JP7062352B2 - Plastic bottles, fillers, and methods for manufacturing fillers - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a plastic bottle, a filler, and a method for manufacturing the filler, and more specifically, copes with a harsh situation such as so-called hot filling in which a molded plastic bottle is filled with a liquid while being sterilized at a high temperature. The present invention relates to a plastic bottle, a filling material, and a method for manufacturing the filling material.

Plastic bottles, especially PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) bottles, are often used as containers for filling beverages and the like. Then, from the viewpoint of resource saving and reduction of environmental load during transportation, efforts are being made to reduce the weight of PET bottles by reducing the amount of raw materials used.

However, the lighter the PET bottle, the thinner the wall thickness and the lower the strength. For example, when a PET bottle that does not have sufficient buckling strength that can withstand a load from the vertical direction is packed in a cardboard box and the cardboard boxes are stacked in multiple stages, the PET bottle is seated in the PET bottle. Bending deformation may occur and load collapse may occur. Furthermore, if a PET bottle that does not have sufficient side wall strength that can withstand a load from the horizontal direction is loaded sideways inside the vending machine, the side surface of the PET bottle will be deformed and automatically. There is a risk that the discharge from the vending machine will not be performed normally.

Furthermore, the risk becomes even more pronounced in harsh conditions such as so-called hot filling in which a high temperature (for example, 85 ° C.) beverage is filled, or storage of a PET bottled beverage for an extremely long period of time. ..

In Patent Document 1, after the container is molded, the molded container is directly transferred to the content filling step, the content is filled in the mouth non-crystalline polyester container, and the temperature of the container mouth at the time of sterilization after sealing is set. Disclosed is a method for producing a packaged content in which a container is sterilized within a range of a temperature (80 ° C. or lower) lower than the glass transition temperature determined by the water content of the container at 61 ° C. or higher.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-331205

Inside the plastic bottle, pressure changes occur due to changes in temperature, changes in the state of the contents, and the like. The lighter the weight of a plastic bottle, the more likely it is that the plastic bottle will be deformed under the influence of changes in internal pressure. However, Patent Document 1 does not describe the mass of the container at all.

According to the method for manufacturing a container-packed content of Patent Document 1, the time from container molding to content filling is shortened by directly transferring the molded container to the content filling step, so that the container has an external environment. It is said that the amount of moisture absorbed from the container is reduced, and the water content of the container can be kept low accordingly. Sufficient commercial sterility can be obtained by filling the container with the contents at a filling temperature (61 to 80 ° C.) within a temperature range of 61 ° C. or higher and lower than the glass transition temperature determined by the water content of the container. Therefore, it is possible to use a non-crystalline polyester container with a mouth whose glass transition temperature is within this temperature range.

However, Patent Document 1 does not describe the strength of the container or the deformation caused by the change in the internal pressure of the container.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is a plastic bottle, a filler, which has both light weight and high strength against an external force, can withstand internal pressure changes, especially stronger negative pressure, and can suppress deformation even under harsh conditions. And to provide a method for producing a filler.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a plastic bottle having a mouth portion, a shoulder portion, a body portion, and a bottom portion, and the body portion has a constricted portion having a narrowed body diameter in a part thereof. Further, it has an upper cylindrical portion connected to the shoulder portion, and the constricted portion is connected to the upper cylindrical portion and has an annular peripheral groove and the plastic bottle on one side in the axial direction with respect to the peripheral groove. A pressure absorbing part formed by connecting substantially square panels that deform inside and outside the plastic bottle in response to a change in the internal pressure of the plastic bottle, and on the other side of the plastic bottle regardless of the change in the internal pressure. It has a reinforcing portion that maintains its shape, the reinforcing portion is provided with a reinforcing groove, the peripheral groove is configured to have the minimum body diameter, and the pressure absorbing portion is a plastic bottle rather than the peripheral groove. Located at least 2 mm outside in the radial direction of the above, the reinforcing groove is annular in a configuration having continuous grooves in the circumferential direction, and the upper cylindrical portion is provided with a discontinuous annular reinforcing groove and is discontinuous. The reinforcing groove is characterized in that the groove portion and the non-groove portion are repeated in the circumferential direction .

Further, the reinforcing portion is characterized by having a plurality of annular reinforcing grooves.

Further, the peripheral groove is configured to have the minimum body diameter, and the pressure absorbing portion is located outside the peripheral groove in the radial direction of the plastic bottle.

Further, the pressure absorbing portion is characterized in that it is located at least 2 mm outside the peripheral groove in the radial direction of the plastic bottle.

Further, the ridge line separating the adjacent panels in the circumferential direction extends in the axial direction.

Further, the pressure absorbing portion is further characterized by further having a chamfered portion formed by chamfering with respect to the ridgeline.

Further, the value of the ratio of the mass to the volume of the plastic bottle is 0.0392 g / ml or more and 0.0600 g / ml or less.

Further, the peripheral groove has a wall thickness of 0.15 mm or more and 0.50 mm or less.

Further, the body portion is characterized by having cylindrical portions having the maximum body diameter on both sides in the axial direction with the constricted portion interposed therebetween.

Further, the shoulder portion is characterized by having an iris diaphragm-shaped rib.

Further, the value of the ratio of the axial length of the panel to the total height of the plastic bottle from the bottom to the mouth is 0.06 or more and 0.50 or less.

Further, the value of the ratio of the width of the panel in the circumferential direction to the maximum body diameter is 0.2 or more and 0.8 or less.

Further, the plastic bottle is characterized by having heat resistance to a high temperature liquid to be filled and the mouth portion being transparent.

Further, the temperature of the high temperature liquid is 71 ° C. or higher and 95 ° C. or lower.

Further, the temperature of the high temperature liquid is 81 ° C. or higher and 90 ° C. or lower.

Further, the crystallinity of the body portion is 25% or more and 45% or less.

Further, the material constituting the plastic bottle is polyethylene terephthalate.

Further, the density of the body portion is 1.637 g / cm ³ or more and 1.387 g / cm ³ or less.

Further, the body is cut into 10 mm × 50 mm cut pieces, and the tensile fracture strain at 300 mm / min at 85 ° C. of the cut pieces is 40% or more and 68% or less. do.

Further, the filler according to the present invention is characterized by being composed of the above-mentioned plastic bottle and a liquid filled at a high temperature.

Further, the reduced pressure amount of the filler is 1 kPa or more and 20 kPa or less.

Further, the present invention is a method for manufacturing a filler in which a plastic bottle formed from a preform having a transparent mouth is filled with a liquid, wherein the plastic bottle has a mouth, a shoulder, and a body. The body has a constricted portion having a narrowed body diameter, the body further has an upper cylindrical portion connected to the shoulder portion, and the constricted portion has a constricted portion. , A substantially square shape that is continuous with the upper cylindrical portion and deforms to the inside and outside of the plastic bottle in response to a change in the internal pressure of the plastic bottle on one side in the axial direction with respect to the annular peripheral groove and the peripheral groove. It has a pressure absorbing portion formed by connecting panels in the circumferential direction and a reinforcing portion on the other side that maintains the shape of the plastic bottle regardless of the change in the internal pressure, and the reinforcing portion has a reinforcing groove. The peripheral groove is configured to have the minimum body diameter, the pressure absorbing portion is located at least 2 mm outside the peripheral groove in the radial direction of the plastic bottle, and the reinforcing groove is located in the circumferential direction. The upper cylindrical portion is provided with a discontinuous annular reinforcing groove, and the discontinuous annular reinforcing groove has a groove portion and a non-groove portion repeated in the circumferential direction. A step of heating the body of the preform, a step of blow-molding the plastic bottle from the preform using a mold, a step of filling the plastic bottle with the high-temperature liquid, and the plastic bottle. A step of attaching a cap to the mouth portion of the plastic bottle, a step of overturning and sterilizing the mouth portion of the plastic bottle and the cap, and a step of cooling the plastic bottle. Further provided with a step of blowing cooling air onto the plastic bottle, the body of the preform is heated to 95 ° C. or higher and 135 ° C. or lower, and the temperature of the body mold of the mold is set to 80 ° C. or higher and 125 ° C. or lower. , It is characterized in that all processes are performed by an in-line method.

Further, the step of blowing cooling air onto the plastic bottle is omitted, and the temperature of the body mold is set to 80 ° C. or higher and 115 ° C. or lower.

Further, the temperature of the body portion of the preform is higher than the temperature of the body mold.

According to the present invention, in a plastic bottle having a mouth portion, a shoulder portion, a body portion, and a bottom portion, the body portion has a constricted portion having a narrowed body diameter in a part thereof, and further on the shoulder portion. It has a continuous upper cylindrical part, and the constricted part is connected to the upper cylindrical part, and has an annular peripheral groove and one side in the axial direction with respect to the peripheral groove, corresponding to the change in the internal pressure of the plastic bottle. It has a pressure absorbing part formed by connecting substantially square panels that deform inward and outward in the circumferential direction, and a reinforcing part on the other side that maintains the shape of the plastic bottle regardless of changes in the internal pressure. The peripheral groove is configured to have a minimum body diameter, the pressure absorbing portion is located at least 2 mm outside the peripheral groove in the radial direction of the plastic bottle, and the reinforcing groove is located in the circumferential direction. The upper cylindrical portion is provided with a discontinuous annular reinforcing groove, and the discontinuous annular reinforcing groove is formed by repeating the groove portion and the non-groove portion in the circumferential direction. Therefore, it is possible to provide a plastic bottle that has both light weight and high strength against external force, can withstand internal pressure changes, particularly stronger negative pressure, and can suppress deformation even under harsh conditions.

Further, the reinforcing portion has both light weight and higher strength against external force according to the configuration having a plurality of annular reinforcing grooves, and can withstand internal pressure changes, especially stronger negative pressure, and is harsh. It is possible to provide a plastic bottle in which deformation is more reliably suppressed even under conditions.

Further, the peripheral groove is configured to have the minimum body diameter, and the pressure absorbing portion is located outside the peripheral groove in the radial direction of the plastic bottle, so that it is lightweight and has higher strength against external force. It is possible to provide a plastic bottle that can withstand internal pressure changes, particularly stronger negative pressure, and can more reliably suppress deformation even under harsh conditions.

Further, the pressure absorbing portion has both lightness and higher strength against external force according to the configuration located at least 2 mm outside the peripheral groove in the radial direction of the plastic bottle, and the pressure change inside. It is possible to provide a plastic bottle that can withstand particularly strong negative pressure and more reliably suppress deformation even under harsh conditions.

Furthermore, according to the configuration in which the ridge line that separates adjacent panels in the circumferential direction extends in the axial direction, it has both light weight and higher strength against external force, and can withstand internal pressure changes, especially stronger negative pressure. It is possible to provide a plastic bottle in which deformation is more reliably suppressed even under harsh conditions.

The pressure absorbing portion has both light weight and higher strength against external force according to the configuration further having a chamfered portion chamfered with respect to the ridge line, and is resistant to internal pressure changes, especially stronger negative pressure. It is possible to provide a plastic bottle that can withstand and more reliably suppress deformation even under harsh conditions.

Furthermore, according to the configuration in which the value of the ratio of the mass to the volume of the plastic bottle is 0.0392 g / ml or more and 0.0600 g / ml or less, both higher lightness and higher strength against external force are combined. However, it is possible to provide a plastic bottle that can withstand pressure changes inside, especially stronger negative pressure, and can suppress deformation even under harsh conditions.

Further, according to the configuration in which the wall thickness of the peripheral groove is 0.15 mm or more and 0.50 mm or less, it has both light weight and higher strength against external force, and the pressure change inside is particularly strong. It is possible to provide a plastic bottle that can withstand negative pressure and more reliably suppress deformation even under harsh conditions.

Further, according to the configuration in which the body portion has a cylindrical portion having the maximum body diameter on both sides in the axial direction across the constricted portion, the body portion has both light weight and high strength against external force, and the internal pressure change. It can withstand particularly strong negative pressures, suppress deformation even under harsh conditions, and provide a wider range of plastic bottles.

In addition, the shoulders, according to the configuration with iris-squeezed ribs, have both light weight and higher strength against external forces, and withstand internal pressure changes, especially stronger negative pressures, under harsh conditions. It is possible to provide a plastic bottle in which deformation is more reliably suppressed even underneath.

Furthermore, according to the configuration in which the ratio of the axial length of the panel to the total height of the plastic bottle from the bottom to the mouth is 0.06 or more and 0.50 or less, lightness and higher strength against external force are provided. It is possible to provide a plastic bottle that can withstand internal pressure changes, particularly stronger negative pressure, and can more reliably suppress deformation even under harsh conditions.

Further, according to the configuration in which the ratio of the width of the panel in the circumferential direction to the maximum body diameter is 0.2 or more and 0.8 or less, both lightness and higher strength against external force are obtained. It is possible to provide a plastic bottle that can withstand internal pressure changes, especially stronger negative pressure, and more reliably suppress deformation even under harsh conditions.

Further, the plastic bottle has heat resistance to the high temperature liquid to be filled, and the mouth part has both light weight and higher strength against external force due to the transparent structure, and inside. It is possible to provide a plastic bottle that can withstand pressure changes, especially stronger negative pressure, and more reliably suppress deformation even under harsh conditions.

Furthermore, since the temperature of the high-temperature liquid is 71 ° C or higher and 95 ° C or lower, it has both light weight and high strength against external force, and can withstand internal pressure changes, especially stronger negative pressure, under harsh conditions. It is possible to provide a plastic bottle that suppresses deformation even underneath and contributes to higher quality of the product.

Furthermore, since the temperature of the high-temperature liquid is 81 ° C or higher and 90 ° C or lower, it has both light weight and high strength against external force, and can withstand internal pressure changes, especially stronger negative pressure, under harsh conditions. It is possible to provide a plastic bottle that suppresses deformation even under the pressure, has a wider range of application, and contributes to higher quality of the product.

Furthermore, according to the configuration in which the crystallinity of the body is 25% or more and 45% or less, it has both lightness and higher strength against external force, and it is resistant to internal pressure changes, especially stronger negative pressure. It is possible to provide a plastic bottle that can withstand and more reliably suppress deformation even under harsh conditions.

Furthermore, since the material that makes up the plastic bottle is polyethylene terephthalate, it has both light weight and high strength against external forces, and withstands internal pressure changes, especially stronger negative pressure, and is deformed even under harsh conditions. It is possible to provide a plastic bottle that is suppressed and has a wider range of application.

Further, according to the configuration in which the density of the body portion is 1.637 g / cm ³ or more and 1.387 g / cm ³ or less, both light weight and higher strength against external force are exhibited, and the internal pressure is increased. It is possible to provide a plastic bottle that can withstand changes, especially stronger negative pressure, and more reliably suppress deformation even under harsh conditions.

Further, the body is cut into 10 mm × 50 mm cut pieces, and the tensile fracture strain at 300 mm / min at 85 ° C. of the cut pieces is 40% or more and 68% or less. It is possible to provide a plastic bottle that has both properties and higher strength against external force, and can withstand internal pressure changes, particularly stronger negative pressure, and more reliably suppress deformation even under harsh conditions.

Further, since the filler according to the present invention is composed of the above-mentioned plastic bottle and a liquid filled at a high temperature, it has both light weight and high strength against an external force, and has an internal pressure change, particularly. It is possible to provide a filler that can withstand a stronger negative pressure and suppress deformation even under harsh conditions.

Further, according to the configuration in which the decompression amount of the filler is 1 kPa or more and 20 kPa or less, it has both light weight and higher strength against external force, and can withstand internal pressure changes, especially stronger negative pressure. , It is possible to provide a filler in which deformation is more reliably suppressed even under harsh conditions.

Further, the present invention is a method for manufacturing a filler in which a plastic bottle formed from a preform having a transparent mouth is filled with a liquid, wherein the plastic bottle has a mouth, a shoulder, and a body. The torso has a constricted portion with a narrowed body diameter, the torso has an upper cylindrical portion further connected to the shoulder, and the constricted portion has an upper cylindrical portion. A series of annular peripheral grooves and a substantially square panel that deforms inside and outside the plastic bottle in response to changes in the internal pressure of the plastic bottle are connected in the circumferential direction on one side in the axial direction with respect to the peripheral groove. It has a pressure absorbing part and a reinforcing part on the other side that maintains the shape of the plastic bottle regardless of changes in the internal pressure. The reinforcing part is provided with a reinforcing groove, and the peripheral groove is configured to have the minimum body diameter. The pressure absorbing portion is located at least 2 mm outside the circumferential groove in the radial direction of the plastic bottle, the reinforcing groove is annular in the configuration having a continuous groove in the circumferential direction, and the upper cylindrical portion is not. The discontinuous annular reinforcing groove is provided with a continuous annular reinforcing groove, and the groove portion and the non-groove portion are repeated in the circumferential direction to heat the body of the preform, and a mold is used from the preform. The process of blow-molding a plastic bottle, the process of filling a plastic bottle with a high-temperature liquid, the process of attaching a cap to the mouth of a plastic bottle, and the process of overturning and sterilizing the mouth and cap of a plastic bottle. It is equipped with a process of cooling the plastic bottle, and further provided with a process of blowing cooling air to the plastic bottle in the process of blow molding. Since the temperature of the body mold is 80 ° C or higher and 125 ° C or lower and all processes are performed in-line, it has both light weight and high strength against external force, and internal pressure changes, especially stronger negative pressure. It is possible to provide a method for producing a filler that can withstand and suppress deformation even under harsh conditions.

Furthermore, the process of blowing cooling air to the plastic bottle is omitted, and the temperature of the body mold is set to 80 ° C or higher and 115 ° C or lower, so that it has both light weight and high strength against external force, and the pressure changes inside. It is possible to provide a method for producing a filler which can withstand particularly strong negative pressure and suppress deformation even under harsh conditions.

Furthermore, since the temperature of the body of the preform is higher than the temperature of the body mold, it has both light weight and high strength against external force, and withstands internal pressure changes, especially stronger negative pressure, and is harsh. It is possible to provide a method for producing a filler in which deformation is suppressed even under conditions.

It is a front view which showed the PET bottle as an example of the plastic bottle which concerns on this embodiment. It is a side view of a PET bottle. It is a top view of a PET bottle. 4A is a front view, FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a central portion, and FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of both end portions. It is a bottom view of a PET bottle. It is the schematic which showed typically the manufacturing apparatus of the filler which concerns on this embodiment. It is sectional drawing which showed an example of the heating device of a preform. It is sectional drawing which shows schematically the preform and the PET bottle after blow molding. It is a flow chart which showed the outline of the manufacturing process of the filler which concerns on this embodiment. It is the schematic which showed an example of the blowing of cooling air to a PET bottle. It is a flow chart which showed the outline of the manufacturing process of the filler which concerns on another embodiment. It is a front view of the PET bottle of Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2. It is a front view of the PET bottle of the comparative example 3. FIG.

Hereinafter, the details of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the plastic bottle according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a PET bottle 1 as an example of a plastic bottle according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a side view of the PET bottle 1. The illustrated PET bottle 1 is a so-called round bottle having a substantially cylindrical shape. The PET bottle 1 has a mouth portion 10, a shoulder portion 20, a body portion 30, and a bottom portion 40 sequentially in the axial direction thereof. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the mouth portion 10 in which the contents are filled in the container in the state of FIGS. 1 and 2 upright so that the axial direction of the PET bottle 1 extends vertically is set as the top. .. The PET bottle 1 is formed to have a total height H1 from the bottom portion 40 to the mouth portion 10.

The mouth portion 10 is not a heat-resistant bottle that has been crystallized until it is colored white by heating with a so-called crystallizer, but is transparent, which is a viewpoint of rationalization and speeding up of the manufacturing process of the PET bottle 1. Is preferable. The PET bottle 1 is more easily deformed by the influence of heat and pressure than the so-called heat-resistant bottle.

The upper side of the shoulder portion 20 is connected to the mouth portion 10, while the lower side thereof is connected to the body portion 30. The shoulder portion 20 has a substantially truncated cone-shaped shape that expands in diameter from the upper side to the lower side. It is preferable that the shoulder portion 20 is curved to the outside of the PET bottle 1 in terms of increasing the side wall strength of the PET bottle 1 and increasing the capacity. However, when the mouth portion 10 is gripped and the PET bottle 1 is conveyed, the shoulder portion 20 may interfere with each other, and the shapeability when the PET bottle 1 is formed by blow molding is not good. Therefore, it is not preferable that the shoulder portion 20 is extremely curved outward, particularly upward.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the PET bottle 1. Here, referring to FIG. 3, an iris diaphragm-shaped rib 21 is formed on the shoulder portion 20 so as to project to the outside of the PET bottle 1 in a plan view. The rib 21 has the function of a support column with respect to the axial load of the PET bottle 1. By forming the rib 21 in the shape of an iris diaphragm, the axial load of the PET bottle 1 can be dispersed in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the iris diaphragm-shaped rib 21 can increase the buckling strength of the PET bottle 1.

A substantially quadrangular diaphragm blade-shaped panel 22 is formed between the adjacent ribs 21 and 21. The diaphragm blade-shaped panel 22 is configured to be deformable inside and outside the PET bottle 1, particularly inside. Therefore, the diaphragm blade-shaped panel 22 has a function of absorbing pressure by deforming according to a change in the internal pressure of the PET bottle 1, particularly a reduced pressure. On the other hand, even when the internal pressure of the PET bottle 1 changes, the structure itself of the shoulder portion 20 is maintained with the rib 21 as the skeleton. As illustrated in FIG. 1 and the like, the side of the diaphragm blade-shaped panel 22 on the side of the body portion 30 is formed in an arc shape curved downward. By being configured in this way, the diaphragm blade-shaped panel 22 can absorb the axial load of the PET bottle 1 by the lower side of the arc shape. Therefore, the diaphragm blade-shaped panel 22 can increase the buckling strength of the shoulder portion 20.

The shoulder portion 20 configured in this way has both light weight and high strength against external force, and can withstand internal pressure changes, particularly stronger negative pressure, and suppress distorted deformation. Then, for example, when the PET bottle 1 is particularly under negative pressure, the shoulder portion 20 is prevented from being dented even if a large force is applied to the shoulder portion 20 due to the PET bottle 1 falling down or the PET bottle 1 being hit by something from the outside. can do.

The body portion 30 has a constricted portion 50 having a narrowed body diameter as a part thereof. The constricted portion 50 can improve the ease of holding the PET bottle 1. Further, it is preferable that the body portion 30 has cylindrical portions having the maximum body diameter on both sides of the PET bottle 1 in the axial direction with the constricted portion 50 interposed therebetween. As a result, even if the PET bottle 1 is turned sideways, each of the cylindrical portions having the largest body diameter becomes a grounding portion and can be placed stably. For example, it can be applied to a vending machine for loading sideways. .. Further, a label can be attached to the cylindrical portion having the largest body diameter.

The body portion 30 exemplified in FIG. 1 and the like has an upper cylindrical portion 70 connected to the shoulder portion 20, a constricted portion 50 connected to the upper cylindrical portion 70, a constricted portion 50, and a connecting portion 85 composed of ribs such as grooves. It is provided with a lower cylindrical portion 80 connected via the above. The upper cylindrical portion 70 and the lower cylindrical portion 80 are formed on the body portion 30 as a cylindrical portion having a maximum cylinder diameter D1. The maximum body diameter D1 is, for example, 68.5 mm. The horizontal cross section of the upper cylindrical portion 70 and the lower cylindrical portion 80 may be formed into a polygon close to a circle, for example, an octagon or a dodecagon, instead of a circle.

The constricted portion 50 has an annular peripheral groove 51, a pressure absorbing portion 52 on one side in the axial direction of the PET bottle 1 with reference to the peripheral groove 51, and a reinforcing portion 60 on the other side. The constricted portion 50 is formed to have a length H2 in the axial direction. If the length H2 in the axial direction of the constricted portion 50 is too short, the ease of holding the PET bottle 1 cannot be improved and the area of the pressure absorbing portion 52 cannot be sufficiently secured, so that the length in the axial direction is long. If H2 is too long, it becomes difficult to secure the strength of PET bottle 1. The constricted portion 50 is a value (H2 / H1) of the ratio of the axial length H2 of the constricted portion 50 to the total height H1 of the PET bottle 1 from the viewpoint of maintaining the strength of the PET bottle 1 while increasing the absorption amount of the change in the internal pressure. Is preferably 0.2 or more and 0.6 or less.

The peripheral groove 51 is recessed inward in the radial direction of the PET bottle 1, has a circular cross-sectional shape in the horizontal direction, and has a substantially U-shape having a flat bottom surface in the vertical cross-sectional shape. The peripheral groove 51 can increase the buckling strength of the constricted portion 50. The peripheral groove 51 may have a substantially arcuate cross-sectional shape in the vertical direction, and may be deformed so as to extend in the axial direction even if the PET bottle 1 is carried while being filled with high-temperature contents. Be prevented.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the PET bottle 1 is preferably formed so that the peripheral groove 51 has a minimum body diameter D2. With this configuration, the stress with respect to the axial load of the PET bottle 1 is concentrated in the peripheral groove 51. At that time, the peripheral groove 51 is deformed to disperse the stress, and the specific portion of the PET bottle 1 becomes a bending point to prevent buckling deformation. Therefore, the peripheral groove 51 having the minimum body diameter D2 can increase the buckling strength of the PET bottle 1.

The value (D2 / D1) of the ratio of the minimum cylinder diameter D2 of the peripheral groove 51 to the maximum cylinder diameter D1 of the upper cylindrical portion 70 and the lower cylindrical portion 80 is preferably 0.55 or more and 0.95 or less. , 0.6 or more and 0.8 or less are more preferable. With such a configuration, the stress with respect to the axial load of the PET bottle 1 is concentrated in the peripheral groove 51 having the smallest diameter of the body portion 30, and the buckling strength of the PET bottle 1 is effectively increased. Can be done. If the ratio of the minimum body diameter D2 to the maximum body diameter D1 (D2 / D1) is larger than 0.95, the stress on the axial load of the PET bottle 1 does not concentrate on the peripheral groove 51, and other factors. For example, a load is applied to the pressure absorbing portion 52. On the other hand, if the value (D2 / D1) of the ratio of the minimum body diameter D2 to the maximum body diameter D1 is less than 0.55, the stress with respect to the axial load of the PET bottle 1 is excessively concentrated in the peripheral groove 51. , Sufficient buckling strength cannot be obtained.

If the depth of the peripheral groove 51 is too shallow, the stress is less likely to be dispersed with respect to the axial load of the PET bottle 1, and the PET bottle 1 is likely to be buckled and deformed. On the other hand, if the peripheral groove 51 is too deep, the shapeability of the PET bottle 1 at the time of molding is lowered. The value of the ratio of the depth of the peripheral groove 51 to the minimum body diameter D2 is preferably 0.005 or more, 0.07 or less, and more preferably 0.03.

Further, if the width of the peripheral groove 51 is too wide, the stress is less likely to be dispersed with respect to the axial load of the PET bottle 1, and the PET bottle 1 is easily buckled and deformed. On the other hand, if the width of the peripheral groove 51 is too narrow, the shapeability of the PET bottle 1 at the time of molding is lowered. The value of the ratio of the width of the peripheral groove 51 to the depth of the peripheral groove 51 is preferably 0.2 or more and 4.0 or less.

When the PET bottle 1 is formed by blow molding, the peripheral groove 51 can be made thicker by making the peripheral groove 51 more inside in the radial direction of the PET bottle 1. The thicker the peripheral groove 51 is, the more the peripheral groove 51 can maintain a circular structure without being deformed into an ellipse, for example, when the pressure inside the PET bottle 1 changes, especially when the decompression progresses further. Therefore, the wall thickness of the peripheral groove 51 is preferably 0.15 mm or more and 0.50 mm or less.

The constricted portion 50 has a pressure absorbing portion 52 on one side in the axial direction, for example, on the lower side with respect to the peripheral groove 51. The body diameter of the pressure absorbing portion 52 exemplified in FIG. 1 and the like gradually increases from the peripheral groove 51 toward the lower side. The pressure absorbing unit 52 has a function of absorbing a pressure change inside the PET bottle 1, particularly a stronger negative pressure, and suppressing distorted deformation of the PET bottle 1. In a configuration in which the area of the pressure absorbing portion 52 is simply expanded, the strength, particularly the buckling strength, tends to decrease. On the other hand, the PET bottle 1 has a peripheral groove 51 having a narrowed body diameter and a pressure absorbing portion 52 having an expanded area, so that the buckling strength that tends to be insufficient in a round bottle is sufficiently secured. However, it is configured to absorb changes in internal pressure more.

The pressure absorbing portion 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape by connecting a plurality of flat plate (panel) -shaped quadrangular panels 53 in the circumferential direction. Each of the quadrangular panels 53 is configured to be deformed inside and outside the PET bottle 1 in response to a change in the internal pressure of the PET bottle 1. The pressure absorbing portion 52 illustrated in FIG. 1 and the like has five vertically long quadrangular panels 53. Therefore, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the pressure absorbing portion 52 is a substantially regular pentagon. A chamfered substantially rectangular chamfered portion 54 is formed between the adjacent quadrangular panels 53 and 53. The quadrangular panel 53 is formed into a substantially rectangular shape divided by an upper side 55, a lower side 56, and left and right ridge lines 57, 57 in a front view.

The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the PET bottle 1 is a substantially regular pentagon in the pressure absorbing portion 52, whereas it is circular in the peripheral groove 51. Therefore, the PET bottle 1 can be designed so that the peripheral groove 51 is an inscribed circle of the pressure absorbing portion 52. However, it is preferable that the pressure absorbing portion 52 is located outside the PET bottle 1 in the radial direction with respect to the peripheral groove 51. The PET bottle 1 exemplified in FIG. 2 is configured to be located outside the peripheral groove 51 in the radial direction even at the center of the upper side 55 of the pressure absorbing portion 52. By configuring the connection portion between the peripheral groove 51 and the pressure absorbing portion 52 in this way, the deformation of the pressure absorbing portion 52 is less likely to spread to the peripheral groove 51, and the circular structure of the peripheral groove 51 can be maintained. The pressure absorbing portion 52 is preferably located at least 2 mm outside the peripheral groove 51 in the radial direction of the PET bottle 1 as long as the constricted shape is maintained.

The upper side 55 of the quadrangular panel 53 is curved in an arc shape toward the upper side as illustrated in FIG. 1 and the like. The upper side 55 curved in an arc shape toward the upper side can absorb the axial load of the PET bottle 1 and increase the buckling strength.

The lower side 56 is also substantially vertically symmetrical and the same as the upper side 55. That is, the lower side 56 is curved in an arc shape toward the lower side as illustrated in FIG. 1 and the like. The lower side 56 curved in an arc shape toward the lower side can absorb the axial load of the PET bottle 1 and increase the buckling strength. Further, the lower side 56 may be configured to be in contact with the groove bottom portion of the connecting portion 85. When the lower side 56 and the connecting portion 85 are in contact with each other, the load applied to the connecting portion 85 is distributed to the lower side 56, and excessive stress concentration on the connecting portion 85 is prevented.

The ridge line 57 is a boundary line between the quadrangular panel 53 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the PET bottle 1 and the chamfered portion 54. The ridge line 57 extends between the portion having the maximum cylinder diameter D1 and the portion having the minimum cylinder diameter D2. The ridge line 57 has a function as a support column for the axial load of the PET bottle 1. If the ridge line 57 is twisted in the circumferential direction of the PET bottle 1 and has an inclination with respect to the axial direction, the function as a support is diminished, and when the degree of negative pressure becomes stronger, the quadrangular panel 53 is twisted. It becomes easy to be deformed. When the quadrangular panel 53 is deformed so as to be twisted, it tilts when the PET bottle 1 is installed, causing inconvenience in labeling and printing on the PET bottle 1, and obtaining buckling strength when it is loaded on corrugated cardboard. It is not preferable because it will not be possible. Further, if the ridge line 57 has an inclination with respect to the axial direction, the full filling capacity cannot be increased. Therefore, it is preferable that the ridge line 57 extends in the axial direction without twisting in the circumferential direction.

Although not shown, the pressure absorbing portion 52 may be configured so as not to have the chamfered portion 54 and to directly connect the adjacent quadrangular panels 53, 53 in the circumferential direction. In this case, the boundary line separating the adjacent quadrangular panels 53, 53 may have the same configuration as the ridge line 57.

However, the pressure absorbing portion 52 preferably has a chamfered portion 54. The chamfered portion 54 having a width in the circumferential direction distributes the load applied to the ridge line 57 from the vertical direction of the PET bottle 1, prevents excessive concentration of stress on the ridge line 57, and can increase the buckling strength.

The chamfered portion 54 may have a so-called R chamfered shape, which is not a flat surface but is rounded so as to be curved toward the radial outer side of the PET bottle 1. The surface curved toward the outside can increase the amount of deformation of the PET bottle 1 inward in the radial direction. Therefore, the chamfered portion 54 that curves toward the outside absorbs the change in the internal pressure by deforming inward and changing the internal volume when the inside of the PET bottle 1 is particularly depressurized, and the PET bottle 1 absorbs the change in the internal pressure. It plays a part in the function of preventing deformation into distortion.

As described above, the quadrangular panel 53 is configured to be deformable inside and outside the PET bottle 1. Therefore, the quadrangular panel 53 has a function of absorbing pressure by deforming according to a change in the internal pressure of the PET bottle 1. On the other hand, even when the internal pressure of the PET bottle 1 changes, the structure itself of the pressure absorbing portion 52 is maintained with the upper side 55, the lower side 56, and the left and right ridges 57, 57 as the skeleton.

Inside the PET bottle 1, there is a sudden temperature change when filling the contents, a temperature difference between when the contents are filled and when the PET bottle 1 is stored, and a pressure change due to changes in the state of the contents such as water evaporation and oxidation. Occurs. Since the lightweight PET bottle 1 has a thin wall thickness, it is easily deformed under the influence of changes in the internal pressure. The square panel 53, which is deformably configured inside and outside the PET bottle 1, is pushed toward the outside of the PET bottle 1 when the internal pressure is high, and is pushed toward the inside of the PET bottle 1 when the internal pressure is low. Therefore, when the internal pressure of the PET bottle 1 changes, the quadrangular panel 53 absorbs the change in the internal pressure by deforming inward and outward to change the internal volume, and prevents the PET bottle 1 from being deformed distortedly. Has a function.

If the area of each of the quadrangular panels 53 is too small, it becomes difficult to deform and it becomes difficult to absorb the change in the internal pressure of the PET bottle 1. On the other hand, if the area of each of the square panels 53 is too large, the buckling strength and the side wall strength of the pressure absorbing portion 52 will decrease, and the rigidity of the PET bottle 1 will not be sufficient. Further, if the area of each of the quadrangular panels 53 is too large, kinking will occur, and the deformation of the PET bottle 1 will be rather large.

Here, the distance between the upper side 55 of the quadrangular panel 53 and the lower side 56 is defined as the axial length HP of the quadrangular panel 53. The ratio of the axial length HP of the quadrangular panel 53 to the total height H1 of the PET bottle 1 from the ground plane (bottom wall 42) of the bottom 40 to the end of the mouth 10 is 0.06 or more, 0.50. It is preferably less than or equal to, and more preferably 0.40 or less.

The axial length HP of the quadrangular panel 53 is set to a value from as large as possible to as small as possible within the range in which the strength of the PET bottle 1 is maintained while the absorption amount of the change in internal pressure is increased. Is preferable. Here, the axial length HP of the quadrangular panel 53 is as large as possible, and the length that the quadrangular panel 53 absorbs the change in the internal pressure most while having the strength is taken as a guide. On the other hand, the axial length HP of the quadrangular panel 53 is as small as possible, as a guideline is that the quadrangular panel 53 absorbs at least a change in internal pressure.

On the other hand, the distance between the ridges 57 and 57 of the quadrilateral panel 53 is defined as the width WP in the circumferential direction of the quadrilateral panel 53 (see FIG. 2). The ratio of the width WP in the circumferential direction of the quadrangular panel 53 to the maximum body diameter D1 is preferably 0.2 or more and 0.8 or less.

The aspect ratio of the axial length HP of the quadrangular panel 53 to the circumferential width WP is preferably closer to a square from the viewpoint of being able to uniformly reduce the pressure.

If the number of the quadrangular panels 53 constituting the pressure absorbing portion 52 becomes too large, the area of each quadrangular panel 53 becomes excessively small. Further, since the quadrangular panel 53 that is too small is less likely to be deformed inside and outside the PET bottle 1, it is difficult to absorb the change in the internal pressure of the PET bottle 1.

On the other hand, as the number of the quadrangular panels 53 is smaller, the axial load of the PET bottle 1 applied to each of the upper side 55 and the lower side 56 becomes larger, and the distance from one end to the other end of each side becomes longer. If the number of any of the quadrangular panels 53 is too small, each side cannot sufficiently absorb the axial load of the PET bottle 1 and becomes a bending point, and the PET bottle 1 is easily buckled and deformed. Become.

The number of the quadrangular panels 53 constituting the pressure absorbing portion 52 is preferably 3 or more and 9 or less, more preferably 5 or more and 7 or less, and further preferably an odd number. preferable. If the number of quadrangular panels 53 is an odd number, they do not face each other. The pressure absorbing portion 52 configured in this way can effectively disperse the load and increase the buckling strength and the side wall strength.

From the viewpoint of preventing the stress on the PET bottle 1 from concentrating on a specific portion of the pressure absorbing portion 52, it is preferable that the plurality of square panels 53 constituting the pressure absorbing portion 52 have the same shape.

The cross-sectional shape of each of the quadrangular panels 53 in the horizontal direction may be a curved shape curved inward in the radial direction of the PET bottle 1, a linear shape, or a curved shape curved outward. There may be. This is appropriately designed according to the intended use of the PET bottle 1.

For example, the quadrangular panel 53 curved inward quickly and surely deforms inward when the internal pressure of the PET bottle 1 decreases, and absorbs the change in internal pressure with high responsiveness, but the amount of deformation is relatively small. Be done. On the other hand, when the internal pressure of the PET bottle 1 increases, the responsiveness to absorb the change in the internal pressure is slightly reduced, but the amount of deformation can be increased, and a larger change in the internal pressure can be absorbed. However, if the amount of deformation is too large, it may be inverted so as to be curved outward. If this inversion occurs only in a part of the quadrangular panel 53, the appearance is inferior and the commercial value is lowered. The quadrangular panel 53 curved toward the outside acts in the opposite direction to the above.

The constricted portion 50 has a reinforcing portion 60 on the other side in the axial direction, for example, on the upper side with respect to the peripheral groove 51. The reinforcing portion 60 has a function of maintaining the shape of the PET bottle 1, particularly the body portion 30, regardless of changes in the internal pressure, particularly a stronger negative pressure. That is, the reinforcing portion 60 has a function of preventing the body portion 30 from being deformed inward in the radial direction even under harsh conditions such that the inside of the PET bottle 1 which is not a heat-resistant bottle is in a state of stronger negative pressure. Have.

The body diameter of the reinforcing portion 60 exemplified in FIG. 1 and the like gradually increases from the peripheral groove 51 toward the upper side. That is, the reinforcing portion 60 is formed in an inverted truncated cone shape. The reinforcing portion 60 is formed with a plurality of reinforcing grooves 61 and 62 that are recessed inward in the radial direction of the PET bottle 1 and extend in an annular shape in the circumferential direction. Both the reinforcing grooves 61 and 62 have a circular cross-sectional shape in the horizontal direction and a substantially arcuate cross-sectional shape in the vertical direction.

The reinforcing grooves 61 and 62 may have a semicircular or U-shaped cross-sectional shape in the vertical direction, and even if the PET bottle 1 is carried while being filled with high-temperature contents, the shaft may be conveyed. It is prevented from being deformed so as to extend in the direction.

The reinforcing grooves 61 and 62 have a reinforcing effect in the radial direction of the PET bottle 1, particularly in the inner direction. The reinforcing grooves 61 and 62 can enhance the function of maintaining the shape of the reinforcing portion 60, particularly the horizontal cross-sectional shape, in a circular shape. Further, by maintaining the shape of the reinforcing portion 60, the cross-sectional shape of the body portion 30 in the horizontal direction is maintained in a substantially regular pentagon shape in the pressure absorbing portion 52 and in a circular shape in other portions.

The reinforcing portion 60 may have a configuration capable of increasing the radial strength of the PET bottle 1 to the extent that the cross-sectional shape of the body portion 30 in the horizontal direction is maintained. As such a configuration, for example, instead of the reinforcing grooves 61 and 62 exemplified in FIG. 1 and the like, a groove discontinuous in the circumferential direction may be used, and a corrugated groove whose width and depth change periodically. But it's okay. Further, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 60 may be polygonal instead of circular. However, the strength can be improved with a relatively simple configuration, and the reinforcing portion 60 is provided in the circumferential direction as in the reinforcing grooves 61 and 62 exemplified in FIG. 1 and the like from the viewpoint of the balance of shape and force. It is preferable that the configuration has a continuous groove. Further, from the viewpoint of strength, it is preferable that the reinforcing portion 60 has, for example, a plurality of annular reinforcing grooves 61 and 62.

The constricted portion 50 may be configured such that the pressure absorbing portion 52 is arranged on the upper side of the peripheral groove 51 and the reinforcing portion 60 is arranged on the lower side.

The upper cylindrical portion 70 has a cylindrical shape having the same upper and lower diameters. The upper cylindrical portion 70 has a discontinuous annular reinforcing groove 73 in which a groove portion 71 recessed inward in the radial direction of the PET bottle 1 and a non-grooved portion 72 not recessed are repeated in the circumferential direction of the PET bottle 1. By providing the reinforcing groove 73 having the non-grooved portion 72 which is difficult to expand and contract in the axial direction instead of the groove continuous in the circumferential direction of the PET bottle 1, the expansion and contraction of the PET bottle 1 in the axial direction is suppressed. As a result, the PET bottle 1 which is not a heat-resistant bottle is carried in a state where the PET bottle 1 filled with high-temperature contents exceeding the softening point Tg of PET such as 95 ° C. is easily deformed. Even under harsh conditions such as the head space being heated and the internal pressure increasing, it is prevented from deforming so as to extend in the axial direction and shrink the body diameter.

Further, the reinforcing groove 73 has a structure in which the non-groove portion 72 is arranged between the adjacent groove portions 71 and 71, so that the reinforcing groove 73 does not easily become a bending point with respect to the load from the axial direction of the PET bottle 1 and seats. The bending strength can be increased. On the other hand, the reinforcing groove 73 can effectively receive the load from the radial direction of the PET bottle 1 and increase the side wall strength due to the configuration having the groove portion 71. In particular, in a state where the inside of the PET bottle 1 according to the present embodiment is expected to be used in a stronger negative pressure state, the internal pressure acts in a direction of weakening the strength of the PET bottle 1, so that the buckling strength and the side wall strength tend to be insufficient. Will increase. However, the PET bottle 1 can sufficiently increase the buckling strength and the side wall strength due to the configuration having the reinforcing groove 73.

Then, by increasing the side wall strength of the upper cylindrical portion 70, the vendor suitability, which is a characteristic of whether or not the PET bottle 1 is normally discharged from the vending machine, and the ease of attaching the label to the upper cylindrical portion 70, The ease of holding the PET bottle 1 is improved. Further, since the reinforcing groove 73 expands the area of the upper cylindrical portion 70 that is not a recess due to the configuration having the non-grooved portion 72, for example, appearance defects when a shrink label is attached are less likely to occur, and manufacturing efficiency and the label are reduced. The display effect (advertising effect) can be improved.

The reinforcing grooves 73 are provided in at least one row in place of the grooves continuous in the circumferential direction of the PET bottle 1 to exert the above-mentioned effect. The groove in the second row from the side of the shoulder portion 20 tends to be a bending point because a load that cannot be supported by the groove in the first row is applied to the load from the axial direction of the PET bottle 1. Therefore, when one row of reinforcing grooves 73 is provided instead of a plurality of continuous grooves, it is preferable that the reinforcing grooves 73 are provided in the second row from the side of the shoulder portion 20.

However, it is more preferable that the reinforcing grooves 73 are formed in a plurality of rows and the non-groove portions 72 in the adjacent rows are arranged alternately. With such a configuration, the above-mentioned effects can be more easily exerted. A plurality of reinforcing grooves 73a, 73b, and 73c are sequentially formed in the upper cylindrical portion 70 exemplified in FIG. 1 and the like from the side of the shoulder portion 20. The non-grooved portion 72a and the non-grooved portion 72b are alternately arranged, and the non-grooved portion 72b and the non-grooved portion 72c are alternately arranged. Although the non-grooved portion 72a and the non-grooved portion 72c may be arranged so as to be offset in the circumferential direction of the PET bottle 1, the stress tends to be biased with respect to the load from the axial direction or the radial direction of the PET bottle 1. Therefore, it is more preferable that they are arranged so as to coincide with each other in the circumferential direction.

4A and 4B are enlarged views of the groove portion 71, FIG. 4A is a front view, FIG. 4B is a sectional view of a central portion 71C, and FIG. 4C is a sectional view of both end portions 71E. It is preferable that the depth of the bottom surface of the groove portion 71 is larger in the central portion 71C than in both end portions 71E in the circumferential direction of the PET bottle 1. That is, it is preferable that the groove depth d1 of the central portion 71C is larger than the groove depth d2 of both end portions 71E. The structure in which the depth of the bottom surface of the groove portion 71 is larger in the central portion 71C in the circumferential direction can increase the side wall strength of the upper cylindrical portion 70 as a whole. As a result, for example, the strength of the portion in contact with the extrusion plate of the vending machine is increased. Further, the depth of the bottom surface of the groove portion 71 is smaller at both end portions 71E than at the central portion 71C in the circumferential direction of the PET bottle 1, so that the step with the non-groove portion 72 is eliminated and the shapeability of the PET bottle 1 is formed. Is improved.

The reinforcing grooves 73a, 73b, and 73c all have a gear-like cross-sectional shape in the horizontal direction. On the other hand, it is preferable that the cross section in the axial direction on the bottom surface of the groove portion 71 is linear at both end portions 71E in the circumferential direction and arcuate at the central portion 71C. With this configuration, when the PET bottle 1 is carried while being filled with high-temperature contents, the force extending in the axial direction of the PET bottle 1 at the central portion 71C of the groove portion 71 is applied to both ends 71E. It becomes difficult to spread to the PET bottle 1 and the expansion and contraction of the PET bottle 1 in the axial direction is suppressed.

If the depth of the groove 71 of the reinforcing groove 73 is too shallow, the side wall strength of the upper cylindrical portion 70 does not increase, the upper cylindrical portion 70 tends to be crushed, and the bender suitability and the ease of holding the PET bottle 1 deteriorate. It ends up. On the other hand, if the depth of the groove 71 is too deep, the shapeability of the PET bottle 1 at the time of molding is lowered, buckling is likely to occur with the groove 71 as a base point, and it is difficult to attach a label. The depth of the groove portion 71 in the central portion 71C in the circumferential direction is preferably 0.05 or more and 0.07 or less, preferably 0.03 or less, as a ratio value to the maximum body diameter D1 which is the diameter of the upper cylindrical portion 70. It is more preferable to have.

If the width of the groove 71 (the length in the axial direction of the PET bottle 1) is too narrow, the shapeability of the PET bottle 1 at the time of molding tends to decrease. On the other hand, if the width of the groove 71 is too wide, the shrink label attached to the upper cylindrical portion 70 is likely to be affected by the unevenness of the groove 71, resulting in poor appearance, which in turn leads to a decrease in purchasing motivation. The width of the groove 71 is preferably 0.5 or more and 5.0 or less as a ratio value to the depth of the groove 71.

If the length of the PET bottle 1 in the circumferential direction of the groove 71 is too short with respect to the non-groove 72, the pressure resistance performance of the upper cylindrical portion 70 deteriorates, and the PET bottle 1 is not in a state of stronger negative pressure. The groove portion 72 tends to bend. On the other hand, if the groove 71 is too long with respect to the non-groove 72, the effect of the reinforcing groove 73 described above will not be exhibited. Therefore, it is preferable that the ratio of the lengths in the circumferential direction is 1.5: 1 to 9.5: 1 between the groove portion 71 and the non-groove portion 72.

If the wall thickness of the non-grooved portion 72 is too thin, the pressure resistance performance, the buckling strength, and the side wall strength of the upper cylindrical portion 70 cannot be improved. On the other hand, if the wall thickness of the non-groove portion 72 is too thick, the boundary between the non-groove portion 72 and the periphery becomes a bending point. Therefore, it is preferable that the wall thickness of the non-grooved portion 72 is 0.15 mm or more and 0.50 mm or less.

Here, as illustrated in FIG. 1, three rows of reinforcing grooves 73a, 73b, and 73c are formed in the upper cylindrical portion 70. However, the number thereof is not particularly limited, and is appropriately designed depending on the vertical width of the upper cylindrical portion 70, the depth and width of the groove, and the like.

The lower cylindrical portion 80 has a cylindrical shape having the same upper and lower diameters. The lower cylindrical portion 80 is formed with a reinforcing groove 81 that is recessed inward in the radial direction of the PET bottle 1 and extends in an annular shape in the circumferential direction. The reinforcing groove 81 has a circular cross-sectional shape in the horizontal direction and a substantially arc-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape. The reinforcing groove 81 can increase the strength of the side wall of the lower cylindrical portion 80. Then, the strength of the side wall of the lower cylindrical portion 80 is increased, so that the vendor suitability, which is a characteristic of whether or not the PET bottle 1 is normally discharged from the vending machine, is improved.

The reinforcing groove 81 has a substantially arcuate cross-sectional shape in the vertical direction, so that even if the PET bottle 1 is hung in a state where the contents at high temperature are filled, the reinforcing groove 81 extends in the axial direction and the body diameter is reduced. Deformation is prevented.

The larger the depth of the reinforcing groove 81, the stronger the side wall strength, but the lower the shapeability of the PET bottle 1. If the depth of the reinforcing groove 81 is too shallow, the side wall strength of the lower cylindrical portion 80 does not increase, the lower cylindrical portion 80 tends to be crushed, and the bender suitability deteriorates. On the other hand, if the depth of the reinforcing groove 81 is too deep, the shapeability of the PET bottle 1 at the time of molding is lowered, and buckling with the reinforcing groove 81 as a base point is likely to occur. The depth of the reinforcing groove 81 is preferably 0.005 or more, 0.07 or less, and more preferably 0.03, as a ratio to the maximum body diameter D1, which is the diameter of the lower cylindrical portion 80.

If the width of the reinforcing groove 81 is too narrow, the shapeability of the PET bottle 1 at the time of molding tends to decrease. On the other hand, if the width of the reinforcing groove 81 is too wide, it becomes difficult to increase the strength of the side wall. The width of the reinforcing groove 81 is preferably 0.5 or more and 5.0 or less as a ratio to the depth of the reinforcing groove 81.

Here, a configuration in which one reinforcing groove 81 is formed in the lower cylindrical portion 80 is exemplified. However, the number is not particularly limited, and is appropriately designed depending on the vertical width of the lower cylindrical portion 80, the depth and width of the reinforcing groove 81, and the like.

The lowermost region of the body portion 30 and the lower cylindrical portion 80 is the heel portion 82. When the PET bottle 1 is blow-molded from its prototype preform (preform), the heel portion 82 is thin because the distance from the bottom of the preform is long and the draw ratio is increased accordingly. It is a place that tends to be whitened and sometimes whitened.

The connecting portion 85 is preferably a circumferential groove that is recessed inward in the radial direction of the PET bottle 1 and extends in an annular shape in the circumferential direction. By forming the connecting portion 85 as a circumferential groove, the strength of the side wall in the vicinity of the connecting portion 85 can be increased. The connecting portion 85 has a circular cross-sectional shape in the horizontal direction and a substantially U-shape having a flat bottom surface in the vertical cross-sectional shape. The connecting portion 85 may have a substantially arcuate cross-sectional shape in the vertical direction, and may be deformed so as to extend in the axial direction even if the PET bottle 1 is carried while being filled with high-temperature contents. Be prevented.

If the depth of the connecting portion 85 is too shallow, the side wall strength cannot be increased, and the bender suitability is lowered. On the other hand, if the depth of the connecting portion 85 is too deep, the shapeability of the PET bottle 1 at the time of molding is lowered. The depth of the connecting portion 85 is preferably 0.005 or more, 0.07 or less, and more preferably 0.03 as the value of the ratio to the minimum body diameter D2.

If the width of the connecting portion 85 is too wide, the side wall strength cannot be increased and the bender suitability is lowered. On the other hand, if the width of the connecting portion 85 is too narrow, the shapeability of the PET bottle 1 at the time of molding is lowered. The width of the connecting portion 85 is preferably 0.5 or more and 5.0 or less as a ratio value to the depth of the connecting portion 85.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the PET bottle 1. The bottom portion 40 is connected to the lower side of the lower cylindrical portion 80 of the body portion 30. The bottom portion 40 has a corner portion 41, a bottom wall 42, a dome 43, and a rib 44. The corner portion 41 is curved toward the lower side in the axial direction of the PET bottle 1 and the outer side in the radial direction. The bottom wall 42 having a substantially flat plate ring extends in the direction perpendicular to the body portion 30 and serves as a ground plane for the PET bottle 1. The dome 43 projects from the bottom wall 42 toward the inside (upper side) of the PET bottle 1 on the inner circumference of the bottom wall 42, and has a function of improving the strength of the bottom portion 40. The dome 43 is provided with a plurality of ribs 44 having a function of reinforcing the dome 43 radially in a bottom view.

The bottom portion 40 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 5, and may be configured so as to be easily deformed by heat and not easily deformed downward even when positive pressure is applied. As a result, it is possible to prevent the full filling capacity of the PET bottle 1 from increasing and the change in the internal pressure from becoming larger. The dome 43 is designed to be maintained at least above the ground plane of the PET bottle 1 even if it is deformed by heat. As a result, the bottom portion 40 is prevented from protruding outward (lower side) from the bottom wall 42, and the PET bottle 1 can be prevented from rattling or tipping over.

As described above, the PET bottle 1 has a mouth portion 10, a shoulder portion 20, a body portion 30, and a bottom portion 40, and the body portion 30 has a constricted portion 50 having a narrowed body diameter. The constricted portion 50 has an annular peripheral groove 51 and a square panel that deforms to the inside and outside of the PET bottle 1 in response to a change in the internal pressure of the PET bottle 1 on one side in the axial direction with respect to the peripheral groove 51. It has a pressure absorbing portion 52 formed by connecting 53 in the circumferential direction, and a reinforcing portion 60 on the other side that maintains the shape of the PET bottle 1 regardless of changes in the internal pressure. Further, the body portion 30 has a reinforcing groove 73 in which the groove portion 71 and the non-groove portion 72 are repeated in the circumferential direction of the PET bottle 1.

In the PET bottle 1 according to the present embodiment, even if the weight is reduced, the PET bottle 1 sufficiently withstands the load from the axial direction and the waist circumference direction, absorbs the change in the internal pressure, and has the dents of the shoulder portion 20 and the body portion 30 and the dents of the body portion 30. Deformation such as flatness and kinking is sufficiently suppressed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a PET bottle that has both light weight and high strength against external force, can withstand internal pressure changes, especially stronger negative pressure, and can suppress distorted deformation even under harsh conditions. 1 can be provided.

The PET bottle 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited by size and can be applied to various sizes. For example, the volume of the PET bottle 1 may be 100 ml or more and 2000 ml or less. The total height H1 of the PET bottle 1 may be 100 mm or more and 300 mm or less, and the maximum body diameter D1 of the body portion 30 may be 30 mm or more and 80 mm or less. Further, the PET bottle 1 according to the present embodiment can be suitably used for a lightweight bottle. The mass of the PET bottle 1 is, for example, 20 g or more and less than 40 g for 1000 ml, and 15 g or more and less than 30 g for 500 ml. In particular, from the viewpoint of maintaining the strength of the PET bottle 1 while increasing the absorption amount of changes in the internal pressure while having light weight, the value of the mass ratio to the volume of the PET bottle 1 is 0.0392 g / ml or more, 0. It is preferably 0600 g / ml or less.

Examples of the plastic bottle material for PET bottle 1 include polyolefins such as high-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, plants, and the like. Various plastics that can be blow-molded, such as polyethylene, can be used. However, it is preferable that the plastic bottle is mainly composed of polyester such as polyethylene naphthalate, particularly polyethylene terephthalate. The above-mentioned resin contains various additives such as colorants, ultraviolet absorbers, mold release agents, lubricants, nucleating agents, antioxidants, and antistatic agents as long as the quality of the molded product is not impaired. be able to.

As the ethylene terephthalate-based thermoplastic resin constituting the PET bottle 1, the ethylene terephthalate unit occupies most of the ester repeating portion, generally 70 mol% or more, and the glass transition point (Tg) is 50 ° C. or higher and 90 ° C. or higher. The following, and those having a melting point (Tm) in the range of 200 ° C. or higher and 275 ° C. or lower are suitable. As an ethylene terephthalate-based thermoplastic polyester, polyethylene terephthalate is particularly excellent in terms of pressure resistance, etc., but it is composed of a dibasic acid such as isophthalic acid and naphthalenedicarboxylic acid and a diol such as propylene glycol in addition to the ethylene terephthalate unit. Copolymerized polyesters containing a small amount of ester units can also be used.

Polyethylene terephthalate has the highest production volume among thermoplastic synthetic resins. The polyethylene terephthalate resin has various properties such as heat resistance, cold resistance, chemical resistance, and abrasion resistance. Furthermore, polyethylene terephthalate resin has a lower proportion of petroleum in its raw material than other plastics, and can be recycled. As described above, according to the configuration containing polyethylene terephthalate as a main component, a material having a large production amount can be used, and various excellent properties thereof can be utilized.

Polyethylene terephthalate is obtained by condensation polymerization of ethylene glycol (ethane-1,2-diol) and purified terephthalic acid. It is preferable that at least one of a germanium compound, a titanium compound, and an aluminum compound is used as the polymerization catalyst of polyethylene terephthalate. By using these catalysts, it is possible to form a container having higher transparency and excellent heat resistance than the antimony compound is used.

A plastic bottle can be manufactured by blow molding a preform obtained by injection molding the above-mentioned materials. However, the PET bottle 1 as an example of the plastic bottle according to the present embodiment can cope with a harsh situation. Therefore, the PET bottle 1 according to the present embodiment is used for a hot pack implant, which is a manufacturing method in which all the steps such as molding the PET bottle 1 from the preform and filling the PET bottle 1 with a high-temperature beverage are performed by an in-line method. It can also be applied.

Next, the filler manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment in which such a hot pack implant is embodied will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a schematic view schematically showing the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the filler 8 according to the present embodiment. The manufacturing apparatus 100 for the filler 8 according to the present embodiment includes a heating unit that heats the body of the preform 5, a molding unit that blow-molds the PET bottle 1 from the preform 5 using a mold, and a PET bottle 1. A filling part filled with a high-temperature liquid, a mounting part for attaching a cap 7 to the mouth 10 of a PET bottle 1, an overturning sterilizing part for overturning the mouth 10 and a cap 7 of a PET bottle 1, and a PET bottle. A cooling unit for cooling 1 is provided. In the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the filler 8 according to the present embodiment, the apparatus for molding the PET bottle 1 from the preform 5 which is the preformed article, the apparatus for filling the PET bottle 1 with a high-temperature liquid, and the like are all in-line methods. It is characterized by being composed of.

The in-line method here may be a synchro method in which the molding portion and the filling portion are connected, or a separate method in which the molding portion and the filling portion are separated and the PET bottle 1 is air-conveyed. Further, the injection molding device for forming the preform 5 may be included in the various devices configured by the in-line method in the manufacturing device 100 of the filler 8 according to the present embodiment.

The bottle molding machine 110 has a heating device 111 as a heating section and a biaxial stretch blow molding device 112 as a molding section. Before the preform 5 is molded into a bottle shape, the preform 5 is first heated.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the heating device 111 of the preform 5. Note that FIG. 7 shows a cross section in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the preform 5.

The heating device 111 includes a transport device 113 and a heater 114. The transport device 113 is configured to transport the preform 5 while rotating it about the axis of the preform 5 in order to uniformly heat the body portion 15 of the preform 5 in the circumferential direction. The heater 114 is composed of a plurality of, for example, halogen lamps, and is configured to heat the body 15 of the preform 5 to a temperature suitable for blow molding, for example, 95 ° C. or higher and 135 ° C. or lower. Further, the heating device 111 is a reflector 115 for reflecting the heat from the heater 114 to the body portion 15 of the preform 5, and the heating device 111 is for preventing the heat from the heater 114 from escaping to the outside of the heating device 111. A shielding member 116 or the like may be provided. In the heating device 111 of FIG. 7, the preform 5 is conveyed and heated with the mouth portion 10 facing downward.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the preform 5 and the PET bottle 1 after blow molding. The biaxial stretching blow molding device 112 includes a mold 117, a stretching rod 118, an air supply device (not shown), and a control device for controlling these. Although FIG. 8 illustrates the biaxial stretch blow molding apparatus 112 of the downward blow molding method, an upward blow molding method in which the material is not easily affected by gravity may be used.

The mold 117 has a shape corresponding to the PET bottle 1 to be formed, and for example, a body mold 117a corresponding to the body 30 and being divided in half, and a bottom mold 117b corresponding to the bottom 40. Have. The temperature of the surface of the body mold 117a is controlled to be controlled to, for example, 80 ° C. or higher and 125 ° C. or lower, preferably 90 ° C. or higher, 120 ° C. or lower, more preferably 90 ° C. or higher and 115 ° C. or lower. On the other hand, the temperature of the surface of the bottom mold 117b is configured to be controlled to 5 ° C. or higher and 30 ° C. or lower. The temperature of the surface of the die 117a exceeds the glass transition point (Tg) of polyethylene terephthalate.

By setting the surface temperature of the mold 117 to 120 ° C or lower, for example, the material of the mold 117 is heavy, and the work load for handling is heavy. Aluminum can be used instead. By using aluminum, it becomes easy to process the mold 117, the degree of freedom in design is increased, and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed. Further, since the weight of the mold 117 is reduced, the mold replacement work becomes easy.

It is preferable that the body die 117a has a rough surface portion 117R in which at least a part of the surface, more specifically, a portion in contact with the heel portion 82 of the PET bottle 1 is subjected to grain processing (rough surface processing). The method for forming the rough surface portion 117R is not particularly limited, and may be a physical treatment method such as sandblasting or polishing treatment, or a chemical treatment method such as etching. The heel portion 82 is a portion that is generally difficult to mold. This is particularly remarkable at the heating temperature of the preform 5 set in the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the filler 8 according to the present embodiment and the temperature of the surface of the body mold 117a. However, by providing the rough surface portion 117R at the portion in contact with the heel portion 82, the mold release is improved, local excessive shrinkage is prevented, and as a result, the shapeability of the PET bottle 1 is improved. ..

It is preferable that a concave receiving portion 117c is formed in the center of the bottom mold 117b. The receiving portion 117c is configured so that the tip of the stretching rod 118 can be inserted into the receiving portion 117c. The receiving portion 117c has a function of preventing the bottom portion 18 from being eccentric in the radial direction when the preform 5 is stretched by the stretching rod 118.

The extension rod 118 is configured so that the inside of the mold 117 can be expanded and contracted. Then, the stretching rod 118 is configured to stretch the body portion 15 of the preform 5 having the mouth portion 10 attached to the mold 117 in the vertical (axial) direction. The air supply device is configured to blow out air P whose pressure and temperature are regulated. The air P may be supplied to the inside of the preform 5 attached to the mold 117, may be blown out from the stretching rod 118, or may be blown out from a member different from the stretching rod 118. The air P is configured to extend the body portion 15 of the preform 5 in the lateral (diameter) direction. The air P blown out from the stretching rod 118 lowers the surface temperature of the body portion 15 to quench it, and improves heat resistance.

As shown in FIG. 6, the hot filling machine 120 has a filler 121 as a filling portion and a capper 122 as a mounting portion. The filler 121 is so as to inject the contents of the heat-sterilized high-temperature liquid, for example, the beverage 6 into the PET bottle 1 as it is at a high temperature, for example, 71 ° C. or higher, 95 ° C. or lower, more preferably 81 ° C. or higher, 90 ° C. or lower. It is configured. The capper 122 as a mounting portion is configured to mount the cap 7 on the mouth portion 10 of the PET bottle 1 filled with the beverage 6. The PET bottle 1 is sealed by the attached cap 7 to form the filler 8.

The overturn sterilizer 130 as an overturn sterilizer tilts the filler 8 at a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds 90 degrees or more, and the heat of the high-temperature beverage 6 causes the inside of the filler 8 to be particularly the mouth of the PET bottle 1. The portion 10 and the cap 7 are configured to be sterilized. The sterilization time is appropriately designed according to the type of the beverage 6 and the temperature.

The pastorizer 140 as a cooling unit has, for example, four constant temperature baths for storing water having a plurality of temperatures as a heat exchange liquid, and a spout such as a nozzle. In the pastryzer 140, high temperature water such as 65 ° C. is sprayed to heat and sterilize the filler 8 from the outside, and then the temperature of the water to be sprayed is gradually lowered. Water is sprayed to cool the filler 8 (PET bottle 1). Cooling by the pastorizer 140 has an effect of preventing a change in the flavor of the beverage 6 filled in the filler 8. The temperature of the liquid contained in the first tank of the pastryzer 140 is preferably 65 ° C. or lower. By quenching the filler 8 at 65 ° C. or lower, damage to the body 30 of the PET bottle 1 due to heat can be reduced.

The manufacturing device 100 of the filler 8 has a labeler, a caser 150, a printing device, an inspection device, and the like as a subsequent stage of these devices. The labeler is for attaching a label to the filler 8 (PET bottle 1). The caser packs the filler 8 into a cardboard box every predetermined number, for example, 24 pieces. The filler 8 according to the present embodiment is manufactured by using the devices and the like described above.

Next, the manufacturing method of the filler 8 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an outline of the manufacturing process of the filler 8 according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, at least, a step of heating the body portion 15 of the preform 5, a step of blow-molding the PET bottle 1 from the preform 5 using a mold 117, and a step of filling the PET bottle 1 with a high-temperature beverage 6 It includes a step of attaching the cap 7 to the mouth 10 of the PET bottle 1, a step of overturning and sterilizing the mouth 10 and the cap 7 of the PET bottle 1, and a step of cooling the PET bottle 1. The present embodiment is characterized in that all the steps such as molding the PET bottle 1 from the preform 5 and filling the PET bottle 1 with the high-temperature beverage 6 are performed by an in-line method. Hereinafter, each step will be described in more detail.

First, the preform 5 is supplied to the bottle molding machine 110 (step S1). In the method for producing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment, the preform 5 in which the mouth portion 10 is amorphous is used. However, the side of the opening end of the mouth portion 10 may be heat-treated at, for example, about 160 ° C. to 180 ° C. to partially crystallize. The supplied preform 5 is aligned and then transported.

As described above, even if the injection molding apparatus, the compression molding apparatus, the compression injection molding apparatus, etc. for forming the preform 5 are configured in the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the filler 8 according to the present embodiment by an in-line method. good. In this case, the preform 5 supplied to the bottle molding machine 110 is formed by the injection molding apparatus in an in-line manner. Then, the preform 5 is supplied to the bottle molding machine 110 by a cold parison method, a hot parison method, and an in-line method.

Next, heating of the preform 5 is performed (step S2). The body 15 of the preform 5 conveyed to the heating device 111 of the bottle molding machine 110 is heated to a temperature of, for example, 95 ° C. or higher and 135 ° C. or lower by a plurality of heaters 114.

When the temperature of the preform 5 to be heated is less than 95 ° C., the heat resistance is insufficient, and the PET bottle 1 formed after that cannot cope with hot filling for filling the high temperature contents. It transforms into a distorted shape. On the other hand, when the temperature of the preform 5 to be heated exceeds 135 ° C., the preform 5 before bottle molding crystallizes too much and blow molding cannot be performed. In that respect, if the temperature of the preform 5 to be heated is 135 ° C. or lower, crystallization proceeds to some extent, but blow molding is possible.

Next, blow molding of the PET bottle 1 is performed by stretching the preform 5 (step S3). The heated preform 5 is mounted on the mold 117 of the biaxial stretch blow molding apparatus 112. In the method for producing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment, the temperature of the surface of the body mold 117a is 80 ° C. or higher, 125 ° C. or lower, preferably 90 ° C. or higher, 120 ° C. or lower, more preferably 90 ° C. or higher, 115 ° C. or lower. It is said that. By setting the temperature within this range, the outer surface of the PET bottle 1, particularly the body portion 30, is crystallized, and the PET bottle 1 has a heat resistant structure. Therefore, in a later step, a PET bottle 1 that can be filled with a high-temperature beverage 6 can be produced. When the temperature of the surface of the body mold 117a is less than 80 ° C., the heat resistance becomes low, while when the temperature of the surface of the body mold 117a exceeds 125 ° C., the PET bottle 1 is the body mold 117a. The initial shrinkage at the time of contact with the mold becomes large, and deformation, that is, sink marks are likely to occur.

Here, in the present embodiment, the effect is realized when both the temperature of the preform 5 to be heated and the temperature of the surface of the body mold 117a exceed a certain level. The temperature of the body portion 15 of the preform 5 is more preferably higher than the temperature of the surface of the body mold 117a. When the temperature of the body portion 15 is higher than the temperature of the surface of the body mold 117a, the above-mentioned initial shrinkage is less likely to occur.

First, the body portion 15 of the preform 5 mounted on the mold 117 is vertically stretched by the stretching rod 118. The higher the temperature of the preform 5 when it is stretched, the easier it is for the bottom 18 to be eccentric. If it is eccentric and stretched, it tends to be deformed in the deviated direction, which is not preferable. However, the preform 5 may be eccentrically stretched even if the temperature is set high by guiding the tip of the stretching rod 118 to the center by the receiving portion 117c provided in the center of the bottom mold 117b. Be prevented.

At this time, the longitudinal stretching ratio from the preform 5 to the PET bottle 1 is preferably 1.8 or more and 4.0 or less. Here, the longitudinal stretching ratio is a value (H4 / H3) of the ratio of the height H4 (see FIG. 8) of the body 30 of the PET bottle 1 to the height H3 (see FIG. 8) of the body 15 of the preform 5. ). The molecules of the preform 5 having an amorphous structure, which is an aggregate of the amorphous portion and the crystalline portion, undergo orientation crystallization by stretching, and as a result, the strength, rigidity, and heat resistance of the PET bottle 1 are increased. Therefore, in a later step, a PET bottle 1 that can be filled with a high-temperature beverage 6 can be produced. When the longitudinal stretching ratio is less than 1.8, the orientation of the molecules of the preform 5 does not increase, while when the longitudinal stretching ratio exceeds 4.0, it becomes difficult to mold the PET bottle 1.

Further, the pressure and temperature-controlled air P is blown out from the air supply device and supplied to the inside of the preform 5. First, the body portion 15 of the preform 5 is laterally stretched to the extent that it does not hit the body mold 117a by the low pressure air P1 of 5 bar or more and 16 bar or less supplied together with the stretching of the preform 5 in the vertical direction. (Pre-blow). After that, the body portion 15 of the preform 5 is laterally stretched by high-pressure air P2 having a length of 20 bar or more and 38 bar or less in about 0.5 to 1.5 seconds until it hits the body mold 117a.

At this time, the lateral stretching ratio from the preform 5 to the PET bottle 1 is preferably 1.8 or more and 3.0 or less. Here, the lateral stretching ratio is the outer diameter (maximum body diameter D1) of the body 30 of the PET bottle 1 with respect to the outer diameter D3 (see FIG. 8) of the body 15 of the preform 5 (see FIGS. 1 and 8). ) Is the value of the ratio (D1 / D3). The molecules of the preform 5 are similarly oriented and crystallized by lateral stretching, and as a result, the strength, rigidity, and heat resistance of the PET bottle 1 are increased. Therefore, in a later step, a PET bottle 1 that can be filled with a high-temperature beverage 6 can be produced. When the transverse stretching ratio is less than 1.8, the orientation of the molecules of the preform 5 does not increase, while when the transverse stretching ratio exceeds 3.0, the PET bottle 1 becomes difficult to mold.

In addition, in order to prevent the crystallization of the body 30 of the PET bottle 1 from progressing too much and making it difficult to stretch, it is predetermined from the time when the preform 5 is attached to the mold 117 until the PET bottle 1 is stretched into the shape of the PET bottle 1. It is controlled to fit in time.

In the method for manufacturing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment, cooling air may be further blown onto the PET bottle 1 in the blow molding step (step S4). FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an example of blowing cooling air C1 onto the PET bottle 1.

The PET bottle 1 formed by biaxial stretching blow molding is attached to the mold 117 of the biaxial stretching blow molding apparatus 112. Then, the stretching rod 118 is arranged inside the mold 117 and the PET bottle 1. The stretching rod 118 is provided with a cooling air blowing portion 119. The cooling air blowing unit 119 communicates with the air supply device, and is configured to blow out the high-pressure cooling air C1 whose pressure and temperature are controlled. By providing the cooling air blowing portion 119, it is possible to improve the deformation due to the initial shrinkage when the PET bottle 1 comes into contact with the body mold 117a. The pressure of the cooling air C1 may be the same as that of the high pressure air P2, and the blowing time of the cooling air C1 may be about 1/20 to 1/3 of that of the high pressure air P2. More specifically, the blowing time of the cooling air C1 is either 0.05 seconds to 0.6 seconds, and 1% to 90%, more preferably 5% to 30% of the time of the high pressure air P2. Is preferable.

Vents are formed in the extension rod 118 in the radial (lateral) direction, and the cooling air C1 is blown substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the body 30 of the PET bottle 1. The body 30 of the PET bottle 1 begins to shrink as soon as it touches the body mold 117a. When the cooling air C1 is blown there, the body portion 30 is pressed in the direction of the body mold 117a to suppress its deformation, and the body portion 30 is imparted with heat resistance. Therefore, the body 30 of the PET bottle 1 that has been blow-molded and is in a high temperature state is further promoted to crystallize by being blown with the cooling air C1. The temperature of the cooling air C1 is preferably 1 ° C. or higher and 30 ° C. or lower. When the temperature of the cooling air C1 is less than 1 ° C., a temperature distribution is generated in the body portion 30 and strain is likely to occur. On the other hand, when the temperature of the cooling air C1 exceeds 30 ° C., the body portion 30 Is less likely to be cooled and its heat resistance is reduced.

As another method, the high pressure air P2 blown from the stretching rod 118 may be gradually switched to the cooling air C1. This method also promotes crystallization of the body 30 of the PET bottle 1. It is preferable that the ratio of the cooling air C1 is gradually increased from the end stage of the process of blowing the high pressure air P2 in blow molding, for example, from 1% to 90%, more preferably 5% to 30%. If the time is too short, the effect of this method is less likely to appear, and if the time is too long, crystallization of the body portion 30 is less likely to be promoted.

It is preferable to blow the cooling air C1 also on the outer surface side of the body 30 of the PET bottle 1. By doing so, crystallization is also promoted on the outer surface side of the body 30 of the PET bottle 1. The cooling air C1 may be sprayed onto the outer surface of the body portion 30 after the mold 117 is opened, or the spraying may be continued until the next step is started.

By blowing the cooling air C1 onto the body 30 of the PET bottle 1 in this way, it is possible to impart heat resistance to the body 30 while effectively suppressing the shrinkage of the body 30, and further, the body 30 can be imparted with heat resistance. The surface temperature of the PET bottle 1 can be rapidly lowered to shorten the speed required for producing the PET bottle 1. Further, when the cooling air C1 is sprayed on the body 30 of the PET bottle 1, the shrinkage of the body 30 can be effectively suppressed, so that the temperature of the surface of the body mold 117a is set to, for example, 125 ° C. Can be set higher. Therefore, by spraying the cooling air C1, crystallization can be further promoted, and a PET bottle 1 having heat resistance at a higher temperature can be produced.

Here, in the polyethylene terephthalate as the main raw material constituting the PET bottle 1, a crystalline region portion (crystalline portion) in which the molecular chain is crystallized and an amorphous region portion (amorphous portion) in which the molecular chain is not crystallized are mixed. .. Polyethylene terephthalate has a molecular chain when it is heat-treated at a glass transition temperature of about 70 ° C. or higher in which the amorphous portion has fluidity and a melting point of about 260 ° C. or lower in which the crystalline portion also flows, particularly about 140 ° C. to 160 ° C. Has the property of increasing the proportion of crystalline parts due to the orientation of. Such a crystalline portion with respect to the sum of the crystalline portion and the amorphous portion is referred to as crystallinity. The higher the crystallinity, the stronger the intramolecular force, and the better the heat resistance.

Since the crystal portion has a higher density than the amorphous portion, the higher the crystallinity, the higher the density. That is, polyethylene terephthalate has a characteristic that the higher the density, the higher the heat resistance. Furthermore, since scattering occurs at these boundaries due to the difference in refractive index between the amorphous part and the crystalline part, light is more likely to be scattered as the number of crystal parts increases, and haze (of the transmitted light in the visible light region). (Percentage of scattered light) becomes high. That is, polyethylene terephthalate has a characteristic that the higher the haze, the higher the heat resistance.

The crystallinity of the body 30 of the PET bottle 1 is preferably 25% or more and 45% or less, and more preferably 25% or more and 39% or less. If the crystallinity is within this range, the heat-resistant PET bottle 1 can be molded from the preform 5 with good shapeability. The crystallinity of the body 30 of the PET bottle 1 can be derived from the density. In addition, the crystallinity of the body 30 of the PET bottle 1 can also be evaluated by Raman spectroscopic analysis.

The density of the body 30 of the PET bottle 1 produced by the method for producing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment is 1.376 g / cm ³ or more and 1.387 g / cm ³ or less. The density of the body 30 of the PET bottle 1 can be measured by a specific gravity method, for example, a density gradient tube method, using a cut piece obtained by cutting a part of the body 30 into, for example, 1 cm square as a sample. By measuring the density of the body 30 of the PET bottle 1 in the filler 8 manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus 100 configured by the in-line method, it can be determined whether or not the method for manufacturing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment has been used. It can be determined.

Further, the tensile fracture strain of the body 30 of the PET bottle 1 produced by the method for producing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment is 40% or more and 68% or less.

As a method for measuring the tensile fracture strain of the body 30 of the PET bottle 1, a cut piece cut out from a part of the body 30 into, for example, a short side of 10 mm × a long side of 50 mm is used as a sample, and the sample is taken in the long side direction. One of the extending samples is fixed and then pulled in the long side direction at 85 ° C. and 300 mm / min. Then, the tensile fracture strain of the body portion 30 of the PET bottle 1 can be examined by measuring by what percentage the pulling force causes the PET bottle 1 to break. Whether or not the method for manufacturing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment was used by measuring the tensile fracture strain of the body 30 of the PET bottle 1 in the filler 8 manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus 100 configured by the in-line method. Can be determined. Here, the maximum load shown when the sample is cut is the tensile strength, and the value divided by the cross-sectional area is the tensile stress.

The blow-molded PET bottle 1 separates from the mold 117. In the method for manufacturing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment, since the in-line method is used, the blow molding time is shortened as much as possible, and the PET bottle 1 is liable to shrink. However, since the rough surface portion 117R of the body die 117a is squeezed, the rough surface portion 117R and the heel portion 82 are in contact with each other at points rather than at a solid surface, and the heel portion 82 contracts inward. It does not undulate or undulate, and sink marks are unlikely to occur. Therefore, the formability of the PET bottle 1 can be improved. Further, in the method for producing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment, the production time can be shortened as compared with the heat-resistant bottle, the production efficiency can be increased, and the production cost can be reduced.

The surface roughness (Ra) of the heel portion 82 of the PET bottle 1 produced by the method for producing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment is 0.3 μm or more and 3 μm or less. With this level of surface roughness, it is possible to maintain the characteristics of being transparent while having heat resistance. As an index of the surface roughness of the heel portion 82, for example, the arithmetic mean roughness Ra can be used. As a method for measuring the arithmetic mean roughness Ra, it can be investigated by image analysis of three-dimensional data obtained by a laser microscope. The method for manufacturing a filler 8 according to the present embodiment by measuring the surface roughness of the body portion 30, particularly the heel portion 82 of the PET bottle 1 in the filler 8 manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus 100 configured by an in-line method. Can be determined whether or not was used.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the PET bottle 1 is supplied to the hot filling machine 120 (step S5). Since the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the filler 8 according to the present embodiment is configured by the in-line method, the molded PET bottle 1 is promptly supplied to the hot filling machine 120. The supplied PET bottle 1 is sequentially delivered by, for example, a gripper attached to the outer peripheral portion of each of a plurality of rotating disk-shaped transfer wheels, and is carried to the filler 121. It is preferable that the PET bottle 1 is conveyed by gripping the mouth portion 10 with a gripper because the production of the filler 8 can be speeded up. It is preferable that the time from the molding of the PET bottle 1 to the supply to the hot filling machine 120 is within 10 seconds. As described above, since the method for producing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment is an in-line method, the PET bottle 1 is used for filling the beverage 6 with little decrease in heat resistance due to humidification.

On the other hand, in the hot filling machine 120, the beverage 6 filled in the PET bottle 1 is sterilized by heating (step S6). The heating sterilization is performed by appropriately setting a predetermined temperature and holding time such as 120 ° C. for 4 minutes, 85 ° C. for 30 minutes, etc., depending on the characteristics of the beverage 6, for example, acidity and water activity. ..

Then, the PET bottle 1 is filled with the beverage 6 in the filler 121 of the hot filling machine 120 (step S7). Fila 121 injects the contents of a hot liquid that has been sterilized by heating, for example, a beverage 6 into a PET bottle 1 as it is at a high temperature, for example, 71 ° C. or higher, 95 ° C. or lower, more preferably 81 ° C. or higher, 90 ° C. or lower. Similarly, the PET bottle 1 filled with the beverage 6 is sequentially delivered by the gripper and carried to the capper 122.

The PET bottle 1 produced by the method according to the present embodiment does not have as much heat resistance as that formed by molding the body mold 117a widely used for hot filling at a temperature of 160 ° C. or higher. .. However, the PET bottle 1 has sufficient heat resistance to be filled with the above-mentioned temperature range, for example, a high temperature beverage 6 having a temperature of 71 ° C. or higher and 95 ° C. or lower, more preferably 81 ° C. or higher and 90 ° C. or lower. Made in. Then, in the method for producing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment, a method is used in which the beverage 6 is filled at the time when the heat resistance is most maintained immediately after the PET bottle 1 is molded. Therefore, according to the method for producing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment, the PET bottle 1 can be filled with the high-temperature beverage 6 without any problem.

In this way, the PET bottle 1 makes it possible to fill the high-temperature beverage 6. Therefore, for example, the inner surface of the PET bottle 1 can be sufficiently sterilized with a high-temperature beverage 6 having a temperature of 71 ° C. or higher and 95 ° C. or lower, more preferably 81 ° C. or higher and 90 ° C. or lower. Since the risk of aerobic germs growing is extremely low even if oxygen is sealed in the filler 8 together with the beverage 6 by sufficient sterilization, the PET bottle 1 is not necessarily fully filled with the beverage 6. It doesn't have to be. Therefore, according to the method according to the present embodiment, it is possible to effectively prevent the growth of bacteria on the outer surface of the PET bottle 1, which tends to occur as the filling is full.

As described above, in the method for manufacturing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment, the PET bottle 1 is blow-molded and the PET bottle 1 is filled with the beverage 6 in an in-line manner. Therefore, the PET bottle is used. The heat resistance of 1 is maintained in a high state. However, from the viewpoint of further maintaining the heat resistance of the PET bottle 1, at least the PET bottle 1 is blow-molded in the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the filler 8, and then the PET bottle 1 is filled with the beverage 6. It is even more preferable that the PET bottle 1 is held in an environment of a predetermined humidity or less, preferably 40% or less in the region until the drink is made.

Next, the cap 7 is supplied to the capper 122 of the hot filling machine 120 (step S8). Although the cap 7 may be sterilized by, for example, ultraviolet irradiation, in the method for producing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment, the cap 7 is not sterilized before the beverage 6 is filled. May be there. By sterilizing the cap 7, the filling temperature of the beverage 6 and the temperature of the pastorizer 140 can be lowered, and the heat resistance of the PET bottle 1 required for manufacturing the filler 8 can be lowered. can.

Then, in the capper 122, the cap 7 is attached to the PET bottle 1 (step S9). As a result, the filler 8 according to the present embodiment is formed. It is preferable that the steps up to this point are performed in a space where the cleanliness, temperature, humidity and other environmental conditions such as a sterile area are controlled. The formed filler 8 is carried to the overturning sterilizer 130 by a transport band such as a conveyor.

Next, the overturning sterilizer 130 performs overturning sterilization of the filler 8 (step S10). The overturning sterilizer 130 conveys the filler 8 while lying down, for example. When the filler 8 is overturned, the cap 7 and the inner surface of the PET bottle 1 in particular near the mouth 10 are sterilized by coming into contact with the hot beverage 6.

Subsequently, the pastorizer 140 cools the filler 8 (step S11). As described above, the temperature of the liquid contained in the first tank of the pastryzer 140 is preferably 65 ° C. or lower. By quenching the filler 8 at 65 ° C. or lower, damage to the mouth portion 10 of the PET bottle 1 due to heat can be reduced. After that, the liquid temperature of the beverage 6 inside the filler 8 is gradually lowered by the second and subsequent tanks of the pastorizer 140, and finally cooled to room temperature.

After that, the filler 8 is labeled with a labeler and a caser 150, and then boxed in a cardboard box. The filler 8 according to the present embodiment is manufactured by the above method.

As described above, the filler 8 is filled with a high-temperature beverage 6 such as 85 ° C. and sold in a state of being cooled to 5 ° C. Then, inside the PET bottle 1, a stronger positive pressure is obtained when the beverage 6 is filled and the cap 7 is attached, and a stronger negative pressure is obtained after cooling. Moreover, since the PET bottle 1 is not a so-called heat-resistant bottle, it is easily deformed by the influence of heat and pressure. Therefore, when the PET bottle 1 and the filler 8 are manufactured, unless the design is made in anticipation of deformation, the variation of the product cannot be suppressed and the quality thereof cannot be maintained high. However, the filler 8 filled with the PET bottle 1 and the beverage 6 has both light weight and high strength against external force due to the configuration including the peripheral groove 51, the reinforcing portion 60, the reinforcing groove 73, and the like. Moreover, it withstands internal pressure changes, especially stronger negative pressure, and deformation is suppressed even under harsh conditions.

The reduced pressure amount of the filler 8 produced by the method for producing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment is 1 kPa or more and 20 kPa or less. The decompression amount of the filler 8 can be measured by a pressure gauge, for example, a diaphragm type pressure gauge. The amount of reduced pressure is measured by inserting a drilling needle that communicates with a detector included in the pressure gauge into the head space of the filler 8. By measuring the reduced pressure amount of the filler 8 manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus 100 configured by the in-line method, it can be determined whether or not the manufacturing method of the filler 8 according to the present embodiment is used. At this time, the depressurizing amount of the filler 8 is appropriately set to a value according to the contents.

Production of a PET bottle 1 having heat resistance applicable to hot filling and a filler 8 in which a filler 8 hot-filled with a beverage 6 is produced in-line by providing each of the steps described above. A method can be provided. The PET bottle 1 according to the present embodiment can also be applied to a manufacturing method that is not in-line.

According to the method for manufacturing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment, unlike the method in which the preformed plastic bottle is supplied to the filling device for the contents, the temperature is high within a short time after the PET bottle 1 is molded. You can proceed to the step of filling the beverage 6. Therefore, filling is started before the crystallinity of the body 30 of the PET bottle 1 is lowered, and the high-temperature beverage 6 can be filled without lowering the heat resistance thereof. It should be noted that these machines are combined as one device rather than simply connecting the transport path of the PET bottle 1 between the bottle molding machine 110 (biaxial stretching blow molding device 112) and the hot filling machine 120 (filler 121). By doing so, the effect is further enhanced.

When the widely used heat-resistant bottle is molded, the temperature of the body mold 117a is set as high as, for example, 150 ° C. or higher and 165 ° C. or lower. When the temperature of the body mold 117a rises, the initial shrinkage becomes large and deformation occurs, the material of the mold 117 is limited and the cost increases, and the temperature difference with the external environment, especially the air temperature, becomes large and heat resistance There will be a large variation in quality such as heat resistance and shape of the bottle. Further, when the temperature of the die 117a rises, it is necessary to increase the time for which the high-pressure air P2 is blown, and the manufacturing capacity drops. On the other hand, according to the method for producing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to fill the high-temperature beverage 6 even if the heat resistance of the PET bottle 1 is lower than that of the widely used heat-resistant bottle. The temperature of the body mold 117a can be lowered. Therefore, according to the method for manufacturing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned problems from occurring.

Further, according to the method for manufacturing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment, an in-line method capable of molding the PET bottle 1 at a higher speed than the method in which the preformed plastic bottle is supplied to the filling device for the contents is used. Therefore, the cost of manufacturing the filler 8 can be reduced.

Further, according to the method for manufacturing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment, since the method in which the preform 5 is supplied instead of the PET bottle 1, the cost of transporting the material can be reduced. That is, when the PET bottle 1 is molded in-line, the form of the container supplied to the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the filler 8 can be changed to the preform 5 having a smaller volume than the PET bottle 1, and the container can be changed to the preform 5. It is possible to significantly increase the number of shipments from the manufacturer, for example, 6 times or more. Therefore, the manufacturing apparatus 100 and the manufacturing method of the filler 8 according to the present embodiment in which the bottle molding machine 110 of the PET bottle 1 is inlined contributes to the reduction of the transportation cost of the container and the reduction of the environmental load. Become.

Next, a method for manufacturing the filler 8 according to another embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an outline of the manufacturing process of the filler 8 according to another embodiment. The manufacturing method of the filler 8 according to another embodiment is characterized in that the step (step S4) of blowing the cooling air C1 onto the PET bottle 1 is omitted from the manufacturing method shown in FIG. Here, in the manufacturing method according to another embodiment, the description of the same part as the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 9 is omitted as appropriate.

In the manufacturing method according to another embodiment, the PET bottle 1 is blow-molded by stretching the preform 5 in the same manner as in the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 9 (step S3). However, in the method for producing the filler 8 according to another embodiment, the temperature of the surface of the body mold 117a is 80 ° C. or higher and 115 ° C. or lower.

Again, it is preferable that the temperature of the body portion 15 of the preform 5 heated in step S2 is higher than the temperature of the surface of the body mold 117a. When the temperature of the body portion 15 is higher than the temperature of the surface of the body mold 117a, initial shrinkage is less likely to occur.

Then, similarly to the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 9, the body portion 15 of the preform 5 mounted on the mold 117 is vertically stretched by the stretching rod 118. Further, the body portion 15 of the preform 5 stretched in the vertical direction is stretched laterally by the high-pressure air P2 until it hits the body mold 117a.

In the method for manufacturing the filler 8 according to another embodiment, the blowing of the cooling air C1 (step S4) to the PET bottle 1 is omitted in the blow molding step. However, in the method for producing the filler 8 according to another embodiment, the temperature of the surface of the body mold 117a is set to 80 ° C. or higher and 115 ° C. or lower, and the temperature of the body portion 15 of the preform 5 to be heated is set to 80 ° C. or higher and 115 ° C. or lower. , The temperature is higher than the surface temperature of the body mold 117a. As a result, the initial shrinkage when the body portion 15 of the preform 5 is stretched and hits the body mold 117a is effectively suppressed. Therefore, in the method for manufacturing the filler 8 according to another embodiment, the PET bottle 1 having heat resistance applicable to hot filling even if the step of blowing the cooling air C1 onto the PET bottle 1 (step S4) is omitted, And the filling body 8 in which the beverage 6 is hot-filled can be produced.

The blow-molded PET bottle 1 is supplied to the hot filling machine 120 (step S5), and thereafter, the filling body 8 is manufactured through the same steps as the manufacturing method shown in FIG. ..

The manufacturing method of the filler 8 according to another embodiment has the same effect as the manufacturing method shown in FIG.

In addition to this, in the method for manufacturing the filler 8 according to another embodiment, the temperature of the surface of the body mold 117a can be set lower, so that the material of the mold 117 is, for example, stainless hardened tempered steel or the like. Aluminum can be used instead of the steel material for the mold. By using aluminum, it becomes easy to process the mold 117, the degree of freedom in design is increased, and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed. Further, the method for manufacturing the filler 8 according to another embodiment can eliminate the need for a device for blowing the cooling air C1. Therefore, it is possible to use the biaxial stretch blow molding apparatus 112 that does not have the cooling air blowing portion 119, and the versatility can be enhanced. Further, in the method for producing the filler 8 according to another embodiment, since the step of blowing the cooling air C1 (step S4) is unnecessary, the PET bottle 1 and the beverage 6 are hot-filled to prepare the filler 8. The speed can be improved.

As described above, the method for manufacturing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment includes a step of heating the body portion 15 of the preform 5, and blowing the PET bottle 1 from the preform 5 using the mold 117. The step of molding, the step of filling the PET bottle 1 with the high-temperature beverage 6, the step of attaching the cap 7 to the mouth 10 of the PET bottle 1, and the step of overturning and sterilizing the mouth 10 and the cap 7 of the PET bottle 1. It comprises a step and a step of cooling the PET bottle 1, and is characterized in that all the steps are performed by an in-line method.

According to the present embodiment, the PET bottle 1, which has both light weight and high strength against external force, can withstand internal pressure changes, especially stronger negative pressure, and can suppress deformation even under harsh conditions, is filled. A method for manufacturing the body 8 and the filler 8 can be provided.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail and concretely by showing examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following examples.

<Material and manufacturing method>
[Example 1]
A 24 g preform 5 made of polyethylene terephthalate and having a transparent mouth 10 was used. Then, a filler 8 composed of a PET bottle 1 having a full filling capacity of 530 ml and 510 ml of water filled at 85 ° C. according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the like is filled as shown in FIG. It was made in-line from preform 5 by the method of making body 8.

At that time, the body portion 15 of the preform 5 was heated to 118 ° C., and the surface temperature of the body mold 117a was set to 115 ° C. The blow molding step (step S3) included a step of blowing cooling air C1 onto the PET bottle 1 (step S4). Further, the mouth portion 10 is gripped and PET is held from the step of filling the PET bottle 1 with high-temperature water (step S7) to the step of attaching the cap 7 to the PET bottle 1 (step S9). A method was used in which the bottle 1 was hung and transported.

In the filler 8 according to the first embodiment, the body portion 30 has a constricted portion 50 having a narrowed body diameter, and the constricted portion 50 is based on an annular peripheral groove 51 and a peripheral groove 51. A pressure absorbing portion 52 in which a square panel 53 that deforms inside and outside the PET bottle 1 in response to a change in the internal pressure of the PET bottle 1 is connected in the circumferential direction on the lower side in the axial direction, and a change in the internal pressure on the upper side. Regardless of this, a reinforcing portion 60 that maintains the shape of the PET bottle 1 is provided, and a reinforcing groove 73 in which the groove portion 71 and the non-groove portion 72 are repeated in the circumferential direction of the PET bottle 1 is formed in the body portion 30. It had the characteristics related to this embodiment such as.

[Comparative Example 1]
Comparative Example 1 was the same as that of Example 1 except that the PET bottle 200 shown in FIG. 12 was used. The PET bottle 200 did not have a configuration corresponding to the reinforcing portion 60 of the PET bottle 1 in the inverted truncated cone portion 260 formed on the upper side of the peripheral groove 51 of the constricted portion 250. Further, the PET bottle 200 does not have a configuration corresponding to the non-grooved portion 72 of the PET bottle 1 because the reinforcing grooves 271 formed in the upper cylindrical portion 270 are continuous in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the filler according to Comparative Example 1 did not have the characteristics according to the present embodiment.

[Comparative Example 2]
Comparative Example 2 was the same as Comparative Example 1 except that 28 g of Preform 5 was used. Therefore, the filler according to Comparative Example 2 did not have the characteristics according to the present embodiment.

[Comparative Example 3]
Comparative Example 3 was the same as that of Example 1 except that the PET bottle 300 shown in FIG. 13 was used. The PET bottle 300 does not have a structure corresponding to a constricted portion and a reinforcing portion 60 of the PET bottle 1, but has an oval pressure absorbing panel 301 whose long side extends in the axial direction, and adjacent pressure absorbing panels. A pillar 302 extending in the axial direction is provided between 301 and 301. Therefore, the filler according to Comparative Example 3 did not have the characteristics according to the present embodiment.

<Evaluation method>
(Lightweight)
Each PET bottle of Example 1, Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 3 was withdrawn at the forming stage, and it was determined by the mass of the PET bottles whether or not weight reduction could be achieved. In the determination of weight reduction, a threshold value of greater than or less than 24 g was set. Table 1 shows the results of the evaluation of the lightness of each PET bottle, and is indicated by ◯: with lightness and ×: without lightness.

(Decompression performance test)
The decompression performance of each of the fillers of Example 1, Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 3 was measured. The suction amount at the time when the contents were sucked out after the perforation needle was inserted into the mouth portion 10 and each PET bottle was clearly deformed was used as an index of the depressurization performance. In determining the depressurization performance, a threshold value of 30 ml or more or less than 30 ml was set. Table 1 shows the results of the evaluation of the decompression performance of each filler, and is indicated by: ◯: with decompression performance and ×: insufficient decompression performance.

(Overall height maintenance performance)
The total height maintenance performance of each of the fillers of Example 1, Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 3 was measured. Each PET bottle is filled with high-temperature water, and the cap 7 is removed when the cap 7 is attached to each PET bottle, and the change in the total height H1 determines whether or not the total height can be maintained. rice field. In the determination of maintaining the total height, a threshold value was set as to whether the changed length was greater than or less than 0.8 mm. Table 1 shows the results of the evaluation of the total height maintenance performance of each PET bottle, and is indicated by: ◯: total height maintenance performance, ×: no total height maintenance performance.

(Appearance confirmation test)
An appearance confirmation test was conducted to see if the shapes of the PET bottles of Example 1, Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 3 were maintained at the time of reduced pressure. Each PET bottle was filled with 510 ml of green tea at 85 ° C, and then the cap 7 was attached, and the appearance of the bottle after slow cooling at 75 ° C for 15 min and 30 ° C for 15 min was confirmed. rice field. In order to determine whether the appearance is poor or good, a threshold value is set as to whether the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the maximum body diameter D1 is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm. This is a confirmation of whether or not each PET bottle undergoing an elliptical deformation has undergone a temperature change of being cooled to a reduced pressure state after being pressurized by high-temperature filling and a pressure change. Table 1 shows the results of the appearance confirmation test for each PET bottle, and is indicated by ◯: good and ×: defective.

(Comprehensive evaluation)
Based on the lightness, decompression performance test, overall height maintenance performance, and appearance confirmation test described above, the PET bottles (fillers) of Example 1, Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 3 are integrated. Evaluation was made. Table 1 shows the results of the comprehensive evaluation. The overall evaluation is indicated by ○: good, ×: no aptitude.

The following points were derived from the above-mentioned examples. In the PET bottle 1 (filler 8) according to the first embodiment, the body portion 30 is not deformed into an ellipse even if the contents are sucked out by 30 ml or more, and the PET bottle 1 is hung in a state of being filled with high temperature water. However, the elongation of the total height H1 was suppressed to 0.8 mm or less. Further, in the PET bottle 1 (filler 8) according to the first embodiment, the PET bottle 1 (filler 8) was cooled after being pressurized by high temperature filling, and the elliptical deformation when the pressure was reduced was suppressed. Therefore, as shown in Table 1, in Example 1, although the weight was reduced, the decompression performance, the overall height maintenance performance, and the circular shape maintenance function of the body portion 30 at the time of decompression were excellent.

On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, although the weight was reduced, the decompression performance, the overall height maintenance performance, and the circular shape maintenance function of the body portion 230 at the time of decompression were insufficient. When the weight reduction was slightly insufficient as in Comparative Example 2, the decompression performance, the overall height maintenance performance, and the circular shape maintenance function of the body portion 230 at the time of decompression were satisfied. In Comparative Example 3, although the weight was reduced and the overall height maintenance performance was satisfied, the decompression performance and the circular shape maintenance function of the body portion 330 at the time of decompression were insufficient.

From the results of the above examples, in the PET bottle 1 and the filler 8 according to the present embodiment, even if the weight is reduced, the change in the internal pressure is absorbed and the shoulder portion 20 and the body portion 30 are dented or flattened. It was shown that deformation such as kinking was sufficiently suppressed, and that the dimensions of the total height H1 were particularly maintained even after filling. Moreover, according to the method for producing the filler 8 according to the present embodiment, it has been shown that the PET bottle 1 and the filler 8 having such characteristics can be produced without any problem. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the PET bottle 1 and the filler 8 have both light weight and high strength against external force, and can withstand internal pressure changes, particularly stronger negative pressure, and suppress deformation even under harsh conditions. , And a method for producing the filler 8 has been shown to be able to be provided.

The present disclosure can be suitably used for producing various fillers 8 to be filled with a liquid as a content. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and examples described above. The filler 8 of the present disclosure includes various non-carbonated beverages such as water, green tea, oolong tea, black tea, coffee, fruit juice, and soft drinks, or seasonings such as soy sauce, sauce, and mirin, cooking oil, and alcoholic beverages. It is useful for all fillers 8 containing detergents, shampoos, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, etc., such as foods containing. In particular, since the deformation of the container is suppressed even under severe conditions of changes in internal pressure, it is possible to maintain a high commercial value even if the contents have no expiration date, no expiration date, or extremely long ones. The filler 8 of the present disclosure is suitable for heated sales in stores and the like because the container has heat resistance, and the container has sufficient side wall strength for use in vending machines. Is also suitable.

1 PET bottle (plastic bottle)
5 Preform 6 Beverage (liquid)
7 Cap 8 Filler 10 Mouth 15 Preform 5 Body 20 Shoulder 21 Rib 30 PET Bottle 1 Body 40 Bottom 50 Constriction 51 Circumferential Groove 52 Pressure Absorber 53 Square Panel (Panel)
54 Chamfered part 57 Ridge line 70 Upper cylindrical part 71 Groove part 72, 72a, 72b, 72c Non-grooved part 73, 73a, 73b, 73c Reinforcing groove 80 Lower cylindrical part 100 Manufacturing equipment for filler 8 110 Bottle molding machine 111 Heating equipment (heating) Department)
112 Biaxial stretch blow molding equipment (molding part)
117 Mold 120 Hot filling machine 121 Filler (filling part)
122 Capper (mounting part)
130 Fall sterilizer (Tumble sterilizer)
140 Pastorizer (cooling unit)
D1 Maximum body diameter D2 Minimum body diameter d1 Groove depth of central part 71C d2 Groove depth of both ends 71E H1 Total height of PET bottle 1 Axial length of HP square panel 53 WP Circumferential width of square panel 53

Claims (22)

In a plastic bottle having a mouth, shoulders, torso, and bottom
The body is
It has a constricted part with a narrowed body diameter,
Further, it has an upper cylindrical portion connected to the shoulder portion and has an upper cylindrical portion.
The constricted portion is connected to the upper cylindrical portion and is connected to the upper cylindrical portion.
An annular peripheral groove and
A pressure absorbing portion formed by connecting substantially quadrangular panels that deform inside and outside the plastic bottle in response to a change in the internal pressure of the plastic bottle on one side in the axial direction with respect to the peripheral groove.
The other side has a reinforcing portion that maintains the shape of the plastic bottle regardless of the change in the internal pressure, the reinforcing portion is provided with a reinforcing groove, and the peripheral groove is configured to have the minimum body diameter. The pressure absorbing portion is located at least 2 mm outside the peripheral groove in the radial direction of the plastic bottle, and the reinforcing groove is annular in a configuration having a continuous groove in the circumferential direction.
The upper cylindrical portion is provided with a discontinuous annular reinforcing groove, and the discontinuous annular reinforcing groove is a plastic bottle characterized in that a groove portion and a non-groove portion are repeated in the circumferential direction . The plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing portion has a plurality of annular reinforcing grooves.
The plastic bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein a ridge line separating the adjacent panels in the circumferential direction extends in the axial direction.
The pressure absorbing part is
The plastic bottle according to claim 3, further comprising a chamfered portion formed by chamfering the ridgeline.
The value of the ratio of mass to the volume of the plastic bottle is 0.0392 g / ml or more,
The plastic bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the amount is 0.0600 g / ml or less.
The plastic bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the peripheral groove has a wall thickness of 0.15 mm or more and 0.50 mm or less.
The body is
The plastic bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the cylindrical portions having the maximum body diameter is provided on both sides of the constricted portion in the axial direction.
The shoulder
The plastic bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plastic bottle has an iris squeezed rib.
Claims 1 to 4, wherein the value of the ratio of the axial length of the panel to the total height of the plastic bottle from the bottom to the mouth is 0.06 or more and 0.50 or less. The plastic bottle according to any one item.
The plastic bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the value of the ratio of the width of the panel in the circumferential direction to the maximum body diameter is 0.2 or more and 0.8 or less. ..
The plastic bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plastic bottle has heat resistance to a high-temperature liquid to be filled and the mouth portion is transparent.
The plastic bottle according to claim 11, wherein the temperature of the high-temperature liquid is 71 ° C. or higher and 95 ° C. or lower.
The plastic bottle according to claim 11, wherein the temperature of the high-temperature liquid is 81 ° C. or higher and 90 ° C. or lower.
The plastic bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the crystallinity of the body portion is 25% or more and 45% or less.
The plastic bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the material constituting the plastic bottle is polyethylene terephthalate.
The plastic bottle according to claim 15, wherein the density of the body portion is 1.637 g / cm ³ or more and 1.387 g / cm ³ or less.
A claim characterized in that the body portion is cut into a 10 mm × 50 mm cut piece, and the tensile fracture strain at 300 mm / min at 85 ° C. of the cut piece is 40% or more and 68% or less. Item 6. The plastic bottle according to any one of Items 1 to 16.
The plastic bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 17 and
A filler characterized by being composed of a liquid that is filled at a high temperature.
The filler according to claim 18, wherein the reduced pressure amount of the filler is 1 kPa or more and 20 kPa or less.
A method for manufacturing a filler in which a plastic bottle molded from a preform having a transparent mouth is filled with a liquid.
The plastic bottle is
It has a mouth, shoulders, torso, and bottom,
The body is
It has a constricted part with a narrowed body diameter,
The body portion further has an upper cylindrical portion connected to the shoulder portion.
The constricted portion is connected to the upper cylindrical portion and is connected to the upper cylindrical portion.
An annular peripheral groove and
A pressure absorbing portion formed by connecting substantially quadrangular panels that deform inside and outside the plastic bottle in response to a change in the internal pressure of the plastic bottle on one side in the axial direction with respect to the peripheral groove.
The other side has a reinforcing portion that maintains the shape of the plastic bottle regardless of the change in the internal pressure, the reinforcing portion is provided with a reinforcing groove, and the peripheral groove is configured to have the minimum body diameter. The pressure absorbing portion is located at least 2 mm outside the peripheral groove in the radial direction of the plastic bottle.
The reinforcing groove has a structure having a continuous groove in the circumferential direction and is annular.
The upper cylindrical portion is provided with a discontinuous annular reinforcing groove, and the discontinuous annular reinforcing groove is a step in which a groove portion and a non-groove portion are repeated in the circumferential direction to heat the body portion of the preform. When,
The process of blow molding the plastic bottle from the preform using a mold, and
The process of filling the plastic bottle with the high-temperature liquid and
The process of attaching a cap to the mouth of the plastic bottle and
A step of overturning and sterilizing the mouth of the plastic bottle and the cap,
A step of cooling the plastic bottle is provided.
In the blow molding step, a step of blowing cooling air to the plastic bottle is further provided.
The body of the preform is heated to 95 ° C. or higher and 135 ° C. or lower, and the temperature of the body mold of the mold is set to 80 ° C. or higher and 125 ° C. or lower.
A method for manufacturing a filler, which comprises performing all processes in an in-line method. The process of blowing cooling air onto the plastic bottle is omitted.
The method for producing a filler according to claim 20, wherein the temperature of the body mold is 80 ° C. or higher and 115 ° C. or lower. The method for producing a filler according to any one of claims 20 to 21, wherein the temperature of the body portion of the preform is higher than the temperature of the body mold.

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