cap

Abstract

To provide a cap capable of preventing occurrence of dirt due to liquid of a content remaining inside the cap.SOLUTION: A cap includes: a cap body 4 fitted to a mouth 3 of a container 2; and an upper lid 6 integrated with the cap body 4 via a hinge 5. The cap body 4 includes: a body part 7 surrounding the mouth 3 of the container 2 around an axial center of the container 2; an inner plug 8 covering the mouth 3 of the container 2; and a spouting cylinder 9 surrounding an inner plug opening 81. The spouting cylinder 9 includes, on a draining inner face 91 on a cylinder open side, a liquid returning bottleneck 92 extending toward the inner plug opening 81. The upper lid 6 includes an upper inner 71 facing the spouting cylinder 9. In the upper inner 71, an inner tip end edge 72 is annularly formed around the axial center of the upper lid 6 and liquid-tightly abuts on the draining inner face 91 of the spouting cylinder 9, and the liquid returning bottleneck 92 is open facing a seal region between the inner tip end edge 72 and the draining inner face 91.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap and pertains to a technology that contributes to preventing the cap from being soiled by the contents.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a cap as shown in, for example, Patent Document 1. This is a cap in which concave strip grooves are formed on the inner surface of a cylinder for pouring out a liquid. When the pouring of the liquid is stopped, the liquid adhering to the inner surface of the cylinder returns into the container due to the capillary action of the concave strip grooves.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In some conventional caps, the leading edge of the inner upper lid provided on the upper lid comes into liquid - tight contact with the draining inner surface of the pouring cylinder to exhibit a sealing function. When a container with this structure is laid horizontally with the upper lid closed and stored in a refrigerator or the like, the pouring cylinder is filled with the liquid of the contents. Then, when the container is stood upright during use, the liquid in the pouring cylinder returns into the container. At this time, at the corner adjacent to the sealing area between the leading edge of the inner part and the draining inner surface, the liquid of the contents remains due to surface tension.

[0005] When the upper lid is opened in this state, the liquid adhering to the leading edge of the inner part moves to the outer surface of the inner upper lid along with the movement of opening the upper lid, which becomes a factor for soiling the inner surface of the upper lid. Furthermore, the soiling of the inner upper lid adheres to the draining inner surface, which becomes a factor for inhibiting the seal between the leading edge of the inner part and the draining inner surface, and there is a risk of liquid leakage.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above problems and to provide a cap that prevents contamination by liquid contents remaining inside the cap. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the cap according to the present invention has a cap body that is attached to the mouth of a container, and an upper lid that is integral with the cap body via a hinge, the cap body has a main body that surrounds the mouth of the container around the axis of the container, an inner stopper that covers the mouth of the container, and a dispensing tube that surrounds the opening of the inner stopper, the dispensing tube has a liquid return passage extending toward the opening of the inner stopper on the inner surface of the drainage that forms the opening side of the tube, the upper lid has an upper lid inner that faces the dispensing tube, the upper lid inner is annular around the axis of the upper lid and the tip edge of the inner is in liquid-tight contact with the inner surface of the drainage that forms the dispensing tube, and the liquid return passage is The inner surface of the drain consists of ribs extending in a convex shape along the axis of the dispensing cylinder and capillary channels formed between the ribs. The capillary channels are open facing the sealing region between the inner tip edge and the inner surface of the drain, and the drain-side ends of the convex ribs are separated from the inner tip edge by a small distance at which capillary force acts due to capillary action. It is characterized by the following:

[0009] The cap according to the present invention is characterized in that the dispensing cylinder has multiple liquid return narrow passages spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the drainage, and has a pair of liquid return narrow passages at a location facing the hinge in the radial direction, which consist of capillary passages formed between three parallel convex ribs.

[0011] In the cap according to the present invention, the inner surface of the drainage tube has a shape that narrows in diameter from the tube opening side to the inner stopper opening side, and the inner surface of the drainage tube receives the inner tip edge in the direction of the axial center of the drainage tube. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] With the above configuration, the dispensing cylinder has a liquid return passage on the inner surface of the drain, and the liquid return passage opens facing the sealing area between the inner tip edge of the top lid and the inner surface of the drain, so that no liquid contents remain in the corners adjacent to the sealing area between the inner tip edge and the inner surface of the drain.

[0013] In other words, when a container that is stored lying on its side is turned upright for use, the liquid in the dispensing tube returns to the container, and some of the liquid flowing along the inner surface of the drainage channel flows through the liquid return channel and into the inner stopper opening.

[0014] At this time, the liquid contents in the corners adjacent to the sealing area between the inner tip edge and the inner surface of the drain are drawn out by the capillary force of the liquid return narrow passage and flow through the liquid return narrow passage to the inner stopper opening. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid contents from remaining in the corners adjacent to the sealing area between the inner tip edge and the inner surface of the drain.

[0015] As a result, when opening the top cap, the occurrence of liquid adhering to the inner tip edge moving to the outer surface of the top cap's inner lining as the top cap is opened is reduced, eliminating factors that contaminate the inner surface of the top cap or hinder the seal.

[0016] The liquid return constriction consists of ribs extending in a convex shape and capillary channels formed between the ribs. As the ribs protrude above the inner surface of the drain, it is possible to suppress the flow of liquid flowing on the inner surface of the drain around the liquid return constriction from flowing into the constriction, and the capillary force generated in the liquid return constriction can be sufficiently secured as a force to draw liquid out from the corner adjacent to the sealing area between the inner tip edge and the inner surface of the drain.

[0017] Since the liquid return passages are provided at multiple points spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the drain, the raised ribs do not obstruct the flow of liquid along the inner surface of the drain when the liquid contents are poured out.

[0018] Furthermore, by strategically placing raised ribs and liquid return passages at the points facing the hinge in the radial direction, that is, at the points where the lid initially moves significantly with the hinge as a pivot during the opening operation, it is possible to reliably prevent liquid splashing associated with the opening operation of the lid.

[0019] By maintaining a small distance between the water-draining end of the raised rib and the inner tip edge, the raised rib does not reach the sealing area between the inner tip edge and the inner surface of the water drain, thus not affecting the sealing performance.

[0020] By receiving the inner tip edge on the draining inner surface having a shape that tapers in diameter, even if the inner tip edge is pushed in excessively when the upper lid is closed, the elastic force of the drain can push the inner tip edge back to an appropriate position.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] Cross-sectional view of the closed state of the cap according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the open state of the cap according to the same embodiment [Figure 3] Plan view of the open state of the cap according to the same embodiment [Figure 4] Bottom view of the open state of the cap according to the same embodiment [Figure 5] Enlarged view showing the main part of the pouring tube of the cap according to the same embodiment [Figure 6] Enlarged view showing the main part of the upper lid of the cap according to the same embodiment <9000089> [Figure 7] Enlarged view showing the main part of the outer contour of the cap according to the same embodiment

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the cap according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the cap 1 has a cap body 4 attached to the mouth portion 3 of the container 2, and an upper lid 6 that is integrated with the cap body 4 via a hinge 5 and a band 51 and opens and closes around the hinge. The cap 1 is entirely made of resin.

[0023] The cap body 4 has a main body portion 7 that surrounds the mouth portion 3 of the container 2 around the axis of the container 2, an inner stopper 8 that covers the mouth portion 3, and a pouring tube 9 that surrounds the inner stopper opening 81.

[0024] Here, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, since the unopened cap 1 is shown, the inner stopper opening 81 is blocked by a planned opening portion 82. The planned opening portion 82 is connected to the opening edge of the inner stopper opening 81 via a weakened portion 83 and has a pull ring 84.

[0025] The inner stopper 8 has an inner stopper seal portion 85 that is inserted into the mouth portion 3 of the container 2, and a fitting groove 86 is formed between the inner stopper seal portion 85 and the main body portion 7 into which the mouth portion 3 is inserted.

[0026] The dispensing cylinder 9 has a drainage inner surface 91 that forms the cylinder opening side, and a liquid return passage 92 that extends toward the inner stopper opening 81. The liquid return passage 92 consists of ribs 93 that extend in a convex shape along the axial direction of the dispensing cylinder on the drainage inner surface 91, and capillary passages formed between the ribs 93.

[0027] The dispensing cylinder 9 has multiple liquid return passages 92 spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the drainage inner surface 91. In particular, at the location facing the hinge 5 in the radial direction, it has three parallel convex ribs 93, and a pair of liquid return passages 92 formed by capillary channels between the ribs 93.

[0028] The top lid 6 has an inner top lid 71 facing the dispensing cylinder 9 on its inner top surface. The inner top lid 71 is annular in shape around the axis of the top lid 6, and its inner tip edge 72 is in liquid-tight contact with the drain inner surface 91 of the dispensing cylinder 9, forming a sealing region 73 where the inner tip edge 72 and the drain inner surface 91 are in considerable contact.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, the liquid return narrow passage 92 is open in a position near the sealing area 73 between the inner tip edge 72 and the water-draining inner surface 91, and the water-draining end 94 of the convex rib 93 is separated from the inner tip edge 72 by a small distance h.

[0030] The inner surface 91 of the dispensing cylinder 9 has a shape that narrows in diameter from the cylinder opening side to the inner stopper opening side, and the inner surface 91 of the dispensing cylinder 91 receives the inner tip edge 72 in the direction of the dispensing cylinder axis.

[0031] The main body portion 7 has an inner cap projection 12 that fits into an outer recess 11 formed on the outer circumference of the mouth of the container 2.

[0032] Furthermore, the cap 1 has a cylindrical outer casing 13 that forms a double wall with the cap body 4. It has a slit 14 separating the cap body 4 and the outer casing 13, and a thin-walled inner-outer connecting portion 16 that connects the cap body 4 and the outer casing 13.

[0033] The top cover 6 has a cylindrical inner stopper holding portion 19 that embraces the inner stopper 8, and a fitting projection 20 that is annular along the inner periphery of the top cover 6 and protrudes radially inward.

[0034] The cap body 4 has an annular top lid retaining portion 21 along its outer edge, and the top lid retaining portion 21 has a shape that widens diagonally upward on the radially outer side of the cap body 4. The top lid retaining portion 21 has a fitting surface 22 on its outer surface which is recessed in an arc shape, and the fitting surface 22 fits onto the fitting projection 20 of the top lid 6.

[0035] The top lid 6 has a locking portion 23 located in the radial direction of the mouth 3 of the container 2, opposite the hinge 5, and the locking portion 23 is connected to the top lid 6 via a locking portion score 24. The cap body 4 has a stopper portion 25 that engages with a locking claw 23a formed on the locking portion 23 to prevent the top lid 6 from opening, and the outer casing 13 has a guard portion 26 that surrounds the locking claw 23a and the stopper portion 25.

[0036] The operation of the above configuration is explained below. As shown in Figure 1, when the top lid 6 is folded, the inner stopper holding portion 19 holds the inner stopper 8, the fitting projection portion 20 of the top lid 6 fits into the top lid holding portion 21 of the cap body 4, and the inner tip edge 72 of the top lid 6 and the drain inner surface 91 come into liquid-tight contact to form a sealing area 73. In addition, the lock portion 23 of the top lid 6 fits into the guard portion 26, and the locking claw 23a engages with the stopper portion 25. (Putting in a cap) By providing a thin-walled inner-outer connecting portion 16 that connects the cap body 4 and the outer casing 13, the lower end of the cap body 4 is not constrained by other components.

[0037] Therefore, when the cap is plugged, the inner protrusion 12 slides along the outer surface of the mouth 3 of the container 2 in the axial direction of the mouth 3, and moves radially along the mouth 3 in accordance with the shape of the outer surface of the mouth 3 of the container 2. The lower part of the cap body 4, which is connected to the outer casing 13 by the thin-walled inner-outer connecting portion 16, expands radially without its opening being constrained by other members. This allows the plugging operation to be performed smoothly and reduces the force required for plugging. (TE type) When opening, the locking claw 23a engages with the stopper portion 25, and the top lid 6 is pushed up, causing the locking portion score 24 of the locking portion 23 to break. Therefore, in a container 2 on a display shelf or the like, if the locking portion 23 is separated from the top lid 6, it indicates an improperly opened state, and the TE (Treaty Ease of Use) is improved when the locking portion 23 is held in the holding space 27.

[0038] Since the outer casing 13 protects the cap body 4, it is not possible to remove the cap 1 from the mouth 3 of the container 2 by applying direct force to the cap body 4 using tools such as a bottle opener. (When pouring) When the container 2, with the top lid 6 closed, is placed on its side and stored in a refrigerator or the like, the liquid contents fill the inside of the dispensing tube 9. In the closed state, the inner tip edge 72 of the top lid 6 and the drain inner surface 91 come into liquid-tight contact, forming a sealing area 73 and sealing the container.

[0039] When the container 2 is placed upright during use, the liquid inside the dispensing cylinder 9 returns to the container 2. At this time, the dispensing cylinder 9 has a liquid return passage 92 on its drainage inner surface 91, and the liquid return passage 92 opens up facing the sealing area between the inner tip edge 72 of the top lid 6 and the drainage inner surface 91, so that no liquid remains in the corner 74 adjacent to the sealing area 73 between the inner tip edge 72 and the drainage inner surface 91.

[0040] In other words, when the container 2, which is stored lying on its side, is turned upright for use, as the liquid in the dispensing tube 9 returns to the container 2, some of the liquid flowing along the drain inner surface 91 flows through the liquid return narrow passage 92 into the inner stopper opening 81.

[0041] At this time, the liquid contents in the corner 74 adjacent to the sealing area 73 between the inner tip edge 72 and the inner surface 91 are drawn out by the capillary force of the capillary action occurring in the liquid return confinement 92 and flow through the liquid return confinement 92 into the inner stopper opening 81. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid contents from remaining in the corner 74 adjacent to the sealing area 73 between the inner tip edge 72 and the inner surface 91.

[0042] As a result, when opening the top lid 6, the occurrence of liquid adhering to the inner tip edge 72 moving to the outer surface of the top lid inner 71 as the top lid 6 is opened is reduced, eliminating factors that contaminate the inner surface of the top lid or hinder the seal.

[0043] The liquid return constriction 92 consists of ribs 93 extending in a convex shape and capillary channels formed between the ribs 93. Since the ribs 93 protrude above the surface from the inner surface 91 of the drainage membrane, it is possible to suppress the flow of liquid flowing on the surface of the inner surface 91 of the drainage membrane around the liquid return constriction 92 from flowing into the liquid return constriction 92. The capillary force generated in the liquid return constriction 92 can be sufficiently secured as a force to draw liquid out from the corner 74 adjacent to the sealing area between the inner tip edge 72 and the inner surface 91 of the drainage membrane.

[0044] Since the liquid return passages 92 are provided at multiple locations spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the drain inner surface 91, the raised ribs 93 do not obstruct the liquid flowing through the drain inner surface 91 when the liquid contents are dispensed.

[0045] Furthermore, by focusing on the area facing the hinge 5 in the radial direction, that is, the area where the top lid 6 first moves significantly with the hinge 5 as a pivot point during the opening operation of the top lid 6, in this embodiment, three convex ribs 93 and a pair of liquid return passages 92 are arranged, thereby reliably preventing liquid splashing associated with the opening operation of the top lid 6.

[0046] The water-draining end 94 of the raised rib 93 and the inner tip edge 72 are separated by a small distance h, so that the raised rib 93 does not reach the sealing area between the inner tip edge 72 and the inner surface 91 of the water drain, and thus does not affect the sealing performance.

[0047] Furthermore, by receiving the inner tip edge 72 with the drain inner surface 91 which has a contracting diameter, even if the inner tip edge 72 is excessively pushed in when the top lid 6 is closed, the elasticity of the drain can push the inner tip edge 72 back to the appropriate position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1 cap 2 containers 3 Mouth 4 Cap body 5 Hinge 6 Top lid 7 Main body 8. Inner stopper 9 Pour tube 11 Outer recess of container 12. Inner protrusion of the cap 13 Outer shell 14 slits 16 Internal and external connection part 19 Inner stopper holding part 20 Fitting protrusion 21 Top lid holder 22 Mating surface 23. Rock section 23a Locking claw 24 Rock section score 25 Stopper section 26 Guard section 51 bands 71 Top lid inner 72 Inner tip edge 73 Seal area 74 Corner 81 Inner plug opening 82 Planned opening area 83 Weakened part 84 Pull Ring 85 Inner seal part of the stopper 86 Fitting groove 91 Drainer interior 92 Liquid return blockage 93 Ribs with raised grooves 94 End of drain side h minute distance

Claims

1. It has a cap body that attaches to the mouth of the container, and an upper lid that is integrated with the cap body via a hinge. The cap body has a main body that surrounds the mouth of the container around the center of the container, an inner stopper that covers the mouth of the container, and a dispensing tube that surrounds the opening of the inner stopper. The dispensing cylinder has a drainage channel on the inner surface of the cylinder opening that extends toward the inner stopper opening, The top lid has an inner lid facing the dispensing cylinder. The inner lid forms an annular shape around the axis of the lid, with the leading edge of the inner lid in liquid-tight contact with the inner surface of the pouring cylinder's drainage mechanism. The liquid return constriction consists of ribs extending in a convex shape along the axial direction of the dispensing cylinder on the inner surface of the drain cap, and capillary channels formed between the ribs, the capillary channels opening towards the sealing region between the inner tip edge and the inner surface of the drain cap, and the drain cap side end of the convex rib being separated from the inner tip edge by a minute distance at which capillary force due to capillary action acts, characterized in the cap.

2. The cap according to claim 1, characterized in that the dispensing cylinder has multiple liquid return passages spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the drainage pipe, and has a pair of liquid return passages consisting of capillary passages formed between three parallel convex ribs at a location facing the hinge in the radial direction.

3. The cap according to claim 2, characterized in that the inner surface of the dispensing cylinder has a shape that narrows in diameter from the cylinder opening side to the inner stopper opening side, and the inner surface of the dispensing cylinder receives the inner tip edge in the direction of the dispensing cylinder axis.

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