Cap mechanism and container

Abstract

To provide a highly convenient cap mechanism and a container equipped with such a cap mechanism, which allow users to open two or more different types of caps. [Solution] A cap mechanism X including a plurality of caps attached to the discharge port Y1 of a container Y, comprising a first opening / closing structure C1 whose open / closed state can be changed by the linear motion of one cap (first cap 1), and a second opening / closing structure C2 whose open / closed state can be changed by the rotational motion of another cap (second cap 2), wherein each cap has a rotation assist part S, and the rotation assist part S has a shape in which the distance from the center of rotational motion in the second opening / closing structure C2 varies along the inner or outer diameter of each cap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap mechanism attached to a discharge port of a container and a container provided with the cap mechanism.

Background Art

[0002] Cap mechanisms attached to the discharge ports of containers have been variously devised with the aim of improving their convenience and proposing new usage methods.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a cap with a brush that enables selective use of brushes immersed in two types of liquids using a single cap.

[0004] Further, Patent Document 2 describes a cap that can be opened by pulling it up or rotating it with respect to the container body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Caps described in Patent Document 2, etc., can be opened by pulling them up or rotating them with respect to the container body, but the cap that opens is the same whether pulled up or rotated.

[0007] On the other hand, the inventor considered that by enabling separation of opening for two or more types of caps, different roles and usage methods can be given to each cap, further improving the convenience for the user.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to solve the problem of providing a highly convenient cap mechanism and a container equipped with the cap mechanism, which allow users to open two or more different types of caps. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is based on the technical concepts shown in [1] to

[15] .

[0010] [1] A cap mechanism comprising a plurality of caps attached to the outlet of a container, comprising a first opening / closing structure whose open / closed state can be changed by the linear motion of one of the caps, and a second opening / closing structure whose open / closed state can be changed by the rotational motion of another cap, wherein the cap included in the first opening / closing structure has a rotation assist portion, and the rotation assist portion has a shape in which the distance from the center of the rotational motion in the second opening / closing structure varies along the inner diameter or outer diameter of the cap.

[0011] [2] The cap mechanism according to [1], wherein the first opening and closing structure includes an outer first cap and an inner second cap, the first cap having a first rotation assist as the rotation assist, the second cap having a second rotation assist as the rotation assist, the second rotation assist having a shape in which the distance from the center of the rotational motion in the second opening and closing structure varies along the outer diameter of the second cap, and the first rotation assist having a shape in which it fits with the second rotation assist in the linear motion in the first opening and closing structure.

[0012] [3] The cap mechanism according to [2], wherein the second rotation assist portion includes a protrusion or recess provided parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotational motion in the second opening and closing structure, and the first rotation assist portion is provided parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotational motion in the second opening and closing structure and includes a recess or protrusion corresponding to the protrusion or recess.

[0013] [4] The cap mechanism according to [3], wherein in the second rotation assist portion, a plurality of the protrusions or recesses are provided at intervals, and in the first rotation assist portion, a plurality of recesses or protrusions corresponding to the plurality of protrusions or recesses are provided at intervals.

[0014] [5] The cap mechanism according to [4], wherein the second rotation assist portion is provided with a plurality of protrusions or recesses periodically, and the first rotation assist portion is provided with a plurality of recesses or protrusions corresponding to the plurality of protrusions or recesses periodically.

[0015] [6] The cap mechanism according to [3] to [5], wherein the first rotating assist portion is provided with a notch.

[0016] [7] The cap mechanism according to [3] to [6], wherein the second rotation assisting part is provided with a guide part.

[0017] [8] The cap mechanism according to any one of [2] to [7], wherein the second rotating assist portion includes an expanding portion that gradually expands toward the container.

[0018] [9] The cap mechanism according to any one of [2] to [8], wherein the first rotating assist portion includes a first expanding portion that gradually expands toward the container, and the second rotating assist portion includes a second expanding portion that gradually expands toward the container in a manner corresponding to the first expanding portion.

[0019]

[10] The cap mechanism according to any one of [2] to [9], wherein the first cap has an annular first projection along its inner diameter, the second cap has an annular second projection along its outer diameter, the second projection is provided closer to the container than the second rotating assist portion, and the first projection is provided closer to the container than the second projection.

[0020]

[11] The second cap has a second discharge port, and the discharge port in the container and the second discharge port in the second cap are formed in different shapes from each other. The cap mechanism according to any one of [2] to

[10] .

[0021]

[12] The first cap has a blocking portion that blocks the second discharge port in the closed state of the first opening / closing structure. The cap mechanism according to

[11] .

[0022]

[13] The second cap has an intermediate cap structure that can be opened and closed independently of the opening and closing of the first opening / closing structure and the second opening / closing structure. The cap mechanism according to any one of [2] to

[11] .

[0023]

[14] A container including the cap mechanism according to any one of [1] to

[13] .

[0024]

[15] The first cap according to any one of [2] to

[13] .

[0025]

[16] The second cap according to any one of [2] to

[13] .

[0026] [1] The cap mechanism as described above includes a shape in which the distance from the center of the rotational movement varies along the inner diameter or outer diameter of the cap, so while enabling the opening and closing (such as a pulling-up operation) of the first opening / closing structure, it can suppress the idling of the caps during the opening and closing (rotational operation) of the second opening / closing structure. Therefore, regarding the first and second opening / closing structures, by properly using the pulling-up operation or the rotational operation, the user can open them separately. <0​​​​​​[3] A cap mechanism like this one has protrusions and recesses provided parallel to the axis of rotation of the second opening and closing structure, which makes the rotational motion of the second opening and closing structure more stable and allows for more stable opening and closing of the caps.

[0029] A cap mechanism like the one in [4], with multiple spaced protrusions and recesses, further stabilizes the rotational movement in the second opening and closing structure, allowing for more stable opening and closing of the caps. Furthermore, these multiple protrusions and recesses allow the first and second caps to be fitted together without having to worry too much about their alignment.

[0030] A cap mechanism like the one in [5], with its periodically arranged protrusions and recesses, further stabilizes the rotational movement in the second opening and closing structure, allowing for more stable opening and closing of the caps. Furthermore, these multiple protrusions and recesses allow the first and second caps to be fitted together without having to worry too much about their alignment.

[0031] In a cap mechanism like the one described in [6], in the linear motion of the first opening and closing structure, the convex or concave portion is guided by the notch into the corresponding concave or convex portion, allowing for smooth fitting of the rotational assisting portions (first rotational assisting portion and second rotational assisting portion).

[0032] In a cap mechanism like [7], in the linear motion of the first opening and closing structure, the convex or concave portion is guided by the guide portion to the corresponding concave or convex portion, allowing for smooth fitting of the rotational assist portions (first rotational assist portion and second rotational assist portion).

[0033] A cap mechanism like the one in [8] allows for smooth fitting of the rotational assist parts (first rotational assist part and second rotational assist part) by the enlarged diameter portion during linear motion in the first opening and closing structure.

[0034] [9] A cap mechanism like the one shown allows for smooth fitting of the rotational assist parts (first rotational assist part and second rotational assist part) in the linear motion of the first opening and closing structure by the first and second enlarged diameter parts.

[0035] In a cap mechanism like

[10] , the first and second protrusions are located closer to the container than the rotation assist parts (first rotation assist part and second rotation assist part), which stabilizes the closed state of the first opening / closing structure and allows for more stable rotational movement in the second opening / closing structure.

[0036] A cap mechanism like the one in

[11] allows the user to select the manner in which the contents of the container are dispensed and the shape of the dispensed material by opening the cap in different ways.

[0037] A capping mechanism like the one in

[12] can suppress leakage of the contents of the container to which the capping mechanism is attached from the second outlet, because the closure portion of the first cap airtightly closes the second outlet of the second cap.

[0038] A capping mechanism like the one in

[13] allows for two different dispensing methods to be selected at the second cap, while also enabling the container to be airtightly closed by the second cap alone.

[0039]

[14] Such containers have two or more types of caps, which can be opened by the user by using different operations such as pulling up and twisting.

[0040] A first cap, such as

[15] , can be combined with a second cap to form a cap mechanism that allows users to open the caps in different ways by using different operations, such as pulling up and rotating.

[0041] A second cap, such as

[16] , can be combined with the first cap to form a cap mechanism that allows users to open the cap in different ways by using different operations, such as pulling up and rotating. [Effects of the Invention]

[0042] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a highly convenient cap mechanism and a container equipped with the cap mechanism, which allow users to open two or more different types of caps. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0043] [Figure 1] This figure shows a cap mechanism and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows the first cap according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows a second cap according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows a second cap according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows how the cap mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted. [Figure 6] This figure shows a combination of the first and second caps according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows a combination of the first and second caps according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows a second cap according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows a second cap according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows a first cap according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows a second cap according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing a combination of the first and second caps according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] The cap mechanism X according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the embodiments shown below are examples of the present invention and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the cap mechanism X may consist of a first cap 1 and a second cap 2.

[0046] The cap mechanism X includes a first opening / closing structure C1 whose open / closed state can be changed by the linear motion of the first cap 1, and a second opening / closing structure C2 whose open / closed state can be changed by the rotational motion of the second cap 2.

[0047] The first opening / closing structure C1 may be composed of a first protrusion 11 on the first cap 1 and a second protrusion 21 on the second cap 2. In other words, the first opening / closing structure C1 is configured such that the first cap 1 and the second cap 2 can be opened and closed by linear motion through boss fitting of the first protrusion 11 and the second protrusion 21.

[0048] The second opening / closing structure C2 may be formed by the screw portion 25 of the second cap 2. In other words, the second opening / closing structure C2 is configured to allow the second cap 2 and the container Y to be opened and closed by rotational movement through the screwing of the screw portion 25 and the container-side screw portion Y2, which will be described later.

[0049] Furthermore, the cap mechanism X includes a first rotation assist part 12 and a second rotation assist part 22 as rotation assist parts S. The first rotation assist part 12 and the second rotation assist part 22 each include a shape (such as a gear shape) that causes the distance from the center of rotational motion in the second opening / closing structure C2 to vary.

[0050] The cap mechanism X described above is suitably used in the illustrated container Y, etc. The container Y comprises a container-side discharge port Y1, a container-side screw portion Y2, and a storage portion Y3.

[0051] In addition, in the cap mechanism X, the positions of the first opening / closing structure C1 and the second opening / closing structure C2 may be reversed. That is, a second opening / closing structure C2 that screws into the first cap 1 and the second cap 2 may be provided, and a first opening / closing structure C1 that bosses into the second cap 2 and the container Y may be provided. In this case, the rotation assist part S is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second cap 2, and the container Y has a corresponding structure.

[0052] Figure 2(A) is a schematic perspective view of the first cap 1, with the internal structure shown by dotted lines. Figure 2(B) shows the first cap 1 as viewed from direction Q. Figure 2(C) is a P-P' cross-sectional view of the first cap 1, with the second cap 2 that fits into it shown by a dotted line.

[0053] As shown in Figure 2, the first cap 1 may have a first protrusion 11, a first rotation assist portion 12, and a closing portion 14.

[0054] The first protrusion 11 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first cap 1. That is, the first cap 1 and the second cap 2 can be boss-fitted together by having the first protrusion 11 overcome the second protrusion 21 of the second cap 2, which will be described later. Furthermore, the first protrusion 11 is positioned closer to the side that is attached to the container Y than the second protrusion 21.

[0055] The first rotation assist portion 12 has a shape on the inner circumferential surface of the first cap 1 such that the distance from the center of rotational motion in the second opening / closing structure C2 varies.

[0056] Specifically, the first rotation assist portion 12 has multiple protrusions arranged parallel and periodically to the axis of rotation of the rotational movement in the second opening / closing structure C2 on the inner circumferential surface of the first cap 1, and these periodically form multiple recesses 12a.

[0057] The first rotation assist portion 12 may have notches 12c provided in all or part of the multiple protrusions.

[0058] The closing section 14 can airtightly close the second discharge port 24 of the second cap 2, which will be described later, when the first opening / closing structure C1 is in the closed state, that is, when the first cap 1 and the second cap 2 are fitted together. The closure section 14 can have any structure, such as a structure in which an annular member abuts against the second discharge port 24 to create an airtight seal (Figure 10(A)), or a structure in which a packing abuts against the second discharge port 24 over a surface to create an airtight seal (Figure 10(B)). Multiple convex and concave portions, which are provided periodically at intervals, can be fitted together without having to worry too much about the alignment of the first cap 1 and the second cap 2, and the symmetrical closing portion 14 shown in Figure 10 can airtightly close the second discharge port 24 without having to worry too much about the alignment of the first cap 1 and the second cap 2. Furthermore, the first cap 1 does not necessarily have to have a closing portion 14, for example, if the second cap 2 does not have a second discharge port 24.

[0059] Figure 3(A) is a schematic perspective view showing one embodiment of the second cap 2, with a portion of the second discharge port 24 and a portion of the container Y to which the second cap 2 is attached indicated by dotted lines. Figure 3(B) is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the second cap 2.

[0060] As shown in Figure 3, the second cap 2 may have a second protrusion 21, a second rotation assist portion 22, and a second discharge port 24.

[0061] The second protrusion 21 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second cap 2. That is, the first cap 1 and the second cap 2 can be boss-fitted together such that the first protrusion 11 of the first cap 1 overcomes the second protrusion 21. Furthermore, the second protrusion 21 is positioned closer to the side that is attached to the container Y than the second rotation assist portion 22, and in the closed state of the first opening / closing structure C1, it is positioned further away from the side that is attached to the container Y than the first protrusion 11.

[0062] The second rotation assist portion 22 has a shape on the outer circumferential surface of the second cap 2 such that the distance from the center of rotational motion in the second opening / closing structure C2 varies.

[0063] Specifically, the second rotation assist portion 22 has multiple protrusions 22a arranged parallel and periodically on the outer circumferential surface of the second cap 2 with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotational motion in the second opening / closing structure C2.

[0064] In Figure 3(A), the second cap 2 has a gear-like shape, while in Figure 3(B), the second cap 2 has a polygonal shape. Furthermore, the second rotation assist part 22 can be selected to have any shape that varies in distance from the center of rotational motion in the second opening / closing structure C2, and the first rotation assist part 12 can also be selected to have any shape that corresponds to the second rotation assist part 22 (see Figures 4 to 6).

[0065] The second discharge port 24 is formed to be connected to the container-side discharge port Y1 when the second opening / closing structure C2 is in the closed state. For example, by having the second discharge port 24 and the container-side discharge port Y1 have different shapes, the user can select the discharge method and the shape of the discharged material by opening each cap. The second cap 2 does not necessarily have to have a second discharge port 24.

[0066] Figure 4(A) is a schematic perspective view showing an embodiment of the second cap 2 having a second enlarged diameter portion 23. Figure 4(B) is a schematic perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the second cap 2 having the second enlarged diameter portion 23. Figure 4(C) is a cross-sectional view of the first cap 1 having a first enlarged diameter portion 13 corresponding to the second enlarged diameter portion 23, and the second cap 2 that fits into it is shown by a dotted line.

[0067] As shown in Figure 4, the second cap 2 may further have a second enlarged diameter portion 23. The second enlarged diameter portion 23 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second cap 2, with a shape that gradually expands in diameter toward the side that is attached to the container Y.

[0068] The first enlarged diameter portion 13 may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first cap 1 in a shape corresponding to the second enlarged diameter portion 23 of the second cap 2, and having a shape that gradually expands toward the side that is attached to the container Y.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(A), the second rotation assist portion 22 of the second cap 2 may include a guide portion 22g. The guide portion 22g is provided by cutting out the opening portion of the recess formed by the plurality of protrusions 22a.

[0070] In Figure 4(A), the second cap 2 has a gear-like shape, while in Figure 4(B), the second cap 2 has an elliptical combination shape.

[0071] Figure 5(A) is a cross-sectional view of the first cap 1 for illustrating the first opening / closing structure C1. Figure 5(B) is a side view of the second cap 2 to illustrate the second opening / closing structure C2. Figure 5(C) is a cross-sectional view of another first cap 1 to illustrate the first opening / closing structure C1. In all diagrams, the internal structure and the second cap 2 or container Y are shown with dotted lines.

[0072] As shown in Figure 5(A), the first opening / closing structure C1 is opened and closed by the linear motion of the first cap 1 and the second cap 2 as described above.

[0073] In other words, when the first cap 1 and the second cap 2 are moved linearly toward each other from the open state, the first cap 1 deforms slightly so that the first protrusion 11 crosses over the second protrusion 21, and once the first protrusion 11 crosses over the second protrusion 21, its shape returns to its original state, and it becomes closed.

[0074] At this time, the first rotation assist part 12 and the second rotation assist part 22, which are provided in the same direction as the linear motion that closes the first opening / closing structure C1, engage with each other, so that the first cap 1 and the second cap 2 do not rotate freely when the second opening / closing structure C2 is opened and closed.

[0075] Furthermore, if the second cap 2 has a second discharge port 24, the closing part 14 can cover the second discharge port 24 and seal it airtight.

[0076] Conversely, if the first cap 1 and the second cap 2 are moved linearly away from each other from the closed state, the first cap 1 deforms slightly so that the first protrusion 11 crosses over the second protrusion 21. Once the first protrusion 11 crosses over the second protrusion 21, its shape returns to its original state, and it becomes open.

[0077] At this time, the engagement between the first rotation assist part 12 and the second rotation assist part 22, which are provided in the same direction as the linear motion of opening the first opening / closing structure C1, disengages. Therefore, the first rotation assist part 12 and the second rotation assist part 22 do not become an obstacle when opening the first opening / closing structure C1.

[0078] Furthermore, if the second cap 2 has a second discharge port 24, the occluding part 14 will detach from the second discharge port 24.

[0079] In the case of a structure having a first enlarged diameter portion 13 and a second enlarged diameter portion 23, as shown in Figure 5(C), even if the first rotation assist portion 12 and the second rotation assist portion 22 are slightly misaligned, they are guided to the correct position and fitted together, thus improving ease of use.

[0080] Furthermore, in the case of a second enlarged diameter section 23 including a guide section 22g as shown in Figure 4(A), or a first rotation assist section 12 having a notch 12c as shown in Figure 2(B), the positional guidance effect of the first rotation assist section 12 and the second rotation assist section 22 is further enhanced, resulting in improved ease of use.

[0081] As shown in Figure 5(B), the second opening / closing structure C2 is opened and closed by the rotational movement of the second cap 2 as described above and the container-side screw portion Y2 of the container Y.

[0082] In other words, when the second cap 2 and the container-side threaded portion Y2 are brought adjacent to each other from the open state and rotated relative to each other, the threaded portion 25 of the second cap 2 and the container-side threaded portion Y2 screw together, resulting in the closed state.

[0083] Conversely, if the second cap 2 and the container-side threaded portion Y2 are rotated relative to each other from the closed state, the threaded portion 25 of the second cap 2 and the container-side threaded portion Y2 are released, and the cap returns to the closed state.

[0084] The opening and closing of the second opening / closing structure C2 described above can be done using the first cap 1 when the first opening / closing structure C1 is in the closed state. In other words, when the first opening / closing structure C1 is in the closed position, the first rotation assist part 12 and the second rotation assist part 22 are fitted together, so the first cap 1 and the second cap 2 do not rotate freely, and when the first cap 1 is rotated, the second cap 2 can also be rotated in conjunction with it.

[0085] In other words, when both the first opening / closing structure C1 and the second opening / closing structure C2 are in the closed state, the user can choose to either open the first opening / closing structure C1 by pulling the first cap 1 (linear motion), or open the second opening / closing structure C2 by rotating the first cap 1 to rotate the inner second cap 2 (rotational motion).

[0086] Furthermore, if the second cap 2 has a second discharge port 24, when the second opening / closing structure C2 is closed, the second discharge port 24 is connected to the container-side discharge port Y1. This allows the user to select the discharge pattern and shape of the discharged material by opening or closing the first opening / closing structure C1 and the second opening / closing structure C2.

[0087] Figure 6 shows various configurations of the first rotation assist portion 12 of the first cap 1 and the second rotation assist portion 22 of the second cap 2. Each figure corresponds to a view of each cap from direction Q in Figure 2(A). Note that the hatching in Figure 6 is added to distinguish between the first cap 1 and the second cap 2, and does not indicate a cross-section.

[0088] For example, as shown in Figure 6(A), the first rotation assist part 12 and the second rotation assist part 22 can have a gear shape in which the distance from the center varies along the inner or outer diameter of each cap.

[0089] The first rotation assist portion 12 shown in Figure 6(A) has a plurality of protrusions arranged parallel to and periodically in the opening and closing direction of the first opening and closing structure C1, which periodically form a plurality of recesses 12a.

[0090] Furthermore, the second rotation assist section 22 shown in Figure 6(A) has a plurality of protrusions 22a arranged parallel to the opening and closing direction of the first opening and closing structure C1 and periodically, and these fit into a plurality of recesses 12a.

[0091] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(B), for example, the first rotation assist part 12 and the second rotation assist part 22 can have a hexagonal shape in which the distance from the center varies along the inner or outer diameter of each cap.

[0092] The first rotation assist section 12 shown in Figure 6(B) has a plurality of recesses 12a arranged parallel to and periodically in the opening and closing direction of the first opening and closing structure C1.

[0093] Furthermore, the second rotation assist section 22 shown in Figure 6(B) has a plurality of protrusions 22a arranged parallel to the opening and closing direction of the first opening and closing structure C1 and periodically, and these fit into a plurality of recesses 12a.

[0094] Furthermore, the first rotation assist part 12 and the second rotation assist part 22, as shown in Figure 6(B), are not limited to hexagons but can take any polygonal shape.

[0095] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(C), for example, the first rotation assist part 12 and the second rotation assist part 22 can take the form of a combination shape such as an ellipse, in which the distance from the center varies along the inner or outer diameter of each cap.

[0096] The first rotation assist section 12 shown in Figure 6(C) has a plurality of recesses 12a arranged parallel to and periodically in the opening and closing direction of the first opening and closing structure C1.

[0097] Furthermore, the second rotation assist part 22 shown in Figure 6(C) has a plurality of protrusions 22a arranged parallel to the opening and closing direction of the first opening and closing structure C1 and periodically, and these fit into a plurality of recesses 12a.

[0098] Figure 7 shows various further configurations of the first rotation assist part 12 of the first cap 1 and the second rotation assist part 22 of the second cap 2. Each figure corresponds to a view of each cap from direction Q in Figure 2(A). Note that the hatching in Figure 7 is added to distinguish between the first cap 1 and the second cap 2, and does not indicate a cross-section.

[0099] For example, as shown in Figure 7(A), the first rotation assist part 12 and the second rotation assist part 22 can take on a teardrop shape in which the distance from the center varies along the inner or outer diameter of each cap.

[0100] The first rotation assist part 12 shown in Figure 7(A) has a recess 12a provided parallel to the opening and closing direction of the first opening and closing structure C1.

[0101] Furthermore, the second rotation assist part 22 shown in Figure 7(A) has a convex portion 22a provided parallel to the opening and closing direction of the first opening and closing structure C1, and these fit into the concave portion 12a.

[0102] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7(B) and (C), for example, the first rotation assist part 12 and the second rotation assist part 22 can take on a shape like a cut-out circle (partial circle, arc shape), where the distance from the center varies along the inner or outer diameter of each cap.

[0103] The first rotation assist section 12 shown in Figures 7(B) and (C) has a plurality of recesses 12a provided parallel to the opening and closing direction of the first opening and closing structure C1.

[0104] Furthermore, the second rotation assist section 22 shown in Figures 7(B) and (C) has multiple protrusions 22a arranged parallel to the opening and closing direction of the first opening and closing structure C1, which fit into multiple recesses 12a.

[0105] The first rotation assist part 12 and the second rotation assist part 22 are not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 6 and 7, but can take any shape in which the distance from the center varies along the inner or outer diameter of each cap, so as to prevent the first cap 1 and the second cap 2 from rotating freely.

[0106] Figure 8 shows various configurations of the second discharge port 24 of the second cap 2.

[0107] For example, the second discharge port 24 can take the shape of a circle as shown in Figure 8(A) or a thin linear shape as shown in Figure 8(B).

[0108] For example, the second discharge port 24 can be provided in the form of multiple circular ports as shown in Figure 8(C), or multiple thin linear ports as shown in Figure 8(D).

[0109] Figure 9 shows various configurations of the path of the second discharge port 24 of the second cap 2.

[0110] For example, the second discharge port 24 can take the form of a single helix as shown in Figure 9(A), a separated multiple helix as shown in Figure 9(B), or an unseparated multiple helix as shown in Figure 9(C).

[0111] The second discharge port 24 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 8 and 9, but can take any shape different from the container-side discharge port Y1, allowing the user to select the discharge method and the shape of the discharged material.

[0112] <Effects of each configuration> According to this embodiment, the cap mechanism X, the container Y equipped therewith, or the combination of the first cap 1 and the second cap 2, the user can open the first cap 1 and the second cap 2 by either pulling (linear motion) or turning (rotational motion), thus providing high convenience.

[0113] Furthermore, the first rotation assist part 12 includes a shape that allows it to engage with the second rotation assist part 22 through the linear motion of the first opening / closing structure C1, thereby enabling more stable opening and closing of the caps.

[0114] Furthermore, since the first rotation assist portion 12 and the second rotation assist portion 22 include corresponding protrusions 22a or recesses 12a parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotational movement of the second opening / closing structure C2, the rotational movement of the second opening / closing structure C2 is stabilized, and the opening and closing of the caps can be performed more reliably.

[0115] Furthermore, the spacing between the protrusions 22a and recesses 12a further stabilizes the rotational movement of the second opening / closing structure C2, allowing for more stable opening and closing of the caps.

[0116] Furthermore, the periodic arrangement of the protrusions 22a and recesses 12a further stabilizes the rotational movement of the second opening / closing structure C2, enabling more stable opening and closing of the caps.

[0117] Furthermore, the notch 12c provided in the first rotation assist part 12 makes it easier for the convex part 22a to be guided into the concave part 12a, allowing the first rotation assist part 12 and the second rotation assist part 22 to be fitted together smoothly.

[0118] Furthermore, the presence of a guide portion 22g on the second rotation assist portion 22 makes it easier for the convex portion 22a to be guided into the concave portion 12a, allowing for smooth fitting of the first rotation assist portion 12 and the second rotation assist portion 22.

[0119] Furthermore, the inclusion of a (second) expanding diameter portion 23 in the second rotation assist portion 22, which gradually expands toward the container Y, allows for smooth fitting of the first rotation assist portion 12 and the second rotation assist portion 22.

[0120] Furthermore, in addition to the second diameter-expanding portion 23, the first rotation assist portion 12 includes a first diameter-expanding portion 13 that gradually expands toward the container Y, which allows for smooth fitting of the first rotation assist portion 12 and the second rotation assist portion 22.

[0121] Furthermore, the second protrusion 21, which is located closer to the container Y than the second rotation assist portion 22, and the first protrusion 11, which is located closer to the container Y than the second protrusion 21, stabilize the closed state of the first opening / closing structure C1, allowing the rotational movement of the second opening / closing structure C2 to be performed more stably.

[0122] Furthermore, since the second cap 2 has a second discharge port 24 with a different shape from the container-side discharge port Y1, the user can select the manner in which the contents of the container are discharged and the shape of the discharged material by opening the caps.

[0123] Furthermore, since the first cap 1 has a closing portion 14 that closes the second discharge port 24 when the first opening / closing structure C1 is closed, the closing portion 14 airtightly closes the second discharge port 24, thereby suppressing leakage of the contents of the container Y to which the cap mechanism X is attached.

[0124] It should be noted that the configurations and functions shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements, etc.

[0125] Figure 11 shows a second cap according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is (A) a perspective view with the lid open, (B) a plan view with the lid open, and (C) a plan view with the lid closed.

[0126] For example, as shown in Figure 11, the second cap 2 may have an intermediate cap structure 26 that can close and open the second discharge port 24. In this case, the first cap 1 does not need to have a closing portion 14.

[0127] The intermediate cap structure 26 can employ any cap structure that can be opened and closed independently of the opening and closing of the first cap 1 (first opening / closing structure C1) and the second cap 2 (second opening / closing structure C2). For example, the intermediate cap structure 26 can employ a hinge cap structure as shown in Figure 11.

[0128] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration of the first rotation assist portion 12 of the first cap 1 and the second rotation assist portion 22 of the second cap 2. Note that the hatching in Figure 12 is added to distinguish between the first cap 1 and the second cap 2 and does not indicate a cross-section.

[0129] For example, in any combination of the first cap 1 and the second cap 2, the number of recesses 12a of the first rotation assist part 12 does not have to match the number of protrusions 22a of the second rotation assist part 22. Figure 12 shows an example with 6 recesses 12a and 2 protrusions 22a.

[0130] Furthermore, for example, in any combination of the first cap 1 and the second cap 2, the width of the recess 12a of the first rotation assist portion 12 does not have to match the width of the protrusion 22a of the second rotation assist portion 22.

[0131] In other words, the recessed portion 12a and the convex portion 22a can be structured to provide a margin of clearance before the first rotation assist portion 12 and the second rotation assist portion 22 engage when the first cap 1 is rotated relative to the second cap 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] X-Cap Mechanism C1 First opening / closing structure C2 Second opening / closing structure S Rotation assist part 1 First Cap 11 First protrusion 12 First rotation assist part 12a Recess 12c Notch 13 First enlarged diameter section 14 Occlusion 2 Second Cap 21 Second protrusion 22 Second Rotation Aid 22a Convex part 22g Guide section 23 Second enlarged diameter section 24 Second outlet 25 Screw part 26 Intermediate cap structure Y container Y1 Container side outlet Y2 Container side threaded section Y3 Accommodation Unit

Claims

1. A cap mechanism including a plurality of caps attached to the outlet of a container, A first opening / closing structure in which the open / closed state is changed by the linear motion of the aforementioned cap, It comprises a second opening / closing structure in which the opening / closing state is changed by the rotational movement of the other cap, The aforementioned cap has a rotating assist part, The rotation assisting part includes a shape in which the distance from the center of rotational motion in the second opening / closing structure varies along the inner or outer diameter of the first cap, thereby forming a cap mechanism.

2. The first opening and closing structure includes an outer first cap and an inner second cap. The first cap has a first rotation assist part as the rotation assist part, The second cap has a second rotation assist part as the rotation assist part, The second rotation assist portion includes a shape in which the distance from the center of the rotational motion in the second opening / closing structure varies along the outer diameter of the second cap, The cap mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first rotation assist portion includes a shape that engages with the second rotation assist portion in the linear motion of the first opening and closing structure.

3. The second rotation assist portion includes a convex or concave portion provided parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotational movement in the second opening / closing structure, The cap mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the first rotation assist portion is provided parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotational motion in the second opening and closing structure and includes a recess or protrusion corresponding to the protrusion or recess.

4. In the second rotation assisting part, a plurality of the protrusions or recesses are provided at intervals, The cap mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the first rotating assist portion is provided with a plurality of recesses or protrusions corresponding to a plurality of protrusions or recesses at intervals.

5. In the second rotation assisting section, a plurality of the protrusions or recesses are provided periodically. The cap mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the first rotating assist portion is periodically provided with a plurality of recesses or protrusions corresponding to a plurality of protrusions or recesses.

6. The cap mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the first rotation assist portion is provided with a notch.

7. The cap mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the second rotation assisting part is provided with a guide part.

8. The cap mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the second rotating assist portion includes an expanding portion that gradually expands in diameter toward the container.

9. The first rotating assist portion includes a first expanding diameter portion that gradually expands toward the container, The cap mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the second rotating assist portion includes a second expanding portion that gradually expands toward the container so as to correspond to the first expanding portion.

10. The first cap has an annular first projection along its inner diameter, The second cap has an annular second projection along its outer diameter, The second protrusion is provided on the side closer to the container than the second rotation assist portion. The cap mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the first protrusion is provided closer to the container than the second protrusion.

11. The cap mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the second cap has a second discharge port, and the discharge port in the container and the second discharge port in the second cap are formed in different shapes from each other.

12. The cap mechanism according to claim 11, wherein the first cap has a closing portion that closes the second discharge port when the first opening / closing structure is in a closed state.

13. The cap mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the second cap has an intermediate cap structure that allows the second discharge port to be opened and closed independently of the opening and closing of the first opening and closing structure and the second opening and closing structure.

14. A container comprising the cap mechanism described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The first cap according to any one of claims 2 to 13.

16. The second cap according to any one of claims 2 to 13.

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