Multi-cap with flange for tubes

Abstract

To provide a multi-cap with a flange which can be used with a wide range and achieve a proper water stop function when inserted into a tube in a usable range.SOLUTION: A multi-cap 10 includes: a cap head 12; a pillar 14 which extends downward from the cap head 12 and in which an outer shape of a horizontal cross section is circular; a ring shaped first flange 16 protruding from a side surface of the pillar 14 to a lateral side; and a second flange 18 protruding from the side surface of the pillar 14 to the lateral side in an area below the first flange 16. When the multi-cap 10 is attached to a tube T, side ends of the first flange 16 and the second flange 18 contact with an inner wall I of the tube T. The second flange 18 extends upward in a direction from the pillar 14 side to the lateral side and exhibits a bowl shape as a whole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flanged multi-cap for tubes. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, caps (stoppers) that are attached to tubes to close the openings of tubes have been proposed to prevent a liquid sample contained in a tube (test tube) from leaking out of the opening of the tube, or to prevent foreign matter from entering the tube through the opening (e.g., Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0003] Furthermore, caps that can be attached to tubes of a plurality of diameters (referred to as "multi-caps" in this specification) have been proposed (for example, Non-Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-12010 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-88216 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-36568 [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Test tube caps and flange plugs<https: / / wexer-store.com / fisher_product / cap_flange_plug / 165> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As shown in Non-Patent Document 1, there is a multi-cap that includes a cap head, a support rod extending downward from the cap head (in this specification, the vertical direction means the direction in which the tube extends, and the tube side is considered to be the lower side when viewed from the multi-cap), and a flange protruding laterally from the side of the support rod. In this specification, such a multi-cap is referred to as a "flanged multi-cap." A flanged multi-cap is attached to a tube by inserting the support rod and flange into the tube through the opening of the tube and placing the flange in contact with the inner wall of the tube.

[0007] In some cases, a flanged multi-cap that can accommodate a wider range of diameters (referred to as a "range" in this specification) is desired. For example, the flanged multi-cap shown in Non-Patent Document 1 has a range of 1 mm, but a flanged multi-cap that can accommodate a range of 2 mm or more is sometimes desired.

[0008] It is not easy to realize a flanged multi-cap that can accommodate a wide range of tubes. If a flanged multi-cap is designed to fit a wide diameter tube, it may not fit a narrow diameter tube. Conversely, if a flanged multi-cap is designed to fit a narrow diameter tube, it may not fit a wide diameter tube. Specifically, it was not easy to realize a flanged multi-cap that can fit a wide diameter tube within a range, can be suitably inserted into a narrow diameter tube within the range, and does not undergo unexpected deformation when inserted.

[0009] In particular, there is a demand for a flanged multi-cap that can accommodate a wide range of tubes and that can properly perform a water-stopping function, which prevents liquid samples placed in tubes from leaking out of the opening of the tube, regardless of the tube that is inserted into it.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a flanged multi-cap that can be used in a wide range and can properly perform a watertight function when inserted into a tube within the range. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention provides a support rod that extends downward from a cap head and has a circular outer shape in a cross section perpendicular to the direction of extension, the support rod being hollow and elastically deformable by a lateral force; and a tube support rod that protrudes laterally from a side surface of the support rod and abuts against an inner wall of the tube; The outer lateral surfaces are sloped downward and to the side in their natural state. First flange The first flange has a slit cut out so as to extend in a radial direction thereof and penetrating in a vertical direction, the slit being provided so as to extend in a direction that is not parallel to the vertical direction in a side view. a second flange that protrudes laterally from the side surface of the support pillar below the first flange and abuts against the inner wall of the tube, the second flange extending upward as it extends laterally from the support pillar side and has an overall bowl shape; A groove is provided along the circumferential direction of the support pillar on the side surface of the support pillar at a position adjacent to the upper side of the connection position of the first flange. The present invention relates to a flanged multi-cap for tubes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a flanged multi-cap that can be used in a wide range and can properly perform a watertight function when inserted into a tube within the range. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a multi-cap according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-cap according to the embodiment taken along the vertical direction. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA direction in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of region C in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing a multi-cap attached to a compatible maximum diameter tube. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing a multi-cap attached to a compatible smallest diameter tube. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the multi-cap attached to the corresponding smallest diameter tube. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] <Multi-cap Overview> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-cap 10 according to this embodiment. A tube T is shown below the multi-cap 10 in FIG. 1. Furthermore, FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the multi-cap 10. As described above, in this specification, the extension direction of the tube T is referred to as the vertical direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is referred to as the horizontal direction. The multi-cap 10 includes a cap head 12, a support 14 extending downward from the cap head 12, a first flange 16 protruding laterally from the side surface of the support 14, and a second flange 18 protruding laterally from the side surface of the support 14 below the first flange 16.

[0015] The multi-cap 10 is a cap that is attached to the tube T so as to close the opening O of the tube T, which opens upward. Specifically, the support 14, the first flange 16, and the second flange 18 are inserted into the tube T through the opening O, thereby attaching the multi-cap 10 to the tube T. In the attached state, the tips of the first flange 16 and the second flange 18 abut against the inner wall I of the tube T. In addition, in the attached state, the cap head 12 is not inserted into the tube T, and the lower surface 12a of the cap head 12 abuts against the upper surface U of the tube T.

[0016] The multi-cap 10 can be attached to tubes T of multiple diameters, specifically, tubes T of a range from a predetermined minimum diameter to a predetermined maximum diameter. In particular, the multi-cap 10 is compatible with a wide range of tubes T (for example, 2 mm or more) due to the characteristics described below.

[0017] Thus, the multi-cap 10 is a flanged multi-cap for tubes. Due to the characteristics described below, the multi-cap 10 is able to assume an appropriate posture when attached to a tube T within the compatible range by deforming (particularly the first flange 16) in an appropriate manner. Furthermore, due to the characteristics described below, the multi-cap 10 is able to appropriately deform (particularly the second flange 18) to preferably exhibit a water-stopping function that prevents a liquid sample placed in the tube T from leaking out through the opening O. Furthermore, due to the characteristics described below, the multi-cap 10 is prevented from floating up when inserted into the tube T. Furthermore, due to the characteristics described below, the multi-cap 10 reduces the insertion force required to insert the support 14, first flange 16, and second flange 18 into the tube T.

[0018] <Details of the structure of each part of the multi-cap> <<Cap head>> In this embodiment, the cap head 12 has a cylindrical outer shape. In this embodiment, the multi-cap 10 is attached to and removed from the tube T by a manipulator, which is a mechanical device. Specifically, the side surface 12b of the cap head 12 is grasped by multiple claws of the manipulator, and the support 14, first flange 16, and second flange 18 are inserted into the tube T through the opening O, thereby attaching the multi-cap 10 to the tube T. Furthermore, the multi-cap 10 is removed from the tube T by grasping the side surface 12b with the multiple claws of the manipulator and pulling the multi-cap 10 upward while twisting the cap head 12 so as to rotate it in a horizontal plane. Note that the shape of the cap head 12 may be any shape as long as the side surface 12b can be grasped by the manipulator.

[0019] When attaching the multi-cap 10 to the tube T using a manipulator, there is a limit to the force with which the manipulator can push the multi-cap 10 into the tube T. Therefore, when attaching the multi-cap 10 to the tube T using a manipulator, reducing the insertion force of the multi-cap 10 into the tube T is more important than when attaching the multi-cap 10 by a human. Furthermore, a manipulator often lacks the fine control required for insertion compared to a human. Therefore, preventing the multi-cap 10 from unexpectedly deforming and assuming an improper position when attached to the tube T is more important than when attaching it by a human. If the multi-cap 10 is attached to the tube T in an improper position, the manipulator may not be able to properly grip the side surface 12b of the cap head 12 when removing the multi-cap 10.

[0020] <<pillar>> The support pillar 14 is a member that extends downward from the cap head 12. The support pillar 14 functions as a base (foundation) for the first flange 16 and the second flange 18. The support pillar 14 has a circular outer shape in a vertical cross section (i.e., horizontal cross section) relative to the extension direction (up-down direction). The diameter of the support pillar 14 is relatively large, approximately 70 to 86% of the diameter of the corresponding tube.

[0021] The support 14 is preferably made of a material that is soft, easily deformable, and water-resistant. For example, the support 14 is made of a polymer compound. In this embodiment, the support 14 is made of LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene). By making the support 14 of such a material, the support 14 can be elastically deformed by a lateral force. Specifically, the support 14 can be elastically deformed by a lateral force so that its horizontal cross section becomes elliptical.

[0022] The support pillar 14 preferably has an internal space 14a. That is, the support pillar 14 is preferably hollow. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the support pillar 14 is hollow and has a shape that is open downward. Therefore, the support pillar 14 has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 2, an internal space 12c that is open downward is formed in the radial center of the cap head 12, and the internal space 12c and the internal space 14a of the support pillar 14 communicate with each other to form a single space that is open downward.

[0023] The thickness of the side wall 14b of the support 14 is preferably thin, on the order of a few millimeters or less. For example, the side wall 14b may be 1.0 mm or less, preferably about 0.5 mm. The side wall 14b may also be thinner as it approaches its lower end. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a slope 14c facing laterally and downwardly of the support 14 is formed at the lower end of the side wall 14b, and the slope 14c causes the thickness of the side wall 14b to gradually decrease as it approaches the lower end of the side wall 14b.

[0024] On the other hand, the root portion 14d, which is the end of the side wall 14b on the cap head 12 side, in other words, the root portion 14d, which is the connection portion between the cap head 12 and the support 14, is preferably thicker than the other portions of the side wall 14b. This makes it easier to remove the multi-cap 10 by suppressing deformation of the root portion 14d when the manipulator twists the cap head 12 when removing the multi-cap 10. Alternatively, the possibility of damage to the root portion 14d when removing the multi-cap 10 is reduced.

[0025] <<First flange>> The first flange 16 is a member that protrudes laterally from the side surface of the support column 14. The first flange 16 can be formed by integral molding with the support column 14. Therefore, the first flange 16 is also formed from a polymer compound that is soft, easily deformed, and water-resistant, and in this embodiment is formed from LDPE.

[0026] 2, in this embodiment, the first flange 16 is flat and protrudes substantially horizontally from the support column 14. The first flange 16 protrudes laterally from the support column 14 around the entire circumference of the support column 14, and has a circular outer shape in a plan view. Therefore, the first flange 16 has a flat ring-like shape as a whole.

[0027] 3 is a cross-sectional view (a plan view of the first flange 16) taken along the line AA in FIG. 2. The first flange 16 has a slit 30 cut out to extend radially and penetrating in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the slit 30 is shaped so that its width increases radially outward from the first flange 16 in plan view.

[0028] It is preferable that a plurality of slits 30 are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the first flange 16. As shown in Fig. 3, in this embodiment, two slits 30 are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the first flange 16. Of course, three or more slits 30 may be provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the first flange 16.

[0029] 4 is a cross-sectional view (side view of the first flange 16) seen from the direction BB in FIG. 3. The slits 30 are preferably provided so as to extend in a direction that is not parallel to the vertical direction in side view. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the extension direction S of the slits 30 and the vertical direction V preferably form an angle θ (θ≠0°). In other words, the inner surfaces 30a of the opposing slits 30 are formed so as to be non-parallel to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, θ is 45°.

[0030] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of region C in Fig. 2. A groove 32 may be provided along the circumferential direction of the support pillar 14 on the side surface of the support pillar 14 (the outer surface of the side wall 14b) at a position adjacent to the upper side of the connection position of the first flange 16.

[0031] Furthermore, the lateral outer surface 16a of the first flange 16 may be an inclined surface facing laterally and downward in a natural state (a state in which no external force is applied to the first flange 16).

[0032] Furthermore, it is preferable that the diameter L1 of the first flange 16 be larger than the diameter L2 of the second flange 18. In particular, of the parts (the support 14, the first flange 16, and the second flange 18) that are inserted into the tube T in the attached state, the first flange 16 is the member with the largest diameter. In this specification, the diameter L1 of the first flange 16 is the horizontal distance from the outer surface of the support 14 to the lateral end point of the first flange 16, and the diameter L2 of the second flange 18 is the horizontal distance from the outer surface of the support 14 to the lateral end point of the second flange 18. The diameter L1 of the first flange 16 and the diameter L2 of the second flange 18 are each uniform around the entire circumference of the support 14.

[0033] <<Second flange>> The second flange 18 is a member that protrudes laterally from the side surface of the support 14 below the first flange 16. Like the first flange 16, the second flange 18 can also be formed by integral molding with the support 14. Therefore, the second flange 18 is also formed from a polymer compound that is soft, easily deformed, and water-resistant, and in this embodiment is formed from LDPE.

[0034] 5, the second flange 18 has a shape that extends upward as it extends laterally from the support column 14. Like the first flange 16, the second flange 18 also protrudes laterally from the support column 14 around the entire circumference of the support column 14, and its outer shape is circular in a plan view. Therefore, the second flange 18 has an overall bowl shape.

[0035] More specifically, in this embodiment, the second flange 18 has an inner circumferential portion 40, which is a portion on the support column 14 side, and an outer circumferential portion 42, which is a portion further to the side than the inner circumferential portion 40. In this embodiment, the inner circumferential portion 40 extends laterally from the support column 14 in a first direction D1, which is slightly upward relative to the horizontal direction, in a radial cross section. Note that the first direction D1 in which the inner circumferential portion 40 extends may be horizontal. The outer circumferential portion 42 is connected to a lateral end of the inner circumferential portion 40 and extends laterally in a second direction D2 in a radial cross section. The second direction D2 in which the outer circumferential portion 42 extends is a direction bent upward relative to the first direction D1, which is the extension direction of the inner circumferential portion 40. In other words, the second direction D2 is a direction further upward than the first direction D1. Therefore, it can be said that the outer circumferential portion 42 is more easily deformed and displaced upward than the inner circumferential portion 40.

[0036] The lateral outer surface 42a of the outer peripheral portion 42 (in other words, the lateral outer surface of the second flange 18) is preferably a surface that is parallel to the up-down direction in a natural state (a state in which no external force is applied to the second flange 18). In addition, the tip end of the outer peripheral portion 42 (in other words, the tip end of the second flange 18) is preferably formed with an inclined surface 42b that is connected to the upper side of the lateral outer surface 42a and faces sideways and upwards.

[0037] The diameter L2 of the second flange 18 is slightly larger than the diameter of the largest diameter tube T compatible with the multi-cap 10 (referred to herein as the "compatible maximum diameter tube"). For example, the diameter L2 is approximately 0.1 mm larger than the diameter of the compatible maximum diameter tube. As described above, the diameter L1 of the first flange 16 is larger than the diameter L2 of the second flange 18, and therefore, the diameter L1 of the first flange 16 is also naturally larger than the diameter of the compatible maximum diameter tube.

[0038] Furthermore, it is preferable that the diameter L3 of the inner periphery 40 is smaller than the diameter of the smallest diameter tube T compatible with the multi-cap 10 (referred to herein as the "compatible smallest diameter tube"). The diameter L3 of the inner periphery 40 is the horizontal distance from the outer surface of the support 14 to the lateral end point of the inner periphery 40 (the connection point with the outer periphery 42). The diameter L3 of the inner periphery 40 is also uniform around the entire circumference of the support 14.

[0039] The operation of each part of the multi-cap 10 (each function performed by the multi-cap 10) will be described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7, and as appropriate, Figures 1 to 5. Figure 6 is a schematic side view showing the multi-cap 10 attached to a compatible maximum diameter tube Tmax, and Figure 7 is a schematic side view showing the multi-cap 10 attached to a compatible minimum diameter tube Tmin.

[0040] The following describes the function of each part of the multi-cap 10 when it is attached to the corresponding maximum diameter tube Tmax and when it is attached to the corresponding minimum diameter tube Tmin. Even when the same function is being considered, the function of each part of the multi-cap 10 may differ when it is attached to the corresponding maximum diameter tube Tmax and when it is attached to the corresponding minimum diameter tube Tmin. In this case, it should be understood that as the diameter of the tube T to which the multi-cap 10 is attached decreases from the corresponding maximum diameter toward the corresponding minimum diameter, the function of each part of the multi-cap 10 gradually changes from the function when it is attached to the corresponding maximum diameter tube Tmax to the function when it is attached to the corresponding maximum diameter tube Tmax.

[0041] <Function of the multi-cap (posture maintenance function)> <<When attached to the maximum compatible tube diameter Tmax>> As described above, the diameter L1 of the first flange 16 and the diameter L2 of the second flange 18 are both larger than the diameter of the corresponding maximum diameter tube Tmax. Therefore, when the multi-cap 10 is attached to the corresponding maximum diameter tube Tmax (see FIG. 6), both the side end (the lateral outer surface 16a) of the first flange 16 and the side end (the lateral outer surface 42a) of the second flange 18 abut against the inner wall I of the corresponding maximum diameter tube Tmax. This maintains the posture of the multi-cap 10.

[0042] If the multi-cap 10 only had the second flange 18 (no first flange 16), the multi-cap 10 would move relative to the tube T such that the cap head 12 would be displaced laterally (like a lever) with the abutment point between the second flange 18 and the inner wall I as a fulcrum, and the posture of the multi-cap 10 would not be maintained. In this embodiment, the multi-cap 10 has not only the second flange 18 but also the first flange 16, and these two flanges abut against the inner wall I. Therefore, the movement of the multi-cap 10 with the second flange 18 as a fulcrum is suppressed by the abutment of the first flange 16 against the inner wall I.

[0043] In particular, in this embodiment, the diameter L1 of the first flange 16 is larger than the diameter L2 of the second flange 18 (see FIG. 5). This allows the first flange 16 to more effectively suppress the positional fluctuation of the multi-cap 10, with the position where the second flange 18 abuts against the inner wall I as the fulcrum.

[0044] In this way, the first flange 16 cooperates with the second flange 18 to exert a posture maintaining function for maintaining the posture of the multi-cap 10 relative to the tube T.

[0045] <<When mounted on the smallest compatible tube diameter Tmin>> When the multi-cap 10 is attached to the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin (see FIG. 7), the first flange 16 and the second flange 18 abut against the inner wall I, just as when it is attached to the corresponding largest diameter tube Tmax, and the posture of the multi-cap 10 is maintained by the above-mentioned principle. In other words, in this case too, the first flange 16, in cooperation with the second flange 18, exhibits a posture maintaining function that maintains the posture of the multi-cap 10 relative to the tube T.

[0046] On the other hand, if the multi-cap 10 is attached to the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin, if the first flange 16 undergoes unexpected deformation, at least a portion of the first flange 16 will not be able to properly abut against the inner wall I, and the posture of the multi-cap 10 may not be maintained. Here, the expected deformation of the first flange 16 is a deformation in which the side end portions are higher than the base portion (the support 14 side) over the entire circumferential direction of the first flange 16, as shown in FIG. 7 (this is called "upward deformation"). A deformation in which the side end portions are lower than the base portion of at least a portion of the first flange 16 (this is called "downward deformation") is unexpected deformation.

[0047] When the first flange 16 is inserted into the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin, the first flange 16 is deformed by the force it receives from the inner wall I. Here, if there is only a narrow space between the support 14 and the inner wall I, as in the case of the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin, the displacement of the first flange 16 may be shifted in the circumferential direction of the first flange 16. If the first flange 16 were not provided with the slits 30, the shifted displacement of the first flange 16 in the circumferential direction could not be absorbed, and there is a risk of a sudden downward deformation of a portion of the first flange 16. In this case, the side edges of the first flange 16 would have an extremely wavy shape in a side view, and there may be portions where the side edges of the first flange 16 cannot properly abut against the inner wall I.

[0048] In this embodiment, the slits 30 (see FIG. 3) provided in the first flange 16 close (the inner surfaces 30a (see FIG. 4) of the opposing slits 30 move in a direction toward each other), thereby absorbing the wrinkling caused by the circumferential displacement of the first flange 16. In other words, the slits 30 function as an escape route for the circumferential displacement of the first flange 16. The slits 30 close to absorb the wrinkling caused by the circumferential displacement of the first flange 16, thereby suppressing unexpected deformation of the first flange 16. In this way, the action of the slits 30 enables the first flange 16 to perform its posture-maintaining function.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a groove 32 is provided on the side surface of the support 14 at a position adjacent to and above the connection position of the first flange 16. The groove 32 functions to assist (promote) the upward deformation of the first flange 16. In other words, the groove 32 prevents at least a portion of the first flange 16 from deforming downward. In this way, the action of the groove 32 also enables the first flange 16 to perform its posture-maintaining function.

[0050] <Multi-cap function (water stop function)> <<When attached to the maximum compatible tube diameter Tmax>> When the multi-cap 10 is attached to the maximum compatible diameter tube Tmax, the second flange 18 primarily performs the watertight function. As described above, the diameter L2 of the second flange 18 is slightly larger than the diameter of the maximum compatible diameter tube Tmax. Therefore, when the multi-cap 10 is attached to the maximum compatible diameter tube Tmax, the lateral ends of the second flange 18 abut against the inner wall I along the entire circumferential direction. This prevents leakage of the liquid sample placed in the maximum compatible diameter tube Tmax. In this embodiment, the diameter L2 of the second flange 18 is 0.1 mm larger than the diameter of the maximum compatible diameter tube Tmax, but this is the minimum size required to perform the watertight function. However, the minimum size required to perform the watertight function may vary depending on the material of the second flange 18, etc.

[0051] In this embodiment, the lateral outer surface 42a of the second flange 18 is a surface that is parallel to the vertical direction in its natural state. Because the diameter L2 of the second flange 18 is slightly larger than the diameter of the corresponding maximum diameter tube Tmax, even when the second flange 18 is inserted into the corresponding maximum diameter tube Tmax, the second flange 18 does not deform significantly, and the lateral outer surface 42a abuts against the inner wall I. In other words, the lateral outer surface 42a and the inner wall I abut against each other in a substantially parallel state, thereby increasing the contact area between the lateral outer surface 42a and the inner wall I. This improves the watertight performance of the second flange 18. Specifically, the amount of liquid sample leaking from the gap between the lateral outer surface 42a and the inner wall I is reduced.

[0052] Furthermore, the lower surface 12a of the cap head 12 abuts against the upper surface U of the tube T (see FIG. 1), thereby achieving a waterproof function.

[0053] <<When mounted on the smallest compatible tube diameter Tmin>> When the multi-cap 10 is attached to the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin, the second flange 18 mainly performs the watertight function, but if the second flange 18 is unable to completely prevent leakage of the liquid sample, the first flange 16 also performs an auxiliary watertight function.

[0054] When the multi-cap 10 is attached to the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin, the second flange 18 abuts against the inner wall I, just as when it is attached to the corresponding largest diameter tube Tmax, and the water-stopping function is exerted according to the above-mentioned principle.

[0055] When the multi-cap 10 is attached to the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin, if the second flange 18 undergoes unexpected deformation, at least a portion of the second flange 18 will not be able to properly abut against the inner wall I, and the watertight function may not be properly performed. Here, the expected deformation of the second flange 18 is an upward deformation over the entire circumferential direction of the second flange 18, as shown in Figure 7. Downward deformation of at least a portion of the second flange 18 is unexpected deformation.

[0056] First, the bowl-like shape of the second flange 18 as a whole suppresses unexpected deformation of the second flange 18 when the multi-cap 10 is attached to the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin. That is, the second flange 18 has a shape that, in its natural state, extends upward as it moves laterally, so that downward deformation of the second flange 18 is suppressed when the second flange 18 is inserted into the opening O from above.

[0057] Figure 8 is a bottom view of the multi-cap 10 attached to the minimum diameter tube Tmin. When the second flange 18 is deformed by the force applied from the inner wall I of the minimum diameter tube Tmin, the force is transmitted to the support column 14, and the support column 14 also receives a lateral force. When the hollow support column 14 receives a lateral force, it elastically deforms so that its horizontal cross section becomes elliptical, as shown in Figure 8. This elastic deformation of the support column 14 suppresses unexpected deformation of the second flange 18.

[0058] Specifically, if the space between the outer surface of the support column 14 and the inner wall I of the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin is insufficient to accommodate the second flange 18 when the support column 14 does not deform, the second flange 18 may be forcibly pushed into that space, which may result in unexpected deformation of the second flange 18. In this embodiment, the support column 14 elastically deforms, and the space between the support column 14 and the inner wall I is widened in a portion of its circumferential direction. In other words, a difference in the distance from the support column 14 to the inner wall I occurs along the circumferential direction. This causes a difference in the inclination of the second flange 18 along the circumferential direction, allowing the second flange 18 to escape in the vertical direction. More specifically, the inner peripheral portion 40 of the second flange 18, which is less susceptible to upward deformation than the outer peripheral portion 42, deforms in response to the elastic deformation of the support pillar 14 (of course, the inner peripheral portion 40 can also deform upward due to the force from the inner wall I). Specifically, the support pillar 14 deforms so as to be displaced radially toward the center at a portion in its circumferential direction (the upper and lower sides of the support pillar 14 in the example of FIG. 8), which allows the outer peripheral portion 42 to escape in the vertical direction as described above, thereby suppressing unexpected deformation of the outer peripheral portion 42. Note that, as shown in FIG. 7, the side end portions of the second flange 18 undulate somewhat in a side view due to the elastic deformation of the support pillar 14, but this is an expected deformation.

[0059] In this embodiment, the support pillar 14 has a shape that is open downward. This makes it easier for the lower side of the support pillar 14 to elastically deform than the upper side. The second flange 18 is located below the support pillar 14, at least below the first flange 16, and therefore, since the support pillar 14 has a shape that is open downward, it can be said that the support pillar 14 is easier to elastically deform in the vicinity of the second flange 18. This further suppresses unexpected deformation of the second flange 18.

[0060] In this embodiment, the side wall 14b of the support 14 becomes thinner as it approaches the lower end. This also makes the lower side of the support 14 more susceptible to elastic deformation than the upper side. In this way, the side wall 14b becomes thinner as it approaches the lower end, which further suppresses unexpected deformation of the second flange 18.

[0061] As described above, when the multi-cap 10 is attached to a compatible minimum diameter tube Tmin, unexpected deformation of the second flange 18 is suppressed, and the water-stopping function of the second flange 18 is suitably exhibited.

[0062] As described above, when the multi-cap 10 is attached to the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin, the slit 30 provided in the first flange 16 closes and the side end of the first flange 16 abuts against the inner wall I. This allows the first flange 16 to also perform a secondary waterproofing function.

[0063] In particular, in this embodiment, the slit 30 is provided so as to extend in a direction not parallel to the vertical direction in a side view. As a result, when the slit 30 is closed, the contact surfaces of the inner surfaces 30a (see FIG. 4) are angled relative to the vertical direction in a side view. Therefore, the liquid sample cannot flow vertically at least through the gap between the contact surfaces of the inner surfaces 30a. In other words, in order for the liquid sample to leak above the first flange 16, the liquid sample must flow obliquely through the gap between the contact surfaces of the inner surfaces 30a at an angle relative to the vertical direction. In this way, by providing the slit 30 so as to extend in a direction not parallel to the vertical direction, the water-stopping performance of the first flange 16 is improved compared to when at least the slit 30 is provided so as to extend vertically.

[0064] Furthermore, the lower surface 12a of the cap head 12 abuts against the upper surface U of the tube T, thereby achieving a waterproof function.

[0065] <Multi-cap function (prevents lifting)> The multi-cap 10 attached to the tube T may sometimes float up. This may occur when the multi-cap 10 (particularly the first flange 16 or the second flange 18) undergoes unexpected deformation when the multi-cap 10 is attached to the tube T, causing the first flange 16 or the second flange 18 to push back against the inner wall I, resulting in an upward force being applied to the multi-cap 10. Another cause of the floating up may be internal pressure due to compressed air that may be generated when the air inside the tube T is compressed and sealed when the multi-cap 10 is attached to the tube T. Furthermore, if a taper is provided near the opening O of the tube T, the taper may also be a cause of the floating up.

[0066] <<When attached to the maximum compatible tube diameter Tmax>> When the multi-cap 10 is attached to a compatible maximum diameter tube Tmax, the deformation of the first flange 16 and the second flange 18 is not so great that there is little possibility of the first flange 16 and the second flange 18 floating up due to unexpected deformation. In this case, the internal pressure of the compressed air is the main cause of the floating up.

[0067] In this embodiment, the support 14 has an internal space 14a (is hollow) and is open downward (see FIG. 2). Therefore, when the multi-cap 10 is attached to the corresponding maximum diameter tube Tmax, the space inside the corresponding maximum diameter tube Tmax and the internal space 14a are connected. In other words, when the multi-cap 10 is attached, the volume of the space inside the corresponding maximum diameter tube Tmax increases compared to when at least the support 14 is not open downward. This reduces the internal pressure of the corresponding maximum diameter tube Tmax compared to when at least the support 14 is not open downward, and prevents the multi-cap 10 from floating up.

[0068] In particular, in this embodiment, the cap head 12 also has an internal space 12c, which is connected to the internal space 14a of the support 14. As a result, when the multi-cap 10 is attached, the volume of the space within the corresponding maximum diameter tube Tmax is further increased by the amount of the internal space 12c, which further reduces the internal pressure of the corresponding maximum diameter tube Tmax and further suppresses the multi-cap 10 from floating up.

[0069] In this embodiment, the lateral outer surface 16a of the first flange 16 is a slope that faces sideways and downward in its natural state. When the first flange 16 is inserted into the corresponding maximum diameter tube Tmax, the lateral end of the first flange 16 abuts against the inner wall I, causing the lateral end to be displaced slightly upward. This displacement causes the lateral outer surface 16a and the inner wall I to abut against each other in a substantially parallel state, thereby increasing the contact area between the lateral outer surface 16a and the inner wall I. This increases the frictional force between the lateral outer surface 16a and the inner wall I, and prevents the multi-cap 10 from lifting up.

[0070] In this embodiment, the lateral outer surface 42a of the second flange 18 is a surface that is parallel to the up-down direction in its natural state, and as described above, when the second flange 18 is inserted into the corresponding maximum diameter tube Tmax, the lateral outer surface 42a and the inner wall I abut against each other in a substantially parallel state. This increases the frictional force between the lateral outer surface 42a and the inner wall I, and prevents the multi-cap 10 from floating up.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tip of the second flange 18 is formed with a slope 42b that is connected to the upper side of the lateral outer surface 42a and faces sideways and upwards (see FIG. 5). The tube T may have a protrusion that protrudes inward from the inner wall I. The protrusion may be a ridge that extends around the entire circumference of the inner wall I of the tube T. By providing the slope 42b on the second flange 18, the lateral end of the second flange 18 is more likely to catch on the protrusion on the inner wall I. By the second flange 18 catching on the protrusion, the multi-cap 10 is prevented from lifting up.

[0072] <<When mounted on the smallest compatible tube diameter Tmin>> When the multi-cap 10 is attached to the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin, unexpected deformation of the first flange 16 and the second flange 18 and the internal pressure of the compressed air are the causes of the lifting up. In response to the internal pressure of the compressed air, the internal space 14a of the support 14 and the internal space 12c of the cap head 12 increase the volume of the space within the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin, reducing the internal pressure of the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin and preventing the multi-cap 10 from lifting up, just as when the multi-cap 10 is attached to the corresponding largest diameter tube Tmax.

[0073] As described in the explanation of the posture maintaining function and the watertight function, unexpected deformation of the first flange 16 and the second flange 18 is suppressed by the action of the slits 30 or grooves 32 for the first flange 16, and unexpected deformation of the second flange 18 is suppressed by the overall bowl shape or the elastic deformation of the support 14. In this way, unexpected deformation of the first flange 16 and the second flange 18 is suppressed, thereby suppressing the lifting of the multi-cap 10.

[0074] <Multi-cap function (reduced insertion force)> When attaching the multi-cap 10 to the tube T (inserting the support 14, first flange 16, and second flange 18 into the tube T), the insertion force becomes an issue only when the multi-cap 10 is attached to a tube T with a relatively small diameter. Therefore, here, we will explain the case where the multi-cap 10 is attached to a corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin.

[0075] The insertion force of the multi-cap 10 is determined by the ease with which the first flange 16 and the second flange 18 can be deformed.

[0076] The slits 30 allow the first flange 16 to deform more easily while suppressing unexpected deformation. That is, the slits 30 reduce the insertion force of the multi-cap 10. The grooves 32 also promote upward deformation of the first flange 16. That is, the grooves 32 allow the first flange 16 to deform more easily, and therefore the grooves 32 also reduce the insertion force of the multi-cap 10.

[0077] Due to its elongation direction, the inner circumferential portion 40 of the second flange 18 is less likely to deform upward than the outer circumferential portion 42. Therefore, if significant upward deformation of the inner circumferential portion 40 is required to attach the multi-cap 10 to the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin, a large insertion force is required. However, in this embodiment, the diameter L3 (see FIG. 5 ) of the inner circumferential portion 40 of the second flange 18 is smaller than the diameter of the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin. Therefore, even when the second flange 18 is inserted into the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin, the inner circumferential portion 40 does not reach the inner wall I. Therefore, the multi-cap 10 can be attached to the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin without significant upward deformation of the inner circumferential portion 40. Thus, the insertion force for the multi-cap 10 is reduced because the diameter L3 of the inner circumferential portion 40 is smaller than the diameter of the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin.

[0078] <Multi-cap function (other functions)> The multi-cap 10 has the above-described structure and therefore performs functions other than those described above. For example, the multi-cap 10 performs a centering function of moving the multi-cap 10 toward the center of the tube T in a plan view. Specifically, the centering function is performed because the second flange 18 has an overall bowl shape. More specifically, when the second flange 18 is inserted into the tube T through the opening O while being off-center, the underside of the second flange 18 abuts against the edge of the opening O. At this time, because the second flange 18 has a bowl shape, the second flange 18 receives a force from the edge of the opening O toward the center of the tube T. This force moves the multi-cap 10 toward the center of the tube T.

[0079] Furthermore, as described above, the various configurations of the multi-cap 10 suppress unexpected deformation of the multi-cap 10. This provides an individual variation suppression function that absorbs individual variations in deformation of the multi-cap 10 due to dimensional variations between individual multi-caps 10. For example, the provision of slits 30 in the first flange 16 allows the first flange 16 to deform within expected limits in all multi-caps 10, even if there is some variation in the diameter L1 of the first flange 16. As for the second flange 18, because the second flange 18 has the above-described shape and deforms in conjunction with the support 14, the second flange 18 can deform within expected limits in all multi-caps 10, even if there is some variation in the diameter L2 of the second flange 18.

[0080] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10 multi-cap, 12 cap head, 14 support, 16 first flange, 18 second flange, 30 slit, 32 groove, 40 inner periphery, 42 outer periphery.

Claims

1. a support pillar extending downward from the head of the cap, the support pillar having a circular cross section perpendicular to the direction of extension, the support pillar being hollow and elastically deformable by a lateral force; a first flange that protrudes laterally from a side surface of the support and abuts against an inner wall of the tube, and whose lateral outer surface is an inclined surface that faces laterally and downward in a natural state, and has a slit that is cut out to extend in the radial direction and penetrates in the up-down direction, and the slit is provided to extend in a direction that is not parallel to the up-down direction in a side view; a second flange that protrudes laterally from a side surface of the support pillar below the first flange and abuts against an inner wall of the tube, the second flange extending upward as it extends laterally from the support pillar side and has an overall bowl shape; A groove is provided on the side surface of the support pillar at a position adjacent to the upper side of the connection position of the first flange, the groove extending in the circumferential direction of the support pillar. A flanged multi-cap for tubes.

2. The slits are shaped so that, in a plan view, their width increases radially outward from the first flange, and multiple slits are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the first flange.

2. The flanged multi-cap for tubes according to claim 1.

3. The second flange exhibits a watertight function to prevent leakage of the sample injected into the tube.

2. The flanged multi-cap for tubes according to claim 1.

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