Connectors and refillable containers with connectors

Abstract

To provide a coupling that can suppress contents from leaking, in filling an inner bag of a laminate peelable container whose inner bag is peeled off from an outer shell by reduction of the contents with the contents stored in a refillable container, and a refillable container mounted with the coupling.SOLUTION: A coupling comprises a mechanism which couples a refillable container to a laminate peelable container without peeling off a top seal of the refillable container, so as to break down the top seal, and when moving contents from the refillable container to the laminate peelable container, converges the movements of the contents, and acts as a resistance element against pressure generated when the contents are pressed in.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector and a refillable container with a connector. More specifically, the present invention relates to a connector for connecting a peelable laminated container whose inner bag has shrunk due to a decrease in contents to a refillable container having a top seal, and for filling the contents stored in the refillable container from the peelable laminated container into the inner bag of the refillable container, and to a refillable container equipped with the connector. [Background technology]

[0002] A double container (delaminating peelable container) is known as a container for storing medicines, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, detergents, food, etc., which has an outer shell that forms the outer container and an inner bag that is placed inside the outer shell and forms an inner container that can be freely reduced or deformed, and which allows outside air to be introduced between the outer shell and the inner bag, allowing the inner bag to peel off from the outer shell (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] In this type of double container (delaminated container), when the contents are discharged during use, only the inner container reduces in volume according to the discharged volume, and air is not introduced into the inner container. This makes it possible to avoid direct contact between the unused contents remaining in the inner container and the air, and to prevent oxidation deterioration of the contents.

[0004] Conventionally, such delaminating containers have been discarded as is after the contents stored in the inner container (inner bag) have been used. However, in light of recent environmental issues, it has been considered to refill the contents into the delaminating containers after use and reuse the containers.

[0005] Patent Document 3 proposes a method for reusing a delaminated bottle (a delaminated container) in which the inner layer b has peeled off and shrunk from the outer layer a due to use, by attaching a squeezing tool to the mouth of the delaminated bottle and sending air into the inner layer b to expand it and make it possible to refill it with the contents.

[0006] According to the method described in Patent Document 3, the inner layer b that has shrunk after use is filled with air, and the delaminated bottle becomes capable of being filled with contents again.

[0007] Patent Document 4 also proposes a method in which the mouth of a refillable container is detachably fitted into the mouth of a delaminated bottle whose inner layer b has shrunk due to use, so that the mouth of the refillable container is attached to the inner surface of the inner layer b at the mouth of the delaminated bottle, and then the filling liquid 6 in the refillable container is pressed into the inside of the inner layer b, thereby expanding the shrunken inner layer b and filling the liquid.

[0008] In the method of Patent Document 4, when the filling liquid 6 in the refill container is pressed into the inside of the inner layer b, the air between the inner layer b and the outer layer a is discharged through an air hole 5 provided in the outer layer a, while the contracted inner layer b is expanded to fill the liquid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-101966 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-179822 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2002-326667 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2002-326605 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] In the method described in Patent Document 3, the inner layer b of a used delaminated bottle (delaminated container) is filled with air, making the delaminated bottle capable of being filled with contents again. However, a subsequent step of filling the contents is required, and therefore refilling cannot be performed in a single step.

[0011] The method described in Patent Document 4 is said to be able to prevent leakage of the filled liquid 6 by pressing an annular sealing surface 9 provided on the outer periphery of the mouth of the refillable container against the upper surface of the mouth and neck portion 4 of the delaminated bottle.

[0012] However, in the method described in Patent Document 4, the delaminated bottle (delaminated peelable container) and the refillable container are open when refilling, so there was a concern that the contents would leak when the container was put on, for example, when the contents to be refilled were ones that could be refilled by their own weight.

[0013] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned background, and aims to provide a connector that can prevent leakage of contents when filling the inner bag of a peelable laminated container whose inner bag has peeled off from the outer shell and shrunk due to a decrease in the contents with contents stored in a refillable container, and a refillable container to which the connector is attached. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The present inventors conducted extensive research to solve the above problems. They came to the conclusion that if a connector is provided that connects a refillable container to a peelable laminated container without peeling off the top seal of the refillable container, destroys the top seal by the connection, converges the flow of the contents when moving the contents from the refillable container to the peelable laminated container, and serves as a resistance element against the pressure when the contents are pressed in, leakage of the contents can be suppressed when refilling the contents, and thus completed the present invention. That is, the present invention is as follows.

[0015] Aspect 1 a peelable laminated container comprising an outer shell having an outside air vent capable of discharging air to the outside of the container, and an inner bag arranged inside the outer shell, the inner bag peeling off from the outer shell and shrinking due to a decrease in the contents; a refillable container having a content and a top seal; A connector for connecting the refillable container and filling the contents stored in the refillable container into the inner bag of the delaminating container, A first cylindrical side wall portion that is detachably attached to the mouth and neck portion of the refillable container; A second cylindrical side wall portion that is detachable from the mouth and neck portion of the delaminated container; a partition top surface portion located between the first cylindrical side wall portion and the second cylindrical side wall portion and separating the first cylindrical side wall portion and the second cylindrical side wall portion; a first cylindrical inner wall portion connected to the partition top surface portion and projecting into an inner space of the first cylindrical side wall portion; a protrusion connected to the first cylindrical inner wall portion and protruding into an inner space of the first cylindrical inner wall portion, forming a flow path between the first cylindrical inner wall portion and the first cylindrical inner wall portion for the contents to flow through, and destroying the top seal of the refillable container when the first cylindrical side wall portion is connected to a mouth and neck portion of the refillable container; Thus, the content of the refillable container can be passed through the flow path between the protrusion and the first cylindrical inner wall portion to fill the inner bag of the delaminating container. Connector. Aspect 2 The connector of aspect 1, further comprising a second cylindrical inner wall portion connected to the partition top surface portion and protruding into the inner space of the second cylindrical side wall portion. Aspect 3 3. The connector of claim 2, wherein the second cylindrical inner wall portion comprises a check valve. Aspect 4 The connector according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, further comprising a lid member connected to the second cylindrical side wall portion. Aspect 5 the first cylindrical side wall portion includes a first screw groove; The refill container has a screw groove on the outer wall of the neck portion. The connector according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein, when connecting, the first screw groove and the screw groove of the refillable container are screwed together. Aspect 6 the second cylindrical side wall portion includes a second screw groove; The delaminating container has a screw groove on an outer wall of the mouth and neck portion, The connector according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein, at the time of connection, the second screw groove and the screw groove of the delaminated container are screwed together. Aspect 7 The connector according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the mouth and neck portion of the delaminated container and the mouth and neck portion of the refillable container have substantially the same outer diameter. Aspect 8 A refillable container with a connector, in which the second cylindrical side wall portion of the connector according to any one of aspects 1 to 7 is connected to a mouth and neck portion of the refillable container having a top seal. Aspect 9: the second cylindrical side wall portion includes a second screw groove; The refillable container having the top seal has a threaded groove on the outer wall of the neck portion, A refillable container with a connector according to aspect 8, wherein the second threaded groove and the threaded groove of the refillable container are threadedly engaged with each other. Effect of the Invention

[0016] The connector of the present invention and a refillable container equipped with the connector can prevent leakage of contents when the inner bag of a peelable laminated container has shrunk due to a reduction in the contents and the inner bag has peeled off from the outer shell, and the contents stored in the refillable container are refilled.

[0017] Specifically, the connector of the present invention allows a refillable container to be connected to a delaminating container without peeling off the top seal of the refillable container. The top seal of the refillable container is then broken only by the connection. Therefore, the refillable container can be connected to the connector without first opening the mouth and neck of the refillable container. For example, even when the refillable container is connected upside down, the contents will not fall out due to gravity until the connection is completed.

[0018] The connector of the present invention also has a mechanism for converging the flow of the contents when the contents are refilled from the refill container into the delaminating container, and for serving as a resistance element against the pressure when the contents are pressed in. Therefore, the connector of the present invention can prevent the contents from leaking from the connection point while the contents are being refilled from the refill container containing the contents into the delaminating container. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are schematic cross-sectional and top views of a connector of the present invention according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Connectors <Use of connector> The connector of the present invention is a connector for connecting a peelable laminated container whose inner bag has shrunk due to a decrease in contents and peeled off from its outer shell to a refillable container having a top seal, and for refilling the contents stored in the refillable container from the refillable container into the inner bag of the peelable laminated container. Here, the term "peeled laminated container" refers to a container having an outer shell with an outside air vent that can exhaust air to the outside of the container, and an inner bag that is stacked inside the outer shell.

[0021] <Function of connector> When using the connector of the present invention, first, a peelable laminated container with a shrunk inner bag is connected to one side of the connector, and then a refillable container having a top seal is connected to the other side of the connector without peeling off the top seal.

[0022] The top seal of the refill container is broken when the refill container is connected to the connector.

[0023] Therefore, when refilling the contents into the inner bag of the peelable laminated container, it is not necessary to peel off the top seal from the mouth and neck of the refillable container in advance, and it is possible to connect the refillable container with the top seal still attached. Therefore, for example, even when connecting the refillable containers upside down, the contents will not fall due to gravity until they are connected.

[0024] After the refillable container and the delaminating container are connected to the connector, the inner bag of the delaminating container is refilled with the contents from the refillable container.

[0025] At this time, if the content filled in the refillable container is a low-viscosity liquid or the like, it can be sufficiently filled by its own weight, and therefore, for example, it is possible to refill the content into the inner bag of the delaminating container by simply turning the refillable container upside down. On the other hand, if the content is a viscous paste or the like, pressure may be applied to the refillable container from the outside to cause the content to flow into the inner bag of the delaminating container.

[0026] The connector of the present invention converges the flow of contents when the contents are refilled from the refill container to the delaminated container, and is provided with an element of resistance to pressure when the contents are pressed in, thereby preventing leakage of the contents from the connection point while the contents are being refilled.

[0027] The laminated peelable container to which the connector of the present invention is applied has an outside air vent in the outer shell that can discharge air to the outside of the container. When the inner bag of the laminated peelable container is filled with contents from a refillable container, the air existing between the outer shell and the inner bag of the laminated peelable container is discharged to the outside of the laminated peelable container through the outside air vent. By discharging air to the outside of the laminated peelable container through the outside air vent, the inner bag of the laminated peelable container can expand in volume due to filling.

[0028] <Connector configuration> The connector of the present invention is A first cylindrical side wall portion that is detachable to a neck portion of the refillable container; A second cylindrical side wall portion that is detachable from the mouth and neck portion of the delaminated container; a partition top surface portion located between the first cylindrical side wall portion and the second cylindrical side wall portion and separating the first cylindrical side wall portion and the second cylindrical side wall portion; a first cylindrical inner wall portion connected to the partition top surface portion and protruding into an inner space of the first cylindrical side wall portion; a protrusion that is connected to the first cylindrical inner wall portion and protrudes into an inner space of the first cylindrical inner wall portion; is a required configuration.

[0029] Furthermore, the connector of the present invention may optionally include: a second cylindrical inner wall portion connected to the partition top surface portion and projecting into an inner space of the second cylindrical side wall portion; A check valve provided in the second cylindrical inner wall portion; or A lid connected to the second tubular side wall may also be provided.

[0030] The material for forming the connector of the present invention is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, polyolefin resin, specifically, polypropylene or high density polyethylene.

[0031] <First embodiment> Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view and a top view of a connector according to a first embodiment. Fig. 1(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a state in which a neck portion 51 of a refillable container having a top seal and a neck portion 52 of a peelable laminate container in which an inner bag has been peeled off from an outer shell and shrunk due to a decrease in contents are connected to a connector 1 according to the present invention according to a first embodiment. Fig. 1(b) is a top view of only the connector 1 in Fig. 1(a). Fig. 1(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connected state in the AA section of Fig. 1(b).

[0032] The connector 1 according to the first embodiment includes a first cylindrical side wall 2 detachably attached to a neck portion 51 of a refillable container, a second cylindrical side wall 3 detachably attached to a neck portion 52 of a peelable laminate container, and a partition top surface 4 located between the first cylindrical side wall 2 and the second cylindrical side wall 3 and separating the first cylindrical side wall 2 and the second cylindrical side wall 3. The connector 1 also includes a first cylindrical inner wall 6 connected to the partition top surface 4 and protruding into the inner space of the first cylindrical side wall 2, and a protrusion 5 connected to the first cylindrical inner wall 6 and protruding into the inner space of the first cylindrical inner wall 6.

[0033] (First cylindrical side wall portion) The first cylindrical side wall in the connector of the present invention is a cylindrical wall that is detachable from the neck of the refillable container. When the refillable container and the connector are connected, the inner wall of the first cylindrical side wall is fitted onto the outer wall of the neck of the refillable container.

[0034] The shape of the inner wall of the first cylindrical side wall portion, i.e., the surface that fits with the outer wall of the mouth and neck portion of the refillable container, is not particularly limited. For example, it may be flat or may have a screw groove.

[0035] When the first cylindrical side wall has a screw groove and the neck of the refillable container has a screw groove that fits with the screw groove of the first cylindrical side wall, and these are screwed together to connect, the sealing property and pressure resistance of the connector can be improved. Therefore, for example, even when refilling is performed under pressure, leakage of the contents can be effectively suppressed.

[0036] The first cylindrical side wall 2 of the connector 1 according to the first embodiment has a first screw groove, and the refillable container neck portion 51 also has a screw groove on its outer wall. The first screw groove of the first cylindrical side wall 2 and the screw groove of the refillable container neck portion 51 are screwed together to connect the connector 1 and the refillable container neck portion 51.

[0037] (Second cylindrical side wall portion) The second cylindrical side wall portion in the connector of the present invention is a cylindrical wall that is detachably attached to the mouth and neck portion of the delaminating container. When the delaminating container and the connector are connected, the inner wall of the second cylindrical side wall portion is fitted onto the outer wall of the mouth and neck portion of the delaminating container.

[0038] The shape of the inner wall of the second cylindrical side wall portion, i.e., the surface that is to be fitted with the outer wall of the mouth and neck portion of the delaminated container, is not particularly limited. For example, it may be flat or may have a screw groove.

[0039] When the second cylindrical side wall portion has a screw groove and the mouth and neck portion of the delaminated container has a screw groove that fits with the screw groove of the second cylindrical side wall portion and these are screwed together to connect, the sealing property and pressure resistance of the connector can be improved. Therefore, for example, even when refilling is performed under pressure, leakage of the contents can be effectively suppressed.

[0040] The second cylindrical side wall portion 3 in the connector 1 according to the first embodiment has a second screw groove, and the mouth and neck portion 52 of the laminated delaminable container also has a screw groove on its outer wall. The second screw groove of the second cylindrical side wall portion 3 and the screw groove of the mouth and neck portion 52 of the laminated delaminable container are screwed together to connect the connector 1 and the mouth and neck portion 52 of the laminated delaminable container.

[0041] (Inner diameter of the first cylindrical side wall portion and the second cylindrical side wall portion) The inner diameter of the first cylindrical side wall portion and the inner diameter of the second cylindrical side wall portion of the connector of the present invention, their sizes, their relationship, etc. are not particularly limited and can be set appropriately according to the diameters of the mouth and neck portions of the delaminating container and the refillable container to be connected to the connector.

[0042] For example, when the diameter of the mouth and neck of the delaminated container and the diameter of the mouth and neck of the refillable container are substantially the same, it is possible to connect the second cylindrical side wall of the connector, i.e., the side of the connector that does not have the protrusion, to the mouth and neck of the refillable container having a top seal. This allows the connector to function as a lid for the refillable container having a top seal, and the refillable container with the connector can be distributed on the market in a state in which the second cylindrical side wall of the connector is connected to the mouth and neck of the refillable container having a top seal.

[0043] In the connector 1 according to the first embodiment, the inner diameter of the first cylindrical side wall 2 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the second cylindrical side wall 3. That is, the mouth and neck portion 51 of the refillable container connected to the connector 1 and the mouth and neck portion 52 of the delaminating container have approximately the same outer diameter.

[0044] (Partition top part) The partition top surface portion in the connector of the present invention is located between the first cylindrical side wall portion and the second cylindrical side wall portion, and serves as a partition wall separating the first cylindrical side wall portion and the second cylindrical side wall portion. Therefore, when the laminated peelable container and the refillable container are connected to both sides of the connector, the partition top surface portion is disposed between the tip of the mouth and neck portion of the laminated peelable container and the tip of the mouth and neck portion of the refillable container, and can serve as a wall between them.

[0045] In the connector of the present invention, the partition top surface portion is connected to a first cylindrical inner wall portion which will be described later.

[0046] The partition top surface is not particularly limited in shape as long as it is a partition that separates the first cylindrical side wall from the second cylindrical side wall. For example, it may be flat, or may have irregularities on its surface that fit the tip of the mouth and neck of a refillable container or the tip of the mouth and neck of a delaminated container, or may have holes for passing the contents.

[0047] The thickness of the partition top surface portion is not particularly limited as long as it can withstand the pressure when connecting and filling the contents.

[0048] The connector 1 according to the first embodiment includes three partition top surface portions 4 between the first cylindrical side wall portion 2 and the second cylindrical side wall portion 3, which separate the first cylindrical side wall portion 2 and the second cylindrical side wall portion 3. Each partition top surface portion 4 connects the first cylindrical side wall portion 2 and the second cylindrical side wall portion 3 to form a partition therebetween, and is also connected to a first cylindrical inner wall portion 6.

[0049] In the connector 1 according to the first embodiment, the spaces between the partitioning top surface portions 4 are openings, and these openings serve as passage holes for the contents during refilling.

[0050] (First cylindrical inner wall portion) The first cylindrical inner wall of the connector of the present invention is a cylindrical inner wall that is connected to the partition top surface and protrudes into the inner space of the first cylindrical side wall, and forms a flow path for the contents to flow between the first cylindrical side wall and the protrusion described below.

[0051] The first cylindrical inner wall portion is a wall that extends from the partition top surface portion so as to protrude into the inner space of the first cylindrical side wall portion, and has a cylindrical shape.

[0052] The first cylindrical inner wall portion can converge the flow of the contents when the contents are refilled from the refill container to the delaminating container by the cylindrical wall. Also, when the contents are pressed in, it becomes a resistance element against the pressure. Therefore, by including the first cylindrical inner wall portion, the connector of the present invention can suppress leakage of the contents from the connection part when the contents are refilled.

[0053] The diameter of the cylindrical wall that becomes the first cylindrical inner wall portion is not particularly limited, and can be designed appropriately depending on the diameter of the mouth and neck of the refillable container to be connected, etc. In addition, the height is preferably lower than the protrusions in order to fully exert the function of the protrusions described below, and may be designed appropriately depending on the viscosity of the refillable contents, etc.

[0054] The thickness of the first cylindrical inner wall is not particularly limited. When the content to be refilled has a high viscosity, the thickness may be increased so as to withstand the pressure applied from the outside during refilling.

[0055] Furthermore, the wall constituting the first cylindrical inner wall portion may be continuous or discontinuous, but from the viewpoint of being able to fully exert the effects exerted by the first cylindrical inner wall portion described above, a continuous wall is sufficient.

[0056] The connector 1 according to the first embodiment includes a first cylindrical inner wall portion 6 that is connected to three partition top surface portions 4 and extends so as to protrude into the inner space of the first cylindrical side wall portion 2. A flow path for the circulation of the contents is formed between the first cylindrical inner wall portion 6 and a protrusion portion 5 described later.

[0057] In the connector 1 according to the first embodiment, the first cylindrical inner wall portion 6 is in the form of a cylinder. The height of the first cylindrical inner wall portion 6 is slightly lower than the height of the protrusion portion 5.

[0058] (protrusion) The protrusion in the connector of the present invention is a protrusion that is connected to the first cylindrical inner wall and protrudes into the inner space of the first cylindrical inner wall, and forms a flow path for the contents to flow between the first cylindrical inner wall and the protrusion.

[0059] The protrusion of the connector of the present invention breaks the top seal of the neck of the refillable container when the neck of the refillable container is connected to the first cylindrical side wall of the connector, thereby forcing the contents of the refillable container through a flow path formed between the protrusion and the first cylindrical inner wall, and filling the inner bag of the delaminating container.

[0060] The shape of the protrusion is connected to the first cylindrical inner wall portion, has a convex shape that protrudes into the inner space of the first cylindrical inner wall portion, and has a tip shape that is sharp enough to sufficiently destroy the top seal of the refillable container, so that other shapes are not particularly limited.

[0061] For example, the body may be cylindrical or polygonal prism-shaped with a conical tip, or the entire shape may be conical or polygonal pyramid-shaped.

[0062] In addition, in order to form a flow path for the contents to flow between the first cylindrical inner wall and the protrusion, a part of the outer periphery of the protrusion is connected to the first cylindrical inner wall, and a flow path for the contents to flow is formed in the unconnected region.

[0063] The height of the connection points between the protrusion and the first cylindrical inner wall is not particularly limited, and may be either the height of the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion or the height of the first cylindrical inner wall. From the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the connection parts, a plurality of connection points may be provided in a balanced manner at equal positions on the outer periphery of the protrusion so that the pressure when the contents flow is evenly distributed.

[0064] The number, size, shape, etc. of the flow passages for the flow of the contents formed between the first cylindrical inner wall portion and the protrusion portion, i.e., the shape of the connecting portion, is not particularly limited. It can be designed appropriately depending on the contents. For example, the cross section may be tapered in order to accommodate contents with high viscosity.

[0065] The connector 1 according to the first embodiment is connected to a first cylindrical inner wall portion 6 and includes a protrusion portion 5 that protrudes into the inner space of the first cylindrical inner wall portion 6. The connector 1 includes a flow path formed between the first cylindrical inner wall portion 6 and the protrusion portion 5, through which the contents can flow.

[0066] In the connector 1 according to the first embodiment, the protrusion 5 has a shape in which a cylinder and a cone are combined. The height of the protrusion 5 is slightly higher than the height of the first cylindrical inner wall portion 6.

[0067] Furthermore, in the connector 1 according to the first embodiment, the first cylindrical inner wall portion 6 and the protrusion portion 5 are connected at three locations at approximately equal intervals.

[0068] <Second embodiment> The connector according to the second embodiment further includes a second cylindrical inner wall portion that is connected to the partition top surface portion and protrudes into the inner space of the second cylindrical side wall portion.

[0069] Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector 11 according to the second embodiment, in which a mouth and neck part 53 of a refillable container having a top seal and a mouth and neck part 54 of a delaminating container in which the inner bag has been peeled off from the outer shell and shrunk due to a decrease in the contents are connected to the mouth and neck part 54 of the delaminating container.

[0070] The connector 11 according to the second embodiment includes a first cylindrical side wall 12 detachably attached to a neck portion 53 of a refillable container, a second cylindrical side wall 13 detachably attached to a neck portion 54 of a delaminated container, and a partition top surface 14 located between the first cylindrical side wall 12 and the second cylindrical side wall 13 and separating the first cylindrical side wall 12 from the second cylindrical side wall 13. The connector 11 also includes a first cylindrical inner wall 16a connected to the partition top surface 14 and protruding into the inner space of the first cylindrical side wall 12, and a protrusion 15 connected to the first cylindrical inner wall 16a and protruding into the inner space of the first cylindrical inner wall 16a.

[0071] Furthermore, the connector 11 according to the second embodiment includes a second cylindrical inner wall portion 16b that is connected to the partition top surface portion 14 and protrudes into the inner space of the second cylindrical side wall portion 13.

[0072] A coupler 11 according to the second embodiment has the same structure as the coupler 1 according to the first embodiment described above, except for the second cylindrical inner wall portion 16b.

[0073] (Second cylindrical inner wall portion) The connector of the present invention may have a second cylindrical inner wall portion in addition to the first cylindrical inner wall portion. The second cylindrical inner wall portion is a cylindrical inner wall that is connected to the partition top surface portion and protrudes into the inner space of the second cylindrical side wall portion. That is, the second cylindrical inner wall portion is formed on the surface of the partition top surface portion opposite to the first cylindrical inner wall portion.

[0074] The second cylindrical inner wall portion can converge the flow of the contents when the contents are refilled from the refill container to the delaminating container by the cylindrical wall. Also, when the contents are pressed in, it becomes a resistance element against the pressure. Therefore, by providing the second cylindrical inner wall portion in addition to the first cylindrical inner wall portion, the connector of the present invention can further suppress leakage of the contents from the connection portion when the contents are refilled.

[0075] The diameter of the cylindrical wall that becomes the second cylindrical inner wall portion is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately designed according to the diameter of the mouth and neck of the delaminated laminated container to be connected, etc. In addition, the height is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately designed according to the viscosity of the refill content, etc.

[0076] The thickness of the second cylindrical inner wall is not particularly limited. When the content to be refilled has a high viscosity, the thickness may be increased so as to withstand the pressure applied from the outside during refilling.

[0077] Furthermore, the wall constituting the second cylindrical inner wall portion may be continuous or discontinuous, but from the viewpoint of being able to fully exert the effects exerted by the second cylindrical inner wall portion described above, a continuous wall is sufficient.

[0078] The connector 11 according to the second embodiment includes a second cylindrical inner wall portion 16b that is connected to the partition top surface portion 14 and extends so as to protrude into the inner space of the second cylindrical side wall portion 13.

[0079] <Third embodiment> The connector of the present invention according to the third embodiment is a connector further comprising a check valve provided in the second cylindrical inner wall portion, and a lid member connected to the second cylindrical side wall portion.

[0080] Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a state in which a neck portion 55 of a refillable container having a top seal is connected to a neck portion 56 of a delaminating container in which an inner bag has been peeled off from an outer shell and shrunk due to a decrease in contents, by a connector 21 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 3(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a state in which, after connection, pressure is applied from the outside of the refillable container to compress the refillable container, causing the contents in the refillable container to flow into the delaminating container. The arrows in Fig. 3(b) indicate the flow of the contents.

[0081] The connector 21 according to the third embodiment includes a first cylindrical side wall 22 detachably attached to the mouth and neck portion 55 of the refillable container, a second cylindrical side wall 23 detachably attached to the mouth and neck portion 56 of the delaminated container, and a partition top surface portion 24 located between the first cylindrical side wall portion 22 and the second cylindrical side wall portion 23 and separating the first cylindrical side wall portion 22 from the second cylindrical side wall portion 23. The connector 21 also includes a first cylindrical inner wall portion 26a connected to the partition top surface portion 24 and protruding into the inner space of the first cylindrical side wall portion 22, and a protrusion portion 25 connected to the first cylindrical inner wall portion 26a and protruding into the inner space of the first cylindrical inner wall portion 26a.

[0082] Furthermore, the connector 21 of the third embodiment is connected to the partition top surface portion 24 and has a second cylindrical inner wall portion 26b protruding into the inner space of the second cylindrical side wall portion 23, and is provided with a check valve 27 at the tip of the second cylindrical inner wall portion 26b, and further has a lid material 28 connected to the second cylindrical side wall portion 23.

[0083] Connector 21 according to the third embodiment has the same structure as connector 11 according to the second embodiment described above, except for check valve 27 and cover member .

[0084] (non-return valve) The connector of the present invention may be provided with a check valve in the second cylindrical inner wall portion. By providing the second cylindrical inner wall portion with a check valve near its tip, backflow of the contents can be prevented.

[0085] That is, the connector 21 connects the mouth and neck part 55 of the refillable container having a top seal to the mouth and neck part 56 of the peelable laminated container, and when the contents of the refillable container flow into the peelable laminated container due to the weight of the contents of the refillable container or pressure applied from the outside of the refillable container, the check valve functions to allow the contents to move as shown by the arrow in Fig. 3(b). It also prevents the contents from moving in the opposite direction. This makes it possible to further prevent the contents from leaking from the connection part when refilling the contents.

[0086] In addition, when the contents are sufficiently filled on the side of the laminated peelable container and filling is interrupted and the connection is released, the movement of the contents returning from the laminated peelable container to the refillable container can be prevented, so that the connection between the laminated peelable container and the connecting device can be released while the connecting device is still connected to the mouth and neck of the refillable container in which some of the contents remain.

[0087] In addition, after the connection is released, the refillable container can be stored with the connector still connected to the mouth and neck of the container, with some of the contents still remaining in it, and during storage the check valve can prevent the contents from leaking out of the container.

[0088] Furthermore, when a check valve is provided, not only the contents but also air will not be able to move from the delaminating container to the refillable container, so it is desirable for the inner bag of the delaminating container to be sufficiently shrunk when refilling.

[0089] The connector 21 according to the third embodiment includes a check valve 27 at the tip of the second cylindrical inner wall portion 16b. In the connector 21 according to the third embodiment, the contents that flow from the refillable container to the delaminating container move as shown by the arrow in FIG. 3(b).

[0090] (lid material) The connector of the present invention may include a cover material for connection to the second cylindrical side wall portion.

[0091] By providing a lid material at its tip, the contents can be sufficiently filled on the side of the laminated peelable container, and when filling is interrupted, the connection between the laminated peelable container and the connector can be released while the connector is still connected to the mouth and neck of the refillable container in which some of the contents remain, and then the opening of the second cylindrical side wall can be closed with the lid material connected to the second cylindrical side wall, and the container can be stored in that state.

[0092] The connector 21 according to the third embodiment includes a lid member 28 connected to the second cylindrical side wall portion 23. In the connector 21 according to the third embodiment, after filling is interrupted, the connection between the peelable laminate container and the connector is released while the connector 21 remains connected to the mouth and neck portion 55 of the refillable container in which some of the contents remain, and then the opening of the second cylindrical side wall portion 23 is closed with the lid member 28, and the refillable container can be stored as is.

[0093] Refillable container with connector The refillable container with a connector of the present invention is a refillable container with a connector in which the second cylindrical side wall portion of the connector of the present invention described above is connected to the mouth and neck portion of a refillable container having a top seal.

[0094] When the diameter of the mouth and neck of the delaminated container and the diameter of the mouth and neck of the refillable container are substantially the same, it is possible to connect the second cylindrical side wall of the connector, i.e., the side of the connector that does not have the protrusion, to the mouth and neck of the refillable container having a top seal. This allows the connector to function as a lid for the refillable container having a top seal, and makes it possible to produce a refillable container with a connector in which the second cylindrical side wall of the connector is connected to the mouth and neck of the refillable container having a top seal.

[0095] The refillable container with connecting device of the present invention can be used by connecting the connecting device to a laminated peelable container whose inner bag has shrunk, and when the contents filled in the refillable container are to be filled into the laminated peelable container, the connecting device can be released from the mouth and neck of the refillable container and the orientation of the connecting device can be reversed.

[0096] Specifically, when filling the contents from the refillable container into the peelable laminated container, the connector is removed from the refillable container with the connector, the connector is reversed, and the neck of the refillable container is positioned and connected to the first cylindrical side wall portion of the connector, i.e., the side having the protrusion, thereby destroying the top seal provided on the refillable container.

[0097] In the refillable container with a connecting device of the present invention, the second cylindrical side wall portion of the connecting device may have a second screw-threading groove, and the outer wall of the neck portion of the refillable container may have a screw-threading groove, and the second screw-threading groove may be screwed into the screw-threading groove of the refillable container.

[0098] By screwing together the screw groove, the connector and the refillable container will not separate, making it possible for the connector-equipped refillable container to be safely distributed on the market.

[0099] <<Delaminated container>> The peelable laminated container to which the connector of the present invention can be applied is a container that comprises an outer shell and an inner bag laminated inside the outer shell, and the inner bag peels off from the outer shell and shrinks as the contents decrease.

[0100] <Outer shell> The outer shell of the delaminating container to which the connector of the present invention is applied is generally made of a single layer or a laminate. The material constituting the outer shell is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a resin that can be blow molded and has restorable flexibility.

[0101] Examples of the resin include polyolefin resins such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), medium density polyethylene resin (MDPE), high density polyethylene resin (HDPE), polypropylene resin (PP), and ethylene-propylene copolymer. These resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more. If necessary, additives for imparting functionality may be added.

[0102] (Outside air vent) The outer shell of the peelable laminated container to which the connector of the present invention is applied has an outside air vent that can exhaust air to the outside of the container. The outside air vent serves as an air vent for exhausting air present in the space between the outer shell and the contracted inner bag to the outside of the peelable laminated container when the inner bag of the peelable laminated container is refilled with the contents stored in the refill container using the connector of the present invention.

[0103] In other words, as the contents are refilled into the shrunk inner bag, the inner bag expands, and as a result, the air that was in the space between the outer shell and the inner bag is expelled to the outside of the delaminated container through the outside air vent.

[0104] The structure of the outside air vent is not particularly limited as long as it can discharge air to the outside of the delaminating container. For example, it may be a simple hole, or if a check valve that does not discharge outside air from the space between the inner bag and the outer shell to the outside of the delaminating container is provided, the check valve may be structured to be removable.

[0105] The position of the outside air vent in the outer shell is not particularly limited. For example, the mouth neck part, shoulder part, body part, bottom part, etc. of the delaminating container can be mentioned, but the mouth neck part, shoulder part, or upper part of the body can be used because it allows air to be discharged more easily.

[0106] <Inner bag> The outer shell of the delaminating container to which the connector of the present invention is applied is generally made of a laminate, and the outermost layer of the inner bag may be an EVOH layer containing an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer.

[0107] Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) has excellent oxygen barrier properties, so by making the outermost layer of the inner bag an EVOH layer, it is possible to block contact between the contents filled in the inner bag and oxygen, thereby suppressing oxidative deterioration of the contents.

[0108] In addition, since ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) is a resin having polarity, if the innermost layer of the outer shell, which is the adjacent layer, is made of a resin having low polarity or no polarity, the compatibility with the adjacent resin is low when blow molding the delaminating container. Therefore, for example, if the innermost layer of the outer shell is made of a polyolefin-based resin, the peelability between the outer shell and the inner bag is high.

[0109] The other layers constituting the inner bag are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a layer made of a synthetic resin that can be blow molded and can be freely deformed by being designed thin, and an adhesive layer that is disposed between layers and plays a role in adhesion.

[0110] Examples of the material include polyolefin resins such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), medium density polyethylene resin (MDPE), high density polyethylene resin (HDPE), polypropylene resin (PP), and ethylene-propylene copolymer, and polyamide resins such as nylon. When the outermost layer is an EVOH layer, a second EVOH layer made of EVOH may be present. The material forming the inner bag may be one type or a blend of two or more types. Furthermore, additives for imparting functionality, etc. may be blended as necessary.

[0111] <<Refillable container with contents and top seal>> The refillable container with a top seal to which the connector of the present invention is applied is not particularly limited as long as it is filled with a content and has a top seal. For example, it may be a container made of resin or the like, or a bag-like container such as a pouch.

[0112] <Top seal> The top seal of the refillable container is destroyed by the protrusion provided on the connector of the present invention, and is not particularly limited as long as it has the function of sealing to prevent the contents filled in the refillable container from leaking out from the mouth and neck of the refillable container.

[0113] The structure and materials can be appropriately designed or selected depending on the contents to be filled in the refillable container. For example, the material can be resin, rubber, aluminum, etc., and when it is desired to ensure a barrier property against oxygen or water vapor, etc., a top seal provided with aluminum foil, a silica vapor deposition film, or an alumina vapor deposition film may be used.

[0114] <Contents> The contents filled in the refill container are not particularly limited as long as they are liquids including gels, gels, pastes, etc. Examples of liquids include medicines, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, detergents, foods, paints, etc.

[0115] Examples of pharmaceuticals and quasi-drugs include injections, drip infusions, infusions, perfusions, and decoctions. Examples of cosmetics include shampoos, conditioners, and hair styling products (e.g., hair water, hair liquid, grease, and the like). Examples of detergents include neutral detergents, alkaline detergents, and acidic detergents. Examples of foods include beverages, edible oils, soups, creams, and liquid seasonings (e.g., soy sauce, vinegar, noodle soup, warishita, mirin, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Tabasco, sweeteners, and the like). Examples of paints include paints, varnishes, and oil stains.

[0116] In the present invention, the contents may be in the form of a gel, a gel or a paste. Examples of the contents in the form of a gel, a gel or a paste include toothpaste, wasabi, jelly, jam, miso, etc.

[0117] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0118] Example 1 <Connection between the laminated peelable container and the refillable container with contents and the connector> The connector 1 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 was connected to the mouth and neck part 52 of a peelable laminated container in which the inner bag had been peeled off from the outer shell and shrunk due to a decrease in the contents, and to the mouth and neck part 51 of a refillable container with contents and a top seal, as shown in Fig. 1. The contents were water.

[0119] The first cylindrical side wall 2 of the connector 1 has a first screw groove, and the neck portion 51 of the refillable container also has a screw groove on its outer wall. The first screw groove of the first cylindrical side wall 2 and the screw groove of the neck portion 51 of the refillable container are screwed together to connect the connector 1 and the neck portion 51 of the refillable container.

[0120] Then, by screwing the first screw groove provided in the first cylindrical side wall portion 2 into the screw groove provided in the neck portion 51 of the refillable container, the top seal of the neck portion 51 of the refillable container was destroyed by the protrusion portion 5 provided on the connector 1.

[0121] The second cylindrical side wall 3 of the connector 1 has a second screw groove, and the neck portion 52 of the laminated delaminable container also has a screw groove on its outer wall. The second screw groove of the second cylindrical side wall 3 and the screw groove of the neck portion 52 of the laminated delaminable container are screwed together to connect the connector 1 and the neck portion 52 of the laminated delaminable container.

[0122] <Evaluation> When the contents of the refillable container were filled into the inner bag of the delaminating container, the following evaluations were carried out.

[0123] (Refillable by weight) The refillability was evaluated according to the following criteria, and the results are shown in Table 1. Good: The contents were refilled smoothly without leaking. Normal: It was necessary to consider the connection procedure etc. to prevent the contents from leaking. Not possible: Could not refill

[0124] (Refillability when pressurized) The refillable container was pressurized by applying pressure by hand, and the filling property under pressure was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1. Good: The contents were refilled smoothly without leaking. Normal: There was air leakage, but the container was refillable without leaking the contents. Bad: Contents leaked Not possible: Could not refill

[0125] Example 2 <Connection between the laminated peelable container and the refillable container with contents and the connector> The connector was connected to the mouth and neck portions of the refillable container and the delaminated container in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a connector not having a threaded groove was used on the first cylindrical side wall portion and the second cylindrical side wall portion.

[0126] When the first cylindrical side wall portion and the neck portion of the refillable container were connected, the top seal of the neck portion of the refillable container was broken by the protrusion of the connector.

[0127] <Evaluation> When filling the contents from the refill container into the inner bag of the delaminating container, evaluation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0128] Comparative Example 1 <Connection between the laminated peelable container and the refillable container with contents and the connector> The connector was connected to the mouth and neck portion of the refillable container and the mouth and neck portion of the peelable laminated container in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the connector had no protrusions and no threaded grooves on the first cylindrical side wall portion and the second cylindrical side wall portion, and was connected to a refillable container containing a content and not having a top seal.

[0129] Since the connector of Comparative Example 1 did not have a protrusion, it was necessary to remove the top seal on the neck portion of the refillable container before connecting the first cylindrical side wall portion and the neck portion of the refillable container.

[0130] <Evaluation> When filling the contents from the refill container into the inner bag of the delaminating container, evaluation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0131] Refilling using the connector of Comparative Example 1 required careful attention to prevent the contents from leaking because the connector was connected in an open state to the mouth and neck of the refill container, and the procedure was also complicated.

[0132] Comparative Example 2 <Connection between the laminated peelable container and the refillable container with contents and the connector> Except for the fact that a peelable laminated container having an outer shell that has a non-removable check valve at the outside air vent and cannot discharge air outside the container was used, the same connector 1 as in Example 1 was used and the mouth and neck portions of the refillable container and the peelable laminated container were connected to the connector by screwing in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0133] <Evaluation> When filling the contents from the refill container into the inner bag of the delaminating container, evaluation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0134] The delaminating container used in Comparative Example 2 had a check valve at the outside air vent, so the air between the contracted inner bag and the outer shell could not be discharged to the outside of the container. Therefore, the inner bag could not be expanded, and the contents could not be refilled.

[0135] [Table 1] [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1, 11, 21 Connector 2, 12, 22 First cylindrical side wall portion 3, 13, 23 Second cylindrical side wall portion 4, 14, 24 Partition top section 5, 15, 25 protrusion 6, 16a, 26a First cylindrical inner wall portion 16b, 26b Second cylindrical inner wall portion 27 Check valve 28 Lid material 51, 53, 55 Mouth and neck of refill container 52, 54, 56 Mouth and neck of delaminated container

Claims

1. a peelable laminated container comprising an outer shell having an outside air vent capable of discharging air to the outside of the container, and an inner bag arranged inside the outer shell, the inner bag peeling off from the outer shell and shrinking due to a decrease in the contents; a refillable container having a content and a top seal; A connector for connecting the refillable container and filling the contents stored in the refillable container into the inner bag of the delaminating container, A first cylindrical side wall portion that is detachably attached to a neck portion of the refillable container; A second cylindrical side wall portion that is detachably attached to the mouth and neck portion of the delamination container; a partition top surface portion located between the first cylindrical side wall portion and the second cylindrical side wall portion and separating the first cylindrical side wall portion and the second cylindrical side wall portion; a first cylindrical inner wall portion connected to the partition top surface portion and projecting into an inner space of the first cylindrical side wall portion; a protrusion connected to the first cylindrical inner wall portion and protruding into an inner space of the first cylindrical inner wall portion, forming a flow path between the first cylindrical inner wall portion and the first cylindrical inner wall portion for the contents to flow through, and destroying the top seal of the refillable container when the first cylindrical side wall portion is connected to a mouth and neck portion of the refillable container; a second cylindrical inner wall portion connected to the partition top surface portion, protruding into an inner space of the second cylindrical side wall portion, and including a check valve; Thus, the content of the refillable container can be passed through the flow path between the protrusion and the first cylindrical inner wall portion to fill the inner bag of the delaminating container. Connector.

2. The connector of claim 1 , further comprising a capping material coupled to the second tubular sidewall portion.

3. the first cylindrical side wall portion includes a first thread groove; The refill container has a screw groove on the outer wall of the neck portion. When connecting, the first screw groove and the screw groove of the refill container are screwed together. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the second cylindrical side wall portion includes a second screw groove; The delaminating container has a screw groove on an outer wall of the mouth and neck portion, When connecting, the second screw groove and the screw groove of the delamination container are screwed together. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mouth and neck portion of the delaminated container and the mouth and neck portion of the refillable container have substantially the same outer diameter.

6. A refillable container with a connector, in which the second cylindrical side wall portion of the connector described in any one of claims 1 to 5 is connected to a neck portion of a refillable container having a top seal.

7. the second cylindrical side wall portion includes a second screw groove; The refillable container having the top seal has a threaded groove on the outer wall of the neck portion, The second screw groove and the screw groove of the refill container are screwed together.

7. The refillable container with connector according to claim 6.

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