Tube container

Abstract

To provide a tube container that is easy for a user to handle even when the amount of contents is relatively small.SOLUTION: In a tube container 1 according to the present invention, a cylindrical barrel part 10 comprises: one end part 13; the other end part 14; and a body part 15. A pouring part 20 comprises: a pouring port 21; and a shoulder part 22. The shoulder part 22 spreads from the pouring port 21 in a radial direction with the pouring port 21 as a center when viewed from an axial direction DA, also extends so as to separate from the pouring port 21 in the axial direction DA and is joined with the one end part 13 of the cylindrical barrel part 10. The body part 15 is configured to deform from a first state where it is positioned so as not to overlap with the shoulder part 22 in the radial direction relative to the axial direction DA to a second state where it is positioned so as to partially enter the inside of the shoulder part 22 in the radial direction relative to the axial direction DA by being pushed in the axial direction DA. The body part 15 is configured to maintain the second state without the action of external force.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tube container. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-54533 (Patent Document 1) discloses a conventional tube container. The tube container includes a cylindrical body portion having one end closed and capable of accommodating the contents, and a spout portion attached to the other end of the body portion and capable of closing the other end of the body portion. The spout portion has a flat closure portion perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the body portion. The other end of the body portion is bonded to the surface of the closure portion opposite to the one end side of the body portion at the edge of the closure portion. The body portion is formed using a film. The closure portion of the spout portion is flat, and therefore does not have a space on the inner side that allows the contents to remain, unlike a spout portion formed in a tapered shape. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-54533 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As a tube container different from the one disclosed in Patent Document 1, a tube container having a pouring part formed in a so-called tapered shape or the like to have a space capable of substantially containing the contents is also well known. In such a tube container, when the amount of the contents is reduced, the contents tend to remain in the inner space of the pouring part. As a result, various inconveniences tend to occur for the user when handling the tube container.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide a tube container that can be easily handled by a user even when the amount of contents becomes relatively small. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The tube container according to the present invention is capable of storing contents and pouring out the contents. The tube container includes a cylindrical body and a pouring part. The cylindrical body has a band-shaped welded part formed by curving or bending a sheet, and overlapping and welding a first side end in the surface direction of the sheet and a second side end opposite the first side end in the thickness direction of the sheet. The pouring part is joined to the cylindrical body and is capable of pouring out the contents stored in the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body has one end, the other end, and a main body. The one end is joined to the pouring part in the axial direction of the cylindrical body. The other end is located on the opposite side to the one end. The main body is located between the one end and the other end. The pouring part has a pouring outlet and a shoulder. The pouring outlet is provided on the opposite side to the cylindrical body side in order to pour out the contents. The shoulder portion extends radially from the spout with the spout as the center when viewed in the axial direction, extends away from the spout in the axial direction, and is joined to one end of the cylindrical body. The main body portion is configured to be deformable from a first state in which it is positioned so as not to overlap with the shoulder portion in the radial direction relative to the axial direction, to a second state in which it is positioned so as to partially enter inside the shoulder portion in the radial direction relative to the axial direction, by being pushed in the axial direction. The main body portion is configured to maintain the second state without the action of an external force.

[0007] According to the above configuration, when the user squeezes out the contents contained in the tube container, the main body part is in the second state, and even if the user stops applying force to the tube container, the main body part is maintained in the second state. This allows the user to start squeezing the contents again from that state. Furthermore, the user can easily recognize that the amount of the contents is relatively small based on the shape of the tube container in that state. Therefore, the tube container according to the present invention can be easily handled by the user even when the amount of the contents is relatively small. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tube container that can be easily handled by a user even when the amount of the contents becomes relatively small. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a tube container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a tube container according to an embodiment of the present invention from one side. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cap portion is removed from a tube container. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cap portion of the tube container according to one embodiment of the present invention is removed, viewed from the other side. [Diagram 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the tube container in FIG. 1, as viewed from the direction of the VV line arrows. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical body of FIG. 1 as seen from the direction of the arrows VI-VI. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a tube container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a sheet constituting a cylindrical body portion and a closing portion according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cylindrical body of FIG. 4, taken along the line IX-IX. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state of the sheet immediately before a blocking portion is formed. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the tube container when the main body is in a second state. [Figure 12] 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tube container shown in FIG. 11 as viewed in the direction of the arrows XII-XII. [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a partially enlarged area XIII of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing a method for producing a tube container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams showing sheets in a stacking step and a cylindrical body forming step. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an ultrasonic horn used in a method for manufacturing a tube container according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a direction facing an anvil. [Figure 17] 17 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic horn of FIG. 16 as viewed in the direction of the arrows along line XVII-XVII. [Figure 18] 1 is a plan view showing an ultrasonic horn in which convex portions of a concave-convex shape are connected to each other in one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 19] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a mold and a cylindrical body when joining the spout portion to the cylindrical body by insert molding in a spout portion joining step. FIG. [Figure 20] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an ultrasonic horn and an anvil used in the occlusion portion forming process together with a cylindrical body. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a tube container according to another modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a tube container in another modified example when the main body is in a second state. [Figure 23] 23 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of an area XXIII in FIG. 22. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a tube container according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description of one embodiment, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are designated by the same reference characters, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] (One embodiment of the present invention) <Tube container> Fig. 1 is a front view showing a tube container according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a tube container according to one embodiment of the present invention from one side. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cap part is removed from the tube container. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cap part is removed from the tube container according to one embodiment of the present invention from the other side. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the tube container in Fig. 1 as viewed from the direction of the VV line arrows.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, a tube container 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cylindrical body portion 10, a pouring portion 20, a closing portion 30, and a cap portion 40. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical body portion of Figure 1 as viewed from the direction of the arrows VI-VI. Note that the cap portion 40 is not shown in the tube container 1 shown in Figure 5. The cap portion 40 may not be shown in the figures described later.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the cylindrical body portion 10 has a sheet base portion 11, a welded portion 12, one end portion 13, the other end portion 14, and a main body portion 15.

[0014] Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a tube container according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the sheet base 11 is located between a first side end portion SE1 in the surface direction DP of one sheet S and a second side end portion SE2 of the sheet S located opposite to the first side end portion SE1. The welded portion 12 is formed by curving or bending the sheet S, and overlapping and welding the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2 to each other in the thickness direction of the sheet S. The thickness direction is a direction perpendicular to the surface direction DP of the sheet S.

[0015] Thus, in this embodiment, the cylindrical body portion 10 is made of one sheet S. First, the sheet S will be described in detail.

[0016] The sheet S before the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2 are welded to each other has a rectangular outer shape when viewed in the thickness direction of the sheet S. However, the shape of the sheet S when viewed in the thickness direction is not limited as long as it can be curved or bent to form the cylindrical body portion 10.

[0017] Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a sheet constituting a cylindrical body portion and a closing portion according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 8, the sheet S includes at least a first base material layer SL1. The first base material layer SL1 is located toward the center of the cylindrical body portion 10 in the radial direction of the cylindrical body portion 10. In other words, the first base material layer SL1 is the innermost layer of the cylindrical body portion 10.

[0018] The first base layer SL1 contains a resin component as a main component, for example, a polyester-based resin or a polyolefin-based resin as a main component. From the viewpoint of improving recyclability, it is preferable that the first base layer SL1 contains a polyester-based resin as a main component.

[0019] When the first base layer SL1 contains a polyolefin-based resin as a main component, examples of the polyolefin-based resin include polyethylene, polypropylene, cyclic olefin polymer, etc. From the viewpoint of recyclability, the polyolefin-based resin of the first base layer SL1 is preferably polypropylene.

[0020] When the first base layer SL1 contains a polyester-based resin as a main component, the polyester-based resin is not particularly limited as long as it can be used for the cylindrical body portion 10 of the tube container 1. Examples of polyester-based resins include polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG, polyethylene terephthalate in which a part of the glycol component is modified with cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) or neopentyl glycol, etc.), polylactic acid, etc. The first base layer SL1 preferably contains only polyester-based resin as a resin component.

[0021] From the viewpoint of recyclability of the cylindrical body 10, the polyester-based resin in the first base layer SL1 is preferably homopolyethylene terephthalate, or polyethylene terephthalate such as copolymerized polyethylene terephthalate obtained by copolymerizing ethylene glycol, terephthalic acid, and a third component, or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, and is more preferably homopolyethylene terephthalate. In addition, the polyester-based resin in the first base layer SL1 is preferably an amorphous polyester-based resin (amorphous polyethylene terephthalate, glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, etc.) from the viewpoint of welding the sheets S in the welding portion 12 with relatively low energy and from the viewpoint of efficiently transmitting ultrasonic vibrations. Therefore, the first base layer SL1 is most preferably an amorphous homopolyethylene terephthalate from the viewpoints of both the recyclability of the cylindrical body 10 and the adhesiveness of the sheets S in the welding portion 12 and the closing portion 30 described later. From the standpoint of reducing the environmental impact, it is preferable that the polyester-based resin in the first base material layer SL1 is made from recycled materials or biomass materials, but when contents are to be stored inside the cylindrical body portion 10, it is preferable that the polyester-based resin in the first base material layer SL1 is made from virgin materials.

[0022] The first base layer SL1 may be a single layer film or a part of a laminated film. The film (single layer film or laminated film) constituting the first base layer SL1 may be a non-stretched, uniaxially stretched, or biaxially stretched film. From the viewpoint of further improving the adhesiveness between the sheets S in the cylindrical body portion 10 and the closing portion 30 described later, and the bonding strength between the cylindrical body portion 10 and the pouring portion 20, the first base layer SL1 is preferably composed of a non-stretched or uniaxially stretched film, and more preferably composed of a non-stretched film. If the first base layer SL1 is composed of a non-stretched or uniaxially stretched film, crystallization of the surface of the first base layer SL1 is suppressed, so that the weldability with other layers is improved when ultrasonic welding is performed. It is particularly preferable that the first base layer SL1 contains a polyester resin as a main component and is composed of a non-stretched film.

[0023] In this embodiment, the sheet S further includes a second base material layer SL2. The second base material layer SL2 is laminated on the first base material layer SL1. The second base material layer SL2 is located radially outward of the cylindrical body portion 10 as viewed from the first base material layer SL1. The sheet S does not necessarily have to include the second base material layer SL2. The sheet S may further include another layer between the first base material layer SL1 and the second base material layer SL2.

[0024] In this embodiment, the second base layer SL2 contains a resin component as a main component, for example, a polyester-based resin or a polyolefin-based resin as a main component. From the viewpoint of improving recyclability, the second base layer SL2 preferably contains a polyester-based resin as a main component, similar to the first base layer SL1.

[0025] The polyolefin resin for the second base layer SL2 may be any polyolefin resin that can be used for the first base layer SL1. From the viewpoint of recyclability, the polyolefin resin for the second base layer SL2 is preferably polypropylene.

[0026] The polyester-based resin of the second base layer SL2 may be the same as that of the first base layer SL1. The second base layer SL2 preferably contains only polyester-based resin as a resin component. From the viewpoint of recyclability, the polyester-based resin of the second base layer SL2 is preferably homopolyethylene terephthalate, or polyethylene terephthalate such as copolymerized polyethylene terephthalate obtained by copolymerizing ethylene glycol, terephthalic acid, and a third component, or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, and is more preferably homopolyethylene terephthalate. From the viewpoint of reducing the environmental load, the polyester-based resin in the second base layer SL2 is preferably made of recycled materials or biomass materials, but from the viewpoint of reducing the manufacturing costs of the cylindrical body portion 10 and the closing portion 30 described later, it is also preferable that the polyester-based resin in the second base layer SL2 is made of virgin materials.

[0027] The second base layer SL2 may be a monolayer film or a part of a laminate film. The monolayer film or laminate film constituting the second base layer SL2 may be a non-stretched film, a monoaxially stretched film, or a biaxially stretched film. The film constituting the second base layer SL2 is preferably a biaxially stretched film. This allows the tubular body 10 to be made thinner in the radial direction while maintaining its strength. In addition, when the sheet S includes a barrier layer BL described later, the film constituting the second base layer SL2 is a biaxially stretched film, so that cracks in the barrier layer BL can be suppressed. When the second base layer SL2 is a part of a laminate film, the second base layer SL2 may be formed as one layer of the laminate film together with the first base layer SL1, or may be directly laminated on the first base layer SL1 without an adhesive layer or the like. It is particularly preferable that the second base layer SL2 contains a polyester resin as a main component and is formed of a biaxially stretched film.

[0028] In this embodiment, the sheet S further includes a barrier layer BL. The barrier layer BL is located on the first base layer SL1 side as viewed from the second base layer SL2, but may be located on the opposite side of the first base layer SL1 as viewed from the second base layer SL2. The sheet S does not necessarily need to include the barrier layer BL.

[0029] The material constituting the barrier layer BL is not particularly limited. Examples of the barrier layer BL include a ceramic barrier layer such as a silica barrier layer or an alumina barrier layer, and a metal barrier layer such as an aluminum barrier layer. In this embodiment, the barrier layer BL is laminated on the second base layer SL2 (specifically, the film constituting the second base layer SL2) by vapor deposition.

[0030] In this embodiment, the sheet S further includes a first adhesive layer AL1. The first adhesive layer AL1 is located between the first base layer SL1 and the second base layer SL2. More specifically, the first adhesive layer AL1 is located between the first base layer SL1 and the barrier layer BL, and bonds them to each other. When the barrier layer BL is not located between the first base layer SL1 and the second base layer SL2, the first adhesive layer AL1 bonds the first base layer SL1 and the second base layer SL2 to each other. The adhesive constituting the first adhesive layer AL1 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a dry lamination adhesive. As the dry lamination adhesive, a conventionally known adhesive can be used.

[0031] In this embodiment, the sheet S further includes a third base material layer SL3. The third base material layer SL3 is laminated on the opposite side of the first base material layer SL1 as viewed from the second base material layer SL2. The third base material layer SL3 is located radially outward of the cylindrical body portion 10 as viewed from the first base material layer SL1 and the second base material layer SL2. The third base material layer SL3 may be located between the first base material layer SL1 and the second base material layer SL2.

[0032] The sheet S may further include another layer between the first base layer SL1 and the third base layer SL3. The sheet S may further include another layer between the second base layer SL2 and the third base layer SL3. The sheet S may not include the third base layer SL3.

[0033] In this embodiment, the third base layer SL3 contains a resin component as a main component, and may contain, for example, a polyolefin resin or a polyester resin as a main component. As the resin component of the third base layer SL3, a polyolefin resin or a similar polyolefin resin and polyester resin that can be used as the main component of the first base layer SL1 and the second base layer SL2 can be used. When the third base layer SL3 is laminated on the opposite side of the first base layer SL1 from the second base layer SL2, from the viewpoint of the adhesion between the sheets S at the welding portion 12, the third base layer SL3 preferably contains the same type of resin component as the main component of the first base layer SL1. This allows the first base layer SL1 and the third base layer SL3 to be welded to each other at the welding portion 12, and the bonding strength between the sheets S at the welding portion 12 can be further improved. The third base layer SL3 also preferably contains a polyester resin as a main component, similar to the first base layer SL1.

[0034] The polyester-based resin that can be used as the main component of the third base layer SL3 is preferably polyethylene terephthalate or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, and more preferably homopolyethylene terephthalate. From the viewpoint of reducing the environmental load, the polyester-based resin in the third base layer SL3 is preferably made of recycled materials or biomass materials, but from the viewpoint of reducing the manufacturing cost of the cylindrical body portion 10, it is also preferable that the polyester-based resin in the third base layer SL3 is made of virgin materials.

[0035] The third base layer SL3 may be a monolayer film or a part of a laminated film. The film (monolayer film or laminated film) constituting the third base layer SL3 may be composed of any of a non-stretched film, a uniaxially stretched film, and a biaxially stretched film. From the viewpoint of the adhesiveness between the sheets S in the cylindrical body portion 10 (i.e., the ease of welding between the first base layer SL1 and the third base layer SL3 in the welding portion 12), the third base layer SL3 is preferably composed of a non-stretched film or a uniaxially stretched film, and more preferably composed of a non-stretched film. If the third base layer SL3 is composed of a non-stretched or uniaxially stretched film, crystallization of the surface of the third base layer SL3 is suppressed, so that welding with other layers is improved when ultrasonic welding is performed. It is particularly preferable that the third base layer SL3 contains a polyester resin as a main component and is composed of a non-stretched film.

[0036] The third base layer SL3 is preferably the outermost layer of the sheet S, and is preferably the outermost layer of the sheet S at least in the welded portion 12 and the closed portion 30.

[0037] In this embodiment, the sheet S further includes a second adhesive layer AL2. The second adhesive layer AL2 is located between the second base layer SL2 and the third base layer SL3, and bonds them to each other. The adhesive constituting the second adhesive layer AL2 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a dry lamination adhesive. As the dry lamination adhesive, a conventionally known adhesive can be used.

[0038] The sheet S may further include a printed layer for improving design. The printed layer may be located between any layers as long as it is located radially outward from the first base layer SL1, which is the innermost layer of the cylindrical body 10. For example, the printed layer may be located on the opposite side of the first base layer SL1 from the second base layer SL2, or may be located between the first base layer SL1 and the second base layer SL2, or may be located on the opposite side of the second base layer SL2 from the first base layer SL1. The printed layer may be located on the opposite side of the second base layer SL2 from the third base layer SL3, or may be located between the third base layer SL3 and the second base layer SL2. It is preferable that the printed layer is located on the opposite side of the second base layer SL2 from the third base layer SL3.

[0039] It is also preferable that the sheet S does not include a printed layer in the welded portion 12. This makes it possible to prevent the printed layer from melting during welding of the welded portion 12, which would result in a decrease in the aesthetic appeal of the tube container 1. It is also preferable that the sheet S does not include a printed layer in the closing portion 30, which will be described later. This makes it possible to prevent the printed layer from melting during welding of the closing portion 30, which would result in a decrease in the aesthetic appeal of the tube container 1.

[0040] The printing layer is made of, for example, ink, such as oil-based ink (including solvent-based ink using an organic solvent as a solvent), water-based ink (including water-dispersed emulsion ink), or UV-curable ink.

[0041] The sheet S may further include an anchor coat layer. The anchor coat layer is located between the printed layer and another layer. The anchor coat layer enhances the adhesion between the printed layer and another layer. The anchor coat layer can be formed using a conventionally known anchor coat agent or the like.

[0042] When the sheet S includes a printed layer, a transparent protective layer may be further laminated on the printed layer. The transparent protective layer may be, for example, a resin film such as a polypropylene film, or a layer made of transparent ink.

[0043] From the viewpoint of forming the sheet S into a cylindrical shape and from the viewpoint of the ease of handling of the tube container 1, the total thickness of the sheet S is preferably, for example, 12 μm or more and 250 μm or less. This allows the cylindrical body portion 10 to be imparted with squeezability that allows the contents contained in the container to be poured out by pushing them out when the cylindrical body portion 10 is used as a part of the container. Furthermore, when the sheet S includes a first base layer SL1 containing a polyester resin as a main component, a fold line extending in the axial direction DA can be easily formed in the cylindrical body portion 10 by having a total thickness of the sheet S of 12 μm or more and 250 μm or less (for example, see FIG. 11 described later). This allows the cylindrical body portion 10 to be imparted with good squeezability.

[0044] The thickness of the first base layer SL1 is preferably, for example, 10 μm to 250 μm, and the thickness of the second base layer SL2 is preferably, for example, 5 μm to 200 μm, and more preferably 5 μm to 100 μm.

[0045] When the sheet S includes a plurality of layers stacked together, the first base layer SL1 is preferably thicker than the second base layer SL2, since it is the innermost layer of the cylindrical body 10 and will necessarily be bonded to other layers when the welding portion 12 is welded. This reduces the effect of the resin component contained in the second base layer SL2 on the strength of welding between the sheets S when welding at the welding portion 12. In order to further reduce this effect, the thickness of the first base layer SL1 is preferably 1.5 times or more, more preferably 3 times or more, and even more preferably 5 times or more, the thickness of the second base layer SL2. The first base layer SL1 may be the thickest layer in the sheet S. In this specification, the thickness of the sheet S and the layers constituting it refers to the sheet S and the thickness of these components in a state before the cylindrical body 10 is formed, and corresponds to the radial thickness of the layer constituting the extension portion 113 (described in detail later) in the sheet base 11 in the cylindrical body 10.

[0046] The thickness of the third base layer SL3 is preferably, for example, 10 μm or more and 250 μm or less. The thickness of the third base layer SL3 is preferably, for example, 5 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and more preferably, 5 μm or more and 100 μm or less. The thickness of the third base layer SL3 may be the same as that of the first base layer SL1. This makes it possible to configure the third base layer SL3 with the same film as that configuring the first base layer SL1. The thickness of the third base layer SL3 may be different from that of the first base layer SL1. It is also preferable that the thickness of the third base layer SL3 is thicker than that of the first base layer SL1. By making the thickness of the third base layer SL3 thicker than that of the first base layer SL1, the sheet S is more likely to curl concavely on the first base layer SL1 side, and the sheet S is more easily formed into a cylindrical shape. The third base layer SL3 may be the thickest layer in the sheet S. The third base layer SL3 is preferably thicker than the second base layer SL2.

[0047] Next, the sheet base 11 and the welded portion 12 will be described in detail. Fig. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cylindrical body portion of Fig. 4, seen from the direction of the arrows IX-IX. As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, 6 and 9, the sheet base 11 has a first base end portion 111, a second base end portion 112, and an extension portion 113.

[0048] The first base end 111 is a portion that is continuous with the second side end SE2 of the sheet S. The second base end 112 is a portion that is continuous with the first side end SE1 of the sheet S. The first base end 111 and the second base end 112 each extend from one end 13 to the other end 14 of the cylindrical body portion 10 along the welded portion 12 (see FIGS. 1 to 4 and 6).

[0049] The average thickness of the first base end 111 and the second base end 112 is different from the thickness of the sheet S (the radial thickness of the extending portion 113) before the cylindrical body portion 10 is formed.

[0050] The first base end 111 and the second base end 112 may have both thicker and thinner portions in the radial direction than the thickness of the sheet S before the cylindrical body portion 10 is formed, or may be composed of only thick portions or only thin portions. For example, in the cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 9, the radial thickness of the first base end 111 is thicker than the thickness of the sheet S in the state before the cylindrical body portion 10 is formed (the radial thickness of the extension portion 113). The second base end 112 has a portion in which the radial thickness is thinner than the thickness of the sheet S in the state before the cylindrical body portion 10 is formed (the radial thickness of the extension portion 113), and a thicker portion.

[0051] The extension portion 113 is a portion located between the first base end portion 111 and the second base end portion 112 in the planar direction DP of the sheet S (the circumferential direction DC of the cylindrical body portion 10) (see FIG. 6). The extension portion 113 has a substantially C-shaped outer shape when viewed in the axial direction DA of the cylindrical body portion 10. The thickness of the extension portion 113 in the radial direction of the cylindrical body portion 10 is equal to the thickness of the sheet S before the cylindrical body portion 10 is formed.

[0052] The band-shaped welded portion 12 is formed by curving or bending the sheet S, and overlapping and welding the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2 to each other in the thickness direction of the sheet S. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the first side end portion SE1 and the inner peripheral surface of the second side end portion SE2 are welded to each other (see FIG. 6). The welded portion 12 extends along the axial direction DA of the cylindrical body portion 10 (see FIG. 4). The welded portion 12 extends continuously from one end portion 13 to the other end portion 14.

[0053] The weld portion 12 has a first leading edge 121, a second leading edge 122, a weld portion outer circumferential surface 123, and a weld portion inner circumferential surface .

[0054] 9, the first leading edge 121 is the leading edge of the first side end portion SE1 in the circumferential direction DC of the cylindrical body portion 10. The first leading edge 121 is joined to the first base end portion 111. This makes the welded area of ​​the welded portion 12 relatively large. Furthermore, when peeling stress is applied to the welded portion 12, the stress is dispersed. This improves the weld strength of the welded portion 12.

[0055] In this embodiment, there is a boundary between the first base material layer SL1 of the first side end portion SE1 and the first base material layer SL1 of the first base end portion 111 at the first tip edge 121, but this boundary does not have to be present. That is, the first base material layer SL1 of the first side end portion SE1 and the first base material layer SL1 of the first base end portion 111 may be fused to each other and continuous in the circumferential direction DC.

[0056] Furthermore, the first leading edge 121 is located within the thickness of the first base end portion 111 as viewed from the direction along the circumferential direction DC. This reduces the chance of the first leading edge 121 coming into contact with an external object. In particular, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the first side end portion SE1 and the inner peripheral surface of the second side end portion SE2 are welded to each other to form the welded portion 12 (see FIG. 6). Therefore, the first leading edge 121 is located within the thickness of the first base end portion 111 as viewed from the direction along the circumferential direction DC, thereby reducing the chance of the content of the tube container 1 coming into contact with the first leading edge 121. At this time, it is sufficient that at least a part of the first leading edge 121 is located within the thickness of the first base end portion 111 as viewed from the direction along the circumferential direction DC. However, it is most preferable that the entire first leading edge 121 is located within the thickness of the first base end portion 111 as viewed from the direction along the circumferential direction DC, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0057] Furthermore, the first interlayer portion SB1 between the first base layer SL1 and the second base layer SL2 at the first side end portion SE1 contacts the first base end portion 111 within the thickness of the first base end portion 111 when viewed in the circumferential direction DC. This makes it difficult for the contents of the tube container 1 to contact the first interlayer portion SB1 between the first base layer SL1 and the second base layer SL2 at the first side end portion SE1. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of delamination between the first base layer SL1 and the second base layer SL2 due to the contents contacting the first interlayer portion SB1.

[0058] 6, it is shown that a boundary surface is formed between the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2. However, in this embodiment, actually, referring to FIG. 9, the third base material layer SL3 of the first side end portion SE1 and the first base material layer SL1 of the second side end portion SE2 are melted together to form an integral layer ML. Therefore, at least the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2 do not clearly form a boundary surface along the circumferential direction DC. The details of the integral layer ML will be described later.

[0059] The first tip edge 121 extends from one end 13 to the other end 14 in the axial direction DA of the cylindrical body 10 (see FIG. 4).

[0060] 9, the second leading edge 122 is the leading edge of the second side end portion SE2 in the circumferential direction DC. The second leading edge 122 is joined to the second base end portion 112. This makes the welded area of ​​the welded portion 12 relatively large. In turn, when peeling stress is applied to the welded portion 12, this stress is dispersed.

[0061] In this embodiment, there is a boundary between the third base material layer SL3 of the second side end portion SE2 and the third base material layer SL3 of the second base end portion 112 at the second tip edge 122, but this boundary may not be present. That is, the third base material layer SL3 of the second side end portion SE2 and the third base material layer SL3 of the second base end portion 112 may be melted together and continuous in the circumferential direction DC.

[0062] Furthermore, the second leading edge 122 is located within the thickness of the second base end 112 when viewed from the direction along the circumferential direction DC. This reduces the chance of the second leading edge 122 coming into contact with an external object. In this case, it is sufficient that at least a part of the second leading edge 122 is located within the thickness of the second base end 112 when viewed from the direction along the circumferential direction DC. However, it is most preferable that the entire second leading edge 122 is located within the thickness of the second base end 112 when viewed from the direction along the circumferential direction DC, as shown in FIG.

[0063] Furthermore, the second interlayer portion SB2 between the second base layer SL2 and the third base layer SL3 at the second side end portion SE2 contacts the second base end portion 112 within the thickness of the second base end portion 112 when viewed in the direction along the circumferential direction DC. This makes it difficult for other objects located outside the cylindrical body portion 10 to come into contact with the second interlayer portion SB2, and ultimately makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of delamination between the second base layer SL2 and the third base layer SL3 due to the other objects coming into contact with the second interlayer portion SB2.

[0064] The second tip edge 122 extends from one end 13 to the other end 14 in the axial direction DA of the cylindrical body 10 (see FIG. 4).

[0065] Next, the integrated layer ML will be described. As shown in Fig. 9, the integrated layer ML is a layer formed as a single layer by melting the third base layer SL3 of the first side end portion SE1 and the first base layer SL1 of the second side end portion SE2 together. Therefore, the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2 are firmly connected to each other.

[0066] The integral layer ML is welded to the first base material layer SL1 of the first base end 111. Specifically, the integral layer ML does not form a boundary with the first base material layer SL1 of the first base end 111, and is continuous with the first base material layer SL1 of the first base end 111 in the circumferential direction DC. This allows the integral layer ML to be firmly connected to the first base material layer SL1 of the first base end 111. In addition, the integral layer ML is welded to the third base material layer SL3 of the second base end 112. Specifically, the integral layer ML does not form a boundary with the third base material layer SL3 of the second base end 112, and is continuous with the third base material layer SL3 of the second base end 112 in the circumferential direction DC. This allows the integral layer ML and the third base material layer SL3 of the second base end 112 to be firmly connected to each other.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 9, the welded outer peripheral surface 123 faces radially outward of the cylindrical body portion 10. The welded outer peripheral surface 123 is configured at the second side end portion SE2. The welded outer peripheral surface 123 is formed with projections and recesses. That is, the second side end portion SE2 is formed with projections and recesses on the radially outer side. The formation of projections and recesses on the welded outer peripheral surface 123 can improve tactile identification and makes it difficult for the cylindrical body portion 10 to slip off when gripped.

[0068] In the welded portion 12, unevenness is formed over the entire circumferential direction DC of the welded portion outer peripheral surface 123 from one end 13 to the other end 14 of the cylindrical body portion 10 (see Figs. 4 and 9). In the welded portion 12 (second side end portion SE2), the second interlayer portion SB2 between the second base material layer SL2 and the third base material layer SL3 extends so as to follow the uneven shape of the welded portion outer peripheral surface 123 (see Fig. 9).

[0069] In this embodiment, the protrusions 125 in the unevenness formed on the welded outer peripheral surface 123 are formed in a lattice pattern when viewed from the radial direction of the cylindrical body portion 10 (see FIG. 4). However, the shape of the protrusions 125 when viewed from the radial direction of the cylindrical body portion 10 is not particularly limited. The welded outer peripheral surface 123 may have recesses formed in a lattice pattern. By forming the protrusions 125 or recesses in the unevenness formed on the welded outer peripheral surface 123 in a lattice pattern, the welding area between the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2 can be increased in both the circumferential direction DC and the axial direction DA of the cylindrical body portion 10.

[0070] The protrusions 125 or recesses may be formed in a plurality of dots or a plurality of parallel lines as viewed from the radial direction of the cylindrical body 10. The height dimension of the protrusions 125 in the unevenness formed on the outer peripheral surface 123 of the welded portion is greater than the thickness (thickness of 113) of the sheet S before the formation of the cylindrical body 10. The height dimension of the protrusions 125 in the unevenness formed on the outer peripheral surface 123 of the welded portion is preferably 1.1 times or more, more preferably 1.2 times or more, and even more preferably 1.5 times or more, of the thickness (thickness of the extension portion 113) of the sheet S before the formation of the cylindrical body 10. The larger the height dimension of the protrusions 125, the longer the length in the direction along the circumferential direction DC of the second interlayer portion SB2 extending along the shape of the unevenness becomes, and the peeling stress applied to the welded portion 12 is dispersed, improving the strength of the welded portion 12.

[0071] On the other hand, the welded portion inner circumferential surface 124 faces the radially inward direction of the cylindrical body portion 10. The welded portion inner circumferential surface 124 is smooth along the circumferential direction DC.

[0072] Since the welded portion 12 has the welded portion outer peripheral surface 123 and the welded portion inner peripheral surface 124 as described above, the welded portion 12 has a portion with a relatively thick radial thickness (a portion where the convex portion 125 is located) and a portion with a relatively thin radial thickness. In the welded portion 12, the radial thickness dimension of the portion with the thickest radial thickness is, for example, more than 1.5 times and not more than 3 times the radial thickness dimension of the extension portion 113 of the sheet base 11 (i.e., the thickness dimension of the sheet S in a state before the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2 are welded to each other). In the welded portion 12, the radial thickness dimension of the portion with the thinnest radial thickness is, for example, 0.3 times or more and not more than 1.5 times the radial thickness dimension of the extension portion 113 of the sheet base 11 (i.e., the thickness dimension of the sheet S in a state before the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2 are welded to each other).

[0073] In this embodiment, the uneven shape is formed on the welded portion outer peripheral surface 123, but the uneven shape may be formed on the welded portion inner peripheral surface 124. When the uneven shape is formed on the welded portion inner peripheral surface 124, the convex portion of the uneven shape may have a configuration similar to that of the convex portion 125 described above. In this case, in the welded portion 12 (first side end portion SE1), the first interlayer portion SB1 between the first base material layer SL1 and the second base material layer SL2 may extend so as to follow the uneven shape of the welded portion inner peripheral surface 124. Furthermore, in this case, the welded portion outer peripheral surface 123 may be smooth so as to follow the circumferential direction DC.

[0074] 1 to 5, one end 13 is joined to the pouring portion 20 in the axial direction DA of the cylindrical body 10. By being joined to the pouring portion 20, the one end 13 is configured to have no flexibility and be able to maintain its outer shape. When viewed in the axial direction DA of the cylindrical body 10, the one end 13 has an outer shape of a circular ring. When viewed in the axial direction DA of the cylindrical body 10, the one end 13 may have an outer shape of an elliptical ring or a polygonal ring.

[0075] One end 13 in the axial direction DA of the cylindrical body 10 consists of one end of the sheet base 11 in the axial direction DA and one end of the welded portion 12. In the one end 13, the first tip edge 121 is also preferably located within the thickness of the first base end 111 when viewed from the direction along the circumferential direction DC. This makes the inner surface of the cylindrical body 10 relatively smooth in the vicinity of the first tip edge 121 of the one end 13, and the inner surface of the cylindrical body 10 can be easily joined to the pouring portion 20.

[0076] It is also preferable that, at one end 13, the second tip edge 122 is located within the thickness of the second base end 112 when viewed from the direction along the circumferential direction DC. This makes the outer surface of the cylindrical body 10 relatively smooth in the vicinity of the second tip edge 122 of one end 13, and when joining at least a part of the pouring portion 20 to the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 10, the outer surface of the cylindrical body 10 can be easily joined to the pouring portion 20.

[0077] In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 124 of the welded portion is smooth along the circumferential direction DC also at one end 13. This makes it easy to join the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 10 and the pouring portion 20 at one end 13.

[0078] The other end 14 is located on the opposite side of the one end 13. The other end 14 in the axial direction DA of the cylindrical body 10 extends along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction DA (specifically, a second direction described later). The other end 14 is closed by a closing portion 30. The other end 14 extends along the closing portion 30.

[0079] The main body 15 is located between the one end 13 and the other end 14. The main body 15 can be in a first state and a second state. The main body 15 shown in Figs. 1 to 6 is in the first state. In the first state, the main body 15 is located so as not to overlap the shoulder 22 in the radial direction relative to the axial direction DA. For example, when the tube container 1 according to this embodiment is densely filled with contents, the main body 15 is in the first state. In this specification, when the state of the main body 15 is not described, the main body 15 is in the first state. The second state will be described later.

[0080] 1 to 5, the pouring part 20 is joined to one end 13 in the axial direction DA of the cylindrical body 10. This allows the pouring part 20 to pour out the content accommodated in the cylindrical body 10. In this embodiment, the pouring part 20 also has a shape capable of accommodating the content, and the tube container 1 can accommodate the content in the accommodation space formed by the cylindrical body 10 and the pouring part 20.

[0081] Specifically, the pouring portion 20 is located radially inside one end 13 of the cylindrical body portion 10. The pouring portion 20 may be located radially outside one end 13 of the cylindrical body portion 10. The pouring portion 20 may be located both radially outside and radially inside one end 13 of the cylindrical body portion 10.

[0082] The pouring part 20 has a pouring outlet 21 and a shoulder part 22. The pouring outlet 21 is provided on the opposite side to the cylindrical body part 10 side in order to pour out the contents. In other words, the pouring outlet 21 connects the inside and outside of the tube container 1 with the cap part 40 removed. The pouring outlet 21 extends along the axial direction DA of the cylindrical body part 10 and has a substantially cylindrical outer shape.

[0083] Shoulder portion 22 expands radially from spout 21 with spout 21 as the center when viewed in axial direction DA, extends away from spout 21 in axial direction DA, and is joined to one end 13 of cylindrical body 10. In this embodiment, shoulder portion 22 has a circular outer shape when viewed in axial direction DA, but may be an elliptical or polygonal shape.

[0084] The shoulder portion 22 has a joint end portion 221 and a reduced diameter portion 222. In the shoulder portion 22, the joint end portion 221 is the end portion opposite the spout 21 side, and is joined to one end portion 13 of the cylindrical body portion 10. In this embodiment, the one end portion 13 of the cylindrical body portion 10 is joined to the outside of the joint end portion 221 in the radial direction relative to the axial direction DA.

[0085] At least a part of the end face 221a of the joint end 221 facing the axial direction DA is curved in a convex shape toward the storage space of the tube container 1 (see FIG. 13 described later). More specifically, the corners on the inner periphery side of the end face 221a are R-chamfered.

[0086] The maximum thickness of the joint end 221 in the radial direction relative to the axial direction DA is preferably 100 μm or more and 1000 μm or less. The maximum thickness may be 120 μm or more or 150 μm or more. The maximum thickness may be 500 μm or less, 450 μm or less, or 400 μm or less. In addition, the ratio of the total thickness of the sheets S constituting the cylindrical body portion 10 to the maximum thickness of the joint end 221 in the radial direction relative to the axial direction DA is preferably 0.025 or more and 2.5 or less. The ratio may be 0.05 or more or 0.1 or more, and may be 2.0 or less, or 1.5 or less.

[0087] The reduced diameter portion 222 connects the joint end portion 221 and the spout 21. The inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion 222 in the axial direction DA gradually decreases toward the spout 21.

[0088] In the tube container 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the pouring part 20 is made of a resin composition containing a polyester resin as a main component. The polyester resin in the pouring part 20 can be the same as the polyester resin in the first base layer SL1. From the viewpoint of the recyclability of the tube container 1, the polyester resin in the pouring part 20 is preferably homopolyethylene terephthalate, or polyethylene terephthalate such as copolymerized polyethylene terephthalate obtained by copolymerizing ethylene glycol, terephthalic acid, and a third component, or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, and is more preferably homopolyethylene terephthalate. In addition, from the viewpoint of the moldability of the pouring part 20, the polyester resin in the pouring part 20 is preferably an amorphous polyester resin (amorphous polyethylene terephthalate, glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, etc.). The polyester resin in the pouring part 20 may be a crystalline polyester resin (for example, crystalline polyethylene terephthalate). From the viewpoint of the recyclability of the tube container 1, the resin composition constituting the pouring part 20 preferably contains only a polyester resin as a resin component. The resin composition constituting the pouring part 20 may further contain a conventionally known additive. From the viewpoint of reducing the environmental load, the polyester-based resin in the resin composition is preferably made of recycled materials or raw materials derived from biomass, but from the viewpoint of reducing the manufacturing cost of the pouring part 20, it is also preferable that the polyester-based resin in the resin composition is made of virgin raw materials.

[0089] In this embodiment, the pouring part 20 is an injection-molded product of a resin composition. Details of a molding method for the pouring part 20 will be described later. The intrinsic viscosity (IV) value of the polyester-based resin material used for molding the pouring part 20 may be, for example, 0.60 or more and 0.90 or less when measured in accordance with the JIS standard (K7390-1:2015). If the IV value is 0.60 or more and 0.90 or less, molding of the pouring part 20 becomes easy.

[0090] Next, the blocking portion 30 will be described. Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of the sheet just before the blocking portion is formed. In Fig. 10, a cross-sectional view is shown in approximately the same cross-sectional view as Fig. 6.

[0091] 1 to 5 and 10, the closing portion 30 is formed by overlapping and welding the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2 in the thickness direction of the sheet S to form a cylindrical shape, i.e., the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body CB (see FIG. 10 in particular) in a first direction D1 perpendicular to the axial direction DA, and further welding the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 10. The closing portion 30 closes the other end portion 14 of the cylindrical body 10 in the axial direction DA.

[0092] In this embodiment, the blocking portion 30 extends approximately parallel to a second direction D2, which is a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction DA and the first direction D1. The blocking portion 30 has a flattened outer shape. The blocking portion 30 does not have to be made of the sheet S, and may be a plate-shaped molded member separate from the sheet S. In this case, a plate-shaped member serving as the blocking portion is joined to the other end portion 14.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the cap portion 40 is detachably attached to the pouring portion 20. As shown in FIG.

[0094] In the tube container 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cap part 40 is made of a resin composition. From the viewpoint of recyclability of the tube container 1, the cap part 40 is preferably made of a resin composition containing a polyester resin as a main component.

[0095] The polyester-based resin in the cap portion 40 may be the same as the polyester-based resin in the first base layer SL1. From the viewpoint of recyclability of the tube container 1, the polyester-based resin in the cap portion 40 is preferably homopolyethylene terephthalate, or polyethylene terephthalate such as copolymerized polyethylene terephthalate obtained by copolymerizing ethylene glycol, terephthalic acid, and a third component, or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, and is more preferably homopolyethylene terephthalate. From the viewpoint of moldability of the cap portion 40, the polyester-based resin in the cap portion 40 is preferably an amorphous polyester-based resin (amorphous polyethylene terephthalate, glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, etc.).

[0096] Next, the second state of the main body 15 will be described. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the tube container when the main body is in the second state. Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tube container shown in Fig. 11 as viewed in the direction of the XII-XII arrows. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a partially enlarged area XIII of Fig. 12.

[0097] 2, 5, and 11 to 13, the main body 15 is configured to be deformable from a first state to a second state by being pressed in the axial direction DA. The second state is a state in which the main body 15 is positioned so as to be partially inserted inside the shoulder portion 22 in the radial direction relative to the axial direction DA. The main body 15 is configured to maintain the second state without the action of an external force.

[0098] In the second state, the main body 15 contacts the end face 221a of the joint end 221 facing the axial direction DA and extends from above the end face 221a toward the inside of the shoulder 22. In this embodiment, in the second state, the main body 15 contacts a portion of the shoulder 22 (reduced diameter portion 222) in the vicinity of the spout 21. In addition, in the second state, the portion of the main body 15 that does not extend into the shoulder 22 may have opposing inner walls in contact with each other. In the second state, the portion of the main body 15 that does not extend into the shoulder 22 may have a pair of fold lines extending in the axial direction DA formed thereon.

[0099] In addition, in the process in which a user of the tube container 1 holds the main body 15 and pushes it toward the spout 21 to change the main body 15 from the first state to the second state, the portion of the main body 15 that enters the inside of the shoulder 22 is twisted in the circumferential direction DC with respect to the axial direction DA (see FIG. 11). As a result, when the main body 15 is in the second state, the other end 14 and the closure portion 30 are positioned so as to extend in a direction intersecting the second direction D2.

[0100] <Tube container with contents> The tube container containing the contents comprises a tube container 1 and the contents contained in the tube container 1 (cylindrical body portion 10 and pouring portion 20). The contents are not particularly limited, and may be any contents contained in a conventionally known tube container. Examples of the contents include cosmetics, foods, medicines, and oral compositions. The contents may contain at least one of an oil-soluble compound, an oily component, a volatile oily component, a flavoring, or a sweetener that can be adsorbed to a polyolefin resin, or a surfactant.

[0101] In the tube container 1 according to this embodiment, if the resin (first base layer SL1) that comes into direct contact with the contents is a polyester resin, it is relatively possible to prevent the components that are adsorbable to polyolefin resins from being adsorbed to the tube container 1 and the tube container 1 from absorbing these components and swelling. In addition, since the welded parts 12 are firmly joined, it is possible to prevent the surfactant from leaking out of the welded parts 12 to the outside.

[0102] Examples of oil-soluble compounds include tocopherols such as DL-α-tocopherol, D-δ-tocopherol, DL-α-tocopherol acetate, DL-α-tocopherol succinate, DL-α-tocopherol nicotinate, and DL-α-tocopherol linoleate; 3-methyl-4-isopropylphenol (also known as isopropylmethylphenol). Oil-soluble compounds are contained in the contents when the contents are, for example, medicines, foods, or cosmetics. The tocopherols are so-called vitamin E and its derivatives, and are blended into the contents in the hope of anti-aging effects, peripheral vasodilator effects, blood circulation promotion effects, and the like. 3-methyl-4-isopropylphenol is blended into cosmetics such as acne cosmetics and medicines as a bactericide and preservative.

[0103] Examples of oily components include natural oils and fats such as triacylglycerol, diacylglycerol, rapeseed oil, canola oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, rice oil, grape oil, camellia oil, macadamia nut oil, olive oil, castor oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, tea seed oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, hardened coconut oil, palm oil, Japan wax, hardened castor oil, beeswax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, lanolin, liquid lanolin, jojoba wax, hard lanolin, polyoxyethylene lanolin alcohol ether, and polyoxyethylene cholesterol ether; hydrocarbon oils and fats such as liquid paraffin, ozokerite, squalene, paraffin, ceresin, petrolatum, and microcrystalline wax; isopropyl myristate, octyldodecyl myristate, and isopropyl palmitate. Synthetic oily components such as ethylhexyl, cholesteryl 12-hydroxystearate, ethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexyl, dipentaerythritol fatty acid ester, pentaerythritol tetra-2-ethylhexyl, glycerin tri-2-ethylhexyl, trimethylolpropane triisostearate, cetyl-2-ethylhexanoate, and castor oil fatty acid methyl ester; and chain polysiloxanes such as dimethylpolysiloxane, methylphenylpolysiloxane, and methylhydrogenpolysiloxane, cyclic polysiloxanes such as decamethylpolysiloxane, dodecamethylpolysiloxane, and tetramethyltetrahydrogenpolysiloxane, silicone resins capable of forming a three-dimensional network structure, silicone rubber, and the like. These oily components are included in the contents, for example, when the contents are foods such as mayonnaise or cosmetics.

[0104] Examples of volatile oily components include silicone oils with relatively low molecular weight, hydrocarbon oils with relatively low molecular weight, ether oils, etc. Examples of silicone oils include linear silicones and cyclic silicones. Specific examples of silicone oils include linear dimethylpolysiloxanes and cyclic dimethylpolysiloxanes. The linear dimethylpolysiloxanes may be either linear or branched, and linear ones include dimethylpolysiloxane (1.5cs), dimethylpolysiloxane (2cs), etc., and branched ones include methyltrimethicone, tris(trimethylsilyl)methylsilane, tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)silane, etc. Examples of cyclic dimethylpolysiloxanes include octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane, etc. Examples of the hydrocarbon include isododecane, isotridecane, isohexadecane, light isoparaffin, light liquid isoparaffin, etc., and examples of the ether oil include ethyl perfluorobutyl ether, etc. These volatile oily components are mainly contained in the contents when the contents are cosmetics such as sunscreen oil-in-water emulsion cosmetics.

[0105] Examples of fragrances include peppermint oil, spearmint oil, anise oil, eucalyptus oil, wintergreen oil, cassia oil, clove oil, thyme oil, sage oil, lemon oil, orange oil, mint oil, cardamom oil, coriander oil, mandarin oil, lime oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, laurel oil, chamomile oil, caraway oil, marjoram oil, bay oil, lemongrass oil, origanum oil, pine needle oil, neroli oil, rose oil, jasmine oil, grapefruit oil, sweetie oil, yuzu oil, cinnamon oil, shiso oil, wintergreen oil, clove oil, and pi Natural fragrances such as menthol oil, tea tree oil, tabana oil, star anise oil, fennel oil, diatomaceous oil, basil oil, iris concrete, absolute peppermint, absolute rose, orange flower, nutmeg, etc., or fragrances that have been processed (front distillation, back distillation, fractional distillation, liquid-liquid extraction, essences, powdered fragrances, etc.) from these natural fragrances; camphor, menthol, carvone, benzyl succinate, anethole, cineole, methyl salicylate, cinnamic aldehyde, eugenol, methyl eugenol, 3-l-menthoxy Propane-1,2-diol, thymol, linalool, linalyl acetate, limonene, menthone, menthyl acetate, N-substituted-paramenthan-3-carboxamide, pinene, octyl aldehyde, citral, pulegone, carbyl acetate, anisaldehyde, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, allyl cyclohexane propionate, methyl anthranilate, ethyl methylphenylglycidate, vanillin, undecalactone, hexanal, butanol, isoamyl alcohol, hexenol, dimethyl sulf Examples of flavorings include single flavors such as amide, cyclotene, furfural, trimethylpyrazine, ethyl lactate, ethyl thioacetate, ocimene, n-decyl alcohol, methyl acetate, citronenyl acetate, ethyl linalool, vanillin, and benzaldehyde; and compound flavors such as strawberry flavor, apple flavor, banana flavor, pineapple flavor, grape flavor, mango flavor, butter flavor, milk flavor, fruit mix flavor, and tropical fruit flavor.The flavoring is contained in the content when the content is an oral composition, for example. The flavoring may be a food flavoring component such as wasabi, mustard, or the like.

[0106] Examples of sweeteners include saccharin, saccharin sodium, acesulfame potassium, stevia extract, stevioside, neohesperidyl dihydrochalcone, glycyrrhizin, perillartine, thaumatin, aspartyl phenylalanine methyl ester, methoxycinnamic aldehyde, palatinose, palatinit, erythritol, maltitol, xylitol, lactitol, etc. These sweeteners are contained in the contents when the contents are compositions for oral cavity, for example.

[0107] The surfactants include anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and nonionic surfactants.The anionic surfactants include fatty acid soaps, higher alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, N-acylsarcosinic acid, higher fatty acid amide sulfonates, phosphates, sulfosuccinates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, higher fatty acid ester sulfates, N-acylglutamate, sulfated oils, POE-alkyl ether carboxylic acids, POE-alkyl allyl ether carboxylates, α-olefin sulfonates, higher fatty acid ester sulfonates, secondary alcohol sulfates, higher fatty acid alkylolamide sulfates, sodium lauroyl monoethanolamide succinate, N-palmitoyl aspartic acid ditriethanolamine, and sodium caseinate. Examples of cationic surfactants include alkyl trimethyl ammonium salts, alkyl pyridinium salts, distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dialkyl dimethyl ammonium salts, poly(N,N'-dimethyl-3,5-methylene piperidinium) chloride, alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium salts, alkyl isoquinolinium salts, dialkyl morphonium salts, POE-alkyl amines, alkyl amine salts, polyamine fatty acid derivatives, amyl alcohol fatty acid derivatives, benzalkonium chloride, and benzethonium chloride. Examples of amphoteric surfactants include imidazoline-based amphoteric surfactants and betaine-based surfactants. Examples of nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, sucrose fatty acid esters, alkyl glycosides, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers, polyoxyethylene ethers of glycerin esters, fatty acid alkylol amides, and glycerin fatty acid esters.

[0108] <Manufacturing method of tube containers> Next, a method for manufacturing a tube container 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 14 is a flow diagram showing a method for manufacturing a tube container according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method for manufacturing a tube container 1 according to this embodiment includes a sheet preparation step S1, a stacking step S2, a cylindrical body forming step S3, a pouring portion joining step S4, a cap portion attachment step S5, and a closing portion forming step S6.

[0109] In the sheet preparation step S1, a sheet S is prepared by laminating a plurality of layers together. For example, a first base layer SL1 made of a monolayer film and a second base layer SL2 made of a monolayer film on which a barrier layer BL is vapor-deposited may be bonded with a first adhesive layer AL1 by dry lamination, and the second base layer SL2 and a third base layer SL3 made of a monolayer film may be bonded with a second adhesive layer AL2 by dry lamination to prepare the sheet S. A commercially available laminated film including the first base layer SL1, the second base layer SL2, and the third base layer SL3 may be prepared.

[0110] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the sheet in the overlapping step and the cylindrical body forming step. In Fig. 15, the sheet S is shown from a direction corresponding to the cross-sectional view direction of Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 15, in the overlapping step S2, the prepared sheet S is formed into a cylindrical shape, and the first side end SE1 and the second side end SE2 are overlapped with each other.

[0111] In the cylindrical body forming process S3, the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2 are sandwiched between an ultrasonic horn 5 positioned on one of the radial inside and outside of the cylindrically formed sheet S and an anvil 6 positioned on the other of the radial inside and outside, and ultrasonically welded together to form a cylindrical body. In the cylindrical body forming process S3, a welded portion 12 is formed (see Figs. 4 and 6).

[0112] In the present specification and drawings, the same or corresponding parts of the cylindrical body as those of the cylindrical body portion 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0113] 15, the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2 are vibrated by ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic horn 5 and pressurized in the thickness direction of the sheet S by the ultrasonic horn 5 and the anvil 6. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic horn 5 is located on the radially outer side of the sheet S, and the anvil 6 is located on the radially inner side of the sheet S. Alternatively, the ultrasonic horn 5 may be located on the radially inner side of the sheet S, and the anvil 6 may be located on the radially outer side of the sheet S.

[0114] At least one of the ultrasonic horn 5 and the anvil 6 has an uneven shape 51 for pressing against the sheet S when sandwiching the sheet S. In this embodiment, only the ultrasonic horn 5 has the uneven shape 51. Note that both the ultrasonic horn 5 and the anvil 6 may have the uneven shape, or only the anvil 6 may have the uneven shape.

[0115] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic horn 5 having the uneven shape 51 is located on the radially outer side of the cylindrically formed sheet S, and the anvil 6 is located on the radially inner side of the cylindrically formed sheet S. Therefore, unevenness is formed on the outer peripheral surface 123 of the welded portion so as to follow the uneven shape 51 of the ultrasonic horn 5 (see FIG. 9). Note that the ultrasonic horn 5 having the uneven shape 51 may be located on the radially inner side of the sheet S, and the anvil 6 may be located on the radially outer side of the sheet S.

[0116] In this embodiment, the second side end portion SE2 is locally pressed into the first side end portion SE1 at a plurality of locations by the convex portions 511 of the uneven shape 51. This makes it easier for the resin components of the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2 to melt together at the welded portion 12 (see FIGS. 6 and 9). As a result, the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2 are firmly welded to each other. More specifically, an integral layer ML is easily formed at the welded portion 12.

[0117] 15, the uneven shape 51 is positioned so as to overlap the entire first side end portion SE1 and the entire second side end portion SE2 when viewed in the radial direction of the cylindrically formed sheet S. As a result, in this embodiment, unevenness is formed in the entire circumferential direction DC in the welded portion 12.

[0118] Moreover, as viewed from the radial direction of the cylindrically formed sheet S, it is preferable that the width dimension of the uneven shape 51 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrically formed sheet S is larger than the width dimension of the region where the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2 overlap each other in the sheet S. This makes it possible to more reliably weld the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2 to each other even if the length of the width dimension of the region where the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2 overlap each other changes from the designed dimension or if the ultrasonic horn 5 and the anvil 6 are misaligned.

[0119] Fig. 16 is a plan view of an ultrasonic horn used in a method for producing a tube container according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from a direction facing an anvil, and Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic horn of Fig. 16, seen from the direction of the arrows XVII-XVII.

[0120] 16 and 17, the height dimension DH of the convex portions 511 of the uneven shape 51 is preferably greater than the thickness dimension of the sheet S. The height dimension DH is more preferably 1.1 times or more the thickness dimension of the sheet S, further preferably 1.2 times or more, and most preferably 1.5 times or more.

[0121] By locally applying pressure to the overlapping portion of the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2 with the convex portion 511, frictional heat due to ultrasonic waves is easily applied to the overlapping surface of the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2. If the height dimension DH is larger than the thickness dimension of the sheet S, the resin component of the molten sheet S flows between the convex portions 511, and a high stress can be applied to the portion of the sheet S that abuts against the convex portions 511. Therefore, the first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2 can be firmly welded to each other. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the integral layer ML can be easily formed.

[0122] Moreover, the height dimension DH is preferably three times or less than the thickness dimension of the sheet S. If the height dimension DH is three times or less, it is possible to prevent the protrusions 511 from penetrating the sheet S. The height dimension DH is, for example, about 300 μm.

[0123] The shape of each of the plurality of protrusions 511 is not particularly limited, but is preferably, for example, a substantially quadrangular pyramid shape. The plurality of protrusions 511 are positioned so as to be aligned along one direction and along a direction perpendicular to the one direction when viewed from the opposing direction of the ultrasonic horn 5 and the anvil 6. As a result, the protrusions 125 of the welded portion 12 are formed in a lattice pattern.

[0124] The dimension DW of the separation distance between the apexes of the multiple protrusions 511 is preferably 0.4 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. If the dimension DW of the separation distance is 0.4 mm or more, the resin components of the sheet S flow in more easily. If the dimension DW of the separation distance is 2.0 mm or less, the resin components of the sheet S that flow into between the protrusions 511 can be prevented from leaking out of the uneven shape 51. Note that the uneven shape 51 does not have to be formed so as to overlap the entire first side end portion SE1 and the second side end portion SE2, but is preferably formed so as to overlap these entirely.

[0125] The uneven shape 51 is not limited to the above-mentioned shape. FIG. 18 is a plan view showing an ultrasonic horn in which the convex portions of the uneven shape are connected to each other in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 18, when viewed from the above-mentioned facing direction, the multiple convex portions 511 may be connected to the convex portion 511 located closest to each other. That is, the convex portions 511 may be formed in a lattice shape that spreads over the entire uneven shape 51. In this case, it is preferable that the intersections 511C of the lattice formed by the convex portions 511 in the uneven shape 51 are arranged at intervals of 0.4 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. This makes it easier for the resin component of the sheet S to flow into the concave portions of the uneven shape 51.

[0126] In the spout-portion joining step S4, the spout-portion 20 is joined to the cylindrical body CB. In this embodiment, the spout-portion 20 is joined to the cylindrical body CB by so-called insert molding. As shown in Fig. 14, the spout-portion joining step S4 includes a cylindrical body arrangement step S41 and an injection molding step S42.

[0127] Fig. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a mold and a cylindrical body when the pouring part is joined to the cylindrical body by insert molding in the pouring part joining step. As shown in Fig. 19, in a cylindrical body arrangement step S41, a cylindrical body CB is arranged inside a mold 7. Specifically, at least one end 13 of the cylindrical body CB is arranged inside the mold 7. In an injection molding step S42, with one end 13 of the cylindrical body CB arranged inside, a molten resin composition is filled onto the cylindrical body CB (one end 13) in the mold 7, thereby injection molding the pouring part 20 onto the cylindrical body CB.

[0128] In addition, in the spout portion joining step S4, the spout portion 20 may be joined to the cylindrical body CB by compression molding or ultrasonic welding instead of the above-mentioned insert molding.

[0129] In the cap part attachment step S5, the cap part 40, which has been molded in advance, is attached to the pouring part 20. The cap part 40 can be molded by a conventionally known method such as injection molding or compression molding.

[0130] Fig. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the ultrasonic horn and anvil used in the blocking portion forming step together with the cylindrical body. As shown in Fig. 20, in the blocking portion forming step S6, the inner circumferential surfaces of the cylindrical body CB are further welded together by ultrasonic welding to form a cylindrical body 10 with the other end 14 blocked, and also form a blocking portion 30 (see Figs. 1 to 5).

[0131] In the occluding portion forming step S6, the cylindrical body CB is sandwiched between a first welding tool 91, which is one of the occluding portion ultrasonic horn and the occluding portion anvil, and a second welding tool 92, which is the other of the occluding portion ultrasonic horn and the occluding portion anvil, so that the inner circumferential surfaces of the cylindrical body CB are vibrated by ultrasonic waves and welded by the frictional heat. The first welding tool 91 may have an uneven shape similar to or similar to that of the ultrasonic horn 5. In this embodiment, the first welding tool 91 is the occluding portion ultrasonic horn, and the second welding tool 92 is the occluding portion anvil. In this embodiment, the first welding tool 91, which is the occluding portion horn having an uneven shape, is preferably arranged so as to face a portion of the cylindrical body CB that does not include the weld portion 12. The second welding tool 92, which is a flat occluding portion anvil, is preferably arranged so as to face a portion of the cylindrical body CB that includes the weld portion 12.

[0132] In the blocking portion forming step S6, the inner circumferential surfaces of the cylindrical body CB may be welded to each other by an impulse seal method. When the first base layer SL1 contains a polyester resin as a main component, welding by the heat seal method and the hot air method is difficult, so welding by the ultrasonic method or the impulse seal method described above is particularly preferable. In addition, the sheets S constituting the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body CB may be joined to each other by an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive.

[0133] The tube container 1 according to the present embodiment is manufactured as described above. The manufacturing method of the tube container 1 according to the present embodiment includes the cap part attachment step S5 and the closure part formation step S6 in this order, but this order may be reversed. When manufacturing a tube container containing contents, for example, after the pouring part joining step S4 or the cap part attachment step S5 and before the closure part formation step S6, the cylindrical body CB may be filled with contents from the other end 14 side. When manufacturing a tube container containing contents, the cylindrical body CB may be filled with contents from the pouring part 20 after the closure part formation step S6.

[0134] As described above, the tube container 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is capable of storing contents and pouring out the contents. The tube container 1 includes a cylindrical body 10 and a pouring portion 20. The cylindrical body 10 has a band-shaped welded portion 12 formed by curving or bending a sheet S, and overlapping and welding a first side end portion SE1 in the plane direction DP of the sheet S and a second side end portion SE2 located opposite the first side end portion SE1 in the thickness direction of the sheet S. The pouring portion 20 is joined to the cylindrical body 10 and is capable of pouring out the contents stored in the cylindrical body 10. The cylindrical body 10 has one end portion 13, the other end portion 14, and a main body portion 15. The one end portion 13 is joined to the pouring portion 20 in the axial direction DA of the cylindrical body 10. The other end portion 14 is located on the opposite side of the one end portion 13. The main body portion 15 is located between the one end portion 13 and the other end portion 14. The spout 20 has a spout 21 and a shoulder 22. The spout 21 is provided on the opposite side to the cylindrical body 10 to spout the contents. The shoulder 22 expands radially from the spout 21 with the spout 21 as the center when viewed from the axial direction DA, and extends away from the spout 21 in the axial direction DA, and is joined to one end 13 of the cylindrical body 10. The main body 15 is configured to be deformed from a first state in which it is positioned so as not to overlap with the shoulder 22 in the radial direction relative to the axial direction DA, to a second state in which it is positioned so as to partially enter inside the shoulder 22 in the radial direction relative to the axial direction DA, by being pushed in the axial direction DA. The main body 15 is configured to maintain the second state without the action of an external force.

[0135] According to the above configuration, when the user squeezes out the contents contained in the tube container 1, the main body 15 goes into the second state, and even if the user stops applying force to the tube container 1, the main body 15 remains in the second state. This allows the user to start squeezing out the contents from that state when squeezing them out again. In addition, the user can easily recognize that the amount of contents is relatively small based on the shape of the tube container 1 in that state. Therefore, the tube container 1 according to this embodiment can be easily handled by the user even when the amount of contents is relatively small.

[0136] In this embodiment, the shoulder 22 has a joint end 221. The joint end 221 is an end opposite to the spout 21 side, and is joined to one end 13 of the cylindrical body 10. One end 13 of the cylindrical body 10 is joined to the outside of the joint end 221 in the radial direction relative to the axial direction DA. In the second state, the main body 15 extends toward the inside of the shoulder 22 while contacting an end face 221a of the joint end 221 facing the axial direction DA.

[0137] This makes it possible to further narrow the gap between the shoulder portion 22 and the main body portion 15 in the second state, and therefore further reduces the amount of the content remaining in the tube container 1 when the user squeezes out the content of the tube container 1.

[0138] In this embodiment, at least a part of the end surface 221a of the joint end portion 221 facing the axial direction DA is curved in a convex shape toward the accommodation space of the tube container 1.

[0139] As a result, in the second state, a portion of the main body 15 located near the portion that contacts the end face 221a of the joint end 221 is likely to be disposed so as to extend along the inner surface of the shoulder portion 22. As a result, when a user squeezes out the content of the tube container 1, the amount of remaining content of the tube container 1 can be further reduced. In addition, since at least a portion of the end face 221a is convexly curved, the edge of the end face 221a is prevented from becoming sharp, and the main body 15 folded in the second state is prevented from rubbing against the edge of the end face 221a. As a result, tearing of the main body 15 is prevented.

[0140] In addition, in this embodiment, when the main body portion 15 is deformed from the first state to the second state, the portion of the main body portion 15 that enters the inside of the shoulder portion 22 is configured to be deformable so as to twist in the circumferential direction DC relative to the axial direction DA.

[0141] This allows the user to easily deform the main body 15 from the first state to the second state without applying excessive force. Furthermore, the portion of the main body 15 that enters the inside of the shoulder 22 is twisted in the circumferential direction DC, so that the welded portion 12 (see FIG. 4) located in that portion can extend along the circumferential direction DC when viewed from the axial direction DA. That is, in the second state, the welded portion 12 located in that portion can be prevented from bending sharply in the axial direction DA. From this perspective, the main body 15 can be easily deformed from the first state to the second state.

[0142] In this embodiment, the pouring part 20 is an injection-molded product of a resin composition. This improves the shape stability of the pouring part 20. In turn, when the user transforms the main body part 15 from the first state to the second state, the gap between the shoulder part 22 and the main body part 15 on the inside of the shoulder part 22 can be made smaller.

[0143] In this embodiment, the sheet S constituting the cylindrical body portion 10 includes a first base layer SL1 containing a polyester-based resin as a main component. The resin composition constituting the pouring portion 20 contains a polyester-based resin as a main component.

[0144] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the deadhold property of the cylindrical body 10 made of the sheet S is improved, so that the main body 15 can be easily configured to maintain the second state without the action of an external force. In addition, since the resin compositions constituting the sheet S and the pouring part 20 both contain polyester resin, the recyclability of the tube container 1 is improved.

[0145] In this embodiment, the thickness of the sheet S constituting the cylindrical body portion 10 is preferably 12 μm or more and 250 μm or less. If the thickness of the sheet S is 12 μm or more, damage to the cylindrical body portion 10 can be suppressed to a certain extent. If the thickness of the sheet S is 250 μm or less, the rigidity can be prevented from becoming too large, making it easier for the user to transform the main body portion 15 from the first state to the second state.

[0146] In this embodiment, the maximum thickness of the joint end 221 in the radial direction relative to the axial direction DA is preferably 100 μm or more and 1000 μm or less. If the maximum thickness of the joint end 221 is 100 μm or more, damage to the joint end 221 can be suppressed when the user transforms the main body 15 from the first state to the second state. If the maximum thickness of the joint end 221 is 1000 μm or less, narrowing of the inner space of the shoulder portion 22 can be suppressed, and thus it becomes easier for the user to transform the main body 15 from the first state to the second state.

[0147] In this embodiment, the ratio of the thickness of the sheet S constituting the cylindrical body 10 to the maximum thickness of the joint end 221 in the radial direction relative to the axial direction DA is 0.025 or more and 2.5 or less. When this ratio is 0.025 or more, it is possible to prevent the main body 15 from becoming too thin, and to prevent damage to the main body 15 to a certain extent. When the ratio is 2.5 or less, it is possible to prevent damage to the joint end 221 when the user transforms the main body 15 from the first state to the second state.

[0148] Furthermore, the tube container 1 according to the embodiment described above has excellent recyclability because the sheet S constituting the cylindrical body portion 10 can contain polyester resin as a main component. Therefore, the tube container 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is in line with the sustainable circular economy sought by the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and can greatly contribute to reducing plastic waste.

[0149] (Modification) The tube container according to one embodiment of the present invention may have various other configurations. A tube container according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0150] As described above, the first base layer, the second base layer, and the third base layer may contain a polypropylene-based resin as a main component. The polypropylene-based resin that can be used as the resin component of the first base layer, the resin component of the second base layer, and the resin component of the third base layer may be a polypropylene homopolymer (propylene homopolymer) or a polypropylene copolymer (propylene copolymer). Examples of the copolymer include random copolymers of propylene and olefins (e.g., α-C2-6 olefins such as ethylene, 1-butene, 2-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 3-methylpentene, and 4-methylpentene, or butene-1, 4-methyl-1-pentene), such as propylene-ethylene random copolymers, propylene-butene random copolymers, and propylene-ethylene-butene random terpolymers. In the case of a copolymer, the proportion of the copolymerizable monomer may be 20% by weight or less, for example, about 0.1 to 10% by weight. Furthermore, the polypropylene resin may be a crystalline (or crystalline) polypropylene resin or a non-crystalline (or amorphous) polypropylene resin. Other copolymers include block copolymers, which are copolymers having a polymer block made of propylene and a polymer block made of the above-mentioned olefins.

[0151] These polypropylene-based resins can be used alone or in combination. Among these, crystalline polypropylene-based resins, particularly polypropylene homopolymers (crystalline polypropylene homopolymers), are preferred. When impact resistance and other properties are important, the polypropylene-based resin is also preferably a random copolymer.

[0152] The polypropylene resin may have an atactic structure, or may have stereoregularity such as an isotactic or syndiotactic structure. Among these, polypropylene resins having an isotactic structure are preferred from the viewpoint of crystallinity and the like.

[0153] The polypropylene-based resin may be biomass-derived polypropylene or mechanically or chemically recycled polypropylene.

[0154] As described above, the first base layer, the second base layer, and the third base layer may contain polyethylene as a main component. Examples of polyethylene that can be used as the resin component of the first base layer, the resin component of the second base layer, and the resin component of the third base layer include high-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, and very low-density polyethylene. Among these, low-density polyethylene and / or linear low-density polyethylene are preferred from the viewpoint of heat sealability.

[0155] As the high density polyethylene, polyethylene having a density of 0.945 g / cm3 or more can be used; as the medium density polyethylene, polyethylene having a density of 0.925 g / cm3 or more and less than 0.945 g / cm3 can be used; as the low density polyethylene, polyethylene having a density of 0.900 g / cm3 or more and less than 0.925 g / cm3 can be used; as the linear low density polyethylene, polyethylene having a density of 0.900 g / cm3 or more and less than 0.925 g / cm3 can be used; as the very low density polyethylene, polyethylene having a density less than 0.900 g / cm3 can be used.

[0156] Polyethylene also includes copolymers of ethylene and other monomers. Examples of ethylene copolymers include copolymers of ethylene and α-olefins having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, and examples of α-olefins having 3 to 20 carbon atoms include propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene, 1-eicosene, 3-methyl-1-butene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, and 6-methyl-1-heptene. In addition, the ethylene copolymer may be a copolymer with vinyl acetate or an acrylic acid ester, etc., as long as it does not impair the object of the present invention.

[0157] The polyethylene may contain biomass-derived polyethylene obtained by polymerizing a monomer containing biomass-derived ethylene. Since such biomass-derived polyethylene is a carbon-neutral material, the environmental impact of manufacturing the tube container according to this modification can be reduced. Since biomass-derived ethylene is used as the raw material monomer, the polymerized polyethylene is derived from biomass. Note that the raw material monomer of polyethylene does not have to contain 100% by mass of biomass-derived ethylene.

[0158] The monomers that are the raw material for the biomass-derived polyethylene may further contain ethylene and / or α-olefins derived from fossil fuels, or may further contain α-olefins derived from biomass.

[0159] In a tube container according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, the sheet constituting the cylindrical body may include two or more second base layers (hereinafter, may be referred to as intermediate layers) on which a barrier layer is laminated. Each of the two or more intermediate layers may be disposed between the first base layer and the third base layer. When the sheet includes a first intermediate layer and a second intermediate layer, and both the first base layer and the third base layer contain polyethylene terephthalate as a main component, the second base layer of the first intermediate layer and the second base layer of the second intermediate layer may both be biaxially stretched films containing polyethylene terephthalate as a resin component as a main component. Examples of the combination of the barrier layer of the first intermediate layer and the barrier layer of the second intermediate layer include a combination of a transparent vapor deposition layer (ceramic barrier layer) and an aluminum barrier layer, or a combination of two transparent vapor deposition layers (ceramic barrier layers). In addition, the sheet constituting the tubular body portion may include a second base material layer which is a biaxially oriented film containing polyethylene terephthalate as a main component, and an intermediate layer other than the second base material layer which includes a biaxially oriented film containing polyethylene terephthalate as a main component.

[0160] The sheet constituting the cylindrical body may further include a reinforcing layer made of nylon or the like. When the sheet constituting the cylindrical body further includes a reinforcing layer, the strength of the tube container is improved, and the tube container may be prevented from being broken when dropped. The thickness of the reinforcing layer may be, for example, 5 μm or more and 25 μm or less. The reinforcing layer may be, for example, disposed between the first base material layer and the second base material layer, or disposed between the second base material layer and the third base material layer. The first intermediate layer may be a biaxially stretched film containing polyethylene terephthalate as a main component, and the base material layer of the second intermediate layer located on the opposite side of the third base material layer from the first intermediate layer may be a reinforcing layer made of nylon or the like. The first intermediate layer may be a biaxially stretched film containing polyethylene terephthalate as a main component, and the base material layer of the second intermediate layer located on the opposite side of the first base material layer from the first intermediate layer may be a reinforcing layer made of nylon or the like. The reinforcing layer made of nylon or the like may be disposed between the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer, each of which has a base material layer made of a biaxially stretched film containing polyethylene terephthalate. Either the first intermediate layer or the second intermediate layer does not have to have a barrier layer. The sheets constituting the cylindrical body preferably have a polyester resin content of 90 mass % or more, such as polyethylene terephthalate, as a whole.

[0161] In the tube container according to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner diameter of the substantially cylindrical portion of the tubular body may be, for example, not less than 25 mm and not more than 60 mm.

[0162] The thickness of the first substrate layer may be, for example, 70 μm, 80 μm, 90 μm, or 100 μm. The total thickness of the second substrate layer and the barrier layer may be, for example, 12 μm or 25 μm. The thickness of the third substrate layer may be, for example, 70 μm, 80 μm, 90 μm, or 100 μm. It is also preferable that the thickness of the first substrate layer is 90 μm, the total thickness of the second substrate layer and the barrier layer is 12 μm, and the thickness of the third substrate layer is 90 μm.

[0163] In addition, the form of the dispensing part 20 is not limited to the above. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a tube container according to another modified example. Fig. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a tube container when the main body is in the second state in another modified example. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a partially enlarged area XXIII of Fig. 22.

[0164] 21 to 23, in a tube container 1A according to another modification, the joint end 221A may extend from the reduced diameter portion 222A along the axial direction DA in a direction away from the other end 14. An end face 221aA of the joint end 221A facing the axial direction DA may be continuous with the inner surface of the reduced diameter portion 222A.

[0165] In the tube container 1A according to the other modified example, the main body 15 is also configured to be deformable from a first state in which the main body 15 is positioned so as not to overlap the shoulder portion 22A in the radial direction relative to the axial direction DA to a second state in which the main body 15 is positioned so as to partially enter inside the shoulder portion 22A in the radial direction relative to the axial direction DA by being pushed in the axial direction DA. The main body 15 is configured to maintain the second state without the action of an external force.

[0166] Also, in the second state of the tube container 1A, the main body 15 extends toward the inside of the shoulder 22A (reduced diameter portion 222A) while contacting the end face 221aA facing the axial direction DA of the joint end 221A. At least a part of the end face 221aA facing the axial direction DA of the joint end 221A is curved in a convex shape toward the storage space of the tube container 1A. When the main body 15 transforms from the first state to the second state, the portion of the main body 15 that enters the inside of the shoulder 22A is configured to be deformable so as to twist in the circumferential direction DC with respect to the axial direction DA.

[0167] (Additional Note) As described above, the embodiments of the present invention include the following disclosure.

[0168] <Configuration 1> A tube container that contains a content and can pour out the content, a cylindrical body portion having a band-shaped welded portion formed by curving or bending a sheet, and overlapping and welding a first side end portion and a second side end portion opposite the first side end portion in a plane direction of the sheet, in a thickness direction of the sheet; A pouring portion is joined to the cylindrical body portion and is capable of pouring out the content contained in the cylindrical body portion, The cylindrical body portion is One end portion of the cylindrical body portion is joined to the pouring portion in the axial direction; Another end portion located opposite to the one end portion; a main body portion located between the one end portion and the other end portion, The pouring portion is A pouring outlet for pouring the contents, the outlet being provided on the opposite side to the cylindrical body side; a shoulder portion that extends radially from the spout with the spout as a center when viewed in the axial direction and that extends away from the spout in the axial direction and is joined to the one end of the cylindrical body portion; the main body is configured to be deformable from a first state in which the main body is positioned so as not to overlap the shoulder portion in a radial direction relative to the axial direction to a second state in which the main body is positioned so as to partially enter inside the shoulder portion in the radial direction relative to the axial direction by being pushed in the axial direction, The main body portion is configured to maintain the second state without the action of an external force.

[0169] <Configuration 2> The shoulder portion has a joint end portion which is an end portion opposite to the spout side and is joined to the one end portion of the cylindrical body portion, The one end of the cylindrical body portion is joined to an outer side of the joining end portion in a radial direction relative to the axial direction, 2. The tube container according to claim 1, wherein in the second state, the main body portion extends toward the inside of the shoulder portion while contacting an end surface of the joint end portion facing the axial direction.

[0170] <Configuration 3> 3. The tube container according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the end surface of the joint end facing the axial direction is curved convexly toward the accommodation space of the tube container.

[0171] <Configuration 4> The tube container according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein when the main body portion is deformed from the first state to the second state, a portion of the main body portion that fits inside the shoulder portion is configured to be deformable so as to twist in a circumferential direction relative to the axial direction.

[0172] <Component 5> 5. The tube container according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the pouring part is an injection-molded product of a resin composition.

[0173] <Component 6> The sheet constituting the cylindrical body portion includes a base layer containing a polyester-based resin as a main component, 6. The tube container according to claim 5, wherein the resin composition constituting the pouring portion contains a polyester-based resin as a main component.

[0174] <Component 7> The shoulder portion has a joint end portion which is an end portion opposite to the spout side and is joined to the one end portion of the cylindrical body portion, 7. The tube container according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein a ratio of a thickness of the sheet constituting the cylindrical body to a maximum thickness of the joint end in a radial direction relative to the axial direction is 0.025 or more and 2.5 or less.

[0175] In addition, in the above embodiment and modified examples, configurations that can be combined with each other may be combined as appropriate.

[0176] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 1 tube container, 10 cylindrical body portion, 11 sheet base portion, 111 first base end portion, 112 second base end portion, 113 extension portion, 12 welded portion, 121 first tip edge, 122 second tip edge, 123 welded portion outer peripheral surface, 124 welded portion inner peripheral surface, 13 one end portion, 14 other end portion, 15 main body portion, 20 pouring portion, 21 pouring outlet, 22, 22A shoulder portion, 221, 221A joint end portion, 221a, 221aA end surface, 222, 222A reduced diameter portion, 30 blocking portion, 40 cap portion, 5 ultrasonic horn, 51 uneven shape, 511C intersection, 6 anvil, 7 mold, 91 first welding tool, 92 second welding tool, AL1 first adhesive layer, AL2 second adhesive layer, BL barrier layer, CB Cylindrical body, DP surface direction, M molding material, ML integral layer, S sheet, SB1 first interlayer portion, SB2 second interlayer portion, SE1 first side end portion, SE2 second side end portion, SL1 first base layer, SL2 second base layer, SL3 third base layer.

Claims

1. A tube container that contains a content and can pour out the content, a cylindrical body portion having a band-shaped welded portion formed by curving or bending a sheet, and overlapping and welding a first side end portion and a second side end portion opposite the first side end portion in a plane direction of the sheet, in a thickness direction of the sheet; A pouring portion is joined to the cylindrical body portion and is capable of pouring out the content contained in the cylindrical body portion, The cylindrical body portion is One end portion of the cylindrical body portion is joined to the pouring portion in the axial direction; Another end portion located opposite to the one end portion; a main body portion located between the one end portion and the other end portion, The pouring portion is A pouring outlet for pouring the contents, the outlet being provided on the opposite side to the cylindrical body side; a shoulder portion that extends radially from the spout with the spout as a center when viewed in the axial direction and that extends away from the spout in the axial direction and is joined to the one end of the cylindrical body portion; the main body is configured to be deformable from a first state in which the main body is positioned so as not to overlap the shoulder portion in a radial direction relative to the axial direction to a second state in which the main body is positioned so as to partially enter inside the shoulder portion in the radial direction relative to the axial direction by being pushed in the axial direction, The main body portion is configured to maintain the second state without the action of an external force.

2. The shoulder portion has a joint end portion which is an end portion opposite to the spout side and is joined to the one end portion of the cylindrical body portion, The one end of the cylindrical body portion is joined to an outer side of the joining end portion in a radial direction relative to the axial direction, The tube container according to claim 1 , wherein in the second state, the main body portion extends toward an inside of the shoulder portion while being in contact with an end surface of the joint end portion facing the axial direction.

3. The tube container according to claim 2 , wherein at least a part of the end surface of the joint end portion facing the axial direction is curved convexly toward an accommodation space of the tube container.

4. 2. The tube container according to claim 1, wherein when the main body portion is deformed from the first state to the second state, a portion of the main body portion that enters the inside of the shoulder portion is configured to be deformable so as to twist in a circumferential direction relative to the axial direction.

5. The tube container according to claim 1 , wherein the pouring portion is an injection-molded product of a resin composition.

6. The sheet constituting the cylindrical body portion includes a base layer containing a polyester-based resin as a main component, The tube container according to claim 5 , wherein the resin composition constituting the pouring portion contains a polyester-based resin as a main component.

7. The shoulder portion has a joint end portion which is an end portion opposite to the spout side and is joined to the one end portion of the cylindrical body portion, 5. The tube container according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of a thickness of the sheet constituting the cylindrical body portion to a maximum thickness of the joint end portion in a radial direction relative to the axial direction is 0.025 or more and 2.5 or less.

Images