Connector for storage container, storage container and storage device

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a joint for a storage container, a storage container, and a storage device, whereby it can be confirmed that the storage container and the joint for the storage container are located at a correct connection position even if some dimensional differences occur due to uneven shrinkage during manufacturing. The solution of the invention is that the storage container joint (10) which is installed on a storage container (20) having a storage cylinder (21) and a pair of flanges (23) is configured to be provided with a base (11), a blocking part (13), a pair of side members (12) and a pair of flange holding claws (14), the pair of flange holding claws (14) are provided with first clamping elements (15), the pair of flanges are provided with second clamping elements (27) which are clamped with the first clamping elements (15), and the first clamping elements (15) are clamped with the second clamping elements (27). When the blocking part (13) is inserted into the upper opening of the storage container (20) and rotated in one direction, the flange (23) enters the gap between the flange holding claw (14) and the base (11) and is positioned by the engagement of the first engagement element (15) and the second engagement element (27).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage container joint installed in a storage container used for a liquid material discharging device, a storage container and a storage device. Background Art

[0002] The liquid material discharging device includes a storage container for storing the discharged liquid material. An adapter having a connector for connecting to a pressurized air source is installed on the storage container, and the liquid material is transferred toward the nozzle by supplying pressurized air from the connector into the storage container. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a storage cylinder and an adapter having a pair of ears, the adapter comprising: a first end, a second end connected to a pressurized fluid source, a first axle and a second axle for engaging with the ear of the cylinder, and a seal extending from the first end to engage airtightly with the opening of the cylinder. A protruding retaining portion extending radially outward is formed at the side end of the ear of the cylinder of Patent Document 1, and the retaining portion is engaged with a groove hole portion provided on the inner wall of the adapter to form a structure for firmly fixing the adapter.

[0003] The storage container is stored and transported by installing a cover when it is not connected to the dispensing device. The cover includes a snap-fitting claw for snapping with the ear of the cylinder and a sealing portion for airtight snapping with the opening of the cylinder (for example, see Patent Document 1). Figure 4 , Patent Document 2). Since the cover is used to seal the storage container, a connector for connecting to a pressurized air source is not provided as in the storage container joint. Since the cover is not used while pressurizing the storage container, its holding force is weaker than that of the storage container joint. In contrast, the storage container joint is used while applying pressurized air to the storage container, and is made stronger with a thicker wall than the cover in order to prevent air leakage due to deformation. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5551433 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 4986600 Summary of the invention The problem the invention is intended to solve

[0005] The storage container or the storage container joint is usually manufactured by resin molding, but the shrinkage is uneven during cooling during the molding process, which makes it very difficult to manage the dimensions during manufacturing. In particular, when the storage container joint is made thicker than the storage container, the dimensional difference caused by the shrinkage is even greater.

[0006] In the case where both the storage container and the storage container joint adopt a structure requiring dimensional accuracy, the problem of size difference becomes more obvious. For example, in Patent Document 1, if the protrusion provided on the storage container is manufactured to be larger than the specification, and the groove hole provided on the inner side wall of the storage container joint is manufactured to be smaller than the specification, the problem of tight fitting or the problem of rotation stopping before the protrusion is embedded in the groove hole will occur. On the contrary, if the protrusion provided on the storage container is manufactured to be smaller than the specification, and the groove hole provided on the storage container joint is manufactured to be larger than the specification, the problem of insufficient fixation due to the protrusion not being engaged with the groove hole will occur. In addition, even if the distance dimension between a pair of groove holes provided on the inner side wall of the storage container joint is manufactured to be shorter than the specification, the problem of tight fitting (or in the case of a large size difference, the rotation stops before the protrusion is embedded in the groove hole) will still occur, or even if the distance dimension between a pair of groove holes is manufactured to be longer than the specification, the problem of loose fitting will still occur. The distance between the grooves is affected by the uneven shrinkage in the length direction of the main body, which is the longest part of the joint for a storage container. Therefore, the management of the dimensional quality is more difficult than that of other parts.

[0007] Due to the above-mentioned dimensional difference, the feel of fitting is different for each combination of the storage container and the storage container joint, so it may be difficult to confirm that the storage container and the storage container joint are in the correct connection position.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage container joint, a storage container, and a storage device that can solve the above-mentioned problems. Technical solutions to the problem

[0009] The storage device of the present invention is a storage device comprising a storage container and a joint installed on the storage container, wherein the storage container comprises: a storage cylinder having an upper opening and a lower opening; and a pair of flanges extending laterally from the upper end of the storage cylinder, and the joint comprises: a base connected to an air supply pipe; a closing portion extending downward from a central portion of the base; and a pair of flange retaining portions that retain the pair of flanges disposed on opposite short sides of the base, wherein the pair of flange retaining portions are configured to comprise: a pair of side members extending downward from the base; and a pair of Flange retaining claws extend from a pair of side members toward the above-mentioned closing portion, a first engaging element is provided on the upper surface of at least one of the above-mentioned pair of flange retaining claws or the lower surface of the above-mentioned base, and a second engaging element engaging with the above-mentioned first engaging element is provided on the lower surface or upper surface of each of the above-mentioned pair of flanges. When the above-mentioned closing portion is inserted into the upper opening of the above-mentioned storage container and the above-mentioned storage container is rotated in one direction, the above-mentioned flange enters the gap between the above-mentioned flange retaining claws and the above-mentioned base, and is positioned by the engagement of the above-mentioned first engaging element with the above-mentioned second engaging element. In the storage device, a distance W1 between inner side walls of the pair of side members may be greater than a distance W2 between most protruding portions of the pair of flanges. In the above storage device, the base or the flange holding claw may include a window provided at a position facing the first engagement element. In the storage device, the pair of side members may include rotation stopping surfaces that abut against short sides of the pair of flanges at positions where the first engaging element engages with the second engaging element. In the storage device, the pair of flange holding claws may include tapered surfaces that come into contact with each other when the flange enters a gap between the flange holding claws and the base. In the storage device, a gap between the flange holding claw and the base may be configured to have a size that allows the holding claw to elastically deform when the flange enters the gap. In the above storage device, the joint may be made of resin. In the storage device, the storage container may be made of a transparent resin, and the joint may be made of a colored resin. In the storage device, the joint may be made of a material harder than a material of the flange. In the storage device, the first engagement element may be a convex portion provided on an upper surface of each of the pair of flange holding claws, and the second engagement element may be a concave portion provided on a lower surface of each of the pair of flanges. In the storage device, the first engagement element may be a recessed portion provided on an upper surface of each of the pair of flange holding claws, and the second engagement element may be a projecting portion provided on a lower surface of each of the pair of flanges. In the storage device, the first engaging element may be a convex portion provided on a lower surface of the base, and the second engaging element may be a concave portion provided on an upper surface of each of the pair of flanges. In the storage device, the first engaging element may be a recessed portion provided on a lower surface of the base, and the second engaging element may be a projecting portion provided on an upper surface of each of the pair of flanges. Alternatively, in the storage device, when the first engaging element is a convex portion and the second engaging element is a concave portion, the first engaging element and the second engaging element engage with each other at a position closer to the position farthest from the position where the flange starts to enter the gap than a midpoint between the position where the flange starts to enter the gap and the position farthest from the position where the flange starts to enter the gap. Alternatively, in the storage device, when the first engaging element is a recessed portion and the second engaging element is a convex portion, the first engaging element and the second engaging element engage with each other at a position closer to the position where the flange begins to enter the gap than a midpoint between the position where the flange begins to enter the gap and the position farthest from the position where the flange begins to enter the gap.

[0010] The first aspect of the present invention is a storage container connector for the above-mentioned storage device, which comprises: a base, which is connected to the air supply pipe; a closing portion, which extends downward from the central portion of the base; and a pair of flange retaining portions, which retain the above-mentioned pair of flanges arranged on the opposite short sides of the base, and the above-mentioned first engaging element is a convex portion arranged on the upper surface of each of the above-mentioned pair of flange retaining claws. When the above-mentioned closing portion is inserted into the upper opening of the above-mentioned storage container and the above-mentioned storage container is rotated in one direction, the above-mentioned flange enters the gap between the above-mentioned flange retaining claw and the above-mentioned base, and is positioned by the engagement of the above-mentioned first engaging element with the above-mentioned second engaging element. The second aspect of the present invention is a storage container connector for the above-mentioned storage device, which comprises: a base, which is connected to the air supply pipe; a closing portion, which extends downward from the central portion of the base; and a pair of flange retaining portions, which retain the above-mentioned pair of flanges arranged on the opposite short sides of the base, and the above-mentioned first engaging element is a recessed portion arranged on the upper surface of each of the above-mentioned pair of flange retaining claws. When the above-mentioned closing portion is inserted into the upper opening of the above-mentioned storage container and the above-mentioned storage container is rotated in one direction, the above-mentioned flange enters the gap between the above-mentioned flange retaining claw and the above-mentioned base, and is positioned by the engagement of the above-mentioned first engaging element with the above-mentioned second engaging element. The storage container connector of the third aspect of the present invention is a storage container connector for the above-mentioned storage device, which comprises: a base, which is connected to the air supply pipe; a closing portion, which extends downward from the central portion of the base; and a pair of flange retaining portions, which retain the above-mentioned pair of flanges arranged on the opposite short sides of the base, and the above-mentioned first engaging element is a convex portion arranged on the lower surface of the above-mentioned base. When the above-mentioned closing portion is inserted into the upper opening of the above-mentioned storage container and the above-mentioned storage container is rotated in one direction, the above-mentioned flange enters the gap between the above-mentioned flange retaining claw and the above-mentioned base, and is positioned by the engagement of the above-mentioned first engaging element with the above-mentioned second engaging element. The storage container connector of the fourth aspect of the present invention is a storage container connector for the above-mentioned storage device, which comprises: a base, which is connected to the air supply pipe; a closing portion, which extends downward from the central portion of the base; and a pair of flange retaining portions, which retain the above-mentioned pair of flanges arranged on the opposite short sides of the base, and the above-mentioned first engaging element is a recessed portion arranged on the lower surface of the above-mentioned base. When the above-mentioned closing portion is inserted into the upper opening of the above-mentioned storage container and the above-mentioned storage container is rotated in one direction, the above-mentioned flange enters the gap between the above-mentioned flange retaining claw and the above-mentioned base, and is positioned by the engagement of the above-mentioned first engaging element with the above-mentioned second engaging element.

[0011] The storage container of the first aspect of the present invention is a storage container for the above-mentioned storage device, and the above-mentioned storage container comprises: a storage cylinder, which has an upper opening and a lower opening; and a pair of flanges, which extend laterally from the upper end of the storage cylinder, and the above-mentioned second engaging element is a recessed portion arranged on the lower surface of each of the above-mentioned pair of flanges. When the closing portion of the above-mentioned joint is inserted into the upper opening of the above-mentioned storage container and the above-mentioned joint is rotated in one direction, the above-mentioned flange enters the gap between the above-mentioned flange retaining claw and the above-mentioned base, and is positioned by the engagement of the above-mentioned first engaging element with the above-mentioned second engaging element. The storage container of the second aspect of the present invention is a storage container for the above-mentioned storage device, and the above-mentioned storage container comprises: a storage cylinder, which has an upper opening and a lower opening; and a pair of flanges, which extend laterally from the upper end of the storage cylinder, and the above-mentioned second engaging element is a convex portion arranged on the lower surface of each of the above-mentioned pair of flanges. When the closing portion of the above-mentioned joint is inserted into the upper opening of the above-mentioned storage container and the above-mentioned joint is rotated in one direction, the above-mentioned flange enters the gap between the above-mentioned flange retaining claw and the above-mentioned base, and is positioned by the engagement of the above-mentioned first engaging element with the above-mentioned second engaging element. The storage container of the third aspect of the present invention is a storage container for the above-mentioned storage device, and the above-mentioned storage container comprises: a storage cylinder, which has an upper opening and a lower opening; and a pair of flanges, which extend laterally from the upper end of the storage cylinder, and the above-mentioned second engaging element is a recessed portion arranged on the upper surface of each of the above-mentioned pair of flanges. When the closing portion of the above-mentioned joint is inserted into the upper opening of the above-mentioned storage container and the above-mentioned joint is rotated in one direction, the above-mentioned flange enters the gap between the above-mentioned flange retaining claw and the above-mentioned base, and is positioned by the engagement of the above-mentioned first engaging element with the above-mentioned second engaging element. The storage container of the fourth aspect of the present invention is a storage container for the above-mentioned storage device, and the above-mentioned storage container comprises: a storage cylinder, which has an upper opening and a lower opening; and a pair of flanges, which extend laterally from the upper end of the storage cylinder, and the above-mentioned second engaging element is a convex portion arranged on the upper surface of each of the above-mentioned pair of flanges. When the closing portion of the above-mentioned joint is inserted into the upper opening of the above-mentioned storage container and the above-mentioned joint is rotated in one direction, the above-mentioned flange enters the gap between the above-mentioned flange retaining claw and the above-mentioned base, and is positioned by the engagement of the above-mentioned first engaging element with the above-mentioned second engaging element. Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, a storage container joint, a storage container, and a storage device can be provided, which can confirm that the storage container and the storage container joint are in the correct connection position even if there is a slight size difference due to uneven shrinkage during manufacturing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of a main part of a storage device for explaining an embodiment. Figure 2 It is a side cross-sectional view of a joint for explaining an embodiment. Figure 3 (a) is a perspective view of a storage container for explaining an embodiment, Figure 3 (b) is a side view illustrating the joint. Figure 4 It is a plan view for explaining the embodiment except for the base and the sealing member of the joint. Figure 5 A top view of a storage container is provided to illustrate an embodiment. Figure 6 (a) is a diagram for explaining the condition in which the joint and the storage container are located at the first relative position during the installation operation. Figure 6 (b) is a diagram for explaining the situation where the joint and the storage container are located at the second relative position, Figure 6 (c) is a diagram illustrating a situation where the joint and the storage container are located at the third relative position. Figure 7 (a) is a top view of a joint according to an embodiment, Figure 7 (b) is Figure 7 (a) AA cross-section view, Figure 7 (c) is Figure 7 The enlarged view of the dotted line part of (b) is Figure 7 (d) is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the first engagement element of the flange holding claw. Figure 8 (a) is a top view of the joint of the first variant, Figure 8 (b) is Figure 8(a) AA cross-section view, Figure 8 (c) is Figure 8 The enlarged view of the dotted line part of (b) is Figure 8 (d) is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the first engagement element of the flange holding claw. Fig. 9 (a) is a top view of the joint of the second variant, Fig. 9 (b) is Fig. 9 (a) AA cross-section view, Fig. 9 (c) is Fig. 9 The enlarged view of the dotted line part of (b) is Fig. 9 (d) is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the first engagement element of the flange holding claw. Fig.10 (a) is a side cross-sectional view of a joint having a flange holding claw of the first form of the third modified example, Fig.10 (b) is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of the flange of the third modified example ( Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the position of the BB line), Fig.10 (c) is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of the flange holding claw of the second form of the third modified example, Fig.10 (d) is a side cross-sectional view of a main part of the flange holding claw of the third form of the third modification. Fig.11 (a) is a side cross-sectional view of the joint of the fourth variant, Fig.11 (b) is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of the flange of the fourth modified example ( Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the position of the BB line), Fig.11 (c) is a side cross-sectional view of the first form of the joint of the fifth variant, Fig.11 (d) is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of the flange of the fifth modification example ( Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the position of the BB line), Fig.11 (e) is a side cross-sectional view of the second form of the joint of the fifth variant, Fig.11 (f) is a side cross-sectional view of the joint of the third form of the fifth variation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described. like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the storage device 1 according to the embodiment is configured to include a joint 10 and a storage container 20. The joint 10 is connected to the upper end of the storage container 20, and the nozzle 4 is connected to the lower end. Figure 1 In the figure, for the convenience of explanation, the second side member 12b described later is omitted. The joint 10 is connected to the pressurized air supply source 2 via the air supply pipe 3 , and supplies pressurized air (or gas) from the pressurized air supply source 2 to the storage container 20 .

[0015] Figure 2 The figure is a side cross-sectional view of a joint 10 for explaining an embodiment. The joint 10 comprises: a base 11; a pair of side members 12 extending downward from the base 11; a closing portion 13 extending downward from the central portion of the base 11; a pair of flange retaining claws 14 extending from the lower ends of the pair of side members 12 toward the closing portion 13; and a first engaging element 15. Figure 2 In the figure, for convenience of explanation, only one first engaging element 15 is shown, and the illustration of the second side member 12b described later is omitted. The base 11, the side member 12, the closing portion 13, the flange holding claw 14, and the first engaging element 15 constituting the joint 10 are integrally formed by injection molding. The joint 10 of the embodiment is made of a resin material having a higher hardness than the storage container 20 so that air leakage does not occur due to deformation. From the viewpoint of improving the visibility of the first engaging element 15 when engaged, it is preferable that the joint 10 is made of a colored resin material, and the storage container 20 is made of a transparent resin as described later.

[0016] The base 11 is configured to be sized to cover the flange 23 of the storage container 20. Figure 3 As shown, a connector 18 extending upward from the central portion is provided (at Figure 2 , the connector 18 is briefly shown). On the bottom surface of the base 11, a blocking portion 13 is provided in the central portion, and side members 12, 12 are provided on both short sides. The side member 12 is composed of a first side member 12a and a second side member 12b extending downward from the base 11, and is configured to be large enough to cover the flange 23 (see the following description). Figure 4 and Figure 6 (c)). A plate-shaped flange retaining claw 14 extending in a substantially horizontal direction toward the closing portion 13 is provided from the lower end of the side member 12. The side member 12 and the flange retaining claw 14 constitute a flange retaining portion that retains the flange 23. When the joint 10 is installed, the flange 23 of the storage container 20 enters the gap G between the flange retaining claw 14 and the base 11. The gap G is configured to be smaller than the thickness of the flange 23, but when the flange 23 enters the gap G, the gap G becomes wider due to the elastic deformation of the flange retaining claw 14. The distance W1 between the inner side walls of the side members 12, 12 is wider than the distance W2 between the most protruding parts of the flanges 23, 23 described later.

[0017] The blocking portion 13 is a cylindrical member extending downward from the central portion of the base 11, and a ring-shaped sealing member 17 is provided at a portion slightly above the lower end. A through hole 16 is formed in the blocking portion 13, and pressurized gas is supplied from the pressurized air supply source 2 to the storage container 20 through the through hole 16. The flange holding claw 14 is provided with a first engaging element 15 on its upper surface. The first engaging element 15 is a convex portion provided at a position corresponding to a second engaging element 27 of the storage container 20 described later. In the embodiment, the first engaging element 15 is provided on each of the pair of flange holding claws 14, but the first engaging element 15 may be provided on only one of the pair of flange holding claws 14.

[0018] Figure 3 (a) is a perspective view of a storage container 20 for explaining an embodiment, Figure 3 (b) is a side view illustrating the joint 10. The storage container 20 is a syringe, which includes: a cylindrical container body 21 having an upper opening at the upper end; a flange 22 annularly provided at the edge of the upper opening 28 of the container body 21; a pair of flanges 23, 23 extending radially outward from the flange 22; an inner tube 24 having a lower opening smaller in diameter than the upper opening 28; and an outer tube 25 having a groove formed on the inner surface for spirally engaging the nozzle 4. Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from above, the pair of flanges 23, 23 are disposed symmetrically with respect to each other with respect to the center of the upper opening 28. The distance W2 (see FIG. 2 ) between the most protruding portion of the first flange 23 and the most protruding portion of the second flange 23 is Figure 5 ) is configured to be greater than the distance W1 between the inner walls of the side members 12, 12 (refer to Figure 2 Thus, during the installation operation of the joint 10, the most protruding portion of the flange 23 does not always abut against the inner wall of the side members 12, 12, so the rotatability is good.

[0019] The flanges 23, 23 of the embodiment are each provided with a second engagement element 27, which is a recessed portion, on the lower surface thereof. Figure 3In the example of (a), three recesses are provided on the lower surface of the flange 23, but in the structure where the first engaging element 15 is engaged with the second engaging element 27 by rotating the storage container 20 counterclockwise when viewed from the joint 10 side as in the present embodiment, the recess adjacent to the short side 23a of the lower surface outside in the traveling direction constitutes the second engaging element. In contrast, in the structure where the first engaging element 15 is engaged with the second engaging element 27 by rotating the storage container 20 clockwise when viewed from the joint 10 side, the recess adjacent to the short side 23b of the lower surface outside in the traveling direction constitutes the second engaging element. The second engaging element 27 is of a size that can accommodate the first engaging element 15, and is configured to be of a size that at least a portion of the outer surface of the first engaging element 15 abuts against a portion of the inner surface of the second engaging element 27. The second engagement element 27 may be formed by utilizing a plurality of recessed portions provided on the lower surface of the flange of the storage container for the purpose of preventing deformation or the like. The storage container 20 of the embodiment is made of a transparent resin, so the first engaging element 15 can be recognized through the second engaging element 27. The storage container 20 can be made of a transparent resin (for example, polypropylene (PP)), but when containing a UV curable adhesive or the like, it is made of a light-shielding resin.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a plan view of the elements other than the base 11 and the sealing member 17 of the joint 10 for explaining the embodiment. The side members 12 extending downward from both short sides of the base 11 are composed of first side members 12 a extending in a first direction and second side members 12 b extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The second side members 12 b constitute rotation stop surfaces abutting against the side surfaces of the flange 23 . The flange retaining claw 14 is formed with a tapered surface 14a on the short side of the first side member side. The tapered surface 14a plays a role in making the gap G smoothly receive the flange 23 when the joint 10 is inserted and fixed to the storage container 20. In the following description, the portion of the gap G adjacent to the tapered surface 14a is sometimes referred to as the vicinity of the flange entry start position. When the closing portion 13 is inserted into the upper opening 28 of the storage container 20 and rotated, the flange 23 that enters the gap G from the portion of the tapered surface 14a abuts against the rotation stop surface (the second side member 12b) located in the direction of travel and stops rotating. In the following description, the portion of the gap G adjacent to the second side member 12b is sometimes referred to as the vicinity of the deepest portion. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide a rotation stop surface on the side member 12, and the side member 12 may be formed only by the first side member 12a without providing the second side member 12b.

[0021] The inner peripheral surface 14b of the flange holding claw 14 is formed of an arc slightly larger than the arc of the flange 22 of the storage container 20. The first engaging elements 15, 15 are provided on the upper surface of each of the pair of flange holding claws 14, 14 (near the deepest part of the gap G) and at symmetrical positions sandwiching the blocking portion 13. The first engaging elements 15, 15 are configured to engage with the second engaging elements 27, 27 at a position where the short side of the flange 23 abuts against the rotation stop surface and stops rotating. From another point of view, the first engaging element 15 is provided at a position where it abuts against the outer short side 23a of the lower surface of the flange 23 when most of the rotating flange 23 enters the gap G (when the flange 23 rotates more than 45 degrees from the initial position). Thus, during the operation of rotating the flange 23 of the storage container 20 within the gap G, the time period during which the first engaging element 15 is subjected to resistance can be minimized, and wear of the first engaging element 15 caused by sliding of the flange 23 can be minimized. The first engagement element 15 is a substantially parallelogram-shaped convex portion in a plan view, but the shape is not limited to the illustrated shape, and a convex portion of any shape may be provided.

[0022] Figure 6 (a) is a diagram for explaining the state in which the joint 10 and the storage container 20 are located at the first relative position during the installation operation. Figure 6 (b) is a diagram for explaining a situation where the joint 10 and the storage container 20 are located at a second relative position. Figure 6 (c) is a diagram for explaining the situation where the joint 10 and the storage container 20 are located at the third relative position. Figure 6 In the figure, for convenience of explanation, a part of the base 11 is omitted and depicted in perspective.

[0023] like Figure 6 As shown in (a), it is assumed that the joint 10 is set in a positional relationship in which the short side of the base 11 does not overlap the flange 23 of the storage container 20 (for example, a positional relationship in which the long side of the joint 10 is substantially orthogonal to the long side of the storage container 20), and the closing portion 13 is inserted into the upper opening 28 of the storage container 20. Figure 6 In the positional relationship of (a), the flange 23 of the storage container 20 is located between the conical surface 14a of the flange holding claw and the second side member 12b of the flange holding claw. When the storage container 20 is rotated clockwise relative to the joint 10, the flange 23 is in contact with the second side member 12b, thereby restricting the rotation of the storage container 20 (see Figure 4 ).exist Figure 6 In the positional relationship of (a), the first engaging element 15 can be recognized from the window 19 .

[0024] like Figure 6As shown in (b), when the storage container 20 is rotated counterclockwise relative to the joint 10, the flange 23 of the storage container 20 enters the gap G. Since the tapered surface 14a is formed at the entrance portion of the gap G, the flange 23 smoothly enters the gap G. In addition, when the flange 23 enters the gap G, since the gap G is widened by the elastic deformation of the flange holding claw 14, the rotation action of the storage container 20 is smooth. In addition, during the rotation action of the storage container 20, the most protruding parts of the flanges 23, 23 do not contact the inner side walls of the side members 12, 12 (in the relationship of W1>W2), which also contributes to the smoothness of the rotation action.

[0025] like Figure 6 As shown in (c), when the storage container 20 is further rotated, the short side of the flange 23 abuts against the rotation stop surface, and the rotation of the storage container 20 is stopped. At this time, the first engaging element 15 is engaged with the second engaging element 27, and a click feeling can be felt on the hand. Preferably, a click sound is emitted at the same time when the first engaging element 15 and the second engaging element 27 are engaged. Thus, the operator can feel that the connector 10 is fixed to the storage container 20 by hearing and touch. In addition, by identifying the first engaging element 15 from the window 19, it can also be confirmed that the connector 10 and the storage container 20 are in the correct connection position. Furthermore, in Figure 6 In the above, the installation method of rotating the storage container 20 is described, but the storage container 20 may be kept fixed and the joint 10 may be installed by rotating it clockwise when viewed from above.

[0026] Figure 7 (a) is a top view of the joint 10 of the embodiment, Figure 7 (b) is Figure 7 (a) AA cross-section view, Figure 7 (c) is Figure 7 The enlarged view of the dotted line part of (b) is Figure 7 (d) is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the first engagement element 15 of the flange holding claw 14 . like Figure 7 As shown in (a), when viewed from above, the connector 10 is in the shape of a roughly rectangular shape with two opposite corners having rounded corners, and a window 19 is provided near the rounded corner of the base 11. The first engaging element 15 can be identified from the window 19. The window 19 is formed by extracting the mold (embedded mold) used to form the first engaging element when the connector 10 is injection molded. In the case where the window 19 is not provided, there is a problem that the mold cannot be extracted due to the obstruction of the convex portion of the first engaging element 15. In addition, when the mold is forcibly extracted, the convex portion may be curled or crushed. From another point of view, by providing the window 19, the freedom of the shape of the convex portion of the first engaging element 15 can be increased. Furthermore, when the first engagement element 15 is provided on the lower surface of the base 11 , it is preferable to provide the window 19 on the flange holding claw 14 .

[0027] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 2 ( b ), the first engagement element 15 is a convex portion formed on the upper surface of the flange holding claw 14 . like Figure 7 (c) and Figure 7 As shown in (d), the first engaging element 15 is formed with a first slope 15a on the side where the flange 23 initially abuts, and a second slope 15b is formed on the opposite side of the vertex. By making the first slope 15a gentler than the second slope 15b, it is easy for the flange 23 to pass over the vertex of the first engaging element. When passing over the first engaging element 15, the flange 23 elastically deforms in a manner of warping upward, and when the second engaging element 27 engages with the first engaging element 15, the upward warping of the flange 23 is corrected, thereby transmitting a click feeling to the operator's hand. Figure 7 In the configuration example, by forming the second slope 15 b to be steeper than the first slope 15 a , a clear click feeling is generated when the first engagement element 15 and the second engagement element 27 are engaged.

[0028] The first engagement element 15 may be in the form of a convex portion of any shape. Figure 8 (a) is a top view of the joint 110 of the first modification example, Figure 8 (b) is Figure 8 (a) AA cross-section view, Figure 8 (c) is Figure 8 The enlarged view of the dotted line part of (b) is Figure 8 (d) is a side cross-sectional view of the first engaging element 115 of the flange retaining claw. The cross section of the first engaging element 115 of the first modified example is semicircular, and the first slope 115a and the second slope 115b are formed in a symmetrical shape. Therefore, compared with the embodiment, the force required for the first engaging element 115 to engage with the second engaging element (not shown) is stronger, and the click feeling during engagement is gentle.

[0029] Fig. 9 (a) is a top view of the joint 210 of the second modified example. Fig. 9 (b) is Fig. 9 (a) AA cross-section view, Fig. 9 (c) is Fig. 9 The enlarged view of the dotted line part of (b) is Fig. 9(d) is a side cross-sectional view of the portion of the first engaging element 215 of the flange retaining claw. The cross section of the first engaging element 215 of the second variant is a rectangular parallelepiped. In the joint 210 of the second variant, the first engaging element 215 has a first surface 215a and a second surface 215b parallel to the vertical direction. Therefore, compared with the first variant, the force required when the first engaging element 215 engages with the second engaging element (not shown) is stronger, and the click feeling when engaging is also stronger. In the first and second variants, since the window 19 is provided, the problem of mold extraction will not occur, and in addition, the freedom of the shape of the convex portion of the first engaging element 15 can be increased.

[0030] Different from the above example, the technical idea of ​​the present invention can be realized by a combination in which the first engaging element is a concave portion and the second engaging element is a convex portion. Fig.10 (a) is a side cross-sectional view of a joint 310 having a flange holding claw 314 of the first form of the third modified example, Fig.10 (b) is a side cross-sectional view of the flange 323 of the third modification example, Fig.10 (c) is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of the flange holding claw 314a of the second form of the third modified example, Fig.10 (d) is a side cross-sectional view of a main part of a flange holding claw 314b according to a third embodiment of the third modification. like Fig.10 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the first engaging element 315 of the first embodiment is a recessed portion formed on the upper surface of the flange holding claw 314. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 2 ( b ), the second engagement element 327 is a convex portion formed on the lower surface of the flange 323 . The concave portion of the first engaging element 315 is configured to be of a size that engages with the convex portion of the second engaging element 327. The size that engages with the convex portion here refers to a size that can accommodate the convex portion. The first engaging element 315 and the second engaging element 327 are arranged at positions that engage near the flange entry start position of the gap G. Furthermore, the concave portion of the first engaging element 315 does not need to be rectangular in cross-section as shown in the example, and may also be a square, trapezoidal, semicircular, semi-elliptical or other cross-sectional shape. The same is true for the second engaging element 327.

[0031] like Fig.10 As shown in (c), the flange holding claw 314a of the second embodiment is provided with a hole of the same diameter penetrating the flange holding claw 314a, namely, the first engaging element 315a. Fig.10 As shown in (d), the flange holding claw 314b of the third embodiment is provided with a stepped hole (upper small diameter hole 315b) penetrating the flange holding claw 314b. 1 And the lower large diameter hole 315b 2) is a first engagement element. The first engagement elements 315a, 315b 1 ,315b 2 In the vicinity of the flange entry start position of the gap G, the second engagement element 327 (see Fig.10 In this way, the recessed portion, i.e., the first engaging element, can also be formed by the hole of the flange holding claw that passes through the joint. The first engaging elements 315a, 315b 1 ,315b 2 The first engaging elements 315a and 315b can be easily formed by arranging a mold (insertion mold) for forming the first engaging elements. 1 ,315b 2 The hole is not limited to a circular hole when viewed from above, and may be an elliptical or polygonal hole when viewed from above.

[0032] In addition, the first engaging element may be provided on the lower surface of the base of the joint instead of the flange holding claw. However, the first engaging element needs to be provided at a position where the flange of the storage container can be easily elastically deformed in the vertical direction. Fig.11 (a) is a side cross-sectional view of a joint 410 according to a fourth modified example in which a convex portion, namely, a first engaging element 415 is provided on the lower surface of a base 411. Fig.11 (b) is a side cross-sectional view of a flange 423 of a fourth modified example in which a recessed portion, namely, a second engaging element 427 is provided on the upper surface. Figure 5 BB line position in the cross-sectional view). The convex portion of the first engaging element 415 is configured to be of a size that engages with the concave portion of the second engaging element 427 (including a case where it is smaller than the concave portion). The first engaging element 415 and the second engaging element 427 are arranged at positions that engage near the deepest portion of the gap G. Furthermore, the convex portion of the first engaging element 415 does not need to have a rectangular cross-sectional shape as shown in the example, and may also have a square, trapezoidal, semicircular, semi-elliptical, or other cross-sectional shape. The same is true for the second engaging element 427.

[0033] Fig.11 (c) is a side cross-sectional view of a joint 510 according to a first aspect of a fifth modified example in which a first engaging element 515 , which is a recessed portion, is provided on the lower surface of a base 511 . Fig.11 (d) is a side cross-sectional view of a flange 523 of a fifth modified example in which a convex portion, namely, a second engaging element 527 is provided on the upper surface. Figure 5 BB line position in the cross-sectional view). In the first form of the joint 510, the concave portion of the first engaging element 515 is configured to be sized to engage with the convex portion of the second engaging element 527 (size that can accommodate the convex portion). The first engaging element 515 and the second engaging element 527 are arranged at positions where they engage near the flange entry start position of the gap G. Furthermore, the concave portion of the first engaging element 515 does not need to be rectangular in cross-section as shown, but may be square, trapezoidal, semicircular, semi-elliptical, or other cross-sectional shapes. The same is true for the second engaging element 527. In the right Fig.11 (a) and Fig.11 When the connector of (c) is injection molded, it is preferred to provide an opening at a position of the flange holding claw 414, 514 that is opposite to the first engaging element 415, 515. The reason is that the recognition of the first engaging element 415, 515 can be improved, and a mold (embedded mold) for forming the first engaging element 415, 515 needs to be configured.

[0034] Fig.11 (e) is a side cross-sectional view of the second form of the joint 510a of the fifth modification example, Fig.11 (f) is a side cross-sectional view of the joint 510b of the third form of the fifth variation. In the second embodiment of the joint 510a, the first engaging element 515a is composed of a hole of the same diameter penetrating the base 511a. In the third embodiment of the joint 510b, the first engaging element is composed of a stepped hole (upper large diameter hole 515b) penetrating the base 511b. 1 And the lower small diameter hole 515b 2 ) is constituted. The first engaging elements 515a, 515b 1 ,515b 2 In the vicinity of the flange entry start position of the gap G, the second engagement element 527 (see Fig.11 In this way, the recessed portion, i.e., the first engaging element, can also be formed by a hole that passes through the base of the joint. The first engaging elements 515a, 515b 1 ,515b 2 The first engaging elements 515a and 515b can be easily formed by arranging a mold (insertion mold) for forming the first engaging element. 1 ,515b 2 The hole is not limited to a circular hole when viewed from above, and may be an elliptical or polygonal hole when viewed from above.

[0035] The combination examples of the first engagement element and the second engagement element described above are summarized in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0036] In any combination of Table 1, since the flange holding claw of the joint is easily elastically deformed in the up-down direction, the first engaging element and the second engaging element can be appropriately engaged even if a slight size difference is generated due to uneven shrinkage during manufacturing. In any combination of Table 1, it is preferred that each engaging element is arranged at a position where the time point at which the resistance is generated by the first engaging element when the flange of the storage container is rotated in the gap G is delayed and the wear caused by the sliding of the flange can be minimized. In the case where the first engaging element is convex and the second engaging element is concave, it is preferably configured so that when the storage container or the joint is rotated so that the flange enters the gap G, the first engaging element and the second engaging element are engaged near the deepest part of the gap G. Specifically, it is preferred that the first engaging element is arranged near the side farthest from the flange entry side of the gap G (in other words, near the second side member 12b), and it is preferred that the second engaging element is arranged near the side where the flange starts to enter the gap G. Furthermore, preferably, when the first engaging element is concave and the second engaging element is convex, it is preferably configured so that when the storage container or the joint is rotated so that the flange enters the gap G, the first engaging element and the second engaging element engage near the flange entry start position of the gap G. Specifically, it is preferred that the first engaging element is provided near the side of the gap G where the flange starts to enter (in other words, near the side farthest from the second side member 12b), and it is preferred that the second engaging element is provided near the side farthest from the side where the flange starts to enter the gap G.

[0037] From another point of view, when the first engaging element is convex and the second engaging element is concave, it is preferred that the first engaging element is located on a side closer to the deepest part of the gap G than a virtual straight line passing through the center of the closure portion 13 and extending in the length direction of the joint when the joint is viewed from above (more preferably, a side closer to the deepest part of the gap G at which the angle between the virtual straight line and the straight line connecting the centers of the first engaging element and the closure portion 13 is greater than 10°), and it is preferred that the second engaging element is located on a side closer to the short side of the flange that first enters the gap G than a virtual straight line passing through the center of the upper opening 28 and extending in the length direction of the flange when the storage container is viewed from above (such as Figure 3In the case where the storage container is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from above as in the structural example of , it is preferably located at the position of the short side 23a) (more preferably, the position where the angle between the virtual straight line and the straight line connecting the second engaging element and the center of the upper opening 28 is greater than 10°). In addition, when the first engaging element is concave and the second engaging element is convex, it is preferred that the first engaging element is located on the side of the flange entry start position closer to the gap G than a virtual straight line passing through the center of the closure portion 13 and extending along the length direction of the joint when the joint is viewed from above (more preferably, the side close to the flange entry start position where the angle between the virtual straight line and the straight line connecting the center of the first engaging element and the closure portion 13 is greater than 10°). It is preferred that the second engaging element is located on the short side opposite to the short side of the flange that first enters the gap G than a virtual straight line passing through the center of the upper opening 28 and extending along the length direction of the flange when the storage container is viewed from above (such as Figure 3 When the storage container is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from above as in the structural example, the position of the short side 23b) is (more preferably, the position where the angle between the virtual straight line and the straight line connecting the second engaging element and the center of the upper opening 28 is greater than 10°).

[0038] In any combination of Table 1, since the first engaging element and the second engaging element engage with each other, a click feeling can be felt on the hand, so that it is easy to confirm that the storage container and the joint are in the correct connection position. More preferably, a click sound is emitted at the same time as the click feeling. In addition, since the distance W1 between the inner walls of the side members of the joint is constructed to be wider than the distance W2 between the most protruding parts of a pair of flanges, even if a slight dimensional difference occurs due to uneven shrinkage during manufacturing, the friction resistance between the most protruding parts of the flanges and the inner walls of the side members will not affect the fit. In addition, by providing a window through which the first engaging element can be identified, it is possible to visually confirm that the storage container and the joint are in the correct connection position. If the storage container is formed of a transparent resin and the joint is formed of a colored resin, the first engaging element is more recognizable. In addition, by configuring a mold (embedded mold) for forming the first engaging element during injection molding of the joint, the degree of freedom of the shape of the first engaging element can be increased. Furthermore, although the connector may be replaced due to dirt or damage, it is preferably formed of a material harder than the storage container in view of the fact that the connector is repeatedly attached and detached to and from a plurality of storage containers (syringes) during the period before replacement.

[0039] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described above, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes and improvements can be added without departing from the technical concept of the present invention, and the method with such changes or improvements is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. For example, in the case of metal casting, deformation may occur due to so-called shrinkage cavities (voids caused by solidification shrinkage), and the technical concept of the present invention can also be applied to joints for metal storage containers. Explanation of symbols

[0040] 1: Storage device 2: Pressurized air supply source 3: Air pipe 4: Nozzle 10: Connector 11: Base 12: Side members 13: Occlusion 14: Flange retaining claw 15: The first engagement factor 16:Through hole 17: Sealing member 18: Connector 19: Window 20: Storage Container 21: Container body (storage cylinder) 22: Flange 23: Flange 24: Inner tube 25:Outer barrel 26: Lower opening 27: The second engagement factor 28: Upper opening 110, 210, 310, 410, 510: Connectors 115, 215, 315, 415, 515: The first engaging element 327, 427, 527: The second engagement factor

Claims

1. A storage device, characterized in that: A storage device comprising a storage container and a joint mounted on the storage container. The storage container comprises: a storage tube having an upper opening and a lower opening; and a pair of flanges extending laterally from an upper end of the storage tube. The joint comprises: a base connected to the air supply pipe; a blocking portion extending downward from a central portion of the base; and a pair of flange holding portions that hold the pair of flanges disposed on opposite short sides of the base. The pair of flange holding portions are configured to include: a pair of side members extending downward from the base; and a pair of flange holding claws extending from the pair of side members toward the blocking portion side. A first engaging element is provided on an upper surface of at least one of the pair of flange holding claws or a lower surface of the base. A second engaging element engaging with the first engaging element is provided on each lower surface or upper surface of the pair of flanges. When the blocking portion is inserted into the upper opening of the storage container and the storage container is rotated in one direction, the flange enters the gap between the flange holding claw and the base and is positioned by the engagement of the first engagement element with the second engagement element.

2. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that A distance W1 between the inner side walls of the pair of side members is wider than a distance W2 between the most protruding portions of the pair of flanges.

3. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that The base or the flange holding claw includes a window provided at a position facing the first engagement element.

4. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein: The pair of side members include rotation stopping surfaces that come into contact with short sides of the pair of flanges at positions where the first engaging element engages with the second engaging element.

5. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein: The pair of flange holding claws include tapered surfaces that come into contact with each other when the flange enters a gap between the flange holding claws and the base.

6. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein: The gap between the flange holding claw and the base is configured to have a size that allows the holding claw to elastically deform when the flange enters the gap.

7. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein: The joint is made of resin.

8. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein: The storage container is made of transparent resin. The joint is composed of a pigmented resin.

9. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein: The joint is made of a material that is harder than the material of the flange.

10. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The first engagement element is a convex portion provided on the upper surface of each of the pair of flange holding claws. The second engagement element is a recessed portion provided on a lower surface of each of the pair of flanges.

11. The storage device according to claim 10, characterized in that The first engaging element and the second engaging element engage at a position closer to the position farthest from the position where the flange starts to enter the gap than a midpoint between the position where the flange starts to enter the gap and the position farthest from the position where the flange starts to enter the gap.

12. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The first engagement element is a recessed portion provided on the upper surface of each of the pair of flange holding claws. The second engagement element is a convex portion provided on a lower surface of each of the pair of flanges.

13. The storage device according to claim 12, characterized in that The first engaging element and the second engaging element engage at a position closer to the position where the flange starts to enter the gap than a midpoint between the position where the flange starts to enter the gap and the position farthest from the position where the flange starts to enter the gap.

14. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The first engaging element is a convex portion provided on the lower surface of the base. The second engagement element is a recessed portion provided on an upper surface of each of the pair of flanges.

15. The storage device according to claim 14, characterized in that The first engaging element and the second engaging element engage at a position closer to the position farthest from the position where the flange starts to enter the gap than a midpoint between the position where the flange starts to enter the gap and the position farthest from the position where the flange starts to enter the gap.

16. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The first engaging element is a recessed portion provided on the lower surface of the base. The second engagement element is a convex portion provided on an upper surface of each of the pair of flanges.

17. The storage device according to claim 16, wherein: The first engaging element and the second engaging element engage at a position closer to the position where the flange starts to enter the gap than a midpoint between the position where the flange starts to enter the gap and the position farthest from the position where the flange starts to enter the gap.

18. A joint for a storage container, characterized in that: A storage container joint for a storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The invention comprises: a base connected to the air supply pipe; a blocking portion extending downward from the central portion of the base; and a pair of flange holding portions which hold the pair of flanges provided on the opposite short sides of the base. The first engagement element is a convex portion provided on the upper surface of each of the pair of flange holding claws. When the blocking portion is inserted into the upper opening of the storage container and the storage container is rotated in one direction, the flange enters the gap between the flange holding claw and the base and is positioned by the engagement of the first engagement element with the second engagement element.

19. A joint for a storage container, characterized in that: A storage container joint for a storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The invention comprises: a base connected to the air supply pipe; a blocking portion extending downward from the central portion of the base; and a pair of flange holding portions which hold the pair of flanges provided on the opposite short sides of the base. The first engagement element is a recessed portion provided on the upper surface of each of the pair of flange holding claws. When the blocking portion is inserted into the upper opening of the storage container and the storage container is rotated in one direction, the flange enters the gap between the flange holding claw and the base and is positioned by the engagement of the first engagement element with the second engagement element.

20. A joint for a storage container, characterized in that: A joint for a storage container of a storage device used in any one of claims 1 to 7, The invention comprises: a base connected to the air supply pipe; a blocking portion extending downward from the central portion of the base; and a pair of flange holding portions which hold the pair of flanges provided on the opposite short sides of the base. The first engaging element is a convex portion provided on the lower surface of the base. When the blocking portion is inserted into the upper opening of the storage container and the storage container is rotated in one direction, the flange enters the gap between the flange holding claw and the base and is positioned by the engagement of the first engagement element with the second engagement element.

21. A joint for a storage container, characterized in that: A storage container joint for a storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The invention comprises: a base connected to the air supply pipe; a blocking portion extending downward from the central portion of the base; and a pair of flange holding portions which hold the pair of flanges provided on the opposite short sides of the base. The first engaging element is a recessed portion provided on the lower surface of the base. When the blocking portion is inserted into the upper opening of the storage container and the storage container is rotated in one direction, the flange enters the gap between the flange holding claw and the base and is positioned by the engagement of the first engagement element with the second engagement element.

22. A storage container, characterized in that: A storage container for a storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The storage container comprises: a storage tube having an upper opening and a lower opening; and a pair of flanges extending laterally from an upper end of the storage tube. The second engagement element is a recessed portion provided on the lower surface of each of the pair of flanges. When the closing portion of the joint is inserted into the upper opening of the storage container and the joint is rotated in one direction, the flange enters the gap between the flange holding claw and the base and is positioned by the engagement of the first engaging element with the second engaging element.

23. A storage container, characterized in that: A storage container for a storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The storage container comprises: a storage tube having an upper opening and a lower opening; and a pair of flanges extending laterally from an upper end of the storage tube. The second engagement element is a convex portion provided on the lower surface of each of the pair of flanges. When the closing portion of the joint is inserted into the upper opening of the storage container and the joint is rotated in one direction, the flange enters the gap between the flange holding claw and the base and is positioned by the engagement of the first engaging element with the second engaging element.

24. A storage container, characterized in that: A storage container for a storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The storage container comprises: a storage tube having an upper opening and a lower opening; and a pair of flanges extending laterally from an upper end of the storage tube. The second engagement element is a recessed portion provided on the upper surface of each of the pair of flanges. When the closing portion of the joint is inserted into the upper opening of the storage container and the joint is rotated in one direction, the flange enters the gap between the flange holding claw and the base and is positioned by the engagement of the first engaging element with the second engaging element.

25. A storage container, characterized in that: A storage container for a storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The storage container comprises: a storage tube having an upper opening and a lower opening; and a pair of flanges extending laterally from an upper end of the storage tube. The second engagement element is a convex portion provided on the upper surface of each of the pair of flanges. When the closing portion of the joint is inserted into the upper opening of the storage container and the joint is rotated in one direction, the flange enters the gap between the flange holding claw and the base and is positioned by the engagement of the first engaging element with the second engaging element.

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