Fitting tool, bag body with fitting tool, and method for producing bag body with fitting tool

Abstract

To provide a fitting tool capable of using a conventional heat seal machine as it is, and also securing weight reduction.SOLUTION: Provided is a zipper tape 2A comprising a first member 10 and a second member 20. The first member 10 has a first base material 11 and a first fitting part 12, and the second member 20 has a second base material 21 and a second fitting part 22. The first base material 11 has a first installation part 13 on which the first fitting part 12 is installed, and a pair of first flange parts 14, 14, and the second base material 21 has a second installation part 23 on which the second fitting part 22 is installed, and a pair of second flange parts 24, 24. An opposed face 4a of at least either of the first and second installation parts 13 and 23 projects more than opposed faces 4b of the flange parts 14 and 24 of both sides thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to a fitting, a bag with a fitting, and a method for manufacturing a bag with a fitting. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, measures against global warming have become an important issue. Therefore, there is a demand for environmentally friendly products from the viewpoint of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. In particular, packaging materials are attracting attention from the viewpoint of reduction (reducing waste, etc.) because many products are disposable and the amount used is huge.

[0003] Meanwhile, bags with a fastener (zipper tape) attached to the opening (zipper bag) are widely used for packaging materials for food and medicine, storage bags used in ordinary households, etc. Zipper bags are highly convenient because the zipper tape allows the bag to be opened and closed as needed.

[0004] Generally, a zipper tape is composed of a pair of members that are welded to the inner surface of a bag in a facing state, and each of these members is provided with a fitting part that can be detachably fitted. The fitting part has various forms. There are many types in which a male part is fitted to a female part (for example, Patent Document 1), but there are also types in which multiple female parts arranged in parallel are fitted to each other (for example, Patent Document 2).

[0005] However, zipper bags use more synthetic resin than regular bags without zipper tape. Although the amount is small for the zipper bag alone, there is room for improvement in terms of reduction when considering the total amount used. Therefore, it is preferable for the fitting part of the zipper tape, which contains a large amount of resin, to be small. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-297653 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6308532 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, the zipper tape is generally attached to the bag by welding using a predetermined heat sealing machine.

[0008] The attachment process is illustrated in Fig. 7. Here, a zipper tape 100 is illustrated, which is composed of a male component 101 having a male fitting portion 101a and a female component 102 having a female fitting portion 102a. The zipper tape 100 extends in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface, and Fig. 7 shows its cross section. Reference numeral 103 denotes a film that constitutes the bag body.

[0009] The heat sealer is equipped with a pair of band-shaped heater plates 110, 110 whose faces face each other, and a pair of band-shaped guide plates (separators) 111, 111 whose end sides face each other. Each heater plate 110 can be heated to a predetermined temperature and is configured to move toward and away from each other. Each guide plate 111 is configured to be insertable between these heater plates 110.

[0010] 7(a), the zipper tape 100 with the male component 101 and the female component 102 fitted together is placed at a predetermined position between a pair of films 103, 103. A pair of guide plates 111, 111 are inserted from both sides between the opposing surfaces of the male component 101 and the female component 102 of the zipper tape 100. In this state, the two heated heater plates 110, 110 are brought close to each other to press each film 103 from the outside with a predetermined pressure for a predetermined time.

[0011] By doing so, as shown by the dotted line, both films 103, 103 and both side portions (flange portions 104) of the mating portions 101a, 102a of the male side member 101 and the female side member 102 are pressed against each other by both heater plates 110 via the guide plate 111, and are welded together.

[0012] 7(b), the attachment process is completed when both heater plates 110, 110 are separated from the films 103. Depending on the heat sealing machine, following the attachment process, the welded area may be cooled by pressing a pair of plate-shaped cooler plates configured similarly to the heater plate 110 against the film 103.

[0013] In such an attachment process, the function of the guide plate 111 is important. That is, when the heater plate 110 is pressed against the film 103, the guide plate 111 is interposed between the male component 101 and the female component 102, thereby preventing the opposing flanges 104 from welding to each other. Also, the guide plate 111 holds the zipper tape 100 from both sides, thereby holding the zipper tape 100 in an appropriate position and preventing the zipper tape 100 from meandering or shifting in position. Furthermore, the guide plate 111 cooperates with the heater plate 110 to hold the film 103 and the zipper tape 100, which are to be welded, in between, so that the welding can be performed stably and with high accuracy.

[0014] Thus, the guide plate 111 is indispensable in the attachment process. However, in existing heat sealing machines, the thickness of the guide plate 111 is set to 1 mm or more (1.1 mm when dimensional errors are taken into consideration) to match the size of a typical zipper tape. Incidentally, in order to prevent the heat of the guide plate 111 from being directly transmitted to the male component 101 and the female component 102, the guide plate 111 is often wrapped with Teflon tape (Teflon is a registered trademark) or the like.

[0015] Therefore, when trying to make the fitting parts 101a, 102a smaller in order to reduce weight from the viewpoint of reduction, there is a limit. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 8, in the case where the opposing surfaces of the male and female fitting members are generally flat as in the conventional case, if the fitting parts 101a, 102a are made smaller, the interval between the flange parts 104, 104 of the male side member 101 and the female side member 102 also becomes smaller accordingly, so that in order to insert the guide plate 111, the height h of the fitting parts 101a, 102a cannot be made equal to or smaller than the thickness t of the guide plate 111.

[0016] Although it is possible to reduce the thickness of the guide plate 111, this would require modification of the guide plate 111 and the associated adjustment of related devices, which would impair versatility and hinder manufacturing efficiency.

[0017] An object of the disclosed technique is to provide a fitting that allows the use of a conventional heat sealer and guide plate as they are, and that also allows for weight reduction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] The disclosed technology relates to a fitting including a pair of a first member and a second member that fit together.

[0019] The first member has a band-shaped first base material and a first fitting portion provided on the opposing surface of the first base material so as to extend along the longitudinal direction, while the second member has a band-shaped second base material and a second fitting portion provided on the opposing surface of the second base material so as to extend along the longitudinal direction and detachably fitted into the first fitting portion.

[0020] The first base material has a first mounting portion on which the first fitting portion is mounted and a pair of first flange portions extending along both sides of the first mounting portion. The second base material has a second mounting portion on which the second fitting portion is mounted and a pair of second flange portions extending along both sides of the second mounting portion. At least one of the opposing surfaces of the first and second mounting portions protrudes beyond the opposing surfaces of the flange portions on both sides.

[0021] With this fitting device, the opposing surfaces of at least one of the first and second installation portions protrude beyond the opposing surfaces of the flange portions on either side thereof, so that when the first member and the second member are fitted together, the distance between the opposing surfaces in the installation portion is smaller than the distance between the opposing surfaces in the flange portions of the first member and the second member.

[0022] In other words, since the distance between the opposing surfaces of the installation part where the first and second fitting parts are installed is smaller than the distance between the opposing surfaces of the flange part welded to the bag body, i.e., the space into which the guide plate is inserted, these fitting parts can be made smaller even if the guide plate is thick. This allows the fitting tool to be made lighter, making it possible to provide an environmentally friendly product.

[0023] When the first member and the second member are fitted together and the first flange portion and the second flange portion are parallel to each other, the distance between the opposing surfaces of the first and second flange portions may be set to 1 mm or more.

[0024] As mentioned above, the thickness of the guide plate of the existing heat sealing machine is set to 1 mm or more. Therefore, by doing this, it is possible to reduce the size of the fitting part while still using the existing equipment. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the weight without compromising the manufacturing efficiency, and it becomes possible to provide environmentally friendly products at low cost.

[0025] Opposing surfaces of both the first and second installation portions may protrude beyond opposing surfaces of the flange portions on both sides thereof.

[0026] In this way, it becomes easier to make the fitting portion smaller, which can promote weight reduction. Also, by making the first base material and the second base material the same in thickness and shape, it is possible to prevent bias in the action on the bag body.

[0027] At least one of the first and second installation portions may have a width greater than a maximum width of the first and second fitting portions when fitted together.

[0028] This allows the dimensions of the fitting portion to be reduced not only in the height direction perpendicular to the opposing surfaces, but also in the width direction parallel to the opposing surfaces, resulting in even greater weight reduction. During manufacturing, there is no risk of the guide plate coming into contact with the fitting portion due to the presence of the step. Therefore, the fitting can be welded to the bag body without being damaged.

[0029] The disclosed technology also relates to a bag body with a fitting, in which the above-mentioned fitting is attached to the bag body.

[0030] In other words, in the bag body with fitting device, the flange portion of the first base material and the flange portion of the second base material are welded to the inner surface of the bag body so that the first member and the second member fit together, and a gap is formed between the inner surface of the bag body and at least one of the first and second installation portions.

[0031] This bag with fitting can prevent damage to the bag due to the presence of gaps.

[0032] That is, as described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, the fitting portion and the first and second installation portions are harder than the film constituting the bag body, and therefore a difference in flexibility occurs at the boundary between them. As a result, when opening and closing the bag body, stress is concentrated at the boundary, and there is a risk that the bag body will be damaged at that portion.

[0033] In contrast, in the case of this bag with fitting, the existence of a gap between the first and second installation parts, which are easily damaged, and the bag provides the first and second installation parts with "play" that allows for elastic deformation, thereby reducing stress concentration at the boundaries between the fitting parts and the installation parts and the film, and suppressing damage to the bag.

[0034] The disclosed technology also relates to a method of manufacturing a bag with a fitting.

[0035] That is, the manufacturing method includes the steps of preparing the fitting in a fitted state by fitting the above-mentioned first member and the second member, arranging the fitting between a pair of films constituting a predetermined bag body, arranging a guide plate between each flange portion of the first member and each flange portion of the second member facing each other, and pressing a pair of heater plates heated from the outside of each of the pair of films, thereby welding one inner surface of the film to each flange portion of the first member and the other inner surface of the film to each flange portion of the second member via the guide plate.The manufacturing method is characterized in that the distance between the opposing surface of the first installation portion and the opposing surface of the second installation portion is smaller than the thickness of the guide plate.

[0036] In other words, this manufacturing method allows the bag body with fittings, which is lightweight and has the effect of preventing breakage, to be manufactured using existing equipment. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the weight without compromising manufacturing efficiency, making it possible to provide environmentally friendly products at low cost. Effect of the Invention

[0037] The fitting device using the disclosed technology allows the fitting portion to be made smaller while still using a conventional heat sealer and guide plate. This allows for weight reduction without compromising manufacturing efficiency, making it possible to provide environmentally friendly products at low cost. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a zipper bag. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view seen from the direction indicated by arrow A1 in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second embodiment and corresponds to FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a view showing a first modified example of the zipper tape, and corresponds to FIG. 2. [Diagram 5]FIG. 4 is a view showing a second modified example of the zipper tape, and corresponds to FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the zipper tape shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 13A to 13C are diagrams for explaining a manufacturing method of a zipper bag. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining problems with weight reduction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] The disclosed technology will now be described, however, the following description is merely exemplary in nature.

[0040] <Zipper bag> Fig. 1 shows a zipper bag (bag body with fitting) 1A to which the disclosed technology is applied. The zipper bag 1A is used for storing food, medicine, etc. Therefore, although not shown in the figure, the zipper bag 1A in the used state is sealed with a predetermined amount of contents stored therein.

[0041] The zipper bag 1A has a sealable bag body 50 formed by bonding together a pair of films 51, 51. The illustrated bag body 50 is formed in a rectangular shape, and a seal band 52 of a predetermined width is provided around the entire periphery of the bag body 50 by heat sealing (thermal welding).

[0042] The film 51 constituting the bag body 50 may be a single-layer film made of a synthetic resin or a laminated film including a film made of a synthetic resin as long as it is heat-sealable. For example, a laminated film including a sealant film for sealing and a base film for a substrate is suitable for the film 51.

[0043] The illustrated film 51 is a laminated film made up of a sealant film 51a and a base film 51b (see FIG. 2). The pair of laminated films 51, 51 are bonded together with the sides of the sealant films 51a facing each other.

[0044] Examples of the sealant film 51a include low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, and ionomer, which are suitable for heat sealing. Examples of the base film 51b include biaxially oriented nylon, polyester, and biaxially oriented polypropylene, which are excellent in strength. Depending on the application, the laminated film may be provided with a functional layer such as an aluminum deposition layer. The thickness and combination of each film 51, and the shape and size of the bag body 50 can be appropriately selected depending on the specifications.

[0045] In an unused zipper bag 1A containing no contents, for example, three sides of the bag body 50, namely, both long sides and one short side (opening portion 53), are heat-sealed, and one short side (sealed portion 54) of the bag body 50 is left open without being heat-sealed. Contents are filled into the bag body 50 through the opening of the sealed portion 54. Thereafter, the sealed portion 54 is heat-sealed to hermetically seal the bag body 50 with the contents contained therein.

[0046] The opening portion 53 of the bag 50 is provided with a cut-off structure 55 for guiding the opening operation. The cut-off structure 55 is composed of a predetermined cut line 55a (for example, a minute groove) extending along the inside of the seal strip 52, and a notch 55b provided at one end of the cut line 55a. By tearing the bag 50 starting from the notch 55b, the edge of the opening portion 53 is cut along the cut line 55a, and the bag 50 can be easily opened. Note that FIG. 1 shows the state after opening. The cut-off structure 55 may simply be a cut line 55a.

[0047] After opening, an opening 56 that can be opened and closed is formed in the opening portion 53. That is, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 1, a zipper tape (fitting) 2A is attached so as to extend along the inside of the cut line 55a. This zipper tape 2A is designed to be lightweight while ensuring versatility that allows it to be handled in the same way as a conventional zipper tape.

[0048] <Zipper tape> Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view seen from the direction indicated by the arrow A1 in Fig. 1. Zipper tapes 2A are attached to the inner surfaces of the films 51 so as to extend along the edges of the opening 56.

[0049] The zipper tape 2A includes a pair of members (a first member 10 and a second member 20) that fit together. Specifically, the first member 10 includes a strip-shaped first base material 11 having a predetermined width, and a male first fitting portion 12 provided on the opposing surface 4 of the first base material 11 so as to extend along the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the second member 20 includes a strip-shaped second base material 21 having a predetermined width, and a female second fitting portion 22 provided on the opposing surface 4 of the second base material 21 so as to extend along the longitudinal direction.

[0050] The first base material 11 has a first installation portion 13 on which the first fitting portion 12 is installed, and a pair of first flange portions 14, 14 extending along both sides of the first installation portion 13. Similarly, the second base material 21 has a second installation portion 23 on which the second fitting portion 22 is installed, and a pair of second flange portions 24, 24 extending along both sides of the second installation portion 23.

[0051] Furthermore, since both the first and second installation portions 13, 23 have a step relative to the flange portions 14, 24 on both sides, the opposing surfaces 4a of both the first and second installation portions 13, 23 protrude more than the opposing surfaces 4b of the flange portions 14, 24 on both sides.

[0052] In the case of the zipper tape 2A of this embodiment, the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 21 have the same shape. That is, both the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 21 (also simply referred to as "substrates 11, 21") are in the form of a film having a predetermined thickness, and are formed in a long and narrow strip shape. As shown in FIG. 2, the stepped shape provided on both the first and second installation parts 13, 23 when viewed from the cross-sectional direction can be formed by irreversibly recessing the substrates 11, 21 from the opposite side (seal surface 3) of the opposing surface 4 by extrusion molding using a predetermined mold, or by press processing or the like.

[0053] Therefore, the thicknesses of both the first and second installation portions 13, 23 may be the same as or different from the thicknesses of both the first and second flange portions 14, 24. These thicknesses can be adjusted as necessary. Note that the concept of "same thickness" here includes practical dimensional errors such as tolerances (the same applies to the following dimensions).

[0054] The materials of the first member 10 and the second member 20 may be different, but are usually the same. That is, the base materials 11, 21 and the first fitting portion 12 and the second fitting portion 22 (also simply referred to as "fitting portions 12, 22") have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure containing a synthetic resin. FIG. 2 shows a single-layer structure as an example. In the case of a multi-layer structure, for example, a multi-layer structure including a sealant layer for sealing and a base layer for the base material is preferable.

[0055] Examples of the sealant layer include low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, ionomer, etc. that are suitable for thermal welding. Examples of the base layer include low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyester, nylon, polypropylene, etc. The sealant layer is provided so as to be exposed on the seal surface 3 so as to face the sealant film 51a of the bag body 50.

[0056] Thereby, the first and second flange portions 14, 24 are welded to predetermined positions on the inner surface of the tear-open portion 53 of the bag body 50 so that the first member 10 and the second member 20 fit together.

[0057] The first fitting portion 12 is made of a long and thin portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the band-shaped first base material 11. As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 2, the first fitting portion 12 has a shaft portion 30 whose cross-sectional shape extends in the normal direction from the opposing surface 4a of the first installation portion 13, and a hook portion 31 provided at the tip portion of the shaft portion 30.

[0058] The hook portion 31 has a weak action portion 31a facing one side of the shaft portion 30, and a strong action portion 31b facing the other side of the shaft portion 30. The weak action portion 31a has a bulging shape including a curved surface that slopes downward toward both the base end side and the tip side, and the strong action portion 31b has a bulging shape including a curved surface that slopes downward toward the tip side and has a hook portion 31c provided on the base end side.

[0059] The second fitting portion 22 also consists of an elongated portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the belt-shaped second base material 21. The second fitting portion 22 has a pair of curved arms 40, 40 extending in a normal direction from the opposing surface 4a of the second installation portion 23 in opposition to each other, and has a U-shaped cross section. An inverted hook portion 40a that is bent inward is provided at the tip of each curved arm 40.

[0060] When an external force is applied via the bag body 50 so as to push in from the outside while the tip of the first fitting portion 12 is positioned between the curved arms 40, 40 of the second fitting portion 22, the curved arms 40 are elastically deformed and the hook portion 31 fits in between the curved arms 40, 40. This causes the first fitting portion 12 and the second fitting portion 22 to fit together. As a result, the opening 56 closes and the bag body 50 is sealed.

[0061] On the other hand, when an external force is applied through the bag body 50 so as to pull out the first fitting portion 12 and the second fitting portion 22 from the outside while they are engaged, the curved arm portion 40 is elastically deformed and the hook portion 31 is pulled out from between the curved arm portions 40, 40. This separates the first fitting portion 12 and the second fitting portion 22. As a result, the opening portion 56 opens and the bag body 50 is unsealed.

[0062] When the hook portion 31 is pulled out from between the curved arms 40, 40, the weak acting portion 31a side can be pulled out with a relatively weak external force, whereas the strong acting portion 31b side can only be pulled out with a relatively strong external force. In other words, the strong acting portion 31b is configured to be difficult to pull out by the hook portion 31c and the reverse hook portion 40a.

[0063] The first member 10 is disposed with its weak acting portion 31a facing the opening 56 and its strong acting portion 31b facing the inside of the bag body 50. This makes it easier to open the bag body 50 with a smaller external force on the opening 56 side than on the inside of the bag body 50, achieving both improved sealing performance and easy opening of the bag body 50.

[0064] <Step shape> As described above, in this zipper tape 2A, both the first and second installation portions 13, 23 have a step relative to the flange portions 14, 24 on both sides, so that the opposing surfaces 4a of both the first and second installation portions 13, 23 protrude beyond the opposing surfaces 4b of the flange portions 14, 24 on both sides.

[0065] That is, there is a height difference between the opposing surfaces 4b of the flange portions 14, 24 and the opposing surfaces 4a of the installation portions 13, 23 (specifically, the base end portions of the first fitting portion 12 and the second fitting portion 22 on the opposing surfaces 4a).

[0066] 2, when the first member 10 and the second member 20 are fitted together and the first and second flange portions 14, 24 are parallel to each other, the distance S2 between the opposing surfaces 4a of the first and second installation portions 13, 23 can be made smaller than the distance S1 between the opposing surfaces 4b of the first and second flange portions 14, 24. This allows the fitting portions 12, 22 to be made smaller. In other words, the amount of resin required for the fitting portions 12, 22 can be reduced, resulting in a reduction in weight.

[0067] In particular, the distance S1 between the opposing surfaces 4b of the first and second flange portions 14, 24 is preferably set to 1 mm or more, and more preferably 1.1 mm or more.

[0068] As described above, such zipper tape 2A is generally attached to the bag body 50 by welding using a predetermined heat sealing machine. Therefore, the manufacturing method of this zipper bag 1A also includes an attachment step of attaching the zipper tape 2A to the bag body 50 by using a heat sealing machine.

[0069] That is, the zipper tape 2A in the engaged state is prepared by engaging the first member 10 and the second member 20. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the zipper tape 2A is disposed between a pair of films 51, 51 constituting a predetermined bag body 50. After arranging a guide plate between each flange portion 14 of the first member 10 and each flange portion 24 of the second member 20 facing each other, a pair of heater plates 110, 110 heated from the outside of each of the pair of films 51, 51 are pressed. By doing so, one inner surface of the film 51 and each flange portion 14 of the first member 10, and the other inner surface of the film 51 and each flange portion 24 of the second member 20 are welded via the guide plate 111.

[0070] However, as described above, in existing heat sealing machines, the thickness of the guide plate 111 is set to 1 mm or more (1.1 mm when dimensional errors are taken into consideration) in accordance with the size of a general zipper tape. Therefore, there is a limit to how much smaller the fitting parts 12, 22 can be made in order to reduce weight from the viewpoint of reduction.

[0071] On the other hand, if the distance between the opposing surfaces 4b of the first and second flange portions 14, 24 is set to 1 mm or more, welding can be performed using an existing guide plate 111. Therefore, a dedicated guide plate 111 is not required, and no changes or adjustments to the manufacturing equipment are required, resulting in excellent versatility.

[0072] In addition, the distance S2 between the opposing surface 4a of the first installation portion 13 and the opposing surface 4a of the second installation portion 23 can be made smaller than the thickness of the guide plate 111, so that the fitting portions 12, 22 can be made smaller as described above. As a result, weight reduction can be achieved without impairing productivity, making it possible to provide an environmentally friendly product.

[0073] <Additional benefits of zipper tape> When a zipper tape 2A of this type is attached to a bag body 50 in the manner described above, a gap 5 is formed between the inner surface of the bag body 50 and at least one of the first and second installation portions 13, 23 due to the stepped shape.

[0074] The presence of this gap 5 can suppress damage to the bag body 50.

[0075] That is, as described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, the fitting parts 12, 22 and the first and second installation parts 13, 23 are harder than the film 51 constituting the bag body 50, and therefore a difference in flexibility occurs at the boundary part between them. As a result, when opening and closing operations are performed, stress is concentrated at the boundary part, and there is a risk that the bag body 50 will be damaged at that part.

[0076] In contrast, in the case of this zipper tape 2A (zipper bag 1A), the gap 5 exists between the first and second installation parts 13, 23, which are easily damaged, and the bag body 50, so that the first and second installation parts 13, 23 are provided with "play" that allows elastic deformation thereof. This reduces stress concentration at the boundaries between the fitting parts 12, 22 and the installation parts 13, 23 and the film 51, and suppresses damage to the bag body 50.

[0077] The step shape may be provided on either the first substrate 11 or the second substrate 21. However, if a step shape is provided on both the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 21 as in this zipper tape 2A, and the opposing surfaces 4a of the first and second installation portions 13, 23 protrude beyond the opposing surfaces 4b of the flange portions 14, 24 on both sides thereof, gaps 5 are provided between the first and second installation portions 13, 23 and both films 51, 51 constituting the bag body 50, which is effective in suppressing damage to the film 51.

[0078] <Second embodiment> 3 shows a second embodiment of the zipper tape 2A and the zipper bag 1A. FIG. 3 is a view corresponding to FIG.

[0079] The zipper tape (also referred to as the second zipper tape 2B) of this embodiment is different from the above-described zipper tape 2A in that the width W1 of both (or at least either one) of the first and second installation portions 13 and 23 is larger than the maximum width W2 of the fitted first fitting portion 12 and second fitting portion 22. The basic configurations such as the film 51, the first base material 11, and the second base material 21 are the same as those of the above-described zipper tape 2A and zipper back 1A. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations and the description thereof is omitted or simplified (the same applies to the following modification examples).

[0080] Also, the ratio (W2 / W1) of the maximum width W2 of the first fitting portion 12 and the second fitting portion 22 to the width W1 of both the first and second installation portions 13 and 23 is preferably 0.5 < W2 / W1 < 1.0. Within the above range, the fitting portions 12 and 22 do not become too small, and sufficient fitting strength can be obtained. Further, by setting the width W1 of the installation portions 13 and 23 within a predetermined range, the width of the gap 5 becomes an appropriate length, and the adhesion strength with the bag body becomes good.

[0081] In the exemplary second zipper tape 2B, the width W1 of both the first and second installation portions 13 and 23 is formed larger than the maximum width W2 of the first fitting portion 12 and the second fitting portion 22 in the fitted state. Only the width of the first installation portion 13 may be formed larger than the maximum width W2, or only the width of the second installation portion 23 may be formed larger than the maximum width W2. The width W1 of the first or second installation portion 13, 23 is based on the boundary portion 6 on the opposing surface 4b of the first or second flange portion 14, 24, that is, the inflection point where a step occurs from the opposing surface 4b of each flange portion 14, 24.

[0082] According to the second zipper tape 2B, since the dimensions of the fitting portions 12 and 22 can be reduced not only in the height direction perpendicular to the opposing surface 4 but also in the width direction horizontal to the opposing surface 4, it becomes lighter than the above-described zipper tape 2A. Therefore, further weight reduction can be achieved.

[0083] Moreover, even if each guide plate 111 is inserted all the way to the back of the second zipper tape 2B, due to the presence of the step, there is no possibility that each guide plate 111 will contact the fitting portion. Therefore, the second zipper tape 2B can be welded to the bag body 50 without being damaged.

[0084] Furthermore, due to the existence of the gap 5, the "play" effect of the installation parts 13 and 23 can be enhanced, so the stress concentration at the boundary between the fitting parts 12 and 22 and the installation parts 13 and 23 and the film 51 can be further reduced, and the breakage of the bag body 50 can be further suppressed.

[0085] Note that depending on the specifications, the width W1 of at least one of the first and second installation parts 13 and 23 may be made smaller than the maximum width W2 of the fitted first fitting part 12 and second fitting part 22. By doing so, the size of the fitting parts 12 and 22 can be made larger without changing the total amount of synthetic resin used, and the fitting strength can be increased.

[0086] Also, the ratio (W2 / W1) of the maximum width W2 of the first fitting part 12 and the second fitting part 22 to the width W1 of both the first and second installation parts 13 and 23 is preferably 1.0 < W2 / W1 < 2.3. Within the above range, the female second fitting part 22 is firmly fixed to the installation part 23 and has excellent durability.

[0087] <Modification Example of Zipper Tape> Fig. 4 shows a first modification example (first modified zipper tape 2C) of the zipper tape 2A. The form of the boundary between the flange parts 14 and 24 and the installation parts 13 and 23 and the fitting parts 12 and 22 of the first modified zipper tape 2C is different from that of the above-described zipper tape 2A.

[0088] In each of the above-described embodiments, a step shape in which the side end faces 60 substantially perpendicular to the facing surface 4 are observed as the shape of the boundary portion between the flange portions 14, 24 and the installation portions 13, 23 has been exemplified. In contrast, in the first modified zipper tape 2C, these side end faces 60 are inclined surfaces that slope downward from the installation portions 13, 23 toward the flange portions 14, 24. In other words, it is only necessary that there is a height difference between the facing surfaces 4b of the flange portions 14, 24 and the facing surfaces 4a of the installation portions 13, 23, and the shape of the boundary portion can be set arbitrarily.

[0089] In the first modified zipper tape 2C, both the first fitting portion 12 and the second fitting portion 22 are formed of the same male fitting body. That is, each of these fitting portions 12, 22 is formed of a plurality of fitting stems 61 (two in the illustrated example) arranged in parallel.

[0090] Each fitting stem 61 is made of a long and thin portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the base material 11, 21. Each fitting stem 61 has a deformed stem 61a whose cross-sectional shape extends in the normal direction from the opposing surface 4a of the first and second installation parts 13, 23, and an arrowhead-shaped deformed hook part 61b provided at the tip part of the deformed stem 61a.

[0091] These fitting stems 61 are installed in both the first and second installation portions 13, 23 in a staggered, parallel state, with an interval of the width of the deformed stem 61a between them.

[0092] 5 shows a second modified example of the zipper tape 2A (second modified zipper tape 2D). The second modified zipper tape 2D differs from the above-described zipper tape 2A primarily in that a stepped shape is provided only on one of the first member 10 and the second member 20. That is, the first base material 11 has a stepped shape similar to the above-described zipper tape 2A. In contrast, the second base material 21 has no stepped shape similar to the conventional one.

[0093] Even in this embodiment, the distance between the opposing surfaces 4a of the first and second installation portions 13, 23 can be made smaller than the distance between the opposing surfaces 4b of the first and second flange portions 14, 24. Therefore, the fitting portions 12, 22 can be made smaller and lighter.

[0094] Secondly, the second deformed zipper tape 2D is different from the above-mentioned zipper tape 2A in the shape of the mating portions 12, 22. That is, both the first mating portion 12 and the second mating portion 22 are formed of the same female mating body. Specifically, each of the mating portions 12, 22 of the second deformed zipper tape 2D is formed of a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) curved trunk pairs 62 arranged in parallel.

[0095] Each curved arm pair 62 is made of a long and thin portion extending along the base material 11, 21, and is provided across both ends of the base material 11, 21. Each curved arm pair 62 has a U-shaped cross section formed by arranging the curved arms, each of which has an inverted hook portion 62a at its tip, facing each other in the width direction.

[0096] These curved arm pairs 62 are installed in parallel in a staggered manner on both the first and second installation portions 13, 23 at a predetermined interval.

[0097] Even in this embodiment, the distance between the opposing surfaces 4a of the first and second installation portions 13, 23 can be made smaller than the distance between the opposing surfaces 4b of the first and second flange portions 14, 24. Therefore, the fitting portions 12, 22 can be made smaller and lighter.

[0098] 5, the configuration of the film 51 of the bag body 50 is also different. That is, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the bag body 50 using a laminated film is exemplified, but here, the bag body 50 using a single layer film is exemplified. In this way, the film 51 constituting the bag body 50 may be any film that can at least be heat-sealed.

[0099] 6 shows a modification of the second zipper tape 2B (modified second zipper tape 2E). The modified second zipper tape 2E differs from the second zipper tape 2B in that the fitting portions 12, 22 are arranged offset to one side in the width direction with respect to the installation portions 13, 23. Specifically, the widthwise centers of the first fitting portion 12 and the second fitting portion 22 are offset toward one end from the widthwise center of the first or second installation portion 13, 23, and a predetermined interval I exists between these center lines C1, C2.

[0100] The modified second zipper tape 2E is preferably installed in the bag body 50 with the side with the fitting parts 12, 22 (the unevenly distributed side) facing the opening 56 and the side without the fitting parts 12, 22 (the non-unevenly distributed side) facing the inside of the bag body 50. In this way, the unevenly distributed side has less "play" than the non-unevenly distributed side, so that it is relatively easy to apply an external force to it.

[0101] Therefore, when opening the bag 50, the opening 56 is easy to open, whereas the opening 56 is difficult to open from the inside of the bag 50, thereby further improving both the sealing performance and ease of opening the bag 50.

[0102] The disclosed technology is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, but includes various other configurations. For example, the contents described in the above-mentioned embodiments and the modified examples of the zipper tape 2A may be appropriately combined according to the specifications. The configurations of the bag body 50 and the fitting parts 12 and 22 are merely examples.

[0103] Since the gap 5 between the bag body 50 and the installation portions 13, 23 will become smaller or disappear, this is not preferable from the viewpoint of weight reduction, but a height difference in the opposing surfaces 4 may be provided by making the thickness of the installation portions 13, 23 thicker than the flange portions 14, 24. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1A Zipper bag (bag with fitting) 2A Zipper Tape (Interlocking Device) 3 Sealing Surface 4 Opposite Surface 5. Gap 10 First member 11 First base material 12 First fitting part 13 First installation section 14 First flange portion 20 Second member 21 Second base material 22 Second fitting portion 23 Second installation section 24 Second flange portion 50 bags 51 Film 55 Cut-out structure 56 Opening 110 Heater plate 111 Guide plate

Claims

1. A fitting device comprising a pair of first and second members that fit together, the first member has a strip-shaped first base material and a first fitting portion provided on an opposing surface of the first base material so as to extend along a longitudinal direction; the second member has a strip-shaped second base material and a second fitting portion provided on an opposing surface of the second base material so as to extend along a longitudinal direction and detachably fitted to the first fitting portion; the first base material has a first mounting portion on which the first fitting portion is mounted, and a pair of first flange portions extending along both sides of the first mounting portion; the second base member has a second mounting portion on which the second fitting portion is mounted, and a pair of second flange portions extending along both sides of the second mounting portion; A fitting in which the opposing surface of at least one of the first and second installation portions protrudes beyond the opposing surfaces of the flange portions on both sides thereof.

2. 2. The fitting according to claim 1, A fitting device that is configured so that when the first member and the second member are fitted together and the first flange portion and the second flange portion are parallel to each other, the distance between the opposing surfaces of the first and second flange portions is 1 mm or more.

3. The fitting according to claim 1 or 2, A fitting in which the opposing surfaces of both the first and second installation portions protrude beyond the opposing surfaces of the flange portions on both sides.

4. 2. The fitting according to claim 1, A fitting tool in which the width of at least one of the first and second installation portions is greater than the maximum width of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion when they are fitted together.

5. A bag body with a fitting, in which the fitting described in claim 1 is attached to the bag body, a flange portion of the first base material and a flange portion of the second base material are welded to an inner surface of the bag body so that the first member and the second member fit together; A bag body with a fitting, wherein a gap is formed between the inner surface of the bag body and at least one of the first and second installation portions.

6. A method for manufacturing a bag body with a fitting, comprising: The fitting tool in a fitted state is prepared by fitting the first member and the second member as described in claim 1, The fitting is disposed between a pair of films that constitute a predetermined bag body, A guide plate is disposed between each of the flange portions of the first member and each of the flange portions of the second member that face each other, the method includes steps of pressing a pair of heated heater plates against the outer sides of the pair of films, respectively, to weld one inner surface of the film to each flange portion of the first member, and the other inner surface of the film to each flange portion of the second member, via the guide plate; The manufacturing method, characterized in that the distance between the opposing surface of the first mounting portion and the opposing surface of the second mounting portion is smaller than the thickness of the guide plate.

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