JP2021070504A - Squeeze container - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a container which enables a refillable content to be completely drawn out in an easy manner.SOLUTION: A squeeze container includes: a body part defining an internal space, in which a refillable content is stored, and has a trunk part and a shoulder part continuous with an upper end of the trunk part; and a tubular spout part which is continuous with an upper end of the shoulder part and defines a passage communicating with the internal space. The spout part has an outlet for taking out the content from the internal space. A groove extending toward the outlet is formed on an inner surface of at least one of the body part and the spout part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6B

Description

The present invention relates to a squeeze container that contains refillable contents.

In recent years, from the viewpoint of ecology and the like, it has become widespread to refill and use products such as air fresheners, deodorants, and detergents in predetermined containers. As shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example, refillable products are often enclosed in a pouch and distributed, and are transferred from the pouch to a predetermined container at the time of use. In addition, refillable products may be enclosed in hard plastic bottles and distributed, and in this case as well, the products are transferred from the plastic bottles to a predetermined container at the time of use.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-106855 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-048089

When refilling the contents from the above various containers, the remaining contents often spread thinly on the inner surface of the refill source container, and it is difficult to completely remove the contents from the refill source container. .. In addition, when a hard plastic bottle is used, the amount of resin used also increases.

An object of the present invention is to provide a container in which the contents for refilling can be easily taken out to the end. Further, for example, when a hard plastic bottle is not used, it is easy to take out the contents for refilling to the end, and it is possible to provide an environment-friendly container in which the amount of resin used is reduced.

The squeeze container according to the first aspect of the present invention defines an internal space in which the contents for refilling are housed, and has a body portion, a main body portion having a shoulder portion continuous with the upper end of the body portion, and the shoulder portion. It is provided with a tubular spout portion that is continuous with the upper end of the portion and defines a passage communicating with the internal space. The spout portion has an outlet for taking out the contents from the internal space. A groove extending toward the outlet is formed on the inner surface of at least one of the main body portion and the spout portion.

The squeeze container according to the second aspect of the present invention is the squeeze container according to the first aspect, and further includes a flange portion arranged so as to surround the main body portion and the spout portion in a side view. The groove extends along the flange portion.

The squeeze container according to the third aspect of the present invention is the squeeze container according to the first aspect or the second aspect, and the cross section in the longitudinal direction of the spout portion is configured to have a flat shape in a side view. ..

The squeeze container according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is a squeeze container according to any one of the first to third aspects, and further includes a stopper that seals the outlet and is irremovably removed at the time of opening. Be prepared.

The squeeze container according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is a squeeze container according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and the internal space contains a refillable chemical solution as the content.

According to the above viewpoint, a groove extending toward the outlet of the spout portion is formed on the inner surface of at least one of the main body portion and the spout portion of the squeeze container containing the contents for refilling. As a result, the contents in the squeeze container are efficiently guided to the outlet through the above groove even when the remaining amount is low. As a result, the contents for refilling can be easily taken out to the end. Further, for example, when a hard plastic bottle is not used, the amount of resin used is reduced, which is environmentally friendly.

A side view of a squeeze container according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front side. Side view of the squeeze container viewed from the left side. Top view of the squeeze container. Bottom view of the squeeze container. The figure which shows the state of the refilling work of the contents. The figure which shows the state of the content refilling work in the aspect different from FIG. 5A. FIG. 1 is a sectional view taken along line VIA-VIA of FIG. FIG. 1 is a sectional view taken along line VIB-VIB of FIG. FIG. 1 is a sectional view taken along line VIC-VIC of FIG. The figure explaining the manufacturing method of the squeeze container which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, the squeeze container 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<1. Outline configuration of squeeze container>
1 to 4 show a front view, a left side view, a plan view, and a bottom view of the squeeze container 1 according to the present embodiment, respectively. The contents for refilling are sealed in the squeeze container 1. The squeeze container 1 has a stopper 50 for opening at the upper part, and the contents are transferred to another container via an outlet S3 which is opened after the stopper 50 is removed. As the name implies, the squeeze container 1 has a squeeze property and is deformed when pressed with a finger or the like, whereby the contents can be extruded. The squeeze container 1 after taking out the contents is discarded. Unless otherwise specified, "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "front (front)", and "rear (back)" in the present specification are defined as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. ..

The squeeze container 1 is suitable for containing fluid contents, and can also contain granules and the like, but is particularly suitable for containing liquids. In this embodiment, the drug solution is contained. The chemical solution contained in the squeeze container 1 may be various, but is typically an air freshener, a deodorant or an insect repellent, or a mixture thereof, and is a fragrance, a deodorant component, or an insect repellent component depending on the purpose of use. , Additives such as colorants are included. The solvent contained in the chemical solution is appropriately selected according to the type of additive used, and may be a hydrophilic solvent, a lipophilic solvent, or a mixture thereof. When the chemical solution contains a fragrance, it is preferable to contain at least a lipophilic solvent as the solvent in order to enhance the fragrance intensity. As the hydrophilic solvent, for example, water or ethanol, or a mixture thereof can be used. As the lipophilic solvent, for example, glycol ether or isoparaffin-based solvent, or a mixture thereof can be used. In addition, the chemical solution may contain a dissolving agent in order to solubilize functional components such as fragrances, deodorant components, insect repellent components, and colorants.

<2. Composition of each part of the squeeze container>
Hereinafter, the configuration of each part of the squeeze container 1 will be described in detail. The squeeze container 1 includes a main body portion 10 that defines an internal space S1 in which the contents for refilling are housed, and a tubular spout portion 20 that defines a passage S2 that communicates with the internal space S1. The passage S2 has a smaller diameter than the internal space S1. At the tip (end opposite to the internal space S1) 20A of the spout portion 20, an outlet S3 for communicating with the passage S2 and taking out the contents from the internal space S1 via the passage S2 is arranged. .. The outlet S3 is sealed with a stopper 50 while the contents are stored, and the stopper 50 is cut off so as not to be resealed when the contents are opened.

The main body portion 10 has a bottom surface portion 11, a tubular body portion 12 that stands upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface portion 11, and a shoulder portion 13 that is continuous with the upper end of the body portion 12. These portions 11 to 13 form a wall surface portion that defines the internal space S1. At the upper end of the shoulder portion 13, a neck portion corresponding to the spout portion 20 is further continuous. The spout portion 20 constitutes a wall surface portion that defines the passage S2.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the bottom surface portion 11 has a substantially rectangular shape, and the body portion 12 has a square tubular shape. The body portion 12 passes through the center (center of gravity) of the bottom surface portion 11 and extends along a straight line orthogonal to the bottom surface portion 11 as the central axis A1. The shoulder portion 13 is configured to gradually and smoothly reduce the diameter from the lower side to the upper side, and has a so-called “stroke shoulder” shape. As shown in FIG. 1, the width of the shoulder portion 13 gradually narrows from the lower side to the upper side in the side view from the front side and the back side. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the width of the shoulder portion 13 gradually narrows from the lower side to the upper side even in the side view from both the left and right sides rotated by 90 ° around the central axis A1 from the above viewpoint. The shoulder portion 13 is configured so that the width gradually narrows from the lower side to the upper side when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the central axis A1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the shoulder portion 13 has a shape substantially symmetrical along the central axis A1 when viewed from both the left and right sides, and the upper end (apex) P1 of the shoulder portion 13 is on the central axis A1. Overlap. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, in the side view from the front and back sides, the apex P1 of the shoulder portion 13 is deviated outward from the central axis A1, and in the example of FIG. 1, it is deviated to the right outer side. However, the apex P1 of the shoulder portion 13 does not protrude outward from the body portion 12 with reference to the central axis A1. From the above, the shoulder portion 13 has a substantially oblique square pyramid shape.

The spout portion 20 extends upward from the apex P1 of the shoulder portion 13 above. Hereinafter, the reference reference numeral P1 may also be attached to the starting point. The spout portion 20 is elongated, and the passage S2 defined by the spout portion 20 is similarly elongated. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the spout portion 20 extends upward from the apex P1 of the shoulder portion 13 at an angle with respect to the central axis A1. Such a spout portion 20 reminds the user who performs the refilling work of the contents of the spout portion such as a kettle or a kyusu. Therefore, the user can easily perform the refilling work of the contents in the same manner as handling a kettle, a kyusu, or the like. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a state at the time of refilling the contents. In this way, after removing the stopper 50, the user spills the contents from the outlet S3 of the spout portion 20 into the mouth 60 of the container to be refilled, as if pouring tea or the like into the cup. Can be poured without any. Depending on the user, the squeeze container 1 is not always tilted in the manner shown in FIG. 5A, but may be tilted in the manner shown in FIG. 5B. However, even in this case, the contents can be transferred as if tea or the like is poured into the cup.

Since the spout portion 20 extends upward at an angle with respect to the central axis A1, the user usually naturally when refilling the contents, even if he / she is not taught how to hold the squeeze container 1. The squeeze container 1 will be held by hand by either the method shown in FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B. On the contrary, it is unlikely that the user orients the squeeze container 1 at an angle rotated by 90 ° around the central axis A1 from the state of FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B during the refilling work of the contents. As a result, the user does not have to hesitate to hold the squeeze container 1 by hand when refilling the contents. In addition, refilling work in an unexpected manner can be prevented, and the possibility of spilling the contents can be further reduced.

Further, since the spout portion 20 is formed in an elongated shape as described above, the gravity F1 acts on the droplets that are about to flow out from the outlet S3 as shown in FIG. 5A, and the tensile force due to the surface tension acts on the droplets. F2 also works. As a result, the pulling force F2 becomes a resistance to the gravity F1, and it is difficult for the contents to easily flow out to the outside, and the situation where the contents are unexpectedly spilled is suppressed. When the contents are refilled in the manner shown in FIG. 5B, the tensile force F2 due to surface tension acts in the same manner, and the same effect is expected.

Further, as is clear from the above, the starting point P1 of the spout portion 20 is arranged at a position eccentric from the central axis A1 on the shoulder portion 13. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the starting point P1 is located near the contour of the main body 10 in a plan view. From the above, when the squeeze container 1 is tilted as shown in FIG. 5A during the refilling work of the contents, the spout portion 20 is connected to the main body portion 10 at a position biased vertically upward from the central axis A1. .. Therefore, unless the squeeze container 1 is tilted significantly from the state where the central axis A1 is parallel to the vertical direction and the outlet S3 faces vertically upward (in other words, unless the angle α in FIG. 5A is increased). ), The contents do not flow into the spout portion 20. Therefore, also in this respect, it is difficult for the contents to easily flow out to the outside, and the situation where the contents are unexpectedly spilled is suppressed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the tip portion 20A of the spout portion 20 is arranged at a position that does not protrude from the contour of the main body portion 10 in a plan view. More specifically, the spout portion 20 extends upward from the apex P1 of the shoulder portion 13 toward the central axis A1. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the tip portion 20A of the spout portion 20 is located in the vicinity of the central axis A1. By the way, when the user tilts the squeeze container 1 not in the manner shown in FIG. 5A but in the manner shown in FIG. 5B, the spout portion 20 is biased vertically downward from the central axis A1 in the main body portion 10. Connected to the position. Therefore, unlike the case of FIG. 5A, the contents easily flow into the spout portion 20. However, even in such a case, as shown in FIG. 5B, since the spout portion 20 is bent vertically upward, it is difficult for the contents to easily flow out from the spout portion 20, and the contents are still present. The situation of unexpected spillage is suppressed.

Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, the shoulder portion 13 gradually reduces in diameter from the body portion 12 toward the spout portion 20. Therefore, when the squeeze container 1 is tilted, the contents gently flow from the body portion 12 into the spout portion 20, and then gently flow out from the outlet S3 of the spout portion 20. Therefore, from this point as well, the contents can be poured into the mouth portion 60 of the container to be refilled without spilling.

Further, in the present embodiment, not only the shoulder portion 13 but also the spout portion 20 is configured to gradually reduce in diameter from the lower side to the upper side. As shown in FIG. 1, the width of the spout portion 20 gradually narrows from the lower side to the upper side in the side view from the front side and the back side. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the width of the spout portion 20 gradually narrows from the lower side to the upper side even in the side view from both the left and right sides rotated by 90 ° around the central axis A1 from the above viewpoint. As described above, the spout portion 20 is also configured to gradually narrow in width from the lower side to the upper side when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the central axis A1 like the shoulder portion 13. In such a structure of the spout portion 20, when the squeeze container 1 is tilted, the contents move from the internal space S1 to the passage S2 and then from the outlet S3 to the outside, as in the case of the shoulder portion 13. Contributes to the gentle flow. Therefore, from this point as well, the contents can be poured into the mouth portion 60 of the container to be refilled without spilling.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the squeeze container 1 includes a flange portion 30. The flange portion 30 is arranged so as to surround the periphery of the main body portion 10 and the spout portion 20 when viewed from the front and back sides. The flange portion 30 is arranged so as to surround the periphery of the liquid pool portion 40, which will be described later. Therefore, the flange portion 30 surrounds the spout portion 20 in a plane parallel to the extending direction of the spout portion 20. Therefore, when the spout portion 20 and the mouth portion 60 of the container to be refilled are to be aligned during the refilling work of the contents, the spout portion 20 is naturally positioned at the position shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. It will be matched. That is, due to the presence of the flange portion 30, particularly the portion arranged in the vicinity of the tip portion 20A of the spout portion 20, a space is provided inward from the inner wall of the mouth portion 60 in the mouth portion 60 of the container to be refilled. The outlet S3 is naturally aligned with the position. Therefore, the spout portion 20 and the mouth portion 60 of the container to be refilled can be appropriately aligned without being excessively conscious of the user, and the contents are less likely to spill.

From the above various ideas, the squeeze container 1 is configured so that the contents are less likely to spill unexpectedly during the refilling work of the contents. Therefore, the risk of wasting the contents and polluting the hands and the surrounding environment is reduced, and the contents can be easily refilled.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, a liquid pool portion 40 projecting outward from the bottom surface portion 11 is arranged on the bottom surface portion 11. In the present embodiment, the liquid pool portion 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The liquid reservoir 40 communicates with the internal space S1 and defines a liquid reservoir space S4 having a cross section having a diameter smaller than that of the bottom surface 11. In the present embodiment, the entire squeeze container 1 is formed to be transparent or translucent, and the state inside the internal space S1 and the liquid storage space S4, in other words, the state of the contents can be visually recognized from the outside. In addition, in FIGS. 1 to 6B, the illustration of the contents is omitted.

As described above, when the contents are generally poured out from the squeeze container 1 and then the bottom surface 11 is directed vertically downward during the refilling work of the contents, the trace amount of the contents remaining in the squeeze container 1 is stored in a liquid reservoir. It is collected with a certain height in the space S4. Therefore, when a small amount of contents remains in the squeeze container 1, it can be easily confirmed visually. Therefore, when the contents are refilled, it becomes easy to use up the contents to the end.

From the viewpoint of fulfilling the above roles, when the cross-sectional area of the liquid reservoir space S4 is a1 and the area of the bottom surface portion 11 is a2, it is preferable that a1 ≦ (1/2) · a2, and a1 ≦. It is more preferably (1/3) · a2, further preferably a1 ≦ (1/4) · a2, more preferably a1 ≦ (1/5) · a2, and a1 ≦ (1). / 6) · a2 is more preferable, a1 ≦ (1/7) · a2 is more preferable, a1 ≦ (1/8) · a2 is more preferable, and a1 ≦ (1/9) ) · A2 is more preferable, and a1 ≦ (1/10) · a2 is more preferable.

In the present embodiment, the liquid pool portion 40 is arranged substantially in the center of the bottom surface portion 11, and the central axis of the liquid pool portion 40 substantially coincides with the central axis A1 of the body portion 12. Further, in the present embodiment, the bottom surface portion 11 is configured to be inclined downward from the outer peripheral portion thereof toward the liquid pool portion 40 substantially in the center thereof. Therefore, when the bottom surface portion 11 is directed vertically downward, the contents remaining in the squeeze container 1 are more easily collected in the liquid storage space S4, and the work of confirming the remaining amount of the contents is easier. It will be easier.

Further, the liquid pool portion 40 is formed when the bottom surface portion 11 is directed vertically downward before the stopper 50 is opened, and when water contained in the outside air has infiltrated into the oily chemical liquid in the internal space S1. It can contain water balls that are droplets. As a result, even if a water ball is formed in the squeeze container 1, it becomes difficult to see it from the outside, and the appearance is excellent. Further, in the present embodiment, as will be described later, the flange portion 30 is embossed. The water ball can be visually confused with the embossed decoration on the flange portion 30, which also makes it difficult to see from the outside and is excellent in aesthetics.

The stopper 50 for sealing the outlet S3 is arranged in a plane extending by the flange portion 30 and is continuous with the flange portion 30. More specifically, the stopper 50 covers the tip portion 20A of the spout portion 20 from above, and the flange portion 30 is the main body portion 10, the spout portion 20 and the liquid pool portion 40 except for the position of the stopper 50. It surrounds the entire circumference. The stopper 50 is integrally formed of the same material as the flange portion 30 through the same processing. However, the stopper 50 and the flange portion 30 are processed so that they can be easily separated from each other. More specifically, a notch L1 is formed between the two, and the user can cut the stopper 50 from the flange portion 30 along the notch L1 at the time of opening. In the present embodiment, the plug 50 and the flange portion 30 are configured indistinguishable because the boundary between the plug 50 and the flange portion 30 cannot be confirmed without the notch L1.

The material constituting the squeeze container 1 is not particularly limited, but typically a resin can be used. In the present embodiment, the squeeze container 1 is synthesized by laminating a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer, a polyethylene (PE) layer, and an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) layer as a barrier layer from the outside to the inside. Although it is composed of a resin material, it can also be composed of a synthetic resin material such as polypropylene. In this case, the squeeze container 1 can be manufactured at low cost and can be easily disposed of. Further, although not limited to this, in the present embodiment, the entire squeeze container 1 including the main body portion 10, the spout portion 20, the flange portion 30, the stopper 50, and the liquid pool portion 40 is integrally made of the same material. There is.

The spout portion 20 is thicker than the main body portion 10. More specifically, the spout portion 20 is configured to be thicker than the shoulder portion 13, and the shoulder portion 13 is configured to be thicker than the body portion 12. Therefore, the squeeze container 1 is provided with a thicker spout portion 20 and a thinner body portion 10. Therefore, since the spout portion 20 is ensured to have a certain hardness, the spout portion 20 is not deformed such as being unintentionally bent, and the contents are less likely to spill during the refilling operation. On the other hand, since a certain degree of softness is ensured in the main body portion 10, the main body portion can be pressed with a finger or the like to be deformed and the contents can be poured out without applying a large force to the main body portion 10. Therefore, the contents for refilling can be stably poured out without spilling, and the squeeze container 1 can be easily handled.

From the viewpoint of fulfilling the above roles, the thickness (average) of the body portion 12 is preferably 0.01 mm to 2.70 mm, more preferably 0.03 mm to 0.90 mm, and 0. It is more preferably 10 mm to 0.30 mm. The thickness (average) of the spout portion 20 is preferably 0.03 mm to 3.60 mm, more preferably 0.10 mm to 1.20 mm, and 0.30 mm to 0.40 mm. Is even more preferable. The thickness (average) of the liquid pool portion 40 is preferably 0.03 mm to 3.60 mm, more preferably 0.10 mm to 1.20 mm, and 0.30 mm to 0.40 mm. Is even more preferable.

The flange portion 30 and the stopper 50 are thicker than the main body portion 10, the spout portion 20, and the liquid pool portion 40. Further, although not particularly shown, the flange portion 30 and the stopper 50 are embossed. By these measures, the flange portion 30 and the stopper 50 play a role of maintaining the shape of the main body portion 10 which is harder, softer and has squeeze property than the main body portion 10, the spout portion 20 and the liquid pool portion 40.

From the viewpoint of fulfilling the above roles, the thickness (average) of the flange portion 30 is preferably 0.07 mm to 9.0 mm, more preferably 0.20 mm to 3.0 mm, and 0. It is more preferably 60 mm to 1.0 mm. Further, when the thickness (average) of the body portion 12 is w1 and the thickness (average) of the flange portion 30 is w2, it is preferable that 0 mm <(w2-w1) ≦ 6.30 mm, and 0.17 mm ≦ (0.17 mm ≦ ( w2-w1) ≦ 2.10 mm is more preferable, and 0.50 mm ≦ (w2-w1) ≦ 0.70 mm is even more preferable. The same applies to the stopper 50.

6A is a sectional view taken along line VIA-VIA of FIG. 1, FIG. 6B is a sectional view taken along line VIB-VIB of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6C is a sectional view taken along line VIC-VIC of FIG. As shown in these figures, a groove V1 is formed on the inner surfaces of the liquid pool portion 40, the main body portion 10, and the spout portion 20. The groove V1 continuously extends from the bottom surface of the liquid pool portion 40 to the outlet S3 through the liquid pool portion 40, the bottom surface portion 11, the body portion 12, the shoulder portion 13, and the spout portion 20. The groove V1 extends along the flange portion 30, and more specifically, extends along the boundary between the flange portion 30 and these portions 40, 11, 12, 13 and 20. As a result, the contents in the squeeze container 1 are efficiently guided to the outlet S3 through the groove V1 even when the remaining amount is low. As a result, the contents for refilling can be easily taken out to the end. Further, since the grooves V1 are formed on both the left and right sides of the squeeze container 1, the contents can be guided to the outlet S3 regardless of the mode of FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B. it can.

In the present embodiment, the cross section of the spout portion 20 in the longitudinal direction is configured to have a flat shape, more specifically, a substantially oval shape, as shown in FIG. 6A. As a result, after refilling the contents, the spout portion 20 can be easily crushed, bent, or folded so as not to be bulky when the squeeze container 1 is disposed of.

Since the squeeze container 1 described above does not easily bend like a pouch, it is excellent in that the risk of spilling the contents during the refilling work of the contents is reduced. In addition, conventional hard plastic bottles that contain refill contents have a bottle body and lid, and in some cases, an inner plug that can be attached to the mouth of the bottle body, resulting in a large number of parts and high cost. is there. In this respect, the squeeze container 1 described above has a small number of parts and a small amount of resin used, so that the cost is low and the environmental load is reduced.

<3. Manufacturing method of squeeze container ＞
Next, a method of manufacturing the squeeze container 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In the present embodiment, the squeeze container 1 is manufactured by blow fill molding. The following series of steps C1 to C10 are carried out using a predetermined blowfill molding machine.

First, a roll in which a resin sheet constituting the squeeze container 1 is wound is prepared (step C1). This is set in a predetermined blow fill molding machine, a sheet is fed out from the roll, and the sheet is cut to a predetermined length. Subsequently, this is folded in half so that the two sheets face each other (step C2). Further, a linear notch is formed at a predetermined position on the two sheets. This notch finally becomes the notch L1 for cutting the plug 50. Next, a partition plate is inserted between the two facing sheets, and the two sheets are preheated by sandwiching the two sheets from the outside by the two heating plates (step C3).

Then, the two sheets facing each other are heat-sealed while avoiding a predetermined portion, so that the two sheets are bonded together (step C4). At this time, two heating plates are used, and heat is applied to the two sheets so that the two sheets are sandwiched from the outside by the two heating plates. Each heating plate is formed with a notch having a shape in which the liquid pool portion 40, the main body portion 10, and the spout portion 20 are combined. In addition, a plurality of the notches are arranged on each heating plate at intervals. Each notch, more specifically, has an extension that slightly extends the portion corresponding to the liquid pool 40 downward. Then, the extensions of the plurality of notches are aligned along the edges of the two facing sheets that are separated from each other. In the two sheets bonded by the heating plate as described above, a predetermined portion corresponding to each notch is formed as a non-sealed region that is not heat-sealed, and in the non-sealed region, the two sheets are separated from each other. A gap is formed. The gap communicates with the external space through the portion corresponding to the extension portion described above. Hereinafter, the opening that communicates the gap with the external space is referred to as a filling port.

In the present embodiment, the two heating plates are formed with irregularities corresponding to the embossing to be performed on the flange portion 30. Therefore, after the heat sealing in step C4, the heat-sealed portions of the two sheets are embossed.

Subsequently, the gap between the two sheets in the unsealed region is filled with air through the above filling port (step C5). At this time, the predetermined air nozzle advances in the vicinity of the filling port. Then, air is blown from the air nozzle through the filling port into the gap between the two sheets in the non-sealed region. As a result, the unsealed region swells three-dimensionally, an internal space S1 for accommodating the contents is formed, and a passage S2 and a liquid storage space S4 are also formed.

In the present embodiment, the spout portion 20 does not protrude from the contour of the main body portion 10 when viewed from the extending direction of the central axis A1, and its tip portion 20A extends toward the central axis A1. Therefore, the air filled from the liquid pool portion 40 side is efficiently sent into the spout portion 20, and the tip portion 20A also swells stably. Therefore, molding defects of the spout portion 20 are unlikely to occur.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 2, the body portion 12, the shoulder portion 13, and the spout portion 20 have a larger width in the front-rear direction in this order. Therefore, in the process of expanding the non-sealed region by filling with air, the body portion 12, the shoulder portion 13, and the spout portion 20 expand thinner in this order. Therefore, the body portion 12, the shoulder portion 13, and the spout portion 20 are finally formed to be thicker in this order. Similarly, the liquid pool portion 40 is also formed to be thicker than the body portion 12 and the shoulder portion 13. Further, since the flange portion 30 and the stopper 50 are formed by laminating two sheets, the flange portion 30 and the stopper 50 are formed to be thicker than the body portion 12, and are typically more than twice as thick as the body portion 12. Has.

Further, in the process of expanding the non-sealed region by filling with air, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the main body portion 10, the spout portion 20, and the liquid pool portion 40 move in the front-rear direction with respect to the flange portion 30 and the plug 50. stand up. At this time, since the two sheets from the flange portion 30 and the stopper 50 stand up separately in the front and rear, the boundary between the main body portion 10, the spout portion 20 and the liquid pool portion 40 and the flange portion 30 and the stopper 50. A groove V1 is formed in the vicinity.

Subsequently, the air nozzle retracts from the vicinity of the filling port, and instead, a predetermined liquid nozzle advances and is inserted into the filling port. Then, the content (chemical solution) to be contained in the squeeze container 1 is filled in the internal space S1 communicating from the liquid nozzle to the filling port via the filling port (step C6).

The filling port is then closed by a heat seal. More specifically, the portion of the two sheets corresponding to the filling port is sandwiched from the outside by the two heating plates, and preheating is applied to the portion (step C7). Subsequently, the portions of the two sheets corresponding to the filling ports are heat-sealed and bonded together (step C8). At this time, two heating blocks are used, and heat is applied to the two sheets so that the two sheets are sandwiched from the outside by the two heating blocks. As described above, the contents are sealed in each internal space S1 included in the two sheets. Subsequently, instead of the heating block, the portion is cooled by sandwiching the heat-sealed portion in step C8 with an unheated cooling block (step C9). The heating block and the cooling block are both elongated blocks, and the portions corresponding to the plurality of filling ports on the two sheets are simultaneously heated and cooled.

After that, the two sheets are cut along the outer periphery of the portion that is not heat-sealed (that is, the portion where the liquid pool portion 40, the main body portion 10 and the spout portion 20 that communicate with each other are combined) (step C10). As a result, a plurality of squeeze containers 1 are punched out from the two sheets. At this time, two sheets are cut along the outer circumference at a distance from the outer circumference of the portion that is not heat-sealed. As described above, the squeeze container 1 is formed into a shape having a main body portion 10, a spout portion 20, a liquid pool portion 40, and a flange portion 30 arranged so as to surround these portions 10, 20 and 40. To.

<4. Modification example>
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the following changes can be made. In addition, the gist of the following modified examples can be combined as appropriate.

<4-1>
The contents contained in the squeeze container 1 are not limited to those described above, and for example, a liquid or granular detergent or the like can be contained in the squeeze container 1.

<4-2>
In the above embodiment, the spout portion 20 extends from the position eccentric from the central axis A1 on the shoulder portion 13, but the position of the apex P1 of the shoulder portion 13 is not eccentric with respect to the central axis A1 and the spout portion 20 is poured. The mouth portion 20 may extend from a position overlapping the central axis A1. Further, the spout portion 20 may extend parallel to (including substantially parallel) the central axis A1.

<4-3>
In the above embodiment, the entire squeeze container 1 is configured to be transparent or translucent, but the squeeze container 1 may be partially configured to be transparent or translucent. In this case, from the viewpoint of facilitating the confirmation of the remaining amount of the contents described above, the liquid sump portion 40 is configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid sump space S4 can be visually recognized from the outside. Is preferable. Further, the entire squeeze container 1 may be configured to be opaque.

<4-4>
In the above embodiment, the flange portion 30 seamlessly surrounds the entire circumference of the main body portion 10, the spout portion 20, and the liquid pool portion 40 except for the position of the plug 50 when viewed from the front side and the back side. It was configured as. However, the flange portion 30 may be configured to intermittently surround the main body portion 10, the spout portion 20, and the liquid pool portion 40 except for the position of the plug 50 in the same side view. However, the flange portion 30 is preferably arranged so as to at least partially surround the spout portion 20 in the same side view, and is particularly arranged at least in the vicinity of the tip portion 20A of the spout portion 20. Is preferable. In such a case, as described above, the spout portion 20 and the mouth portion 60 of the container to be refilled can be easily aligned. Further, the flange portion 30 can be omitted.

<4-5>
In the above embodiment, the groove V1 extends continuously from the bottom surface of the liquid pool portion 40 toward the outlet S3, but may extend intermittently. Further, it is not necessary that the liquid pool portion 40, the main body portion 10 and the spout portion 20 all have grooves formed, for example, the grooves may be formed only in the main body portion 10 or only in the spout portion 20. It may be formed only on the main body portion 10 and the spout portion 20.

<4-6>
In the above embodiment, the shoulder portion 13 is configured in the shape of a “stroke shoulder”, but may be bent at a substantially right angle.

<4-7>
The method for manufacturing the squeeze container 1 is not limited to that described above, and for example, a method such as injection molding or direct blow molding can also be used.

A squeeze container similar to the above embodiment was manufactured, and a test was conducted to evaluate the easiness of spillage of the contents. As the contents, a chemical solution (fragrance) was contained. More specifically, 60 female subjects aged 20 to 69 years (including 8 left-handed people and 2 people with injured or hard-to-move hands) were given a prescribed container from the manufactured squeeze container. The work of transferring the chemical solution was performed. The diameter of the mouth of the refillable container was 2.2 cm. The diameter of the outlet at the tip of the spout of the squeeze container was 2.8 mm. As a result, none of the 60 people spilled the contents.

1 Squeeze container 10 Main body 11 Bottom 12 Body 13 Shoulder 20 Spout 20A Tip 30 Flange 40 Liquid pool 50 Plug A1 Central axis S1 Internal space S2 Passage S3 Outlet S4 Liquid storage space P1 Starting point V1 Groove

Claims (5)

A main body portion that defines an internal space for accommodating the contents for refilling and has a body portion and a shoulder portion continuous with the upper end of the body portion.
It is provided with a tubular spout that is continuous with the upper end of the shoulder and defines a passage that communicates with the interior space.
The spout portion has an outlet for taking out the contents from the internal space.
A groove extending toward the outlet is formed on the inner surface of at least one of the main body portion and the spout portion.
Squeeze container. Further provided with a flange portion arranged so as to surround the main body portion and the spout portion in a side view.
The groove extends along the flange portion.
The squeeze container according to claim 1. The longitudinal cross section of the spout portion is configured to have a flat shape.
The squeeze container according to claim 1 or 2. Further provided with a stopper that seals the outlet and is irretrievably removed upon opening.
The squeeze container according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The internal space contains a refillable chemical solution as the content.
The squeeze container according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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