JP4411886B2

JP4411886B2 - container

Info

Publication number: JP4411886B2
Application number: JP2003203030A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 崇藤谷; 伸夫仁科; 良成相馬
Original assignee: DIC Corp
Current assignee: DIC Corp
Priority date: 2003-07-29
Filing date: 2003-07-29
Publication date: 2010-02-10
Anticipated expiration: 2023-07-29
Also published as: JP2005047511A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、インキや医療用廃棄物等の液状物や固体やゲル状物体等の内容物を収納して開閉可能な蓋付きの容器に関するもので、好ましくは液密または気密にシール可能な蓋付きの容器に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種の容器として、例えば下記特許文献１に記載された運搬用容器がある。この運搬用容器は、容器本体の上部の開口部に外周側に突出するフランジ部を形成し、蓋にフランジ部と嵌合する凹状係止部を設けている。凹状係止部を構成する内側壁と外側壁にはフランジ部の内側肩部と外側肩部に係合する凹陥部と膨出部とを形成している。
そして容器本体に蓋を嵌合させた際に、凹状係止部に形成した凹陥部の間隙のためにフランジ部は外側肩部が膨出部に当接するまでスムーズに挿入でき、その後にフランジ部が膨出部を乗り越えることで凹状係止部に面接触して嵌合することになる。そのため、嵌合時にかかる負荷はフランジ部が膨出部を乗り越える際の荷重で済むとしている。
しかしながら、このような構成では、嵌合状態でのシール（封止）が不十分であり、特に密閉した容器内部で空気や内容物が膨張したりして内圧が上昇すると、蓋が外側に湾曲して凹状係止部の内側壁がフランジ部から離れ、シール能力が低下し、液漏れ等を起こし易いという欠点がある。そのため、シール部材を凹状係止部に装着することが必須となるが、シール部材の付加によってコスト高になる上に、内容物によってはシール部材が腐食したり溶け出して内容物と混合したりする不具合があるため、シール部材を採用できない場合もあった。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開２００３−２６２０６号公報
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
そこで、容器本体と蓋との封止性能を良好に維持するために、蓋の凹状係止部の内側壁と外側壁の両方に突起部を形成して容器本体のフランジ部を嵌合するようにした容器も考えられる。しかしながら、その場合には、嵌合時にフランジ部が内側壁と外側壁の突起部を乗り越えることになるために、蓋の嵌合のために大きな荷重がかかり、人手で嵌合することが困難になるという不具合があった。
本発明は、このような実情に鑑みて、嵌合時に要する荷重を抑制すると共にシール性能を向上できるようにした容器を提供することを目的とする。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明による容器は、開口を有する筒状部をなす周側部と底面とで構成されている容器本体と該容器本体に嵌合する蓋とを有する容器において、前記周側部の上端部には、該周側部よりも大なる径を有する周縁部と、前記周側部と前記周縁部との間に介在する段差部とからなる係合突部が形成され、蓋には容器本体の係合突部に嵌合可能な係止凹部が設けられ、この係止凹部の内面に外側壁面と内側壁面が形成され、前記外側壁面に第一凸部が設けられていると共に内側壁面に第二凸部が設けられてなり、前記係合突部は第一凸部に乗り上げた後に第二凸部に乗り上げ、第一凸部を乗り越えることで前記係止凹部と嵌合するようにされ、前記容器本体には前記周縁部から延びて外側に突出する段部が形成され、前記蓋には前記第一凸部から延びて外側に拡径するスカート部が設けられ、前記容器本体の係合突部と蓋の係止凹部が嵌合した状態で前記段部にはスカート部が当接するようにされ、前記容器本体と蓋が嵌合した状態で、前記係合突部の頂部は係止凹部の内奥部に形成された天面と離間していることを特徴とする。
容器本体と蓋の嵌合時に、先ず第一凸部に係合突部が当接して押圧すると、係止凹部は外側壁面が外側に弾性変形して開くと共に係合突部が内側に弾性変形することで比較的小さな荷重で乗り上げ、次に係合突部が第二凸部に当接して押圧すると、内側側壁が押されてその応力で係合突部が外側に外側壁面を押圧して更に弾性変形させることで比較的大きな荷重で第二凸部に乗り上げる。これによって、係合突部は第一及び第二凸部で係止凹部内に挟持されて嵌合され、高いシール性能を確保できる。
係合突部が第一及び第二凸部に順次乗り上げるので、嵌合に要する荷重を集中させて付与することがなく、また係止凹部内で係合突部が弾性変形して嵌入することができるために比較的小さな荷重で嵌合できる。しかも嵌合状態で、係止凹部の弾性変形による復帰力によって第一及び第二凸部でシールできると共に係合突部が係止凹部内で外側壁面に押圧されてシールされるため、封止性能が高い。更に、容器内部が膨張して蓋が外側に湾曲しても第二凸部によって確実にシールを維持できる。
【０００６】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明による容器は、容器本体と蓋とが嵌合した状態で、係止凹部と係合突部との間に間隙を有していることが好ましく、この構成によって嵌合時に係合突部の弾性変形を許容するため、嵌合に要する荷重を小さくできる。しかも、嵌合状態で何らかの原因によって第二凸部から容器内部の気体や液体が漏れた場合でも、係止凹部内の間隙に貯留させることができて液密性や気密性を確保できる。
また、容器本体には係合突部の下方から延びて外側に突出する段部が形成され、蓋には係止凹部から延びて外側に拡径するスカート部が設けられ、容器本体の係合突部と蓋の係止凹部が嵌合した状態で段部にはスカート部が当接するようにしてもよい。段部にスカート部が着座することで、開封時に段部とスカート部との間に指が入らないために、別に設けたタブによってバージンプルーフを確認できる。そのため、段部には、開封時にスカート部を持ち上げるタブと、その周囲に設けた鍔部とが設けられている。
【０００７】
また、容器本体と蓋が嵌合した状態で、係合突部の頂部は係止凹部の内奥部に形成された天面と離間していてもよく、この構成によって、容器本体や蓋を射出成形で製作した場合のバリや製造誤差等があっても吸収できて、スカート部と段部とによるバージンプルーフを確認できる。
また、係止凹部の内側壁面には第二凸部が位置し、この第二凸部から内側壁面の下方に向けてなだらかなテーパ面が形成されていてもよく、嵌合時に係合突部をテーパ面に沿って挿入することでスムーズな嵌合を行える。
【０００８】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の実施例について図面を参照しながら説明する。図１乃至図５は本発明の第一の実施例による容器を示すもので、図１は蓋と容器本体の分解斜視図、図２〜図４は容器本体に蓋を嵌合する工程を示す嵌合構造部分の要部縦断面図である。
図１に示す実施例による容器１は、容器本体２と蓋３とで構成されており、例えばレジストインキ、水系塗料、はんだペースト等の液状、ゲル状の物質や、医療用廃棄物や食品や薬品等を密封状態で収納するものである。容器本体２は例えば平面視円形の開口４を有するテーパ状の筒状部をなす周側部５と底面とで概略構成されている。
周側部５の上端側は、例えば段差部６ａと段差部６ａを介して拡径された略円筒状の周縁部６ｂとからなる係合突部６が形成されている（図２乃至図５参照）。図２において、係合突部６は、好ましくは周側部５とほぼ同一の肉厚で全周に亘ってリング状に形成されており、フランジ部は設けられていない。段差部６ａは周縁部６ｂと周側部５を連結する傾斜面状部分であり、断面視略直線状の傾斜面としてもよいし曲面状の傾斜面としてもよい。
【０００９】
また図１に示すように、係合突部６に近い周側部５の上部にはタブ７が下方に向けて段付きで取り付けられている。このタブ７は上端が周側部５に連結されたヒンジ７ａをなし、その下側部分は段部７ｂを介して下方へ延びる作動片７ｃとされている。
そして、図１及び図２において、タブ７の両側はタブ７と同様に段部９ａ付きの鍔部９が略円周状に形成されて同様に段部９ａが周側部５に連結されている。鍔部９の段部９ａはタブ７の段部７ｂとほぼ同一高さに設定されている。作動片７ｃの両側部は切り離し部１０を介して鍔部９の両側端にそれぞれ連結されており、各切り離し部１０は両側の作動片７ｃ及び鍔部９よりも比較的薄い肉厚の架橋形状とされている。そのため、作動片７ｃを指で回動させることで切り離し部１０は切断されてタブ７だけがヒンジ７ａを支点として上方へ回動可能とされている。
【００１０】
また蓋３は、図１及び図２に示すように、平面視円形をなす中央平面部１２と、この中央平面部１２の端部全周に亘って上方に隆起していて容器本体２の係合突部６と嵌合する断面略コの字型の係止凹部１３と、この係止凹部１３から傾斜段部１４ａを介して円筒部１４ｂに延びるスカート部１４とで構成されている。スカート部１４の傾斜段部１４ａは、好ましくは係止凹部１３から円筒部１４ｂに向けて斜め下方外側に延びている。容器本体２に蓋３を嵌合させた閉蓋状態でスカート部１４の下端がタブ７の段部７ｂと段部９ａとに当接している。
係止凹部１３の内面は、蓋３の径方向内側に位置する内側壁面１６と外側に位置する外側壁面１７と内奥部に位置する天面１８とで断面略コの字形状に形成されている。内側壁面１６と外側壁面１７はそれぞれ略円筒状に形成され、向かい合っている。しかも内側壁面１６と外側壁面１７の間隔は容器本体２の係合突部６の肉厚よりも大きく設定されている。
外側壁面１７の高さ方向途中部分には第一凸部２０が突出形成され、内側壁面１６の高さ方向途中部分には第二凸部２１が突出形成されている。第一凸部２０と第二凸部２１の間隔は周側部５の肉厚よりも小さく設定されている。しかも第一凸部２０は第二凸部２１よりも天面１８側に近接した位置に配設されている。また、内側壁面１６の下端と中央平面部１２とは径方向内側に屈曲するリング状の屈曲部２２を介して接続されている。
【００１１】
そして容器本体２と蓋３を嵌合する際、蓋３の係止凹部１３内に嵌め込まれる容器本体２の係合突部６は、先ず頂部６ｃの外側角部が第一凸部２０に当接して乗り上げ、次いで段差部６ａの内側角部が第二凸部２１に当接して乗り上げることになる。そして、図５に示すように、係合突部６が第一凸部を乗り越え、係止凹部１３内の天面１８と第一及び第二凸部２０、２１との間に保持された係合突部６は頂部６ｃが天面１８に当接し、内側壁面１６との間に間隙２４が形成されることになる。
尚、容器本体２と蓋３は好ましくは可撓性の合成樹脂組成物、例えばポリプロピレンやポリエチレン等からなっている。特に容器本体２と蓋３とは嵌合時に弾性変形させるために可撓性を必要としており、そのために材質はポリプロピレンを用いることが好ましい。また、容器本体２のヒンジ７ａは繰り返し開閉作動するために耐久性が要求され、この点からもポリプロピレンを用いることが好ましい。
【００１２】
本実施例による容器１は上述の構成を有しており、次に容器本体２と蓋３の嵌合方法について図２乃至図５を中心に説明する。
図１に示す容器本体２内には例えばレジストインキ等の液状物が充填されており、この容器本体２に蓋３を嵌合する。先ず、図２に示すように容器本体２の係合突部６に蓋３の係止凹部１３を対向させて蓋３の係止凹部１３の部分を上方から押す。すると、係合突部６は容器本体２の周側部５に対して外側にずれて位置するために、周側部５の内周面に内側壁面１６が当接して嵌合方向に摺動し、周縁部６ｂの頂部６ｃの外側角部が第一凸部２０に当接する（図３参照）。この段階で係合突部６は第二凸部２１に当接していない。
そして、蓋３を適宜の荷重で押圧することで、係合突部６は第一凸部２０を押して外側壁１７を外側に押し広げつつ自身も内側に変形して第一凸部２０に乗り上げる。すると、次に段差部６ａの内側角部が第二凸部２１に当接する（図４参照）。更に蓋３を適宜の荷重で押圧すると、段差部６ａで第二凸部２１を内側に押圧し、その反発力で係合突部６が第一凸部２０の上方の外側壁面１７側に弾性変形する。これによって、段差部６ａは第二凸部２１に乗り上げると共に、係合突部６が第一凸部２０を乗り越え、係止凹部１３内の第一凸部２０と天面１８との間に収まり、天面１８に係合突部６の頂部６ｃが当接することで保持され停止する（図５参照）。
また、第二凸部２１が周側部５に当接されて押されることで、内側壁面１６の下端縁が変形して周側部５に近接して接触することになる。
【００１３】
尚、実施例では、第一凸部２０は係止凹部１３の外側壁面１７がスカート部１４と共に外側に開くために、係合突部６が第一凸部２０を乗り越えるための荷重は比較的小さくて済む。一方、第二凸部２１が係合突部６の段差部６ａで押されると、内側に位置する中央平面部１２が弾性変形の抵抗となり、乗り越えるための荷重は比較的大きい。その場合でも、係合突部６は斜めに傾斜している段差部６ａで第二凸部２１に当接するために外側壁面１７側へ弾性変形し易く荷重を低減できる。
密閉状態で、容器本体２の係合突部６は蓋３の係止凹部１３内に嵌合状態で保持され、しかも周側部５はその上端部で周側部５の肉厚より間隔の小さい第二凸部２１と第一凸部２０とで全周に亘って線接触することで、液密（または気密）に弾性的に挟持される。更に第二凸部２１で径方向外側に押圧された係合突部６は、天面１８と第一凸部２０との間で外側壁面１７に面接触して液密（または気密）にシールされる。そのため、三箇所で液密（または気密）にシールされ、仮にスカート部１４等が径方向外側で拘束されないために第一凸部２０による封止が不十分であっても、少なくとも二段階に亘って液密（または気密）に保持される。
【００１４】
しかも係止凹部１３内に係合突部６が嵌合した閉蓋状態で、蓋３のスカート部１４は下端がタブ７の段部７ｂと段部１４ａとに当接している。そのため、蓋３のスカート部１４とタブ７の段部７ｂまたは鍔部９の段部１４ａとの間に指などが入らないから、タブ７をヒンジ７ａ回りに上方へ回動させて蓋３のスカート部１４を部分的に押し上げないと蓋３を開けることはできない。しかもタブ７を回動させることで、切り離し部１０が分断されるから、蓋３が開封済みであることを目視確認できる。
また、密閉した容器１の内部で空気や内容物が膨張したりして内圧が上昇すると、蓋３の中央平面部１２が外側に膨張するが、この場合でも、中央平面部１２の膨張による弾性変形の応力で第二凸部２１が周側部５をより強い力で押圧することになり、シール能力が高まる。
【００１５】
上述のように本実施例によれば、係合突部６が第一凸部２０と第二凸部２１に時間のずれを以て順次乗り上げるために、各凸部２１、２０に乗り上げる際に要する押圧荷重が比較的小さくてよく、手作業でも行える。しかも、容器本体２と蓋３は第一凸部２０と第二凸部２１によって線接触でシールすると共に係合突部６と外側壁面１７によって面接触でシールするため、二段階または三段階に亘って液密（または気密）封止を行える上に、容器１の内部が膨張してもシール性能を確実に維持できる。
【００１６】
以下、本発明の変形例や他の実施例について説明するが、上述した第一実施例と同一または同様の部分、部材には同一の符号を用いて説明する。
図６は第一実施例による容器１の変形例を示す嵌合部の断面図である。図中、容器本体２に設けた係合突部２３は、段差部２３ａに続く周縁部２３ｂが第一実施例の係合突部６の周縁部６ｂよりも長さを短く設定しており、蓋３を容器本体２に嵌合してスカート部１４が鍔部９やタブ７に着座した状態で係合突部２３の頂部２３ｃは係止凹部１３の天面１８に届かず、係合突部２３の頂部２３ｃと天面１８との間に若干の間隙が形成される。
本実施例による容器１の容器本体２と蓋３は例えば射出成形によって製作され、係止凹部１３の天面１８には成形時のバリが残ることがある。この場合、嵌合時に係合突部２３の頂部２３ｃが天面１８に当接するように製作すると、バリのために十分な嵌合を達成できない上に、スカート部１４が鍔部９やタブ７から離間した状態に位置することがある。この場合、嵌合状態での液密封止が不十分になる上に、スカート部１４と鍔部９やタブ７との間に指を挿入してタブ７の切り離し部１０を分離することなく開蓋できることになってバージンプルーフを得られないことになる。
本変形例によれば、天面１８にバリがあっても嵌合時にバリを天面１８と係合突部２３の頂部２３ｃとの間隙に収容して十分な嵌合を行え、上述の不具合を生じない。また、容器本体２や蓋３に成形誤差等による寸法誤差があっても、十分な嵌合を達成できることになる。
【００１７】
次に本発明の第二実施例を図７（ａ）、（ｂ）、（ｃ）により説明する。
本実施例においては、蓋３の係止凹部１３内で内側壁面１６に設けた第二凸部２１の下側は、第二凸部２１の頂部から中央平面部１２に至るまで中央平面部１２に漸次近づく第一テーパ面２５とされている。その余の構成は第一実施例と同一である。
本実施例によれば、容器本体２の蓋３を嵌合させる際、蓋３の係止凹部１３内に容器本体２の係合突部６を挿入すると、段差部６ａの内側角部が第一テーパ部２５に沿って相対移動して、係合突部６が第一凸部２０に当接することになる。
そのため、蓋３と容器本体２との嵌合初期の動作が一層スムーズになるという利点がある。その余の作用は第一実施例と同一である。
【００１８】
（試験例）
次に本発明の実施例について嵌合時にかかる荷重を検討するために、有限要素法（ＦＥＭ）を用いてコンピュータシミュレーションによる構造解析を行った。尚、容器を円筒形状としたことから、解析モデルは軸対称要素を用いた。
実施例１として第一実施例による容器１を用いた。比較例として図８に示す容器を用いた。比較例１は図８（ａ）に示すもので、容器本体４０の上端部に外側に突出するフランジ部４１を形成し、蓋４２の係止凹部４３内には内側壁面に第二突部４４を、外側壁面第一突部４５を設けている。そして、フランジ部４１は先に第二凸部４４に当接して乗り上げ、次いで第一凸部４５に当接して乗り上げるように構成されている。比較例２は図８（ｂ）に示すもので、容器本体４０の上端部にフランジ部４１を形成し、蓋４２の係止凹部４３内には内側壁面に第二突部４４を外側壁面に第一突部４５を設けている。そしてフランジ部４１は第二凸部４４と第一凸部４５に同時に当接して乗り上げるように構成されている。そして比較例１において第二凸部４４を削除した構成を比較例３として用いた。
本解析においては形状の相違による相対的な比較を行えば良いことから、材料物性値には実施例、各比較例１，２，３とも同一物性値を用いた。また、容器本体と蓋の接触部分に対しては、蓋の嵌合上部に、境界条件として蓋と容器本体の接触開始から嵌合終了までの変位量を強制変位として与えて、強制変位点に発生する反力を算出した。
尚、実施例１、比較例１、２、３の各容器本体と蓋は材質をポリプロピレンとし、摩擦係数を０．１として算出した。
解析結果は図９に示すグラフのとおりになった。図中、実施例１は実線、比較例１は一点鎖線、比較例２は破線、比較例３は二点鎖線で表示した。グラフの横軸は上記強制変位、即ち蓋の係止凹部に対して係合突部やフランジ部が嵌合するまでの相対移動距離に相当し、縦軸は算出された上記強制変位点に発生する反力、即ち任意の変位位置における嵌合に要する蓋３、４２の押圧荷重に相当するものである。ただし、上述したように、本解析においては相対比較であることから、この荷重の絶対値は実際の数値を反映したものではない。
【００１９】
図９に示すグラフから、本件発明は、係合突部６で第一凸部２０に乗り上げる際に要する荷重は１１０ｋｇｆ程度と小さく、第二凸部２１に乗り上げる際の荷重が２５０ｋｇｆ程度であった。
比較例１は実施例１と同様の荷重を要している。即ち、第二凸部に乗り上げるのに８０ｋｇｆ程度、第一凸部に乗り上げるのに２４０ｋｇｆ程度であった。比較例２はほぼ同時に第二凸部と第一凸部に乗り上げるために、４１０ｋｇｆ程度の大きな荷重がかかった。比較例３は第一凸部に乗り上げるための荷重が１００ｋｇｆ程度であった。
この結果、実施例１と比較例１は同程度の荷重がかかり、比較例３は更に低い荷重であり、これらは人間の手作業で充分嵌合できる程度の荷重であった。また、実施例１は密閉状態の容器１の内部が膨張してもシール性を確保できるが、比較例１は上述した従来技術と同様に第二凸部が容器本体から離れてしまい、シール性を維持できない欠点があった。比較例３は更にシール性が小さく液密性を維持できない。また、比較例２はシール性は良好であるが、過大な荷重がかかるために人手による蓋３の嵌合は困難であり、機械で嵌合する必要がある。しかも過大な荷重がかかると容器本体２が座屈して破損するおそれが高いという欠点がある。
比較例１と３は上述した従来の技術に近い構成であり、嵌合荷重は小さいがシール能力は不十分である。
【００２０】
尚、上述の実施例では、タブ７と切り離し部１０を設けて開封済みか未開封かを確認できるようにしたが、このような構成はなくてもよい。
また、第二実施例において、蓋３の第二凸部２１の下方に第一テーパ面２５を設けたが、必ずしもテーパ形状である必要はなく中央平面部１２に略直交する方向に延びていてもよい。この場合でも、係合突部６は第一凸部２０の下方から摺動して第一凸部２０に当接させることができる。
【００２１】
【発明の効果】
本発明による容器によれば、係合突部が第一及び第二凸部に順次乗り上げるので、嵌合に要する荷重を集中させて付与する必要がなく、しかも係止凹部内で係合突部が拡径によりずれて位置するために弾性変形して嵌入できて比較的小さな荷重で嵌合できる。しかも嵌合状態で、係止凹部の弾性変形による復帰力によって第一及び第二凸部でシールできると共に係合凸部が係止凹部内で外側壁面に押圧されて封止されるため、シール能力が高い。更に、容器内部が膨張して蓋が外側に湾曲しても確実にシール能力を維持できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第一実施例による容器の容器本体と蓋を分離して示す斜視図である。
【図２】図１に示す容器本体に蓋を嵌合する部分を示す要部縦断面図で、嵌合初期の状態を示す図である。
【図３】係合突部が第一凸部に当接した状態の断面図である。
【図４】係合突部が第一凸部に乗り上げて第二凸部に当接した状態の要部断面図である。
【図５】係合突部が第二凸部に乗り上げ、第一凸部を乗り越えて係止凹部内に嵌合した状態の要部断面図である。
【図６】第一実施例の変形例による係合突部と係止凹部の嵌合状態を示す要部断面図である。
【図７】第二実施例による容器の嵌合工程を示す断面図で、（ａ）は係合突部が第一凸部に当接した状態、（ｂ）は係合突部が第二凸部に当接した状態、（ｃ）は係合突部が係止凹部に嵌合した状態を示す図である。
【図８】試験に用いた容器本体と蓋の嵌合構造を示す断面図で、（ａ）比較例１、（ｂ）は比較例２を示す図である。
【図９】実施例と図８による比較例との解析結果を示すもので、係合突部の変位量と各変位位置における嵌合に要する荷重を示す図である。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a container with a lid that can be opened and closed by storing contents such as liquids such as ink and medical waste, solids and gel-like objects, and preferably a lid capable of being sealed liquid-tight or air-tight. Relates to a container with
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as this type of container, for example, there is a transport container described in Patent Document 1 below. In this transport container, a flange portion that protrudes to the outer peripheral side is formed in the opening of the upper portion of the container body, and a concave locking portion that fits the flange portion is provided on the lid. The inner side wall and the outer side wall constituting the concave locking part are formed with a concave part and a bulging part that engage with the inner shoulder part and the outer shoulder part of the flange part.
When the lid is fitted to the container body, the flange can be smoothly inserted until the outer shoulder abuts against the bulging portion because of the gap between the concave portions formed in the concave locking portion. As a result of overcoming the bulging portion, the concave engaging portion is brought into surface contact with the fitting portion. For this reason, it is said that the load applied at the time of fitting is sufficient when the flange portion gets over the bulging portion.
However, in such a configuration, the sealing (sealing) in the fitted state is insufficient, and the lid is curved outward when the internal pressure rises due to expansion of air or contents inside the sealed container. As a result, the inner side wall of the concave locking portion is separated from the flange portion, so that the sealing ability is lowered and liquid leakage or the like is liable to occur. For this reason, it is essential to attach the seal member to the concave locking portion. However, the addition of the seal member increases the cost, and depending on the contents, the seal member may corrode or melt and mix with the contents. In some cases, the seal member could not be used because of the problem.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-26206
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, in order to maintain a good sealing performance between the container body and the lid, protrusions are formed on both the inner and outer walls of the concave locking portion of the lid so that the flange portion of the container body is fitted. Containers that have been made are also conceivable. However, in that case, since the flange portion gets over the protrusions on the inner wall and the outer wall during fitting, a large load is applied for fitting the lid, making it difficult to fit manually. There was a problem of becoming.
In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a container that can suppress a load required for fitting and improve a sealing performance.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Containers according to the invention, in a container having a lid that fits on the container body and the container body is composed of a peripheral side portion and a bottom surface which forms a cylindrical portion having an opening, the upper end portion of the peripheral side portion Is formed with an engaging protrusion comprising a peripheral portion having a diameter larger than that of the peripheral side portion and a stepped portion interposed between the peripheral side portion and the peripheral portion . A locking recess that can be fitted to the engaging protrusion is provided, an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface are formed on the inner surface of the locking recess, a first protrusion is provided on the outer wall surface, and a first protrusion is formed on the inner wall surface. Two protrusions are provided, and the engagement protrusion rides on the second protrusion after riding on the first protrusion, and is fitted to the locking recess by overcoming the first protrusion , The container body has a stepped portion extending from the peripheral edge and projecting outward, and the lid extends from the first convex portion. A skirt that expands outward is provided, and the skirt is brought into contact with the stepped portion in a state in which the engagement protrusion of the container body and the engagement recess of the lid are fitted, and the container body In a state where the lid is fitted, the top of the engaging protrusion is separated from the top surface formed in the inner back portion of the locking recess .
When the container main body and the lid are fitted, first, when the engaging projection comes into contact with and presses against the first convex portion, the outer wall surface of the locking recess is elastically deformed outward and the engaging projection is elastically deformed inward. riding with a relatively small load by, the next engaging protrusion is pressed in contact with the second convex portion, with the stress engaging projection presses the outer wall to the outside is pressed inner sidewall Further, it is elastically deformed to ride on the second convex portion with a relatively large load. As a result, the engagement protrusion is sandwiched and fitted in the engagement recess by the first and second protrusions, and high sealing performance can be secured.
The engaging projections successively rides on the first and second protrusions, not be granted to concentrate load required fitting and the engaging protrusion is fitted elastically deformed in the engagement recess Can be fitted with a relatively small load. Moreover, in the fitted state, the first and second convex portions can be sealed by the restoring force due to the elastic deformation of the engaging concave portion, and the engaging protrusion is pressed against the outer wall surface in the engaging concave portion and sealed. High performance. Furthermore, even if the inside of the container expands and the lid curves outward, the seal can be reliably maintained by the second convex portion.
[0006]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The container according to the present invention preferably has a gap between the locking recess and the engaging protrusion in a state where the container main body and the lid are fitted. Therefore, the load required for fitting can be reduced. Moreover, even when gas or liquid inside the container leaks from the second convex portion due to some cause in the fitted state, it can be stored in the gap in the locking concave portion, and liquid tightness and air tightness can be ensured.
Further, the container body is formed with a stepped portion that extends from the lower side of the engaging protrusion and protrudes outward, and the lid is provided with a skirt portion that extends from the locking recess and expands to the outside. The skirt portion may be in contact with the stepped portion in a state in which the protrusion and the locking concave portion of the lid are fitted. Since the skirt part is seated on the step part, a finger does not enter between the step part and the skirt part at the time of opening, so that the virgin proof can be confirmed by a tab provided separately. Therefore, the step portion is provided with a tab for lifting the skirt portion when opened and a collar portion provided around the tab.
[0007]
In addition, in a state where the container main body and the lid are fitted, the top of the engaging protrusion may be separated from the top surface formed in the inner back portion of the locking recess. Even if there are burrs and manufacturing errors when manufactured by injection molding, it can be absorbed and virgin proof due to the skirt and step can be confirmed.
A second convex portion may be positioned on the inner wall surface of the locking recess, and a gentle taper surface may be formed from the second convex portion to the lower side of the inner wall surface. Can be smoothly fitted by inserting along the taper surface.
[0008]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 5 show a container according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a lid and a container body, and FIGS. 2 to 4 show a process of fitting the lid to the container body. It is a principal part longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fitting structure part.
A container 1 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a container body 2 and a lid 3. For example, a liquid or gel substance such as resist ink, water-based paint, solder paste, medical waste, food, Stores chemicals and the like in a sealed state. The container main body 2 is roughly constituted by a peripheral side portion 5 and a bottom surface forming a tapered cylindrical portion having an opening 4 having a circular shape in plan view, for example.
On the upper end side of the peripheral side portion 5, for example, an engaging protrusion 6 is formed which includes a stepped portion 6a and a substantially cylindrical peripheral portion 6b whose diameter is enlarged via the stepped portion 6a (FIGS. 2 to 5). reference). In FIG. 2, the engagement protrusion 6 is preferably formed in a ring shape over the entire circumference with substantially the same thickness as the peripheral side portion 5, and no flange portion is provided. The step portion 6a is an inclined surface-like portion that connects the peripheral edge portion 6b and the peripheral side portion 5, and may be a substantially straight inclined surface in a cross-sectional view or a curved inclined surface.
[0009]
As shown in FIG. 1, a tab 7 is attached to the upper portion of the peripheral side portion 5 near the engaging projection 6 in a stepped manner downward. The tab 7 has a hinge 7a whose upper end is connected to the peripheral side portion 5, and its lower portion is an operating piece 7c extending downward via a step portion 7b.
1 and 2, the tabs 7 are formed on both sides of the tab 7 in the same manner as the tab 7 with a flange 9 having a step 9a, and the step 9a is connected to the peripheral side 5 in the same manner. Yes. The step portion 9 a of the flange portion 9 is set to have substantially the same height as the step portion 7 b of the tab 7. Both side portions of the actuating piece 7c are respectively connected to both side ends of the flange portion 9 via the separating portion 10, and each separating portion 10 is a relatively thin-walled bridge shape than the operating pieces 7c and the flange portion 9 on both sides. It is said that. Therefore, the separation part 10 is cut by rotating the operating piece 7c with a finger, and only the tab 7 can be rotated upward with the hinge 7a as a fulcrum.
[0010]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid 3 has a central plane portion 12 having a circular shape in plan view, and is raised upward over the entire periphery of the end portion of the central plane portion 12. A locking recess 13 having a substantially U-shaped cross section to be fitted to the mating protrusion 6 and a skirt portion 14 extending from the locking recess 13 to the cylindrical portion 14b through the inclined step portion 14a. The inclined step portion 14a of the skirt portion 14 preferably extends obliquely downward and outward from the locking recess 13 toward the cylindrical portion 14b. The lower end of the skirt portion 14 is in contact with the stepped portion 7b and the stepped portion 9a of the tab 7 in a closed state in which the lid 3 is fitted to the container body 2.
The inner surface of the locking recess 13 is formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section with an inner wall surface 16 positioned on the radially inner side of the lid 3, an outer wall surface 17 positioned on the outer side, and a top surface 18 positioned on the inner back. Yes. The inner wall surface 16 and the outer wall surface 17 are each formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and face each other. In addition, the distance between the inner wall surface 16 and the outer wall surface 17 is set to be larger than the thickness of the engaging protrusion 6 of the container body 2.
A first convex portion 20 is formed to project from the middle portion of the outer wall surface 17 in the height direction, and a second convex portion 21 is formed to project from the middle portion of the inner wall surface 16 in the height direction. The interval between the first convex portion 20 and the second convex portion 21 is set smaller than the thickness of the peripheral side portion 5. In addition, the first convex portion 20 is disposed at a position closer to the top surface 18 side than the second convex portion 21. Further, the lower end of the inner wall surface 16 and the central flat surface portion 12 are connected via a ring-shaped bent portion 22 that is bent inward in the radial direction.
[0011]
When the container main body 2 and the lid 3 are fitted, the engaging protrusion 6 of the container main body 2 to be fitted in the locking recess 13 of the lid 3 first has the outer corner of the top portion 6 c abutting the first convex portion 20. riding in contact, then the inner corner portion of the stepped portion 6a is Rukoto riding in contact with the second convex portion 21. Then, as shown in FIG. 5 , the engagement protrusion 6 climbs over the first protrusion, and the engagement is held between the top surface 18 in the engagement recess 13 and the first and second protrusions 20, 21. The apex portion 6 c of the mating protrusion 6 abuts on the top surface 18, and a gap 24 is formed between the inner wall surface 16.
The container body 2 and the lid 3 are preferably made of a flexible synthetic resin composition such as polypropylene or polyethylene. In particular, the container body 2 and the lid 3 require flexibility in order to be elastically deformed when fitted, and therefore, it is preferable to use polypropylene as the material. Further, the hinge 7a of the container body 2 is required to be durable in order to repeatedly open and close, and from this point, it is preferable to use polypropylene.
[0012]
The container 1 according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration. Next, a method for fitting the container body 2 and the lid 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The container body 2 shown in FIG. 1 is filled with a liquid material such as resist ink, and a lid 3 is fitted to the container body 2. First, as shown in FIG. 2, the engaging recess 13 of the lid 3 is opposed to the engaging protrusion 6 of the container body 2, and the portion of the engaging recess 13 of the lid 3 is pushed from above. Then, since the engaging protrusion 6 is located outside the peripheral side portion 5 of the container body 2, the inner wall surface 16 abuts on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral side portion 5 and slides in the fitting direction. And the outer corner | angular part of the top part 6c of the peripheral part 6b contact | abuts to the 1st convex part 20 (refer FIG. 3). At this stage, the engaging protrusion 6 is not in contact with the second protrusion 21.
Then, by pressing the lid 3 with an appropriate load, the engaging protrusion 6 pushes the first convex part 20 and expands the outer wall 17 outward, while deforming inwardly and riding on the first convex part 20 . . Then, the inner corner of the stepped portion 6a comes into contact with the second convex portion 21 (see FIG. 4). When the lid 3 is further pressed with an appropriate load, the second convex portion 21 is pressed inward by the stepped portion 6a, and the engaging projection 6 is elastically moved toward the outer wall surface 17 above the first convex portion 20 by the repulsive force. Deform. As a result, the stepped portion 6 a rides on the second convex portion 21 , and the engaging protruding portion 6 gets over the first convex portion 20 and fits between the first convex portion 20 and the top surface 18 in the locking concave portion 13. The top 6c of the engaging protrusion 6 comes into contact with the top surface 18 and is held and stopped (see FIG. 5).
In addition, when the second convex portion 21 is pressed against the circumferential side portion 5, the lower end edge of the inner wall surface 16 is deformed and comes into close contact with the circumferential side portion 5.
[0013]
In the embodiment, since the outer wall surface 17 of the locking recess 13 opens outward together with the skirt portion 14 in the first embodiment, the load for the engagement protrusion 6 to get over the first protrusion 20 is relatively small. It's small. On the other hand, when the second convex portion 21 is pushed by the stepped portion 6a of the engaging projection 6, the central flat portion 12 located on the inner side becomes resistance to elastic deformation, and the load for getting over is relatively large. Even in such a case, the engaging protrusion 6 abuts on the second convex portion 21 at the step portion 6a that is inclined obliquely, so that the engagement protrusion 6 is easily elastically deformed toward the outer wall surface 17 and the load can be reduced.
In a sealed state, the engagement protrusion 6 of the container body 2 is held in the engagement recess 13 of the lid 3 in a fitted state, and the peripheral side portion 5 is spaced from the thickness of the peripheral side portion 5 at its upper end. The small second convex portion 21 and the first convex portion 20 are elastically sandwiched liquid-tight (or air-tight) by making line contact over the entire circumference. Further, the engaging projection 6 pressed radially outward by the second convex portion 21 is in surface contact with the outer wall surface 17 between the top surface 18 and the first convex portion 20 and sealed in a liquid-tight (or air-tight) manner. Is done. Therefore, liquid-tight (or air-tight) sealing is performed at three locations, and the skirt portion 14 and the like are not constrained on the radially outer side. And kept liquid-tight (or air-tight).
[0014]
In addition, the lower end of the skirt portion 14 of the lid 3 is in contact with the step portion 7 b and the step portion 14 a of the tab 7 in a closed state in which the engagement protrusion 6 is fitted in the locking recess 13. Therefore, since a finger or the like does not enter between the skirt portion 14 of the lid 3 and the step portion 7b of the tab 7 or the step portion 14a of the flange portion 9, the tab 7 is rotated upward around the hinge 7a to The lid 3 cannot be opened unless the skirt portion 14 is partially pushed up. Moreover, since the separation part 10 is divided by rotating the tab 7, it can be visually confirmed that the lid 3 has been opened.
Further, when air or contents expand inside the sealed container 1 and the internal pressure rises, the central flat portion 12 of the lid 3 expands outward. Even in this case, elasticity due to expansion of the central flat portion 12 is also achieved. The second convex portion 21 presses the peripheral side portion 5 with a stronger force due to the deformation stress, and the sealing ability is enhanced.
[0015]
According to the present embodiment as described above, for engaging projections 6 are successively rides with a deviation between the first protrusion 20 times in the second convex portion 21, the pressing required when ride on the convex portions 21, 20 The load can be relatively small and can be done manually. In addition, the container body 2 and the lid 3 are sealed in line contact by the first convex portion 20 and the second convex portion 21 and are sealed in surface contact by the engaging protrusion 6 and the outer wall surface 17, so that the two steps or three steps are performed. In addition to liquid-tight (or air-tight) sealing, the sealing performance can be reliably maintained even if the inside of the container 1 expands.
[0016]
Hereinafter, modifications and other embodiments of the present invention will be described, but the same or similar parts and members as those in the first embodiment described above will be described using the same reference numerals.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the fitting portion showing a modification of the container 1 according to the first embodiment. In the figure, the engaging protrusion 23 provided on the container body 2 is set such that the peripheral edge 23b following the step 23a is shorter than the peripheral edge 6b of the engaging protrusion 6 of the first embodiment. When the lid 3 is fitted to the container body 2 and the skirt portion 14 is seated on the collar 9 or the tab 7, the top 23 c of the engaging protrusion 23 does not reach the top surface 18 of the locking recess 13, and the engaging protrusion A slight gap is formed between the top 23 c of the portion 23 and the top surface 18.
The container body 2 and the lid 3 of the container 1 according to the present embodiment are manufactured by, for example, injection molding, and a burr at the time of molding may remain on the top surface 18 of the locking recess 13. In this case, if the top portion 23c of the engaging projection 23 abuts against the top surface 18 when fitted, sufficient fitting cannot be achieved due to burrs, and the skirt portion 14 has the flange portion 9 or the tab 7. It may be located in a state separated from. In this case, liquid-tight sealing in the fitted state becomes insufficient, and a finger is inserted between the skirt portion 14 and the flange portion 9 and the tab 7 to open the separation portion 10 of the tab 7 without separation. You can't get a virgin proof because you can cover it.
According to this modification, even if there is a burr on the top surface 18, the burr is accommodated in the gap between the top surface 18 and the top 23 c of the engaging projection 23 during the fitting, and the above-mentioned problem can be achieved. Does not occur. Further, even if the container body 2 or the lid 3 has a dimensional error due to a molding error or the like, sufficient fitting can be achieved.
[0017]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 (a), (b) and (c).
In the present embodiment, the lower side of the second convex portion 21 provided on the inner wall surface 16 in the locking concave portion 13 of the lid 3 extends from the top of the second convex portion 21 to the central planar portion 12. It is set as the 1st taper surface 25 which approaches gradually. The rest of the configuration is the same as in the first embodiment.
According to the present embodiment, when the lid 3 of the container body 2 is fitted, when the engagement protrusion 6 of the container body 2 is inserted into the locking recess 13 of the lid 3, the inner corner of the step portion 6a becomes the first corner. The engagement protrusion 6 comes into contact with the first protrusion 20 by relative movement along the one taper portion 25.
Therefore, there exists an advantage that the operation | movement of the fitting initial stage with the lid | cover 3 and the container main body 2 becomes still smoother. The rest of the operation is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0018]
(Test example)
Next, in order to examine the load applied at the time of fitting in the embodiment of the present invention, structural analysis was performed by computer simulation using the finite element method (FEM). In addition, since the container was cylindrical, the analysis model used an axially symmetric element.
As Example 1, the container 1 according to the first example was used. As a comparative example, the container shown in FIG. 8 was used. Comparative Example 1 is shown in FIG. 8A, and a flange portion 41 that protrudes outward is formed at the upper end of the container body 40, and a second protrusion 44 is formed on the inner wall surface in the locking recess 43 of the lid 42. The outer wall surface first protrusion 45 is provided. The flange portion 41 is configured to ride in contact with the second convex portion 44 first, and then rides in contact with the first protrusion 45. Comparative Example 2 is shown in FIG. 8 (b). A flange portion 41 is formed at the upper end of the container body 40, and a second protrusion 44 is formed on the inner wall surface in the locking recess 43 of the lid 42 on the outer wall surface. A first protrusion 45 is provided. And the flange part 41 is comprised so that it may contact | abut at the same time on the 2nd convex part 44 and the 1st convex part 45, and may run . And the structure which deleted the 2nd convex part 44 in the comparative example 1 was used as the comparative example 3. FIG.
In this analysis, since it is sufficient to perform a relative comparison based on the difference in shape, the same physical property values were used for the material physical property values in both Examples and Comparative Examples 1, 2, and 3. For the contact part between the container main body and the lid, the displacement amount from the start of contact between the lid and the container main body to the end of the engagement is given as a boundary condition to the upper part of the lid fitting. The reaction force generated was calculated.
In addition, each container main body and lid of Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1, 2, and 3 were calculated with a material of polypropylene and a friction coefficient of 0.1.
The analysis result was as shown in the graph of FIG. In the figure, Example 1 is indicated by a solid line, Comparative Example 1 is indicated by a one-dot chain line, Comparative Example 2 is indicated by a broken line, and Comparative Example 3 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. The horizontal axis of the graph corresponds to the above-mentioned forced displacement, that is, the relative movement distance until the engagement protrusion or flange engages with the locking recess of the lid, and the vertical axis occurs at the calculated forced displacement point. This corresponds to the reaction force, that is, the pressing load of the lids 3 and 42 required for fitting at an arbitrary displacement position. However, as described above, since this analysis is a relative comparison, the absolute value of the load does not reflect an actual numerical value.
[0019]
From the graph shown in FIG. 9, in the present invention, the load required to ride on the first convex portion 20 with the engaging protrusion 6 is as small as about 110 kgf, and the load when riding on the second convex portion 21 is about 250 kgf. .
Comparative Example 1 requires the same load as Example 1. That is, it was about 80 kgf to ride on the second convex portion and about 240 kgf to ride on the first convex portion. For Comparative Example 2, which rides on almost simultaneously the first protrusion and the second protrusion, and under heavy load of about 410Kgf. In Comparative Example 3, the load for riding on the first convex portion was about 100 kgf.
As a result, Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 were subjected to the same level of load, and Comparative Example 3 was a lower load. These were loads that could be sufficiently fitted by human manual work. Further, in Example 1, the sealing performance can be secured even when the inside of the sealed container 1 expands, but in Comparative Example 1, the second convex portion is separated from the container main body as in the above-described prior art, and the sealing performance is increased. There was a drawback that could not be maintained. In Comparative Example 3, the sealing property is further small and the liquid tightness cannot be maintained. Moreover, although the comparative example 2 has good sealing performance, since an excessive load is applied, it is difficult to manually fit the lid 3 and it is necessary to fit by a machine. Moreover, there is a drawback that the container body 2 is likely to buckle and break when an excessive load is applied.
Comparative Examples 1 and 3 have a configuration close to the above-described conventional technology, and the fitting load is small, but the sealing ability is insufficient.
[0020]
In the above-described embodiment, the tab 7 and the separation part 10 are provided so that it can be confirmed whether they have been opened or not. However, such a configuration is not necessary.
In the second embodiment, the first tapered surface 25 is provided below the second convex portion 21 of the lid 3, but it does not necessarily have a tapered shape and extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the central plane portion 12. Also good. Even in this case, the engaging protrusion 6 can be slid from the lower side of the first convex part 20 and brought into contact with the first convex part 20.
[0021]
【The invention's effect】
According to the container of the present invention, the engaging protrusions sequentially run on the first and second protrusions , so there is no need to concentrate and apply the load required for fitting, and the engaging protrusions within the locking recess. Can be fitted with a relatively small load because they are elastically deformed and can be fitted. Moreover, in the fitted state, the first and second convex portions can be sealed by the restoring force due to the elastic deformation of the engaging concave portion, and the engaging convex portion is pressed against the outer wall surface in the engaging concave portion and sealed. High ability. Furthermore, even if the inside of the container expands and the lid curves outward, the sealing ability can be reliably maintained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a container body and a lid separated from each other according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a portion where a lid is fitted to the container main body shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an engagement protrusion is in contact with a first protrusion.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part in a state in which an engaging protrusion rides on a first protrusion and is in contact with a second protrusion.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the main part in a state in which the engaging protrusion rides on the second protrusion, gets over the first protrusion , and is fitted into the locking recess.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a fitting state of an engaging protrusion and a locking recess according to a modification of the first embodiment.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views showing a container fitting process according to the second embodiment, in which FIG. 7A shows a state in which the engaging projection is in contact with the first convex portion, and FIG. The state which contact | abutted to the convex part, (c) is a figure which shows the state which the engaging protrusion fitted to the latching recessed part.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views showing a fitting structure between a container main body and a lid used in the test, and FIG. 8A is a view showing Comparative Example 1 and FIG.
9 is a diagram showing the analysis results of the example and the comparative example shown in FIG. 8, and is a diagram showing the displacement amount of the engaging protrusion and the load required for fitting at each displacement position.

Claims

In a container having a container body composed of a peripheral side part and a bottom surface forming a cylindrical part having an opening, and a lid fitted to the container body,
The upper end portion of the peripheral side portion is formed with an engaging protrusion including a peripheral portion having a diameter larger than that of the peripheral side portion and a stepped portion connecting the peripheral side portion and the peripheral portion .
The lid is provided with a locking recess that can be fitted to the engaging protrusion of the container body, an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface are formed on the inner surface of the locking recess, and a first protrusion is provided on the outer wall surface. And a second convex portion is provided on the inner wall surface,
The engagement protrusion rides on the second convex portion after riding on the first convex portion, and is fitted to the locking concave portion by getting over the first convex portion ,
The container body is formed with a stepped portion that extends from the peripheral edge and protrudes outward, and the lid is provided with a skirt portion that extends from the first convex portion and expands outwardly. The skirt portion comes into contact with the stepped portion in a state where the protrusion and the locking concave portion of the lid are fitted,
The container characterized in that the top of the engaging protrusion is separated from the top surface formed at the inner back of the locking recess in a state where the container body and the lid are fitted .

The container according to claim 1, wherein a gap is provided between the locking recess and the engaging protrusion in a state where the container body and the lid are fitted.