JP3611630B2

JP3611630B2 - Closing device and synthetic resin cap

Info

Publication number: JP3611630B2
Application number: JP08431695A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 浩一高松
Original assignee: 株式会社アルコア・クロージャー・システムズ
Priority date: 1995-04-10
Filing date: 1995-04-10
Publication date: 2005-01-19
Anticipated expiration: 2020-01-19
Also published as: JPH08282694A

Description

【０００１】
【産業上の利用分野】
本発明は、口部外周にネジ部が形成された容器と、その容器口部に螺着嵌合され、開栓時に筒部下部に連結されたタンパーエビデンスリング部がキャップ主部から切り離されて開栓を表示するタンパーエビデンス性を有するキャップとからなる閉止装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来より、口部にネジ部が形成された容器と、その容器口部に螺着嵌合され、開栓時に筒部下部に連結された開栓表示リング部がキャップ主部から切り離されて開栓を表示する機能（ピルファープルーフ性又はタンパーエビデンス性と称される）を有するキャップとからなる閉止装置として、各種の形状のものが提案されている。
【０００３】
図９は、従来の閉止装置の一例として特公昭５２−１４６７７号公報に記載されたキャップとそれに対応する容器とからなる閉止装置を示すものである。この閉止装置は、頂部３と、頂部周縁から下方に延びその内側にねじ５を有する筒部４と、キャップ本体２を開封方向に回すとき容体逆止突起１４とキャップ逆止突起８との逆止力により破断されるブリッジ６と、このブリッジ６によりキャップ本体２から区画された環状体７とを備えたキャップ１と、このキャップ１が装着されるように、口部１２に雄ねじ１３が形成されるとともに、この雄ねじ１３の下部に容体逆止突起１４が形成された容器１１とからなる閉止装置が記載されている。この閉止装置は、キャップ１を開栓方向に回すと、キャップ１の環状体７内面に設けられたキャップ逆止突起８が、容器１１に設けられた容体逆止突起１４に係合し、それによって環状体７の回転が阻止され、ブリッジ６が切断されてキャップ本体２から環状体７が切り離されるようになっている。
【０００４】
図１０は、従来の閉止装置の他の例として特公平１−３０７０２号公報に記載された合成樹脂製容器蓋（キャップ）を示すものであり、外周面に雄ねじ３１と該雄ねじ３１の下方に設けられたあご部３２とが形成されている容器口部３０を備えた容器と、これに装着されるキャップ２０が記載されている。このキャップ２０は、天板部２１とその周縁部から垂下する筒部２２とを具備し、該筒部２２には周方向に延びる複数個のスリット２３と該スリット間に存在するブリッジ２４によって規定された破断ライン２５が形成され、筒部２２が破断ライン２５より上方の主部２６と破断ラインより下方のピルファープルーフ裾部２７とに区画されており、該主部２６の内面には容器口部３０の雄ねじ３１に螺合するねじ部２８が形成されており、ピルファープルーフ裾部２７の内面には半径方向内方に突出する複数個の突起２９が、ブリッジ２４と離れた位置に形成されている。この突起２９は、図１１に示すように軸線方向下方から上方に向って半径方向内方への突出量が漸次増大するような形状で形成されている。
【０００５】
この閉止装置では、キャップ２０を容器口部３０に装着する際には、ピルファープルーフ裾部２７が弾性変形して突起２９が容器口部３０のあご部３２を乗り越えその下方に入り込む。そして、容器口部３０に装着されたキャップ２０を開栓方向に回すと、ピルファープルーフ裾部２７の内面に設けられた突起２９が容器口部３０のあご部下端に係止して、ピルファープルーフ裾部２７の上方への移動を阻止し、その結果キャップ２０の主部２６とピルファープルーフ裾部２７とを連結するブリッジ２４に引張力が作用し、ブリッジ２４が切断され、ピルファープルーフ裾部２７が切り離される。
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上述した従来の閉止装置には次のような問題があった。
前者の特公昭５２−１４６７７号公報に記載された閉止装置は、キャップ１を容器口部１１に装着する際に、環状体７内面に形成されているキャップ逆止突起８又は容器口部１１に形成されている容体逆止突起１４を圧縮し両者を相対的に回転させることが必要であるが、これら逆止突起を圧縮するには、キャップに相当大きなトルクを加える必要があり、従ってキャップ１の装着が比較的困難であり、またキャップに加えられる相当大きなトルクに起因してキャップ装着時にブリッジが破断されてしまう欠点がある。その欠点を解決するためには、逆止突起の突出量を小さくするか或いは逆止突起を軟質又は柔軟なものにすることが考えられるが、そのようにすると容器口部１１にキャップ１を装着した後におけるキャップ逆止突起８と容体逆止突起１４との係合が不十分なものになり、開封表示によるタンパーエビデンス性が損なわれることになる。
さらに、上記の閉止装置では、キャップ１および容器口部の形状が特異であり、通常の合成樹脂製キャップや金属製キャップに適用させるのが困難である欠点がある。
【０００７】
また後者の特公平１−３０７０２号公報に記載されたキャップ２０は、ピルファープルーフ裾部２７の突起２９とブリッジ２４とを離して設けたことによって、キャップ２０を容器口部３０に装着する際に突起２９が容器口部３０のあご部３２を乗り越えるときにピルファープルーフ裾部２７が弾性変形してもブリッジ２４が破断されるのを防いでいる。しかし、このキャップ２０は、開栓時にピルファープルーフ裾部２７の内面に設けられた突起２９が容器口部３０のあご部下端に係止してピルファープルーフ裾部２７の上方への移動を阻止し、その結果キャップ２０の主部２６とピルファープルーフ裾部２７とを連結するブリッジ２４に作用する引張力でブリッジ２４を切断する構造になっているために、キャップを合成樹脂で形成した場合には、ブリッジ２４に引張力が作用するとブリッジ２４が簡単に引き延され、これを切断させるにはキャップ本体を開栓方向にかなりの角度回転させなければならなかった。
【０００８】
この種のタンパーエビデンス性を有するキャップにあっては、容器口部に装着されたキャップを最初の位置から開栓方向に回す時、容器口部の上端がキャップ内面或いはライナー等から離れて容器の密封性が解除された時点の回転角度（シールリリースアングル；以下Ｓ．Ｒ．Ａという）と、容器口部に装着されたキャップを最初の位置から開栓方向に回す時、ブリッジが切断される位置までの回転角度（ブリッジ切断角度；以下Ｂ．Ｂ．Ａという）との関係が、Ｓ．Ｒ．Ａ−Ｂ．Ｂ．Ａ＝０度以上、好ましくは３０度以上あることが望ましいとされる。即ち、キャップ開栓時に、容器口部上端がライナー等から離れて密封シールが解除される以前にブリッジが切断されることが望ましいとされている。
閉止装置のキャップとして、アルミ合金などの金属製キャップを用い、このキャップを容器口部に被せ、その筒部を容器口部の外周に沿って巻き締めしたものでは、一般に上記Ｂ．Ｂ．Ａを９０度以内と小さくすることができるために、Ｓ．Ｒ．Ａ−Ｂ．Ｂ．Ａの値を大きくすることができる。
しかし、上述した合成樹脂製キャップ２０にあっては、ブリッジ２４の延びによってＢ．Ｂ．Ａが大きくなり、Ｓ．Ｒ．Ａ−Ｂ．Ｂ．Ａ＝０度以下になる場合があり、タンパーエビデンス性の向上の観点から改善すべき点があった。
【０００９】
さらに、このキャップ２０を容器口部３０に装着する際に、ピルファープルーフ裾部２７が弾性変形することによって突起２９が容器口部３０のあご部３２を乗り越えるものであり、たとえピルファープルーフ裾部２７の突起２９とブリッジ２４とを離して設けたとしても、ブリッジ２４の機械強度が弱いとキャップ螺着時にブリッジ２４が切断される場合があり、かかる不都合を防止するためにはブリッジ２４の強度を高めるか或いは図１１中の符号３４，３５に示すように破断ライン２５の上下に係合片を設け、キャップ螺着時にブリッジ２４が切断されるのを防止することが考えられる。しかし、ブリッジ２４の強度を高めると、キャップの開栓が困難となったり、ブリッジ２４が切れなくなってタンパーエビデンス性が損なわれるおそれがあり、また破断ライン２５の上下に係合片を設けることは通常のキャップ製造工程では困難であり、特別の製造工程が必須となり、製造コストの上昇を招いてしまうことになる。
【００１０】
本発明は上記事情に鑑みてなされたもので、合成樹脂製キャップと容器とからなる閉止装置において合成樹脂製キャップを装着した際のＢ．Ｂ．Ａを小さくすることができ、良好なタンパーエビデンス性を発揮し得る閉止装置と合成樹脂製キャップの提供を目的としている。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明にかかる閉止装置は、口部外周にネジ部が形成され、該ネジ部の下方に径方向外方に環状に膨出した膨出段部が形成された容器と、その口部に螺着嵌合される合成樹脂製キャップ（以下、キャップという）とを備え、該キャップが、天板部とその周縁から垂下した筒部とを備え、該筒部の下部に複数のブリッジを残して水平スコアによって主部から区画されたタンパーエビデンスリング部（以下、ＴＥリング部という）が形成され、かつ該主部の内壁面に容器のネジ部に螺合するネジ部が設けられた閉止装置において、容器の膨出段部の下方に、縮径部を介して１個又は周方向に沿って複数個離間配置された係止爪を設け、かつキャップのＴＥリング部の内壁面に、容器口部に装着されたキャップを開栓方向に回す際に係止爪に係合する係止突起を設け、上記キャップの主部下端部から下方に向けて突出形成され、開栓方向に漸次突出高さを減じる傾斜面を有する遅動防止突起と、該遅動防止突起の閉栓方向側面に近接するとともに一部または全部がタンパーエビデンスリング部側に位置するように設けられた係合突起とからなる遅動防止手段を設け、かつ該遅動防止突起の開栓方向側にブリッジを近接配置し、上記遅動防止突起を、上記合成樹脂製キャップを開栓方向に回す際に、前記ＴＥリング部のブリッジ残部が上記傾斜面に沿って移動することで、ＴＥリング部を主部から離れる方向に押圧するように形成したものである。
【００１２】
本発明の閉止装置において、容器の係止爪は、キャップを容器口部に装着して開栓方向に回した時にキャップの係止突起と係合する当接面と反対側の面が、該当接面側に向けて漸次突出高さを増す傾斜面として良い。
本発明の閉止装置において、遅動防止手段の係合突起が、ＴＥリング部の上端部に、その一面を遅動防止突起の閉栓方向側面に近接して配置された突起、またはキャップ主部とＴＥリング部との境界部に設けられ、水平スコアによってその一部がＴＥリング部と連動するように切断して形成された突起とのいずれか一方であって良い。また、遅動防止突起の傾斜面の角度は１５〜６０度の範囲として良い。
本発明の閉止装置において、キャップのＴＥリング部に、上記ブリッジの切断とほぼ同時或いはブリッジ切断の直後に、このＴＥリング部をバンド状に開環させる垂直スコアを設けた構成として良い。
本発明の閉止装置において、容器の膨出段部下端から係止爪上端までの長さを３．０ｍｍ以上として良い。
本発明の閉止装置において、容器口部に装着されたキャップを開栓方向に回転させ、ブリッジが切断される位置までの回転角度であるブリッジ切断角度が９０度以下として良い。
【００１３】
本発明のキャップは、口部外周にネジ部が形成され、該ネジ部の下方に１個又は周方向に沿って複数個離間配置された係止爪が設けられた容器の口部に螺着嵌合されるキャップであり、天板部とその周縁から垂下した筒部とを備え、該筒部の下部に複数のブリッジを残して水平スコアによって主部から区画されたＴＥリング部が形成され、該主部の内壁面に容器のネジ部に螺合するネジ部が設けられたキャップにおいて、ＴＥリング部の内壁面に、容器口部に装着された該キャップを開栓方向に回す際に、係止爪に係合する係止突起を設け、上記キャップの主部下端部から下方に向けて突出形成され、開栓方向に漸次突出高さを減じる傾斜面を有する遅動防止突起と、該遅動防止突起の閉栓方向側面に近接するとともに一部または全部がタンパーエビデンスリング部側に位置するように設けられた係合突起とからなる遅動防止手段を設け、かつ該遅動防止突起の開栓方向側にブリッジを近接配置し、上記遅動防止突起を、上記キャップを開栓方向に回す際に、前記ＴＥリング部のブリッジ残部が上記傾斜面に沿って移動することで、ＴＥリング部を主部から離れる方向に押圧するように形成したものである。
【００１４】
本発明のキャップにおいて、遅動防止手段の係合突起が、ＴＥリング部の上端部に、その一面を遅動防止突起の閉栓方向側面に近接して配置された突起、またはキャップ主部とＴＥリング部との境界部に設けられ、水平スコアによってその一部がＴＥリング部と連動するように切断して形成された突起とのいずれか一方であって良い。また、遅動防止突起の傾斜面の角度は１５〜６０度の範囲として良い。
本発明のキャップにおいて、キャップのＴＥリング部に、上記ブリッジの切断とほぼ同時或いはブリッジ切断の直後に、このＴＥリング部をバンド状に開環させる垂直スコアを設けた構成として良い。
【００１５】
【作用】
本発明の閉止装置は、膨出段部の下方に、縮径部を介して１個又は周方向に沿って複数個離間配置された係止爪が設けられた容器と、ＴＥリング部の内壁面に該係止爪に係合する係止突起が設けられたキャップとから構成し、このキャップを上記容器の口部に装着し、キャップを開栓方向に回した際に容器の係止爪とキャップの係止突起とが係合し、ＴＥリング部の回転が阻止され、その結果キャップを開栓方向に回す回転力が直接ブリッジに作用し、ブリッジが容易に切断される。そして容器口部の膨出段部の下方に複数個の係止爪を間隔をおいて配置し、キャップのＴＥリング部内壁に複数の係止突起を配置することにより、容器口部に装着されたキャップを開栓方向に回転させブリッジが切断される位置までの回転角度であるブリッジ切断角度（Ｂ．Ｂ．Ａ）を９０度、好ましくは４５度以下と小さくすることが可能となる。
【００１６】
また、この発明におけるキャップは、キャップ主部下端部から下方に向けて突出形成され、開栓方向に漸次突出高さを減じる傾斜面を有する遅動防止突起と、該遅動防止突起の閉栓方向側面に近接するとともに一部または全部がＴＥリング部側に位置するように設けられた係合突起とからなる遅動防止手段を設け、かつ該遅動防止突起の開栓方向側にブリッジを近接配置したことにより、容器口部にこのキャップを被せ、閉栓方向に回して螺着嵌合する場合には、係合突起が遅動防止突起の閉栓方向側面に当接して、キャップ主部の閉栓方向への回転にＴＥリング部の回転が遅動することなく完全に一致して連動することにより、キャップ巻締め時にブリッジに余分な力が加わることなく装着し得る。
また、容器口部に装着されたこのキャップを開栓方向に回すと、容器の係止爪と該キャップの係止突起とが係合し、ＴＥリング部の回転が阻止され、その結果キャップを開栓方向に回す回転力が直接ブリッジに作用し、ブリッジが切断されるとともに、切断されたブリッジの残部が遅動防止突起の傾斜面に沿って移動し、ＴＥリング部を主部から離間させる方向に押圧することにより、ブリッジが切断されて主部から切り離されたＴＥリング部を確実に主部から離間させることができる。
さらに、このキャップでは、遅動防止手段の遅動防止突起と係合突起とを小さく形成することができ、その結果、これらを水平スコアに隣接して配し、その一部を水平スコアで切断する場合の切断抵抗を小さくすることができる。
【００１７】
【実施例】
以下、図面を参照して本発明を詳細に説明する。
図１ないし図４は本発明にかかる閉止装置と合成樹脂製キャップの一実施例を示すものであり、これらの図中符号５０はキャップ、７０は容器である。本実施例において、キャップ５０はポリプロピレンなどの合成樹脂から作られている。また容器７０は、ポリエチレンテレフタレート（ＰＥＴ）などの合成樹脂から作られている。なお、容器７０は本実施例に限定されることなくガラス容器であっても良い。
【００１８】
キャップ５０は、円形をなす天板部５１と、この天板部５１の周縁から垂下する筒部５２とからなるキャップ本体５３と、このキャップ本体５３の天板部５１内面側に設けられた薄肉状のライナー５４とを備えて構成されている。上記筒部５２は、複数の細いブリッジ５５を残して水平スコア５６によって、水平スコア５６より上部の主部５７と、水平スコア５６より下部のＴＥリング部５８とに区画されている。この主部５７の内壁面には、容器７０の口部外周に形成された雄ネジ７１と螺合するネジ部５９が形成されている。また、ＴＥリング部５８内壁面には、開栓方向に沿って漸次突出高さを増す８つの係止突起６０が周方向に沿って所定間隔で形成されたラチェット構造になっている。
【００１９】
このキャップ５０には、主部５７下端から下方に向けて突出形成され、開栓方向に漸次突出高さを減じる傾斜面６１を有する遅動防止突起６２と、この遅動防止突起６２の閉栓方向側面６２ａに近接配置された係合突起６３とからなる遅動防止手段６４が設けられている。この遅動防止手段６４は、隣合う２つの係止突起６０，６０の間に設けられた２つのブリッジ５５，５５間に挟まれるように設けられ、その一方のブリッジ５５は遅動防止突起６２の傾斜面６１の開栓方向端に近接配置されている。
本実施例においては図３に示すように、キャップ本体主部５７のＴＥリング部５８近傍に形成された水平環状面６７に遅動防止突起６２を突出形成している。この遅動防止突起６２は、その突端が水平スコア５６よりもＴＥリング部５８側に延出し、かつその一部が水平スコア５６による切断線６５よりも径方向内方側に位置した未切断部分を有しており、キャップ主部５７側と連動するようになっている。この遅動防止突起６２に近接配置された係合突起６３は、閉栓方向に向けて漸次径方向内方への突出高さを減じる傾斜面を有する形状をなし、その開栓方向側面６３ａは遅動防止突起６２の閉栓方向側面６２ａと確実に係合されるほぼ垂直な面になっている。この実施例において係合突起６３は主部５７とＴＥリング部５８の両方にかかる位置に形成され、水平スコア５６によって完全に切断され主部５７側とＴＥリング部５８側に分断されている。なお、係合突起６３は、その開栓方向側面６３ａが遅動防止突起６２の閉栓方向側面６２ａと確実に係合されれば良く、その形状や形成位置は本実施例に限定されない。例えば、係合突起６３をＴＥリング部５８側に形成し、遅動防止突起６２のＴＥリング部側突出部と係合させるように構成しても良い。
【００２０】
図２において係合突起６３の径方向内方側には、水平スコア５６によって一部が切断された複数のリーダー５５ａが周方向に沿って離間配置され、これらリーダー５５ａの未切断部分がブリッジ５５となっている。なお、図２において符号６５を付した破線は、水平スコア５６の切断線を示し、この切断線６５の径方向外方側が水平スコア５６により切断されていることを示す。
【００２１】
遅動防止手段６４の遅動防止突起６２と係合突起６３との突出高さは、キャップ５０を容器口部７０ａに装着した状態で、容器７０の係止爪７４上端に接しない高さであれば良いが、好ましくは水平スコア５６から０．５〜２．５ｍｍ程度とされる。遅動防止突起６２と係合突起６３との間隔は、ブリッジ５５の幅以下、好ましくは０．５ｍｍ以下とされる。
図４に示す遅動防止突起６２の傾斜面６１の傾斜角度αは１５〜６０度とされる。角度αが１５度より小さいと、リーダー５５ａのブリッジ残部６６がこの傾斜面６１に沿って移動し、ＴＥリング部５８を押圧して主部５７から離間させるのに必要な回転角度が大きくなってしまう。また、角度αが６０度よりも大きいと、リーダー５５ａのブリッジ残部６６がこの傾斜面６１に沿って移動する際の抵抗力が大きくなり、開栓し難くなる。
【００２２】
容器７０は、その口部７０ａの上部外周に雄ネジ７１が形成され、雄ネジ７１の下方に環状に膨出した膨出段部７２が形成され、またその下方の容器首部にはフランジ７３が形成されている。さらにこの容器７０では、膨出段部７２の下方に縮径部７５を介して、複数の係止爪７４が周方向に間隔をおいて設けられている。これら係止爪７４は、キャップ５０の開栓時に係止突起６０の側面に当接する側の当接面がほぼ垂直な面に形成され、その反対面は該当接面に向って突出高さを漸次増加させた傾斜面になっている。
【００２３】
容器７０の膨出段部７２下端から係止爪７４上端までの長さ、即ち縮径部の長さは、３．０ｍｍ以上、好ましくは３．０〜１０ｍｍ程度として良い。この縮径部の長さが３．０ｍｍ以上であれば、この容器７０に金属製キャップを巻締めて装着する場合に、成形ローラで金属製キャップ下端部を容器７０の膨出段部７２下端に巻込み成形するのが容易となる。
【００２４】
本実施例では、ＴＥリング部５８に８個の係止突起６０を設けると共に、容器７０の膨出段部７２下部に４つの係止爪７４を設けたラチェット構造になっている。これら係止突起６０と係止爪７４の個数は、この例示に限定されることなく、係止爪７４が１個または複数個、係止突起６０が複数個であれば良いが、Ｂ．Ｂ．Ａ．を９０度以下、好ましくは４５度以下とするためには容器７０に係止爪７４を４つ設けた場合に、係止突起６０を４個以上、好ましくは８個以上設けることが望ましい。また、本実施例では遅動防止突起６２と係止突起６３を周方向に８個配設した構成としたが、この個数も本実施例に限定されない。
【００２５】
本実施例による閉止装置の使用方法について説明する。容器７０は、所望の内容液を充填した後、図示略のキャップ装着装置に搬送され、フランジ７３の下面を支承し、好ましくは懸吊状態で搬送しつつ、その口部７０ａにキャップ５０を螺着嵌合し、キャップ５０を装着して密封する。
【００２６】
キャップ５０を容器口部７０ａに装着する場合には、ＴＥリング部５８の係止突起６０は、その内径が容器口部７０ａの雄ネジ７１及び膨出段部７２の外径よりも大きく設定されていることから、ＴＥリング部５８は容器口部７０ａの外周を容易に通過可能である。容器７０の雄ネジ７１とキャップ５０のネジ部５９との閉方向への螺子嵌合に従ってＴＥリング部５８が下方に移動し、容器７０の係止爪７４の位置に移動する。このとき遅動防止手段６４は、図４と図５に示すように、係合突起６３が遅動防止突起６２の閉栓方向側面６２ａに当接して、キャップ主部５８の閉栓方向への回転にＴＥリング部５８の回転が遅動することなく完全に一致して連動することにより、キャップ５０の係止突起６０が容器７０の係止爪７４の傾斜面上を摺動しつつ、係止爪７４を乗り越えることができる。従って、キャップ装着時に、キャップ５０の係止突起６０が容器７０の係止爪７４を乗り越える際の抵抗によってＴＥリング部５８が主部５７の回転に対して遅動することによりブリッジ５５に余分な力が加わるのが防止され、キャップ５０を装着する際にブリッジ５５が切断されてしまう不都合を防ぐことができる。
【００２７】
容器口部７０ａに装着されたキャップ５０は、図１に示すように、係止突起６０の下端が係止爪７４の下部近傍まで達した状態で巻締められる。
また、容器口部７０ａの上端および外周面は、キャップ５０の天板部５１内面に設けられた軟質樹脂からなるライナー５４に圧接し、それによって容器７０が密封されている。
【００２８】
この閉止装置のキャップ５０を開栓するべく容器口部７０ａに装着されたキャップ５０を開栓方向に回すと、それぞれの係止突起６０は僅かな回転移動によってその側面が係止爪７４の当接面に当接し、ＴＥリング部５８の開栓方向への回転を阻止する。
【００２９】
キャップ５０の主部５７は開栓方向に回され、ＴＥリング部５８は回転を阻止されることから、主部５７とＴＥリング部５８とを連結している複数の細いブリッジ５５は主部５７の回転に従って急激に横方向に引っ張られ、直ちに切断される。その結果、キャップ５０の主部５７からＴＥリング部５８が切り離された状態となる。このブリッジ５５が切断された時点では、容器口部７０ａの上端および上端近傍の外周面にはライナー５４が当接しており、容器７０の密封性が維持されている。
【００３０】
このブリッジ５５の切断に引き続いて、図６から図８に示すように、遅動防止突起６２の開栓方向側に配されたブリッジ残部６６が遅動防止突起６２の傾斜面６１に沿って移動し、ＴＥリング部５８を主部５７から離間させる方向に押圧することにより、ブリッジ５５が切断されて主部５７から切り離されたＴＥリング部５８を確実に主部５７から離間させることができる。この結果、キャップ５０の主部５７から切り離されたＴＥリング部５８は、主部５７の下方に離間し、一見して開栓したことが認識できるようになる。
【００３１】
キャップ５０の主部５７をさらに開栓方向に回すと、容器口部７０ａの上端および上端近傍の外周面からライナー５４が離れ、容器７０の密封シールが解放され、さらに主部５７を回して容器口部７０ａから取り外す。
【００３２】
この実施例の閉止装置は、キャップ５０のＴＥリング部５８内周面に多数の係止突起６０を周方向に沿って設け、容器７０の膨出段部７２の下方に複数の係止爪７４を設け、容器口部７０ａに装着されたキャップ５０を開栓方向に回すときに、係止突起６０が係止爪７４に当接、係合してＴＥリング部５８の回転が阻止され、その結果キャップ５０を開栓方向に回す回転力が直接ブリッジ５５に作用し、ブリッジ５５が容易に切断される。さらに本実施例では、容器口部７０ａに４つの係止爪７４を間隔をおいて配置するとともに、キャップ５０のＴＥリング部５８内壁に多数の係止突起６０を配置した構成としたので、複数のブリッジ５５に均一に力を作用させることができ、少ない回転角度でブリッジ５５が容易に切断できる。従って、この実施例の閉止装置によれば、容器口部７０ａに装着されたキャップ５０を開栓方向に回転させ、ブリッジ５５が切断される位置までの回転角度であるブリッジ切断角度（Ｂ．Ｂ．Ａ）を９０度以下、望ましくは４５度以下と小さくすることが可能となる。
【００３３】
また、本実施例では、キャップ５０に、主部５７下端から下方に向けて突出形成され、開栓方向に漸次突出高さを減じる傾斜面６１を有する遅動防止突起６２と、遅動防止突起６２の閉栓方向側に近接配置された係合突起６３とからなる遅動防止手段６４を設け、かつ遅動防止突起６２の開栓方向側に近接してブリッジ５５を配置し、キャップ５０を容器口部７０ａに被せて閉栓方向に回す際には、係合突起６３が遅動防止突起６２の開栓方向側の側面６２ａに当接し、かつ容器口部７０ａに装着されたキャップ５０を開栓方向に回す際には、切断されたブリッジ残部６６が遅動防止突起６２の傾斜面６１に沿って移動し、その結果ＴＥリング部５８が下方に押圧され、主部５７から強制的に離間せしめられ、ＴＥリング部５８の主部５７からの離間によって、キャップ５０の開栓表示を確実にすることができる。
【００３４】
なお、上述した各実施例は本発明の閉止装置を例示したものであり、種々の改変が可能であることは言うまでもない。例えば、上記各実施例では、キャップ本体５３の天板部５１内面にライナーを配した構成としたが、天板部内面側に容器口部上端に接して気密性を付与する突条等を配しライナーを省いたライナーレスキャップであってもよい。また、上記各実施例では、容器７０をＰＥＴなどのプラスチック製容器としたが、ガラス製容器として構成することができるし、フランジ７３の無い容器を使用しても良い。
また、上記実施例の閉止装置に用いた容器７０は、膨出段部７２の下方に縮径部７５を介して係止爪７４を設けた構成とし、その縮径部７５の間隔を３ｍｍ以上、好ましくは３〜１０ｍｍとすることにより、合成樹脂製キャップ５０に代えて金属製のキャップを装着する際に、その縮径部７５によって成形ローラ等によるキャップ成形、特にＴＥリング部５８下端部の巻き込み成形を容易に実施することができるので、この容器７０は合成樹脂製キャップ５０と金属製キャップとの兼用使用が可能となる。
さらに、本発明にかかる合成樹脂製キャップ５０において、ＴＥリング部５８に垂直スコアを設け、キャップ開栓時にブリッジ５５の切断とほぼ同時或いはその直後に、この垂直スコアが切断されてＴＥリング部５８をバンド状に取り外せるように構成しても良い。
【００３５】
【発明の効果】
以上説明した通り、本発明の閉止装置は、キャップのＴＥリング部内周面に多数の係止突起を周方向に沿って設け、容器の膨出段部の下方に複数の係止爪を設け、容器口部に装着されたキャップを開栓方向に回すときに、係止突起が係止爪に当接、係合してＴＥリング部の回転が阻止され、その結果キャップを開栓方向に回す回転力が直接ブリッジに作用し、ブリッジが容易に切断される。さらに容器口部に複数の係止爪を間隔をおいて配置するとともに、キャップのＴＥリング部内壁に多数の係止突起を配置することにより、複数のブリッジに均一に力を作用させることができ、少ない回転角度でブリッジが容易に切断できる。従って、この実施例の閉止装置によれば、容器口部に装着されたキャップを開栓方向に回転させ、ブリッジが切断される位置までの回転角度であるブリッジ切断角度（Ｂ．Ｂ．Ａ）を９０度以下、望ましくは４５度以下と小さくすることが可能となり、タンパーエビデンス性の優れた閉止装置を提供することができる。
【００３６】
また、この発明におけるキャップは、キャップ主部下端部から下方に向けて突出形成され、開栓方向に漸次突出高さを減じる傾斜面を有する遅動防止突起と、該遅動防止突起の閉栓方向側面に近接するとともに一部または全部がＴＥリング部側に位置するように設けられた係合突起とからなる遅動防止手段を設け、かつ該遅動防止突起の開栓方向側にブリッジを近接配置したことにより、容器口部にこのキャップを被せ、閉栓方向に回して螺着嵌合する場合には、係合突起が遅動防止突起の閉栓方向側面に当接して、キャップ主部の閉栓方向への回転にＴＥリング部の回転が遅動することなく完全に一致して連動することにより、キャップ巻締め時にブリッジに余分な力が加わることなく装着し得るので、キャップ装着時にブリッジが切断される不都合を確実に防止することができる。
また、容器口部に装着されたこのキャップを開栓方向に回す際には、切断されたブリッジの残部が遅動防止突起の傾斜面に沿って移動し、その結果ＴＥリング部が下方に押圧され、主部から強制的に離間せしめられ、ＴＥリング部の主部からの離間によって、キャップの開栓表示を確実にすることができる。
さらに、このキャップでは、遅動防止手段の遅動防止突起と係合突起とを小さく形成することができ、その結果、これらを水平スコアに隣接して配し、その一部が水平スコアで切断される場合にも切断抵抗が小さくなり、水平スコアの切断不良を生じることがなく、製造が容易である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】図１は本発明の第１実施例を示す閉止装置の正面断面図である。
【図２】図２は同じ閉止装置を示し、図１中Ａ−Ａ線断面図である。
【図３】図３は同じ閉止装置のキャップの斜視図である。
【図４】図４は同じキャップの遅動防止手段を示す図２中Ｂ−Ｂ部矢視図である。
【図５】図５は同じく閉栓時の状態にある遅動防止手段を示す図である。
【図６】図６は同じく開栓開始時の状態にある遅動防止手段を示す図である。
【図７】図７は同じく開栓してＴＥリングが離間する状態にある遅動防止手段を示す図である。
【図８】図８は同じく開栓してＴＥリングが離間した状態にある遅動防止手段を示す図である。
【図９】図９は従来の閉止装置の一例を示す斜視図である。
【図１０】図１０は従来の閉止装置の他の例を示す一部断面視した正面図である。
【図１１】図１１は図１０に示す閉止装置の要部斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
５０……キャップ、５１……天板部、５２……筒部、５３……キャップ本体、５４……ライナー、５５……ブリッジ、５６……水平スコア、５７……主部、５８……ＴＥリング部、５９……ネジ部、６０……係止突起、６１……傾斜面、６２……遅動防止突起、６３……係合突起、６４……遅動防止突起、７０……容器、７０ａ……容器口部、７１……雄ネジ、７２……膨出段部、７３……フランジ、７４……係止爪。[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
In the present invention, a container having a screw part formed on the outer periphery of the mouth part, and a tamper evidence ring part that is screwed into the container mouth part and connected to the lower part of the cylinder part at the time of opening are separated from the main part of the cap. The present invention relates to a closing device including a tamper-evidence cap that displays opening.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a container having a threaded part at the mouth part and an opening display ring part screwed into the container mouth part and connected to the lower part of the cylinder part at the time of opening are separated from the main part of the cap and opened. Various types of closure devices have been proposed as a closure device including a cap having a function of displaying a stopper (referred to as pilfer-proof property or tamper-evidence property).
[0003]
FIG. 9 shows a closing device comprising a cap and a container corresponding to the cap described in Japanese Patent Publication No. Sho 52-14777 as an example of a conventional closing device. The closing device includes a top portion 3, a cylindrical portion 4 that extends downward from the periphery of the top portion and has a screw 5 inside thereof, and a reverse of the container check protrusion 14 and the cap check protrusion 8 when the cap body 2 is rotated in the opening direction. A cap 1 having a bridge 6 that is broken by a stopping force, and an annular body 7 that is partitioned from the cap body 2 by the bridge 6, and a male screw 13 is formed in the mouth portion 12 so that the cap 1 can be mounted. In addition, a closing device is described which includes a container 11 having a container check protrusion 14 formed in the lower portion of the male screw 13. In this closing device, when the cap 1 is turned in the opening direction, the cap check projection 8 provided on the inner surface of the annular body 7 of the cap 1 is engaged with the container check projection 14 provided on the container 11. Thus, the rotation of the annular body 7 is prevented, the bridge 6 is cut, and the annular body 7 is separated from the cap body 2.
[0004]
FIG. 10 shows a synthetic resin container lid (cap) described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-30702 as another example of a conventional closing device, and has an external thread 31 on the outer peripheral surface and below the external thread 31. The container provided with the container opening part 30 in which the provided jaw part 32 is formed, and the cap 20 with which this is mounted | worn are described. The cap 20 includes a top plate portion 21 and a cylindrical portion 22 that hangs down from a peripheral portion thereof. The cylindrical portion 22 is defined by a plurality of slits 23 extending in the circumferential direction and a bridge 24 existing between the slits. The broken line 25 is formed, and the cylindrical part 22 is partitioned into a main part 26 above the break line 25 and a pill fur proof skirt part 27 below the break line. A threaded portion 28 is formed to be engaged with the male thread 31 of the mouth portion 30, and a plurality of protrusions 29 projecting radially inward are formed on the inner surface of the pilfer proof hem portion 27 at positions away from the bridge 24. Is formed. As shown in FIG. 11, the protrusion 29 is formed in a shape such that the amount of protrusion inward in the radial direction gradually increases from the lower side in the axial direction toward the upper side.
[0005]
In this closing device, when the cap 20 is attached to the container mouth portion 30, the pilfer proof skirt portion 27 is elastically deformed and the protrusion 29 gets over the jaw portion 32 of the container mouth portion 30 and enters below. Then, when the cap 20 attached to the container mouth part 30 is turned in the opening direction, the protrusion 29 provided on the inner surface of the pill fur proof hem part 27 is engaged with the lower end of the jaw part of the container mouth part 30, The proof skirt 27 is prevented from moving upward, and as a result, a tensile force acts on the bridge 24 that connects the main portion 26 of the cap 20 and the pill fur proof skirt 27, and the bridge 24 is cut off. The proof skirt 27 is cut off.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described conventional closing device has the following problems.
The closing device described in the former Japanese Patent Publication No. 52-14777 is provided on the cap check projection 8 or the container mouth 11 formed on the inner surface of the annular body 7 when the cap 1 is attached to the container mouth 11. Although it is necessary to compress the formed container check protrusions 14 and rotate them relatively, it is necessary to apply a considerably large torque to the cap in order to compress these check protrusions. Mounting is relatively difficult, and the bridge is broken when the cap is mounted due to the considerable torque applied to the cap. In order to solve the drawbacks, it is conceivable to reduce the protruding amount of the check protrusion or to make the check protrusion soft or flexible, but in that case, the cap 1 is attached to the container mouth 11. After that, the engagement between the cap check protrusion 8 and the container check protrusion 14 becomes insufficient, and the tamper evidence by the opening display is impaired.
Furthermore, in the above-described closing device, the cap 1 and the container mouth have unique shapes, and there is a drawback that it is difficult to apply to a normal synthetic resin cap or metal cap.
[0007]
Further, the cap 20 described in the latter Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-30702 is provided when the cap 20 is attached to the container mouth portion 30 by providing the projection 29 of the pilfer proof skirt portion 27 and the bridge 24 apart from each other. In addition, the bridge 24 is prevented from being broken even if the pilfer proof hem 27 is elastically deformed when the projection 29 gets over the jaw 32 of the container mouth 30. However, when the cap 20 is opened, the protrusion 29 provided on the inner surface of the pill fur proof hem 27 engages with the lower end of the chin portion of the container mouth 30 so that the pill fur proof hem 27 moves upward. As a result, since the bridge 24 is cut by a tensile force acting on the bridge 24 that connects the main portion 26 of the cap 20 and the pilfer proof skirt portion 27, the cap is formed of a synthetic resin. In some cases, when a tensile force was applied to the bridge 24, the bridge 24 was easily stretched, and the cap body had to be rotated a considerable angle in the opening direction in order to cut it.
[0008]
In this kind of tamper-evidence cap, when the cap attached to the container mouth is turned in the opening direction from the initial position, the upper end of the container mouth is separated from the inner surface of the cap or the liner, etc. When the seal is released, the rotation angle (seal release angle; hereinafter referred to as SRA) and when the cap attached to the container mouth is turned in the opening direction from the initial position, the bridge is cut. The relationship with the rotation angle to the position (bridge cutting angle; hereinafter referred to as BBA) is R. AB. B. A = 0 or more, preferably 30 or more is desirable. That is, when the cap is opened, it is desirable that the bridge is cut before the upper end of the container mouth is separated from the liner or the like and the hermetic seal is released.
As a closure device cap, a metal cap such as an aluminum alloy is used. The cap is placed on the container mouth and the tube is wound around the outer periphery of the container mouth. B. Since A can be reduced to within 90 degrees, S.A. R. AB. B. The value of A can be increased.
However, in the above-described synthetic resin cap 20, B.D. B. A increases and S.P. R. AB. B. In some cases, A = 0 degrees or less, and there was a point to be improved from the viewpoint of improving the tamper evidence.
[0009]
Further, when the cap 20 is attached to the container mouth portion 30, the protrusion 29 gets over the jaw portion 32 of the container mouth portion 30 due to elastic deformation of the pilfer proof hem portion 27. Even if the protrusions 29 of the portion 27 are provided apart from the bridge 24, the bridge 24 may be cut when the cap 24 is screwed if the mechanical strength of the bridge 24 is weak. It is conceivable to increase the strength or to provide engagement pieces above and below the breaking line 25 as shown by reference numerals 34 and 35 in FIG. 11 to prevent the bridge 24 from being cut when the cap is screwed. However, when the strength of the bridge 24 is increased, it is difficult to open the cap, the bridge 24 may not be cut off, and the tamper evidence property may be impaired. It is difficult in a normal cap manufacturing process, and a special manufacturing process is essential, which leads to an increase in manufacturing cost.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. When the synthetic resin cap is attached to the closing device composed of the synthetic resin cap and the container, the present invention is applied. B. An object of the present invention is to provide a closing device and a synthetic resin cap that can reduce A and exhibit good tamper-evidence.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A closing device according to the present invention includes a container in which a screw portion is formed on the outer periphery of the mouth portion, and a bulging step portion bulging annularly radially outward is formed below the screw portion; A synthetic resin cap (hereinafter referred to as a cap) that is screwed into the mouth, A tamper-evidence ring part (hereinafter referred to as a TE ring part) that is divided from the main part by a horizontal score is formed with a top plate part and a cylindrical part that hangs from the periphery of the top part, leaving a plurality of bridges at the bottom of the cylindrical part. In addition, in the closing device in which the threaded portion that is threadedly engaged with the threaded portion of the container is provided on the inner wall surface of the main portion, one or the circumferential direction is provided below the bulging step portion of the container via the reduced diameter portion. A plurality of locking claws are provided along the inner wall surface of the TE ring portion of the cap, and the locking claws are engaged with the locking claws when the cap mounted on the container mouth portion is turned in the opening direction. Protrusion is provided, and is formed on the side face in the plugging direction of the slowing prevention protrusion, and has a sloping surface that protrudes downward from the lower end of the main part of the cap and has an inclined surface that gradually reduces the protruding height in the opening direction. Proximity and part or all of the tamper evidence Provided lagged preventing means consisting of an engagement projection provided so as to be positioned on grayed portion, and a bridge near placed unplugging direction of the slow-motion prevention projection, When the delay prevention protrusion is rotated in the opening direction of the synthetic resin cap, the remaining bridge portion of the TE ring portion moves along the inclined surface, thereby moving the TE ring portion away from the main portion. Formed to press Is.
[0012]
In the closing device of the present invention, the locking claw of the container corresponds to the surface opposite to the contact surface that engages with the locking protrusion of the cap when the cap is attached to the container mouth and rotated in the opening direction. It may be an inclined surface that gradually increases the protruding height toward the contact surface side.
In the closing device of the present invention, the engagement protrusion of the slowing prevention means has a protrusion disposed on the upper end portion of the TE ring portion, one surface thereof close to the side surface in the closing direction of the slowing prevention protrusion, or a cap main portion. It may be any one of protrusions provided at a boundary portion with the TE ring portion and cut by a horizontal score so that a part thereof is interlocked with the TE ring portion. Further, the angle of the inclined surface of the slowing prevention protrusion may be in the range of 15 to 60 degrees.
In the closing device of the present invention, the TE ring portion of the cap may be provided with a vertical score for opening the TE ring portion in a band shape almost simultaneously with the cutting of the bridge or immediately after the cutting of the bridge.
In the closing device of the present invention, the length from the lower end of the bulging step portion of the container to the upper end of the locking claw may be 3.0 mm or more.
In the closing device of the present invention, the cap mounted on the container mouth may be rotated in the opening direction, and the bridge cutting angle, which is the rotation angle to the position at which the bridge is cut, may be 90 degrees or less.
[0013]
The cap of the present invention has a threaded portion formed on the outer periphery of the mouth portion, and is screwed into the mouth portion of the container provided with one or a plurality of locking claws spaced apart along the circumferential direction below the threaded portion. It is a cap to be fitted with a top plate part and a cylindrical part hanging from the periphery thereof, and a TE ring part partitioned from the main part by a horizontal score is formed leaving a plurality of bridges at the lower part of the cylindrical part. When the cap mounted on the inner wall surface of the main portion is threaded to the threaded portion of the container, and the cap mounted on the container mouth portion is turned in the opening direction on the inner wall surface of the TE ring portion. A locking protrusion that engages with the locking claw, and is formed to protrude downward from the lower end of the main portion of the cap, and has a slowing prevention protrusion having an inclined surface that gradually reduces the protruding height in the opening direction, The slowing prevention protrusion is close to the side surface in the closing direction and part or all of the Provided lagged preventing means consisting of an engagement projection provided so as to be positioned over evidence ring portion, and a bridge near placed unplugging direction of the slow-motion preventing protrusions When the cap is rotated in the opening direction, the bridge prevention portion of the TE ring portion moves along the inclined surface to push the TE ring portion away from the main portion. Formed as Is.
[0014]
In the cap of the present invention, the engagement protrusion of the slowing prevention means has a protrusion disposed at the upper end of the TE ring portion, one surface thereof being close to the side surface in the closing direction of the slowing prevention protrusion, or the cap main portion and the TE. It may be any one of a protrusion provided at a boundary portion with the ring portion and cut by a horizontal score so that a part thereof is interlocked with the TE ring portion. Further, the angle of the inclined surface of the slowing prevention protrusion may be in the range of 15 to 60 degrees.
In the cap of the present invention, the TE ring part of the cap may be provided with a vertical score that opens the TE ring part in a band shape almost simultaneously with the cutting of the bridge or immediately after the bridge cutting.
[0015]
[Action]
The closing device of the present invention includes a container provided with locking claws disposed one or more along the circumferential direction below the bulging step portion, and a TE ring portion. And a cap provided with a locking projection that engages with the locking claw on the wall surface. When the cap is attached to the mouth of the container and the cap is rotated in the opening direction, the locking claw of the container And the locking projection of the cap engage with each other, and the rotation of the TE ring portion is prevented. As a result, the rotational force that rotates the cap in the opening direction directly acts on the bridge, and the bridge is easily cut. A plurality of locking claws are arranged at intervals below the bulging step portion of the container mouth, and a plurality of locking projections are disposed on the inner wall of the TE ring portion of the cap. It is possible to reduce the bridge cutting angle (BBAA), which is the rotation angle until the bridge is cut by rotating the cap in the opening direction, to 90 degrees, preferably 45 degrees or less.
[0016]
Further, the cap according to the present invention is formed so as to project downward from the lower end portion of the cap main portion, and has a slowing prevention projection having an inclined surface that gradually reduces the projection height in the opening direction, and the closing direction of the retardation prevention projection. Providing a delay prevention means comprising an engaging protrusion provided so as to be close to the side surface and partly or entirely located on the TE ring side, and a bridge close to the opening direction side of the delay prevention protrusion When the cap is put on the container mouth portion and turned in the closing direction by screwing, the engaging projection comes into contact with the side surface of the slowing prevention projection in the closing direction, and the cap main portion is closed. By rotating in the direction completely and interlocking with the rotation of the TE ring portion without being delayed, it can be mounted without applying an extra force to the bridge when the cap is tightened.
Further, when this cap mounted on the container mouth is turned in the opening direction, the locking claw of the container and the locking projection of the cap are engaged, and the rotation of the TE ring portion is prevented. The rotational force that rotates in the direction of opening the plug acts directly on the bridge, and the bridge is cut, and the remaining part of the cut bridge moves along the inclined surface of the anti-slow projection so that the TE ring part is separated from the main part. By pressing in the direction, the TE ring part cut from the main part by cutting the bridge can be reliably separated from the main part.
Furthermore, with this cap, the delay prevention protrusion and the engagement protrusion of the delay prevention means can be formed small, and as a result, these are arranged adjacent to the horizontal score, and a part thereof is cut by the horizontal score. In this case, the cutting resistance can be reduced.
[0017]
【Example】
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
1 to 4 show an embodiment of a closing device and a synthetic resin cap according to the present invention. In these drawings, reference numeral 50 denotes a cap, and 70 denotes a container. In this embodiment, the cap 50 is made of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene. The container 70 is made of a synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The container 70 is not limited to the present embodiment and may be a glass container.
[0018]
The cap 50 includes a cap body 53 including a circular top plate portion 51 and a cylindrical portion 52 depending from the periphery of the top plate portion 51, and a thin wall provided on the inner surface side of the top plate portion 51 of the cap body 53. And a liner 54 in a shape. The cylindrical portion 52 is divided into a main portion 57 above the horizontal score 56 and a TE ring portion 58 below the horizontal score 56 by a horizontal score 56 leaving a plurality of thin bridges 55. On the inner wall surface of the main portion 57, a screw portion 59 that is screwed with a male screw 71 formed on the outer periphery of the mouth portion of the container 70 is formed. In addition, the inner wall surface of the TE ring portion 58 has a ratchet structure in which eight locking protrusions 60 that gradually increase in protruding height along the opening direction are formed at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction.
[0019]
The cap 50 is formed to project downward from the lower end of the main portion 57 and has a slowing prevention projection 62 having an inclined surface 61 that gradually reduces the projection height in the plugging direction, and the closing direction of the slowing prevention projection 62. A slowing prevention means 64 is provided which includes an engaging protrusion 63 disposed in proximity to the side surface 62a. This slowing prevention means 64 is provided so as to be sandwiched between two bridges 55, 55 provided between two adjacent locking projections 60, 60, and one of the bridges 55 has a slowing prevention projection 62. The inclined surface 61 is disposed close to the end in the opening direction.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a slowing prevention protrusion 62 is formed on the horizontal annular surface 67 formed in the vicinity of the TE ring portion 58 of the cap main body 57. This slowing prevention protrusion 62 has an uncut portion whose protrusion extends to the TE ring portion 58 side with respect to the horizontal score 56, and a part of which is located radially inward from the cutting line 65 by the horizontal score 56. It is interlocked with the cap main part 57 side. The engagement protrusion 63 disposed in the vicinity of the slowing prevention protrusion 62 has a shape having an inclined surface that gradually reduces the protrusion height inward in the radial direction toward the closing direction, and the opening direction side face 63a is slow. The movement preventing projection 62 is a substantially vertical surface that is securely engaged with the side surface 62a in the closing direction. In this embodiment, the engaging protrusion 63 is formed at a position over both the main portion 57 and the TE ring portion 58, and is completely cut by the horizontal score 56 and divided into the main portion 57 side and the TE ring portion 58 side. The engaging protrusion 63 only needs to be reliably engaged with the closing direction side face 62a of the slowing prevention protrusion 62 by the opening direction side face 63a, and the shape and forming position thereof are not limited to the present embodiment. For example, the engagement protrusion 63 may be formed on the TE ring portion 58 side and may be configured to engage with the TE ring portion side protrusion of the slowing prevention protrusion 62.
[0020]
In FIG. 2, a plurality of leaders 55 a partially cut by the horizontal score 56 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction on the radially inner side of the engagement protrusion 63, and uncut portions of these leaders 55 a are bridged 55. It has become. 2 indicates a cutting line of the horizontal score 56, and indicates that the outer side in the radial direction of the cutting line 65 is cut by the horizontal score 56.
[0021]
The protrusion height of the delay prevention protrusion 62 and the engagement protrusion 63 of the delay prevention means 64 is a height that does not contact the upper end of the locking claw 74 of the container 70 when the cap 50 is attached to the container mouth portion 70a. The horizontal score is preferably about 0.5 to 2.5 mm. The distance between the slowing prevention protrusion 62 and the engagement protrusion 63 is set to be equal to or less than the width of the bridge 55, preferably 0.5 mm or less.
The inclination angle α of the inclined surface 61 of the slowing prevention protrusion 62 shown in FIG. 4 is 15 to 60 degrees. When the angle α is smaller than 15 degrees, the bridge remaining portion 66 of the leader 55a moves along the inclined surface 61, and the rotation angle required to press the TE ring portion 58 away from the main portion 57 becomes large. End up. Also, if the angle α is larger than 60 degrees, the resistance force when the bridge remaining portion 66 of the leader 55a moves along the inclined surface 61 becomes large and it is difficult to open the plug.
[0022]
The container 70 has a male screw 71 formed on the outer periphery of the upper portion of the mouth portion 70a, a bulging stepped portion 72 bulging annularly below the male screw 71, and a flange 73 on the container neck below the container 70. Is formed. Further, in this container 70, a plurality of locking claws 74 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction via a reduced diameter portion 75 below the bulging step portion 72. These locking claws 74 are formed so that the contact surface on the side contacting the side surface of the locking projection 60 when the cap 50 is opened is a substantially vertical surface, and the opposite surface has a protruding height toward the corresponding contact surface. The slope is gradually increased.
[0023]
The length from the lower end of the bulging step portion 72 of the container 70 to the upper end of the locking claw 74, that is, the length of the reduced diameter portion may be 3.0 mm or more, preferably about 3.0 to 10 mm. If the length of the reduced diameter portion is 3.0 mm or more, when the metal cap is wound and attached to the container 70, the lower end portion of the metal cap is fixed to the lower end of the bulging step portion 72 of the container 70 with a forming roller. It becomes easy to wrap and form.
[0024]
In this embodiment, the TE ring portion 58 is provided with eight locking projections 60 and has a ratchet structure in which four locking claws 74 are provided at the lower portion of the bulging step portion 72 of the container 70. The number of the locking projections 60 and the locking claws 74 is not limited to this example, and one or a plurality of locking claws 74 and a plurality of locking projections 60 may be used. B. A. In order to make the angle 90 degrees or less, preferably 45 degrees or less, when the container 70 is provided with four locking claws 74, it is desirable to provide four or more locking projections 60, preferably eight or more. Further, in this embodiment, the eight delay prevention protrusions 62 and the eight locking protrusions 63 are arranged in the circumferential direction, but this number is not limited to this embodiment.
[0025]
A method of using the closing device according to this embodiment will be described. After the container 70 is filled with a desired content liquid, the container 70 is transported to a cap mounting device (not shown), supports the lower surface of the flange 73, and preferably transports in a suspended state, while the cap 50 is screwed into the mouth portion 70a. After fitting, the cap 50 is attached and sealed.
[0026]
When the cap 50 is attached to the container mouth part 70a, the inner diameter of the locking projection 60 of the TE ring part 58 is set larger than the outer diameters of the male screw 71 and the bulging step part 72 of the container mouth part 70a. Therefore, the TE ring portion 58 can easily pass through the outer periphery of the container mouth portion 70a. The TE ring portion 58 moves downward according to the screw fitting in the closing direction between the male screw 71 of the container 70 and the screw portion 59 of the cap 50, and moves to the position of the locking claw 74 of the container 70. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the slowing prevention means 64 causes the engaging projection 63 to abut against the side surface 62 a of the slowing prevention projection 62 in the closing direction, so that the cap main portion 58 rotates in the closing direction. When the rotation of the TE ring part 58 is completely matched and interlocked without being delayed, the locking projection 60 of the cap 50 slides on the inclined surface of the locking claw 74 of the container 70, and the locking claw 74 can be overcome. Accordingly, when the cap is mounted, the TE ring portion 58 is delayed with respect to the rotation of the main portion 57 due to the resistance when the locking protrusion 60 of the cap 50 rides over the locking claw 74 of the container 70, so that an extra portion is added to the bridge 55. It is possible to prevent a force from being applied, and to prevent a disadvantage that the bridge 55 is cut when the cap 50 is attached.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 1, the cap 50 attached to the container mouth portion 70 a is wound with the lower end of the locking projection 60 reaching the vicinity of the lower portion of the locking claw 74.
Further, the upper end and the outer peripheral surface of the container mouth part 70 a are pressed against a liner 54 made of a soft resin provided on the inner surface of the top plate part 51 of the cap 50, thereby sealing the container 70.
[0028]
When the cap 50 attached to the container mouth part 70a is turned in the opening direction so as to open the cap 50 of the closing device, each side of the locking projection 60 is brought into contact with the locking claw 74 by a slight rotational movement. It abuts against the contact surface and prevents rotation of the TE ring portion 58 in the plug opening direction.
[0029]
Since the main portion 57 of the cap 50 is rotated in the opening direction and the TE ring portion 58 is prevented from rotating, the plurality of thin bridges 55 connecting the main portion 57 and the TE ring portion 58 are formed in the main portion 57. As it rotates, it is pulled laterally abruptly and cut immediately. As a result, the TE ring portion 58 is separated from the main portion 57 of the cap 50. When the bridge 55 is cut, the liner 54 is in contact with the upper end of the container mouth portion 70a and the outer peripheral surface in the vicinity of the upper end, and the sealing performance of the container 70 is maintained.
[0030]
Following the cutting of the bridge 55, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the remaining bridge portion 66 disposed on the side of the opening prevention direction of the slowing prevention protrusion 62 moves along the inclined surface 61 of the slowing prevention protrusion 62. Then, by pressing the TE ring portion 58 in the direction in which the TE ring portion 58 is separated from the main portion 57, the TE ring portion 58 that is cut from the main portion 57 by cutting the bridge 55 can be reliably separated from the main portion 57. As a result, the TE ring portion 58 separated from the main portion 57 of the cap 50 is separated from the lower portion of the main portion 57 and can be recognized as being opened at first glance.
[0031]
When the main portion 57 of the cap 50 is further rotated in the opening direction, the liner 54 is released from the upper end of the container mouth portion 70a and the outer peripheral surface in the vicinity of the upper end, the hermetic seal of the container 70 is released, and the main portion 57 is further rotated to turn the container Remove from the mouth 70a.
[0032]
In the closing device of this embodiment, a large number of locking projections 60 are provided along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the TE ring portion 58 of the cap 50, and a plurality of locking claws 74 are provided below the bulging step portion 72 of the container 70. When the cap 50 attached to the container mouth portion 70a is rotated in the opening direction, the locking projection 60 contacts and engages with the locking claw 74 to prevent the TE ring portion 58 from rotating. As a result, the rotational force that rotates the cap 50 in the opening direction directly acts on the bridge 55, and the bridge 55 is easily cut. Further, in this embodiment, the four locking claws 74 are arranged at intervals in the container mouth portion 70a, and a large number of the locking projections 60 are arranged on the inner wall of the TE ring portion 58 of the cap 50. Therefore, the bridge 55 can be easily cut at a small rotation angle. Therefore, according to the closing device of this embodiment, the cap 50 attached to the container mouth portion 70a is rotated in the opening direction, and the bridge cutting angle (BB), which is the rotation angle to the position at which the bridge 55 is cut. A) can be reduced to 90 degrees or less, preferably 45 degrees or less.
[0033]
Further, in this embodiment, the cap 50 is formed to project downward from the lower end of the main portion 57, and has an anti-slow projection 62 having an inclined surface 61 that gradually reduces the projecting height in the opening direction, and an anti-slow projection. A delay prevention means 64 is provided which includes an engagement protrusion 63 arranged close to the closing direction side of 62, and a bridge 55 is arranged close to the opening direction side of the delay prevention protrusion 62, and the cap 50 is placed in the container. When covering the mouth portion 70a and turning in the closing direction, the engaging projection 63 abuts against the side surface 62a of the slowing prevention projection 62 on the opening direction side, and the cap 50 attached to the container mouth portion 70a is opened. When turning in the direction, the cut bridge remaining portion 66 moves along the inclined surface 61 of the slowing prevention protrusion 62, and as a result, the TE ring portion 58 is pressed downward and forcedly separated from the main portion 57. The main part 57 of the TE ring part 58 The separation of the can to ensure unplugging display of the cap 50.
[0034]
It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are examples of the closing device of the present invention, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the liner is arranged on the inner surface of the top plate portion 51 of the cap body 53. However, a ridge or the like is provided on the inner surface side of the top plate portion so as to be in contact with the upper end of the container mouth and provide airtightness. It may be a linerless cap without a liner. In each of the above embodiments, the container 70 is a plastic container such as PET. However, it can be configured as a glass container, or a container without the flange 73 may be used.
Further, the container 70 used in the closing device of the above embodiment has a configuration in which the locking claw 74 is provided below the bulging step portion 72 via the reduced diameter portion 75, and the interval between the reduced diameter portions 75 is 3 mm or more. When the metal cap is mounted instead of the synthetic resin cap 50, preferably, the cap is formed with a molding roller or the like by the reduced diameter portion 75, particularly at the lower end of the TE ring portion 58. Since the wrap-up molding can be easily performed, the container 70 can be used as both the synthetic resin cap 50 and the metal cap.
Further, in the synthetic resin cap 50 according to the present invention, the TE ring portion 58 is provided with a vertical score, and when the cap is opened, the vertical score is cut almost simultaneously with or immediately after the cutting of the bridge 55, and the TE ring portion 58 is cut. May be configured to be removable in a band shape.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the closing device of the present invention is provided with a number of locking projections along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the TE ring portion of the cap, and is provided with a plurality of locking claws below the bulging step portion of the container, When the cap attached to the container mouth is turned in the opening direction, the locking projection comes into contact with and engages with the locking claw and the rotation of the TE ring portion is prevented. As a result, the cap is turned in the opening direction. The rotational force acts directly on the bridge, and the bridge is easily cut. In addition, a plurality of locking claws are arranged at intervals in the container mouth, and a large number of locking projections are arranged on the inner wall of the TE ring portion of the cap, so that a force can be applied uniformly to the plurality of bridges. The bridge can be easily cut with a small rotation angle. Therefore, according to the closing device of this embodiment, the bridge cutting angle (BBA) which is the rotation angle to the position at which the bridge is cut by rotating the cap attached to the container mouth in the opening direction. Can be reduced to 90 degrees or less, desirably 45 degrees or less, and a closing device with excellent tamper evidence can be provided.
[0036]
Further, the cap according to the present invention is formed so as to project downward from the lower end portion of the cap main portion, and has a slowing prevention projection having an inclined surface that gradually reduces the projection height in the opening direction, and the closing direction of the retardation prevention projection Providing a slowing prevention means comprising an engaging protrusion provided so as to be close to the side and partly or entirely located on the TE ring side, and the bridge is close to the opening direction side of the slowing prevention protrusion When the cap is put on the container mouth portion and turned in the closing direction by screwing, the engaging projection comes into contact with the side surface of the slowing prevention projection in the closing direction, and the cap main portion is closed. Since the TE ring part rotates in the same direction without any delay, the bridge can be attached without applying extra force to the bridge when the cap is tightened. The That the disadvantages can be prevented reliably.
Also, when turning this cap attached to the container mouth in the opening direction, the remaining portion of the bridge that has been cut moves along the inclined surface of the anti-delay protrusion, and as a result, the TE ring portion is pressed downward. Thus, the cap is forcibly separated from the main portion, and the cap opening display can be ensured by the separation from the main portion of the TE ring portion.
Furthermore, in this cap, the slowing prevention protrusion and the engaging protrusion of the slowing prevention means can be formed small, and as a result, these are arranged adjacent to the horizontal score, and a part thereof is cut by the horizontal score. In this case, the cutting resistance is reduced, the horizontal score is not cut badly, and the manufacturing is easy.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of a closing device showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1, showing the same closing device.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cap of the same closing device.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 2 showing the same cap delay preventing means. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a view showing the slow prevention means which is also in a closed state.
FIG. 6 is a view showing the delay preventing means in the same state at the start of opening of the plug.
FIG. 7 is a view showing the slow prevention means in a state where the TE ring is also opened and the TE ring is separated.
FIG. 8 is a view showing the slow prevention means in a state where the TE ring is also opened and the TE ring is separated.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a conventional closing device.
FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional front view showing another example of a conventional closing device.
11 is a perspective view of main parts of the closing device shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
50 …… Cap, 51 …… Top plate portion, 52 …… Cylinder portion, 53 …… Cap body, 54 …… Liner, 55 …… Bridge, 56 …… Horizontal score, 57 …… Main part, 58 …… TE Ring portion, 59... Threaded portion, 60... Locking projection, 61... Inclined surface, 62. 70a ... container mouth part, 71 ... male screw, 72 ... bulging step part, 73 ... flange, 74 ... locking claw.

Claims

A threaded portion is formed on the outer periphery of the mouth, and a container formed with a bulging step portion bulging radially outwardly below the threaded portion, and a synthetic resin screwed into the mouth With a cap,
The synthetic resin cap includes a top plate portion and a cylindrical portion hanging from the periphery thereof, and a tamper evidence ring portion partitioned from a main portion by a horizontal score is formed, leaving a plurality of bridges at a lower portion of the cylindrical portion. And a closing device provided with a threaded portion that is screwed onto the threaded portion of the container on the inner wall surface of the main portion,
Below the bulging step portion of the container, one or more locking claws spaced apart along the circumferential direction are provided via a reduced diameter portion, and the tamper-evidence ring portion of the synthetic resin cap is provided. The inner wall is provided with a locking projection that engages with the locking claw when the synthetic resin cap attached to the container mouth is turned in the opening direction,
Protruding downward from the lower end of the main part of the synthetic resin cap and having an inclined surface that gradually reduces the protruding height in the opening direction, and close to the side surface in the closing direction of the delaying protrusion In addition, there is provided a delay prevention means comprising an engaging projection provided so that a part or all of the projection is located on the tamper evidence ring portion side, and a bridge is arranged close to the opening direction side of the delay prevention projection. Being
When the synthetic resin cap is turned in the opening direction, the delay prevention protrusion moves away from the main portion of the tamper evidence ring portion by moving the remaining bridge portion of the tamper evidence ring portion along the inclined surface. A closing device characterized by being formed so as to press in a direction .

The locking claw of the container has a surface opposite to the contact surface that engages with the locking protrusion of the cap when the synthetic resin cap is attached to the container mouth and rotated in the opening direction. The closing device according to claim 1, wherein the closing device has an inclined surface that gradually increases in height toward the top.

The engagement protrusion of the slowing prevention means is a protrusion disposed on the upper end of the tamper evidence ring part, one surface of which is adjacent to the side surface in the closing direction of the slowing prevention protrusion, or between the cap main part and the tamper evidence ring part. The closing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closing device is any one of a protrusion provided at a boundary portion and cut by a horizontal score so that a part thereof is interlocked with the tamper evidence ring portion.

The closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the angle of the inclined surface of the slowing prevention protrusion is in the range of 15 to 60 degrees.

5. The vertical score for opening the tamper evidence ring portion in a band shape is provided on the tamper evidence ring portion of the cap almost simultaneously with the cutting of the bridge or immediately after the bridge cutting. Closing device.

6. The closing device according to claim 1, wherein a length from the lower end of the bulging step portion of the container to the upper end of the locking claw is set to 3.0 mm or more.

The bridge cutting angle, which is a rotation angle to the position at which the bridge is cut by rotating the cap attached to the container mouth portion in the opening direction, is 90 degrees or less. Closing device.

Synthetic resin that is threadedly fitted into the mouth of a container in which a threaded portion is formed on the outer periphery of the mouth and one or more locking claws that are spaced apart along the circumferential direction are provided below the threaded portion. Made of caps,
A tamper-evidence ring portion that is partitioned from the main portion by a horizontal score, leaving a plurality of bridges at a lower portion of the cylindrical portion, and having an inner wall surface of the main portion In the synthetic resin cap provided with a threaded portion that is screwed into the threaded portion of the container,
On the inner wall surface of the tamper-evidence ring portion, when the synthetic resin cap attached to the container mouth portion is turned in the opening direction, a locking projection that engages with the locking claw is provided,
An anti-delay protrusion having an inclined surface that protrudes downward from the lower end of the main portion of the cap body and gradually reduces the protruding height in the opening direction, and is close to the side surface in the closing direction of the anti-delay protrusion. A delay prevention means comprising an engaging protrusion provided so that a part or all of the part is located on the tamper evidence ring part side, and a bridge is disposed close to the opening prevention direction side of the delay prevention protrusion. ,
When the synthetic resin cap is turned in the opening direction, the delay prevention protrusion moves away from the main portion of the tamper evidence ring portion by moving the remaining bridge portion of the tamper evidence ring portion along the inclined surface. A synthetic resin cap formed so as to press in a direction .

The engagement protrusion of the slowing prevention means is located at the upper end portion of the tamper evidence ring part, one of its faces adjacent to the side surface in the closing direction of the slowing prevention protrusion, or between the cap main part and the tamper evidence ring part. 9. The synthetic resin cap according to claim 8, wherein the synthetic resin cap is any one of a protrusion provided at a boundary portion and cut by a horizontal score so that a part thereof is interlocked with the tamper evidence ring portion.

The synthetic resin cap according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the angle of the inclined surface of the slowing prevention protrusion is in the range of 15 to 60 degrees.

The tamper evidence ring portion of the cap is provided with a vertical score for opening the tamper evidence ring portion in a band shape substantially simultaneously with the cutting of the bridge or immediately after the bridge cutting. Any synthetic resin cap.