JP7795331B2 - Multi-cap with flange for tubes - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a flanged multi-cap for tubes.

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

In addition, caps that can be attached to tubes of multiple diameters (referred to as "multi-caps" in this specification) have been proposed (for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-12010 JP 2017-88216 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-36568

Test tube cap flange plug <https://wexer-store.com/fisher_product/cap_flange_plug/165>

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

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

It is not easy to create a flanged multi-cap that can accommodate a wide range of tubes. If a flanged multi-cap is designed to fit a wide diameter tube, it may not fit a narrow diameter tube, and conversely, if a flanged multi-cap is designed to fit a narrow diameter tube, it may not fit a wide diameter tube. Specifically, it was not easy to create a flanged multi-cap that can fit a wide diameter tube within the range, can be inserted appropriately into a narrow diameter tube within the range, and does not deform unexpectedly when inserted.

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

The object of the present invention is to provide a flanged multi-cap that can be used in a wide range of applications and can properly perform its watertight function when inserted into tubes within the applicable range.

The present invention provides a flanged multi-cap for tubes, comprising: a support pillar that extends downward from the cap head and has a circular outer shape in a cross section perpendicular to the direction of extension, the support pillar being hollow and elastically deformable by a lateral force; a first flange that protrudes laterally from the side of the support pillar and abuts the inner wall of the tube, the lateral outer surface of the first flange being a slope that faces sideways and downward in its natural state, the first flange having a slit cut out extending radially and penetrating in the vertical direction, the slit extending in a direction that is not parallel to the vertical direction in side view ; a second flange that protrudes laterally from the side of the support pillar below the first flange and abuts the inner wall of the tube, the second flange extending upward as it extends sideways from the support pillar and has an overall bowl shape ; and a side of the support pillar having a groove formed along the circumferential direction of the support pillar at a position adjacent to the upper side of the connection position of the first flange .

The present invention provides a flanged multi-cap that can be used in a wide range of applications and can properly perform its watertight function when inserted into tubes within the applicable range.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a multi-cap according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-cap according to the embodiment taken along the vertical direction. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of region C in FIG. 2 . FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing a multi-cap attached to a compatible maximum diameter tube. FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing a multi-cap attached to a compatible smallest diameter tube. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the multi-cap attached to the corresponding smallest diameter tube.

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

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

The multi-cap 10 can be attached to tubes T of multiple diameters, specifically, tubes T ranging from a specified minimum diameter to a specified maximum diameter. In particular, the multi-cap 10 is compatible with a wide range of tubes T (e.g., 2 mm or more) due to the features described below.

As described above, the multi-cap 10 is a flanged multi-cap for tubes. Due to the features described below, the multi-cap 10 is able to assume the appropriate posture by deforming (particularly the first flange 16) in an appropriate manner when attached to a tube T within the compatible range. Furthermore, due to the features described below, the multi-cap 10 is able to optimally perform a water-stopping function that prevents a liquid sample contained in the tube T from leaking out of the opening O by deforming (particularly the second flange 18) in an appropriate manner. Furthermore, due to the features described below, the multi-cap 10 is prevented from floating up when inserted into the tube T. Furthermore, due to the features described below, the multi-cap 10 reduces the insertion force required to insert the support 14, first flange 16, and second flange 18 into the tube T.

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

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

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

The support pillars 14 are preferably made of a soft, easily deformable, and water-resistant material. For example, the support pillars 14 are made of a polymer compound. In this embodiment, the support pillars 14 are made of LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene). By making the support pillars 14 from such a material, the support pillars 14 can be elastically deformed by lateral forces. Specifically, the support pillars 14 can be elastically deformed by lateral forces so that their horizontal cross sections become elliptical.

The support pillar 14 preferably has an internal space 14a. In other words, the support pillar 14 is preferably hollow. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the support pillar 14 is hollow and has a shape that opens downward. Therefore, the support pillar 14 has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 2, a downwardly open internal space 12c is formed in the radial center of the cap head 12, and the internal space 12c and the internal space 14a of the support pillar 14 are connected to form a single space that opens downward.

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

On the other hand, the root portion 14d, which is the end of the side wall 14b on the cap head 12 side, in other words, the root portion 14d where the cap head 12 and the support 14 connect, should preferably be thicker than the rest of the side wall 14b. This makes it easier to remove the multi-cap 10 by suppressing deformation of the root portion 14d when the manipulator twists the cap head 12 when removing the multi-cap 10. Alternatively, it reduces the possibility of damage to the root portion 14d when removing the multi-cap 10.

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

As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the first flange 16 is flat and protrudes substantially horizontally from the support 14. The first flange 16 protrudes laterally from the support 14 around the entire circumference of the support 14, and its outer shape is circular in plan view. Therefore, the first flange 16 has an overall flat ring shape.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view (plan view of the first flange 16) taken along the line A-A in Figure 2. The first flange 16 has a slit 30 cut out to extend radially and penetrate the flange in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the slit 30 is shaped so that its width increases radially outward from the first flange 16 in plan view.

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

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

Figure 5 is an enlarged view of area C in Figure 2. A groove 32 may be provided along the circumferential direction of the support 14 on the side surface of the support 14 (the outer surface of the side wall 14b) adjacent to the upper side of the connection position of the first flange 16.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the lateral outer surface 16a of the first flange 16 be a slope that faces to the side and downward in its natural state (when no external force is applied to the first flange 16).

The diameter L1 of the first flange 16 is preferably larger than the diameter L2 of the second flange 18. In particular, of the parts (the support 14, the first flange 16, and the second flange 18) that are inserted into the tube T when installed, the first flange 16 is the component with the largest diameter. Note that in this specification, the diameter L1 of the first flange 16 is the horizontal distance from the outer surface of the support 14 to the lateral end point of the first flange 16, and the diameter L2 of the second flange 18 is the horizontal distance from the outer surface of the support 14 to the lateral end point of the second flange 18. The diameter L1 of the first flange 16 and the diameter L2 of the second flange 18 are each uniform around the entire circumference of the support 14.

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

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

More specifically, in this embodiment, the second flange 18 has an inner peripheral portion 40, which is the portion on the support pillar 14 side, and an outer peripheral portion 42, which is the portion further to the side of the inner peripheral portion 40. In this embodiment, the inner peripheral portion 40 extends laterally from the support pillar 14 in a first direction D1, which is slightly upward relative to the horizontal direction, in a radial cross section. Note that the first direction D1 in which the inner peripheral portion 40 extends may also be horizontal. The outer peripheral portion 42 is connected to a lateral end of the inner peripheral portion 40 and extends laterally in a second direction D2 in a radial cross section. The second direction D2 in which the outer peripheral portion 42 extends is a direction that bends upward relative to the first direction D1, which is the extension direction of the inner peripheral portion 40. In other words, the second direction D2 is a direction that is further upward than the first direction D1. Therefore, it can be said that the outer peripheral portion 42 is more susceptible to deformation, such as upward displacement, than the inner peripheral portion 40.

The lateral outer surface 42a of the outer peripheral portion 42 (in other words, the lateral outer surface of the second flange 18) is preferably a surface that is parallel to the vertical direction in its natural state (when no external force is applied to the second flange 18). Furthermore, the tip of the outer peripheral portion 42 (in other words, the tip of the second flange 18) is preferably formed with a slope 42b that is connected to the upper side of the lateral outer surface 42a and faces sideways and upwards.

The diameter L2 of the second flange 18 is slightly larger than the diameter of the largest diameter tube T compatible with the multi-cap 10 (referred to herein as the "compatible maximum diameter tube"). For example, the diameter L2 is approximately 0.1 mm larger than the diameter of the compatible maximum diameter tube. As mentioned above, since the diameter L1 of the first flange 16 is larger than the diameter L2 of the second flange 18, it follows that the diameter L1 of the first flange 16 is also larger than the diameter of the compatible maximum diameter tube.

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

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

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

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

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

In particular, in this embodiment, the diameter L1 of the first flange 16 is larger than the diameter L2 of the second flange 18 (see Figure 5). This allows the first flange 16 to more effectively suppress positional fluctuations of the multi-cap 10, with the abutment point between the second flange 18 and the inner wall I as the fulcrum.

In this way, the first flange 16, in cooperation with the second flange 18, performs a posture maintaining function that maintains the posture of the multi-cap 10 relative to the tube T.

<<When attached to the minimum compatible diameter tube Tmin>>
When the multi-cap 10 is attached to the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin (see FIG. 7), the first flange 16 and the second flange 18 abut against the inner wall I, just as when it is attached to the corresponding largest diameter tube Tmax, and the posture of the multi-cap 10 is maintained according to the above-described principle. In other words, in this case as well, the first flange 16, in cooperation with the second flange 18, exhibits the posture maintaining function of maintaining the posture of the multi-cap 10 relative to the tube T.

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

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

In this embodiment, the slits 30 (see Figure 3) provided in the first flange 16 close (the inner surfaces 30a (see Figure 4) of the opposing slits 30 move toward each other), thereby absorbing the circumferential displacement of the first flange 16. In other words, the slits 30 function as an escape route for the circumferential displacement of the first flange 16. By closing the slits 30 and absorbing the circumferential displacement of the first flange 16, unexpected deformation of the first flange 16 is suppressed. In this way, the action of the slits 30 enables the first flange 16 to perform its posture-maintaining function.

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

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

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

In addition, the underside 12a of the cap head 12 abuts against the upper surface U of the tube T (see Figure 1), providing a waterproof function.

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

When the multi-cap 10 is attached to the minimum compatible diameter tube Tmin, the second flange 18 abuts against the inner wall I, just as when it is attached to the maximum compatible diameter tube Tmax, thereby achieving watertightness based on the principle described above.

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

First, the bowl-like shape of the second flange 18 as a whole prevents unexpected deformation of the second flange 18 when the multi-cap 10 is attached to the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin. In other words, in its natural state, the second flange 18 has a shape that extends upward as it moves laterally, which prevents downward deformation of the second flange 18 when the second flange 18 is inserted into the opening O from above.

Figure 8 is a bottom view of the multi-cap 10 attached to the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin. When the second flange 18 deforms due to force from the inner wall I of the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin, the force is transmitted to the support column 14, which also receives a lateral force. When subjected to a lateral force, the hollow support column 14 elastically deforms so that its horizontal cross-sectional shape becomes elliptical, as shown in Figure 8. This elastic deformation of the support column 14 suppresses unexpected deformation of the second flange 18.

Specifically, if the space between the outer surface of the support 14 and the inner wall I of the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin is insufficient to accommodate the second flange 18 when the support 14 does not deform, the second flange 18 may be forcibly pushed into that space, resulting in unexpected deformation of the second flange 18. In this embodiment, the support 14 elastically deforms, widening the space between the support 14 and the inner wall I over a portion of its circumference. In other words, differences in the distance from the support 14 to the inner wall I occur along the circumference. This creates differences in the inclination of the second flange 18 along the circumference, allowing the second flange 18 to escape in the vertical direction. More specifically, the inner peripheral portion 40 of the second flange 18, which is less susceptible to upward deformation than the outer peripheral portion 42, deforms in response to the elastic deformation of the support 14 (of course, the inner peripheral portion 40 can also deform upward due to force from the inner wall I). Specifically, the support 14 deforms in a circumferential direction such that a portion of its circumference (the upper and lower sides of the support 14 in the example of Figure 8) is displaced radially toward the center, allowing the outer peripheral portion 42 to escape in the vertical direction, as described above, and preventing unexpected deformation of the outer peripheral portion 42. Note that, as shown in Figure 7, the side edges of the second flange 18 undulate slightly in a side view due to the elastic deformation of the support 14, but this is within the expected deformation.

In this embodiment, the support pillar 14 has a shape that opens downward. This makes the lower side of the support pillar 14 more susceptible to elastic deformation than the upper side. The second flange 18 is located below the support pillar 14, at least below the first flange 16. Therefore, the support pillar 14 has a shape that opens downward, making it easier for the support pillar 14 to elastically deform in the vicinity of the second flange 18. This further suppresses unexpected deformation of the second flange 18.

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

As described above, when the multi-cap 10 is attached to the corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin, unexpected deformation of the second flange 18 is suppressed, thereby allowing the second flange 18 to optimally perform its watertight function.

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

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

In addition, the watertight function is also achieved when the underside 12a of the cap head 12 abuts against the upper surface U of the tube T.

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, in this embodiment, the lateral outer surface 42a of the second flange 18 is a surface that is parallel to the vertical direction in its natural state. As described above, when the second flange 18 is inserted into the corresponding maximum diameter tube Tmax, the lateral outer surface 42a and the inner wall I abut against each other in a generally parallel state. This increases the frictional force between the lateral outer surface 42a and the inner wall I, preventing the multi-cap 10 from lifting up.

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

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

As explained in the explanation of the posture-maintaining function and water-stopping function, unexpected deformation of the first flange 16 and second flange 18 is suppressed by the action of the slits 30 or grooves 32 in the first flange 16, and unexpected deformation of the second flange 18 is suppressed by its overall bowl shape and the elastic deformation of the support posts 14. In this way, unexpected deformation of the first flange 16 and second flange 18 is suppressed, thereby preventing the multi-cap 10 from floating up.

<Effect of multi-cap (reduced insertion force)>
When attaching the multi-cap 10 to the tube T (inserting the support 14, first flange 16, and second flange 18 into the tube T), the insertion force becomes an issue only when the multi-cap 10 is attached to a tube T with a relatively small diameter. Therefore, the following description will be given of the case where the multi-cap 10 is attached to a corresponding smallest diameter tube Tmin.

The insertion force of the multi-cap 10 is determined by the ease of deformation of the first flange 16 and the second flange 18.

The slits 30 allow the first flange 16 to deform more easily while suppressing unexpected deformation. In other words, the slits 30 reduce the insertion force required to insert the multi-cap 10. The grooves 32 also promote upward deformation of the first flange 16. In other words, the grooves 32 allow the first flange 16 to deform more easily, and therefore the grooves 32 also reduce the insertion force required to insert the multi-cap 10.

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

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

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

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

10 Multi-cap, 12 Cap head, 14 Support, 16 First flange, 18 Second flange, 30 Slit, 32 Groove, 40 Inner periphery, 42 Outer periphery.

Claims (3)

a support pillar extending downward from the head of the cap, the support pillar having a circular cross section perpendicular to the direction of extension, the support pillar being hollow and elastically deformable by a lateral force;
a first flange that protrudes laterally from a side surface of the support and abuts against an inner wall of the tube, and whose lateral outer surface is an inclined surface that faces laterally and downward in a natural state , and has a slit that is cut out to extend in the radial direction and penetrates in the up-down direction, and the slit is provided to extend in a direction that is not parallel to the up-down direction in a side view ;
a second flange that protrudes laterally from a side surface of the support pillar below the first flange and abuts against an inner wall of the tube, the second flange extending upward as it extends laterally from the support pillar side and has an overall bowl shape;
A groove is provided on the side surface of the support pillar at a position adjacent to the upper side of the connection position of the first flange, the groove extending in the circumferential direction of the support pillar.
A flanged multi-cap for tubes. The slit has a shape such that its width increases toward the radially outer side of the first flange in a plan view, and a plurality of the slits are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the first flange.
2. The flanged multi-cap for tubes according to claim 1. The second flange exhibits a watertight function to prevent leakage of the sample injected into the tube.
2. The flanged multi-cap for tubes according to claim 1.