Opening and closing parts

Abstract

Provided is an opening / closing member comprising a top surface portion which covers an opening in a closed state in which the opening is blocked, a grip portion which extends on an outer edge of the top surface portion and grips an outer circumference of an opening end portion of a container body in the closed state, and a depressurization passage which passes through to an inside of a space in a tube shape formed in the grip portion so as to be installed in the grip portion and depressurizes the space. The top surface portion includes an inner surface which faces the inside of the container body in the closed state in which the opening is blocked. The inner surface includes an inner-surface toroidal region in a toroidal shape extending along an inner circumference of the opening end portion of the container body. The inner-surface toroidal region includes a protruding region portion provided with a plurality of protruding portions which protrude from the inner surface and a flat region portion devoid of the protruding portions.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening / closing member that opens and closes an opening of a container body by being attached to and detached from the opening. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, for example, in solid dosage plants of pharmaceutical companies, batch production is the basis for producing solid dosage forms such as tablets and powders. Therefore, the use of containers is essential for transporting and storing raw materials and intermediate products. In addition, containers must be airtight to prevent the solid dosage forms in the container from deteriorating during storage.

[0003] In order to ensure that the container is airtight, the container is generally sealed by fastening the lid and the container body with a clamp band via a packing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A robot that opens and closes a clamp band is known as a device for opening and closing the lid of such an airtight container (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). This robot can open and close the clamp band without human intervention. As a result, the production line can be manpower-saving.

[0004] However, when using the above-mentioned general technology, at least three robots are needed to automatically open and close the lid, which is too costly. Also, human labor is needed to perform the delicate work of opening and closing the lid. However, tightening and releasing the clamp by a human is difficult because it requires the user to handle the work of raising the clamp lever with their fingertips. For this reason, in recent years, lids that can automatically open and close containers without using clamp bands have been developed. These lids are used in many places, including solid dosage form factories. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3156962 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] OMC Corporation, "Robotic Desorption System", [online], [searched on November 9, 2020], Internet <URL:http: / / omc.jpn.org / 2012 / product_medical / cross_mix / robotdesorptionsystem_medical.htm> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, as shown in Fig. 21, this lid has a two-part structure consisting of a metal lid 106 and a resin tube seal 108. Therefore, although the opening and closing of the lid 106 is automated, it needs to be disassembled for cleaning. In other words, it is not compatible with full automation, including cleaning. In addition, there is a problem in that the cost of the metal lid 106 is high.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive opening and closing member that can be washed completely by automatic cleaning. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is an opening / closing member that opens and closes the opening of a container body by being attached to and detached from the opening. The opening / closing member includes a top surface portion that covers the opening when the opening is closed, a gripping portion that extends along the outer edge of the top surface portion and grips the outer periphery of the open end of the container body when the opening is closed, and a pressure reduction path that penetrates inside a tubular space formed in the gripping portion and is attached to the gripping portion to reduce the pressure of the space. The top surface portion has an inner surface that faces the inside of the container body when the opening is closed. The inner surface includes an inner annular region that is annular and extends along the inner circumference of the open end of the container body. The inner annular region includes a protruding region portion that is provided with one or more convex portions protruding from the inner surface, and a flat region portion that is not provided with any convex portions.

[0010] The flat region forms an opening that connects the region where the opening edge of the container body is located to the region near the center on the inner surface of the top surface. Even if cleaning liquid or water gets into the area between the convex portion and the gripping portion, the cleaning liquid or water can flow out through the opening. Therefore, the top surface is less likely to accumulate cleaning liquid or water in the region where the opening edge of the container body is located. As a result, the opening / closing member drains well, making it easy to perform the cleaning operation.

[0011] In the above-mentioned opening and closing member, the shape of the top surface may be a disk. The protruding area may be provided with a first convex portion and a second convex portion arranged to sandwich the central axis of the top surface. This configuration also makes it easy to perform the cleaning operation.

[0012] In the above-mentioned opening / closing member, the area of ​​the flat area in the inner annular area may be larger than the area of ​​the protruding area in the inner annular area. This configuration also makes it easy to carry out the cleaning operation.

[0013] In the above-mentioned opening / closing member, the inner surface of the top surface portion may further include an inner surface inner region surrounded by the inner annular region. The flat region of the inner annular region may be flush with the inner surface inner region. This configuration also makes it easy to perform cleaning operations.

[0014] In the above-mentioned opening / closing member, the inner surface of the top surface portion may further include an inner surface inner region surrounded by the inner annular region. A step may be present between the flat region of the inner annular region and the inner surface inner region. This configuration also makes it easy to carry out the cleaning operation.

[0015] In the above-mentioned opening / closing member, the inner surface of the top surface portion may further include an inner surface inner region surrounded by the inner annular region. The flat region of the inner annular region may protrude from the inner surface inner region. This configuration also makes it easy to perform the cleaning operation.

[0016] In the above-mentioned opening and closing member, the pressure reduction path may have a through hole penetrating the tubular space of the gripping portion, a valve for switching the through hole between a closed state and an open state, a switching unit for opening the valve when a pressing force is applied and closing the valve when the pressing force is removed, and an elastic force applying unit for pressing the valve against the opening of the through hole. This pressure reduction path can preserve the state of the internal pressure of the tubular space of the gripping portion. Furthermore, the operation of switching the internal pressure of the tubular space from a reduced pressure state to atmospheric pressure can be easily performed. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an inexpensive opening and closing member that can be washed completely by automatic cleaning. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a container according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a lid for a container according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 3] Fig. 3(a) is a plan view showing the inner surface of the container lid according to the embodiment. Fig. 3(b) is a diagram explaining the effect of the container lid according to the embodiment in which the end of the convex portion is rounded. Fig. 3(c) is a diagram explaining the effect of the container lid in which the end of the convex portion is flat. [Figure 4] Fig. 4(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIa-IIIa in Fig. 3(a), and Fig. 4(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIb-IIIb in Fig. 3(a). [Diagram 5] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing, in a visualized form, some regions set on the inner surface of a lid of a container in an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure reduction path. [Figure 7] Fig. 7(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the lid when it is in an atmospheric pressure closed state, and Fig. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the lid when it is in a reduced pressure closed state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the cover when it is in an atmospheric pressure state and in an open state. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an opening / closing robot opens and closes a lid of a container in an opening / closing mechanism according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 11A to 11C are diagrams for explaining a procedure for opening and closing a container lid by an opening / closing robot in the opening / closing mechanism according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing a state in which the space in the gripping portion is depressurized when the lid of the container is opened in the opening and closing mechanism of the embodiment. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing a state in which the space in the gripping portion is depressurized when the lid of the container is closed in the opening and closing mechanism of the embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram showing how the top surface of the lid is pushed up and the lid cannot be removed when the internal pressure of the container in the embodiment increases. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a diagram showing a container lid according to an embodiment, in which a recess is formed on the upper surface of a top surface portion. FIG. [Figure 15] 15 is a diagram showing a state in which containers are stacked on the lid of the container shown in FIG. 14. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a diagram showing a container lid according to an embodiment, in which a recess is formed on the upper surface of a top surface portion. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a diagram showing a container lid according to an embodiment in which the width of a convex portion is significantly increased toward the center of the lid. FIG. [Figure 18] 13 is a diagram showing a container lid according to an embodiment, in which a layer made of metal is provided on the lid. FIG. [Figure 19] 13 is a diagram showing a container lid according to an embodiment in which a layer made of metal is formed close to the surface of the lid. FIG. [Figure 20] 1 is a diagram showing a container lid according to an embodiment in which a layer made of metal is formed on the outer surface of the lid. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a conventional container lid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an opening / closing member according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described taking as an example a case where the lid of a small can for storing solid preparations such as tablets and powdered medicines in a solid preparation factory of a pharmaceutical company or the like is opened and closed. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a container according to the embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the container according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, a container 2 includes a container body 4 and a lid 6 (opening / closing member).

[0020] The container body 4 is a bottomed, cylindrical member made of metal, and on the opening 4a side of the container body 4, a protrusion 4b with an approximately circular cross-section is formed that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the container body 4.

[0021] The lid 6 is a disk-shaped member that opens and closes the opening 4a of the container body 4 by being attached to and detached from the opening 4a. The lid 6 is a rubber member formed from a rubber material such as silicone, ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), etc. The lid 6 includes a top surface portion 7, a grip portion 8, and a pressure reduction path 9.

[0022] 2, the top surface portion 7 covers the opening 4a of the container body 4 in a closed state where the opening 4a is blocked. The top surface portion 7 forms the central portion of the disk-shaped lid 6. A convex portion 7a is formed on the lower outer edge on the inner periphery side of the top surface portion 7.

[0023] The top surface portion 7 on which the convex portion 7a is formed will be described in more detail. The shape of the top surface portion 7 is generally disk-shaped. The diameter of the top surface portion 7 is generally the same as the diameter of the container body 4. In other words, when viewed in a plan view, the container body 4 and the top surface portion 7 overlap. The top surface portion 7 has a top surface outer surface 71 and a top surface inner surface 72.

[0024] The shape of the top surface outer surface 71 is circular in a plan view. The top surface outer surface 71 is exposed to the outside of the container body 4 in a closed state in which the opening 4a of the container body 4 is closed. In other words, the top surface outer surface 71 can be seen in a closed state in which the opening 4a of the container body 4 is closed.

[0025] The top surface inner surface 72 is the reverse surface of the top surface outer surface 71. The shape of the top surface inner surface 72 is also circular in a plan view. The top surface inner surface 72 is exposed to the inside of the container body 4 in a closed state in which the opening 4a of the container body 4 is closed. In other words, the top surface inner surface 72 cannot be seen in a closed state in which the opening 4a of the container body 4 is closed.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the top surface inner surface 72 is provided with four convex portions 7aA, 7aB, 7aC, and 7aD. In the following description, when it is necessary to distinguish between the four convex portions, the reference symbols "7aA, 7aB, 7aC, and 7aD" are appropriately used. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the four convex portions, the reference symbol "7a" is used. The convex portions 7aA (first convex portion) and 7aB (second convex portion) are arranged in positions that are line-symmetric with respect to a first reference line AX that passes through the central axis line AZ. The convex portions 7aC (first convex portion) and 7aD (second convex portion) are arranged in positions that are line-symmetric with respect to a second reference line AY that passes through the central axis line AZ. In other words, it can be said that the four convex portions 7aA, 7aB, 7aC, and 7aD are arranged in positions that are rotationally symmetric with respect to the central axis line AZ.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the cross-sectional shape of the convex portion 7a is trapezoidal. The width of the base end of the convex portion 7a is larger than the width of the tip end of the convex portion 7a. The convex portion 7a has a convex portion lower surface 7a1, a pair of convex portion inclined surfaces 7a2, 7a3, and a pair of convex portion ends 7a4, 7a5 (see FIG. 3(a)). As shown in FIG. 3(a), for example, the convex portion end 7a4 of the first convex portion 7aA faces the convex portion end 7a5 of the fourth convex portion 7aD in the circumferential direction. A flat region portion 721b described later is formed between the convex portion end 7a4 of the first convex portion 7aA and the convex portion end 7a5 of the fourth convex portion 7aD (see FIG. 5). Each of the pair of convex portion ends 7a4, 7a5 may be a rounded curved surface instead of a flat surface. The convex portion ends 7a4, 7a5 having such a shape can be said to have a so-called R (radius). The convex portion ends 7a4, 7a5 including the rounded curved surface make it easier for the cleaning liquid W to flow along the surfaces of the convex portion ends 7a4, 7a5 (see FIG. 3(b)). As a result, the deposits P adhering to the surfaces of the convex portion ends 7a4, 7a5 are swept away by the cleaning liquid W, so that the surfaces of the convex portion ends 7a4, 7a5 can be cleaned. In other words, the lid 6 can be easily cleaned.

[0028] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3(c), when the end 207a of the convex portion 207 is a flat surface, the flow of the cleaning liquid W tends to be unidirectional. For example, the cleaning liquid W may flow away from the end 207a of the convex portion 207. In this case, the deposits P adhering to the surface or corners of the end 207a are difficult to be washed away. As a result, good cleaning results may not be obtained.

[0029] Of the pair of convex portion inclined surfaces 7a2, 7a3, the convex portion inclined surface 7a2 facing the outer periphery faces the grip portion 8. When the container body 4 is in a closed state with the opening 4a blocked, the convex portion inclined surface 7a2 faces the protruding portion 4b of the container body 4. This convex portion inclined surface 7a2 makes it possible to guide the protruding portion 4b of the container body 4 into the recess 8j of the grip portion 8 when the lid 6 is placed on the container body 4.

[0030] The top surface inner surface 72 includes an inner annular region 721 and an inner annular region 722. The inner annular region 721 extends in the circumferential direction along the opening 4a of the container body 4. That is, the shape of the inner annular region 721 is a thin ring. The outer peripheral end of the inner annular region 721 can also be defined as the boundary between the top surface 7 and the gripping portion 8. The protruding portion 4b of the container body 4 is located outside the inner annular region 721. The inner annular region 722 is the inner part of the inner annular region 721. The inner annular region 722 may be defined as the part surrounded by the inner annular region 721. When the entire part surrounded by the inner annular region 721 is defined as the inner annular region 722, the shape of the inner annular region 722 is a circle.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 5, the inner annular region 721 includes a protruding region 721a and a flat region 721b. The protruding region 721a is a portion where the above-mentioned convex portions 7aA, 7aB, 7aC, and 7aD are provided. The flat region 721b is a portion where the convex portions 7aA, 7aB, 7aC, and 7aD are not provided. In other words, the shapes of the convex portions 7aA, 7aB, 7aC, and 7aD are not continuous rings in a plan view. The shapes of the convex portions 7aA, 7aB, 7aC, and 7aD are arcs.

[0032] The area of ​​the protruding region 721a in the inner annular region 721 is smaller than the area of ​​the flat region 721b in the inner annular region 721. In other words, the area of ​​the flat region 721b in the inner annular region 721 is larger than the area of ​​the protruding region 721a in the inner annular region 721. This difference in area can also be explained using the central angle that defines the protruding region 721a and the central angle that defines the flat region 721b. The central angle A1 that defines the protruding region 721a is smaller than the central angle A2 that defines the flat region 721b.

[0033] Each of the multiple protruding regions 721a is provided with a convex portion 7a, and therefore protrudes relative to the inner surface inner region 722. On the other hand, the flat region 721b is not provided with a convex portion 7a, and therefore does not protrude relative to the inner surface inner region 722. The flat region 721b may be substantially flush with the inner surface inner region 722. A step 73 (see FIG. 4(b)) may be provided between the flat region 721b and the inner surface inner region 722. In other words, the flat region 721b is not flush with the inner surface inner region 722, and the flat region 721b may protrude slightly relative to the inner surface inner region 722 or may be slightly recessed relative to the inner surface inner region 722. In terms of the relationship with the convex portion 7a, the flat region 721b can also be defined as a surface that is closer to the inner surface inner region 722 than the convex portion lower surface 7a1 of the convex portion 7a along the direction of the central axis AZ. Moreover, the gripping portion 8, which will be described later, includes an abutment surface portion 8k against which the protruding portion 4b of the container body 4 abuts. The flat region portion 721b may be substantially flush with this abutment surface portion 8k.

[0034] The lid 6 includes an overhanging portion arrangement region 6a in which the overhanging portion 4b of the container body 4 is arranged. The overhanging portion arrangement region 6a has a circular groove-like shape. The overhanging portion arrangement region 6a includes a portion 6a1 (see FIG. 4(a)) sandwiched between the convex portion 7a and the concave portion 8j of the grip portion 8, and a portion 6a2 (see FIG. 4(b)) that only faces the concave portion 8j of the grip portion 8. The portion 6a1 sandwiched between the convex portion 7a and the concave portion 8j corresponds to the above-mentioned protruding region portion 721a. The portion 6a2 that only faces the grip portion 8 corresponds to the above-mentioned flat region portion 721b. In other words, it can be said that the flat region portion 721b is an opening that communicates between the overhanging portion arrangement region 6a in which the overhanging portion 4b is arranged and the inner surface inner region 722 of the top surface portion 7.

[0035] For example, when the lid 6 is washed, cleaning liquid or water may accumulate in a portion 6a1 in the overhanging portion arrangement region 6a that is sandwiched between the convex portion 7a and the concave portion 8j of the gripping portion 8. If the convex portion 7a were annular without any gaps, the cleaning liquid or water would have nowhere to escape, and so the cleaning liquid or water would easily accumulate in the portion 6a1 that is sandwiched between the convex portion 7a and the gripping portion 8.

[0036] On the other hand, the top surface 7 has an opening formed by the flat region 721b that connects the overhang arrangement region 6a and the inner surface inner region 722 of the top surface 7. Even if cleaning liquid or water gets into the portion 6a1 sandwiched between the convex portion 7a and the gripping portion 8, the cleaning liquid or water can flow out of the overhang arrangement region 6a through the opening. Therefore, the top surface 7 is less likely to have cleaning liquid or water pooling in the overhang arrangement region 6a. In short, the lid 6 has good drainage, making the cleaning operation easier.

[0037] Referring again to Figure 2, the gripping portion 8 extends around the outer periphery of the top surface portion 7 and grips the outer periphery of the open end of the container body 4 in the closed state. The gripping portion 8 includes a first gripping portion 8a extending from the top surface portion 7 and a second gripping portion 8b located below the first gripping portion 8a.

[0038] The first gripping portion 8a is seamlessly molded integrally with the top surface portion 7 using the same rubber material. The hardness of the first gripping portion 8a is the same as that of the top surface portion 7. The second gripping portion 8b is attached below the first gripping portion 8a. A flow path 90 for mounting a pressure reducing passage 9 is formed above the first gripping portion 8a. Air is introduced into and discharged from a tube-shaped space 8c described later through the pressure reducing passage 9. The joint 8d on the inner periphery of the first gripping portion 8a and the second gripping portion 8b is welded when the lid 6 is molded. This makes it possible to prevent the first gripping portion 8a and the second gripping portion 8b from being separated when a load is applied to the joint 8d. The first gripping portion 8a is bonded to the joint 8e on the outer periphery of the second gripping portion 8b with an adhesive.

[0039] A tube-shaped space 8c is formed between the first gripping portion 8a and the second gripping portion 8b. The tube-shaped space 8c is an area surrounded by the first gripping portion 8a and the second gripping portion 8b. By configuring the gripping portion 8 with the first gripping portion 8a and the second gripping portion 8b in this manner, the structure for sealing and releasing the seal of the container 2 can be simplified.

[0040] The lower end of the second gripping portion 8b is formed with an inner protruding portion 8g and a protruding bottom portion 8h, each having an inverted M-shaped cross section. The inner protruding portion 8g protrudes into the space 8c. The protruding bottom portion 8h forms a bottom portion outside the space 8c. The second gripping portion 8b is provided with a jaw portion 8i that protrudes toward the inner periphery. A recess 8j that is recessed into a substantially semicircular cross section is formed on the upper inner periphery of the jaw portion 8i. The recess 8j engages with the overhanging portion 4b when the lid 6 is closed.

[0041] The second gripping portion 8b is configured such that the inner protruding portion 8g and the protruding bottom portion 8h are bendable and stretchable. By bending and stretching the inner protruding portion 8g and the protruding bottom portion 8h, the space 8c (second gripping portion 8b) is elastically deformed into a contracted shape (see FIG. 11(b)) and a restored shape (see FIG. 2).

[0042] In order to facilitate this elastic deformation, the second gripping portion 8b is formed of a rubber material having a lower hardness than the first gripping portion 8a. That is, the hardness of the first gripping portion 8a is greater than the hardness of the second gripping portion 8b. In this way, by making the second gripping portion 8b more easily elastically deformable, it is possible to facilitate sealing and unsealing the container 2.

[0043] The second gripping portion 8b is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the container body 4 when the lid 6 is closed. The lid 6 fits onto the container body 4 from the outside. The gripping portion 8 is disposed along the protruding portion 4b formed on the outer periphery of the container body 4. As a result, it is possible to prevent the formulation from accumulating around the inner peripheral edge of the container body 4 when the container body 4 is tilted to discharge the formulation.

[0044] The inner diameter of the second gripping portion 8b is smaller than the outer diameter of the container body 4. As a result, when the second gripping portion 8b is engaged with the protruding portion 4b, the outer circumferential surface of the container body 4 is tightened by the contraction force of the gripping portion 8. Therefore, the airtightness of the container 2 is maintained.

[0045] The pressure reduction path 9 is a nozzle that penetrates from the top surface of the first gripping part 8a through the flow path 90 into the tubular space 8c. The pressure reduction path 9 allows communication between a pressure reduction section 10c (see FIG. 11(a)) described below and the space 8c. The pressure reduction path 9 is made of metal. The pressure reduction path 9 is bonded (welded) to the inner circumferential surface of the flow path 90. Therefore, the preparation does not enter the bonded portion. As a result, the pressure reduction path 9 is not removed from the first gripping part 8a even during cleaning.

[0046] The pressure reduction path 9 will now be described in more detail.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 6, the pressure reduction path 9 has a pressure reduction path main body 91 (main body), a valve 92, a switching pin 93 (switching portion), and a spring 94 (elastic force imparting portion). A through hole 91h is provided in the cylindrical pressure reduction path main body 91. The through hole 91h extends from the inner end 91a to the outer end 91b of the pressure reduction path main body 91. This through hole 91h can connect the space 8c of the grip portion 8 to the external space. An outer opening 91c provided at the outer end 91b is switched between an open state and a closed state by the valve 92.

[0048] The valve 92 is disposed so as to be able to abut against the end inner surface 91d of the outer end 91b. The valve main surface 92a faces the outer end 91b. In other words, the valve main surface 92a faces the end inner surface 91d. The valve main surface 92a is exposed from the outer opening 91c. The valve back surface 92b faces the inner end 91a.

[0049] A spring 94 is disposed between the valve back surface 92b and the step portion 91s of the pressure reducing passage main body 91. The spring 94 exerts a pressing force on the valve 92. This pressing force presses the valve 92 against the outer end portion 91b, resulting in the outer opening 91c being in a closed state. For example, when the space 8c is in a reduced pressure state, the valve 92 receives a force caused by the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the space 8c and the atmospheric pressure. This force acts in a direction that separates the valve 92 from the outer end portion 91b. In other words, this force acts in a direction that contracts the spring 94. Even if a force caused by the pressure difference between the internal pressure and the atmospheric pressure acts on the spring 94, the spring 94 can resist the force. In other words, even if a force caused by the pressure difference between the internal pressure and the atmospheric pressure acts on the spring 94, the spring 94 does not contract. In other words, the spring 94 can generate a force larger than the force caused by the pressure difference between the internal pressure and the atmospheric pressure. As a result, the pressure reducing passage 9 can maintain a reduced pressure state.

[0050] A switching pin 93 is attached to the valve main surface 92a. A pin base end 93a of the switching pin 93 is fixed to the valve main surface 92a. A pin tip 93b of the switching pin 93 is disposed at a position protruding from the pressure reduction path main body 91. When no force is applied to the pin tip 93b, the closed state is maintained. When force is applied to the pin tip 93b, the pin tip 93b is pushed in, and the closed state is switched to the open state.

[0051] The pressure reduction path 9 has a function of maintaining the internal pressure of the space 8c. For example, the pressure reduction path 9 can maintain a state in which the internal pressure of the space 8c is the same as the atmospheric pressure (see FIG. 7(a)). The state in which the internal pressure of the space 8c is the same as the atmospheric pressure is called the "atmospheric pressure closed state P1A". The "atmospheric pressure closed state P1A" may be defined as a state in which the gripping portion 8 holds the protruding portion 4b of the container body 4. Therefore, the internal pressure of the space 8c in the "atmospheric pressure closed state P1A" does not need to be completely equal to the atmospheric pressure. Even if there is a pressure difference between the internal pressure of the space 8c and the atmospheric pressure, the state in which the gripping portion 8 holds the protruding portion 4b of the container body 4 (see FIG. 11(a)) may be called the "atmospheric pressure closed state P1A".

[0052] The reduced pressure path 9 can also maintain a state in which the internal pressure of the space 8c is lower than atmospheric pressure (see FIG. 7(b)). The state in which the internal pressure of the space 8c is lower than atmospheric pressure is referred to as the "reduced pressure closed state P1B." The "reduced pressure closed state P1B" may be defined as a state in which the gripping portion 8 does not hold the protruding portion 4b of the container body 4 (see FIG. 11(b), FIG. 12(a) and FIG. 12(b)). In other words, the "reduced pressure closed state P1B" may be defined as a state in which the gripping portion 8 is deformed so that the protruding portion 4b of the container body 4 can be attached and further the protruding portion 4b of the container body 4 can be removed.

[0053] The pressure reduction path 9 has a function of communicating the space 8c of the gripping portion 8 with the external space when changing the internal pressure of the space 8c. As shown in FIG. 8(a), when the space 8c of the gripping portion 8 is in the atmospheric pressure release state P2A, the space 8c of the gripping portion 8 can be depressurized by communicating the space 8c of the gripping portion 8 with the external space. The pressure reduction path 9 itself does not have a function of depressurizing the space 8c of the gripping portion 8. When the space 8c of the gripping portion 8 is in a state of communicating with the external space, the pressure reduction unit 10c (see FIG. 11(a) and the like) is connected. Then, by operating the pressure reduction unit 10c, the space 8c of the gripping portion 8 is switched from an atmospheric pressure state to a depressurized state.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 7(b), when the space 8c of the gripping portion 8 is in the reduced pressure closed state P1B, the space 8c of the gripping portion 8 can be switched from a reduced pressure state to an atmospheric pressure state by connecting the space 8c of the gripping portion 8 to the external space. When the valve 92 is opened in the reduced pressure closed state P1B, the atmosphere flows from the outer opening 91c through the through hole 91h into the space 8c. Therefore, the space 8c of the gripping portion 8 can be switched from a reduced pressure state to an atmospheric pressure state by applying a pressing force to the switching pin 93 by some kind of device, and no special device such as the pressure reducing unit 10c is required.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the opening / closing robot 10 opens and closes the lid 6 of the container 2 equipped with the lid 6 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the opening and closing of the lid 6 is performed by the opening / closing robot 10 by placing the container 2 on a workbench 12. The opening / closing robot 10 includes a gripping unit 10a, an arm 10b, and a vertical movement unit 10f (moving unit). The gripping unit 10a grips the container 2. The arm 10b moves the container 2 gripped by the gripping unit 10a. The vertical movement unit 10f (moving unit) includes a pressure reducing unit 10c and an opening / closing unit 10d below, and moves up and down on the lid 6 along a guide 10e extending in the vertical direction.

[0056] Here, the pressure reducing unit 10c is attached to the pressure reducing path 9 when the lid 6 is opened or closed. The pressure reducing unit 10c reduces the pressure in the space 8c of the gripping unit 8 through the pressure reducing path 9. The opening and closing unit 10d includes a suction cup or the like. The opening and closing unit 10d adheres to the top surface of the lid 6 to open and close the lid 6.

[0057] Next, a procedure for opening and closing the lid 6 of the container 2 by the opening and closing robot 10 will be described. First, as shown in Fig. 10, the opening and closing robot 10, a shelf 14 storing the containers 2, and a workbench 12 are arranged in their respective predetermined locations in a solid preparation factory. Here, when opening the lid 6 of the container 2, first, the opening and closing robot 10 moves the arm 10b as shown in Fig. 10(a). Next, the opening and closing robot 10 uses the gripper 10a to grip the container 2 with the lid 6 closed that is displayed on the shelf 14.

[0058] Next, the opening / closing robot 10 moves the arm 10b to transfer the container 2 onto the workbench 12. At this point, the recess 8j of the gripper 8 engages with the protruding portion 4b of the container body 4, as shown in FIG. 11(a). In other words, the container 2 is sealed by the lid 6. Next, the opening / closing robot 10 lowers the vertical movement part 10f along the guide 10e, as shown in FIG. 10(b). This brings the opening / closing part 10d into contact with the top surface of the lid 6. Furthermore, the pressure reducing part 10c is attached to the pressure reducing path 9.

[0059] In this state, the pressure reducing section 10c presses the switching pin 93. Therefore, the valve 92 switches from the atmospheric pressure closed state S2A (FIG. 7(a)) to the atmospheric pressure open state S2B (FIG. 8).

[0060] Next, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the opening / closing robot 10 operates the pressure reducing unit 10c to suck the fluid in the space 8c of the gripping unit 8 through the pressure reducing path 9. As a result, the pressure in the space 8c is reduced (pressure reducing step). This causes the space 8c to become negative pressure, so that the inner protruding portion 8g and the protruding bottom portion 8h of the second gripping unit 8b move toward the outer periphery, and the space 8c is elastically deformed into a contracted shape. As a result, a gap is formed between the recess 8j and the protruding portion 4b. Therefore, the close contact between the recess 8j and the protruding portion 4b is released, and the lid 6 can be removed from the container body 4.

[0061] In this state, the opening / closing robot 10 sucks the top surface of the lid 6 with the opening / closing part 10d. Next, the opening / closing robot 10 moves the vertical movement part 10f upward along the guide 10e to move the lid 6 from the opening 4a of the container body 4. As a result, the lid 6 of the container 2 opens (opening process).

[0062] In addition, during the opening process, the opening / closing part 10d needs to be attached to the top surface of the lid 6. However, during the opening process, the pressure reduction part 10c does not need to be connected to the pressure reduction path 9. This is because the lid 6 can maintain the pressure reduction closed state P1B as shown in FIG. 7(b). For example, after the pressure reduction process is completed, a step of removing the pressure reduction part 10c from the pressure reduction path 9 is performed. The opening process may be performed after the removing step.

[0063] The lid 6 can maintain the state in which the second gripping portion 8b is elastically deformed into a contracted shape (see FIG. 7(b)) by the function of the decompression path 9. In this state, for example, a cleaning process may be performed. In the state in which the lid 6 is elastically deformed into a contracted shape, the periphery of the joint portion 8e is widely open, so that cleaning can be easily performed.

[0064] Next, the case of closing the lid 6 of the container 2 will be described. The opening / closing robot 10 moves the container 2 with the lid 6 removed, i.e., the container body 4, onto the workbench 12. Specifically, the opening / closing robot 10 positions the lid 6 with its top surface adsorbed to the opening / closing part 10d directly above the container body 4. Next, as shown in FIG. 12(a), the opening / closing robot 10 operates the decompression part 10c in this state to suck the fluid in the space 8c of the gripping part 8 through the decompression path 9. As a result, the space 8c of the gripping part 8 is decompressed (decompression process). This creates a negative pressure in the space 8c, causing the space 8c to shrink.

[0065] Next, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the opening / closing robot 10 lowers the vertical movement part 10f along the guide 10e to cover the opening 4a of the container body 4 with the lid 6 (closing step). In this case, the space 8c is contracted and the second gripping part 8b is deformed, so the lower end of the jaw part 8i does not come into contact with the protruding part 4b and the operation of closing the lid 6 is not hindered. Note that the container body 4 is made of metal, whereas the lid 6 is made of rubber. As a result, when the lid 6 is closed, contact between metals is avoided. Therefore, the generation of metal powder can be suppressed, and therefore the inclusion of metal powder in the formulation contained in the container body 4 can be prevented. When the opening 4a of the container body 4 is covered with the lid 6 and the opening 4a is blocked by the lid 6, the opening / closing robot 10 stops the decompression by the decompression part 10c (stopping step).

[0066] The above description is performed when the space 8c of the gripping portion 8 is in the atmospheric pressure closed state P1A. When the space 8c of the gripping portion 8 is in the reduced pressure closed state P1B, the decompression operation by the decompression portion 10c is not required. Therefore, when the space 8c of the gripping portion 8 is in the reduced pressure closed state P1B, the above-mentioned decompression process and stop process can be omitted.

[0067] When the pressure reduction by the pressure reducing part 10c is stopped, a fluid (outside air) flows into the space 8c through the pressure reducing path 9. As a result, the space 8c is restored from the negative pressure state to the original cross-sectional shape of the second gripping part 8b (see FIG. 11(a)). In this case, the inner protruding part 8g and the protruding bottom part 8h move to the inner periphery side, and the space 8c is elastically deformed to the restored shape. As a result, the protruding part 4b and the recessed part 8j engage with each other and are in close contact with each other, so that the container body 4 closed by the lid 6 becomes airtight (airtightness process). In addition, in the restored shape in which the container body 4 is in the airtight state, the internal pressure of the space 8c and the external pressure of the gripping part 8 become equal, and leakage of the fluid in the container 2 can be prevented. The internal pressure of the space 8c and the external pressure of the gripping part 8 become equal means that the internal pressure of the space 8c becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure. In addition, the second gripping part 8b makes the container 2 airtight in the restored shape. On the other hand, the second gripping portion 8b releases the airtight state of the container 2 in the contracted shape.

[0068] The airtight process is a process for switching from the reduced pressure closed state P1B to the atmospheric pressure closed state P1A. Therefore, when performing the airtight process, it is not necessarily necessary to use the reduced pressure unit 10c. The operation of switching from the reduced pressure closed state P1B to the atmospheric pressure closed state P1A can be achieved by performing an operation of pushing in the switching pin 93. For example, the operation of pushing in the switching pin 93 may be performed using a part of the up-down moving portion 10f. With such a switching operation, it is not necessary to accurately connect the reduced pressure unit 10c to the reduced pressure path 9. Therefore, the operation of switching from the reduced pressure closed state P1B to the atmospheric pressure closed state P1A can be easily performed.

[0069] <Action and effect> The lid 6, which is an opening / closing member in this embodiment, opens and closes the opening by being attached to and detached from the opening of the container body 4. The lid 6 includes a top surface portion 7 that covers the opening when the opening is closed, a gripping portion 8 that extends to the outer edge of the top surface portion 7 and grips the outer periphery of the opening end of the container body 4 when the opening is closed, and a pressure reduction path 9 that penetrates the inside of a tubular space 8c formed in the gripping portion 8 and is attached to the gripping portion 8 to reduce the pressure of the space 8c. The top surface portion 7 has a top surface portion inner surface 72 that faces the inside of the container body 4 when the opening is closed. The top surface portion inner surface 72 includes an inner annular region 721 that is annular and extends along the inner circumference of the opening end of the container body 4. The inner annular region 721 includes a protruding region portion 721a in which one or more convex portions 7a protruding from the top surface portion inner surface 72 are provided, and a flat region portion 721b in which the convex portions 7a are not provided.

[0070] The flat region 721b forms an opening that connects the region where the opening edge of the container body 4 is located and the inner region of the top surface inner surface 72 of the top surface 7. Even if cleaning liquid or water gets into the area sandwiched between the convex portion 7a and the gripping portion 8, the cleaning liquid or water can flow out through the opening. Therefore, the top surface 7 is less likely to accumulate cleaning liquid or water in the region where the opening edge of the container body 4 is located. As a result, the drainage of the opening / closing member is improved, making it easy to perform the cleaning operation.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, the shape of the top surface portion 7 is a disk. The protruding region 721a is provided with a first convex portion 7aA and a second convex portion 7aB arranged to sandwich the central axis AZ of the top surface portion 7. This configuration also makes it easy to perform the cleaning operation.

[0072] In the embodiment described above, the area of ​​the flat region 721b in the inner annular region 721 is larger than the area of ​​the protruding region 721a in the inner annular region 721. This configuration also makes it possible to easily perform the cleaning operation.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, the top surface inner surface 72 of the top surface 7 may further include an inner surface inner region 722 surrounded by the inner surface annular region 721. The flat region 721b of the inner surface annular region 721 may be flush with the inner surface inner region 722. This configuration also makes it easy to perform the cleaning operation.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the top surface inner surface 72 of the top surface 7 may further include an inner surface inner region 722 surrounded by the inner surface annular region 721. A step 73 may be present between the flat region 721b of the inner surface annular region 721 and the inner surface inner region 722. This configuration also makes it possible to easily perform the cleaning operation.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, the top surface inner surface 72 of the top surface 7 may further include an inner surface inner region 722 surrounded by the inner surface annular region 721. The flat region 721b of the inner surface annular region 721 may protrude from the inner surface inner region 722. This configuration also makes it possible to easily perform the cleaning operation.

[0076] In the above-mentioned opening and closing member, the pressure reduction path 9 has a pressure reduction path main body 91 having a through hole 91h penetrating into the tubular space 8c of the gripping part 8, a valve 92 for switching the through hole 91h between a closed state and an open state, a switching pin 93 for opening the valve 92 when a pressing force is applied and closing the valve 92 when the pressing force is removed, and a spring 94 for pressing the valve 92 against the opening of the through hole 91h. This pressure reduction path 9 can preserve the state of the internal pressure of the tubular space 8c of the gripping part 8. Furthermore, the operation of switching the internal pressure of the tubular space 8c from a reduced pressure state to an atmospheric pressure state can be easily performed.

[0077] The opening and closing member of this embodiment further provides the following advantageous effects.

[0078] According to the opening and closing member of this embodiment, by forming both the top surface portion 7 and the gripping portion 8 of the lid 6 from rubber material, as shown in FIG. 21, unlike the case where the opening and closing member is configured as a two-part configuration of a metal lid 106 and a resin tube seal 108, there is no need to remove the metal parts during cleaning, and the opening and closing member can be handled as a whole, so it can be washed by automatic cleaning. In addition, since both the top surface portion 7 and the gripping portion 8 of the lid 6 are made of rubber material rather than metal, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, since the container body 4 is tightened by the elastic force of the gripping portion 8 to seal the inside, it is possible to reduce the decrease in the degree of sealing due to leakage of fluid compared to the case where the protruding portion 4b is pressed down by the restoring pressure of the tube seal 108 as shown in FIG. 21.

[0079] Furthermore, by reducing the pressure in the space 8c of the second gripping portion 8b to create a negative pressure when opening or closing the lid 6, the lid 6 can be attached to and detached from the container body 4, which simplifies the structure for sealing and releasing the seal of the container 2 and facilitates the opening and closing of the lid 6. Furthermore, since no clamp band is used, the lid 6 can be opened and closed with a single opening and closing robot 10, which reduces the cost of robots to be placed in the solid lumber factory.

[0080] 13(a), if the internal pressure of the container 2' rises and the top surface 7' is made of metal, the lid 6' will simply float up and come off the container body 4', but by making both the top surface 7 and the gripping portion 8 of the container 2 out of rubber as shown in FIG 13(b), the top surface 7 is pushed up using the recessed portion 8j as a fulcrum, preventing the lid 6 from coming off the container body 4. Furthermore, when the internal pressure of the container 2 rises, the jaws 8i enter the inner periphery and grip the overhanging portion 4b by embracing it from below, thereby increasing the pressure resistance of the container 2.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the upper surface of the top surface portion 7 may be lower than the upper surface of the first gripping portion 8a. That is, a recess 7b may be formed on the upper surface of the top surface portion 7. This makes it easier to load the container body 4 on the lid 6, as shown in FIG. 15. In this case, the depth of the recess 7b may be adjusted to be shallower than that shown in FIG. 14, as shown in FIG. 16. Also, as shown in FIG. 17, the width of the convex portion 7a may be increased toward the center of the lid 6.

[0082] Also, as shown in FIG. 18, a layer 16 made of metal may be provided on the first gripping portion 8a and the top surface portion 7. The layer 16 made of metal is embedded in the rubber material constituting the lid 6. Specifically, the upper surface, the lower surface and the circumferential surface of the layer 16 made of metal are all in contact with the rubber material. This can increase the strength of the lid 6, and for example, can prevent the lid 6 from bending even when the container body 4 is further stacked on the lid 6. Also, it can prevent a situation in which the gripping portion 8 sags and the pressure reduction path 9 tilts toward the outer periphery, making it impossible for the pressure reduction portion 10c to be attached to the pressure reduction path 9. In this case, since the rigidity of the lid 6 is guaranteed by providing the layer 16 made of metal, the hardness of the first gripping portion 8a, the second gripping portion 8b and the top surface portion 7, i.e., the hardness of the rubber material, can all be made the same.

[0083] The metal layer 16 does not necessarily have to be provided deep in the first gripping portion 8a and the top surface portion 7, and may be formed close to the surface as shown in Fig. 19, or may be provided on the outer surface of the first gripping portion 8a and the top surface portion 7 as shown in Fig. 20. In this case, the end of the metal layer 16 may be embedded in the lid 6. This prevents a seam between the metal and the rubber material from being formed on the outer surface of the lid 6, and leaves no room for the formulation to remain on the outer surface of the lid 6.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the lid 6 is described as being opened and closed by the opening / closing robot 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lid 6 may be opened and closed manually by an operator. In this case, the convex portion 7a shown in FIG. 2 has a centering function. For example, when the lid 6 is placed on the opening 4a by a human hand, if the lid 6 is misaligned, the convex portion 7a is positioned on the protruding portion 4b, causing the lid 6 to lose balance and rattle, and the operator is made aware that the lid 6 is attached at an angle. When the entire convex portion 7a is positioned within the protruding portion 4b, the lid 6 is closed and no rattle occurs. This makes it easier to align the lid 6. It is preferable that the clearance A (see FIG. 2) between the protruding portion 4b and the convex portion 7a in the closed state is 1.5 mm or less, and more preferably 1 mm or less.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given of gripping portion 8 having at its lower end second gripping portion 8b with an inner protruding portion 8g and a protruding bottom portion 8h that form an inverted M-shaped cross section. However, the shape of gripping portion 8 does not necessarily have to be such a shape as long as it can seal container 2 when lid 6 is closed. For example, the shape of the portion corresponding to second gripping portion 8b may be approximately circular in cross section.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the grip portion 8 is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the container body 4 when the lid 6 is closed, but this is not limited thereto. The grip portion 8 may be disposed along the inner peripheral surface of the container body 4 when the lid 6 is closed. In the above embodiment, the layer 16 made of metal is not necessarily limited to metal, but may be made of a high-hardness material having a hardness at least greater than that of rubber material as long as it can prevent the lid 6 from bending. Specifically, it is preferable that the layer 16 be made of a material having a hardness greater than that of the top surface portion 7 or the grip portion 8. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 2 containers 4 Container body 4a aperture 4b Overhang 6 Lid 7 Top section 7a, 7aA, 7aB, 7aC, 7aD Convex part 7b Recess 721 Inner Circular Region 721a Projection area 721b Flat area 722 Inner surface area 8 Gripping part 8a 1st grip part 8b Second grip part 8c space 8d joint 8e joint 8g side protrusion 8h protruding bottom 8i Jaw 8j Recess 9. Decompression Channel 10. Opening and Closing Robot 10a Grip part 10b Arm 10c Pressure reduction section 10d Closure 10e Guide 10f Vertical moving part 12 Workbench 14 Shelves 16 Metallic Layer 90 Flow Path 92 Valves 93 Switching pin (switching part) 106 Lid 108 Tube Seal AZ center axis

Claims

1. an opening / closing member that opens and closes an opening of a container body by being attached to and detached from the opening, the opening being covered by a top surface portion that covers the opening when the opening is closed, a gripping portion that extends along the outer edge of the top surface portion and grips the outer periphery of the open end of the container body when the opening is closed, and a pressure reduction path that penetrates into the inside of a tubular space formed in the gripping portion and is attached to the gripping portion and reduces the pressure of the space; the top surface portion has an inner surface that faces the inside of the container body when the opening is closed, the inner surface including an inner annular region that is annular and extends along the inner periphery of the open end of the container body, and the inner annular region includes a protruding region portion having one or more convex portions protruding from the inner surface, and a flat region portion having no convex portions; An opening / closing member, wherein an area of ​​the flat region in the inner annular region is larger than an area of ​​the protruding region in the inner annular region.

2. The opening and closing member according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the top surface is a disk, and the protruding area portion is provided with a first convex portion and a second convex portion arranged on either side of a central axis of the top surface.

3. The opening / closing member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner surface of the top surface portion further includes an inner surface inner region surrounded by the inner surface annular region, and the flat region of the inner surface annular region is flush with the inner surface inner region.

4. The opening / closing member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner surface of the top surface portion further includes an inner surface inner region surrounded by the inner surface annular region, and a step exists between the flat region of the inner surface annular region and the inner surface inner region.

5. The opening / closing member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner surface of the top surface portion further includes an inner surface inner region surrounded by the inner surface annular region, and the flat region of the inner surface annular region protrudes from the inner surface inner region.

6. 3. The opening / closing member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure reduction path comprises: a main body having a through hole penetrating into the tubular space of the gripping portion; a valve that switches the through hole between a closed state and an open state; a switching portion that switches the valve to the open state when subjected to a pressing force and to the closed state when the pressing force is removed; and an elastic force imparting portion that presses the valve against an opening of the through hole.

Images