JP7555463B2 - Packaging containers and trays - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging container and inner plate for storing food or other items inside.

There are disposable packaging containers made of foamed resin that can store food and other items inside and have a lid that closes the opening of the container, isolating the inside of the container from the outside. In particular, with a fitting method generally known as the internal fitting lid type, the lid fits onto the inner surface of the container body to close the opening and isolate the inside from the outside, and the use of a flexible container body made of foamed synthetic resin means that there is high demand for disposable packaging containers in the food industry.

Among such containers, packaging containers that further include an inner plate that forms upper and lower spaces inside are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a second container body that corresponds to the inner plate. In this type of packaging container, the fitting portion of the inner plate is sandwiched and attached between the fitting portion of the container body and the fitting portion of the lid.

JP 2017-165422 A

In conventional packaging containers that are based on the assumption that an inner plate is used, if the lid is fitted to the container body without using the inner plate, the fit will be loosened by the thickness of the inner plate, resulting in poor sealing and making the lid more likely to come off the container body. Therefore, in conventional packaging containers, it is not practical to fit the lid directly to the container body without using an inner plate, and no measures have been taken to accommodate such an assumption.

The present invention aims to provide a packaging container and inner plate that can easily ensure sealing while forming upper and lower spaces inside the container using an inner plate, and can also easily ensure sealing even when the lid is attached directly to the container body without using an inner plate.

The present invention is a packaging container comprising a container body having an opening on the opposite side to the bottom, a lid body that closes the opening, and an inner plate that is disposed between the container body and the lid body and forms a lower space on the bottom side and an upper space on the opening side inside the container body. The container body comprises a peripheral wall that forms the opening and a fitting receiving portion provided on the upper part of the peripheral wall. The lid body comprises a cover portion that covers the opening, and a lid body fitting portion that is provided along the outer edge of the cover portion and has an outer diameter dimension that can be fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the fitting receiving portion. The inner plate comprises a partition portion that divides the lower space and the upper space, an interior fitting portion that is erected along the periphery of the partition portion and fits into the inner peripheral surface of the fitting receiving portion, an exterior fitting portion that fits into the outer peripheral surface of the lid body fitting portion, and a dimension difference adjustment portion that expands in diameter from the upper part of the interior fitting portion and is connected to the lower part of the exterior fitting portion.

This packaging container is provided with a middle plate that forms a lower space and an upper space inside the container body. The interior fitting portion of the middle plate fits into the inner peripheral surface of the fitting receiving portion of the container body to ensure the sealing of the lower space. The exterior fitting portion fits into the outer peripheral surface of the lid body fitting portion of the lid body to ensure the sealing of the upper space. The lid body fitting portion of the lid body has an outer diameter dimension that allows it to fit into the inner peripheral surface of the fitting receiving portion. Therefore, when the middle plate is not used, the lid body fitting portion of the lid body can be directly fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the fitting receiving portion to ensure sealing. On the other hand, if the lid body fitting portion is made to be able to fit into the inner peripheral surface of the fitting receiving portion, a dimensional difference occurs between the interior fitting portion and the exterior fitting portion of the middle plate. However, this dimensional difference is absorbed by the dimensional difference adjustment portion, so there is no strain when attaching the middle plate. Therefore, it is easy to ensure a seal while forming an upper and lower space inside using the inner plate, and it is also easy to ensure a seal even if the lid is attached directly to the container body without using the inner plate.

In the above-mentioned packaging container, the dimensional difference adjustment section may extend in the height direction in which the exterior fitting section is erected, and may also have an expansion wall section that expands the upper space. By providing the expansion wall section, it becomes easier to expand the upper space.

In the above-mentioned packaging container, the depth of the upper space may be deeper than the depth of the lower space, based on the height direction from the bottom of the container body to the cover part of the lid. When storing food or the like inside the container body, the upper space can be effectively used.

In the above packaging container, the interior fitting portion may have a lower protrusion that protrudes outward, and the fitting receiving portion may have a lower recessed portion having a recess in which the lower protrusion fits. The engagement between the lower protrusion of the interior fitting portion and the lower recessed portion of the fitting receiving portion prevents the inner plate from unintentionally coming off the container body.

In the above packaging container, the interior fitting portion may have a lower seal portion that is in close contact with the lower recess portion and continues in a closed ring shape in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the opening. The provision of the lower seal portion is advantageous in improving the sealing of the lower space.

In the above packaging container, the lid fitting portion may have an upper recessed portion that continues in a closed ring shape in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the opening, and the exterior fitting portion may have an upper seal portion that continues in a closed ring shape in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the opening and is in close contact with the upper recessed portion. The provision of an upper seal portion is advantageous in improving the sealing of the upper space.

The present invention also provides an inner plate for a packaging container that is disposed between a container body and a lid whose peripheries are interlocking with each other, forming a lower space and an upper space inside the container body, and that includes a partition that separates the lower space from the upper space, an interior fitting part that stands along the periphery of the partition and can be fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the fitting receiving part of the container body, an exterior fitting part that can be fitted into the outer peripheral surface of the lid fitting part of the lid, and a dimensional difference adjustment part that expands in diameter and protrudes from the upper part of the interior fitting part and is connected to the lower part of the exterior fitting part.

This inner plate makes it easy to ensure a seal while forming an upper space and a lower space inside the packaging container, and it also makes it easy to ensure a seal even if the lid is attached directly to the container body without using an inner plate.

According to the present invention, it is easy to ensure a seal while forming an upper space and a lower space inside the container using the inner plate, and it is also easy to ensure a seal even if the lid is attached directly to the container body without using the inner plate.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a food packaging container according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lid body is removed from the food packaging container according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view of the food packaging container according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4, showing a state in which the lid body is directly attached to the container body. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a food packaging container according to an embodiment, where (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the inner plate is attached, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the inner plate is omitted. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a food packaging container in a comparative embodiment, where (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the inner plate is attached, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the inner plate is omitted. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a fitting portion of a food packaging container according to another embodiment. Figure 9 is a diagram explaining a method of changing the internal volume by attaching different types of inner plates, where (a) shows a food packaging container according to an embodiment that does not have an expandable wall, (b) shows a food packaging container according to another embodiment that has an expandable wall, and (c) shows a modified example of the food packaging container according to the other embodiment.

A food packaging container 1 (an example of a "packaging container") according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The food packaging container 1 is a container for storing items including food (hereinafter referred to as "food, etc. F"). Food, etc. F broadly includes rice, noodles, raw vegetables, various side dishes, seasonings, soups, etc., and further includes eating-related utensils such as spoons, forks, and chopsticks.

The food packaging container 1 comprises a container body 2, a lid body 4 that closes the opening M of the container body 2, and an inner plate 3 that is disposed between the container body 2 and the lid body 4. The container body 2 and the lid body 4 can be fitted together at their peripheries. The technical significance of the lid body 4 closing the opening M is that when the inner plate 3 is attached, the opening M is indirectly closed via the inner plate 3, and when the inner plate 3 is not used or omitted, the opening M is directly closed.

Inside the container body 2, a lower space Sa on the bottom 21 side and an upper space Sb on the opening M side are formed by the inner plate 3. The upper space Sb and the lower space Sa may each contain different foods F (see FIG. 4), or the same foods F may be contained. For example, noodles may be contained in the lower space Sa, and side dishes as toppings may be placed in the upper space Sb. Alternatively, rice and various side dishes may be contained in the lower space Sa, and chopsticks, spoons, etc. may be contained in the upper space Sb.

The container body 2 is formed by molding a foamed synthetic resin sheet material into a specified container shape, for example a mortar-like shape, in a mold. The lid body 4 and inner plate 3 are components formed by molding a sheet-like synthetic resin material into the specified lid shape of the container body 2.

As the material for the container body 2, a sheet material of foamed synthetic resin is generally used. As the sheet material of foamed synthetic resin, various synthetic resin sheets such as polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene can be used. In particular, among these, a foamed polystyrene sheet obtained by foaming polystyrene and a heat-resistant foamed polystyrene sheet obtained by foaming polystyrene having excellent heat resistance are preferable. Examples of such foamed sheets include a foamed sheet obtained by kneading and extruding a mixture of a styrene resin alone, a copolymer resin of a monomer such as butadiene, maleic anhydride, or methacrylic acid copolymerizable with a styrene monomer and a styrene monomer alone, or a mixture of a styrene resin and a heat-resistant resin such as a copolymer resin or a polyphenylene ether resin with a physical foaming agent such as butane or pentane, a chemical foaming agent such as azodicarbonamide, or a foaming agent such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or air in an extruder, and a resin film is laminated on one or both sides of the foamed sheet. The container body 2 may also be made of a non-foamed sheet, such as a variety of synthetic resin sheets, including polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, etc.

The material for the lid 4 is generally a transparent synthetic resin sheet material. Representative examples of the transparent synthetic resin sheet material include various synthetic resin sheets, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, etc. In particular, among these, a polystyrene sheet obtained by biaxially stretching polystyrene is preferred, and for microwave heating, a heat-resistant biaxially stretched styrene-based resin sheet is preferred. Examples of such transparent sheets include styrene resin alone, or a copolymer resin of a monomer such as methacrylic acid and a styrene monomer.

The material for the inner plate 3 can be any of a variety of synthetic resin sheets, including polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene. For microwave heating, it is preferable to use a sheet made of polypropylene or polypropylene mixed with a filler such as talc.

The container body 2 can be formed by various sheet forming methods. Examples of sheet forming methods include vacuum forming, pressure forming, vacuum pressure forming, double-sided vacuum forming, etc., and the container body 2 can be formed by thermoforming a synthetic resin sheet by any of these methods. In particular, when forming a foamed sheet, match mold forming consisting of an outer mold and an inner mold is suitable.

The lid 4 and inner plate 3 can also be formed by various sheet forming methods. Examples of sheet forming methods include vacuum forming, pressure forming, vacuum pressure forming, double-sided vacuum forming, etc., and they can be formed by thermoforming a synthetic resin sheet by any of these methods. In particular, when forming an oriented sheet, hot plate forming, in which the sheet is sandwiched between a heated hot plate and a forming mold, is suitable.

As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, the container body 2 has a bottom 21 as a base, an opening M larger than the bottom 21, and a hollow inverted truncated cone shape. In the following description of this embodiment, it is assumed that the container body 2 is placed on a horizontal stand, and the top and bottom are defined on the premise that the bottom 21 is located at the bottom in the vertical direction and the opening M is located at the top in the vertical direction.

The container body 2 has a bottom 21 and a peripheral wall 22 erected from the periphery of the bottom 21. The upper end portion of the area surrounded by the peripheral wall 22 is open, forming an opening M. Food F and the inner plate 3 are inserted and removed through the opening M. The shape of the opening M can be selected from a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, and the like. The shape of the peripheral wall 22 can be any shape that matches the shape of the opening M. In this embodiment, a peripheral wall 22 having a so-called "mortar" shape will be described as an example. The upper part of the peripheral wall 22 is provided with a fitting receiving portion 24 that fits into the inner plate 3 or the lid body 4.

The inner plate 3 comprises a partition 31, an inner plate fitting portion 35 erected along the periphery of the partition 31, a lid body positioning portion 38 provided to protrude outward from the upper portion of the inner plate fitting portion 35, and a skirt portion 39 formed at the tip of the lid body positioning portion 38.

The partition 31 divides the inside of the container body 2 into a lower space Sa on the bottom 21 side and an upper space Sb on the opening M side. The partition 31 includes a tray 32 on which food F is placed, an inner wall 33 standing along the periphery of the tray 32, and a hook 34 extending outward from the upper end of the inner wall 33. The middle tray fitting 35 stands along the periphery of the hook 34. The middle tray fitting 35 is fitted into the fitting receiving portion 24 of the container body 2 and is also fitted into the lid 4. In this embodiment, a portion of the inner wall 33 protrudes toward the partition 31 side to form a block-shaped bulge 33a (see FIG. 2). The ceiling of the bulge 33a is formed with an openable U-shaped groove 33b that serves as a steam vent.

The lid positioning portion 38 has a mounting surface that receives the flange portion 46, which is the outer edge of the lid 4. The skirt portion 39 is a portion that bends and extends downward from the tip of the lid positioning portion 38, and abuts against the outer edge of the curved protrusion portion 24c of the container body 2.

The lid 4 has a bulge above the opening M in the center of the container body 2, and is designed to prevent food F inside the container body 2 from coming into contact with the inner surface of the lid 4. Specifically, the lid 4 has a cover part 41 that indirectly covers the opening M of the container body 2 via the inner plate 3, and a lid fitting part 45 that is provided along the outer edge of the cover part 41 and fits into the inner plate fitting part 35. The lid 4 may also be provided with a steam vent hole depending on the food F to be stored inside.

The cover portion 41 is shaped like an inverted cup, with a bulge formed inside. The cover portion 41 comprises a ceiling portion 43 that mainly covers the food F placed on the inner tray 3 or the food F contained inside the container body 2, and a side wall portion 44 provided along the periphery of the ceiling portion 43. The side wall portion 44 comprises an inclined side portion 44a that is connected to the ceiling portion 43 and has a tapered diameter, a cylindrical portion 44b that is connected to the inclined side portion 44a, and an annular connecting portion 44c that protrudes outward from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 44b.

The fitting receiving portion 24 of the container body 2 is provided to surround the opening M. The fitting receiving portion 24 is fitted into the inner plate fitting portion 35 of the inner plate 3 or the lid fitting portion 45 of the lid 4, and as a result, the opening M is closed. By closing the opening M with the inner plate 3 or the lid 4, the inside of the container body 2 is isolated from the outside, allowing the container 2 to perform its original function as a food packaging container 1.

Next, the fitting structure of the container body 2, inner plate 3, and lid 4 will be described with reference to Figure 4. In the following description, "inward" refers to the direction facing inward with respect to the container body 2, that is, the direction toward the inside (center) of the container body 2 in the radial direction. On the other hand, "outward" refers to the opposite direction to "inward." Additionally, the inner circumferential surface refers to the surface facing inward, and the outer circumferential surface refers to the surface facing outward.

The container body 2 has a peripheral wall 22 that forms an opening M. The peripheral wall 22 has a side wall portion 23 that is inclined and erected so that the inner diameter (area in a plan view) expands from the bottom portion 21 of the container body 2 to the opening M, and a fitting receiving portion 24 provided on the upper portion of the side wall portion 23. The fitting receiving portion 24 has a lower recessed portion 24a provided at the boundary with the side wall portion 23, a main body fitting wall portion 24b that is erected from the lower recessed portion 24a, and a curved protruding portion 24c that protrudes outward while curving from the upper portion of the main body fitting wall portion 24b.

The lower recess 24a of the fitting receiving portion 24 is molded, for example, in the molding process for forming the container body 2, so that it has a curved shape while the thickness of the wall surface of the container body 2 remains almost constant due to the shape of the mold. In other words, when viewed in cross section of the container body 2, the outer and inner shapes of the lower recess 24a are curved so as to protrude outward (outward in the thickness direction) of the lower recess 24a (container body 2), and a recess is defined as the inner curved surface. The recess of the lower recess 24a continues in a closed ring shape in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the opening M of the container body 2.

A main body fitting wall 24b is formed above the lower recess 24a. The main body fitting wall 24b stands upright while curving upward from the lower recess 24a, and the inner circumferential surface of the main body fitting wall 24b has a curved shape that bulges inward in cross-sectional view. The effect of the curved shape of the inner circumferential surface of the main body fitting wall 24b allows for smooth attachment when fitting the lid fitting portion 45.

The inner plate 3 has an inner plate fitting portion 35 that stands along the periphery of the hook portion 34 (the periphery of the partition portion 31). The inner plate fitting portion 35 has an interior fitting portion 36 at the bottom, an exterior fitting portion 37 at the top, and a dimensional difference adjustment portion 5 that connects the interior fitting portion 36 and the exterior fitting portion 37. The interior fitting portion 36 abuts against and fits into the inner peripheral surface Fa of the fitting receiving portion 24 of the container body 2. The exterior fitting portion 37 abuts against the outer peripheral surface Fb of the lid fitting portion 45.

The inner plate fitting portion 35 is formed by bending the sheet material using a specified mold, and has substantially the same thickness. The inner fitting portion 36, the outer fitting portion 37, and the dimensional difference adjustment portion 5 are formed with a flexible shape and thickness so that minute deformation is possible due to the inherent elasticity of the sheet material.

The interior fitting portion 36 comprises a lower protrusion 36a connected to the hook portion 34 (partition portion 31) and a lower fitting wall portion 36b connected to the upper portion of the lower protrusion 36a. The lower protrusion 36a projects outward from the hook portion 34 at an angle and is folded back halfway. The bent top of the lower protrusion 36a continues in a closed ring shape in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the opening M of the container body 2. The lower fitting wall portion 36b is cylindrical and stands upright from the upper portion of the lower protrusion 36a. Note that the lower protrusion 36a and the lower fitting wall portion 36b according to this embodiment have substantially the same thickness.

When the interior fitting portion 36 is fitted into the fitting receiving portion 24 of the container body 2, the lower protrusion 36a and the fitting receiving portion 24 rub against each other and elastically deform with each other. When the lower protrusion 36a passes the main body fitting wall portion 24b and reaches the recess of the lower recess portion 24a, the lower protrusion 36a fits into the recess provided on the inner peripheral surface of the lower recess portion 24a and comes into close contact with the inner peripheral surface Fa of the fitting receiving portion 24. The lower fitting wall portion 36b and the main body fitting wall portion 24b also remain in close contact with each other while remaining in an elastically deformed state.

As described above, the lower protrusion 36a and the fitting receiving portion 24 are in close contact with each other while exerting a repulsive force on each other due to elastic deformation. Also, the lower fitting wall portion 36b and the main body fitting wall portion 24b are in close contact with each other while exerting a repulsive force on each other due to elastic deformation. As a result, the fitting strength between the interior fitting portion 36 and the fitting receiving portion 24 can be strengthened. Also, the lower protrusion 36a and the lower fitting wall portion 36b are in close contact with the inner peripheral surface Fa of the fitting receiving portion 24, ensuring sealing properties and functioning as a lower seal portion. Furthermore, the lower protrusion 36a fits into the lower recess portion 24a and also functions as a slip-out prevention function.

The exterior fitting portion 37 has an upper fitting wall portion 37a that is positioned outwardly relative to the lower fitting wall portion 36b of the interior fitting portion 36, and an upper protrusion portion 37b that is connected to the top of the upper fitting wall portion 37a.

The upper fitting wall 37a is a cylindrical portion provided along the outer edge of the opening M of the container body 2. The upper convex portion 37b projects inwardly from the top of the upper fitting wall 37a while slanting, and is folded back partway along the way. The bent top of the upper convex portion 37b continues in a closed ring shape in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the opening M of the container body 2. Note that the upper fitting wall 37a and the upper convex portion 37b according to this embodiment have substantially the same thickness.

The lid 4 includes a lid fitting portion 45 and a flange portion 46 provided on the upper portion of the lid fitting portion 45. The lid fitting portion 45 includes a lower wall portion 45a connected to the periphery of the cover portion 41, an upper recessed portion 45b connected to the upper portion of the lower wall portion 45a, and an upper wall portion 45c connected to the upper portion of the upper recessed portion 45b. The flange portion 46 protrudes outward from the upper portion of the upper wall portion 45c and is positioned by abutting against the lid positioning portion 38 of the inner plate 3. The lid 4 is formed by bending a sheet material using a specified mold and has substantially the same thickness. The lid fitting portion 45 is formed with a flexible shape and thickness so that it can be slightly deformed by the elasticity inherent in the sheet material.

The lower wall portion 45a is a cylindrical portion provided along the outer edge of the opening M of the container body 2. The upper recessed portion 45b, for example, has a lower inclined portion bent inward from the lower wall portion 45a, an upright portion erected from the lower inclined portion, and an upper inclined portion bent outward from the upright portion. The upright portion is recessed inward from the lower wall portion 45a, and as a result, an inward recess is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the upper recessed portion 45b. The recess of the upper recessed portion 45b is continuous in a closed ring shape in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the opening M of the container body 2. In addition, the recess of the upper recessed portion 45b has an area large enough to accommodate the upper protrusion 37b of the inner plate 3 and the curved inner circumferential surface of the main body fitting wall portion 24b of the container body 2. Note that the lower wall portion 45a, the upper recessed portion 45b, and the upper wall portion 45c according to this embodiment have substantially the same thickness.

When the lid fitting portion 45 is fitted into the exterior fitting portion 37 of the inner tray fitting portion 35, the lower wall portion 45a of the lid fitting portion 45 and the upper convex portion 37b of the exterior fitting portion 37 rub against each other and elastically deform each other. When the lower wall portion 45a passes the upper convex portion 37b and the upper convex portion 37b reaches the recess of the upper recess portion 45b, the upper convex portion 37b fits into the recess provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper recess portion 45b and comes into close contact with the outer peripheral surface Fb of the lid fitting portion 45. The upper fitting wall portion 37a and the lower wall portion 45a of the exterior fitting portion 37 are in close contact with each other while remaining in an elastically deformed state.

As described above, the lower wall portion 45a and the upper fitting wall portion 37a are in close contact with each other while applying a repulsive force to each other due to elastic deformation. As a result, the fitting strength between the exterior fitting portion 37 and the lid fitting portion 45 can be strengthened. In addition, the upper fitting wall portion 37a ensures sealing by being in close contact with the outer peripheral surface Fb of the lid fitting portion 45, and functions as an upper seal portion. In addition, the upper protrusion portion 37b fits into the upper recess portion 45b, reinforcing the fit of the upper fitting wall portion 37a to the lid fitting portion 45, and the upper protrusion portion 37b fits into the upper recess portion 45b, so it also functions to prevent it from coming loose.

As shown in FIG. 5, the food packaging container 1 according to this embodiment can omit the inner plate 3 and directly attach the lid 4 to the container body 2. In other words, the lid fitting portion 45 of the lid 4 can be fitted into the inner circumferential surface Fa of the fitting receiving portion 24 of the container body 2. Here, the fact that the lid fitting portion 45 of the lid 4 can be fitted into the inner circumferential surface Fa of the fitting receiving portion 24 of the container body 2 means that the outer diameter of the lid fitting portion 45 is equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the fitting receiving portion 24 of the container body 2, and has dimensions that allow the lid fitting portion 45 to be press-fitted into the fitting receiving portion 24 of the container body 2 to be tightly fitted.

Here, the interior fitting portion 36 of the inner plate 3 (see FIG. 4) can be fitted to the inner peripheral surface Fa of the fitting receiving portion 24 of the container body 2 as described above. In addition, the exterior fitting portion 37 is arranged outwardly shifted with respect to the interior fitting portion 36, so that it can be fitted to the outer peripheral surface Fb of the lid body fitting portion 45. In other words, there is a dimensional difference between the interior fitting portion 36 and the exterior fitting portion 37, and the dimensional difference adjustment portion 5 is provided to fill this dimensional difference and connect. For example, the dimensional difference adjustment portion 5 is a portion that expands in diameter and protrudes outward from the upper part of the interior fitting portion 36, and in this embodiment, it protrudes outward while inclining from the upper part of the interior fitting portion 36 and is connected to the lower part of the exterior fitting portion 37. Note that the dimensional difference adjustment portion 5 expands in diameter and protrudes from the upper part of the interior fitting portion 36 and is connected to the lower part of the exterior fitting portion 37, and a form that can fill the dimensional difference between the interior fitting portion 36 and the exterior fitting portion 37 can be widely applied. For example, the dimensional difference adjustment section 5 may be a section that protrudes outward from the upper portion of the interior fitting section 36 without inclining.

Next, referring to Figs. 6 and 7, the manner of use of the food packaging container 1 according to this embodiment will be described in comparison with a food packaging container 100 according to a comparative embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the food packaging container 1 according to this embodiment, with Fig. 6(a) showing a state in which the inner plate 3 is attached, and Fig. 6(b) showing a state in which the inner plate 3 is omitted. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the food packaging container 100 according to the comparative embodiment, with Fig. 6(a) showing a state in which the inner plate 300 is attached, and Fig. 6(b) showing a state in which the inner plate 300 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the case of the food packaging container 100 according to the comparative embodiment, a dimensional difference adjustment portion is not provided, and therefore the outer peripheral surface of the inner plate fitting portion 350 is fitted into the fitting receiving portion 240 of the container body 200, and the inner peripheral surface of the inner plate fitting portion 350 is fitted into the lid fitting portion 450. In the case of the food packaging container 100 according to the comparative embodiment, the sealing property of the inside of the container body 200 is maintained when the inner plate 300 is attached. However, if the inner plate 300 is omitted and the lid body 400 is attached directly to the container body 200, a gap is created due to the thickness of the inner plate 300, making it difficult to ensure sealing property.

On the other hand, in the case of the food packaging container 1 according to this embodiment, the sealing of the inside of the container body 2 can be ensured regardless of the presence or absence of the inner plate 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 6(a), when the inner plate 3 is attached, the inner plate 3 forms a lower space Sa and an upper space Sb inside the container body 2. Furthermore, in this state, the interior fitting portion 36 of the inner plate 3 fits into the fitting receiving portion 24 of the container body 2 to ensure sealing. As a result, the food F contained in the lower space Sa is stably maintained without leaking from the lower space Sa to the outside. In addition, the exterior fitting portion 37 of the inner plate 3 fits into the lid fitting portion 45 to ensure sealing. As a result, the food F contained in the upper space Sb is stably maintained without leaking from the upper space Sb to the outside.

In addition, in the food packaging container 1 according to this embodiment, the depth D1 of the upper space Sb is deeper than the depth D2 of the lower space Sa based on the height direction from the bottom 21 of the container body 2 to the cover portion 41 of the lid 4. As a result, when food F is stored inside the container body 2, the upper space Sb can be effectively used.

6B, when the inner plate 3 is omitted, the lid fitting portion 45 is directly fitted into the fitting receiving portion 24 of the container body 2. The lid fitting portion 45 has an outer diameter dimension that allows it to fit into the inner peripheral surface Fa of the fitting receiving portion 24. Therefore, even if the lid fitting portion 45 is directly fitted into the fitting receiving portion 24 of the container body 2, the outer peripheral surface Fb of the lid fitting portion 45 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface Fa of the fitting receiving portion 24, which is advantageous for ensuring sealing. In particular, in this embodiment, the body fitting wall portion 24b of the fitting receiving portion 24 has an inner peripheral surface that protrudes inward and curves, and this inner peripheral surface fits into the recess of the upper recess portion 45b of the lid fitting portion 45, is in close contact with it, and is further engaged. In addition, the lower wall portion 45a of the lid fitting portion 45 protrudes outward from the upper recess portion 45b, and this protrusion fits into the recess of the lower recess portion 24a of the fitting receiving portion 24, making a tight fit and further engaging with it. The tight fit between the main body fitting wall portion 24b and the upper recess portion 45b, and the tight fit between the lower wall portion 45a and the lower recess portion 24a, are advantageous in improving the internal sealing. In addition, the engagement between the main body fitting wall portion 24b and the upper recess portion 45b, and the engagement between the lower wall portion 45a and the lower recess portion 24a, can prevent the lid 4 from unintentionally coming off the container main body 2.

In addition, as a mode of use of the food packaging container 1, for example, multiple inner plates 3 may be stacked vertically, and multiple spaces may be formed by the multiple inner plates 3.

Next, referring to Figs. 8 and 9, a food packaging container 1A according to another embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view mainly showing the fitting structure of the food packaging container 1A according to another embodiment, and Fig. 9 is a diagram explaining the food packaging container 1A according to another embodiment in comparison with the above-mentioned embodiment. In Fig. 9, (a) shows the above-mentioned embodiment, (b) shows the food packaging container 1A according to the other embodiment, and (c) shows a modified example of the food packaging container 1A according to the other embodiment. The food packaging container 1A according to the other embodiment has the same structure and configuration as the food packaging container 1 according to the above-mentioned embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the differences will be mainly described, and detailed description of the similar structures and configurations will be omitted.

The food packaging container 1A according to another embodiment has a dimension difference adjustment section 5, and the dimension difference adjustment section 5 is provided with an extension wall section 6. The extension wall section 6 is a cylindrical section extending in the height direction in which the exterior fitting section 37 is erected. Providing the extension wall section 6 is advantageous for widening the upper space Sb. The extension wall section 6 according to this embodiment is provided at the lower part of the dimension difference adjustment section 5. Specifically, the extension wall section 6 is erected so as to be continuous and flush with the lower fitting wall section 36b of the interior fitting section 36. The extension wall section 6 can also be provided at the upper part of the dimension difference adjustment section 5, and may be provided, for example, so as to be continuous and flush with the lower part of the upper fitting wall section 37a of the exterior fitting section 37. The extension wall section 6 may also be provided so as to be erected from a midpoint between the lower part and the upper part of the dimension difference adjustment section 5.

Next, referring to FIG. 9, a method for changing the internal volume by attaching a different type of inner plate 3 will be described. FIG. 9(a) shows a food packaging container 1 according to the above embodiment that does not have an expansion wall portion 6. First, consider the lower space Sa and upper space Sb of the food packaging container 1 shown in FIG. 9(a) as the base.

Figure 9 (b) shows a food packaging container 1A according to another embodiment, which is provided with an expansion wall portion 6. The inner plate 3A of the food packaging container 1A is the same as the inner plate 3 according to the above embodiment, except for the expansion wall portion 6. In the case of the food packaging container 1A, since it is provided with the expansion wall portion 6, it is possible to expand the volume of the upper space Sb by the height dimension of the expansion wall portion 6.

Figure 9 (c) shows a modified version of the food packaging container 1A. In this modified food packaging container 1A, the partition 31 of the inner plate 3A is raised to increase the volume of the lower space Sa, and the height dimension of the expansion wall 6 is increased to further increase the volume of the upper space Sb. In this way, by preparing an inner plate 3 without an expansion wall 6, an inner plate 3A with an expansion wall 6, and multiple inner plates 3A with expansion wall 6 of different heights, it becomes easier to appropriately expand the internal space of the food packaging container 1A, particularly the volume of the upper space Sb.

Next, the action and effect of the food packaging container 1, 1A according to each embodiment will be described. The food packaging container 1, 1A according to each embodiment includes an inner plate 3, 3A. The interior fitting portion 36 of the inner plate 3 fits into the inner peripheral surface Fa of the fitting receiving portion 24 of the container body 2 to ensure the sealing of the lower space Sa. The exterior fitting portion 37 fits into the outer peripheral surface Fb of the lid body fitting portion 45 of the lid body 4 to ensure the sealing of the upper space Sb. The lid body fitting portion 45 of the lid body 4 has an outer diameter dimension that allows it to fit into the inner peripheral surface Fa of the fitting receiving portion 24. Therefore, when the inner plate 3, 3A is not used, the lid body fitting portion 45 of the lid body 4 can be directly fitted into the inner peripheral surface Fa of the fitting receiving portion 24 to ensure the sealing. Here, the dimensional difference occurring between the interior fitting portion 36 and the exterior fitting portion 37 of the inner plate 3, 3A is absorbed by the dimensional difference adjustment portion 5. Therefore, the inner plate 3, 3A can be easily attached to the container body 2, and the lid body 4 can be easily attached to the inner plate 3, 3A. As a result, it is easy to ensure sealing while forming an upper space Sb and a lower space Sa inside the inner plate 3, 3A, and it is also easy to ensure sealing even if the lid body 4 is directly attached to the container body 2 without using the inner plate 3.

In addition, in the food packaging containers 1, 1A according to each embodiment, the lower convex portion 36a of the interior fitting portion 36 of the inner plate 3, 3A abuts against and fits into the recess of the lower recess portion 24a of the container body 2, and the upper convex portion 37b of the exterior fitting portion 37 abuts against and fits into the recess of the upper recess portion 45b of the lid fitting portion 45. As a result, the engagement between the lower convex portion 36a of the interior fitting portion 36 and the lower recess portion 24a of the fitting receiving portion 24 prevents the inner plate 3 from unintentionally coming off from the container body 2. In addition, the engagement between the upper convex portion 37b of the exterior fitting portion 37 and the upper recess portion 45b of the lid fitting portion 45 prevents the lid 4 from unintentionally coming off from the inner plate 3.

The lower protrusion 36a and the lower fitting wall 36b of the interior fitting portion 36 of the inner plate 3 function as a lower seal portion that is in close contact with the lower recess 24a in a continuous closed ring shape in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the opening M. The lower protrusion 36a and the lower fitting wall 36b function as a lower seal portion, which is advantageous in improving the sealing of the lower space Sa.

In addition, the upper protrusion 37b and the upper fitting wall 37a of the exterior fitting portion 37 of the inner plate 3 function as an upper seal portion that is in close contact with the upper recess 45b in a continuous closed ring shape in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the opening M. The upper protrusion 37b and the upper fitting wall 37a function as an upper seal portion, which is advantageous in improving the sealing of the upper space Sb.

1, 1A...food packaging container, 2...container body, 3, 3A...middle plate, 4...lid, 5...size difference adjustment section, 6...extension wall section, 21...bottom, 22...periphery, 24...fitting receiving section, 31...partition section, 36...interior fitting section, 36a...lower protrusion (lower seal section), 36b...lower fitting wall section (lower seal section), 37...exterior fitting section, 37a...upper fitting wall section (upper seal section), 37b...upper protrusion (upper seal section), 41...cover section, 45...lid fitting section, Fa...inner circumferential surface of fitting receiving section, Fb...outer circumferential surface of lid fitting section, M...opening, Sa...lower space, Sb...upper space.

Claims (8)

A packaging container comprising:
A container body having an opening on the opposite side to the bottom;
A cover for closing the opening;
a middle plate disposed between the container body and the lid body and forming a lower space on the bottom side and an upper space on the opening side inside the container body;
The container body includes a peripheral wall that defines the opening, and a fitting receiving portion provided on an upper portion of the peripheral wall,
the lid body includes a cover portion that covers the opening, and a lid body fitting portion that is provided along an outer edge of the cover portion and is capable of fitting into an inner circumferential surface of the fitting receiving portion,
The inner plate includes a partition portion that divides the lower space and the upper space, and an inner plate fitting portion that is provided upright along a periphery of the partition portion,
The inner plate fitting portion includes an exterior fitting portion that is fitted to an outer peripheral surface of the lid fitting portion , an interior fitting portion that is fitted to an inner peripheral surface of the fitting receiving portion, and a dimension difference adjustment portion that expands in diameter and protrudes from an upper portion of the interior fitting portion and is connected to a lower portion of the exterior fitting portion ,
the exterior fitting portion includes an upper protrusion that contacts the lid fitting portion ,
A packaging container, wherein a gap is formed between the lid body fitting portion and the inner tray fitting portion along a lower portion of the upper convex portion. The packaging container according to claim 1, wherein the lid fitting portion is disposed between the gap and the dimensional difference adjustment portion, and has a lower wall portion that is in tight contact with the inner tray fitting portion in an elastically deformed state . A gap is formed between the lid fitting portion and the inner tray fitting portion along an upper portion of the upper protrusion,
3. The packaging container according to claim 1 , wherein the gap along the lower portion of the upper convex portion and the gap along the upper portion of the upper convex portion are provided around the entire circumference of the exterior fitting portion. The packaging container according to claim 3 , wherein the gap along the lower portion of the upper convex portion and the gap along the upper portion of the upper convex portion are closed spaces in cross-sectional view. A container body having an opening on the opposite side to the bottom;
A cover for closing the opening;
A packaging container including an inner plate disposed between the container body and the lid and fitted to the container body and the lid,
The inner plate includes an inner plate fitting portion that is fitted to an inner peripheral surface of the container body and an outer peripheral surface of the lid body,
The inner plate fitting portion includes a dimension difference adjustment portion provided so that the outer peripheral surface of the lid body can be fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the container body,
A packaging container, wherein a gap is formed between the lid body and the inner plate fitting portion along a lower portion of the fitting portion where the lid body and the inner plate fitting portion abut. The packaging container according to claim 5 , wherein the lid body is disposed between the gap and the dimensional difference adjustment portion and has a lower wall portion that is in close contact with the inner tray fitting portion in an elastically deformed state . A gap is formed between the lid body and the inner tray fitting portion along an upper portion of the fitting portion,
7. The packaging container according to claim 5 , wherein the gap along the lower portion of the fitting portion and the gap along the upper portion of the fitting portion are provided around the entire circumference of the inner tray fitting portion. The inner plate includes a partition portion that divides a lower space on the bottom side from an upper space,
A packaging container as described in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the inner plate fitting portion has an extension wall portion which is a cylindrical portion extending in the height direction so that the upper space is wider than the lower space.

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