spout unit 12 can be shortened.

[0061] In the spout unit 12, when the lid 20 is rotated in the closing rotation direction R1 and the lid projection 24R passes over the spout projection 44R, the upper end of the spout body 42 contacts the top surface S0 of the lid body 22. This suppresses the occurrence of overrun, which is a phenomenon in which the user rotates the lid 20 too far in the closing rotation direction R1.

[0062] In the spout unit 12, the user can easily close the spout 40 with the lid 20 and easily generate a click sensation. More specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the first section A1 is located R1 in the closing rotation direction relative to the second section A2. Looking toward the third direction d3, the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the first section A1 has a shape that moves toward the first direction d1 as it moves toward the closing rotation direction R1. Also, looking toward the third direction d3, the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the second section A2 has a shape that moves toward the first direction d1 as it moves toward the opening rotation direction R2 (opposite direction to the closing rotation direction). However, the length l1 of the first section A1 in the closing rotation direction R1 is longer than the length l2 of the second section A2 in the closing rotation direction R1. As a result, the inclination of the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the first section A1 is gentler than the inclination of the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the second section A2.

[0063] Because the lid projection 24R has the above structure, as shown in Figure 7(b), when the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the first section A1 contacts the spout projection 44R, the force preventing the lid 20 from rotating in the closing rotation direction R1 is small. Therefore, it is easy for the user to close the spout 40 with the lid 20. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7(c) and 7(d), when the outer edge of the lid projection 24R in the fifth section A5 contacts the spout projection 44R, the elastic deformation of the lid 20 and spout 40 is rapidly restored. This generates a strong clicking sensation. As described above, the spout unit 12 makes it easy for the user to close the spout 40 with the lid 20 and generates a strong clicking sensation.

[0064] The spout unit 12 makes it easier for the user to close the spout 40 with the lid 20 for the following reasons. More specifically, when viewed in the third direction d3, the two corners of the spout projection 44R located in the first direction d1 have a chamfered shape. This makes it difficult for the lid projection 24R to catch on the spout projection 44R. As a result, the spout unit 12 makes it easier for the user to close the spout 40 with the lid 20.

[0065] (modified version) The modified spout unit 12a will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 8 shows the spout projection 44R viewed in the third direction d3, and the spout projection 44R viewed in the opening rotation direction R2. Figure 9 shows the lid projection 24R viewed in the third direction d3, and the lid projection 24R viewed in the opening rotation direction R2.

[0066] The spout unit 12a differs from the spout unit 12 in the shape of the lid projection 24R and the spout projection 44R. These differences are described below.

[0067] First, let's describe the shape of the spout projection 44R. As shown in Figure 8, the length L31 of the spout projection 44R in the first direction d1 is shorter than the length L32 of the spout projection 44R in the closing rotation direction R1. Also, the length L33 of the spout projection 44R in the third direction d3 is shorter than the length L32 of the spout projection 44R in the closing rotation direction R1.

[0068] The spout projection 44R includes a third section A3, a fourth section A4, and a sixth section A6. The third section A3, the sixth section A6, and the fourth section A4 are aligned in this order in the closing rotation direction R1. Therefore, the fourth section A4 is located in the closing rotation direction R1 relative to the third section A3.

[0069] The inclination of the outer edge of the spout projection 44R in the third section A3 is gentler than the inclination of the outer edge of the spout projection 44R in the fourth section A4. More specifically, when viewed in the third direction d3, the outer edge of the spout projection 44R in the third section A3 has a shape that progresses in the second direction d2 as it progresses in the open rotation direction R2 (opposite direction to the closed rotation direction). Therefore, the normal to the outer edge of the spout projection 44R in the third section A3 has a component in the open rotation direction R2 and a component in the first direction d1. In this embodiment, the outer edge of the spout projection 44R in the third section A3 is convex.

[0070] On the other hand, when viewed in the third direction d3, the outer edge of the spout projection 44R in the fourth section A4 has a shape that progresses in the second direction d2 as it progresses in the closing rotation direction R1. Therefore, the normal to the outer edge of the spout projection 44R in the fourth section A4 has a component in the closing rotation direction R1 and a component in the first direction d1. In this embodiment, the outer edge of the spout projection 44R in the fourth section A4 has a shape that combines a convex surface having an arc shape and a plane extending in the second direction d2 from the end of the convex surface in the second direction d2.

[0071] Furthermore, the length l3 of the third section A3 in the closed rotation direction R1 is longer than the length l4 of the fourth section A4 in the closed rotation direction R1.

[0072] Furthermore, when viewed in the third direction d3, the outer edge of the spout projection 44R in the sixth section A6 has a shape parallel to the closing rotation direction R1; therefore, the normal to the outer edge of the spout projection 44R in the sixth section A6 extends in the first direction d1. In this embodiment, the outer edge of the spout projection 44R in the sixth section A6 has a planar shape.

[0073] Furthermore, when viewed in the open rotation direction R2, the spout projection 44R has a rectangular shape with two sides extending in the first direction d1 and two sides extending in the vertical direction. However, when viewed in the open rotation direction R2, the corner of the spout projection 44R located in the first direction d1 and upward has a chamfered shape.

[0074] Next, the shape of the lid projection 24R will be described. As shown in Figure 9, when viewed in the third direction d3, the lid projection 24R has a rectangular shape with two sides extending in the closing rotation direction R1 and two sides extending in the second direction d2. Furthermore, when viewed in the third direction d3, the two corners of the lid projection 24R located in the second direction d2 have a chamfered shape.

[0075] Furthermore, when viewed in the opening rotation direction R2, the lid projection 24R has a rectangular shape with two sides extending in the first direction d1 and two sides extending in the vertical direction. However, when viewed in the opening rotation direction R2, the two corners of the lid projection 24R located in the second direction d2 have a chamfered shape. The other structures of the plug unit 12a are the same as those of the plug unit 12, so their description is omitted. Also, the plug unit 12a can achieve the same effects as the plug unit 12.

[0076] (Other embodiments) The plug unit according to the present invention is not limited to plug units 12 and 12a, but can be modified within the scope of its gist. Furthermore, the configurations of plug units 12 and 12a may be combined in any way.

[0077] Furthermore, the fifth section A5 does not need to be provided in the plug unit 12. Also, the sixth section A6 does not need to be provided in the plug unit 12a.

[0078] Furthermore, in the spout units 12 and 12a, it is sufficient that at least one of the lid projections 24L and 24R is provided. Similarly, it is sufficient that at least one of the spout projections 44L and 44R is provided.

[0079] In addition, in the plug units 12 and 12a, the first direction d1 may be upward and the second direction d2 may be downward. Alternatively, the first direction d1 may be downward and the second direction d2 may be upward.

[0080] The upper and lower surfaces of the lid body 22 may have shapes other than elliptical, such as a rectangular shape.

[0081] In addition, the spout units 12 and 12a may have screw threads on the inner circumferential surface S1 of the lid body, and the spout body 42 may have screw grooves.

[0082] Furthermore, when viewed from below, protrusions that do not come into contact with the lid protrusions 24L and 24R may be provided in the front region AF and the rear region AB.

[0083] The number of flanges 48 and 50 may be three or more.

[0084] The container body 100 may contain contents other than food 200. The contents may be, for example, detergent.

[0085] The spout projections 44L and 44R protrude upward from the flange 48. However, there may be a gap between the spout projections 44L and 44R and the flange 48, and the spout projections 44L and 44R may protrude from the spout body 42. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10: Container 12,12a: Plug unit 20: Lid 22: Lid body 24L, 24R: Lid protrusion 26: Screw groove 40: Spout 42: Spout body 44L, 44R: Spout protrusion 46: Screw Mountain 48,50: Flange 52L, 52R: Welded part 100: Container body 102: Upper end 102B: Upper end rear piece 102F: Upper end front piece 200:Food A1~A6: Section 1 AB: Posterior area AF:Anterior area AL:Left area AR: Right area Ax: Central axis line H: Hole L100: Reference straight line L101: 1st straight line L102: Second straight line R1: Closing rotation direction R2: Open rotation direction S0: Top surface S1: Inner circumferential surface of the lid body S11: Inner surface of the spout body S12: Outer circumference of the spout body S2: Lid body outer surface d1: 1st direction d2:Second direction d3: Third direction d4: 4th direction

Claims

1. The spout unit includes a lid and a spout. The aforementioned lid includes a lid body and a lid projection. The lid body has an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface. The inner circumferential surface of the lid body is provided with either screw threads or screw grooves. The spout is fixed to the container body and includes a spout body and a spout projection. Looking downwards, the length of the container body in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the container body in the front-back direction. The spout body has a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending upward from the container body. The spout body is provided with a thread or groove that engages with either one of the threads or grooves provided on the inner circumferential surface of the lid body. The rotational direction of the lid body when the lid closes the spout is defined as the closing rotational direction. When the lid is rotated in the closing rotation direction and the lid projection overcomes the spout projection, the lid completes closing the spout. When the lid completes the closure of the spout, when viewed downwards, the length of the outer surface of the lid body in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the outer surface of the lid body in the front-back direction. Looking downwards, a straight line passing through the central axis and extending in the left-right direction is defined as the reference line, and a straight line obtained by rotating the reference line by 50° around the central axis in the closing rotation direction is defined as the first straight line, and a straight line obtained by rotating the reference line by 50° around the central axis in the opposite direction to the closing rotation direction is defined as the second straight line, and the region located between the first straight line and the second straight line, and through which the reference line passes, is defined as the left region and the right region, Looking downwards, the spout projection is located in the left region or the right region. The length of the lid projection in the vertical direction is shorter than the length of the lid projection in the closing rotation direction. Plug unit.

2. When viewed downwards, the regions located between the first line and the second line, and which are not traversed by the reference line, are defined as the front region and the rear region, respectively. When viewed downwards, there are no protrusions in the front region and the rear region that come into contact with the lid protrusion. The plug unit according to claim 1.

3. The spout is fixed to the container body that holds the food. The plug unit according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The aforementioned lid projection protrudes downward from the lower end of the lid body, When viewed downwards, the spout projection protrudes from the spout body in a direction away from the central axis. The plug unit according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. When the lid is rotated in the closing rotation direction and the lid projection overcomes the spout projection, the upper end of the spout body contacts the top surface of the lid body. The plug unit according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. A plug unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, The container body and, It is equipped with container.

7. The container according to claim 6, The contents contained within the container body, It is equipped with A container containing its contents.

Images