Stopper and packaging container

Abstract

To reduce the possibility of content leakage before separation of a band part.SOLUTION: A plug comprises a spout, a cap, a band part, and a breakage part. The spout has a side wall, an outer screw, a flange, and a notch formed to project outward. The cap has a top plate, a peripheral wall, and an inner screw. The band part has a band body, and a flap that restricts separation of the cap from the spout by abutting against a lower surface of the notch inside the band body. The breakage part connects the band body and the cap so as to separate at least a part of the band part from the cap when the cap is removed from the spout. The flap includes a base end part, and an inclined part formed so as to extend toward the top plate. A thickness of the inclined part of the flap is 0.5 mm or greater, and a distance between a tip of the flap and the lower surface of the notch is 0.25 mm or smaller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a stopper and a packaging container.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a nozzle structure of a bottle with enhanced tamper-evident function. Patent Document 2 discloses a composite container lid composed of a combination of a lid body, an inner lid made of a thin metal plate, and an upper lid.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a stopper and a packaging container that reduce the possibility of the content leaking before the start of separation of the band portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A plug relating to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a spout, a cap, a band portion, and a break portion. The spout has a cylindrical side wall, an external thread provided on the outer circumferential surface of the side wall, a flange provided on one end of the side wall, and a notch formed to project outward from the side wall. The cap has a top plate, a peripheral wall connected to the outer circumferential edge of the top plate, and an internal thread provided on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall that engages with the external thread. The band portion has a cylindrical band body and a flap on the inside of the band body that restricts the cap from separating from the spout by abutting against the lower surface of the notch. The break portion connects the band body and one end of the peripheral wall of the cap such that at least a portion of the band portion is separated from the cap when the cap is removed from the spout. The flap includes a base portion connected to the lower end of the band body and formed to curve downward, and an inclined portion connected to the base portion and formed to extend toward the top plate. The thickness of the inclined portion of the flap is 0.5 mm or more, and the distance between the tip of the flap and the bottom surface of the notch is 0.25 mm or less.

[0006] The distance between the portion of the flange facing the lower end of the band and the lower surface of the notch may be 4 mm or less.

[0007] The fractured portion may connect the band body and one end of the peripheral wall so that when the cap is removed from the spout, the band portion separates from the cap and remains on the spout. A gap may be provided between the lower end of the band portion and the portion of the flange facing the lower end of the band portion so that when the band portion separates from the cap, the band portion falls onto the flange.

[0008] The flap may be positioned such that there is a gap between it and the underside of the notch, and between it and the side wall of the spout.

[0009] The band portion may further have a connecting portion that connects another flap adjacent to the flap in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the cap. The thickness of the tip of the connecting portion may be smaller than the thickness of the tip of the flap and also smaller than the thickness of the tip of the other flap.

[0010] The cap may contain silicone.

[0011] A packaging container relating to one aspect of this disclosure comprises the above-mentioned spout and a container body to which the spout is attached. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this disclosure, a stopper and a packaging container are provided that reduce the possibility of contents leaking before the band portion is detached. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a packaging container equipped with a spout. [Figure 2] Figure 2(a) is a side view showing an example of an unopened cap. Figure 2(b) is a side view showing an example of an opened cap. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a mouthpiece. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a bottom view showing an example of a band section. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the area indicated by the V line in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a mouthpiece. [Figure 7] Figure 7(a) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the opening angle and the fracture initiation angle at a stopper in a comparative example. Figure 7(b) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the relationship between the opening angle and the fracture initiation angle at a stopper in an embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8(a) is a graph showing the evaluation results for the stopper in the comparative example. Figure 8(b) is a graph showing an example of the evaluation results for the stopper in the example.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the following content. In the description, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements or elements having the same function, and redundant descriptions may be omitted as appropriate. The dimensional ratios of each element are not limited to the ratios shown in the drawings. In some of the drawings, an orthogonal coordinate system defined by the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis is shown.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a packaging container according to an embodiment. The packaging container 1 is a container for containing contents. The contents contained in the packaging container 1 may be in a liquid state, and specific examples thereof include alcoholic beverages, drinks, and seasonings. The packaging container 1 includes a container body 2 and a stopper 4. The container body 2 is a main body portion for containing contents such as liquid. Examples of the material of the container body 2 include paper, resin, and glass. The material of the container body 2 may be a laminate of paper and resin. The stopper 4 is attached to the container body 2.

[0016] (Stopper) The stopper 4 is a member for forming a pouring outlet for pouring out the contents from the packaging container 1 (container body 2). FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) show side views of the stopper 4. FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section of the stopper 4 shown in FIG. 2(a). As shown in FIGS. 2(a), 2(b), and 3, the stopper 4 includes a cap 10, a spout 30, and a band portion 40. The cap 10 is fixed (attached) to the spout 30.

[0017] The cap 10, the spout 30, and the band part 40 may all be made of resin. For example, the cap 10 and the band part 40 may be made of polypropylene resin. The spout 30 may be made of low-density polyethylene resin, and among them, it may be made of linear low-density polyethylene resin. The cap 10 may contain silicon. The material of the cap 10 includes, for example, block polypropylene, a coloring material, and a silicon material containing silicon. The concentration (mass %) of silicon in the cap 10 may be about 0.5% to 3.0%.

[0018] In the following description, based on the central axis Ax of the cap 10 (see FIG. 3), the direction toward the central axis Ax is defined as "inward", and the direction away from the central axis Ax is defined as "outward". The direction along the central axis Ax is defined as the "vertical direction", the direction in which the cap 10 moves away from the spout 30 is defined as the "upward direction", and the direction in which the cap 10 approaches the spout 30 is defined as the "downward direction". In some drawings, the Z-axis direction represents the vertical direction, and the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction represent the directions perpendicular to the vertical direction. Hereinafter, the cap 10, the spout 30, and the band part 40 will be described respectively.

[0019] The cap 10 has a top plate 12, a peripheral wall 14, an internal thread 15, and an inner ring 16. The top plate 12 is formed in a disc shape. A tapered portion 18 is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the top plate 12. The peripheral wall 14 extends downward from the tapered portion 18 and has a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the peripheral wall 14 is connected to the outer peripheral edge of the top plate 12. The central axis Ax of the cap 10 may pass through the center of the top plate 12 and be perpendicular to the upper surface of the top plate 12. A knurling 20 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 14.

[0020] The knurling 20 is composed of, for example, a plurality of projections 22 and a plurality of bases 24. The plurality of projections 22 and the plurality of bases 24 are arranged alternately one by one along the circumferential direction about the central axis Ax of the cap 10. That is, in the circumferential direction, each projection 22 is sandwiched between a pair of bases 24, and each base 24 is sandwiched between a pair of projections 22. In a plan view of the cap 10 (viewed from above along the central axis Ax), the outer edges of the projections 22 may be saw-toothed.

[0021] In a plan view of the cap 10, the outer edge of the base 24 may be located inside a virtual circle connecting the tops of the outer edges of each of the multiple protrusions 22. The outer edge of the base 24 may be curved, straight, or sawtooth. The shape of the knurling 20 is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), and the knurling 20 may be formed in any way from the viewpoint of improving the operability of the cap 10.

[0022] The peripheral wall 14 may include a base portion 28 provided below the knurling 20. The base portion 28 has a cylindrical shape. A band portion 40 is connected to the lower end of the base portion 28. Providing the base portion 28 facilitates the molding of the cap 10 and connection to the band portion 40. In this disclosure, "connected to (attached to)" includes not only cases where it is directly connected to that member, but also cases where it is connected (attached) via other fixing members. The knurling 20 is formed between the lower end of the tapered portion 18 and the upper end of the base portion 28. Unlike the examples shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the cap 10 does not have to have a tapered portion 18, nor does it have to have a base portion 28. The knurling 20 may be formed on the entire peripheral wall 14 of the cap 10.

[0023] The internal thread 15 is provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 14, as shown in Figure 3. The inner ring 16 is provided on the inner surface (bottom surface) of the top plate 12. The inner ring 16 extends from the inner surface of the top plate 12 along the central axis Ax and has a cylindrical shape. The inner ring 16 is positioned inside the peripheral wall 14 with a gap between it and the peripheral wall 14.

[0024] The spout 30 has a side wall 32, an external thread 33, and a flange 34. The side wall 32 has a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the side wall 32 is smaller than the diameter of the circumferential wall 14 of the cap 10. That is, the distance between the side wall 32 and the central axis Ax is smaller than the distance between the circumferential wall 14 and the central axis Ax. The external thread 33 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the side wall 32. The external thread 33 may also be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the upper half of the side wall 32. The internal thread 15 formed on the circumferential wall 14 of the cap 10 screws into the external thread 33.

[0025] The upper end (upper end and its vicinity) of the side wall 32 is inserted between the peripheral wall 14 and the inner ring 16. The side wall 32 and the external thread 33 are tightly sealed with the peripheral wall 14, the internal thread 15, and the inner ring 16 at multiple locations. This prevents the contents from leaking (e.g., liquid leakage) from between the spout 30 and the cap 10. When the tight seal between the side wall 32 and the external thread 33 and a part of the spout 30 is released at multiple locations, the contents inside the container body 2 can be discharged from between the spout 30 and the cap 10.

[0026] The flange 34 is provided on one end of the side wall 32. The flange 34 is connected to the lower end of the side wall 32 and extends outward from the side wall 32. The flange 34 is formed in an annular shape. The flange 34 is the joint when attaching the stopper 4 to the container body 2. The flange 34 may include an upper surface 34a to which the packaging material of the container body 2 is joined. The joining of the packaging material and the flange 34 may be performed by ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding. The flange 34 includes the portion on which the upper surface 34a is formed (hereinafter referred to as the "flange portion 35") and a ring portion 36 that connects the flange portion 35 to the lower end of the side wall 32. The ring portion 36 is located inside the flange portion 35 and is connected, for example, to the side surface of the lower end of the side wall 32.

[0027] The spout 30 has a notch 38. The notch 38 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the side wall 32 and is formed to protrude outward from the side wall 32. The notch 38 is formed in an annular shape and, for example, is continuously provided on the outer circumferential surface of the side wall 32 along the circumferential direction about the central axis Ax. The notch 38 is located below the external screw 33 and may be provided between the center and the lower end in the vertical direction of the side wall 32. The notch 38 has the function of restricting the movement of the band portion 40.

[0028] The band portion 40 is attached to the lower end of the peripheral wall 14 of the cap 10. The band portion 40 is connected, for example, to the lower end of the base portion 28 included in the peripheral wall 14. The band portion 40 has a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the band portion 40 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the peripheral wall 14 of the cap 10. The band portion 40 is positioned between the peripheral wall 14 and the spout 30 (for example, the ring portion 36) and restricts the cap 10 from moving away from the spout 30.

[0029] The band portion 40 is connected to the peripheral wall 14 such that when the cap 10 is removed from the spout 30 in an unopened state (initial state in which the cap 10 has never been removed), at least a part of the band portion 40 is separated from the cap 10. For example, the band portion 40 is connected to the peripheral wall 14 such that when the cap 10 is removed from the spout 30 in an unopened state, the entire band portion 40 is separated (divided) from the cap 10.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2(a), a gap g may be formed between the lower end of the band portion 40 and the portion of the flange 34 of the spout 30 that faces the lower end of the band portion 40. For example, a gap g is provided between the lower end of the band portion 40 and the ring portion 36 of the flange 34. The gap g is formed for the purpose of preventing tampering. When the entire band portion 40 and the cap 10 are separated (when the entire band portion 40 is detached from the cap 10), the band portion 40 and the cap 10 become unconnected to each other. In this case, when the cap 10 is removed from the spout 30 and opened, the band portion 40 remains on the spout 30.

[0031] The band portion 40, separated from the cap 10, moves downward so that its lower end contacts the ring portion 36 of the flange 34. The gap g is provided so that when the entire band portion 40 is separated from the cap 10 (when the band portion 40 is no longer connected to the cap 10), the band portion 40 falls onto the flange 34. If the cap 10, once opened, is reattached to the spout 30, a gap g1 may be formed between the lower end of the cap 10 and the upper end of the band portion 40 remaining on the spout 30, as shown in Figure 2(b). The size (width) of the gap g1 is approximately the same as the size (width) of the gap g in the unopened state. After opening, the gap formed between the lower end of the cap 10 and the upper end of the band portion 40 allows for visual confirmation that the cap 10 has already been opened.

[0032] The size of the gap g (size of gap g1) may be 0.5 mm or more. The size of the gap g is defined by the shortest distance between the lower end of the band portion 40 and the upper end of the ring portion 36. From the viewpoint of visibility (more specifically, visibility of the gap after opening), the size of the gap g may be 0.7 mm or more, 0.8 mm or more, 0.9 mm or more, or 1.0 mm or more. From the viewpoint of ensuring the size of the cap 10 (length along the central axis Ax), the size of the gap g may be 2.0 mm or less, 1.8 mm or less, 1.6 mm or less, or 1.4 mm or less.

[0033] Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the band portion 40 as seen from the direction along the central axis Ax, and the cap 10 and spout 30 are omitted from the illustration in Figure 4. Figure 3 shows a cross-section along line III-III in Figure 4. The band portion 40 may have a band body 41, a plurality of flaps 42, and a plurality of connecting portions 48. The band body 41 is positioned below the peripheral wall 14 of the cap 10 and has a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the band body 41 may be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the peripheral wall 14 (base portion 28 of the peripheral wall 14).

[0034] Multiple flaps 42, located inside the band body 41, restrict the cap 10 from separating from the spout 30 by contacting the lower surface 38a of the notch 38. The flaps 42 are connected to the lower end of the band body 41 and are formed so that most of them extend toward the top plate 12 of the cap 10. The flaps 42 (more specifically, the inclined portion described later) are inclined with respect to the central axis Ax and the XY plane perpendicular to the central axis Ax. The flaps 42 are formed such that the distance between the central axis Ax and the flaps 42 decreases as they approach the top plate 12.

[0035] At least a portion of the tip 42a (upper end surface) of the flap 42 faces the lower surface 38a of the notch 38 of the spout 30. When attempting to remove the cap 10, each flap 42 contacts the lower surface 38a of the notch 38, thereby restricting the cap 10 from moving away from the spout 30.

[0036] The flap 42 may be positioned such that there is a gap between it and the lower surface 38a of the notch 38, and between it and the side wall 32 of the spout 30. The flap 42 may be positioned away from the spout 30 and facing the lower surface 38a of the notch 38. The flap 42 may be formed such that no part of it contacts the side wall 32 or the notch 38.

[0037] The tip 42a (upper end surface) of the flap 42 may be separated from the spout 30. When the tip 42a of the flap 42 is separated from the spout 30, the tip 42a of the flap 42 is not in contact with the side wall 32 and notch 38 of the spout 30. The tip 42a of the flap 42 does not have to be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the band body 41 in addition to the spout 30 (it may also be separated from the inner circumferential surface of the band body 41).

[0038] Multiple flaps 42 are arranged along the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax, as shown in Figure 4. Multiple flaps 42 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax (provided at predetermined intervals). Multiple flaps 42 may be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. The flaps 42 may be formed in a plate shape so as to extend along the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. Multiple flaps 42 may have substantially the same shape as each other. The thickness Th1 of the tip of the flap 42 (see Figure 5) may be 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm, 0.82 mm to 0.98 mm, or 0.85 mm to 0.95 mm.

[0039] Each of the multiple connecting parts 48 connects (links) adjacent flaps 42 in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. One flap 42 and one connecting part 48 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. A connecting part 48 connects one of the flaps 42 to another flap 42 that is aligned with that flap 42 in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. One connecting part 48 connects (links) a pair of flaps 42 that sandwich it in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax.

[0040] The connecting portion 48 is formed in a plate shape so as to extend along the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. Multiple connecting portions 48 may have substantially the same shape as each other. The thickness Th2 (see Figure 6) at the tip of the connecting portion 48 may be smaller than the thickness Th1 at the tip of the flap 42. The ratio of thickness Th1 to thickness Th2 may be 1.5 to 5.0, 2.0 to 4.5, or 2.5 to 4.0. A ratio of thickness Th1 to thickness Th2 of 1.5 or more facilitates the processing of the flap 42. A ratio of thickness Th1 to thickness Th2 of 5.0 or less is useful in suppressing the restoring force of the flap 42.

[0041] Each of the multiple flaps 42 may be formed such that its width decreases from the tip (the end closest to the central axis Ax) toward the lower end of the band body 41. As shown in Figure 4, when viewed from below along the central axis Ax, the width of the flap 42 along the circumferential direction about the central axis Ax decreases from the inside toward the outside. When viewed from below along the central axis Ax, the length of the line segment connecting the two ends of the inner circumferential edge 47a of the flap 42 is smaller than the length of the line segment connecting the two ends of the outer circumferential edge 47b of the flap 42. The length of the line segment connecting the two ends of the outer circumferential edge 47b may be 1 / 5 to 4 / 5 times the length of the line segment connecting the two ends of the inner circumferential edge 47a. The distance between the pair of side edges 47c connecting the inner circumferential edge 47a and the outer circumferential edge 47b on the circumference about the central axis Ax decreases as it moves away from the central axis Ax.

[0042] The connecting portion 48 does not necessarily have to be connected to the tip (inner circumferential edge 47a) of the flap 42. When viewed from below along the central axis Ax, the amount of protrusion y1 of the flap 42 from the inner circumferential surface of the band body 41 is greater than the amount of protrusion y2 of the connecting portion 48 from the inner circumferential surface of the band body 41. The amount of protrusion y2 may be 0.7 to 0.95 times the amount of protrusion y1. When the amount of protrusion y2 is 0.7 times or more the amount of protrusion y1, the flap 42 is easy to process. When the amount of protrusion y2 is 0.95 times or less the amount of protrusion y1, it is useful for suppressing the restoring force of the flap 42.

[0043] Figure 5 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area enclosed by the V line in Figure 3. Figures 3 and 5 show longitudinal sections when the stopper 4 is cut by a plane that includes the central axis Ax and passes through either flap 42. The details of the notch 38 and flap 42 will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Hereinafter, the longitudinal section that includes the central axis Ax and passes through the flap 42 will be referred to as the "observation section". The observation section may be set to include the central axis Ax and pass through the center of the circumference of the flap 42 around the central axis Ax. In the observation section, the direction perpendicular to the central axis Ax is defined as the "lateral direction". In the example shown in Figure 5, the observation section corresponds to the XZ plane, and the lateral direction corresponds to the X-axis direction.

[0044] The notch 38 may include a protruding portion 39a, an inclined portion 39b, and an inclined portion 39c. The protruding portion 39a is the portion that forms a side surface 37a extending along the central axis Ax, and the side surface 37a faces the inner circumferential surface of the band body 41. The lower surface of the protruding portion 39a corresponds to the lower surface 38a of the notch 38. The inclined portion 39b is the portion that forms an inclined surface 37b above the protruding portion 39a, inclined toward the side surface 37a. The inclined surface 37b extends diagonally upward from the upper end of the side surface 37a.

[0045] The inclined portion 39c is the portion below the protruding portion 39a that forms an inclined surface 37c that slopes toward the side surface 37a. The inclined surface 37c extends diagonally downward from the lateral end of the lower surface (lower surface 38a) of the protruding portion 39a. The connection point between the lower surface 38a and the inclined surface 37c may be located inward in the lateral direction from the uppermost point of the tip of the flap 42. The notch 38 may include the protruding portion 39a and the inclined portion 39b, but may not include the inclined portion 39c.

[0046] The flap 42 includes a base portion 43 and an inclined portion 44. The base portion 43 is connected to the lower end of the band body 41 and is a portion that curves downward. Because the base portion 43 is curved downward, it has a shape that is convex downward. The inclined portion 44 is connected to the base portion 43 and is formed to extend toward the top plate 12. The tip of the inclined portion 44 (the end face opposite to the end face connected to the base portion 43) corresponds to the tip 42a of the flap 42.

[0047] The upper surface 43a of the base end portion 43 is curved so as to be concave downwards. The inclined portion 44 includes an inclined surface 44a connected to the upper surface 43a of the base end portion 43. The inclined surface 44a is the surface of the inclined portion 44 that faces the band body 41 (facing outwards). In the observed cross-section, the inclined surface 44a is formed in a straight line.

[0048] The thickness Ts of the inclined portion 44 of the flap 42 is 0.5 mm or more. From the viewpoint of suppressing deflection of the flap 42, the thickness Ts may be 0.52 mm or more, 0.54 mm or more, 0.56 mm or more, or 0.58 mm or more. From the viewpoint of ease of forming the flap 42, the thickness Ts may be 1.2 mm or less, 1.1 mm or less, or 1.0 mm or less.

[0049] The thickness Ts is the value obtained by drawing a virtual line perpendicular to the inclined surface 44a in the observed cross section and measuring the width of the inclined portion 44 along that virtual line. At the connection point between the upper surface 43a and the inclined surface 44a, a virtual line extending perpendicular to the inclined surface 44a forms the boundary between the base end 43 and the inclined portion 44. The value of thickness Ts may increase as you move from the connection point with the base end 43 toward the tip 42a of the flap 42. The width (thickness Ts) measured along the virtual line passing through the upper end of the inclined surface 44a may approximately coincide with the thickness Th1 of the tip 42a. Depending on the angle of the tip 42a with respect to the inclined surface 44a, there may be areas where the thickness Ts cannot be measured, but the thickness Ts of the inclined portion 44 is defined by the measured value within the measurable range.

[0050] Figure 6 shows a portion of the longitudinal section at a position passing through the connecting portion 48 instead of the flap 42 (line VI-VI in Figure 4). The cap 4 is provided with a break portion 50. The break portion 50 connects the band body 41 to one end of the peripheral wall 14 of the cap 10 so that at least a portion of the band portion 40 is separated from the cap 10 when the cap 10 is removed from the spout 30. The break portion 50 may also connect the band body 41 to one end (lower end) of the peripheral wall 14 so that when the cap 10 is removed from the spout 30, the band portion 40 (the entire band portion 40) is separated from the cap 10 and remains on the spout 30.

[0051] The fractured portion 50 has, for example, a plurality of ribs 52. The plurality of ribs 52 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the band body 41 and the inner circumferential surface of the base portion 28 of the peripheral wall 14, and protrude inward (towards the central axis Ax) from their inner circumferential surfaces (see also Figure 4). The plurality of ribs 52 are provided at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. Each of the plurality of ribs 52 may be positioned between adjacent flaps 42 in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax.

[0052] Each of the multiple ribs 52 is located above the connecting portion 48. The thickness of the rib 52 (the amount it protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the band body 41) may be less than the amount the flap 42 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the band body 41. A notch 54 extending into the interior of the rib 52 (for example, approximately in the center) may be formed at the boundary between the lower end of the base portion 28 and the upper end of the band body 41 on the peripheral wall 14 of the cap 10. The cap 10 and the band portion 40 are separated by the notch 54.

[0053] The notches 54 are formed continuously along the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. The formation of the notches 54 creates the cap 10 and the band portion 40, and the peripheral wall 14 (base portion 28) and the band body 41 are connected via the thin-walled portion 56. The thin-walled portion 56 is the part of the rib 52 at the height of the notches 54 where the notches 54 are not formed. The notches 54 are located above the upper end of the protruding portion 39a (side surface 37a) that forms the side surface 37a of the notch 38.

[0054] When a consumer or other user extracts the contents from the unopened packaging container 1, they rotate the cap 10 relative to the spout 30. As the cap 10 rotates relative to the spout 30, the internal thread 15 formed on the peripheral wall 14 of the cap 10 and the external thread 33 formed on the side wall 32 of the spout 30 are gradually released. As the internal thread 15 and the external thread 33 are released, the cap 10 and the band portion 40 move upward so as to move away from the flange 34 of the spout 30.

[0055] Shortly after the cap 10 and band portion 40 begin to move upward, the multiple flaps 42 of the band portion 40 come into contact with the lower surface 38a of the notch 38 of the spout 30. The contact of the flaps 42 with the lower surface 38a of the notch 38 generates tensile stress between the cap 10 and the band portion 40 (the thin-walled portion 56 of the fractured portion 50), which restricts the cap 10 and band portion 40 from separating from the flange 34 of the spout 30. As the relative rotation of the cap 10 continues and the tensile stress reaches a predetermined value, the thin-walled portion 56 fractures.

[0056] At least a portion of the thin-walled portion 56 of each of the multiple ribs 52 is formed to have sufficient strength to break when the tensile stress reaches a predetermined value. For example, when all the thin-walled portions 56 break, the cap 10 and the entire band portion 40 are physically separated, and the restriction on the movement of the cap 10 is released. The band portion 40, separated from the cap 10, moves downward to a position where it contacts the ring portion 36 of the spout 30.

[0057] After the thin-walled portion 56 breaks, the cap 10 is removed from the spout 30 by the continued relative rotation of the cap 10. After the cap 10 is removed from the spout 30, the band portion 40 remains on the spout 30. The broken portion 50 is not limited to a configuration in which the thin-walled portion 56 is formed on the rib 52, but may be formed in any way as long as it breaks in such a way that at least a part of the cap 10 and the band body 41 are separated when the cap 10 is removed from the spout 30.

[0058] The broken portion 50 may connect the cap 10 and the band portion 40 so that the cap 10 and the band body 41 do not completely separate when the cap 10 is removed from the spout 30. In this case, when the cap 10 is removed from the spout 30, the band portion 40 may come off the spout 30 together with the cap 10.

[0059] Returning to Figure 5, the distance D1 between the tip 42a of the flap 42 and the lower surface 38a of the notch 38 is 0.25 mm or less. Distance D1 is the distance measured in the initial state when the cap 10 has not been rotated at all by the user. Distance D1 is the shortest distance between the tip 42a and the lower surface 38a, and corresponds to the distance in the vertical direction along the central axis Ax in the observation cross section. From the viewpoint of accelerating the timing at which the flap 42 hits the notch 38 when attempting to open the cap 10, distance D1 may be 0.24 mm or less, 0.22 mm or less, or 0.20 mm or less.

[0060] The distance D2 between the portion of the flange 34 of the spout 30 facing the lower end of the band portion 40 (e.g., the ring portion 36) and the lower surface 38a of the notch 38 may be 4.0 mm or less. Distance D2, like distance D1, is the distance measured in the initial state when the cap 10 has not been rotated at all by the user. Distance D2 is the shortest distance (distance in the vertical direction in the observation cross-section) between the upper surface of the portion of the flange 34 facing the lower end of the band portion 40 (e.g., the ring portion 36) and the lower surface 38a of the notch 38. When distance D1 is reduced, distance D2 may be 3.8 mm or less, 3.7 mm or less, 3.6 mm or less, or 3.5 mm or less, from the viewpoint of facilitating the formation of the flap 42.

[0061] (Method of manufacturing a mouthpiece) Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the spout 4 will be described below. The method for manufacturing the spout 4 includes at least the steps of preparing the spout 30, preparing the cap member, attaching the cap member to the spout 30 by screwing the internal thread 15 onto the external thread 33, and forming the notch 54.

[0062] In the process of preparing the spout 30, for example, the spout 30 is manufactured by resin molding. In the process of preparing the cap member, a cap member in which the part corresponding to the cap 10, the part corresponding to the band 40, and the multiple ribs 52 are integrated is manufactured, for example, by resin molding. The cap member has the same shape as the cap 10, the band 40, and the multiple ribs 52, except that it does not have a thin-walled part 56 (no notches 54 are formed). Therefore, the cap member will be described below using the names of the constituent parts of the cap 10 and the band 40. The peripheral wall of the cap member corresponds to the peripheral wall 14 of the cap 10 and the band body 41 of the band 40 before they are separated from each other.

[0063] Immediately after resin molding, the multiple flaps 42 and multiple connecting parts 48 protrude outside the internal space of the cap member. After resin molding, the multiple flaps 42 and multiple connecting parts 48, which are connected to each other, are bent (folded) into the internal space of the cap member using a jig or the like. By bending them with a jig or the like, a base end portion 43 and an inclined portion 44 are formed on the flap 42. As the flap 42 is bent, a curved base end portion 43 is formed, and a restoring force (a restoring force that causes it to fall toward the central axis Ax) may be generated in the flap 42 that tries to return to its original state. The flap 42 is folded into the internal space of the cap member to a position where the tip 42a of the flap 42 does not come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the spout 30 and the band body 41.

[0064] Next, the upper end of the side wall 32 of the spout 30 is inserted into the circumferential wall of the cap member. When the cap member is rotated in one direction around the central axis Ax relative to the spout 30, the internal thread 15 of the circumferential wall 14 and the external thread 33 of the side wall 32 engage, and the cap member moves in a direction toward the flange 34 of the spout 30. Then, the multiple flaps 42 come into contact with the notch 38 (inclined portion 39b) and begin to ride up onto the notch 38. At the same time, the upper end of the side wall 32 begins to be inserted between the circumferential wall 14 of the cap member and the inner ring 16.

[0065] When the cap member is rotated further relative to the spout 30, each flap 42 moves over the notch 38, and the upper end of the side wall 32 of the spout 30 is inserted between the peripheral wall of the cap member and the inner ring 16. As a result, the spout 30 is capped by the cap member (the cap member is attached to the spout 30).

[0066] Next, a step is taken to form notches 54 (thin-walled portions 56) in the cap member. For example, notches 54 are formed by making cuts all around the circumference of the peripheral wall of the cap member using a score cutter. In one example, the blade of the score cutter is applied from the outer circumference of the peripheral wall 14 to the portion that will later become the boundary between the base portion 28 and the band portion 40 of the peripheral wall 14, and to the position corresponding to the boundary portion of each rib 52. For each of the multiple ribs 52, the blade of the score cutter is inserted to approximately the center portion in the lateral direction perpendicular to the central axis Ax of the rib 52.

[0067] Then, with the score cutter pressed against the inside of the cap member and rib, the cap member and spout 30 are rotated around the central axis Ax to form a notch 54. This creates a thin-walled portion 56 in the rib 52. The formation of the thin-walled portion 56 separates the cap 10 and the band portion 40 in the cap member, and these members are connected via the rib 52 (thin-walled portion 56), resulting in the mouth stopper 4. By adjusting the size of the notch 54, the size and thickness of the thin-walled portion 56 can be changed to adjust the force required to cause breakage. After that, the mouth stopper 4 is attached to the container body 2, and the packaging container 1 is manufactured.

[0068] (Evaluation Result 1) Next, referring to Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the evaluation results when the distance D1 and thickness Ts are set to the range described above will be explained. In this evaluation, two sample products were prepared: one in which the distance D1 and thickness Ts are outside the range described above (a sample product relating to the comparative example), and another in which the distance D1 and thickness Ts are within the range described above (a sample product relating to the example). The seal release angle θ1, at which the sealed state of the cap 10 is released, and the band break angle θ2, at which a part of the broken portion 50 begins to break (the band portion 40 begins to separate), were measured.

[0069] In the comparative example sample, the distance D1 was 3.0 mm and the thickness Ts was 4.5 mm or more. In the example sample, the distance D1 was 0.15 mm and the thickness Ts was 6.0 mm or more. For measuring the seal opening angle θ1, the cap 10 was rotated 10° at a time from the initial state, and each time it was rotated 10°, it was determined whether or not liquid leakage occurred between the cap 10 and the spout 30, and the angle at which liquid leakage occurred was measured. For measuring the band break angle θ2, the cap 10 was rotated 10° at a time from the initial state, and each time it was rotated 10°, it was determined whether or not breakage occurred at the break portion 50, and the angle at which breakage occurred in at least a part of it was measured.

[0070] Five sample products were prepared for both the comparative example and the example, and the arithmetic mean values ​​of the measured values ​​were obtained as the seal opening angle θ1 and the band break angle θ2. In the evaluation results for the sample product related to the comparative example, as shown in Figure 7(a), the band break angle θ2 was larger than the seal opening angle θ1. Specifically, the measured value of the seal opening angle θ1 was 80°, and the measured value of the band break angle θ2 was 200°. In the evaluation results for the sample product related to the example, as shown in Figure 7(b), the band break angle θ2 was smaller than the seal opening angle θ1. Specifically, the measured value of the seal opening angle θ1 was 95°, and the measured value of the band break angle θ2 was 92°. In the comparative example, liquid leakage occurred before the rupture portion 50 began to break, whereas in the example, no liquid leakage occurred before the rupture portion 50 began to break.

[0071] (Evaluation result 2) Next, with reference to Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the evaluation results for the case where the cap 10 contains silicon will be explained. In this evaluation, two samples were prepared: one in which the cap 10 does not contain silicon (the sample related to the comparative example) and one in which the cap 10 contains silicon (the sample related to the example). The torque [cN·m] when removing the cap 10 from the spout 30 was measured using a torque measuring device. A digital torque meter (product name: TME2) manufactured by Tohnichi Manufacturing Co., Ltd. was used as the torque measuring device.

[0072] The number of samples evaluated (N) for the comparative example was 502, and the number of samples evaluated for the example was 240. For each sample, the cap 10 was rotated relative to the spout 30, and the torque was continuously measured until the cap 10 was removed from the spout 30. A larger maximum value of the continuously measured torque over time indicates that more force is required to open the cap 10, while a smaller maximum value indicates that less force is required to open the cap 10. Torque measurements were performed after attaching the cap 10 to the spout 30 and storing it at room temperature for one day. The maximum torque was determined for each sample. The graph shown in Figure 8(a) represents the measurement results of the maximum torque for the comparative example sample. The graph shown in Figure 8(b) represents the measurement results of the maximum torque for the example sample.

[0073] In the graphs shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the horizontal axis represents the maximum torque value, and the vertical axis represents the number of samples and their percentage relative to the total number of samples. For example, the graph in Figure 8(a) shows that 150 samples (approximately 30%) had a maximum torque measurement result of 50 cN·m to 54 cN·m. In both Figures 8(a) and 8(b), "ST" represents a pre-set standard range, and in both the comparative example and the example, the maximum torque value was within the standard range.

[0074] In the comparative example, the evaluation results showed an average μ of 53.7 cN·m, a standard deviation σ of 6.4, and a variability index "μ±3σ" ranging from 34.5 cN·m to 72.9 cN·m. In the example, the evaluation results showed an average μ of 45.6 cN·m, a standard deviation σ of 6.1, and a variability index "μ±3σ" ranging from 27.3 cN·m to 63.9 cN·m. Compared to the comparative example, the average μ was smaller in the example. The maximum torque (how small the maximum torque is) is one indicator of how easy the cap 10 is to open, and in the example, ease of opening was improved. Also, variability was reduced in the example compared to the comparative example.

[0075] [Effects of the Embodiment] The plug 4 described above comprises a spout 30, a cap 10, a band portion 40, and a break portion 50. The spout 30 has a cylindrical side wall 32, an external screw 33 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the side wall 32, a flange 34 provided on one end of the side wall 32, and a notch 38 formed to protrude outward from the side wall 32. The cap 10 has a top plate 12, a peripheral wall 14 connected to the outer circumferential edge of the top plate 12, and an internal screw 15 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 14 that screws into the external screw 33. The band portion 40 has a cylindrical band body 41 and a flap 42 located inside the band body 41 that contacts the lower surface 38a of the notch 38 to restrict the cap 10 from separating from the spout 30. The break portion 50 connects the band body 41 and one end of the peripheral wall 14 of the cap 10 such that at least a portion of the band portion 40 is separated from the cap 10 when the cap 10 is removed from the spout 30. The flap 42 includes a base portion 43 connected to the lower end of the band body 41 and formed to curve downward, and an inclined portion 44 connected to the base portion 43 and formed to extend toward the top plate 12. The thickness Ts of the inclined portion 44 of the flap 42 is 0.5 mm or more, and the distance D1 between the tip 42a of the flap 42 and the lower surface 38a of the notch 38 is 0.25 mm or less.

[0076] If the flap is thin, when removing the cap from the spout, the flap may bend (deform) after hitting the underside of the notch. If the flap bends, the timing of the start of rupture at the break point will be delayed. Also, if the distance between the tip of the flap and the underside of the notch is large, the time from when you start rotating the cap relative to the spout until the flap hits the underside of the spout will be delayed, and the timing of the start of rupture at the break point will be delayed. As a result, when attempting to remove the cap from the spout, a gap may form between the spout and the cap large enough for the contents to be discharged before the band begins to detach.

[0077] On the other hand, in the above-mentioned spout 4, the thickness Ts of the inclined portion 44 is 0.5 mm or more, so that when the cap 10 is removed from the spout 30, the flap 42 does not easily bend after it hits the lower surface 38a of the notch 38. Also, because the above-mentioned distance D1 is 0.25 mm or less, the flap 42 hits the lower surface 38a of the notch 38 at an early stage after the cap 10 begins to rotate relative to the spout 30. As a result of these factors, the timing at which the break begins at the break portion 50 is not delayed. Therefore, the band portion is more likely to detach before a gap large enough for the contents to be discharged is formed between the spout and the cap. Consequently, the possibility of contents leaking before the band portion 40 begins to detach is reduced.

[0078] In the above-described plug 4, the distance D2 between the portion of the flange 34 facing the lower end of the band portion 40 and the lower surface 38a of the notch 38 may be 4 mm or less. If the distance D2 is large, the flap 42 needs to be made longer in order to set the gap between the lower surface of the band body 41 and the flange 34 to a predetermined value and satisfy the condition that the above-described distance D1 is 0.25 mm or less. In the above configuration, since the distance D2 is 4 mm or less, there is no need to make the flap 42 longer. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the shape of the flap 42.

[0079] In the above-described stopper 4, the broken portion 50 may connect the band portion 40 to one end of the peripheral wall 14 such that when the cap 10 is removed from the spout 30, the band portion 40 separates from the cap 10 and remains on the spout 30. A gap g may be provided between the lower end of the band portion 40 and the portion of the flange 34 facing the lower end of the band portion 40 so that when the band portion 40 separates from the cap 10, the band portion 40 falls onto the flange 34. In this case, when the cap 10 that has been opened is attached to the spout 30, a gap is created between the lower surface of the cap 10 and the band portion 40 remaining on the spout 30. This makes it possible for the user to understand that the cap 10 of the stopper 4 has been opened once.

[0080] In the above-described cap 4, the flap 42 may be positioned such that there is a gap between it and the lower surface 38a of the notch 38, and between it and the side wall 32 of the spout 30. In this case, the band portion 40 can fall smoothly after it separates from the cap 10. Therefore, the possibility that the band portion 40 will not fall after the cap 10 is opened can be reduced.

[0081] In the cap 4 described above, the band portion 40 may further have a connecting portion 48 that connects another flap 42 adjacent to the flap 42 in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax of the cap 10. The thickness Th2 of the tip of the connecting portion 48 may be smaller than the thickness Th1 of the tip 42a of the flap 42, and also smaller than the thickness Th1 of the tip of the other flap 42. In this case, since multiple flaps 42 are connected by the connecting portion 48, the flaps 42 are less likely to fall inward due to restoring force. Therefore, after the band portion 40 separates from the cap 10, there is a low possibility that the band portion 40 will come into contact with the spout 30 and prevent the band portion 40 from falling. Thus, the possibility that the band portion 40 will not fall after the cap 10 is opened can be reduced.

[0082] In the above-described stopper 4, the cap 10 may contain silicone. In this case, the torque required to open the cap 10 tends to be lower compared to when silicone is not included. Therefore, it is possible to improve the ease of opening the cap 10.

[0083] The packaging container 1 described above comprises a spout 4 and a container body 2 to which the spout 4 is attached. Since the packaging container 1 is equipped with a spout 4, the possibility of contents leaking before the band portion 40 is detached is reduced in the packaging container 1 as well. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1...Packaging container, 2...Container body, 4...Spout, 10...Cap, 12...Top plate, 14...Surface wall, 15...Internal thread, 30...Spout, 32...Side wall, 33...External thread, 34...Flange, 38...Notch, 38a...Bottom surface, 40...Band section, 41...Band body, 42...Flap, 43...Base end, 44...Inclined section, 48...Connecting section, Ts,Th1,Th2...Thickness, D1,D2...Distance.

Claims

1. A spout having a cylindrical side wall, an external thread provided on the outer surface of the side wall, a flange provided on one end of the side wall, and a notch formed to protrude outward from the side wall, A cap comprising a top plate, a peripheral wall connected to the outer edge of the top plate, and an internal thread provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall that engages with the external thread, A band portion having a cylindrical band body and a flap located inside the band body that contacts the lower surface of the notch to prevent the cap from separating from the spout, The band body and one end of the peripheral wall of the cap are provided with a break portion connecting them such that at least a portion of the band portion is separated from the cap when the cap is removed from the spout. The flap includes a base end connected to the lower end of the band body and formed to curve downward, and an inclined portion connected to the base end and formed to extend toward the top plate. In the inclined portion of the flap, between the connection portion with the base end and the tip of the flap, the thickness of the inclined portion is 0.5 mm or more. The distance between the tip of the flap and the lower surface of the notch is 0.25 mm or less. The broken portion connects the band body and one end of the peripheral wall such that when the cap is removed from the spout, the band portion separates from the cap and remains on the spout. A gap is provided between the lower end of the band portion and the portion of the flange facing the lower end of the band portion, such that the band portion falls onto the flange when it is separated from the cap. The band portion further has, in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the cap, another flap adjacent to the flap and a connecting portion that connects the flap, The connecting portion includes a base end portion connected to the lower end of the band body and an inclined portion connected to the base end portion and formed to extend toward the top plate. A plug wherein the thickness of the tip of the connecting portion is smaller than the thickness of the tip of the flap, and also smaller than the thickness of the tip of the other flap.

2. The plug according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the portion of the flange facing the lower end of the band portion and the lower surface of the notch is 4 mm or less.

3. The spout according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flap is arranged such that there is a gap between it and the lower surface of the notch, and between it and the side wall of the spout.

4. The cap is a stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cap contains silicone.

5. A stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A packaging container comprising a container body to which the aforementioned spout is attached.

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