Capsule container

Abstract

We offer environmentally friendly capsule containers made from paper instead of plastic. [Solution] The present invention provides a capsule container comprising a first frame 2a and a second frame 2b having an opening edge 3b provided with a fitting portion 4 that can be fitted onto the opening edge 3a of the first frame 2a, wherein the fitting creates a space between the first frame 2a and the second frame 2b in which an article can be stored, and at least one of the first frame 2a and the second frame 2b is made of pulp mold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper capsule container. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a capsule container discharge device in which when coins are inserted into an insertion slot and a handle is turned, a capsule container containing articles such as toys is discharged from an outlet. Capsule containers are generally made of plastic, as described, for example, in Patent Document 1. Prior Art Literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-255916 Summary of the Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, due to growing concern over environmental issues, global efforts to eliminate plastic and achieve plastic-free initiatives have accelerated, reductions in the use of plastic are required, and alternatives to plastic materials have been desired.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a capsule container that is friendly to the global environment, which uses paper instead of plastic materials. Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A first embodiment of the capsule container according to the present invention is constituted by a first frame body, and a second frame body having an opening edge provided with a fitting portion fittable to the opening edge of the first frame body, wherein the fitting defines a space capable of accommodating an article between the first frame body and the second frame body, and the capsule container is characterized in that at least one of the first frame body and the second frame body is made of pulp mold.

[0007] A second embodiment of the capsule container according to the present invention is described as the first embodiment, characterized in that the first frame and the second frame are made of pulp mold, the fitting portion of the second frame is formed by extending from the opening edge of the second frame with a first step difference so that the opening edge of the first frame fits into it, and the thickness of the extended portion of the second frame is the same as or thicker than the other parts of the second frame.

[0008] A third embodiment of the capsule container according to the present invention is described as a second embodiment, characterized in that a reinforcing portion is further provided in a cross section perpendicular to the opening surface defined by the opening edge of the second frame, so as to fill a second step difference on the inside of the container that occurs between the inner surface of the fitting portion of the second frame and the inner surface of the second frame connected to the base end of the fitting portion.

[0009] A fourth embodiment of the capsule container according to the present invention is described as the second or third embodiment, characterized in that a projection is further provided on the portion extending from the opening edge of the second frame toward the outside of the container.

[0010] A fifth embodiment of the capsule container according to the present invention is described as any of the first to fourth embodiments, characterized in that the entire structure exhibits a spherical or ellipsoidal shape when the first frame and the second frame are fitted together.

[0011] In the sixth embodiment of the capsule container according to the present invention, the capsule container described as any of the first to fifth embodiments is characterized in that it is for use in capsule toys. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, since paper is used instead of plastic materials, it is possible to provide an environmentally friendly capsule container. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1]This is a perspective view of a capsule container according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a view from above and (b) is a view from below. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of a capsule container according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a view from above and (b) is a view from below. [Figure 3] These are perspective views of the first and second frames of a capsule container according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a view of the first frame from below, (b) is a view of the first frame from above, (c) is a view of the second frame from above, and (d) is a view of the second frame from below. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the first and second frames of a capsule container according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a side view of the first frame and (b) is a side view of the second frame. [Figure 5] Figure 2(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view in the Va-Va direction, where (a) is a cross-sectional view of a capsule container according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of a capsule container according to a first modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 2(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view in the Va-Va direction, and is a cross-sectional view of a capsule container according to a fourth modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described here.

[0015] In this specification and in the claims, "capsule container" refers to a capsule-shaped container composed of a first frame and a second frame that fit together to form a space inside, and in which an article such as a toy can be contained in the space. Various shapes are permitted in the present invention.

[0016] In the description of the present specification and claims, the "fitting portion" of the second frame refers to a portion formed on the second frame for fitting to the inner edge of the first frame, and includes not only a portion in contact with the fitting object, but also a portion where the thickness of the second frame is increased to assist fitting. In one embodiment of the present invention, it refers to a portion added compared to the first frame.

[0017] In the description of the present specification and claims, the "base end" of the fitting portion refers to the starting point of the fitting portion.

[0018] In the description of the present specification and claims, the "reinforcing portion" is provided to reinforce the fitting of the "fitting portion", and is included in the "fitting portion". Specifically, the "reinforcing portion" is a portion where the thickness of the second frame around the "fitting portion" is further increased.

[0019] In addition, in the description of the present specification and claims, the terms "upper" and "lower" are referred to as indicating the upper side and the lower side of the capsule container, but these terms are used for convenience only, and it goes without saying that they do not define an absolute position in the direction of gravity.

[0020] Furthermore, in the description of the present specification and claims, the term "spherical" includes a perfect sphere and a substantially spherical shape.

[0021] [Structure of Capsule Container] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a capsule container 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, where Figure 1(a) is a view from above and Figure 1(b) is a view from below. Figure 2 is a plan view of the capsule container 1 according to this embodiment, where Figure 2(a) is a view from above and Figure 2(b) is a view from below. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the first frame 2a and the second frame 2b of the capsule container 1 according to this embodiment, where Figure 3(a) is a view of the first frame 2a from below, Figure 3(b) is a view of the first frame 2a from above, Figure 3(c) is a view of the second frame 2b from above, and Figure 3(d) is a view of the second frame 2b from below. Figure 4 is a plan view of the first frame 2a and the second frame 2b of the capsule container 1 according to this embodiment, where Figure 4(a) is a view of the first frame 2a from the side and Figure 4(b) is a view of the second frame 2b from the side. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view in the Va-Va direction of Figure 2(a). The cross-section in the Va-Va direction is perpendicular to the circular surface (hereinafter also referred to as the "opening surface") defined by the opening edge 3b of the second frame 2b, and passes through the center of the circle.

[0022] The article contained in the capsule container according to the present invention may be any article, as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved. For example, the capsule container according to the present invention can be used in capsule toys.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 to 5(a), the capsule container 1 according to this embodiment is composed of a first frame 2a and a second frame 2b having an opening edge 3b with a fitting portion 4 that can be fitted onto the opening edge 3a of the first frame 2a, and a space for storing an article is defined between the first frame 2a and the second frame 2b by fitting, and at least one of the first frame 2a and the second frame 2b is made of pulp mold.

[0024] This configuration allows for the use of paper instead of plastic material in either the first frame 2a or the second frame 2b, making it possible to provide an environmentally friendly capsule container 1. Furthermore, it enhances safety by preventing the generation of sharp fragments in the event of breakage.

[0025] For example, if the first frame 2a is made of pulp mold and the second frame 2b is made of transparent polypropylene (PP), the amount of plastic material can be reduced, making it more environmentally friendly, and it becomes possible to see what is contained inside the capsule container 1 by passing through the second frame 2b.

[0026] In the present invention, the first frame 2a and / or the second frame 2b are made of pulp mold and are pulp molded articles.

[0027] Furthermore, because it is made of pulp mold, it fits comfortably in the hand, has cushioning properties, and its edges are made of thick paper rather than being hard and sharp like plastic, making it safe for hands and fingers. For example, if the first frame 2a is made of pulp mold and the second frame 2b is made of plastic, the first frame 2a will have a rough texture and the second frame 2b will have a smooth texture, making it easier to open compared to when both are made of plastic. If both are made of pulp mold, the ease of opening will be further improved.

[0028] In this embodiment, the width dimension of the extended portion 4e of the fitting portion 4 in the extending direction is approximately 6 mm.

[0029] More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the capsule container 1 according to this embodiment has a first frame 2a and a second frame 2b made of pulp mold, and the fitting portion 4 of the second frame 2b is formed by extending from the opening edge 3b of the second frame 2b with a first step 4A so that the opening edge 3a of the first frame 2a fits into it, and the thickness D4 of the extended portion 4e (of the fitting portion 4) of the second frame 2b is the same as or thicker than the other parts of the second frame 2b.

[0030] With this configuration, the thickness of the mating portion 4 is ensured, and it is understood that if the mating portion 4 is soft, the mating will easily come undone when the first frame 2a and the second frame 2b are fitted together. However, since the rigidity of the mating portion 4 is ensured, the mating force of the mating portion 4 can be improved. It is possible to improve strength with a simple configuration and make the mating tighter and less likely to come undone.

[0031] The fitting portion 4 includes a portion 4e that extends from the opening edge 3b of the second frame 2b (hereinafter also referred to as the "extended portion"). The fitting portion 4 extends from the tip 4p of the extended portion 4e to the base end 4b of the fitting portion.

[0032] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5(a), the fitting portion 4 including the extended portion 4e is linear (in the vertical direction in Figure 5(a)) in the cross-section of the second frame 2b, and the inner surface 4i of the fitting portion 4 defines a cylindrical space. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in a cross-section perpendicular to the opening surface defined by the opening edge 3b of the second frame 2b, a second step 4B is created between the inner surface 4i of the fitting portion 4 of the second frame 2b and the inner surface 2bi of the second frame 2b that is connected to the base end 4b of the fitting portion 4. The second step 4B is a recessed portion created between the cylinder and the dome portion of the second frame 2b on the inner surface 2bi of the second frame 2b, as shown in Figure 5(a).

[0033] Regarding the fitting of the first frame 2a and the second frame 2b, as shown in Figures 1 to 5(a), the outer diameter of the ring-shaped fitting portion 4 extending from the opening edge 3b of the second frame 2b is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the inner surface of the opening edge 3a of the first frame 2a. Therefore, when the fitting portion 4 of the second frame 2b is aligned with the opening edge 3a of the first frame 2a, the first frame 2a and the second frame 2b are fitted together.

[0034] Thus, the inventors have developed a capsule container made of Palmold that has a simple structure and high fitting force.

[0035] In the capsule container 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the entire structure takes on a spherical or ellipsoidal shape by fitting together the first frame 2a and the second frame 2b. In this embodiment, the first frame 2a and the second frame 2b are hemispherical, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, respectively.

[0036] This configuration makes it possible to improve the discharge performance of the capsule container 1 by making it less likely to get stuck.

[0037] In this invention, the capsule container 1 is not limited to a spherical or ellipsoidal shape, but may also be egg-shaped or other shapes, and the portion of the capsule container 1 viewed from above (as shown in Figure 2) may be circular or elliptical. In this embodiment, the portion of the capsule container 1 viewed from above is circular, as shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, the capsule container 1 may also be cubic or rectangular in shape in this invention. In addition, in this invention, the shape of the fitting portion 4 may be circular or elliptical, as the portion of the second frame 2b of the capsule container 1 viewed from the opening edge 3b side may be circular or elliptical. In this embodiment, the shape of the fitting portion 4 may be circular, as the portion of the second frame 2b of the capsule container 1 viewed from the opening edge 3b side is circular. Furthermore, the body portion in which the fitting portion 4 is formed may be cylindrical. In such a cylinder, if the cylindrical portion is made longer and the fitting portion (extended portion 4e of the fitting portion 4) is made longer, the fitting force can be further improved. In this invention, to achieve the effects of the present invention, the radius of curvature of the capsule container 1 is preferably 10 mm to 65 mm (as shown in the side view in Figure 4).

[0038] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 5(a), two holes 5 are formed in the hemispherical top or bottom of each of the first frame 2a and the second frame 2b. The holes 5 are for releasing air and preventing choking in case of accidental ingestion. In this embodiment, the holes 5 are circular and have a diameter of approximately 5 mm. The holes 5 can be appropriately made in the frame after the pulp molding process is complete.

[0039] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5(a), a second step 4B is created between the portion 4e extending from the opening edge 3b of the second frame 2b and the opening edge 3b of the second frame 2b that connects to the base end 4b of the fitting portion 4, in a cross section perpendicular to the opening surface defined by the opening edge 3b of the second frame 2b. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 2(a) in the Va-Va direction, and is a cross-sectional view of a capsule container 1' according to a first modified example of one embodiment. Among the elements constituting the capsule container 1' according to this modified example, those having similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0041] In the modified capsule container 1', as shown in Figure 5(b), a reinforcing portion 4t is further provided to fill the second step 4B on the inside of the container, which occurs between the portion 4e extending from the opening edge 3b of the second frame 2'b and the inner surface 2'bi of the second frame 2'b that connects to the base end 4'b of the fitting portion 4', in a cross section perpendicular to the opening surface defined by the opening edge 3b of the second frame 2'b.

[0042] With this configuration, the tip 4p of the extended portion 4e of the fitting portion 4' is strengthened, so when the first frame 2a and the second frame 2b are fitted together, the fitting force of the fitting portion 4' can be further improved. The strength is further improved compared to the above embodiment, and since there is no step 4B, it is possible to make it less likely for the goods stored inside to get caught.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5(b), the fitting portion 4' includes the reinforcing portion 4t and extends from the tip 4p of the extended portion 4e to the base end 4'b of the fitting portion.

[0044] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 5(b), the reinforcing portion 4t has a curved surface configuration so as to fill the step 4B on the inner surface 2bi of the second frame 2b according to the above embodiment in a cross section perpendicular to the opening surface defined by the opening edge 3b of the second frame 2'b. In this way, the reinforcing portion 4t is configured to support the fitting portion 4' over a wide area and reinforce the portion involved in fitting.

[0045] As a second modification of one embodiment of the present invention, a projection may be further provided on the portion 4e extending from the opening edge 3b of the second frame 2b toward the outside of the container.

[0046] With this configuration, when the first frame 2a and the second frame 2b are fitted together, the engagement force of the projection with the first frame 2a is added, thereby further improving the fitting force of the extended portion 4e of the fitting portion 4.

[0047] The projections may be provided at intervals in multiple locations on the circumference of the portion 4e extending from the opening edge 3b of the second frame 2b, or they may be provided continuously in a ring shape, or they may be provided in a straight line in the direction of extension.

[0048] As a third modification of one embodiment of the present invention, a roughened friction portion may be further provided on the portion 4e extending from the opening edge 3b of the second frame 2b, in the portion that overlaps with and faces the first frame 2a toward the outside of the container.

[0049] With this configuration, when the first frame 2a and the second frame 2b are fitted together, an engagement force is added to the first frame 2a at the friction portion, thereby further improving the fitting force of the extended portion 4e of the fitting portion 4.

[0050] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 2(a) in the Va-Va direction, and is a cross-sectional view of a capsule container according to a fourth modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. Among the elements constituting the capsule container 1'' according to this modified example, those having similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0051] In this modified example, a stepped third step 4C may be formed between the inner surface 4''i of the fitting portion 4'' of the second frame 2''b and the inner surface 4''i of the fitting portion 4'' of the second frame 2''b that connects to the base end 4''b of the fitting portion 4'', in a cross section perpendicular to the opening surface defined by the opening edge 3b of the second frame 2''b. The fitting portion 4'' is the range from the tip 4p of the extended portion 4e to the base end 4''b of the fitting portion, as shown in Figure 6.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, when the second frame 2''b is made of plastic material, the capsule container 1'' according to the fourth modified example of one embodiment of the present invention is more preferable because it allows for a reduction in the amount of plastic used.

[0053] The raw materials and manufacturing method of the pulp molded article according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0054] [Pulp raw materials] Examples of pulp raw materials for pulp molded articles include wood pulp, non-wood pulp, and recycled paper, with wood pulp and non-wood pulp being preferred. Here, the pulp raw material is the pulp that constitutes the pulp molded article.

[0055] Wood pulp generally refers to wood pulp used for papermaking, and is classified into the following categories based on differences in preparation methods: chemical pulp such as kraft pulp (KP), sulfite pulp (SP), and soda pulp (AP); semi-chemical pulp such as semi-chemical pulp (SCP) and chemigland wood pulp (CGP); and mechanical pulp such as crushed wood pulp (GP), thermomechanical pulp (TMP, BCTMP), and refiner-ground wood pulp (RGP).

[0056] Examples of wood pulp include coniferous pulp and hardwood pulp, depending on the raw materials. Examples of coniferous pulp include pulp obtained from the genera Abies, Pinus, etc. Examples of hardwood pulp include pulp obtained from the genera Acacia, Eucalyptus, and Populus (for example, poplar).

[0057] Among these, bleached softwood kraft pulp (NBKP) and bleached hardwood kraft pulp (LBKP) are more preferred as wood pulp.

[0058] In this invention, the pulp blending ratio (LBKP / NBKP) of bleached hardwood kraft pulp to bleached softwood kraft pulp (NBKP) in the wood pulp constituting the pulp molded article may be 30 / 70 or more and 100 / 0 or less by mass ratio. By setting the pulp blending ratio within this range, the smoothness and dispersibility are improved. From the viewpoint of the surface properties of the product, a higher proportion of LBKP is more preferable.

[0059] In this embodiment, from the viewpoint of the smoothness of the resulting pulp molded article, wood pulp from the genera Acacia and Eucalyptus is preferred as the hardwood pulp. One type of hardwood pulp may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0060] In this embodiment, by including coniferous tree pulp as the pulp raw material, a pulp molded article with superior strength and oil resistance can be obtained. As for the coniferous tree pulp, pine pulp is preferred in terms of strength and oil resistance, and radiata pine is more preferred. One type of coniferous tree pulp may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0061] When the pulp raw material is a mixed pulp of wood pulp and non-wood pulp, the wood pulp content in the pulp raw material is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, even more preferably 15% by mass or more, even more preferably 20% by mass or more, even more preferably 45% by mass or more, and preferably 95% by mass or less, more preferably 90% by mass or less, even more preferably 80% by mass or less, and even more preferably 55% by mass or less.

[0062] Non-wood pulp is a fiber extracted from the bark, stems, leaves, and leaf sheaths of plants. Specifically, this includes pulp obtained from cotton linters, cotton, linen, hemp, ramie, straw, esparto, Manila hemp, sisal hemp, jute, flax, kenaf, bamboo, bagasse, ganpi, mitsumata, kozo, and mulberry.

[0063] From the viewpoint of improving the oil resistance of the pulp molded article, the non-wood pulp preferably contains at least one selected from bagasse and bamboo, more preferably at least one selected from bagasse and bamboo, and even more preferably bagasse.

[0064] When the pulp raw material is a mixed pulp of wood pulp and non-wood pulp, the content of non-wood pulp in the pulp raw material is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, even more preferably 20% by mass or more, even more preferably 45% by mass or more, and preferably 95% by mass or less, more preferably 90% by mass or less, even more preferably 85% by mass or less, even more preferably 80% by mass or less, and even more preferably 55% by mass or less.

[0065] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the pulp raw material mainly consists of virgin pulp. By using virgin pulp as the main component, a pulp molded article with superior surface smoothness can be obtained. Note that "mainly consisting of virgin pulp" means that the virgin pulp content in the pulp raw material is preferably 80% by mass or more, more preferably 85% by mass or more, even more preferably 90% by mass or more, even more preferably 95% by mass or more, and 100% by mass or less, and even more preferably 100% by mass.

[0066] While not particularly limited, bleached pulp and semi-bleached pulp are preferred as examples.

[0067] Furthermore, unbleached pulp tends to have a high lignin content, low whiteness, and poor decorative properties. Therefore, the content of unbleached pulp in the pulp raw material is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, even more preferably 5% by mass or less, and most preferably none (0% by mass).

[0068] On the other hand, in applications where strength, resistance to staining, and a natural texture are required, it is preferable to use unbleached pulp. In this case, the content of unbleached pulp in the pulp raw material is preferably more than 20% by mass, more preferably 50% by mass or more, and even more preferably 80% by mass or more (up to 100% by mass). In this case, at least one of bleached pulp and semi-bleached pulp may be used in combination with unbleached pulp.

[0069] Furthermore, if mercel pulp or cross-linked pulp is included as a pulp raw material, the strength and density of the pulp molded article tend to decrease. Therefore, the content of mercel pulp and cross-linked pulp in the pulp raw material is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, even more preferably 5% by mass or less, and most preferably not included at all (0% by mass).

[0070] Recycled paper pulp tends to have a high amount of residual ink and poor dispersibility. In addition, the fibers of recycled paper tend to be fuzzy and deformed. Furthermore, recycled paper pulp has low whiteness, and there are un-deinked fibers that appear as long, thin black strands with ink remaining on the pulp fibers, which tends to cause black whiskers. In addition, dust can be seen due to residual gray vinyl and black spots. As a result, the appearance and surface smoothness of the resulting pulp molded articles tend to decrease. Therefore, the content of recycled paper pulp in the pulp raw material is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, even more preferably 5% by mass or less, and most preferably none (0% by mass).

[0071] In this embodiment, the Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) of the pulp raw material is preferably 100 mL or more, more preferably 150 mL or more, and even more preferably 200 mL or more, from the viewpoint of pulp raw material productivity and papermaking properties during the production of pulp molded articles, and preferably 600 mL or less, more preferably 520 mL or less, even more preferably 450 mL or less, even more preferably 400 mL or less, and even more preferably 300 mL or less, from the viewpoint of surface smoothness. Surface quality may deteriorate if the CSF is higher than 600 mL.

[0072] The degree of reflexology should be adjusted so that the CSF falls within the above range.

[0073] CSF is measured in accordance with JIS P 8121-2:2012. For bleached pulp, white is preferred. In this invention, the copper number of the pulp molded article is preferably 1 to 20.

[0074] [Other ingredients] Pulp molded articles are formed primarily from the pulp mentioned above. Pulp molded articles may be formed from 100% pulp, but they may also be made by blending pulp with other components such as various internal additives.

[0075] Other components include inorganic substances such as talc and kaolin, inorganic fibers such as glass fibers and carbon fibers, synthetic resin powders or fibers such as polyolefins, polysaccharides such as carboxymethylcellulose, sizing agents, wet strength enhancers, dry strength enhancers, oil resistant agents, yield enhancers, water filtration enhancers, bulk enhancers, aluminum sulfate, pH adjusters, pitch control agents, slime control agents, and colorants such as pigments. It is preferable to include a sizing agent as another component.

[0076] Examples of sizing agents include rosin-based sizing agents (e.g., acidic rosin-based sizing agents, neutral rosin-based sizing agents), alkyl ketene dimers, alkenyl succinic anhydride, and styrene-(meth)acrylate copolymers, with alkyl ketene dimers being preferred.

[0077] Examples of wet-strength enhancers for internal application include polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin resin, epoxidized polyamide polyamine, dialdehyde starch, urea-formaldehyde resin, melamine-formaldehyde, polyacrylamide, methylolated polyacrylamide, and polyethyleneimine.

[0078] Examples of water-repellent agents include wax emulsions, metal soaps (alkali salts of sodium, potassium, zinc, lithium, magnesium, etc.), fatty acid chromium complex salts (myristic complex salts, chromic chloride stearate complex salts, etc.), zirconium water-repellent agents, and silicone emulsions.

[0079] In this embodiment, when the pulp molded article contains non-wood pulp, it is possible to improve oil resistance using only the pulp raw material. Therefore, sufficient oil resistance can be obtained even if the amount of wet strength enhancer and water repellent added is reduced or omitted. However, this does not preclude the addition of a wet strength enhancer or water repellent for the purpose of obtaining higher oil and water resistance.

[0080] [density] In this invention, the density of the pulp molded article is 0.45 g / cm³. 3 More than 1.0g / cm 3 The following is preferable:

[0081] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of further improving surface smoothness and oil resistance, the density of the pulp molded article is more preferably 0.50 g / cm³. 3 More preferably 0.60 g / cm³ 3 That is all, and more preferably 0.95 g / cm³ 3 The following applies:

[0082] The density of pulp molded articles can be measured in accordance with JIS P 8118:2014. Note that JIS P 8118:2014 is a method used for paper and cardboard, and in this embodiment, the sample size may not be as specified. In such cases, the sample size should be adjusted appropriately for measurement. Basis weight is measured in accordance with JIS P 8124:2011, with the sample size adjustment being the same as described above. The flat portion of the molded article is used for measurement.

[0083] In this invention, a pulp molded article has a basis weight of 1500 kg / m². 2The following is preferable. Furthermore, the lower limit of the preferred basis weight is 200 kg / m². 2 That is the case.

[0084] The pulp molded article may have multiple layers by performing the papermaking process described later multiple times or by hot-pressing multiple mold intermediates in the hot-pressing process, but it is preferable to have a single layer structure from the viewpoint of superior surface smoothness and oil resistance.

[0085] [thickness] In the present invention, it is preferable that the thickness of the pulp molded article is 500 μm or more and 1500 μm or less. In this embodiment, the thickness of the pulp molded article is approximately 600 μm.

[0086] [Fiber length] In this invention, it is preferable that the average fiber length of the pulp molded article is 0.5 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. By keeping the fiber length within this range, the texture and dispersibility of the pulp are improved (the amount of floc is reduced).

[0087] [Method for manufacturing pulp molded articles] The method for manufacturing pulp molded articles is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to manufacture them by a method having the following steps 1 to 3 in this order. The pulp molded articles obtained by this method have excellent surface smoothness, are decorative, have excellent aesthetic appeal, and can be easily surface-finished. The method of decoration is not particularly limited, and may include painting with watercolors or the like.

[0088] Step 1: Pulp suspension preparation step Step 2: Forming process to obtain a mold intermediate by forming pulp from a pulp suspension through a mold. Step 3: A hot pressing step in which the mold intermediate is sandwiched between a first press die and a second press die and hot pressed.

[0089] In step 1, pulp raw materials and other components as needed are added to water to prepare a pulp suspension (pulp slurry). The concentration of the suspension (slurry concentration) is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.3% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, and preferably 7% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 3% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of surface smoothness, dimensional stability, and productivity.

[0090] Step 2 is the papermaking process, in which pulp is formed from the pulp suspension via a papermaking mold.

[0091] A molding die, such as a wire mesh mold with a vacuum-permeable structure, is immersed in a pulp suspension. The pulp suspension is drawn into the molding die to remove water, while the pulp fibers are laminated and adsorbed onto the die to form a three-dimensional wet paper. Then, the molding die is withdrawn from the pulp suspension, and the water-containing three-dimensional wet paper is dehydrated by suction or pressure.

[0092] In this process, the molding die, on which pulp has been layered and adsorbed onto its surface, is brought close to the pulp-adsorbed surface while vacuum suction is maintained. A release mold (release device) with vacuum suction is then brought close to the pulp-adsorbed surface, compressing and vacuum-suctioning the pulp mold intermediate to dewater it. After that, the vacuum pressure of the molding die is reduced to zero, and the release mold is pulled back while the pulp mold intermediate remains adsorbed onto the release mold to release it.

[0093] Step 3 is a hot pressing step in which the mold intermediate obtained after the papermaking step is heated and hot-pressed using a first press die and a second press die located in the opposite direction from the first press die.

[0094] Step 3 involves transferring the dewatered pulp mold intermediate obtained in Step 2 to a first press die for hot pressing, which is made of, for example, a porous die. The pulp mold intermediate transferred to the first press die is sandwiched between the first press die and a second press die for hot pressing, which is located in the opposite direction from the first press die and engages with the first press die. The intermediate is then heated and pressurized to obtain a predetermined pulp molded body.

[0095] Furthermore, it is preferable to incorporate an electric heater inside at least one of the first and second press dies for hot pressing, thereby heating at least one of the first and second press dies. Alternatively, the entire mold, including the first and second press dies, may be housed in a furnace into which hot air is introduced, so that hot air passes through the inside of the mold.

[0096] In step 3 (hot pressing step), the pressure applied by the first and second press dies during pressing is preferably 0.1 MPa·s or higher, more preferably 0.3 MPa or higher, even more preferably 0.4 MPa·s or higher, and even more preferably 0.6 MPa or higher, from the viewpoint of obtaining a pulp molded article with excellent surface smoothness, and preferably 3.0 MPa·s or lower, more preferably 2.0 MPa or lower, and even more preferably 1.5 MPa·s or lower, from the viewpoint of power consumption and equipment load.

[0097] In step 3 (hot pressing step), the temperature during hot pressing is preferably 130°C or higher, more preferably 150°C or higher, and even more preferably 170°C or higher, from the viewpoint of obtaining a pulp molded article with excellent surface smoothness, and preferably 280°C or lower, more preferably 250°C or lower, and even more preferably 230°C or lower, from the viewpoint of power consumption, equipment load, and discoloration suppression.

[0098] In the above process, pulp molding with excellent smoothness is performed on both sides, but in the present invention, it is also permissible to perform the process on only one side. In this pulp molding, for example, a fine mesh can be formed on the surface.

[0099] Furthermore, the pulp molded article according to the present invention may be molded after coloring the pulp, or the color may be added after molding by impregnation coating or the like.

[0100] Furthermore, the pulp molded article according to the present invention may have patterns, characters, or other designs printed on its surface.

[0101] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or the modifications mentioned throughout, and can be modified or altered as appropriate without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1, 1', 1'' Capsule container 2a 1st frame 2b, 2'b, 2''b 2nd frame 2bi, 2'bi, 2''bi: Inner surface of the second frame. 3a Opening edge of the first frame 3b Opening edge of the second frame 4, 4', 4'' mating section 4i, 4'i, 4''i Inner surface of the mating portion 4e Extending part 4A First step 4B Second step 4t reinforcement section D4 Thickness of the mating section

Claims

1. A capsule container comprising a first frame and a second frame having an opening edge with a fitting portion that can be fitted onto the opening edge of the first frame, wherein the fitting creates a space between the first frame and the second frame in which an article can be stored, A capsule container characterized in that at least one of the first frame and the second frame is made of pulp mold.

2. The first frame and the second frame are made of pulp mold, The fitting portion of the second frame is formed by extending from the opening edge of the second frame with a first step difference so that the opening edge of the first frame fits into it. The capsule container according to claim 1, characterized in that the thickness of the extended portion of the second frame is the same as or thicker than the other parts of the second frame.

3. In a cross-section perpendicular to the opening plane defined by the opening edge of the second frame, The capsule container according to claim 2, further characterized in that a reinforcing portion is provided to fill the second step difference on the inside of the container that occurs between the inner surface of the fitting portion of the second frame and the inner surface of the second frame connected to the base end of the fitting portion.

4. The capsule container according to claim 2, characterized in that a projection is further provided on the portion extending from the opening edge of the second frame toward the outside of the container.

5. The capsule container according to claim 1, characterized in that the entire structure exhibits a spherical or ellipsoidal shape when the first frame and the second frame are fitted together.

6. A capsule container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it is for use in capsule toys.

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