Container holder

Abstract

To provide a container holder which can widely respond to various beverage containers, always stably hold the stored beverage container, and always smoothly and easily store and extract the beverage container.SOLUTION: A container holder 1 holding a container 20 comprises: a holder body 2 which has an aperture 2b at a top face to form a bottomed container storing chamber 2a storing a container; and a container holding mechanism 3 which stably holds the container stored in the container storing chamber. The container holding mechanism includes: a swing member 11 which is swingably arranged around a first support shaft 11a relative to the holder body; a rotary member 12 which is rotatably arranged around a second support shaft 12a relative to the swing member; and an energization member 13 which energizes the swing member to protrude inside in a radial direction of the container storing chamber. When a container is stored into or extracted from the container storing chamber, an external surface of the container contacts with the swing member or a part of an externals surface of the rotary member so that the swing member swings around the first support shaft or the rotary member rotates around the second support shaft.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container holder provided in a vehicle interior of a vehicle such as an automobile and accommodating a beverage container or the like while holding it.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a vehicle such as an automobile, when a beverage container such as a cup or a bottle filled with a beverage or the like is brought into the vehicle interior by a passenger or the like, a cup holder or a bottle holder or the like called a container holder (hereinafter simply referred to as a container holder) for accommodating and placing the beverage container or the like is provided.

[0003] In a conventional container holder, various ones have been proposed and generally put into practical use, which are configured with a mechanism for stably holding a beverage container or the like even while the vehicle is running.

[0004] For example, the container holders disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6445452, International Patent Publication WO2016 / 178325, etc. include a container holding mechanism using rollers having a rotation axis extending in a tangential direction of a circle centered on the central axis of a container accommodation chamber.

[0005] A plurality of such rollers used in this type of container holding mechanism are arranged so as to surround the container accommodation chamber. These plurality of rollers are configured to be able to move in the radial direction of the container accommodation chamber by being urged toward the inner side in the radial direction of the container accommodation chamber. With such a configuration, the plurality of rollers stably hold a beverage container or the like accommodated in the container accommodation chamber.

[0006] Furthermore, container holders disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-59186 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-198489, etc., include a container holding mechanism using an arm member or a swinging member that protrudes in a substantially arc shape toward the radially inward direction of the container storage chamber. These arm members or swinging members are biased toward the radially inward direction of the container storage chamber by a biasing member. With this configuration, the arm member or swinging member stably holds beverage containers and the like housed in the container storage chamber.

[0007] Incidentally, in recent years, beverage containers that are commonly used, especially so-called PET bottles (plastic bottles), which are bottle-shaped beverage containers made of synthetic resin, come in a variety of sizes (external dimensions such as capacity, diameter, and height) and shapes (those with various designs such as bumps and ridges on the outer surface, etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 6445452 [Patent Document 2] International Patent Publication WO2016 / 178325 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-59186 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-198489 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] However, conventional container holders disclosed in the aforementioned publications have the problem of not being able to adequately accommodate beverage containers of various sizes and shapes.

[0010] For example, in the case of beverage containers with uneven surfaces, especially those with a large constriction (a concave surface), there is a possibility that a part of the container holding mechanism, such as a roller, arm member, or oscillating member, may get caught on the uneven surface of the beverage container when removing it from the container compartment.

[0011] Thus, even if there is difficulty in removing a beverage container, the user can remove it by making some adjustments, such as shifting the position or direction of the beverage container while it is being removed. However, the problem is that such cumbersome operations can cause unnecessary stress to the user.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a container holder that can accommodate a wide range of beverage containers of various sizes and shapes, can always stably hold the contained beverage containers, and can always smoothly and easily insert and remove beverage containers in a single motion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To achieve the above objective, a container holder according to one aspect of the present invention is a container holder for holding a container, comprising: a holder body having an opening on its upper surface and a bottomed container storage chamber formed therein for accommodating the container; and a container holding mechanism for stably holding the container housed in the container storage chamber, wherein the container holding mechanism comprises: a swinging member arranged to swing freely around a first pivot axis relative to the holder body; a rotating member arranged to rotate freely around a second pivot axis relative to the swinging member; and a biasing member that biases the swinging member in a direction that causes it to protrude radially inward into the container storage chamber. , a pressing support member that pivotably supports the rotating member and moves the rotating member in the radial direction of the container housing chamber, and a second biasing member that biases the pressing support member inward in the radial direction of the container housing chamber, Equipped with, The aforementioned rotating member is a roller that is pivotally supported so as to be able to roll around the second support shaft, In the process of placing or removing the container from the container storage chamber, the outer surface of the container comes into contact with a part of the outer surface of the oscillating member or the rotating member, causing the oscillating member to oscillate around the first pivot axis or the rotating member to rotate around the second pivot axis. To achieve the above objective, a container holder according to one aspect of the present invention is a container holder for holding a container, comprising: a holder body having an opening on its upper surface and a bottomed container storage chamber formed therein for accommodating the container; and a container holding mechanism for stably holding the container housed in the container storage chamber, wherein the container holding mechanism comprises: a swinging member arranged to swing freely around a first pivot axis relative to the holder body; a rotating member arranged to rotate freely around a second pivot axis relative to the swinging member; and a biasing member that biases the swinging member in a direction toward the radially inward direction of the container storage chamber, wherein the rotating member is an arm member having an arc-shaped portion and pivotally supported so as to be rotatable around the second pivot axis, and when the container housed in the container storage chamber is pulled out, the arm member rotates independently of the swinging member around the second pivot axis in accordance with the movement of the container. In the process of placing or removing the container from the container storage chamber, the outer surface of the container comes into contact with a part of the outer surface of the oscillating member or the rotating member, causing the oscillating member to oscillate around the first pivot axis or the rotating member to rotate around the second pivot axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to widely cope with various beverage containers and the like of various sizes and forms, always stably hold the accommodated beverage containers and the like, and always smoothly and easily accommodate and take out the beverage containers and the like in one operation, and a container holder can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] External perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the container holder according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] Schematic plan view seen from the direction indicated by the arrow symbol [2] in FIG. 1 [Figure 3] Schematic cross-sectional view taken along line [3]-[3] in FIG. 1 [Figure 4] External perspective view showing one of the container holding mechanisms included in the container holder shown in FIG. 1 taken out [Figure 5] Exploded perspective view of the container holding mechanism shown in FIG. 3 [Figure 6] Figure showing the intermediate state when accommodating a beverage container of the first form in the container holder according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 7] Figure showing the state after FIG. 6 [Figure 8] Figure showing the completed state of accommodating the beverage container in the container holder after FIG. 7 [Figure 9] Figure for explaining the operation when accommodating and taking out a beverage container of the second form in the container holder according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the initial state of the container holder [Figure 10] Figure showing the intermediate state when accommodating the beverage container in the container holder after FIG. 9 [Figure 11] Figure showing the state after FIG. 10 [Figure 12] External perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the container holder according to the second embodiment of the present invention [Figure 13] Schematic cross-sectional view taken along line

[13] -

[13] in FIG. 12 [Figure 14]Figure 12 shows an external perspective view of one of the container holding mechanisms included in the container holder. [Figure 15] Figure 14 shows an exploded perspective view of the container holding mechanism. [Figure 16] This figure shows the intermediate state when a beverage container of the first embodiment is placed in the container holder of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] Figure 16 shows the state after the previous state. [Figure 18] This diagram illustrates the process of removing a third-form beverage container housed in a container holder according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and shows the state in which the beverage container is housed in the container holder. [Figure 19] Figure 18 shows the state after the previous state. [Figure 20] This figure shows the situation immediately after Figure 19, just before the contact between the beverage container and the container holding mechanism is released. [Figure 21] Figure 20 shows the beverage container being lifted and the container holder returning to its initial position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. The drawings used in the following description are schematic, and in order to show each component at a size that can be recognized on the drawing, the dimensional relationships and scales of each component may differ for each component. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated forms with respect to the quantity of each component, the shape of each component, the ratio of the sizes of each component, and the relative positional relationships of each component as shown in each drawing.

[0017] [First Embodiment] Figures 1 to 11 show a first embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Figures 1 to 5 show the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 6 to 11 show the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] First, the configuration of the container holder according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the container holder according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view taken from the direction indicated by the arrow reference numeral [2] in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line [3]-[3] in Figure 1. Figure 4 is an external perspective view showing one of the container holding mechanisms included in the container holder shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the container holding mechanism shown in Figure 3. Note that Figures 1 to 4 show the container holding mechanism in an unloaded state.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1 and other figures, the container holder 1 of this embodiment is composed of a holder body 2 and a plurality of container holding mechanisms 3, etc.

[0020] The holder body 2 is formed to have a container storage chamber 2a for accommodating, for example, a bottle-type beverage container (see reference numeral 20 in Figure 3, etc.; hereinafter referred to as the beverage container 20). This container storage chamber 2a has an opening 2b on its upper surface and a floor surface 2c on its lower surface. In the container storage chamber 2a illustrated in this embodiment, for example, the opening 2b and the floor surface 2c are formed in a substantially circular shape, forming a substantially cylindrical space as a whole. However, the form of the container storage chamber 2a is not limited to this illustrative example.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, it is desirable that the container storage chamber 2a is formed such that the diameter Db of the bottom floor surface 2c is slightly smaller than the diameter Da of the opening 2b on the top surface (Da > Db).

[0022] The container holding mechanism 3 is a mechanism unit for stably holding the beverage container 20 housed in the container storage chamber 2a. Multiple container holding mechanisms 3 are arranged to surround the container storage chamber 2a. In the container holder 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, for example, three container holding mechanisms 3 are arranged at approximately equal intervals (for example, at 120-degree intervals) around the central axis O of the opening 2b of the container storage chamber 2a. The number of container holding mechanisms 3 is not limited to the number exemplified in this embodiment. However, it is desirable to arrange at least three or more container holding mechanisms 3 in one container holder 1.

[0023] In Figure 2, the circle Ds, indicated by the dashed line, roughly represents the minimum diameter of a beverage container that can be stably held in the container storage chamber 2a using the three container holding mechanisms 3 in the container holder 1.

[0024] Furthermore, the straight line Wr shown by the dashed line in Figure 2 represents the straight-line distance between the innermost part of each component of the container holding mechanism 3 located within the container storage chamber 2a (in this example, the outer circumference of the roller 12) and the central axis O of the opening 2b, when the container holder 1 is in its initial state (described later).

[0025] Therefore, the symbol Wr shown in Figure 2 corresponds to the radius of a beverage container having a diameter Ds. Note that the symbol 20 shown by the dashed line in Figure 3 is an example of one form of beverage container.

[0026] Next, the detailed configuration of the container holding mechanism 3 included in the container holder 1 of this embodiment will be described below. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the container holding mechanism 3 is composed of a body 11, a roller 12, a torsion coil spring 13, a roller pressing member 14, a roller biasing spring 15, and the like.

[0027] Body 11 is a swingable member that is pivotably positioned relative to the holder body 2. Body 11 is a block member that has a substantially L-shaped plane overall and is formed in the shape of a flat plate.

[0028] A first support shaft 11a (see Figure 5) is formed in the region near the tip of one arm of the body 11. This first support shaft 11a is a shaft that pivotably supports the body 11 relative to the holder body 2. The central axis Ax1 of the first support shaft 11a is approximately parallel to the tangent to the circle (see Figure 2) centered on the central axis O of the opening 2b.

[0029] A torsion coil spring 13 is wound around the first support shaft 11a. For this purpose, a spring arrangement portion 11b (see Figure 5) is formed in the body 11 near the first support shaft 11a.

[0030] The torsion coil spring 13 is a first biasing member that defines one end of the swing range of the body 11 and generates a biasing force that biases the body 11 in a predetermined swing direction. To this end, as shown in Figure 3, one arm 13a of the torsion coil spring 13 is locked to a predetermined fixing part 2d of the holder body 2. The other arm 13b of the torsion coil spring 13 is locked to a predetermined fixing part 11k of the body 11. With this configuration, the swing of the body 11 around the central axis Ax1 of the first support shaft 11a is restricted to a predetermined range by the torsion coil spring 13. At the same time, the body 11 is biased by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 13 in a predetermined direction around the central axis Ax1 of the first support shaft 11a (a direction directed radially inward towards the opening 2b of the container housing chamber 2a).

[0031] Note that the states shown in Figures 1 to 4 represent the unloaded state in which the torsion coil spring 13 is in its initial state. At this time, the body 11 maintains the state shown in Figure 3.

[0032] Meanwhile, a roller 12 is provided in the region near the tip of the other arm of the body 11. The roller 12 is a rotating member that is rotatably positioned relative to the body 11. The roller 12 is formed in a generally flat, approximately circular disc shape.

[0033] Furthermore, the roller 12 is formed with a second support shaft 12a. This second support shaft 12a is a shaft portion that pivotally supports the roller 12 so that it can roll freely relative to the body 11. For this purpose, the second support shaft 12a is positioned so that its central axis Ax2 substantially coincides with the central axis of the roller 12.

[0034] The central axis Ax2 of the second support axis 12a is approximately parallel to the tangent line of the circle (see Figure 2) centered on the central axis O of the opening 2b, similar to the first support axis 11a. In other words, the central axis Ax1 of the first support axis 11a and the central axis Ax2 of the second support axis 12a are approximately parallel.

[0035] Here, the second support shaft 12a is pivotally supported in the through hole 14a of the roller pressing member 14, as will be described in detail later.

[0036] Furthermore, a spatial region 11c is formed between the outer surface 11m and the outer surface 11n on the other arm portion of the body 11. This spatial region 11c is a space formed to allow the disc portion of the roller 12 to be positioned and to allow the roller 12 to roll without obstruction.

[0037] Furthermore, an elongated through-hole 11d is formed in the region near the tip of the other arm of the body 11, which guides the movement of the second support shaft 12a of the roller 12 in a predetermined direction. This elongated through-hole 11d penetrates the body 11 in a direction along the central axis Ax2 of the second support shaft 12a and is formed as an elongated hole that extends in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the central axis Ax2 of the second support shaft 12a. In this case, the elongated through-hole 11d extends in a direction along the radial direction of the container housing chamber 2a (opening 2b) (i.e., in the direction along arrow Y in Figure 5).

[0038] Furthermore, a through passage 11e is formed in a part of the elongated through hole 11d, opening outward from the body 11. This through passage 11e is an installation passage for introducing the second support shaft 12a of the roller 12 into the elongated through hole 11d.

[0039] On the other hand, an extension portion 11f is formed in the region near the tip of the other arm of the body 11, extending parallel to the direction of extension of the elongated through hole 11d (arrow Y direction) and in the same direction as the extension direction of one arm of the body 11.

[0040] The extension portion 11f is formed in a substantially box shape having an internal space 11g. The internal space 11g of the extension portion 11f is in communication with the internal space region 11c within the body 11. This internal space 11g is the space in which the roller pressing member 14 and the roller biasing spring 15 are housed.

[0041] The roller pressing member 14 is a pressing support member that moves the roller 12 in the radial direction (Y direction) of the container storage chamber 2a (opening 2b) while pivotally supporting the second support shaft 12a of the roller 12 so as to be able to roll. A through hole 14a is formed near the tip of the roller pressing member 14. The second support shaft 12a is inserted through this through hole 14a. As a result, the roller 12 is pivotally supported relative to the roller pressing member 14 so as to be able to roll.

[0042] Furthermore, the roller pressing member 14 has a roller rotation space 14b formed therein, which is a space area for the roller 12 to roll without obstruction. This roller rotation space 14b is formed in substantially the same form as the space area 11c of the body 11.

[0043] Furthermore, the roller pressing member 14 has a spring receiving portion 14c formed on its rear end surface to receive the tip portion of the roller biasing spring 15. The tip portion of the roller biasing spring 15 engages with this spring receiving portion 14c. As a result, the spring receiving portion 14c fixes one end of the roller biasing spring 15 and restricts the displacement of the roller biasing spring 15.

[0044] The roller biasing spring 15 is a second biasing member that biases the roller pressing member 14 inward in the radial direction of the container housing chamber 2a (of the opening 2b). The roller biasing spring 15 is a biasing member such as a coil spring that expands and contracts in the direction of arrow Y in Figure 5.

[0045] To this end, when the roller biasing spring 15 is positioned in the internal space 11g, its leading end is wound around and substantially fixed to the spring receiving portion 14c of the roller pressing member 14, and its rear end is wound around and substantially fixed to the spring receiving portion 11h of the body 11.

[0046] Furthermore, the body 11 has an inclined surface 11p near the connection point between one arm and the other arm. As shown in Figure 3, when the container holding mechanism 3 is attached to the holder body 2, this inclined surface 11p extends from near the outer peripheral edge of the opening 2b of the container storage chamber 2a radially inward of the opening 2b and also extends toward the bottom surface. The inclined surface 11p is formed in a substantially arc shape. In addition, the inclined surface 11p is connected to the other arm without any steps or other differences at the connection point, and is a smooth surface.

[0047] The container holding mechanism 3, having the above configuration, is assembled as follows. First, the roller biasing spring 15 is inserted into the internal space 11g of the body 11. At this time, the rear end of the roller biasing spring 15 is substantially fixed to the spring receiving portion 11h of the body 11.

[0048] Next, the roller pressing member 14 is inserted into the internal space 11g of the body 11. At this time, the tip of the roller biasing spring 15 is substantially fixed to the spring receiving portion 14c of the roller pressing member 14.

[0049] Next, within the internal space 11g, the roller pressing member 14 is pressed backward (in the direction of arrow Y1 in Figure 5) against the biasing force of the roller biasing spring 15, and while maintaining this state, the second support shaft 12a of the roller 12 is inserted from the through passage 11e of the body 11 into the elongated through hole 11d.

[0050] Next, the second support shaft 12a is inserted into the through hole 14a of the roller pressing member 14. When the pressure on the roller pressing member 14 is released, the roller pressing member 14 is pushed forward (in the direction of arrow Y2 in Figure 5) by the biasing force of the roller biasing spring 15.

[0051] Then, the second support shaft 12a moves along the elongated through-hole 11d and comes into contact with the inner surface at the tip of the elongated through-hole 11d. As a result, the roller 12 is positioned in a predetermined position within the body 11. At this time, the roller 12 is always subjected to a slight biasing force from the roller biasing spring 15 in the direction of arrow Y2. Therefore, the roller 12 maintains the predetermined position shown in Figure 4, etc., relative to the body 11.

[0052] With this configuration, the roller pressing member 14 and the roller 12 are always biased in a predetermined direction by the biasing force of the roller biasing spring 15. In this case, the predetermined direction is the direction of arrow Y2, which points the roller pressing member 14 and the roller 12 radially inward towards the opening 2b of the container housing chamber 2a.

[0053] In this state, if an external force is applied to the outer surface of the roller 12 in the direction of arrow Y2, the roller 12 is able to move freely in the direction along the elongated through hole 11d (direction of arrow Y) against the biasing force of the roller biasing spring 15. At the same time, in this state, the roller 12 is able to roll freely around the central axis Ax2 of the second support shaft 12a.

[0054] In this way, the component unit with the roller 12 incorporated into the body 11 is assembled into the holder body 2. In this case, the torsion coil spring 13 is wound around the first support shaft 11a and placed in the spring arrangement section 11b. Then, one arm 13a of the torsion coil spring 13 is locked to the fixing section 2d of the holder body 2. The other arm 13b of the torsion coil spring 13 is locked to the fixing section 11k of the body 11. This completes the mounting of the container holding mechanism 3A to the holder body 2 in the predetermined position.

[0055] Next, the operation of the container holder 1 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 6 to 11. The operation described below is the operation of storing and removing various types of beverage containers from the container holder 1 of this embodiment.

[0056] First, the operation of inserting and removing a beverage container 20 of the first form into the container holder 1 of this embodiment will be explained using Figures 3 and 6 to 8.

[0057] Figure 3 shows the initial state of the container holder 1 of this embodiment. At this time, we consider the operation when a beverage container 20 is placed into the container storage chamber 2a of the container holder 1, as shown by the dashed line.

[0058] Here, the first embodiment of the beverage container 20 represents a form of a bottle-type beverage container of a typical size (for example, a capacity of about 500 milliliters) with an uneven outer surface. Here, the maximum diameter of the beverage container 20 is denoted by the symbol D1, as shown in Figure 3. In this case, it is assumed that the maximum diameter D1 of the beverage container 20 is approximately equal to the diameter of the bottom surface of the beverage container 20, as shown in Figure 3.

[0059] On the other hand, in the container holder 1, the distance between the rollers of each container holding mechanism 3 in its initial state is represented by (Wrx2), as shown in Figure 3. Also, the distance between the bodies of each container holding mechanism 3 in its initial state is represented by the symbol (Wbx2), as shown in Figure 3.

[0060] Here, it is assumed that the maximum diameter D1 of the beverage container 20 is greater than the distance between the rollers of each container holding mechanism 3 (Wrx2), and is approximately equal to or smaller than the distance between the bodies of each container holding mechanism 3 (Wbx2). That is, (Wbx2)≧D1>(Wrx2) This assumes the case where the following holds true.

[0061] First, as shown in Figure 3, when the container holder 1 is in its initial state, the beverage container 20 is inserted through the opening 2b of the holder body 2 in the direction of arrow X1. At this time, the sizes of the beverage container 20 and the container holder 1 are such that, according to the relationship of the above conditional equation, the outer surface near the bottom of the beverage container 20 comes into contact with the outer surfaces of the multiple rollers 12.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 3, etc., the beverage container 20 is inserted in the direction of arrow X1, i.e., vertically, toward the container storage chamber 2a of the container holder 1. However, the example is not limited to the illustration.

[0063] Normally, when a beverage container 20 is placed in the container storage chamber 2a of the container holder 1, the beverage container 20 is often inserted at an angle to the surface of the opening 2b. However, even in such a situation, the operation can be explained by the following explanation.

[0064] If the beverage container 20 is continued to be inserted into the container holder 1 in the direction of arrow X1, the multiple rollers 12 are pressed against the outer surface of the beverage container 20 and begin to roll around the central axis Ax2 of the second support shaft 12a in the direction of arrow R1 in Figure 3.

[0065] Furthermore, when the beverage container 20 is inserted in the direction of arrow X1, the multiple rollers 12 continue to roll in the direction of arrow R1 while being pressed in the direction of arrow Y1 in Figure 3. As a result, the rollers 12 and the roller pressing member 14 move in the direction of arrow Y1 in Figure 3 against the biasing force of the roller biasing spring 15. Then, the state of the container holder 1 and the beverage container 20 becomes as shown in Figure 6.

[0066] Figure 6 shows the state after Figure 3. In Figure 6, the roller 12 is in contact with the widest diameter portion of the beverage container 20. In Figure 6, the symbol A1 is a dashed line indicating the initial position of the roller 12 (the roller position in Figure 3).

[0067] In the state shown in Figure 6, when the beverage container 20 is further inserted in the direction of arrow X1, the multiple rollers 12 move along the outer surface of the beverage container 20 while rolling in the direction of arrow R1. At this time, each roller 12 is pressed toward the outer surface of the beverage container 20 by the biasing force of the roller biasing spring 15. Therefore, the multiple rollers 12 move along the constricted portion while always in contact with the outer surface of the beverage container 20. At the same time, each roller 12 moves in the direction of arrow Y2 in Figure 6. The state of the container holder 1 and the beverage container 20 then becomes as shown in Figure 7.

[0068] Figure 7 shows the state after Figure 6. In Figure 7, the roller 12 is in contact with the constricted portion on the outer surface of the beverage container 20. Here, the reference numeral D2 in Figure 7 indicates the diameter of the narrowest part of the constricted portion on the outer surface of the beverage container 20. In Figure 7, the reference numeral A2 is a dashed line indicating the roller position in Figure 6.

[0069] In the state shown in Figure 7, when the beverage container 20 is further inserted in the direction of arrow X1, the multiple rollers 12 continue to roll in the direction of arrow R1, contacting the outer surface of the beverage container 20, moving along the outer surface, and moving in the direction of arrow Y2 in Figure 7. Eventually, the container holder 1 and the beverage container 20 will be in the state shown in Figure 8.

[0070] Figure 8 shows the state after Figure 7, where the beverage container has been fully placed in the container holder. In Figure 8, the roller 12 is in contact with a predetermined part (the narrow part of the constricted section) on the outer surface of the beverage container 20, and the beverage container 20 is held stably. Note that in Figure 8, reference numeral A3 is a dashed line indicating the roller position in Figure 7.

[0071] On the other hand, in the state shown in Figure 8, the action of removing the beverage container 20 is as follows. That is, in the state shown in Figure 8, the beverage container 20 is pulled up in the direction of arrow X2. Then, the roller 12, while in contact with the outer surface of the beverage container 20, rolls around the central axis Ax2 of the second support shaft 12a in the direction of arrow R2 in Figure 8, and moves along the constricted portion on the outer surface. Consequently, the roller 12 moves in the direction of arrow Y1 in Figure 8. Then, the state of the container holder 1 and the beverage container 20 changes to the state shown in Figure 7.

[0072] In the state shown in Figure 7, when the beverage container 20 is further lifted in the direction of arrow X2, the roller 12 moves along the outer surface of the beverage container 20 while rolling in the direction of arrow R2, and then moves in the direction of arrow Y1. Eventually, the container holder 1 and the beverage container 20 will be in the state shown in Figure 6.

[0073] In the state shown in Figure 6, when the beverage container 20 is further lifted in the direction of arrow X2, the roller 12 continues to roll in the direction of arrow R2 while moving along the outer surface of the beverage container 20 and then moves in the direction of arrow Y2. The container holder 1 and the beverage container 20 then return to the initial state shown in Figure 3.

[0074] Thus, when the beverage container 20 is being placed inside or removed, the rollers 12 constantly contact and roll against the outer surface of the beverage container 20, moving in the directions of arrows Y1 and Y2 according to the uneven shape of the outer surface. When the container is placed inside, each roller 12 is biased toward the outer surface of the beverage container 20 by the biasing force of each roller biasing spring 15.

[0075] When removing the beverage container 20, the roller 12 moves along the outer surface of the beverage container 20, and also moves along the outer surface of the beverage container 20 in the directions of arrows Y1 and Y2. In this way, the components of the container holding mechanism 3 that come into contact with the outer surface of the beverage container 20 are always freely movable, so the components of the container holding mechanism 3 do not get caught on the outer surface of the beverage container 20.

[0076] Next, the operation of the container holder 1 of this embodiment in accommodating and removing a second-form beverage container 20A, which is different in form from the first-form beverage container 20 described above, will be explained below.

[0077] Figures 9 to 11 illustrate the process of inserting and removing a second-type beverage container 20A from the container holder 1 of this embodiment.

[0078] Figure 9 shows the initial state of the container holder 1 of this embodiment (corresponding to Figure 3). Now, let's consider the operation when a beverage container 20A is placed into the container storage chamber 2a of the container holder 1.

[0079] Here, the second form of beverage container 20A represents a bottle-type beverage container that is larger in size than the first form of beverage container 20 (for example, with a capacity of about 1 liter) and has an uneven outer surface. Here, the maximum diameter of the beverage container 20A is denoted by the symbol D3, as shown in Figure 9. In this case, it is assumed that the maximum diameter D3 of the beverage container 20A is approximately equal to the diameter of the bottom surface of the beverage container 20A, as shown in Figure 9.

[0080] Furthermore, in the container holder 1, the distance between the bodies of each container holding mechanism 3 in its initial state is represented by the symbol (Wbx2), as shown in Figure 9.

[0081] Here, we assume that the maximum diameter D3 of the beverage container 20A is greater than the distance (Wbx2) between the bodies of each container holding mechanism 3. That is, D3>(Wbx2) This assumes the case where the following holds true.

[0082] First, as shown in Figure 9, when the container holder 1 is in its initial state, the beverage container 20A is inserted through the opening 2b of the holder body 2 in the direction of arrow X1. At this time, the sizes of the beverage container 20A and the container holder 1 are such that, according to the relationship of the above conditional equation, the outer surface near the bottom of the beverage container 20A abuts against the inclined surface 11p among the outer surfaces of the multiple bodies 11.

[0083] If the beverage container 20A is continued to be inserted in the direction of arrow X1, the multiple bodies 11 are pressed against the outer surface of the beverage container 20A and swing against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 13 around the central axis Ax1 of the first support shaft 11a in the direction of arrow R3 in Figure 9. At this time, the rollers 12 swing together with the bodies 11 but do not come into contact with the beverage container 20A.

[0084] Furthermore, when the beverage container 20A is inserted in the direction of arrow X1, the multiple bodies 11 continue to swing in the direction of arrow R3. The state of the container holder 1 and the beverage container 20A then becomes as shown in Figure 10.

[0085] Figure 10 shows the state after Figure 9. In Figure 10, the body 11 is in contact with the widest diameter portion of the beverage container 20A. In Figure 10, the reference numeral A4 is a dashed line indicating the initial position of the body 11 and roller 12 (the position in Figure 9).

[0086] In the state shown in Figure 10, when the beverage container 20A is further inserted in the direction of arrow X1, the multiple bodies 11 move along the outer surface of the beverage container 20A. At this time, each body 11 is pressed toward the outer surface of the beverage container 20A by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 13. Therefore, the multiple bodies 11 move along the outer surface of the beverage container 20A while always in contact with it. The state of the container holder 1 and the beverage container 20A then becomes as shown in Figure 11.

[0087] Figure 11 shows the state after Figure 10 and the completed state of storage. In Figure 11, the body 11 is shown in contact with the constricted portion on the outer surface of the beverage container 20A. Here, the reference numeral D4 in Figure 11 indicates the diameter of the narrowest part of the constricted portion on the outer surface of the beverage container 20A. In Figure 11, the reference numeral A5 indicates the position of the body in Figure 10.

[0088] In the state shown in Figure 11, when the beverage container 20A is further inserted in the direction of arrow X1, the multiple bodies 11 move along the outer surface of the beverage container 20A. At this time, the bodies 11 move along the outer surface of the beverage container 20A from the widest diameter portion to the constricted portion. Therefore, at this time, the bodies 11 swing in the direction of arrow R4. When the bottom surface of the bodies 11 reaches the state shown by the dashed line B in Figure 11, the placement of the beverage container 20A into the container holder 1 is complete.

[0089] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 10, the process for removing the beverage container 20A is essentially the same as the process for storing it, except that it is in the reverse order. Therefore, the explanation of the process for removal is omitted.

[0090] Thus, in the case of a large beverage container 20A with an uneven outer surface, the inclined surface 11p on the outer surface of the body 11 contacts the outer surface of the beverage container 20A, causing it to oscillate according to the uneven shape of the outer surface of the beverage container 20A. When the container is fully loaded, each body 11 is biased against the outer surface of the beverage container 20A by the biasing force of each torsion coil spring 13.

[0091] Furthermore, since the outer surface of the beverage container 20A is always in contact with the outer surface of the body 11, including the inclined surface 11p, the outer surface of the beverage container 20A will not get caught. Even if it does get caught, the body 11 will swing, and the catch will be resolved as needed during normal storage or removal operations without the user having to be aware of it.

[0092] The maximum diameter of a beverage container that can be accommodated by the container holder 1 of this embodiment is determined, for example, by the distance between bodies when the body 11 rotates in the direction of arrow R3 in Figure 10, etc., in each container holding mechanism 3. The minimum diameter of a beverage container that can be accommodated is preferably, for example, the distance between arm members (Wrx2) in the initial state of each container holding mechanism 3.

[0093] As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the beverage container 20 is being placed in or removed, the rollers 12 constantly contact and roll against the outer surface of the beverage container 20, moving in the directions of arrows Y1 and Y2 according to the uneven shape of the outer surface. Furthermore, when placement is complete, each roller 12 is biased toward the outer surface of the beverage container 20 by the biasing force of each roller biasing spring 15.

[0094] Therefore, even if the beverage container 20 has an uneven surface, the components of the container holding mechanism 3 will not get caught on the outer surface of the beverage container 20, thus not hindering its storage or removal.

[0095] Furthermore, even if a component of the container holding mechanism 3 catches on the outer surface of the beverage container 20, the roller 12 moves along the outer surface of the beverage container 20, while the roller 12 also moves in the directions of arrows Y1 and Y2. With this configuration, the catch is resolved appropriately during normal storage or removal operations without the user having to be aware of it.

[0096] Therefore, the process of inserting or removing beverage containers does not cause unnecessary stress to the user.

[0097] Furthermore, in the case of a large beverage container 20A with an uneven outer surface, the outer surface (inclined surface 11p) of the body 11 is always in contact with the outer surface of the beverage container 20A, and the body 11 is configured to oscillate according to the uneven shape of the outer surface of the beverage container 20A. When the container is fully loaded, each body 11 is biased against the outer surface of the beverage container 20A by the biasing force of each torsion coil spring 13.

[0098] Therefore, even with a beverage container 20A like the second form, the components of the container holding mechanism 3 will not catch on the outer surface of the beverage container 20A, thus not hindering storage or removal. Furthermore, even if the components of the container holding mechanism 3 were to catch on the outer surface of the beverage container 20A, the body 11 itself would swing, and the catch would be resolved appropriately during normal storage or removal operations without the user having to be aware of it. Therefore, no unnecessary stress is placed on the user when storing or removing the beverage container.

[0099] [Second Embodiment] Next, a container holder according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Figures 12 to 21 show the second embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Figures 12 to 15 show the configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention. Also, Figures 16 to 21 show the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] The configuration of the container holder 1A in this embodiment is basically substantially the same as that of the container holder in the first embodiment described above. Therefore, in the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the first embodiment described above, and their descriptions are omitted. The differences will be described primarily.

[0101] First, the configuration of the container holder 1A of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 12 to 15. Figure 12 is an external perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the container holder of the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line

[13] -

[13] in Figure 12. Figure 14 is an external perspective view showing one of the container holding mechanisms included in the container holder shown in Figure 12. Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the container holding mechanism shown in Figure 14. Note that Figures 12 to 14 show the container holding mechanism in an unloaded state.

[0102] As shown in Figure 12 and other figures, the container holder 1A of this embodiment is composed of a holder body 2 and a plurality of container holding mechanisms 3A, etc.

[0103] Of these, the holder body 2 has substantially the same configuration as the holder body 2 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, a description of the configuration of the holder body 2 will be omitted.

[0104] The container holding mechanism 3A is a mechanism unit for stably holding beverage containers housed in the container storage chamber 2a. The container holding mechanism 3A is the same as in the first embodiment described above in that multiple units are arranged to surround the container storage chamber 2a. In the container holder 1A of this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment described above, a configuration is exemplified in which three container holding mechanisms 3A are arranged at approximately equal intervals (for example, at 120-degree intervals) around the central axis O of the opening 2b of the container storage chamber 2a. Similar to the first embodiment described above, the number of container holding mechanisms 3A is not limited to the number exemplified in this embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment as well, it is desirable to arrange at least three or more container holding mechanisms 3A in one container holder 1A, similar to the first embodiment described above.

[0105] Next, the detailed configuration of the container holding mechanism 3A included in the container holder 1A of this embodiment will be described below. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the container holding mechanism 3A is composed of a body 11A, an arm member 12A, a torsion coil spring 13, and the like.

[0106] Body 11A is a pivoting member that is pivotably positioned relative to the holder body 2. Body 11A is a block member formed in the shape of a flat plate.

[0107] A first support shaft 11a (see Figure 15) is formed in the region near one end of the body 11A. This first support shaft 11a is a shaft portion that pivotably supports the body 11A relative to the holder body 2, similar to the first embodiment described above. The central axis Ax1 of the first support shaft 11a is substantially parallel to the tangent to the circle centered on the central axis O of the opening 2b (see Figure 2).

[0108] A torsion coil spring 13 is wound around the first support shaft 11a. The structure of the torsion coil spring 13 itself is the same as in the first embodiment described above. The arrangement and operation of the body 11A and the torsion coil spring 13 are also the same as in the first embodiment described above.

[0109] Specifically, as shown in Figure 13, etc., the torsion coil spring 13, which is positioned in the spring arrangement portion 11b of the body 11 (see Figure 15), has one arm 13a that is locked to a predetermined fixing portion 2d of the holder body 2. The other arm 13b of the torsion coil spring 13 is locked to a predetermined fixing portion 11k of the body 11A. With this configuration, the oscillation of the body 11A around the central axis Ax1 of the first support shaft 11a is restricted to a predetermined range by the torsion coil spring 13. At the same time, the body 11A is biased by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 13 in a predetermined direction around the central axis Ax1 of the first support shaft 11a (a direction directed radially inward towards the opening 2b of the container housing chamber 2a).

[0110] Note that the states shown in Figures 12 to 14 represent the unloaded state in which the torsion coil spring 13 is in its initial state. At this time, the body 11A maintains the state shown in Figure 13.

[0111] On the other hand, a second support shaft 11Ad and a guide wall 11Ac are formed in the region near the other end of the body 11A (see Figure 15).

[0112] The second support shaft 11Ad is a shaft portion that pivotally supports the arm member 12A (details described later) relative to the body 11A. The central axis Ax2 of the second support shaft 11Ad is approximately parallel to the first support shaft 11a (see Figure 15).

[0113] The guide wall 11Ac is a component that guides the rotation direction of the arm member 12A when the arm member 12A rotates relative to the body 11A, and also has the function of restricting the rotation range of the arm member 12A.

[0114] The arm member 12A is a pivotable member that is rotatably positioned relative to the body 11A by a second support shaft 11Ad. This arm member 12A is formed by a base portion 12Aa and an arm portion 12Ab.

[0115] The base portion 12Aa has a through hole 12Ac in the region near one end. The second support shaft 11Ad of the body 11A rotatably engages with this through hole 12Ac. For this purpose, a portion of the through hole 12Ac is open toward one end of the base portion 12Aa. With this configuration, when the arm member 12A is assembled to the body 11A, it rotates around the second support shaft 11Ad. In this case, the rotation range of the arm member 12A is defined to a predetermined range by a mechanism described later.

[0116] An arm portion 12Ab extends from the other end of the base portion 12Aa. This arm portion 12Ab has an arc-shaped portion 12Ad and a rotation restricting portion 12Ae.

[0117] The arc-shaped portion 12Ad is connected at one end to the other end of the base portion 12Aa. The arc-shaped portion 12Ad is made of a plate-like member that is elastic as a whole and formed in an arc shape. The rotation restricting portion 12Ae is connected to the other end of the arc-shaped portion 12Ad. This rotation restricting portion 12Ae contacts the restricting plane 11Ae, which is part of the outer surface of the guide wall 11Ac, when the arm member 12A rotates relative to the body 11A, thereby restricting the range of rotation of the arm member 12A. The outer surface of the arm portion 12Ab is formed of a smooth surface.

[0118] Furthermore, the base portion 12Aa has a guide groove portion 12Af. The guide groove portion 12Af guides the rotation of the arm member 12A by allowing it to pass through the guide wall 11Ac when it rotates relative to the body 11A.

[0119] The container holding mechanism 3A, having this configuration, is assembled as follows. First, the second support shaft 11Ad of the body 11 is inserted into the through hole 12Ac of the arm member 12A. This allows the arm member 12A to rotate freely relative to the body 11.

[0120] At this time, the arm member 12A is positioned such that when the arm member 12A rotates, the guide wall 11Ac can freely pass through the guide groove 12Af. Simultaneously, the arm member 12A is positioned such that when the arm member 12A rotates, the rotation restricting portion 12Ae contacts the restricting plane 11Ae of the guide wall 11Ac.

[0121] The component unit, with the arm member 12A attached to the body 11A, is then assembled into the holder body 2. In this case, the procedure is the same as in the first embodiment described above. That is, the torsion coil spring 13 is wound around the first support shaft 11a and placed in the spring arrangement section 11b. One arm 13a of the torsion coil spring 13 is then locked to the fixing section 2d of the holder body 2. The other arm 13b of the torsion coil spring 13 is then locked to the fixing section 11k of the body 11. This completes the mounting of the container holding mechanism 3A to the holder body 2 in its predetermined position.

[0122] Next, the operation of the container holder 1A of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 13 and 16 to 21. The operation described below is the operation of storing and removing various types of beverage containers from the container holder 1A of this embodiment.

[0123] First, the operation of inserting and removing the beverage container 20 of the first form into the container holder 1A of this embodiment will be explained using Figures 13, 16, and 17.

[0124] Here, the beverage container 20 of the first embodiment is substantially the same as the beverage container 20 of the first embodiment shown in the first embodiment described above (for example, maximum diameter D1).

[0125] Figure 13 shows the initial state of the container holder 1A of this embodiment. At this time, we consider the operation when a beverage container 20 is placed into the container storage chamber 2a of the container holder 1A, as shown by the dashed line.

[0126] In the container holder 1A, the distance between the arm members of each container holding mechanism 3A in its initial state is denoted by the symbol (Wrx2), as shown in Figure 13.

[0127] Here, we assume that the maximum diameter D1 of the beverage container 20 is greater than the distance (Wrx2) between the arm members of each container holding mechanism 3A. That is, D1>(Wrx2) This assumes the case where the following holds true.

[0128] When the container holder 1A of this embodiment is in its initial state, the arm member 12A of each container holding mechanism 3A is subjected to a force that causes it to rotate counterclockwise around the central axis Ax2 of the second support shaft 11Ad due to gravity, as shown in Figure 13. When in the initial state shown in Figure 13, the rotation of the arm member 12A is restricted because the rotation restricting portion 12Ae abuts against the restricting plane 11Ae of the body 11A. As a result, each container holding mechanism 3A maintains the state shown in Figure 13.

[0129] First, as shown in Figure 13, when the container holder 1A is in its initial state, the beverage container 20 is inserted through the opening 2b of the holder body 2 in the direction of arrow X1. At this time, the sizes of the beverage container 20 and the container holder 1A are such that, according to the relationship of the above conditional equation, the outer surface near the bottom of the beverage container 20 abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the arm portion 12Ab of the multiple arm members 12A.

[0130] If the beverage container 20 is continued to be inserted in the direction of arrow X1, the arm portions 12Ab of the multiple arm members 12A are pressed toward the outer surface of the beverage container 20. The pressing force from the beverage container 20 acts as a force that rotates the arm members 12A in the direction of arrow R5 in Figure 13. However, at this time, the rotation restricting portion 12Ae of the arm member 12A is in contact with the restricting plane 11Ae. Therefore, the pressing force from the beverage container 20 is transmitted to the body 11A (guide wall 11Ac) through the arm member 12A (rotation restricting portion 12Ae). As a result, the body 11A swings around the central axis Ax1 of the first support shaft 11a in the direction of arrow R5 in Figure 13. At this time, the arm members 12A also swing integrally with the swing of the body 11A. As the insertion of the beverage container 20 progresses in the direction of arrow X1, the state of the container holder 1A and the beverage container 20 becomes as shown in Figure 16.

[0131] Figure 16 shows the state after Figure 13. In Figure 16, the arm portion 12Ab of the arm member 12A is in contact with the maximum diameter portion of the beverage container 20. In Figure 16, the symbol C1 is a dashed line indicating the initial position of the arm member 12A (the position of the arm member in Figure 13).

[0132] In the state shown in Figure 16, when the beverage container 20 is further inserted in the direction of arrow X1, the arm portions 12Ab of the multiple arm members 12A move along the outer surface of the beverage container 20. The state of the container holder 1A and the beverage container 20 then becomes as shown in Figure 17.

[0133] Figure 17 shows the state after Figure 16, where the beverage container has been fully placed in the container holder. In Figure 17, the arm portion 12Ab of the arm member 12A abuts against the constricted portion on the outer surface of the beverage container 20, and the beverage container 20 is held stably. Here, the reference numeral P in Figure 17 indicates the contact point between the outer surface of the arm portion 12Ab and the outer surface of the constricted portion of the beverage container 20. Also, the reference numeral D2 in Figure 17 indicates the diameter of the narrowest part of the constricted portion of the beverage container 20. Note that in Figure 17, the reference numeral C2 is a dashed line indicating the position of the arm member in Figure 16.

[0134] When transitioning from the state shown in Figure 16 to the state shown in Figure 17, each body 11A and arm member 12A is pressed toward the outer surface of the beverage container 20 by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 13. Therefore, the arm portions 12Ab of the multiple arm members 12A move along the constricted portion while constantly contacting the outer surface of the beverage container 20. At this time, each body 11A and arm member 12A swings in the direction of arrow R6 in Figure 17. In the state shown in Figure 17, the beverage container 20 is held stably.

[0135] On the other hand, in the state shown in Figure 17, the process for removing the beverage container 20 is as follows.

[0136] Figures 18 to 21 illustrate the process of removing the first form of beverage container 20 housed in the container holder 1A of this embodiment.

[0137] Figure 18 shows the state after the beverage container 20 has been placed in the container holder 1A of this embodiment and is stably held (the state in Figure 17), and then the beverage container 20 has been pulled out by a predetermined amount. The following describes the process of removing the beverage container 20 from the state shown in Figure 17 to the container storage chamber 2a of the container holder 1A.

[0138] In the state shown in Figure 17, consider the case where the beverage container 20 is pulled up in the direction of arrow X2 in order to remove it. In the state shown in Figure 17, as described above, the biasing force stored in the torsion coil spring 13 acts on the body 11A. As a result, the body 11A is biased counterclockwise in Figure 17 around the central axis Ax1 of the first support shaft 11a.

[0139] At this time, the restricting plane 11Ae of the body 11A and the rotation restricting portion 12Ae of the arm member 12A are in contact. As a result, the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 13 is transmitted to the rotation restricting portion 12Ae through the restricting plane 11Ae. Therefore, at this time, the arm member 12A is biased counterclockwise around the central axis Ax2 of the second support shaft 11Ad in Figure 17.

[0140] In other words, at this time, the body 11A and the arm member 12A are integrally biased counterclockwise in Figure 17. As a result, in the state shown in Figure 17, the outer surface of the arm portion 12Ab of the arm member 12A is always pressed against the outer surface of the beverage container 20 at a predetermined position (contact point P in Figure 17).

[0141] When the beverage container 20 in this state is pulled up in the direction of arrow X2 in Figure 17, in the container holder 1A of this embodiment, first, only the arm member 12A attempts to rotate around the central axis Ax2 of the second support shaft 11Ad in the direction of arrow R7 in Figure 18 (counterclockwise in Figure 18).

[0142] In the state shown in Figure 17, the arm member 12A is in contact with the constricted portion of the beverage container 20. When the beverage container 20 moves in the direction of being lifted, the outer surface of the beverage container 20 is formed to gradually widen from the constricted portion (diameter D2), where the diameter is narrow, towards the portion with the maximum diameter D1. Therefore, when the beverage container 20 moves in the direction of being lifted, the arm member 12A remains stuck to the constricted portion of the beverage container 20, and the beverage container 20 is lifted while the beverage container 20 is lifted. Consequently, only the arm member 12A attempts to rotate around the central axis Ax2 of the second support shaft 11Ad in the direction of arrow R7 in Figure 18. During this time, the contact between the outer surface of the arm member 12A and the outer surface of the beverage container 20 is maintained.

[0143] Thus, when the arm member 12A attempts to rotate around the central axis Ax2 in the direction of arrow R7, the contact between the outer surface of the arm member 12A and the outer surface of the beverage container 20 is maintained, as described above. When the beverage container 20 is lifted, the contact point P moves along the outer surface of the beverage container 20. The outer surface of the beverage container 20 is formed in a direction in which the diameter widens outward. In this case, focusing on the contact point P, the contact point P moves in the direction of arrow Y3 in Figure 18.

[0144] This suggests that at the point of contact P, the outer surface of the beverage container 20 is pushing the outer surface of the arm member 12A in the direction of arrow Y3 in Figure 18. Here, the pushing force in the Y3 direction from the outer surface of the beverage container 20 acts as a force that moves the second support shaft 11Ad through the arm member 12A in the direction of arrow Y4 in Figure 18. As a result, the body 11A rotates around the central axis Ax1 of the first support shaft 11a in the direction of arrow R8 in Figure 18 (clockwise in Figure 18), against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 13. Eventually, it transitions to the state shown in Figure 19.

[0145] Figure 19 shows the state after Figure 18. In Figure 19, as the beverage container 20 is lifted in the direction of arrow X2, the arm member 12A rotates further in the direction of arrow R7, and the arm member 12A is shown to be in contact with the widest diameter portion of the outer surface of the beverage container 20. Note that in Figure 19, the symbol C3 is a dashed line indicating the position of the arm member in Figure 18.

[0146] In the state shown in Figure 19, the contact point P between the outer surface of the arm member 12A and the outer surface of the beverage container 20 is located near the maximum diameter portion of the beverage container 20. From this point onward, as the beverage container 20 is pulled up in the direction of arrow X2, no force is generated at the contact point P in the direction of arrow Y3 in Figure 18. This is because, from this point onward, the shape of the outer surface of the beverage container 20 gradually narrows from the maximum diameter D1 (in the direction of arrow Y5 in Figure 19). Consequently, at this point, the rotation of the body 11A in the direction of arrow R8 (see Figure 18) stops.

[0147] Then, as the beverage container 20 continues to be pulled up in the direction of arrow X2, the contact point P moves in the direction of arrow Y5 in Figure 19. As a result, the body 11A, under the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 13, gradually rotates counterclockwise in Figure 19 around the central axis Ax1 of the first support shaft 11a.

[0148] Then, when the beverage container 20 is further lifted in the direction of arrow X2, the body 11A returns to the initial state shown in Figure 20 (see also the state in Figure 13). At this point, the arm member 12A is still in contact with the outer surface of the beverage container 20 and is rotating in the direction of arrow R7.

[0149] Figure 20 shows the state immediately after Figure 19, just before the beverage container 20 is lifted and the contact between the beverage container 20 and the container holding mechanism 3A is released. In Figure 20, the arm portion 12Ab of the arm member 12A passes the maximum diameter D1 portion of the beverage container 20, and then, while maintaining contact, the arm member 12A rotates further in the direction of arrow R7 as the beverage container 20 moves in the direction of arrow X2. Note that in Figure 20, reference numeral C4 is a dashed line indicating the position of the arm member in Figure 19.

[0150] In the state shown in Figure 20, when the beverage container 20 is further lifted in the direction of arrow X2, the contact between the arm member 12A and the outer surface of the beverage container 20 is released. As a result, the arm member 12A rotates in the direction of arrow R8 in Figures 20 and 21 due to its own weight. The container holder 1A and the beverage container 20 then return to the initial state shown in Figure 21 (the same state as shown in Figure 13).

[0151] Figure 21 shows the state after Figure 20, when the beverage container 20 has been lifted and the container holder 1A has returned to its initial state. In Figure 21, the reference numeral C5 is a dashed line indicating the position of the arm member in Figure 20.

[0152] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the beverage container is of a different form from the first form of beverage container 20 described above, such as a beverage container with a different diameter, like the second form of beverage container 20A, the operation will be substantially the same.

[0153] The maximum diameter of a beverage container that can be accommodated by the container holder 1A of this embodiment is determined, for example, by the distance between the arm members when the body 11A and the arm member 12A rotate together in the direction of arrow R5 (see Figure 13) in each container holding mechanism 3A. Furthermore, the minimum diameter of a beverage container that can be accommodated is preferably, for example, the distance between the arm members (Wrx2) in the initial state of each container holding mechanism 3A.

[0154] As described above, the second embodiment provides substantially the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even if a component of the container holding mechanism 3A catches on the outer surface of the beverage container 20 when the beverage container 20 is lifted, the arm member 12A rotates, and the catch is resolved as the normal retrieval operation progresses without the user having to be aware of it. Therefore, the user is not subjected to unnecessary stress when storing or retrieving the beverage container.

[0155] As described above, the configuration of the present invention allows for the stable retention of various beverage containers of different sizes and shapes. Furthermore, no part of the container holding mechanism catches on the outer surface of the beverage container when inserting or removing it. Even if a part of the container holding mechanism does catch on the outer surface of the beverage container, the catch is resolved simply by performing the normal insertion and removal operation. Therefore, beverage containers can always be inserted and removed smoothly and easily in a single motion.

[0156] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and applications can be implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the multiple constituent elements disclosed. For example, if the problem that the invention aims to solve can be solved and the effects of the invention can be obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in one embodiment, then the configuration with these deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention. Furthermore, constituent elements from different embodiments may be combined as appropriate. This invention is not limited by any particular embodiment other than being limited by the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0157] 1.1A…Container holder 2…Holder body 2a...Container storage room 2b…Aperture 2c... Floor surface 2d…Fixed part 3,3A…Container holding mechanism 11,11A…Body 11a...1st support shaft 11b...Spring arrangement section 11c…Spatial domain 11d...Elongated through hole 11e... Passageway 11f…Extending part 11g…Internal space 11h... Spring support part 11k…Fixed part 11p…Slanted surface 11Ac… Guide wall 11Ae…Regulation plane 12…Laura 12a,11Ad…Second spindle 12A...Arm component 12Aa...Base section 12Ab...Arm section 12Ac...Through hole 12Ad... Arc-shaped portion 12Ae... Rotation restriction part 12Af... Guide groove section 13…First biasing member 13a…one arm 13b…Other arm 14... Roller pressing member 14a...Through hole 14b...Roller rotation space 14c... Spring receiving part 15... Roller-driven spring 20,20A…Beverage container Ax1,Ax2…center axis line

Claims

1. A container holder for holding a container, A holder body having an opening on its upper surface and a bottomed container storage chamber formed therein for accommodating the container, A container holding mechanism for stably holding the container housed in the container housing chamber, It is equipped with, The container holding mechanism includes a swinging member that is pivotably positioned relative to the holder body around a first pivot axis, a rotating member that is rotatably positioned relative to the swinging member around a second pivot axis, and a biasing member that biases the swinging member in a direction that causes it to protrude radially inward into the container storage chamber. A pressing support member that pivotally supports the aforementioned rotating member and moves the aforementioned rotating member in the radial direction of the container housing chamber, A second biasing member biases the aforementioned pressing support member inward in the radial direction of the container housing chamber, Equipped with, The aforementioned rotating member is a roller that is pivotally supported so as to be able to roll around the second support shaft, In the process of placing or removing the container from the container storage chamber, the outer surface of the container comes into contact with a part of the outer surface of the rocking member or the rotating member. A container holder characterized in that the oscillating member oscillates around the first pivot shaft, or the rotating member rotates around the second pivot shaft.

2. The container holder according to claim 1, characterized in that the roller, when the container is placed in the container storage chamber, rolls in contact with the outer surface of the container and moves together with the pressing support member in a direction to retract outward in the radial direction of the container storage chamber against the biasing force of the second biasing member.

3. The rocking member further has an inclined surface formed from near the outer peripheral edge of the opening of the container housing chamber toward the radially inward side of the opening and toward the bottom surface, The container holder according to claim 1, characterized in that the inclined surface contacts the outer surface of the container when the container is placed in the container storage chamber, and causes the rocking member to rock in accordance with the movement of the container toward the bottom surface.

4. A container holder for holding a container, A holder body having an opening on its upper surface and a bottomed container storage chamber formed therein for accommodating the container, A container holding mechanism for stably holding the container housed in the container housing chamber, It is equipped with, The container holding mechanism comprises a swinging member that is pivotably positioned relative to the holder body around a first pivot axis, a rotating member that is rotatably positioned relative to the swinging member around a second pivot axis, and a biasing member that biases the swinging member in a direction that causes it to protrude radially inward into the container storage chamber. The rotating member is an arm member having an arc-shaped portion and being pivotally supported so as to be rotatable around the second support axis. When the container stored in the container storage chamber is pulled out, the arm member rotates around the second support shaft independently of the swinging member as the container moves. In the process of placing or removing the container from the container storage chamber, the outer surface of the container comes into contact with a part of the outer surface of the rocking member or the rotating member. A container holder characterized in that the oscillating member oscillates around the first pivot shaft, or the rotating member rotates around the second pivot shaft.

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