Threaded package with locking function

Abstract

Threaded packaging element (1) with locking function, comprising a cylindrical outer sleeve (2) provided with a threaded portion (3) at its open end, which is screwed onto a corresponding complementary threaded portion (13) of a cylindrical inner sleeve (12), in the overlapping zone (15) of said outer sleeve (2) and inner sleeve (12) locking means (8, 9; 18, 19) are provided which act in the direction of rotation of the sleeves (2, 12) and which lock a specific rotational state of the threaded packaging element (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject of this invention is a threaded package with a locking function, specifically relating to a threaded package comprising an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, wherein a locking device is provided in the overlapping area of ​​the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, which acts in the relative rotational direction of the two. Background Technology

[0002] An example of such threaded packaging can be found in Chinese patent CN104443838A. The threaded packaging consists of a cylindrical outer cylinder whose threaded structure can be screwed into the complementary thread of the inner cylinder, thereby forming an adjustable packaging space that allows items (such as tools like drill bits) to be packaged without any play.

[0003] In this structure, the outer cylinder has a threaded portion at its open end, which can be screwed onto the threaded portion of the inner cylinder.

[0004] The advantage of this type of threaded packaging is that its internal space can accommodate slender tools of varying lengths (such as drill bits or chisels). The packaging length is adjusted by screwing the inner and outer cylinders together to precisely fit the length of the packaged tool. The tool is securely fixed between the bottom faces of the inner and outer cylinders without any play. This type of mature packaging has been market-proven; relevant examples can be found in US Patent US9540152B2.

[0005] However, the existing technology has obvious defects: when packaging tools of different lengths, the degree of thread engagement between the inner and outer cylinders is limited. Specifically, under the current packaging length, only three threaded parts (18) of the inner cylinder engage with the three threaded parts (3) of the outer cylinder, while the total number of threaded parts actually available is five to six.

[0006] Therefore, a significant defect has been confirmed in this type of packaging: when closed, the threaded connection between the inner and outer cylinders may unexpectedly loosen due to vibration or external force. Actual tests show that under harsh conditions, the inner cylinder may experience unexpected torsion relative to the outer cylinder, leading to thread locking failure. In this case, the packaged item will experience unexpected axial clearance inside the package, or even complete loosening of the threads of the inner and outer cylinders, causing the packaging to disintegrate and the item to fall.

[0007] Since these types of packaging can be made of different materials such as PP, PE or PVC, and the lead and geometry of the threaded structure vary, there is always a risk of accidental rotation of the threaded part due to material differences. This phenomenon is particularly prominent in high-temperature environments. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, based on Chinese patent CN104443838A, the technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide a threaded packaging component that can prevent the meshing threaded part of the inner and outer cylinders from being accidentally twisted due to external force.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: a threaded packaging component with locking function, comprising an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, both of which are cylindrical, the open end of the outer cylinder having a threaded portion, the threaded portion being screwed onto a corresponding complementary threaded portion of the inner cylinder; in the overlapping area of ​​the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, a locking device is provided that acts in the relative rotation direction of the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, the locking device locking the threaded packaging component in the rotational state formed after the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder are screwed together.

[0010] According to the present invention, the threaded packaging is provided with a locking function, that is, when the outer cylinder threaded portion and the inner cylinder threaded portion are fully engaged, the locking function will be activated at the end of the screwing process. This function can prevent the engaging threaded portions from unexpectedly loosening or twisting.

[0011] The preferred solution is to install a locking device in the overlapping area of ​​the inner and outer cylinders, which acts in the direction of rotation of the sleeve. This device can lock the package in the closed state.

[0012] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the locking device ensures the closed state of the package—specifically, when the inner and outer cylinders are fully screwed together. The placement of this device between the inner and outer cylinders is highly flexible, provided that the locking device is located within their overlapping area when both cylinders are fully screwed together. Thus, it can be placed at the beginning of the complementary threaded portion, or in the middle or at the end of the threaded portion.

[0013] Similarly, the locking device can even be arranged in an area outside the threaded portion of the inner and outer sleeves. The only constraint is that when the sleeves are fully engaged, the device must be located anywhere within the overlapping area of ​​the meshing parts of the two sleeves.

[0014] In another embodiment, the locking device not only locks the two sleeve components in a fully threaded engagement state, but also provides additional or proprietary locking functionality when the two sleeve components are only screwed to, for example, one-eighth, one-quarter, or three-quarters of their thread engagement length. Even in this case, the locking device can be arranged at any position within the overlapping area between the two sleeve components.

[0015] However, the preferred embodiment described below only locks the two sleeve components in a fully closed state, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0016] The locking function can be achieved through different technical features.

[0017] In the first embodiment, one or more complementary locking protrusions are arranged in the finishing region of the threads of the inner and outer cylinders (but separated from the final thread teeth circumferentially). Preferably, at least one locking protrusion is provided on the inner cylinder, and a complementary locking protrusion is provided on the outer cylinder. These protrusions engage with each other in the locking position to achieve the locking function.

[0018] However, a more reliable threaded locking mechanism can be achieved if there are two or more locking protrusions arranged circumferentially at intervals.

[0019] The shape of the complementary, interlocking locking protrusions on the outer and inner sleeves can be selected from a wide range of options. Locking protrusions with rectangular, circular, elliptical, or triangular cross-sections can be used. Crucially, the locking protrusion on the inner side of the outer sleeve must engage with the complementary locking protrusion on the outer side of the inner sleeve in a ratchet-like manner, generating mechanical resistance to the mutual torsion of the two sleeves in the opening direction. This mechanical resistance, i.e., the locking state of the two sleeves in the closed position, should only be overcome when a significant force is applied to the two sleeve components to cause them to twist in the opening direction.

[0020] Therefore, in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, a locking protrusion is provided in the cylindrical wall of the outer cylinder, which engages with a corresponding locking protrusion in the cylindrical wall of the inner cylinder in a locking manner.

[0021] Of course, in the second embodiment, the reverse implementation is also feasible: that is, outwardly pointing locking protrusions are provided on the wall surface of the outer cylinder, and these protrusions thus form inwardly opening recesses on the inner side of the cylindrical wall of the outer cylinder, which can engage and lock with corresponding, complementary outwardly pointing locking protrusions on the inner cylinder wall surface.

[0022] The two embodiments, namely the reversed motion relationship of the locking protrusion shape design according to the second embodiment, are protected as part of the essential content of this invention.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, complementary protrusions of the locking protrusions are arranged on the wall surfaces of the inner and outer cylinders that are opposite each other in the diametrical direction. This design makes the manner in which the threads of the inner and outer cylinders engage irrelevant. Regardless of how the two threads are screwed together, a locking position is always reached when the two sleeves are fully engaged, ensuring that the locking protrusions on the front and back sides of the two sleeves reliably mesh with each other, thereby ensuring reliable anti-misalignment locking.

[0024] In an improved embodiment, it may also be specified that the locking protrusion is provided only on one side of the sleeve, for example on its front wall, while the rear wall is smooth and without the locking protrusion.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment, the engagement of the threads of the inner and outer cylinders is limited by a limiting device.

[0026] When the inner and outer cylinders are fully screwed into place, the leading edge of the outer cylinder preferably contacts the annular flange of the inner cylinder with an increased diameter, thereby restricting the screwing movement of the two meshing sleeves and preventing the two sleeve components from screwing in further.

[0027] Therefore, this invention specifies that a locking function is provided at the end position of the engagement movement of the two interlocking sleeves. This function consists of complementary locking protrusions that are mutually complementary and interlocking. In this case, it is ensured that the locking function of this invention can also effectively function when the two interlocking sleeve components reach their final limit.

[0028] Therefore, the following advantages arise when implementing this invention:

[0029] 1. Adhesive labels can still be applied to the outer surface of the outer cylinder because the locking protrusions on the outer cylinder are radially recessed inward and therefore will not extend beyond the outer wall.

[0030] 2. The temperature sensitivity of threaded packaging is eliminated. Especially when polyolefins are used as the material for threaded packaging, they may soften at higher temperatures, making the threaded connection between the sleeve components prone to accidental loosening. With the locking function of this invention, the screw-on state of the two sleeve components can be reliably maintained even at higher temperatures.

[0031] 3. No additional reinforcement is required for this type of threaded packaging. Warehouse temperatures typically range from -20°C to +50°C. While thicker-walled sleeve components could be used, this would increase costs and packaging weight. Therefore, this new locking mechanism allows the use of thin-walled sleeves that soften at high temperatures. Furthermore, the tape used to prevent the threaded components from coming loose is eliminated. Packaging sustainability is also improved as the previously necessary tape is no longer required.

[0032] 4. The pre-set stop generated during the rotation of the two sleeve components by the locking device can prevent excessive rotation of the threads, thereby eliminating the risk of damage to such threaded packaging due to misoperation.

[0033] 5. This novel locking function can be applied to any design of the inner and outer cylinder threads. For example, this locking function can be used for intermittent threads, as described in CN104443838 A. The thread profile can also be continuous and uninterrupted. Furthermore, the type and function of the thread are not restricted. Metric ISO threads can be used, as well as threads conforming to the Unified Thread Standard (UTS). UTS is a commonly used thread standard in the United States and Canada, where the bolt's outer diameter is measured in inches, and the pitch is expressed in the number of threads per inch (i.e., the number of turns per inch). Its thread angle is 60°, the same as metric ISO threads.

[0034] Therefore, all known thread types suitable for establishing threaded connections between the inner and outer cylinders can be used.

[0035] The subject matter of this invention includes not only the content covered by each individual patent claim, but also the combination of these claims.

[0036] All information and features disclosed in the documents (including the abstract), especially the spatial structures shown in the drawings, may be considered inventive claims as long as they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art. The use of terms such as “substantially,” “according to the invention,” or “inventive” is subjective and does not imply that features named in this way must necessarily be part of one or more patent claims.

[0037] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate only one embodiment. Other inventive features and advantages of the invention will be further revealed from the drawings and their description. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 : Perspective view of the outer cylinder of a threaded package.

[0039] Figure 1a Cross-sectional view of the locking protrusions that engage with the inner and outer cylinders in the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 1b :and Figure 1a In comparison, a variant of the locking protrusion.

[0041] Figure 1c :and Figure 1a and 1b In contrast, another variation of the locking protrusion.

[0042] Figure 2 : Figure 1 View of the inner and outer cylinders after rotating 90°.

[0043] Figure 3 : Figure 1View of the inner and outer cylinders after rotating 180°.

[0044] Figure 4 Front view of the outer cylinder.

[0045] Figure 5 A view of a threaded package in which the inner and outer cylinders with locking mechanisms screw together.

[0046] Figure 6 : Figure 5 The view after rotating 90°.

[0047] Figure 7 : Enlarged perspective view of the inner cylinder.

[0048] Figure 8 : Figure 7 Front view of the inner cylinder.

[0049] Figure 9 View of the inner cylinder after it has been rotated 90°.

[0050] Figure 10 Top view of the bottom of the inner cylinder and / or outer cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0051] In all the embodiments shown, preferably, the cross-section of the outer cylinder 2 and the cross-section of the inner cylinder 12 screwed therein are cylindrical.

[0052] Therefore, the threaded package consists of an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder screwed therein, wherein the threaded portion of the outer cylinder is screwed onto the corresponding complementary threaded portion 13 of the inner cylinder 12 in a form-locking structure.

[0053] exist Figure 1 The image shows an outer cylinder 2 having a cylindrical tube 11, the bottom of which is closed by a bottom 10. In the upper open area of ​​the outer cylinder 2, a threaded portion 3 is provided, consisting of a plurality of helically arranged thread profiles 4. Locking protrusions 8a and 8b according to the invention are provided in the extending direction of the threaded end 5, and locking protrusions 9a and 9b are provided on the opposite side. Since the preceding locking protrusions 8a and 8b are completely identical in shape, type, and arrangement to the following locking protrusions 9a and 9b, only the specific shape of the preceding locking protrusions 8a and 8b needs to be described, as the locking protrusions 9a and 9b on the opposite side are completely identical.

[0054] Figure 1a In a preferred embodiment, the locking protrusions 8a, 8b have radially inward protrusions, such as... Figure 1a As shown. In the locked state, these radially inward protrusions will engage with the corresponding locking protrusions 18 on the inner cylinder 12, as shown. Figure 1a As shown.

[0055] However, the instruction manual also mentions the possibility of kinematic reversal of this locking function, that is, the locking protrusion 8 located in the outer cylinder 2 region is not radially inward, but radially outward; conversely, the locking protrusion 18 located in the inner cylinder 12 region is radially outward, thereby achieving kinematic reversal of the locking function.

[0056] Figure 1b It also shows that the shapes of the interlocking locking protrusions 8, 9; 18, 19 can be chosen relatively freely. According to... Figure 1b Alternatively, circular, interlocking protrusions can be used; or according to Figure 1c Use rectangular or square protrusions (marked as 8'' or 18''). Any conceivable shape is acceptable as long as they can interlock.

[0057] Figure 2 Showing by Figure 1 The outer cylinder 2 is shown in the rotation position after rotating 90°, where only the thread can be identified at the outlet, and there is a threaded end 5.

[0058] according to Figure 1 In a preferred configuration, there are two opposing smooth free walls 6 and 7 at the threaded end 5, located on the cylindrical surface of the outer cylinder 2, i.e., these walls are smooth and not penetrated by the thread profile 4. Preferably, opposing locking protrusions 8 and 9 are provided in the regions of these two opposing smooth free walls 6 and 7.

[0059] However, the present invention is not limited to arranging the locking protrusions 8, 9; 18, 19 in the region of the smooth free walls 6, 7. In another configuration, the locking protrusions 8, 9; 18, 19 may also be arranged in the region of the thread profiles 4, 24 of the inner and outer cylinders 2, 12.

[0060] Figure 3 A preferred embodiment is shown in which locking protrusions 8a, 8b and opposing locking protrusions 9a, 9b are disposed in the extension direction of the thread ends 5, 25 of their respective thread profiles 4, 24.

[0061] because Figure 3 This shows a view of the outer cylinder 2 after it has been rotated 180°, therefore in Figure 4 As can also be seen, the locking protrusions 9a and 9b set on the relatively smooth free wall 6 are located in the extension direction of the threaded end 5.

[0062] Figure 5A threaded package 1 in a fully engaged state is shown, wherein the outer cylinder 2 is fully screwed into the inner cylinder 12, and corresponding locking protrusions 8, 9; 18, 19 engage with each other in a shape-fitting manner to form a lock, thereby constituting the locking or stopping function of the threaded package. Simultaneously, the threaded portions 3, 13 of the two cylinders 2, 12 engage with each other to form an overlapping region 15. The locking device can be located at any position within this overlapping region 15. However, in this embodiment, the locking device is described as being located at the end region of the threaded portions 3, 13.

[0063] Figure 6 Showing Figure 5 View of the threaded package 1 after rotating 90°.

[0064] Figure 7 A perspective view of the threaded end of the inner cylinder 2 is shown, in which the thread profile 24 forms the threaded portion 13, and the locking protrusions 18a, 18b; 19a, 19b of the present invention are provided in the extension direction of the threaded end 25.

[0065] also, Figure 7 Also shown is a stop edge for limiting the screwing of the outer cylinder 2 into the inner cylinder 12. This stop edge is formed by a larger-diameter annular flange 20 on the inner cylinder 12, which is contacted by a relatively smaller-diameter annular flange at the front opening of the outer cylinder 2 as a stop edge 14. Preferably, the locking function begins to operate before the annular flange 20 of the inner cylinder 12 contacts the opposing annular flange of the outer cylinder 2. This prevents, or at least tactilely perceives, "over-rotation" of the threaded connection in the packaging closure direction.

[0066] although Figure 7 and Figure 8 The inner cylinder 12 shown has corresponding locking protrusions 18 and 19 located in the threaded end 25 region of the thread profile 24. However, an equally feasible solution is to terminate the threaded end 25 in advance and place the locking protrusions 18 and 19 in the unchanging and smooth free wall region, as shown in the outer cylinder. Figure 9 The image shows a view of the inner cylinder 12 after it has been rotated 90°, and also shows more details.

[0067] Figure 10 The bottom surfaces of the inner and outer cylinders 10 and 21 are shown, revealing the cylindrical structure of the threaded package 1.

[0068] Figure Labels

[0069] 1. Threaded packaging

[0070] 2. Outer cylinder

[0071] 3. Threaded section (outer cylinder 2)

[0072] 4. Thread profile

[0073] 5. Thread end (thread profile 4)

[0074] 6. Free Wall

[0075] 7. Free Wall

[0076] 8. Locking protrusions a and b (outer cylinder 2)

[0077] 9. Locking protrusions a and b

[0078] 10. Bottom

[0079] 11. Cylinder

[0080] 12. Inner cylinder

[0081] 13. Threaded section (inner cylinder 12)

[0082] 14. Stop edge (outer cylinder 2)

[0083] 15. Overlapping areas 16. 17.

[0086] 18. Locking protrusions a and b (inner cylinder 12)

[0087] 19. Locking protrusion

[0088] 20. Annular flange

[0089] 21. Bottom (inner tube 12) twenty two. twenty three.

[0092] 24. Thread profile

[0093] 25. Threaded end (of threaded portion 13)

Claims

1. A threaded packaging element (1) with locking function, comprising: The outer cylinder (2) and the inner cylinder (12) are both cylindrical. The open end of the outer cylinder (2) is provided with a threaded part (3), which is screwed onto the corresponding complementary threaded part (13) of the inner cylinder (12). Its features are: In the overlapping area (15) of the outer cylinder (2) and the inner cylinder (12), a locking device is provided that acts in the relative rotation direction of the outer cylinder (2) and the inner cylinder (12). The locking device locks the threaded package (1) in the rotational state formed after the outer cylinder (2) and the inner cylinder (12) are screwed together.

2. The threaded packaging component with locking function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking device locks the outer cylinder (2) and the inner cylinder (12) in a fully closed state.

3. The threaded packaging component with locking function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking device locks the outer cylinder (2) and the inner cylinder (12) in any rotational state where they are screwed together.

4. The threaded packaging component with locking function according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The locking device consists of a locking protrusion (8, 9) integrally formed on the outer cylinder (2) and a locking protrusion (18, 19) on the inner cylinder (12), and the locking protrusion (8, 9) integrally formed on the outer cylinder (2) and the locking protrusion (18, 19) on the inner cylinder (12) form a locking engagement.

5. The threaded packaging component with locking function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking device is activated when the outer cylinder (2) and the inner cylinder (12) are twisted relative to each other in the circumferential direction.

6. The threaded package with locking function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking protrusions (8,9,18,19) are located at the end regions of the threaded portion (3) of the outer cylinder (2) and the threaded portion (13) of the inner cylinder (12), and are located in the smooth free wall region (6,7) outside the thread profile (4,24).

7. The threaded packaging component with locking function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking protrusions (8, 9, 18, 19) are disposed within the thread profiles (4, 24) of the outer cylinder (2) and the inner cylinder (12).

8. The threaded packaging component with locking function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking protrusions (8, 9, 18, 19) are located on the opposite diameter walls of the outer cylinder (2) and the inner cylinder (12), and are arranged in sequence, one or more, in the direction of rotation.

9. The threaded packaging component with locking function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking protrusions (8, 9) on the outer cylinder (2) are radially inward protrusions, and the locking protrusions (8, 9) are formed on the inner peripheral wall of the outer cylinder (2) and engage with the complementary locking protrusions (18, 19) on the inner cylinder (12).

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