JP4588236B2 - Cup lid - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a lid for a cup that can be applied to a lid such as a paper cup, for example, an apparatus that automatically attaches a lid to a cup after liquid is poured into the cup, such as a vending machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in fast food stores, etc., it is also provided for customers to take out drinks such as coffee and drinks inside the store, or to cover customers with the lid so that the contents are not spilled while moving. is doing. At that time, the lid is covered directly by hand or using a dedicated lid covering machine. On the other hand, automatic vending machines have never been used to automatically cover the cup after the liquid has been dispensed. Therefore, it has not been particularly proposed as a cup lid for a conventional vending machine. However, in recent years, an attempt has been made to use a vending machine that can automatically cover the glass after the liquid is poured out.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention seeks to provide a cup lid for use in such a vending machine. As shown in FIG. 6, the lid covering mechanism in the vending machine that automatically covers the cup is cut out from the bottom one by one with a drop ring 32, and the lid stored on the stacker 31 is cut out. The lid is dropped and slid to the fitting position via the chute 33, held by the lid holding guide 34 that can be opened and closed, and the cup 39 filled with the contents is raised by the cup cradle 38 at that position. Thus, there has been proposed one in which the lid is fitted by fitting the curled portion of the cup into the curled portion fitting groove of the lid. The chute 33 is provided with a plurality of small holes, and blown air is blown from the back surface of the chute 33 to the conveying surface side of the chute 33 by a blowing means such as a fan, so that the lid does not stop in the middle of the chute 33. Like that.
Therefore, in order to ensure that the lid can be fitted with such a vending machine, the lid needs to satisfy the following conditions.
(1) The lid should be able to ensure automatic cutting with a vending machine.
(2) The lid has a centering function so that it can be securely fitted even if the center position of the container and the lid is slightly shifted.
(3) Since it is difficult for a vending machine to provide a large pressing device for fitting the lid, it is a lid that can be reliably sealed with a small pressing force.
[0004]
However, the lids for cups that have been used in the conventional stores have a shape in which the claws of the lid opening device are difficult to engage in a stacked state, and are not suitable for application to vending machines. In addition, since the conventional lid does not have a special centering function, the centering of the vending machine is solved so that the center of both the cup and the lid is surely aligned when the lid is fitted. There must be. Furthermore, in order to maintain the sealing performance by covering the conventional lid on the cup, it is necessary to fit the lid tightly, and usually a pressing force of 5 kgf or more is required. It is difficult to reduce the size and cost of the automatic lid mounting machine installed.
[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a cup lid that satisfies the above conditions (1) to (3) and can be applied well to a machine that automatically mounts a lid such as a vending machine. .
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The cup lid of the present invention that solves the above problems is a lid that is attached to a cup having a curled portion on the outer periphery of the top of the opening, and is formed so as to project endlessly on the panel surface covering the cup opening surface, and on the outer periphery of the panel surface, From the panel surface, a curl portion fitting groove whose upper portion has a substantially circular arc shape, a flange-like lid cutout engaging portion that protrudes outward at an outer position below the curl portion fitting groove, and And the curled portion fitting groove has a curled portion fitting groove inlet formed with a width narrower than the maximum width of the curled portion fitting groove. The surface extending from the curl portion fitting groove inlet to the panel surface and the surface reaching the lid cut-out engaging portion constitutes a fitting groove introducing portion extending in a tapered shape downward, and the fitting groove Make sure that the introduction part performs the centering function when the lid is attached to the cup. The fitting groove introducing portion has an inner tapered surface, a hanging wall portion having a projecting surface extending vertically downward from the curling portion fitting groove inlet, and an outer taper extending from the lower end of the hanging wall portion to the cut engagement portion. It has a structure characterized by having a surface .
[0007]
The curl portion fitting groove has a curl portion fitting groove inlet formed to be narrower than a maximum width of the curl portion fitting groove, and a surface extending from the fitting groove inlet to the panel surface and the lid By forming a fitting groove introducing portion that extends downward in a tapered shape with the surface reaching the cut-out engaging portion, the fitting groove introducing portion can fulfill the centering function when the lid is attached to the cup. Even if the axis of the lid and the cup is displaced at the time of fitting, it can be fitted well.
[0008]
The outer edge of the curl portion fitting groove inlet is located approximately 0.10 to 0.20 mm inward from the outermost position of the curl portion fitting groove, and a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction below the outer edge. A ridge is formed to project inward from the outer edge by approximately 0.25 to 0.15 mm, and the upper end of the ridge is engaged with the lower surface of the cup curl to fit the lid. The pressing force for joining can be reduced as compared with the conventional cup lid, and the pressing device can be downsized. In addition, the stacked rib portion is formed with a plurality of peaks and valleys on the same circumference, and in a state where the cup lids are stacked, the peaks of the top and bottom stacked ribs are not fitted to each other. By forming the positions so as to be shifted from each other in the circumferential direction, it is desirable that the mountains can be cut out well without being fitted together in a stacked state.
[0009]
The curl portion fitting groove is preferably formed so that the curl portion fitting groove and the curled portion of the cup can be fitted with a fitting pressure of 5 kgf or less, more preferably 2 to 3.5 kgf. Further, in the case where the panel surface is provided with a foldable straw insertion tongue that is surrounded by a slit leaving a hinge portion, the slit is processed and formed from the back surface of the lid panel toward the surface, and the straw insertion When the lid cut out from the stacker is slid to the fitting position with the cup through the chute, the straw inserting tongue piece is provided on the chute along the way. It can move smoothly without getting caught in the small holes.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.
The drawings show a cup lid according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a plan view, FIG. 2 is a partially sectional front view, and FIG.
A cup lid (hereinafter simply referred to as a lid) 1 of the present embodiment is formed of plastic, and its main structure is a panel surface 2 covering the cup opening surface, and an endless protruding projection formed on the outer periphery of the panel surface. The fitting portion 3, the lid cut-out engagement portion 4 that is formed to protrude in a flange shape on the lower outer periphery of the fitting portion 3, and the stacked rib portion 5 that is formed to protrude upward from the panel surface 2.
[0011]
As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 3, the fitting portion 3 has a curl fitting groove 6 having a substantially arc-shaped cross section so that the curled portion of the cup is fitted and adhered to the top. The maximum inner diameter D ₁ of the part fitting groove 6 is formed to be substantially equal to the maximum outer diameter of the curl part of the cup, and the diameter D ₂ of the inlet outer edge 7 of the curl part fitting groove 6 is the maximum diameter of the curl part fitting groove 6. It is smaller than D ₁ by 0.2 to 0.4 mm (0.3 mm in this embodiment). That is, the inlet outer edge 7 of the curled portion fitting groove 6 is located 0.1 to 0.2 mm (approximately 0.15 mm in this embodiment) inside the outermost position of the curled portion fitting groove. . A protrusion projecting inwardly from the inlet outer edge 7 at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction below the inlet outer edge 7 to approximately 0.25 to 0.15 mm (0.2 mm in this embodiment). A ridge 8 is formed, and the upper end of the ridge 8 is engaged with the lower surface of the curl portion of the cup.
[0012]
That is, the projecting surface 9 of the convex portion 8 is located on the circumferential surface of the (0.4mm in this embodiment) small diameter D ₃ also 0.3~0.5mm than the diameter D _2, the curl portion in this embodiment It is located 0.35 mm inward from the maximum outer diameter portion. Therefore, when the curled portion of the cup is fitted into the curled portion fitting groove 6, it is positioned below the width of the curled portion fitting groove inlet 11, particularly below the inlet outer edge 7, by pressing the top surface of the lid from above. The protruding surface 9 of the drooping wall portion 14 is expanded outward by a predetermined distance (0.35 mm in this embodiment) and the curled portion enters, and after fitting, the curled portion is restored by the elasticity of the lid, The upper surface 10 engages with the lower surface of the curled portion of the cup, and the inner peripheral surface of the curled portion fitting groove 6 is brought into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cup curled portion, thereby achieving a sealing function. Further, the ridge portion 8 functions as a reinforcing rib, increases the rigidity of the hanging wall portion 14, prevents the curl fitting groove 6 from inadvertently expanding while maintaining the initial shape, and the upper surface of the ridge portion 8. Engages the lower part of the curl portion of the cup and provides resistance to the lid coming off. Thereby, the curl portion of the lid and the cup can be kept in close contact, and the sealed state can be maintained.
[0013]
In the case of the conventional lid, since the fitting groove has a substantially square cross section, the maximum inner diameter of the curling part fitting groove is smaller than the outer diameter of the curling part, and the inner peripheral surface of the curling part fitting groove By maintaining a part of the curl part and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the curl part in close line contact, the sealing is maintained. And it is formed in the undercut so that the internal diameter of an entrance outer side edge may become about 1.0 mm (one side 0.5mm) smaller than the maximum internal diameter of a curl part fitting groove | channel. Therefore, a fitting pressure of approximately 5 kgf or more is required to fit the curled portion of the cup into the curled portion fitting groove of the conventional lid. That is, the conventional lid can prevent liquid leakage by increasing the fitting force, but has a drawback that it is difficult to fit and open the lid. On the other hand, in the present invention, since the fitting groove fitted to the curled portion has a shape matching the shape of the curled portion and brought into contact with the surface to increase the sealing force, the undercut at the fitting groove entrance is reduced. It was possible to fit with a fitting pressure weaker than 5 kgf. In the said embodiment, it was able to fit by fitting pressure 3kgf, and was able to maintain sufficient sealing performance. The fitting pressure may be 5 Kgf or less, but if it is 2 kgf or less, the sealing performance is poor, and therefore the more desirable range is 2 to 3.5 kgf.
[0014]
The lower part of the curled part fitting groove inlet 11 is widened downward to form a fitting groove introducing part 12. The inner wall of the fitting groove introducing portion 12 is inclined at a gentle angle following the lid panel surface 2 to form an inner tapered surface 13. On the other hand, the outer wall of the fitting groove introducing portion 12 has a hanging wall portion 14 having a protruding surface 9 extending vertically downward from the lower end of the inlet outer edge 7 by a predetermined distance (2.1 mm in this embodiment). And the lower end becomes the outer taper surface 15 which inclines outward and expands in a taper shape, and the lower end further extends to the outside horizontally to constitute the lid cutout engaging portion 4.
[0015]
Therefore, the lid of the present invention has a tapered surface in which the fitting groove introducing portion expands inward and outward, and the lower end of the fitting groove introducing portion has a wide width L (in this embodiment, L = 7). 3mm), when the cup filled with the content liquid is lifted and fitted into the lid by the vending machine, the curl portion of the cup has an inner tapered surface 13 even if the lid and the cup are slightly misaligned. Or since it contacts the outer tapered surface 15, the lid gradually moves toward the center as the cup rises, and can be reliably fitted. That is, the lid of the present invention has a centering function due to the above structure. In addition, since the lid cutout engaging portion 4 is provided, there is a gap where the lid cutout means such as a well-known drop ring can be inserted between the flanges in a state of being stacked on the stacker so that the lid can be cut out satisfactorily. it can.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 3, the stacked rib portion 5 is formed so as to protrude upward from the panel surface 2 and has a plurality of peaks 18 and valleys 19 on the same circumference. In the stacked state, the positions of the valleys are shifted from each other in the circumferential direction so that the peaks of the upper and lower stacked ribs do not fit with each other. That is, the positions of the peaks and valleys of the stacked rib portion 5 are not the same for all the lids, but are manufactured by shifting the positions of the peaks and valleys into a plurality of groups, and alternately stacking them one by one. As shown in FIG. 5, the top of the lower mountain hits the valley 19 of the stacked rib portion of the lid thereon, and the mountain does not fit. The dimensions of the peaks and valleys can be appropriately selected depending on the size of the lid, and the dimensions are not particularly limited. Moreover, although the valley is located slightly above the panel surface 2 in the embodiment shown in the drawing, it may be the same as or lower than the panel surface in relation to the height of the fitting portion.
[0017]
FIG. 4 shows seven lids in which the positions of the ridges and valleys of the stacked rib portion 5 are changed. When the seven lids are overlapped as a set, one of the peaks of the lid located below is above it. It is arranged to hit the valley of the lid that is located. However, in the combination of the lids in which the positions of the peaks and valleys of the stacked rib portion 5 are changed, the number of sets in one set and the arrangement of peaks and valleys are not limited thereto, and an infinite number of combinations can be considered.
[0018]
Further, as shown in the drawing, a straw insertion tongue piece 22 that can be folded back and is surrounded by a slit 21 is provided at the center portion of the panel surface 2. The slit 21 is formed by pressing from the rear surface of the lid panel toward the front surface. As a result, even if a burr occurs in the slit portion, it is generated upward on the front surface, does not occur on the back surface of the panel, and the straw insertion tongue 22 is deflected upward. In the state, it does not protrude downward from the panel surface. In the vending machine, when the lid cut out from the stacker slides on the chute, it prevents the burr of the slit and the tongue for inserting the straw from giving friction resistance to the chute. It is extremely important.
[0019]
With the above configuration, when the lids are stacked, as shown in FIG. 5, the upper circular arc portion of the curl portion fitting groove engages with the lower surface of the ridge portion 8 of the upper lid as shown in FIG. 5. Therefore, without fitting the fitting portions of the upper and lower lids, the interval between the lid cutout engaging portions 4 is maintained at a predetermined interval at which the drop ring can engage with the lid as shown in the figure. In addition, since the panel portion of the lid is maintained at a predetermined interval by the engagement of the stacked rib portions 5, the lids do not fit strongly even when pressure is applied to the central portion of the lid, and the state from the stacked state is reduced. The lid can be easily cut out by a known drop ring. In addition, the lid cut out from the stacker does not protrude a straw insert tongue from the back of the panel, so there is little frictional resistance during the chute, the chute can be smoothly slid, and the cup fitting position is ensured. Can be supplied.
[0020]
Although the embodiment of the cup lid of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various design changes can be made within the scope of the technical idea.
[0021]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the cup lid of the present invention has the flange-shaped lid cutout engaging portion at the outer position of the fitting portion so that the lid can be reliably removed by the drop ring of the lid cutout device installed in the vending machine. In order to prevent the provided lids and the stacked lids from being deeply fitted and separated due to pressure, etc., the stacked ribs provided on the lid panel surface are a combination of peaks and valleys, and their arrangement This makes it possible to reliably cut out the lid with a vending machine.
[0022]
In addition, the cup lid of the present invention has a centering function by making both walls below the fitting portion into a large taper shape, so that even if the axis of the lid and the cup is slightly deviated, as the cup rises The lid gradually moves toward the center and can be securely fitted. Furthermore, since the cup lid of the present invention has a shape that matches the shape of the curled portion with the upper portion of the curled portion fitting groove and brought into contact with the surface to increase the sealing power, the undercut at the fitting groove entrance is reduced. It is possible to fit with a fitting pressure weaker than that of a normal lid fitting device, and the lid pressing device incorporated in the vending machine can be miniaturized. And, when the lid is attached, the sealed state can be reliably maintained, and it is easy to open the lid.
[0023]
Furthermore, when the tongue portion for inserting the straw that can be folded back and is surrounded by the slit leaving the hinge portion is provided on the panel surface, the slit is processed and formed from the back surface of the lid panel toward the surface, By making the straw insert tongue deflect upward, the straw insert tongue slides into the small hole provided in the chute while the lid cut out from the stacker slides to the fitting position with the cup through the chute. It is not caught and can be smoothly supplied to the fitting position.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a cup lid according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view including a partial cross section thereof.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of a front cross-section.
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a set of cup lids showing an example of a combination of peaks and valleys of stacked ribs.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part of a front cross-section in a stacked state.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an example of an automatic lid covering mechanism to a cup to which the cup lid of the present invention is applied.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cup lid 2 Panel surface 3 Fitting part 4 Lid cut-out engagement part 5 Stack rib part 6 Curled part fitting groove 7 Inlet outer edge 8 Projection surface 9 Projection surface 10 Convex part upper surface 11 Curl part fitting groove inlet 12 Mating groove introduction part 13 Inner taper surface 14 Drooping wall part 15 Outer taper surface 18 Mountain 19 Valley 21 Slit 22 Straw insert tongue 39 Cup

Claims (5)

A lid to be attached to a cup having a curled portion on the outer periphery of the top of the opening, a panel surface covering the cup opening surface, and a curled portion formed to project endlessly on the outer periphery of the panel surface, with the upper portion having an approximately circular arc shape A fitting groove, a flange-shaped lid cut-out engagement portion that protrudes outward at an outer position below the curl portion fitting groove, and a stacked rib portion that protrudes upward from the panel surface. The curl part fitting groove has a curl part fitting groove inlet formed to be narrower than a maximum width of the curl part fitting groove, and the panel surface is provided with the curl part fitting groove inlet. The surface leading to the lid and the surface leading to the lid cut-out engaging portion constitutes a fitting groove introducing portion that expands in a tapered shape downward, and the fitting groove introducing portion functions as a centering when the lid is attached to the cup. The fitting groove introducing portion has an inner tapered surface, The lid, characterized in that the depending wall portion and the hanging lower wall portion from the lower end serial curled portion fitting groove inlet has a protruding surface extending vertically downward and has an outer tapered surface extending to said cutout engagement portion . The outer edge of the curled part fitting groove inlet is located approximately 0.10 to 0.20 mm inside from the outermost position of the curled part fitting groove, and a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction below the outer edge. in forming a convex portion protruding from the outer edge inwardly substantially 0.25～0.15Mm, according to claim 1, the upper end of the convex ridge portion is so as to engage the curl lower surface of the cup Cup lid. The stacked rib portion is formed with a plurality of peaks and valleys on the same circumference, and in the state where the cup lids are stacked, the positions of the valleys are set so that the peaks of the upper and lower stacked ribs do not fit with each other. The cup lid according to claim 1 , wherein the cup lid is formed so as to be shifted from each other in the circumferential direction. The cup lid according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the curl portion fitting groove is formed so that the curl portion fitting groove and the curled portion of the cup can be fitted at a fitting pressure of 5 kgf or less. The panel surface is provided with a foldable straw insertion tongue that is surrounded by a slit, leaving a hinge portion, and the slit is processed and formed from the back surface of the lid panel toward the surface, the straw insertion tongue facing upward The cup lid according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the cup lid is deflected to the right.

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