Opening / closing member

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

Opening and closing parts

[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.

[0002] Currently, for example, in pharmaceutical companies' solid dosage plants, batch production is the norm 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 deterioration of the solid dosage forms inside the containers during storage.

[0003] To ensure the airtightness of a container, a clamp band is typically used to fasten a lid and a container body together via a packing to seal the container (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, which results in a reduction in the number of workers required on the production line.

[0004] However, when using the above-mentioned general technology, at least three robots are required to automatically open and close the lid, which is a problem of excessive cost. Furthermore, the delicate work of opening and closing the lid requires human labor. However, manual clamping and release operations are difficult because they require manual manipulation of the clamp lever, such as with the fingertips. For this reason, in recent years, lids that can automatically open and close containers without using a clamp band have been developed. Such lids are used in many places, including solid dosage form factories.

[0005] Utility Model Registration No. 3156962

[0006] OMC Corporation, "Robot Desorption System," [online], [searched November 9, 2020], Internet <URL: http: / / omc.jpn.org / 2012 / product_medical / cross_mix / robotdesorptionsystem_medical.htm>

[0007] However, as shown in Figure 21, this lid has a two-part structure consisting of a metal lid 106 and a resin tube seal 108. Therefore, although the lid 106 can be opened and closed automatically, it must be disassembled for cleaning. In other words, it is not compatible with full automation, including cleaning. Another problem is that the metal lid 106 is expensive.

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

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is an opening / closing member that is attached to and detached from the opening of a container body to open and close the opening. The opening / closing member includes a top surface that covers the opening when the opening is closed, a gripping portion that extends along the outer edge of the top surface 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 the interior of a tubular space formed in the gripping portion and is attached to the gripping portion to reduce the pressure in the space. The top surface has an inner surface that faces the interior 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 periphery of the open end of the container body. The inner annular region includes a protruding region that has one or more convex portions protruding from the inner surface, and a flat region that does not have any convex portions.

[0010] The flat region forms an opening that connects the area where the opening edge of the container body is located with the area near the center of the inner surface of the top surface. Even if cleaning liquid or water gets into the area between the convex portion and the grip, 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 area where the opening edge of the container body is located. As a result, the opening / closing member drains water well, making cleaning easier.

[0011] In the above-described opening / closing member, the top surface may be disk-shaped. The protruding region may include a first convex portion and a second convex portion disposed on opposite sides of the central axis of the top surface. This configuration also facilitates cleaning.

[0012] In the above-described opening / closing member, the area of ​​the flat area within the inner annular area may be larger than the area of ​​the protruding area within the inner annular area. This configuration also makes it possible to easily carry out cleaning work.

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

[0014] In the above-described opening / closing member, the inner surface of the top surface may further include an inner surface area surrounded by the inner annular area. A step may exist between the flat area of ​​the inner annular area and the inner surface area. This configuration also makes it easy to perform cleaning operations.

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

[0016] In the above-described open-close member, the pressure reduction path may include a through hole penetrating the tubular space of the grip portion, a valve that alternately switches the through hole between a closed state and an open state, a switching unit that switches the valve to the open state when a pressing force is applied and to the closed state when the pressing force is removed, and an elastic force applying unit that presses the valve against the opening of the through hole. This pressure reduction path can maintain the internal pressure state of the tubular space of the grip portion. Furthermore, the internal pressure of the tubular space can be easily switched from a reduced pressure state to atmospheric pressure.

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

[0018] FIG. 3( a ) is a schematic perspective view showing a container according to an embodiment. FIG. 3( a ) is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a lid for a container according to an embodiment. FIG. 3( b ) is a plan view showing the inner surface of a lid for a container according to an embodiment. FIG. 3( b ) is a diagram explaining the effect of a lid for a container according to an embodiment in which the end of a convex portion is rounded. FIG. 3( c ) is a diagram explaining the effect of a lid for a container in which the end of a convex portion is flat. FIG. 4( a ) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIa-IIIa in FIG. 3( a ). FIG. 4( b ) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIb-IIIb in FIG. 3( a ). FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a reduced pressure path. FIG. 7( a ) is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a lid in an atmospheric pressure closed state. FIG. 7( b ) is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a lid in a reduced pressure closed state. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a lid in an atmospheric pressure state and an open state. FIG. 3( b ) is a schematic view showing a state in which a container lid is opened and closed by an opening / closing robot in an opening / closing mechanism according to an embodiment. 15 is a diagram for explaining a procedure for opening and closing a container lid with an opening and closing robot in an opening and closing mechanism according to an embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the space in the gripping portion is depressurized when the container lid is opened in an opening and closing mechanism according to an embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the space in the gripping portion is depressurized when the container lid is closed in an opening and closing mechanism according to an embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the top surface of the lid is pushed up and the lid cannot be removed when the internal pressure of the container according to an embodiment increases. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a recess is formed on the upper surface of the top surface of a container lid according to an embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a container is stacked on the lid in the container lid shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a recess is formed on the upper surface of the top surface of a container lid according to an embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the width of the convex portion is greatly expanded toward the center of the lid in a container lid according to an embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a container lid according to an embodiment in which a layer made of metal is provided on the lid. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a container lid according to an embodiment in which a layer made of metal is formed close to the surface of the lid. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a container lid according to an embodiment in which a layer made of metal is formed on the outer surface of the lid. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a conventional container lid.

[0019]

[0016] Referring to the drawings, an opening / closing member according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below, taking as an example the case of opening and closing the lid of a small canister for storing solid preparations such as tablets and powder medicines at a solid preparation factory of a pharmaceutical company or the like. 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 peripheral 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 or ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM). The lid 6 includes a top surface 7, a handle 8, and a pressure reduction path 9.

[0022] 2, the top surface 7 covers the opening 4a of the container body 4 in the closed state where the opening 4a is blocked. The top surface 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 of the top surface 7.

[0023] The top surface 7 on which the convex portion 7a is formed will be described in more detail. The shape of the top surface 7 is generally disk-shaped. The diameter of the top surface 7 is generally the same as the diameter of the container body 4. In other words, in a plan view, the container body 4 and the top surface 7 overlap. The top surface 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 when the container body 4 is in a closed state with the opening 4a closed. In other words, the top surface outer surface 71 can be seen when the container body 4 is in a closed state with the opening 4a 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 when the container is in a closed state with the opening 4a of the container body 4 closed. In other words, the top surface inner surface 72 cannot be seen when the container is in a closed state with the opening 4a of the container body 4 closed.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3A , 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 passing through the central axis 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 passing through the central axis 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 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 greater 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 and 7a3, and a pair of convex portion end portions 7a4 and 7a5 (see FIG. 3( a)). As shown in FIG. 3( a), for example, the convex portion end portion 7a4 of the first convex portion 7aA faces the convex portion end portion 7a5 of the fourth convex portion 7aD in the circumferential direction. A flat region 721b (described later) is formed between the convex portion end portion 7a4 of the first convex portion 7aA and the convex portion end portion 7a5 of the fourth convex portion 7aD (see FIG. 5). Each of the pair of convex portion end portions 7a4 and 7a5 may be a rounded curved surface rather than a flat surface. The convex portion ends 7a4, 7a5, which have such a shape, can also be said to have a so-called R (radius). The convex portion ends 7a4, 7a5, which include a rounded curve, allow the cleaning solution W to flow easily along the surfaces of the convex portion ends 7a4, 7a5 (see FIG. 3(b)). As a result, the cleaning solution W washes away any deposits P adhering to the surfaces of the convex portion ends 7a4, 7a5, allowing the surfaces of the convex portion ends 7a4, 7a5 to be cleaned. In other words, the lid 6 can be easily cleaned.

[0028] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 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, it becomes difficult to wash away the deposits P adhering to the surface or corners of the end 207a. 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 opening 4a of 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 can 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 surface inner region 722. The inner annular region 721 extends circumferentially along the opening 4a of the container body 4. In other words, the shape of the inner annular region 721 is a thin ring. The outer peripheral edge of the inner annular region 721 can also be defined as the boundary between the top surface 7 and the grip portion 8. The protruding portion 4b of the container body 4 is located outside the inner annular region 721. The inner surface inner region 722 is the portion inside the inner annular region 721. The inner surface inner region 722 may also be defined as the portion surrounded by the inner annular region 721. If the entire portion surrounded by the inner annular region 721 is defined as the inner surface inner region 722, the shape of the inner surface inner region 722 is circular.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, the inner annular region 721 includes a protruding region 721a and a flat region 721b. The protruding region 721a is a region where the above-mentioned convex portions 7aA, 7aB, 7aC, and 7aD are provided. The flat region 721b is a region 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 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 defining the protruding region 721a and the central angle defining the flat region 721b. The central angle A1 defining the protruding region 721a is smaller than the central angle A2 defining the flat region 721b.

[0033] Each of the multiple protruding regions 721a has a convex portion 7a, and therefore protrudes relative to the inner surface inner region 722. On the other hand, the flat region 721b does not have 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. 4B ) 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 its relationship to 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 along the direction of the central axis AZ than the convex portion lower surface 7a1 of the convex portion 7a. The gripping portion 8, which will be described later, includes an abutment surface 8k that abuts against the protruding portion 4b of the container body 4. The flat region 721b may be substantially flush with the abutment surface 8k.

[0034] The lid 6 includes an overhang portion arrangement region 6a where the overhang portion 4b of the container body 4 is arranged. The overhang portion arrangement region 6a has a circular groove shape. The overhang 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 721a. The portion 6a2 that only faces the grip portion 8 corresponds to the above-mentioned flat region 721b. In other words, the flat region 721b can be said to be an opening that connects the overhang portion arrangement region 6a, where the overhang portion 4b is arranged, with the inner region 722 of the inner surface of the top surface 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 grip 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 grip portion 8.

[0036] On the other hand, the flat region 721b of the top surface 7 forms an opening that connects the protruding portion 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 protruding portion arrangement region 6a through the opening. Therefore, the top surface 7 is less likely to collect cleaning liquid or water in the protruding portion arrangement region 6a. In short, the lid 6 has good drainage, making cleaning easier.

[0037] Referring again to Figure 2, the gripping portion 8 extends around the outer periphery of the top surface 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 7 and a second gripping portion 8b located below the first gripping portion 8a.

[0038] The first gripping portion 8a is molded seamlessly and 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 attaching a pressure reduction path 9 is formed above the first gripping portion 8a. Air is introduced into and released from a tubular space 8c (described below) via the pressure reduction path 9. Note that the inner joint 8d of the first gripping portion 8a and the second gripping portion 8b is welded during molding of the lid 6. This prevents the first gripping portion 8a and the second gripping portion 8b from separating when a load is applied to the joint 8d. Note that the first gripping portion 8a is bonded with an adhesive to the outer joint 8e of the second gripping portion 8b.

[0039] A tubular space 8c is formed between the first gripping portion 8a and the second gripping portion 8b. The tubular 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 unlocking the container 2 can be simplified.

[0040] The lower end of the second gripping portion 8b is formed with an inner protrusion 8g and a protruding bottom portion 8h, each having an inverted M-shaped cross section. The inner protrusion 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 with a substantially semicircular cross section is formed on the upper inner periphery of the jaw portion 8i. The recess 8j engages with the protruding portion 4b when the lid 6 is closed.

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

[0042] 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. By making the second gripping portion 8b more elastically deformable in this way, it is possible to easily seal and unseal 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 contraction force of the gripping portion 8 tightens the outer peripheral surface of the container body 4. 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 a flow path 90 into the tubular space 8c. The pressure reduction path 9 allows communication between the 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 detached from the first gripping part 8a even during cleaning.

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

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, the pressure reduction path 9 includes a pressure reduction path main body 91 (main body), a valve 92, a switching pin 93 (switching portion), and a spring 94 (elastic force applying 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 a valve 92.

[0048] The valve 92 is disposed so as to be able to abut against the inner end surface 91d of the outer end 91b. The valve main surface 92a faces the outer end 91b. That is, the valve main surface 92a faces the inner end 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 reduction path main body 91. The spring 94 applies a pressing force to the valve 92. This pressing force presses the valve 92 against the outer end portion 91b, closing the outer opening 91c. For example, when the space 8c is in a reduced pressure state, the valve 92 is subjected to a force resulting from the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the space 8c and 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 compresses the spring 94. Even if a force resulting from the pressure difference between the internal pressure and atmospheric pressure acts on the spring 94, the spring 94 can resist this force. In other words, even if a force resulting from the pressure difference between the internal pressure and atmospheric pressure acts on the spring 94, the spring 94 does not compress. In other words, the spring 94 can generate a force greater than the force resulting from the pressure difference between the internal pressure and atmospheric pressure. As a result, the pressure reduction path 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, switching from the closed state to the open state.

[0051] The pressure reduction path 9 has the 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 equal to atmospheric pressure (see FIG. 7A). The state in which the internal pressure of the space 8c is equal to atmospheric pressure is referred to as 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 exactly equal to atmospheric pressure. Even if there is a pressure difference between the internal pressure of the space 8c and atmospheric pressure, the state in which the gripping portion 8 holds the protruding portion 4b of the container body 4 (see FIG. 11A) may be referred to as the "atmospheric pressure closed state P1A."

[0052] The decompression 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 "decompression closed state P1B." The "decompression 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 FIGS. 11(b), 12(a), and 12(b)). In other words, the "decompression 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 the function of connecting the space 8c of the gripping portion 8 to 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 connecting the space 8c of the gripping portion 8 to the external space. The pressure reduction path 9 itself does not have the 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 communication with the external space, a pressure reduction unit 10c (see FIG. 11( a), etc.) is connected. Then, by operating the pressure reduction unit 10c, the space 8c of the gripping portion 8 switches from an atmospheric pressure state to a depressurized state.

[0054] 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 into the space 8c from the outer opening 91c through the through-hole 91h. 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] 9 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an opening / closing robot 10 opens and closes the lid 6 of a container 2 equipped with a lid 6 according to an 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 (movement 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 (movement 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 via the pressure reducing path 9. The opening / closing unit 10d includes a suction cup or the like. The opening / 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 containers 2, and a workbench 12 are arranged in their respective predetermined locations in a solid formulation factory. Here, when opening the lid 6 of the container 2, the opening and closing robot 10 first 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 closed lid 6 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, as shown in FIG. 11(a), the recess 8j of the gripper 8 is engaged with the protruding portion 4b of the container body 4. In other words, the container 2 is sealed by the lid 6. Next, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the opening / closing robot 10 lowers the vertical movement unit 10f along the guide 10e. This brings the opening / closing unit 10d into contact with the top surface of the lid 6. Furthermore, the pressure reducing unit 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. 7A) 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 from the space 8c of the gripping portion 8 through the pressure reducing path 9. As a result, the pressure in the space 8c is reduced (pressure reducing process). This creates a negative pressure in the space 8c, causing the inner protruding portion 8g and the protruding bottom portion 8h of the second gripping portion 8b to move outward, causing the space 8c to elastically deform into a contracted shape. As a result, a gap is created between the recess 8j and the protruding portion 4b. This releases the tight contact between the recess 8j and the protruding portion 4b, making it possible to remove the lid 6 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 unit 10d. Next, the opening / closing robot 10 moves the vertical movement unit 10f 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] During the opening process, the opening / closing unit 10d must be attached to the top surface of the lid 6 by suction. However, during the opening process, the pressure reducing unit 10c does not have to be connected to the pressure reducing path 9 because the lid 6 can maintain the pressure reducing closed state P1B as shown in FIG. 7(b). For example, after the pressure reducing process is completed, a step of removing the pressure reducing unit 10c from the pressure reducing path 9 is performed. The opening process may be performed after the removing step.

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

[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 unit 10d, directly above the container body 4. Next, as shown in FIG. 12( a), the opening / closing robot 10 operates the pressure reducing unit 10c in this state to suck the fluid in the space 8c of the gripping unit 8 through the pressure reducing path 9. As a result, the space 8c of the gripping unit 8 is depressurized (pressure reducing process). This creates a negative pressure in the space 8c, causing the space 8c to contract.

[0065] Next, as shown in FIG. 12( b), the opening / closing robot 10 lowers the vertically moving unit 10f along the guide 10e to place the lid 6 over the opening 4a of the container body 4 (closing process). In this case, the space 8c is contracted and the second gripping portion 8b is deformed, so the lower end of the jaw 8i does not come into contact with the protruding portion 4b and interfere with the operation of closing the lid 6. Note that while the container body 4 is made of metal, the lid 6 is made of rubber. As a result, metal-to-metal contact is avoided when the lid 6 is closed. This suppresses the generation of metal powder, thereby preventing the metal powder from being mixed into the formulation contained in the container body 4. When the lid 6 is placed over the opening 4a of the container body 4 and blocks the opening 4a, the opening / closing robot 10 stops the decompression by the decompression unit 10c (stopping process).

[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 unit 10c is not required. Therefore, when the space 8c of the gripping portion 8 is in the reduced pressure closed state P1B, the above-described decompression process and stopping process can be omitted.

[0067] When the pressure reduction by the pressure reducing unit 10c is stopped, fluid (outside air) flows into the space 8c through the pressure reduction path 9. This restores pressure in the space 8c from its negative pressure state, restoring the cross-sectional shape of the second gripping unit 8b to its original state (see FIG. 11(a)). In this case, the inner protrusion 8g and the protruding bottom 8h move inward, elastically deforming the space 8c to its restored shape. As a result, the protrusion 4b and the recess 8j engage and tightly fit together, causing the container body 4, closed by the lid 6, to become airtight (airtight sealing process). Note that, in the restored shape where the container body 4 is airtight, the internal pressure of the space 8c and the external pressure of the gripping unit 8 are equalized, preventing leakage of fluid from the container 2. Equalization of the internal pressure of the space 8c and the external pressure of the gripping unit 8 means that the internal pressure of the space 8c is equal to atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, the second gripping unit 8b maintains the container 2 in its airtight state in its 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 sealing process switches from the reduced pressure closed state P1B to the atmospheric pressure closed state P1A. Therefore, it is not necessary to use the pressure reducing unit 10c when performing the airtight process. The operation of switching from the reduced pressure closed state P1B to the atmospheric pressure closed state P1A can be achieved by pressing the switching pin 93. For example, the operation of pressing the switching pin 93 may be performed using a part of the vertical movement unit 10f. With such a switching operation, it is not necessary to accurately connect the pressure reducing 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] <Effects> The lid 6, which is an opening / closing member in this embodiment, opens and closes the opening of the container body 4 by being attached and detached to and from the opening. The lid 6 includes a top surface 7 that covers the opening when the opening is closed, a gripping portion 8 that extends along the outer edge of the top surface 7 and grips the outer periphery of the open end of the container body 4 when the lid 6 is closed, and a pressure reduction path 9 that penetrates into a tubular space 8c formed in the gripping portion 8 and is attached to the gripping portion 8 to reduce the pressure in the space 8c. The top surface 7 has a top surface inner surface 72 that faces the interior of the container body 4 when the opening is closed. The top surface inner surface 72 includes an inner annular region 721 that is annular and extends along the inner periphery of the open end of the container body 4. The inner annular region 721 includes a protruding region 721a that has one or more convex portions 7a protruding from the top surface inner surface 72, and a flat region 721b that does not have any convex portions 7a.

[0070] The flat region 721b forms an opening that connects the region where the opening edge of the container body 4 is located with 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 collect cleaning liquid or water in the region where the opening edge of the container body 4 is located. As a result, the opening / closing member drains well, making cleaning easier.

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

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, 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 possible to easily perform cleaning operations.

[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 exist 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 cleaning operations.

[0076] In the above-described open / close member, the pressure reduction path 9 includes a pressure reduction path main body 91 having a through hole 91h penetrating into the tubular space 8c of the grip portion 8, a valve 92 that switches the through hole 91h between a closed state and an open state, a switching pin 93 that switches the valve 92 to an open state when subjected to a pressing force and to a closed state when the pressing force is removed, and a spring 94 that presses the valve 92 against the opening of the through hole 91h. This pressure reduction path 9 can maintain the internal pressure state of the tubular space 8c of the grip portion 8. Furthermore, the internal pressure of the tubular space 8c can be easily switched from a reduced pressure state to atmospheric pressure.

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

[0078] According to the opening / closing device of this embodiment, both the top surface 7 and the gripping portion 8 of the lid 6 are made of rubber. This eliminates the need to remove the metal parts during cleaning, as is the case with a two-part configuration consisting of a metal lid 106 and a resin tube seal 108, and allows the entire opening / closing device to be handled as a single unit, enabling it to be washed automatically. Furthermore, because both the top surface 7 and the gripping portion 8 of the lid 6 are made of rubber rather than metal, manufacturing costs can be reduced. Furthermore, because the elastic force of the gripping portion 8 tightens the container body 4 to seal the interior, a loss of sealing ability due to fluid leakage can be reduced compared to when the restoration pressure of the tube seal 108 presses down on the protruding portion 4b, 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 or detached from the container body 4, which simplifies the structure for sealing and unsealing the container 2 and facilitates the opening and closing of the lid 6. Furthermore, because no clamp band is used, the lid 6 can be opened and closed with a single opening and closing robot 10, reducing the cost of robots to be installed in the solid lumber mill.

[0080] 13(a), if the internal pressure of the container 2' increases, and the top surface 7' is made of metal, the lid 6' will simply float up and come off the container body 4', but as shown in FIG. 13(b), by making both the top surface 7 and the gripping portion 8 of the container 2 out of rubber, 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 increases, the jaws 8i enter the inner periphery and grip the protruding portion 4b from below, thereby increasing the pressure resistance of the container 2.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in Fig. 14, the top surface of the top surface 7 may be lower than the top surface of the first gripping portion 8a. That is, a recess 7b may be formed in the top surface of the top surface 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. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 17, the width of the convex portion 7a may be increased toward the center of the lid 6.

[0082] 18, a metal layer 16 may be provided on the first gripping portion 8a and the top surface 7. The metal layer 16 is embedded in the rubber material constituting the lid 6. Specifically, the upper, lower, and circumferential surfaces of the metal layer 16 are all in contact with the rubber material. This increases the strength of the lid 6 and prevents the lid 6 from bending, even when a container body 4 is placed on top of the lid 6. This also prevents a situation in which the gripping portion 8 sags, causing the pressure reduction path 9 to tilt toward the outer periphery and making it impossible for the pressure reduction portion 10c to be attached to the pressure reduction path 9. In this case, the provision of the metal layer 16 ensures the rigidity of the lid 6, and therefore the hardness of the first gripping portion 8a, the second gripping portion 8b, and the top surface 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 between the first gripping portion 8a and the top surface 7, and may be formed close to the surface as shown in Figure 19, or may be provided on the outer surface of the first gripping portion 8a and the top surface 7 as shown in Figure 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. However, this is not limiting. 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 an alignment function. For example, when the lid 6 is manually placed on the opening 4a, if the lid 6 is misaligned, the convex portion 7a will be positioned on the protruding portion 4b, causing the lid 6 to lose balance and wobble, thereby informing the operator 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 wobble occurs. This makes it easier to align the lid 6. In addition, the clearance A (see FIG. 2) between the protruding portion 4b and the convex portion 7a in the closed state is preferably 1.5 mm or less, and more preferably 1 mm or less.

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

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

[0087] 2 Container 4 Container body 4a Opening 4b Projection 6 Lid 7 Top surface 7a, 7aA, 7aB, 7aC, 7aD Convex portion 7b Recess 721 Inner annular region 721a Projecting region 721b Flat region 722 Inner inner surface 8 Grip 8a First grip 8b Second grip part 8c Space 8d Joint part 8e Joint part 8g Side protrusion part 8h Protrusion bottom part 8i Jaw part 8j Recess part 9 Decompression path 10 Opening / closing robot 10a Grip part 10b Arm 10c Pressure reducing part 10d Opening / closing part 10e Guide 10f Vertical movement part 12 Workbench 14 Shelf 16 Layer made of metal 90 Channel 92 Valve 93 Switching pin (switching part) 106 Lid 108 Tube seal AZ Central 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.