Cap

Abstract

To provide a cap that is easy to use when removing a cap body from an article.SOLUTION: A cap attached to an article having an opening includes a cap body and at least one locking member that is slidably attached inward and outward from a center and comes in press-contact with an inner circumferential surface of the article to be locked to the cap body, where the locking member slidably engages with other locking members on both sides, slides inward toward the center, thereby pushes the other locking members inward, and releases locking.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap, and more particularly to a cap that can be removed by pinching any two points.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a detachable cap that is attached by pressing against the inner peripheral surface of an opening of an article by utilizing an outward biasing force by an elastic body or the like, and is removed by releasing the pressing contact.

[0003] For example, in a lens barrel of a camera, there is a cap for protecting the lens, which has a pair of locking members for locking a cap body to the lens barrel and an elastic body (e.g., a spring) for biasing the locking members outward.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a lens cap in which locking members are slidably and outwardly attached to two opposing portions of a plate-like cap member.

[0005] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a cap including a cap body to be attached to a component, a pair of movable members provided on the cap body and movable in directions approaching or separating from each other, a biasing member for biasing the pair of movable members in the separating direction, and a restricting means for restricting the movement of the pair of movable members in the separating direction against the biasing force of the biasing member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Here, in such a cap, when removing it from the article to be attached, there is a need for it to be easily removable in any state.

[0008] However, in the device described in Patent Document 1 and the invention described in Patent Document 2, when attempting to remove the cap from the part to be attached (for example, pinching with two fingers), it is only possible to operate on a substantially straight line in the radial direction where a pair of biasing locking members or movable members are aligned. When such a cap is used as a lens cap for a camera, when attempting to remove the cap while holding the camera, the operating part cannot be visually observed, and since the said part is only on a substantially straight line in a specific radial direction as described above, in such a state, removal becomes difficult and the usability is not always sufficient.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cap with good usability when removing the cap body from an article.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0010] The cap according to the present invention is a cap attached to an article having an opening, and includes a cap body and at least one locking member slidably attached in the inner and outer directions from the center and pressing against the inner peripheral surface of the article to lock the cap body. The locking member is slidably fitted with other adjacent locking members and slides inward toward the center to push other locking members inward to release the locking.

[0011] Furthermore, the cap according to the present invention may include a plurality of locking members, and the locking members may be arranged at equal angles with respect to the center of the cap body.

[0012] Furthermore, the cap according to the present invention may include a support member having three or more groove portions extending at equal angles from the center in the outer direction, and the locking member may be slidably attached by fitting at least a part thereof into any one of the three or more groove portions.

[0013] Furthermore, the cap according to the present invention is provided with an elastic member that is installed in the groove portion and biases the locking member outward from the center. The locking member may be in pressure contact with the inner peripheral surface of the article by the biasing force to lock the cap body.

[0014] Furthermore, in the cap according to the present invention, the cap body may have a circular opening at the center and three or more rectangular openings extending from the circular opening at equal angles outward in the radial direction.

[0015] Furthermore, in the cap according to the present invention, the locking member has a first upper locking piece and a second upper locking piece that form two sides of a triangle gradually widening toward the center, and a first lower locking piece and a second lower locking piece arranged so as to form steps in the same direction as the first upper locking piece and the second upper locking piece respectively. The locking pieces of the other locking members adjacent to both sides are fitted into the upper and lower gaps generated by the steps, and when the locking member slides inward toward the center, the other locking members may be pushed inward to release the locking.

[0016] Furthermore, the cap according to the present invention may be a lens cap attached to the glass or mirror surface of a camera lens or the lens barrel of a camera.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] The cap according to the present invention includes a cap body that is attached to an article, and at least one locking member that is slidably attached in the inner and outer directions from the center and presses against the article or sandwiches the article to lock the cap body. The locking member is slidably fitted with the other locking members adjacent to both sides, and by sliding inward toward the center, the other locking members are pushed inward to release the locking.

[0018] With these configurations, by pinching and pushing any two of the three or more locking members, that is, by performing a pinching and pushing operation at any two points, the locking by pressing against the article to which the locking member is attached can be released, and the cap body can be removed from the article, improving usability. That is, the cap according to the present invention can improve usability more than a conventional cap when removing it from the article to be attached.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] The cap according to the present invention is a cap that is attached to an article to be protected and covers the protected portion of the article. Specifically, the cap according to the present invention protects the protected portion of the article by, for example, covering the protected portion by applying it to the mouth of the article to close it or covering the protected portion of the article by covering the tip of the article. The article to which the cap according to the present invention is attached may be any article as long as the cap body can be attached and covered, and is not limited to a specific article.

[0021] (First Embodiment) The first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The first embodiment is an example in which four locking members 3 are fitted together to attach the cap 1A to an article at four points. Note that the locking members 3 of the cap according to the present invention can be locked with at least two locking members 3, and two or more locking members 3 are fitted together to lock the cap to the article at two or more points. Conventional ones could only be locked at two points, but the cap according to the present invention is preferably locked at three or more points from the viewpoint of locking stability, and the number of locking members 3 (locking points) being four (four points) rather than two (two points) has the advantage of realizing more stable locking.

[0022] FIG. 1(a) is a plan view for explaining the cap 1A in the first embodiment of the present invention. The cap 1A is a cap attached to an opening of an article (not shown), and is used, for example, by attaching it to a cylindrical part to protect the contents inside the part from the outside. Specifically, the cap 1A may be, for example, a lens cap attached to a lens barrel of a camera or the like, or a lens cap attached so as to cover a camera lens or a mirror surface portion. When the cap 1A is used as a lens cap, it is attached to the lens barrel of the camera to protect the lens and the like from dirt and damage. Further, the cap 1A may be, for example, a lid attached to a cup. When the cap 1A is used as a lid of a cup, it may be attached to the opening of the cup to protect the beverage in the cup. Further, the cap 1A may be, for example, a lid attached to a container.

[0023] Note that FIG. 1(a) shows a state in which the locking member 3 protrudes outward from the cap body 2A. In this posture, the cap 1A is in a state of being attached to an article (not shown) (in other words, the locking member 3 is urged outward from the cap body 2B and is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the opening of the article to lock the cap 1A).

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1(a), the cap 1A is composed of a cap body 2A, locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D (collectively referred to as "locking member 3" as necessary), and a support member 4A. The cap body 2A, the locking member 3, and the support member 4 are made of, for example, synthetic resin (such as PC / ABS), and the elastic member 5 is made of, for example, synthetic resin or metal. Note that the materials of these members are not limited to these.

[0025] The locking member 3 is a member for attaching the cap body 2A to an article, and is also a member that can be pinched with a finger as a knob 9A and pushed during removal. As shown in Fig. 1(a), the locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are arranged at equal angles with respect to the center of the cap body 2A. Note that "the locking members 3A to 3D are arranged at equal angles with respect to the center of the cap body 2A" means that when the one ends of the locking members 3A to 3D are set as the center, the distance or angle between the adjacent locking members 3A to 3D is arranged to be equal. The locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are slidably attached in the inner and outer directions from the center of the cap body 1A, and are locked by pressing against the inner peripheral surface of the opening of the article. With such a configuration, the cap 1B can be attached to the inner peripheral surface of the opening of the article at four points of the locking member 3.

[0026] The cap body 2A is a member for covering, for example, the protected part of the article by applying it to the opening of the article to close it or covering the tip of the article. The cap body 2A is formed in a circular shape, for example, and as shown in Fig. 2(a), a circular opening 10A and rectangular openings 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D extending at equal angles outward from the circular opening 10A may be provided. As shown in Fig. 1(a), the cap body 2A may protrude, for example, in a state where at least part of the fitting of the locking pieces of the four locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D is released in the circular opening 10A.

[0027] Here, the state where at least a part of the fitting is released in the locking piece means that the locking member 3 is urged outward by the elastic member 5 provided in the cap 1 (cap 1A, cap 1B) and presses against the inner peripheral surface of the opening of the article to lock. At this time, each locking piece provided at the end in the central direction of the cap body 2 (cap body 2A, cap body 2B) of the locking member 3 is not in a state where they are completely fitted together (for example, the state shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b)), but is in a state where at least a part of the fitting is released so as to be separated from each other (a state where the fitting is loose) (the state shown in FIGS. 5(c) and 5(d)). Thus, the state where at least a part of the fitting of each locking piece of the locking member 3 is released so as to be separated from each other is meant.

[0028] With such a configuration, when the cap 1A is attached to the cylindrical part by the locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, first, the locking pieces of the locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are fitted together, and the cap 1A is inserted into the opening of the article. After insertion, by releasing the fitting, the locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are pushed outwards, and the cap 1A can be fixed to the article by pressing against the inner peripheral surface of the opening of the article. Also, thereby, the cap 1A can be removed from the cylindrical part by pinching and pushing any two points on the outer periphery of the knob 9A formed by the fitting (combination) of the handle parts 6 of any two of the locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, that is, by releasing the locking by pressing against the inner peripheral surface of the opening of the article of the locking member, and the usability can be improved.

[0029] Particularly when used for a lens cap of a camera or the like, when trying to remove the cap with the camera in hand, the hands are not visible and it is necessary to search for a place to pinch. However, according to the cap 1A, since the cap can be removed by pinching any two points at approximately 360 degrees with respect to the knob 9A formed by the fitting of the handle parts 6 of the locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, the usability can be improved.

[0030] In addition, the cap 1A may be provided with a column portion at the center of the support member 4, and a circular flange that is substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the circular opening 10A of the cap body 2A may be provided on the column portion. By adopting such a configuration, since the flange can cover a part of the fitting portion of the locking pieces of the locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, the appearance of the cap 1A can be improved.

[0031] FIG. 1(c) is a bottom view for explaining the cap 1A in the first embodiment. The cap 1A may include, for example, a support member 4A having two or more groove portions extending from the center outward at equal angles. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1(c), the cap 1A may include a support member 4A having four groove portions 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D extending from the center outward at equal angles. The description of the groove portions will be described later with reference to FIG. 6 in the example of the support member 4B of the second embodiment.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1(c), specifically, the support member 4A may include, for example, four rectangular box-shaped groove portions 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D extending from the center outward at equal angles along their arrangements so as to support the locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D. As shown in FIG. 1(c), the groove portions 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D may be formed to meet at the center to form a cross. The longitudinal length of the groove portions 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D may be formed shorter than the radius of the cap body 2A.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1(c), the support member 4A may be provided with fan-shaped flanges 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D that connect the groove portions 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D to each other. For example, the support member 4A may fit and fix the fan-shaped flange into the circular opening of the cap body 2A.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 1(c), the cap body 2A may be provided with one or more side walls along its outer periphery. Specifically, for example, the cap body 2A may be provided with two side walls, an outer side wall and an inner side wall. The outer side wall is formed in substantially the same shape so as to contact the inner peripheral surface of the side surface of the cylindrical component, and the inner side wall may be provided with a higher height by the outer side wall and formed to be slightly smaller than the outer side wall. At the location where the locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are arranged, it is necessary to provide a gap through which the locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D pass in order to press the inner peripheral surface of the opening of the article. However, the gap may be provided at the lower ends of the outer side wall and the inner side wall, or may be provided in the middle between the upper and lower ends of the outer side wall and the inner side wall.

[0035] Fig. 2(a) is a bottom view for explaining the cap body 2A in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2(a), the cap body 2A has a circular opening 10A at the center and four rectangular openings 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D extending from the circular opening in an equal angle outward.

[0036] Fig. 2(c) is a plan view for explaining the locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D and the support member 4 in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2(c), a part of the locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D is fitted so as to press the elastic members installed in four groove portions 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D extending from the center of the support member 4 (the same position as the center of the cap body 2A) in an equal angle outward, and is slidably attached. The "part of the locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D" referred to here means the rectangular protrusions formed on the attachment portion 8 side (lower side) of the slide portion 7 shown in the bottom view, left side view, and right side view of Fig. 3(a). This will be described later with reference to Fig. 3(a).

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2(c), one end (handle portion 6) of the locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D may form two sides of a substantially triangular shape that gradually expand toward the center of the support member 4 (the center that is in the same position as the center of the cap body 2A). These two sides of the substantially triangular shape may be arranged to surround the column portion of the support member 4. As shown in FIG. 2(c), the locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are slidably fitted with other adjacent locking members, and by sliding inward toward the center, they can push other locking members inward to release the locking, thereby providing a user-friendly cap.

[0038] FIG. 3(a) is a plan view (upper left), bottom view (upper right), left side view (lower left), and right side view (lower right) for explaining the locking member 3 in the first embodiment.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the locking member 3 is composed of a handle portion 6, a slide portion 7, and a mounting portion 8. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the handle portion 6 is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the slide portion 7, and the mounting portion 8 is provided at the other end of the slide portion 7.

[0040] The slide portion 7 is a part of the locking member 3, is provided at the center of the locking member 3, and is a component for enabling the locking member 3 to slide in the inner and outer directions from the center of the cap body. The slide portion 7 slides along the groove portion of the support member 4. As shown in the bottom view, left side view, and right side view of FIG. 3(a), the slide portion 7 may be provided with a rectangular protruding portion formed to fit into the groove portion on the lower side of the mounting portion 8 side. By pressing the elastic member 5 provided in the groove portion by the protruding portion, the locking member 3 slides inward and the locking members 3 fit together. By releasing the pressing, the locking member 3 slides outward to release the fitting of the locking members 3, and the protruding portion 8 is biased by the elastic member 5 and can be pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the opening of the article to be attached by the mounting portion 8.

[0041] The handle portion 6 is a part of the locking member 3, provided at one end of the locking member 3. As shown in Fig. 3(a), it is a component for gripping (such as pinching with fingers) as a knob 9 when attaching and detaching the cap 1A to / from a cylindrical part, and three or more handle portions 6 are configured by fitting with each other. The handle portion 6 may have a first upper locking piece and a second upper locking piece that form two substantially triangular sides gradually widening towards the center, and a first lower locking piece and a second lower locking piece arranged to form steps in the same direction as the first upper locking piece and the second upper locking piece respectively.

[0042] As shown in the plan view of Fig. 3(a), specifically, for example, the handle portion 6 may have a first upper locking piece and a first lower locking piece on the left side of the axis with the slide portion 7 as the axis, and a second upper locking piece and a second lower locking piece on the right side of the axis. As shown in the plan view of Fig. 3(a), a substantially triangular protruding piece may be further provided on the left side of the vertex of the substantially triangle formed by the first upper locking piece and the second upper locking piece. When the locking piece of the handle portion 6 of another locking member slides and fits into the gap formed on the left side of the first upper locking piece and above the first lower locking piece, the sliding can be stopped and held by the protruding piece.

[0043] The attachment portion 8 is a part of the locking member 3, provided at one end of the locking member 3. It is a component for pressing against the inner peripheral surface of the opening of an article when attaching the cap 1A to a cylindrical part. As shown in the left side view and the right side view of Fig. 3(a), the attachment portion 8 may be formed to have a step. By matching the height difference of the step with the outer side wall and the inner side wall provided on the cap body 2A, the attachment portion 8 can be well accommodated in the cap body 2A.

[0044] Fig. 3(c) is a plan view for explaining the support member 4 and the elastic member 5 in the first embodiment.

[0045] The support member 4 supports the locking member 3 from the back surface of the cap body 2A and is a component for installing the elastic member 5. As shown in FIG. 3(c), the support member 4 may have, for example, a circular flange at the center and two or more groove portions extending outward from the center of the circular flange (the center of the cap body 2A) at equal angles. The support member 4 may have, for example, four groove portions as shown in FIG. 3(c).

[0046] The elastic member 5 is a member for urging the locking member 3 outward to attach the locking member 3 to an article. In this embodiment, although it is illustrated as a separate member from the support member 4, the elastic member 5 and the support member 4 may be integrally formed. As shown in FIG. 3(c), the elastic member 5 is composed of an elastic member 5A, an elastic member 5B, an elastic member 5C, and an elastic member 5D, is installed in the groove portion of the support member 4, and may urge the locking member 3 outward from the center. The locking member 3 presses against the inner peripheral surface of the cap body by this urging force and also presses against the inner peripheral surface of the article to be attached to lock the cap body. By adopting such a configuration, the locking member 3 can be slidably attached to the support member 4, and can uniformly press against an article having an opening from the center of the circular flange (the center of the cap body 2A).

[0047] (Second Embodiment) Regarding the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, an example was given where four locking members 3 fit together and the cap 1A was attached to an article at four points. In contrast, in the second embodiment, an example will be described where three locking members 3 fit together and the cap 1B is attached to an article at three points. This will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the locking member 3 of the cap according to the present invention can be locked with at least two locking members 3, and two or more locking members 3 fit together to lock the cap to the article at two or more points. Conventional caps could only be locked at two points, but the cap according to the present invention has the advantage that from the viewpoint of locking stability, it is desirable to have three or more locking points, and having three (three points) of the number of locking members 3 (locking points) rather than two (two points) can achieve more stable locking.

[0048] FIG. 1(b) is a plan view for explaining the cap 1B in the second embodiment of the present invention. Since the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the number of locking members 3 (three and four) and the number of attachment locations (three points and four points), the description thereof is omitted.

[0049] FIG. 1(d) is a bottom view for explaining the cap 1B in the second embodiment. Since the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the number of locking members 3 (three and four) and the number of attachment locations (three points and four points), the description thereof is omitted.

[0050] FIG. 2(b) is a bottom view for explaining the cap body 2B in the second embodiment. Since the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the number of rectangular openings (three and four), the description thereof is omitted.

[0051] FIG. 2(d) is a plan view for explaining the locking members 3A, 3B, 3C and the support member 4 in the second embodiment. Since the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the number of locking members 3 (three and four) and the number of rectangular box-shaped groove portions of the support member 4 (three and four), the description thereof is omitted.

[0052] FIG. 3(b) is a plan view (upper left), a bottom view (upper right), and a left side view (lower) for explaining the locking member 3 in the second embodiment. Since it is the same as the first embodiment except for the number of locking members 3 (three and four), the description thereof is omitted.

[0053] FIG. 3(d) is a plan view for explaining the support member 4 and the elastic member 5 in the second embodiment. Since it is the same as the first embodiment except for the number of rectangular box-shaped groove portions of the support member 4 and the number of elastic members (three and four), the description thereof is omitted.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the handle portion 6 in the second embodiment. Note that in the handle portion 6 in the first embodiment, the basic configuration is the same except that the number of handle portions is different.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 5, the handle part 6 is composed of two or more (three) handle parts, namely the handle part 6E, the handle part 6F, and the handle part 6G. In other words, the handle part 6 is configured as a gear at the center of the cap 1B.

[0056] Fig. 5(a) is a perspective view showing a state in which the handle part 6E is engaged with the handle parts 6F and 6G, which are the handle parts of the other locking members on both adjacent sides. Fig. 5(a) is a plan view showing a state in which the handle part 6E is engaged with the handle parts 6F and 6G, which are the handle parts of the other locking members on both adjacent sides (a state in which the gear at the center is contracted). Fig. 5(c) is a perspective view showing a state in which at least a part of the engagement between the handle part 6E and the handle parts 6F and 6G, which are the handle parts of the other locking members on both adjacent sides, is released (a state in which the gear at the center is deployed). Fig. 5(c) is a plan view showing a state in which at least a part of the engagement between the handle part 6E and the handle parts 6F and 6G, which are the handle parts of the other locking members on both adjacent sides, is released.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 5, for example, when the handle part 6E and the handle part 6F are pinched and pushed with fingers and slide toward the center (the center of the substantially triangular shape formed by surrounding the handle part 6E, the handle part 6F, and the handle part 6G (the center of the cap body 2B)), the first lower locking piece of the handle part 6E gradually presses the second lower locking piece of the handle part 6F from the tip, and the second upper locking piece of the handle part 6F gradually presses the first upper locking piece of the handle part 6F from the tip, and they are pushed inward toward the center (the center of the cap body 2). Note that the handle part 6E, the handle part 6F, and the handle part 6G are engaged (combined) as shown in Fig. 5 to form the knob 9B.

[0058] At this time, with respect to the handle part 6G, in the force applied by the handle part 6E and the handle part 6F during the pressing contact, the force component in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the axis passing through the apex of the substantially triangular shape formed by the handle part 6G and the center is canceled out because the component forces applied from the handle part 6E and the handle part 6F are in opposite directions. On the other hand, the force component in the direction of the axis passing through the apex of the substantially triangular shape formed by the handle part 6G and the center is synthesized because the component forces applied from the handle part 6E and the handle part 6F are in the same direction, and becomes a force that pushes the handle part 6G inward toward the center.

[0059] Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, in the cap 1B, by pinching and pushing any two arbitrary points among the handle portions 6E, 6F, and 6G with fingers, the other handle portions can also move in conjunction with each other, and all the handle portions can slide toward the center. Similarly, in the cap 1A, by pinching and pushing any two arbitrary points among the handle portions 6E, 6F, 6G, and 6D with fingers, the other handle portions can also move in conjunction with each other, and all the handle portions can slide toward the center.

[0060] When the handle portions 6E, 6F, and 6G are pushed inward toward the center, the force is transmitted to the slide 7 connected to the lower part of the handle portion 6. The slide 7 applies a force as a force opposing the force by which the elastic member 5 biases the elastic member 5, and the entire locking member 3 slides inward toward the center.

[0061] With such a configuration, the handle portion 6 is slidably fitted to the other adjacent handle portions 6. By sliding inward toward the center, the other handle portions 6 are pushed inward to release the locking of the cap 1 to the article, so that the cap body can be removed from the article, and a user-friendly cap can be provided.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the support member 4 in the second embodiment. Note that the basic configuration of the support member 4 in the first embodiment is the same, except that the number of groove portions is different.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, the support member 4 has three groove portions 12E, 12F, and 12G that extend from the center outward at equal angles. Further, a column portion 15B may be provided at the center of the support member 4, and a substantially circular flange 13B and sector-shaped flanges 14E, 14F, and 14G that connect the groove portions to the substantially central portion may be provided on the column portion. The support member 4 may be attached to the cap body 2B by fitting the sector-shaped flanges 14E, 14F, and 14G into the circular opening 10B of the cap body 2B.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 6, the three groove portions 12E, 12F, and 12G of the support member 4 are configured to form a substantially rectangular groove with two side surfaces and a bottom surface. The groove portions 12E, 12F, and 12G may be formed such that the length of the bottom surface in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the length of the side surface in the longitudinal direction. By configuring in this way, it is possible to prevent wear due to friction between the mounting portion 8 of the locking member 3 and the groove portion.

[0065] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an example of attaching the cap 1B in the second embodiment to the cylindrical part 20. Note that the basic configuration is the same as that of the cap 1A in the first embodiment, except that the number of locking members and the like are different. This example is an example in which the article to which the cap 1B is attached is a cylindrical part.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, when attaching the cap 1B to the cylindrical part 20, pinch and push any two points of the knob 9B formed by fitting (combining) the handle portions 6 of the locking members 3E, 3F, and 3G with fingers, and make the locking members 3E, 3F, and 3G not protrude outward from the cap body 2B, and then fit it into the opening of the cylindrical part 20 for attachment.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cap 1B in the second embodiment when removing and attaching to an article. Note that the basic configuration is the same as that of the cap 1A in the first embodiment, except that the number of locking members and the like are different.

[0068] FIG. 8(a) shows a state where the cap 1B is removed from the article. As shown in FIG. 8(a), in the cap 1B, in the removed state, at least a part of the fitting of the handle portions 6E, 6F, and 6G of the locking member 3 is released so as to be separated from each other. Such a configuration is realized, for example, by the fact that the locking member 3 is biased outward by the elastic member 5, but the slide portions 7E, 7F, and 7G of the locking member 3 are locked by the side wall of the cap body 2B.

[0069] Figure 8(b) shows the state where the cap 1B is attached to an article. As shown in Figure 8(b), in the cap 1B, in the attached state, the handle parts 6E, 6F, and 6G of the locking member 3 are in a state of being completely fitted together. At this time, the handle parts 6E, 6F, and 6G of the locking member are urged outward by the elastic member 5 and are in a state of being in pressure contact with and locked to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part 20.

[0070] (Common) Figure 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the locking piece of the handle part 6 in an embodiment of the present invention. This example of the configuration is an example of a configuration common to Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 according to the present invention.

[0071] As shown in Figure 4, the handle part 6 of the locking member 3 has a first upper locking piece and a second upper locking piece that form two sides of a triangle that gradually expand toward the center of the cap body 2A, and a first lower locking piece and a second lower locking piece that are arranged to form steps in the same direction as the first upper locking piece and the second upper locking piece respectively. The handle part 6 of the locking member 3 fits the locking pieces of the other locking members 3 adjacent to both sides into the upper and lower gaps generated by the steps, and when the locking member 3 slides inward toward the center of the cap body 2A, it pushes the other locking members inward. As shown in Figure 4, the first upper locking piece, the second upper locking piece, the first lower locking piece, and the second lower locking piece may be formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular shape (substantially rectangular).

[0072] As shown in Figure 4, the handle part 6 of the locking member 3 may be further provided with a substantially triangular protruding piece on the left side of the outer vertex of the substantially triangle formed by the first upper locking piece and the second upper locking piece. By the protruding piece, when the locking piece of the handle part 6 of the other locking member slides and fits into the gap generated on the left side of the first upper locking piece and above the first lower locking piece, the sliding can be stopped and held.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 4, the handle portion 6 of the locking member 3 may be provided with a step on the left side of the inner vertex formed by the first upper locking piece and the second upper locking piece (on the inner vertex side of the first upper locking piece). Due to this step, when the locking piece of the handle portion 6 of another locking member slides and fits into the gap formed on the left side of the second upper locking piece and above the second lower locking piece, the sliding can be stopped and held.

[0074] In the example shown in Fig. 4(b), for simplicity of explanation, a space is provided between the first upper locking piece and the second upper locking piece, and the first lower locking piece and the second lower locking piece of the handle portion 6 of the locking member 3. However, instead of providing the space, a step portion may be provided in between, and the first upper locking piece and the first lower locking piece may be continuously formed in a bent hook shape via the step portion, and the second upper locking piece and the second lower locking piece may also be continuously formed in a bent hook shape via the step portion in the same manner.

[0075] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the assembly procedure of the cap 1 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 9, the elastic member 5 is attached to the support member 4 (step S11). Specifically, the elastic member 5 is installed in each of the groove portions 12 of the support member 4. When installing the elastic member 5 in the groove portion 12, with one end in the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 5 in contact with the column portion 15 and the other end released, it is placed in the groove of the groove portion 12 for installation.

[0077] Attach the locking member 3 to the support member 4 to which the elastic member 5 is attached (step S12). Specifically, place the locking member 3 on each of the groove portions 12 of the support member 4 on which the elastic member 5 is installed from the upper side (opposite to the support member 4 side) of the elastic member 5. At the time of this placement, bring the rectangular protrusion formed on the lower side of the slide portion 7 of the locking member 3 into contact with one end of the elastic member 5 that has been released. After the placement, pinch the handle portion 6 of the locking member 3 with a finger and push it inward, and slide the locking member 3 inward along the groove portion 12 of the support member 4 against the biasing force of the elastic member 5 outward to fix the handle portions 6 of the locking members 3 in a fitted state. At this time, specifically, the protrusion of the locking member 3 presses the elastic member 5 against the biasing force to slide the locking member 3 inward.

[0078] Attach the cap body 2 to the support member 4 to which the locking member 3 is attached (step 13). Specifically, with the handle portion 6 of the locking member 3 fitted and fixed to the support member 4, fit a part of the support member 4 (the fan-shaped flange portion 14 and the slide portion 7 of the locking member 3) into the circular opening 10 and the rectangular opening 11 of the cap body 2, and release the pushing operation in the fitted state to partially release the fitting of the handle portion 6 of the locking member 3 and lock the slide portion 7 of the locking member 3 by the side wall of the cap body 2 for attachment.

[0079] In the caps 1A shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(c), an example of attaching the cap to an article is shown in which locking members 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D protruding in four directions are provided, and the locking members are pressed against the inner peripheral surface (inner wall) of the article at four points. Similarly, in the cap 1B shown in FIGS. 1(b) and 1(d), an example of attaching the cap to an article is shown in which locking members 3E, 3F, and 3G protruding in three directions are provided, and the locking members are pressed against the inner peripheral surface (inner wall) of the article at three points. By providing a plurality of locking members, the cap can be stably attached to the article, but only one locking member may be provided. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), the cap may be configured. FIG. 10(a) shows an example in which only the locking member 3A is provided in the cap 1A, and only the locking member 3A is pressed against the inner wall of the article. Similarly, FIG. 10(b) shows an example in which only the locking member 3F is provided in the cap 1B, and only the locking member 3F is pressed against the inner wall of the article. At this time, in the cap 1B, the side surface portion (the hatched portion 101 shown in FIG. 10(c)) on the opposite side of the locking member 3F also comes into pressure contact with the inner peripheral surface (inner wall) of the article as the locking member 3F protrudes, and the cap can be pressure contacted and attached to the article at two points. By suppressing the number of locking members, the number of parts of the cap can be suppressed, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced compared to providing a plurality of locking members.

[0080] Also, while one locking member is sufficient, the handle portion 6 itself needs to be combined in a plurality of sets. At this time, from the viewpoint of moment, the number of members combined as the handle portion 6 is more desirable in the case of an odd number than in the case of an even number. That is, it is easier to grip the handle portion 6 if it is configured to be composed of a combination of an odd number of members.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0081] 1 Cap 2 Cap Body 3 Operating Member 4 Support Member 5 Elastic Member 6 Handle Portion 7 Slide Portion 8 Mounting part

Claims

1. A cap attached to a cylindrical part having an opening, comprising: a cap body; at least three or more locking members slidably attached in the inner and outer directions from the center of the cap body and pressing against the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part to lock the cap body; the locking members are slidably fitted with other adjacent locking members, and by sliding inward toward the center, the other locking members are pushed inward to release the locking; each of the locking members has a handle member at an end on the side fitted with other locking members; when each of the locking members is fitted with other locking members, a handle part is formed by the handle members; by pinching the handle part, all the locking members are configured to move inward in response; each of the locking members is arranged at an equal angle with respect to the center of the cap body; a support member disposed at the center of the cap body, supporting each of the locking members from the back surface of the cap body, and having three or more groove parts extending at an equal angle outward from the center; the support member includes a flange part connecting the groove parts to each other A cap characterized by the above.

2. The locking member is slidably attached by fitting at least a part thereof into any one of the three or more groove parts The cap according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. An elastic member is provided in the groove part to urge the locking member outward from the center, the locking member presses against the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part by the urging force to lock the cap body The cap according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. A locking mechanism for locking a flat member to the opening of a cylindrical part having an opening, comprising: a flat member body; at least three or more locking members slidably attached in the inner and outer directions and pressing against the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part to lock the member body; the locking members are slidably fitted with other adjacent locking members, and by sliding inward in the direction in which the locking members are fitted, the other locking members are pushed inward to release the locking; each of the locking members has a handle member at an end on the side fitted with other locking members; when each of the locking members is fitted with other locking members, a handle part is formed by the handle members; by pinching the handle part, all the locking members are configured to move inward in response; Each of the locking members is arranged at an equal angle with respect to the center of the cap body which is the flat member body. A support member is provided which is arranged at the center of the cap body, supports each of the locking members from the back surface of the cap body, and has three or more groove portions extending from the center outward at an equal angle. The support member includes a flange portion connecting the groove portions to each other. The locking mechanism is characterized by the above.

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