JP2004066718A

JP2004066718A - Vessel securing opening process, its manufacturing method, and apparatus for manufacturing the same

Info

Publication number: JP2004066718A
Application number: JP2002231239A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Mikio Enomoto; 榎本　幹雄
Original assignee: Shimizu Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shimizu Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-08-08
Filing date: 2002-08-08
Publication date: 2004-03-04
Anticipated expiration: 2022-08-08
Also published as: JP4501332B2

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To securely open an opening intended portion of sheet materials in close contact state even before welding for filling contents or attaching a filler mouth piece separately, in the middle of processing a vessel to be formed by welding the sheet materials in a closed condition. SOLUTION: The present invention is characterized in that, before an opening process which roughly completely separate to open the opening intended portion 10A in the condition that the sheet material is adhered without welding, a separation member 27 having wedge-shape or the like is compulsorily pushed in the interface of a sheet S in the condition that the opening intended portion 10A is retained flat from both sides, an opening support deformation portion SU where an adhesion surface is partially separated to open is deformed permanently in a favorable shape, and the opening intended portion 10A is provided so as to be securely and smoothly opened. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、例えばインフレーション成形されたチューブ状のフィルムを、平折り状態に重ね合わせ、シート状に形成した後、このものに一定ピッチ毎の接合（溶着）を施すとともに、単位容器長さ毎に切断して、所望の密閉容器を製造する手法に関するものであって、特にその加工途中において、内容物の充填や、別途充填口ピースを取り付けるにあたり、溶着前でありながらも、シートが密着した状態となっている開口予定部を、前記加工の際、確実に開口できるようにした新規な手法に係るものである。
【０００２】
【発明の背景】
例えば薬剤、生理食塩液、血液、栄養剤等を充填するための薬液バッグＢ′等の容器は、プラスチックシートをシールして製作されることが多い。その製造手法は、一例として図７に示すように、まずインフレーション成形されたチューブ状のフィルムＦを、ピンチローラＰＲで重ね合わせるように挟み、言わば二枚のシート状に平折り形成する。そして、この状態でシートＳ（フィルムＦ）の長手方向と直行する方向に所望のヒートシールを行うとともに（シールされた部位を溶着部１１ａ′、１２ａ′とする）、その後、バッグ一個分毎に切り離して、内容物が空の状態の薬液バッグＢ′を得るものである。もちろん溶着にあたっては、薬液を充填したり、別途充填口ピース１５を取り付けるための開口予定部１０Ａ′は、当然ながらヒートシールが施されないものである。また実際に、薬液充填や、あるいはピース取り付け等のために、薬液バッグＢ′の開口予定部部１０Ａ′を大きく拡開させる開口工程においては、開口予定部１０Ａ′のシートＳを吸盤３０で吸着し、互いに離反方向に引っ張って、ほぼ完全に離反させるのが一般的である。
【０００３】
しかしながら、このような吸盤３０による開口作業は、シートＳ相互の密着状態が、予想以上に強固となっているため、必ずしも成功せず、例えば図示するようにシートＳに吸着させた吸盤３０を互いに引っ張っても、二枚のシートＳは離反しないことがあった（いわゆるブロッキング状態）。
因みに開口予定部１０Ａ′のシートＳが非溶着状態でも強固に密着する理由は、二枚のシートＳが折り重なっていることに因み、まず平折り加工時における折りぐせが残っており、またフィルムＦ自体がスティッキング性を有していること、更には本図７に併せて示すように、カッターＣ等によって単位容器長さ毎に切り離す際、切断面に生じるバリＢＵが開口予定部１０Ａ′を塞ぐように絡みつくこと等が要因と考えられる。
【０００４】
このようなことから、吸盤３０による開口作業を助けるために、予め楔状等に形成された分離部材を強制的に開口予定部１０Ａ′の密着境界に差し込むようにする試みもあるものの、実際には、シートＳの厚み寸法が一枚で、約０．２５ｍｍ程度であるため、密着面に正確に分離部材を挿入することすら難しく、充分な対応とはなっていない。
また従来、このような吸盤３０による開口工程は、内容物の充填工程またはピース１５の取付工程と、一体に考えられており、このため開口工程において、例えば開口予定部１０Ａ′のシートＳを両側から平面的に保持し、シート境界面を定位置に規制することが極めて難しく、開口工程において分離部材を差し込むことは、相当困難なことであった。
【０００５】
更にこのようなことから、開口工程まで進んでいる薬液バッグＢ′については、内容物の充填またはピース１５の取り付けにおいて不具合があったとしても、もはや不具合品のみを離脱、後退させることができず、充填もしくはピース取り付け不良の発生を甘受した上で、後工程において、これを排除しなければならず、製品歩留りの向上にも一定の限界があった。
【０００６】
【開発を試みた技術的課題】
本発明は、このような背景を認識してなされたものであって、開口予定部のシートが強固に密着している状態であっても、開口予定部を拡開させる開口工程に先立ち、予めシートを僅かに開いた状態に加工しておき、開口工程を確実且つ円滑に行えるようにした新規な手法の開発を試みたものである。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
すなわち請求項１記載の開口工程を確実化した容器は、フィルム素材を密閉状態に接合して成る袋状の容器であって、内容物を充填するための開口予定部、あるいは内容物の充填口となるピースを別途取り付けるための開口予定部が、内容物の未充填段階において非溶着状態でありながらも密着した状態となっており、この密着した開口予定部のフィルム素材を開口工程において拡開させてから、開口部からの内容物充填、または開口部へのピース取り付けのうち、いずれかの後工程処理が施される容器において、前記開口予定部には、開口工程に先立ち、密着状態に重なり合った二枚のフィルム素材のうち、一方または双方に、密着面が一部離開した、開口支援変形部が、くせ付け状態に形成されることを特徴として成るものである。
この発明によれば、開口工程に供給される容器は、既に開口予定部に開口支援変形部が形成されているため、開口工程における不具合品（開口不良）をなくし、ほぼ完璧に容器を開口させることができる。
【０００８】
また請求項２記載の開口工程を確実化した容器は、前記請求項１記載の要件に加え、前記開口支援変形部は、楔状の分離部材が、密着面に強制的に挿入されることによって形成されることを特徴として成るものである。
この発明によれば、未溶着でありながらも、密着した状態となっている開口予定部に、開口支援変形部を形成する具体的構成を現実のものとする。
【０００９】
更にまた請求項３記載の開口工程を確実化した容器は、前記請求項１または２記載の要件に加え、前記開口支援変形部は、開口工程とは、独立して事前に形成されることを特徴として成るものである。
この発明によれば、予備開口工程は、開口工程とは独立して事前に行うため、開口支援変形部を形成する際、開口予定部の平面的な両側保持が確実に行え、予備開口工程、ひいては開口工程を、より一層確実に行うことができる。また、予備開口工程が開口工程とは別であるため、開口工程の段階で内容物の充填不良もしくはピース取り付け不良の発生を甘受する必要がなくなり、製品の歩留り向上に寄与する。
【００１０】
また請求項４記載の開口工程を確実化した容器の製造方法は、フィルム素材を密閉状態に接合して成る袋状の容器を製造対象とし、内容物を充填するための開口予定部、あるいは内容物の充填口となるピースを別途取り付けるための開口予定部が、内容物の未充填段階において非溶着状態でありながらも密着した状態となっており、この密着した開口予定部のフィルム素材を開口工程において拡開させてから、開口部からの内容物充填、または開口部へのピース取り付けのうち、いずれかの後工程処理を施すようにした容器の製造方法において、前記密着状態の開口予定部には、開口工程に先立ち、密着面が一部離開する開口支援変形部を形成するものであり、この開口支援変形部の形成にあたっては、密着状態に重なり合った二枚のフィルム素材のうち、一方または双方に、くせ付け状態に形成するようにしたことを特徴として成るものである。
この発明によれば、開口工程の前段で開口予定部に開口支援変形部を形成するため、開口作業が、ほぼ完璧に行える。
【００１１】
また請求項５記載の開口工程を確実化した容器の製造方法は、前記請求項４記載の要件に加え、前記開口支援変形部を形成するにあたっては、重なり合った二枚のフィルム素材を両側から平面的に保持し、厚み方向の姿勢基準を確保した状態で行うとともに、二枚のフィルム素材の密着境界面に、楔状の分離部材を強制的に挿入して変形部を形成するようにしたことを特徴として成るものである。
この発明によれば、溶着前でありながら、密着した状態の開口予定部に開口支援変形部を、くせ付け状態に形成する具体的構成を現実のものとする。
【００１２】
また請求項６記載の開口工程を確実化した容器の製造方法は、前記請求項５記載の要件に加え、前記開口支援変形部が形成される開口予定部は、二枚のフィルム素材が、不動状態の定盤と、分離部材の挿入を受けて弾性変形し得るバネ板とによって、両側から平面的に保持されることを特徴として成るものである。
この発明によれば、極めて薄いシート、特に開口支援変形部が形成される開口予定部において、その両面保持を確実なものとし、密着面に正確に分離部材を押し込むことができる。
【００１３】
また請求項７記載の開口工程を確実化した容器の製造装置は、フィルム素材を密閉状態に接合して成る袋状の容器を製造対象とし、内容物を充填するための開口予定部、あるいは内容物の充填口となるピースを別途取り付けるための開口予定部が、内容物の未充填段階において非溶着状態でありながらも密着した状態となっており、この密着した開口予定部のフィルム素材を、吸盤を具えた開口装置によって、両側から互いに離反方向に引っ張って拡開させてから、開口部からの内容物充填、または開口部へのピース取り付けのうち、いずれかの後工程処理を行うようにした容器の製造装置において、前記開口装置の前段には、開口予定部の密着面を一部離開させる予備開口装置を具え、開口工程に先立ち、密着状態に重なり合った二枚のフィルム素材のうち、一方または双方に、開口予定部の離開を促進させる開口支援変形部を、くせ付け状態に形成するようにしたことを特徴として成るものである。
この発明によれば、未溶着でありながら、密着状態となった開口予定部に、開口予備装置によって開口支援変形部を形成してから、開口装置で開口部をほぼ完全に離反させるため、開口作業が確実且つ円滑に行える。
【００１４】
また請求項８記載の開口工程を確実化した容器の製造装置は、前記請求項７記載の要件に加え、前記予備開口装置は、密着した二枚のフィルム素材を両側から平面的に保持し、厚み方向の姿勢基準を確保する保持部と、保持されたフィルム素材の密着境界に、強制的に楔状の分離部材を挿入し、開口支援変形部を形成する挿入部とを具えて成ることを特徴として成るものである。
この発明によれば、分離部材を挿入する際、密着した開口予定部の二枚のフィルム部材を、両側から平面的に保持するため、フィルム素材（シート）の浮き上がりを防止でき、開口支援変形部を正確に形成することができる。
【００１５】
また請求項９記載の開口工程を確実化した容器の製造装置は、前記請求項８記載の要件に加え、前記予備開口装置の保持部には、前記分離部材の挿入を受け入れる許容空間が形成されるものであり、この許容空間は、幅寸法が、分離部材を自在に挿入させ得る最小寸法に抑えられることを特徴として成るものである。
この発明によれば、許容空間の幅寸法は、分離部材の幅寸法よりも僅かに大きく形成されるため、分離部材の挿入に伴う、許容空間内でのシートの浮き上がりを極力抑制できる。
【００１６】
また請求項１０記載の開口工程を確実化した容器の製造装置は、前記請求項９記載の要件に加え、前記許容空間には、フィルム素材を保持するとともに、分離部材の挿入を受けて弾性的に変形し得るバネ板が設けられるものであり、この許容空間内では、二枚のフィルム素材を不動状態の定盤と、バネ板とで両側から平面的に保持するようにし、一方、前記分離部材は、定盤上をスライドするように構成され、定盤側の面にフィルム素材一枚分の逃がし部が形成されることを特徴として成るものである。
この発明によれば、極めて薄い二枚のシート間に、確実に分離部材を押し込むことができる。
【００１７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下本発明を図示の実施の形態に基づいて説明する。説明にあたっては、本発明において製造対象となる、開口工程を確実化した容器１についてまず説明し、次いでこの容器の製造装置について説明した後、この装置の作動態様を説明しながら併せて容器の製造方法について説明する。
【００１８】
開口工程を確実化した容器１は、フィルム素材（シート素材）を密閉状態に適宜接合して成る袋状の容器であり、一例として図２に示すような、点滴液等を充填した薬液バッグＢが挙げられる。このような薬液バッグＢは、一般に、インフレーション成形と呼ばれるフィルム成形手法によって得られるシートＳから形成されるものである。具体的には、平折り状態（拝み合わせ状態）に重ね合わせた合成樹脂製チューブ（インフレーションチューブ）を、適宜の位置で溶着（ヒートシール）及び切断して形成される（図１参照）。
【００１９】
もちろん薬液バッグＢには、その後、点滴液等が充填されたり、内容物の注入口となるピース（口金）等が取り付けられるため、この部分には、シート段階での溶着は施されないものであり、この部位を開口予定部１０Ａとする。なお本明細書では薬液バッグＢ等の容器１において、内容物が充填されたり、別途充填口ピースが取り付けられる部位を、開口部１０としており、開口予定部１０Ａは、その前段階のものである。
【００２０】
本発明の容器１（薬液バッグＢ）は、内容物の充填や、別途充填口ピースを取り付けるにあたり、この開口予定部１０Ａの開口を確実に行うようにしたものである。すなわち、開口予定部１０Ａを除いて溶着が終了し、且つ一個分毎に切断された薬液バッグＢは、二枚のシートＳが強固に密着した状態となっているのが一般的であるため、開口予定部１０Ａを、ほぼ完全に離反させる開口作業が極めて行い難いものであった。このため本発明は、この開口作業に先立ち、予め開口予定部１０のシートＳを幾分開いた状態に加工しておき、開口工程を確実且つ円滑に行えるようにしたものである。このように本明細書では、溶着を行っていないものの、密着状態となっている開口予定部１０Ａを、大きく拡開させる、ないしは、ほぼ完全に離開させる工程を開口工程と称している。
【００２１】
ここで薬液バッグＢの各部位の名称について説明する。まずヒートシールされるバッグの両端部分を、便宜上、ボトム部１１とトップ部１２とし、各々の溶着部位を１１ａ、１２ａとする。またボトム部１１とトップ部１２との間の、溶着されないバッグ胴部を本体シート部１３とする。
なおボトム部１１は、実際に点滴等を行う際に、吊り下げられる側であり、本実施の形態では、このボトム部１１に一例として長円状の吊下孔１４が形成されている。またトップ部１２は、内容物が充填されたり、内容物充填のためのピース（口金）１５が、別途取り付けられる側である。
【００２２】
ピース１５は、シート本体１３とは別に形成され、内容物を詰める際の充填口（注入口）となる部材であり、図２に示したものの他、管状ないしはチューブ状の部材によって形成されても構わない。そして本実施の形態では、このトップ部１２に、固定孔１６が形成されており、これは例えばバッグにピース１５を取り付ける際、バッグを固定するための位置決め用の孔である。
また本体シート部１３には、内容物の種類、内容量、使用期限、製造番号、成分・分量、製造元、販売元等を示す、印刷が施される。なお本実施の形態では、この印刷は、点滴時に薬液バッグＢを吊り下げた状態、すなわちボトム部１１を上にした状態で印刷されている。
【００２３】
なお溶着部１１ａ、１２ａには、例えば溶着時間や溶着温度等を部分的に異ならせ、他の部位よりも溶着力を強化した部位（溶着強化部）を形成することが可能である。この溶着強化部は、ピンホールやこの部分の隅部からの液漏れを効果的に防止するためのものである。因みに溶着強化部位の、これ以上の詳細については、特開平６−１５４２９１「医療用プラスチックバッグの製造方法」を援用するものである。
また図１、２等に示した実施の形態では、トップ部１２にピース１５を取り付けるものであるが、ピース１５は必ずしも容器１にとって必須の構成要素ではなく、内容物を充填するためのノズル等が開口部１０から差し込まれ、充填後、開口部１０がヒートシールされるバッグも有り得る。
【００２４】
次に上述した薬液バッグＢを製造する装置について説明する。なおここでは、開口工程に先立ち、強固に密着した開口予定部１０Ａを予め僅かに離開させる予備開口装置２と、僅かに開いた状態の開口予定部１０Ａをほぼ完全に離反させ、開口部１０とする開口装置３について主に説明する。
【００２５】
（ａ）供給されてくるシート（バッグ）の状態について
予備開口装置２に供給されてくるシートＳ（薬液バッグＢ）は、図１に示すように、開口予定部１０Ａを除く部位が溶着されており、またバッグ一個分毎に切断された状態である。この際、個別毎の切断は一般にカッターＣによって行われるが、切断面には、カッターＣの剪断力によって生じるバリ［ｂｕｒｒ］ＢＵが、あたかも開口予定部１０Ａを塞ぐように絡み付いた状態となり、これが主な要因となって二枚のシートＳが、強固に密着した状態となると考えられる。もちろん二枚のシートＳが、このように強固に密着するのは、上述したバリＢＵの絡み付き以外にも、チューブ状態から平折り状態に畳む際の折りぐせや、シートＳそのもののスティキング性も関与するものと考えられる。
なお予備開口装置２に供給されてくるシートＳ（バッグ）は、吊下孔１４や固定孔１６が既に開けられており、更に本体シート部１３への印刷も行われているのが一般的である。
【００２６】
（ｂ）予備開口装置について
予備開口装置２は、強固に密着した開口予定部１０Ａの二枚のシートＳのうち、一方または双方に、その後の開口作業を促進させる開口支援変形部ＳＵを形成するものであり、ここでは、例えば楔状の分離部材２７（これについては後述する）をシートＳの密着境界に押し込み、シートＳを引き伸ばすように変形させるものである。このため予備開口装置２は、一例として図３に示すように、密着状態に張り付いたシートＳ（開口予定部１０Ａ）を両側から平面的に挟み込む保持部２０と、密着状態のシートＳの境界面に、変形用の分離部材２７を押し込む挿入部２１とを具えて成るものである。
【００２７】
保持部２０は、基台となる定盤２２と、シート押さえ２３と、押圧体２４とを具えて成り、不動状態の定盤２２とシート押さえ２３によって開口予定部１０Ａを挟み込み、その押さえ付けを押圧体２４によって強化するようにしている。
そしてシート押さえ２３には、分離部材２７の挿入を受け入れ得る許容空間２５が洞穴状態に形成されている。なお、単に許容空間２５を掘削状態に形成しただけで、分離部材２７をシートＳ間に打ち込めば、許容空間２５内でシートＳが浮き上がってしまい、開口支援変形部ＳＵの形成が良好に行えないことが懸念される。このため、本実施の形態では、許容空間２５内においてシートＳの浮き上がりを防止するためにバネ板２６が設けられる。もちろんこのバネ板２６は、分離部材２７の挿入を受けた際には、許容空間２５内で適宜弾性変形し得るように構成される（図４（ｂ）参照）。
【００２８】
また許容空間２５は、図３に併せて示すように、ほぼ直方体状に形成されるものであるが、その幅寸法は、分離部材２７の挿入を可能とする最小寸法に形成されることが好ましい（図４（ｃ）参照）。これは、分離部材２７が挿入された際の、許容空間２５におけるシートＳの浮き上がりを極力防止し、分離部材２７のシート密着面への打ち込みを、より一層確実にするための構成である。
【００２９】
挿入部２１は、定盤２２上をスライド自在に構成される変形用の分離部材２７と、この分離部材２７をシートＳの密着境界に打ち込む挿入シリンダ２８とを具えて成るものである。なお本実施の形態では、分離部材２７は、作用先端が定盤２２に対向する側（上側）のみを傾斜させた勾配状の楔形に形成されている。また分離部材２７は、定盤２２側（下側）にシートＳの厚み一枚分の逃がし部２９が形成されている。そして、この逃がし部２９によって、分離部材２７の先端は、確実に二枚のシートＳの境界面に入り込むようにガイドされるものである。
【００３０】
すなわち、本実施の形態では、開口支援変形部ＳＵが形成される許容空間２５内では、二枚のシートＳ（開口予定部１０Ａ）を定盤２２とバネ板２６によって、また許容空間２５外では定盤２２とシート押さえ２３によって、両側から平面的に押圧保持しており、これによってシートＳの厚み方向の姿勢基準を確保している。またこのようなことに加え、分離部材２７にシートＳ一枚分の逃がし部２９を形成することで、確実に且つ円滑に開口支援変形部ＳＵを密着面に形成できるものである。
【００３１】
なおバネ板２６は、分離部材２７の挿入を受ける先端部２６ａが、幾分、分離部材２７の傾斜に沿う庇状に形成されるが、これは、分離部材２７の挿入をより許容しやすくするための構成である。
このような分離部材２７の挿入によって、例えば本実施の形態では、許容空間２５部分（上側）の一方のシートＳに開口支援変形部ＳＵが形成されるが、形成された変形部は、分離部材２７の後退によって、へこんだ状態に戻り得るものである。しかしながら、この予備開口工程においては、開口支援変形部ＳＵが一旦形成されれば、シートＳは、いわゆる、くせ付けされた状態となり、また開口部１０における強固な密着も解消されるため、その後、開口予定部１０Ａをほぼ完全に離反させる開口工程においては、何ら支承を来すものではない。
なお上述した実施の形態では、楔状の分離部材２７をシートＳに押し込んで開口支援変形部ＳＵを形成するものであるが、エア等をシートＳ間に吹き込んで開口支援変形部ＳＵを形成することも可能である。
【００３２】
（ｃ）開口装置について
開口装置３は、開口支援変形部ＳＵが、くせ付け状態に形成されたシートＳ（薬液バッグＢ）の開口予定部１０Ａを、ほぼ完全に引き離すものであり、従来と同様の装置が適用される。すなわち、開口装置３は、一例として図５に示すように、一対の吸盤３０（真空パット）を主要部材とし、各シートＳに吸着させた後、この吸盤３０を互いに離反方向に引っ張って、開口部１０の拡開を図るものである。この際、シートＳの境界面は、開口支援変形部ＳＵによって、予め僅かに離開した状態に加工されているため、吸盤３０による開口が確実且つ円滑に行えるものである。
なお本実施の形態では、このように拡開させた開口部１０にピース１５を溶着するため、開口装置３としては、吸盤３０等の他にピース１５の取付機能を、一体的に具えた装置を用いることが可能である。具体的には、拡開させた開口部１０にピース１５を供給する装置や、ピース１５をヒートシールする溶着装置等が適宜組み合わされる。
【００３３】
開口工程を確実化した容器１（薬液バッグＢ）を製造する予備開口装置２と開口装置３は、以上のような基本構造を有するものであり、以下これらの装置の作動態様と併せて、薬液バッグＢの製造方法について説明する。
（１）インフレーション成形
薬液バッグＢの製造にあたっては、一例として図１に示すように、まず溶融した合成樹脂を円環状のスリットを有する金型Ｄから押し出し、円筒状のチューブ状のフィルムＦとし、この内部にエアを吹き込んで冷却してから、重ね合わせ状態ないしは拝み合わせ状態に平折りし、言わば二枚のシート状に形成する。なお図中符号ＰＲは、チューブ状のフィルムＦを挟み込み、二枚のシート状に形成するピンチローラである。またシートＳは、適宜フリーローラＲによって支持、移送されるものであり、この移送中に適宜の厚さに形成される（伸ばされる）。
【００３４】
（２）溶着、切断（印刷）
その後、重ね合わせ状態に形成された長尺状のシートＳは、開口予定部１０Ａを除いてトップ部１２とボトム部１１とが適宜溶着され、バッグ一個分毎に切断される。なおこの切断の際、切断面には、カッターＣによる剪断力が作用するため、これに伴い生ずるバリＢＵは、図１に併せて示すように、あたかも開口予定部１０Ａを閉鎖するように絡み付く傾向にあり、このため開口予定部１０Ａの二枚のシートＳは強固に密着した状態となると考えられる。もちろんシートＳがこのように強固に密着する要因は、このようなバリＢＵの絡み付きだけが要因ではなく、チューブ状態から二枚のシートＳに折り畳む際の折りぐせや、シートＳそのもののスティッキング性等も考えられる。
なおシートＳ（薬液バッグＢ）は、このような切断が行われる段階で、併せて吊下孔１４や固定孔１６が開孔形成されることが多い。また本体シート部１３への印刷も、この切断工程の前後において行われることが多い。
【００３５】
（３）予備開口
溶着・切断が終了したシートＳ（薬液バッグＢ）は、その後、開口予定部１０Ａが吸盤３０で引っ張られ、大きく拡開されるものであるが、本発明では、このような開口作業に先立ち、予備開口作業が行われる。これは、上述したように一個分毎に切り離されたシートＳの開口予定部１０Ａが、切断時のバリＢＵの影響等により、ぴったりと張り付いた状態になっているため、このまま開口作業に移行しても、開口予定部１０Ａの開口が必ずしも確実に行い得ないためである。
そして、この予備開口工程は、開口予定部１０ＡにおいてシートＳの密着境界に、開口支援変形部ＳＵを形成する作業であり、本実施の形態では、一例として楔状の分離部材２７を密着面に強制的に押し込んでシートＳを変形させるものである。
【００３６】
（ａ）　設定
予備開口作業を行う際には、例えば図３、４（ａ）に示すように、まず開口予定部１０Ａ（シートＳ）を、定盤２２とシート押さえ２３とによって挟み込み、更に押圧体２４によって、この押さえ付けの強化を図るものである。この際、開口予定部１０Ａは、許容空間２５内では、定盤２２とバネ板２６によって両側から規制され、許容空間２５外では、定盤２２とシート押さえ２３によって両側から規制される。このように、予備開口作業は、開口予定部１０Ａを両側から平面的に保持した状態、すなわちシートＳの厚み方向の姿勢基準を確保した安定状態で行われるものである。
【００３７】
またシートＳの密着境界に挿入させる分離部材２７には、定盤２２側（下側）の面にシートＳ一枚分の逃がし部２９が形成されており、分離部材２７の作用先端が、ほぼ正確にシートＳの境界面に合致するように設定されている。
なおバネ板２６の先端部２６ａは、分離部材２７の楔形状に沿って幾分傾斜状態に形成されており、より容易に分離部材２７を受け入れ得るように構成されている。
【００３８】
（ｂ）　分離部材の挿入
分離部材２７をシートＳの密着境界に強制的に差し込むと、バネ板２６は、一例として図４（ｂ）に示すように、分離部材２７の挿入を受けて許容空間２５内において適宜弾性変形する（屈曲する）。
なお、本実施の形態では、図４（ｂ）に併せて示すように、定盤２２に直接支持されない上側のシートＳのみに開口支援変形部ＳＵが形成されるものである。またここでは、一例として図４（ｃ）に示すように、許容空間２５の幅寸法は、分離部材２７を受け入れる最小限の寸法に抑えられることが好ましく、これによって分離部材２７の挿入に伴うシートＳの浮き上がりを効果的に防止でき、より確実に開口支援変形部ＳＵを形成することができる。
【００３９】
（ｃ）　分離部材の抜き取り
シートＳの密着境界に開口支援変形部ＳＵを形成した後、開口予定部１０Ａから分離部材２７を抜き取ると、バネ板２６の弾性によって、形成された開口支援変形部ＳＵが戻ることが有り得る。もちろん、開口支援変形部ＳＵはシートＳの一部を塑性変形、すなわち強制的に引き伸ばして形成するものであるため、ここでの「戻り」とは、形成した開口支援変形部ＳＵが弾性的に平らな状態に戻るという意味ではなく、へこんだ状態になるという意味である。しかしながら、シートＳの境界面に一旦形成された開口支援変形部ＳＵは、言わば、くせ付け状態に形成されているため、バネ板２６の弾性によって、へこんでも、その後の吸盤３０による開口作業は、全く支障なく行えるものである。
【００４０】
（４）開口部の拡開、ピース溶着
開口支援変形部ＳＵが形成されたシートＳ（薬液バッグＢ）は、その後、図５に示すように、開口予定部１０Ａの両側に吸盤３０が取り付けられる。そしてこの吸盤３０を互いに離反方向に引っ張って、開口予定部１０Ａの両シートＳを大きく拡開させる。この際、予め開口予定部１０Ａに開口支援変形部ＳＵが、くせ付け状態に形成（加工）してあるため、シートＳが開かないという、いわゆるブロッキング状態を招くことがなく、開口作業が確実且つ円滑に行えるものである。
なお本実施の形態では、開口工程の後工程として、開口部１０にピース１５を取り付けるため、ほぼ完全に離反させた開口部１０に、引き続きピース１５を供給し、これを溶着する。もちろん後工程処理は、充填口となるピース１５を開口部１０に取り付けるだけでなく、開口部１０から直接、内容物を充填する場合もあり得る。
【００４１】
（５）洗浄、充填等
その後、薬液バッグＢ（シートＳ）は、洗浄、薬液充填、口栓取り付け（溶着）、滅菌、包装等を経て完成となり、適宜病院等に出荷される。
【００４２】
なお本実施の形態では、開口支援変形部ＳＵは、例えば図６（ａ）に示すように、密着状態のシートＳのどちらか一方に形成されるものであったが、図６（ｂ）に示すように、密着状態のシートＳの双方に形成することも可能である。また、開口支援変形部ＳＵ（分離部材２７）の形状は、必ずしも楔形でなくても良く、例えば図６（ｃ）に示すように、偏平の長円形状に形成しても構わない。特にシートＳの密着境界にエアを強制的に吹き込んで、開口支援変形部ＳＵを形成する場合には、開口支援変形部ＳＵは必ずしも一様な形状に形成されないことも有り得る。
【００４３】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、切断後の密着した開口予定部１０Ａに開口支援変形部ＳＵを形成してから、開口装置３によってシートＳを、ほぼ完全に離反させるため、薬液バッグＢ等の容器１を、完全に拡開させることができ、開口作業の確実化且つ効率化を達成する。
また例えば、シートＳの密着面に鋭角状の分離部材２７を強制的に押し込んで、開口支援変形部ＳＵを形成する場合には、開口予定部１０ＡのシートＳを、定盤２２とシート押さえ２３とで両面から平面的に保持した状態で行えば、シートＳの浮き上がりを防止でき、また確実に分離部材２７を挿入することができる。
【００４４】
更に、分離部材２７が挿入される許容空間２５の幅寸法を、可及的に抑えることで、シートＳの浮き上がりを、より一層防止できる。
また開口支援変形部ＳＵが形成される許容空間２５でのシートＳの保持を、定盤２２と弾性変形するバネ板２６とで行い、分離部材２７の定盤２２側の面にシートＳ一枚分の逃がし部２９を形成することで、より一層確実に二枚のシートＳ間に分離部材２７を打ち込むことができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】開口工程を確実化した容器の製造方法を骨格的に示す説明図である。
【図２】開口工程を確実化した容器の一例である薬液バッグを示す正面図（ａ）、並びにピース部分を示す斜視図（ｂ）である。
【図３】予備開口装置を示す斜視図である。
【図４】シートの密着境界に開口支援変形部を形成する様子を段階的に示す縦断面図（ａ）、（ｂ）、並びに本図（ａ）のＩＶ方向から視た矢視図（ｃ）である。
【図５】開口支援変形部を形成した開口予定部に吸盤を取り付け、開口予定部をほぼ完全に離反させる様子を示す説明図（ａ）、並びに斜視図（ｂ）である。
【図６】密着状態の開口予定部に形成される開口支援変形部を種々示す斜視図である。
【図７】薬液バッグの従来の製造方法を骨格的に示す説明図である。
【符号の説明】
１　　　容器（開口工程を確実化した容器）
２　　　予備開口装置
３　　　開口装置
１０　　開口部
１０Ａ　開口予定部
１１　　ボトム部
１１ａ　溶着部
１２　　トップ部
１２ａ　溶着部
１３　　本体シート部
１４　　吊下孔
１５　　ピース
１６　　固定孔
２０　　保持部
２１　　挿入部
２２　　定盤
２３　　シート押さえ
２４　　押圧体
２５　　許容空間
２６　　バネ板
２６ａ　先端部
２７　　分離部材
２８　　挿入シリンダ
２９　　逃がし部
３０　　吸盤
Ｂ　　　薬液バッグ
ＢＵ　　バリ
Ｃ　　　カッター
Ｄ　　　金型
Ｆ　　　フィルム
Ｒ　　　フリーローラ
Ｓ　　　シート
ＳＵ　　開口支援変形部
ＰＲ　　ピンチローラ[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to, for example, a method in which a tubular film formed by inflation molding is laminated in a flat fold state, formed into a sheet shape, and then bonded (welded) at a constant pitch to the film, and is formed for each unit container length. This relates to a method of manufacturing a desired closed container by cutting, particularly during the processing, when filling the contents or attaching a separate filling port piece, before welding, but in a state where the sheet is in close contact. The present invention relates to a novel method for reliably opening an opening portion to be formed at the time of the processing.
[0002]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
For example, containers such as drug solution bags B 'for filling drugs, physiological saline, blood, nutrients and the like are often manufactured by sealing a plastic sheet. As an example of the manufacturing method, as shown in FIG. 7, first, an inflation-molded tube-shaped film F is sandwiched by a pinch roller PR so as to be overlapped, and is formed into a so-called two sheet shape. Then, in this state, desired heat sealing is performed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sheet S (film F) (the sealed portions are welded portions 11a 'and 12a'), and thereafter, for each bag. This is to obtain a chemical solution bag B 'in which the contents are empty. Of course, in welding, the scheduled opening portion 10A 'for filling with a chemical solution or separately attaching the filling port piece 15 is naturally not heat-sealed. In addition, in actuality, in the opening step of greatly expanding the planned opening portion 10A 'of the chemical solution bag B' for filling the chemical solution or attaching the piece, the sheet S of the planned opening portion 10A 'is sucked by the suction cup 30. In general, they are pulled away from each other so as to be almost completely separated from each other.
[0003]
However, the opening operation by the suction cups 30 is not always successful because the adhesion state between the sheets S is stronger than expected, and for example, the suction cups 30 adsorbed to the sheets S are mutually Even when pulled, the two sheets S may not separate from each other (a so-called blocking state).
Incidentally, the reason why the sheet S in the expected opening portion 10A 'is firmly adhered even in the non-welded state is that the two sheets S are folded, and firstly, the folded portion in the flat folding process remains, and the film F itself has a sticking property, and furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, when cutting is performed for each unit container length by the cutter C or the like, the burr BU generated on the cut surface causes the scheduled opening portion 10A ′ to be cut. It is considered that the entanglement and the like that closes up are factors.
[0004]
For this reason, in order to assist the opening operation by the suction cup 30, there is an attempt to forcibly insert a separating member formed in a wedge shape or the like into the close contact boundary of the scheduled opening portion 10A ', but actually, there is an attempt. In addition, since the thickness of the sheet S is only about 0.25 mm per sheet, it is difficult to accurately insert the separating member into the close contact surface, which is not sufficient.
Conventionally, such an opening process using the suction cup 30 is considered to be integrated with the filling process of the contents or the attaching process of the piece 15. Therefore, in the opening process, for example, the sheet S of the scheduled opening portion 10A ′ is placed on both sides. It is extremely difficult to hold the sheet in a plane from the front and restrict the sheet boundary surface to a fixed position, and it has been quite difficult to insert the separating member in the opening step.
[0005]
Further, from the above, regarding the chemical solution bag B 'which has been advanced to the opening step, even if there is a problem in filling the contents or mounting the piece 15, it is no longer possible to remove and retreat only the defective product. In addition, after accepting the occurrence of defective filling or piece attachment, it must be eliminated in a subsequent process, and there is a certain limit in improving the product yield.
[0006]
[Technical issues that we attempted to develop]
The present invention has been made in recognition of such a background, and even in a state where the sheet of the planned opening portion is firmly adhered, prior to the opening step of expanding the planned opening portion, This is an attempt to develop a new method in which a sheet is processed to be slightly opened so that an opening process can be performed reliably and smoothly.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
That is, the container in which the opening step according to claim 1 is ensured is a bag-like container formed by joining a film material in a sealed state, and is a scheduled opening portion for filling contents, or a filling port for contents. The opening part for separately attaching the piece that will be attached is in a non-welded state at the stage of unfilling the contents, but is in a close contact state, and the film material of the close contact opening part is expanded in the opening step After that, in a container to be subjected to any of the post-process treatments of filling the contents from the opening or attaching the piece to the opening, the pre-opening portion is brought into a close contact state before the opening process. In one or both of the two overlapping film materials, an opening assisting deformation part having a partly separated contact surface is formed in a habitual state.
According to the present invention, the container supplied to the opening step has the opening assisting deformation portion already formed at the opening scheduled portion, so that defective products (opening failure) in the opening step are eliminated and the container is opened almost perfectly. be able to.
[0008]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the requirement described in the first aspect, the opening assisting deformation portion is formed by forcibly inserting a wedge-shaped separating member into the close contact surface. It is characterized by being performed.
According to the present invention, a specific configuration in which an opening assisting deforming portion is formed in an opening scheduled portion which is not welded but is in close contact with each other is realized.
[0009]
Furthermore, in the container in which the opening step according to the third aspect is ensured, in addition to the requirement according to the first or second aspect, the opening support deforming portion is formed beforehand independently of the opening step. It is a feature.
According to the present invention, since the preliminary opening step is performed in advance independently of the opening step, when forming the opening assisting deformation portion, the two-sided holding of the planned opening part can be reliably performed, and the preliminary opening step As a result, the opening step can be performed more reliably. In addition, since the preliminary opening step is different from the opening step, it is not necessary to accept occurrence of defective filling of the contents or defective mounting of the piece at the stage of the opening step, thereby contributing to an improvement in product yield.
[0010]
Further, the method for manufacturing a container in which the opening step is ensured according to claim 4 is intended for manufacturing a bag-shaped container formed by joining a film material in a closed state, and a scheduled opening portion for filling the contents or the contents. The opening portion for separately attaching a piece to be a filling port of the material is in a non-welded state at the stage of unfilling the contents but is in a state of being in close contact, and the film material of the tightly planned opening portion is opened. In the method for manufacturing a container in which, after being expanded in the process, the content is filled from the opening or the piece is attached to the opening, any one of the post-processes is performed. Prior to the opening step, an opening assisting deforming part in which the contact surface is partially separated is formed. Among the material, those made to one or both, that it has to be formed in the imprint condition as a feature.
According to the present invention, since the opening assisting deforming portion is formed at the opening scheduled portion before the opening process, the opening operation can be performed almost perfectly.
[0011]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the requirement of the fourth aspect, in forming the opening assisting deformation portion, two overlapping film materials are planarized from both sides. In a state where the orientation reference in the thickness direction is secured, and a deformed portion is formed by forcibly inserting a wedge-shaped separating member at the close boundary surface between the two film materials. It is a feature.
According to the present invention, a specific configuration in which the opening assisting deforming portion is formed in a habituated state at the opening scheduled portion in a close contact state before welding is realized.
[0012]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a container in which the opening step is ensured. It is characterized in that the platen is flatly held from both sides by a platen in a state and a spring plate which can be elastically deformed by insertion of the separating member.
According to the present invention, it is possible to reliably hold both surfaces of an extremely thin sheet, particularly, an opening portion where an opening assisting deformation portion is formed, and to accurately push the separating member into the close contact surface.
[0013]
The container manufacturing apparatus in which the opening step is ensured according to claim 7 is intended for manufacturing a bag-shaped container formed by joining a film material in a sealed state, and a scheduled opening portion for filling the contents or the contents. The planned opening portion for separately attaching a piece serving as a filling port of the product is in a non-welded state in a non-welded state at the stage of unfilling the contents, but in a state of being in close contact, and the film material of the planned planned opening portion in close contact is With an opening device equipped with a suction cup, pull and expand in a direction away from each other from both sides, and then perform any post-process processing, either filling the contents from the opening or attaching the piece to the opening. In the container manufacturing apparatus described above, a preliminary opening device is provided in front of the opening device to partially release the contact surface of the scheduled opening portion. Of Lum material, on one or both, the opening assistance deformable portion to facilitate distraction of the opening portion to be, those made as characterized in that so as to form the imprint condition.
According to the present invention, since the opening assisting deforming portion is formed by the opening preliminary device in the pre-opening portion which has been brought into close contact while being not welded, the opening is almost completely separated by the opening device. Work can be performed reliably and smoothly.
[0014]
In addition, the container manufacturing apparatus in which the opening step according to claim 8 is ensured, in addition to the requirement according to claim 7, the preliminary opening apparatus holds two closely adhered film materials in a plane from both sides, It is characterized by comprising a holding portion for securing a posture reference in the thickness direction, and an insertion portion for forcibly inserting a wedge-shaped separating member at a close boundary of the held film material to form an opening assisting deformation portion. It consists of.
According to the present invention, when the separation member is inserted, the two film members of the portion to be opened which are in close contact with each other are flatly held from both sides, so that the film material (sheet) can be prevented from floating, and the opening assisting deformation portion Can be accurately formed.
[0015]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the requirement of the eighth aspect, in the container manufacturing apparatus in which the opening step is ensured, an allowable space for receiving the separation member is formed in the holding portion of the preliminary opening device. The width of the permissible space is reduced to a minimum size that allows the separation member to be freely inserted.
According to the present invention, the width dimension of the allowable space is formed slightly larger than the width dimension of the separation member, so that the lifting of the sheet in the allowable space due to the insertion of the separation member can be suppressed as much as possible.
[0016]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the requirement of the ninth aspect, in addition to the requirement of the ninth aspect, the container manufacturing apparatus retains a film material in the allowable space and receives an insertion of a separating member. A spring plate that can be deformed is provided, and in this allowable space, the two film materials are planarly held from both sides by a stationary platen and a spring plate. The member is configured to slide on the surface plate, and a relief portion for one film material is formed on the surface on the surface plate side.
According to the present invention, the separation member can be reliably pushed between the two extremely thin sheets.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the illustrated embodiments. In the description, the container 1 in which the opening process is ensured, which is a manufacturing target in the present invention, will be described first, and then the manufacturing apparatus of the container will be described. The method will be described.
[0018]
The container 1 in which the opening process is ensured is a bag-like container formed by appropriately bonding a film material (sheet material) in a sealed state, and as an example, a chemical solution bag B filled with a drip solution or the like as shown in FIG. Is mentioned. Such a chemical solution bag B is generally formed from a sheet S obtained by a film forming technique called inflation molding. Specifically, the tube is formed by welding (heat sealing) and cutting a synthetic resin tube (inflation tube) superimposed in a flat folded state (an inlaid state) at an appropriate position (see FIG. 1).
[0019]
Of course, the drug solution bag B is filled with a drip solution or the like, and a piece (a base) serving as an injection port for the contents is attached thereto. Therefore, this portion is not subjected to welding at the sheet stage. This portion is referred to as a scheduled opening portion 10A. In the present specification, in the container 1 such as the drug solution bag B, a portion where the contents are filled or a separate filling port piece is attached is defined as the opening 10, and the scheduled opening portion 10 A is in a previous stage. .
[0020]
In the container 1 (chemical solution bag B) of the present invention, the opening of the scheduled opening portion 10A is reliably performed when filling the contents or separately attaching a filling port piece. That is, the chemical solution bag B, which has been welded except for the scheduled opening portion 10A, and cut for each piece, is generally in a state where the two sheets S are firmly adhered to each other. It is extremely difficult to perform an opening operation for almost completely separating the scheduled opening portion 10A. Therefore, according to the present invention, prior to the opening operation, the sheet S of the scheduled opening portion 10 is previously processed to be slightly opened, so that the opening process can be performed reliably and smoothly. As described above, in this specification, the step of greatly expanding or almost completely separating the pre-opening portion 10A which is not welded but is in a close contact state is referred to as an opening step.
[0021]
Here, the name of each part of the drug solution bag B will be described. First, the both end portions of the bag to be heat-sealed are referred to as a bottom portion 11 and a top portion 12 for convenience, and the respective welded portions are referred to as 11a and 12a. The unfused bag body between the bottom part 11 and the top part 12 is referred to as a main body sheet part 13.
Note that the bottom portion 11 is a side that is hung when actually performing intravenous drip or the like. In the present embodiment, an oval hanging hole 14 is formed in the bottom portion 11 as an example. The top portion 12 is a side on which the contents are filled or a piece (base) 15 for filling the contents is separately attached.
[0022]
The piece 15 is a member that is formed separately from the sheet body 13 and serves as a filling port (injection port) when filling the contents. The piece 15 may be formed of a tubular or tubular member in addition to the one shown in FIG. I do not care. In the present embodiment, a fixing hole 16 is formed in the top portion 12, and is a positioning hole for fixing the bag when the piece 15 is attached to the bag, for example.
Further, the main body sheet portion 13 is printed with the type of contents, the contents, the expiration date, the serial number, the component / quantity, the manufacturer, the distributor, and the like. In the present embodiment, this printing is performed in a state where the liquid medicine bag B is suspended at the time of infusion, that is, in a state where the bottom portion 11 is turned up.
[0023]
In the welding portions 11a and 12a, it is possible to form a portion (welding strengthening portion) in which the welding time, the welding temperature, and the like are partially different, and the welding force is strengthened more than other portions. The weld reinforcing portion is for effectively preventing liquid leakage from a pinhole and a corner of this portion. For further details of the welding strengthened portion, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-154291, entitled "Method of Manufacturing Medical Plastic Bag" is cited.
In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the piece 15 is attached to the top portion 12, but the piece 15 is not necessarily an essential component of the container 1, and a nozzle or the like for filling the contents. May be inserted through the opening 10 and after filling the opening 10 is heat sealed.
[0024]
Next, an apparatus for manufacturing the above-described drug solution bag B will be described. Here, prior to the opening step, the pre-opening device 2 for slightly opening the tightly scheduled opening portion 10A in advance and the slightly opening state of the opening planned portion 10A almost completely are separated from each other, and The opening device 3 will be mainly described.
[0025]
(A) About the state of the supplied sheet (bag)
As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet S (chemical solution bag B) supplied to the preliminary opening device 2 has a portion other than the scheduled opening portion 10A welded thereto, and is in a state of being cut for each bag. . At this time, the individual cutting is generally performed by the cutter C, but on the cut surface, a burr [BURR] BU generated by the shearing force of the cutter C is entangled as if closing the expected opening portion 10A. It is considered that the main factor is a state in which the two sheets S are firmly adhered to each other. Of course, the two sheets S tightly adhere to each other not only because of the above-described entanglement of the burr BU, but also when folded from the tube state to the flat folded state and the sticking property of the sheet S itself. It is considered to be involved.
In addition, the sheet S (bag) supplied to the preliminary opening device 2 is generally provided with the suspension holes 14 and the fixing holes 16 already formed, and is further printed on the main body sheet portion 13. is there.
[0026]
(B) Pre-opening device
The preliminary opening device 2 forms an opening support deforming portion SU that promotes the subsequent opening work on one or both of the two sheets S of the scheduled opening portion 10A that are tightly adhered. For example, a wedge-shaped separation member 27 (which will be described later) is pushed into the close contact boundary of the sheet S, and the sheet S is deformed so as to be stretched. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 3 as an example, the preliminary opening device 2 includes a holding unit 20 that sandwiches the sheet S (planned opening portion 10A) stuck in a close contact state from both sides in a plane, and a boundary between the close contact sheet S. On the surface, there is provided an insertion portion 21 for pushing a separating member 27 for deformation.
[0027]
The holding unit 20 includes a base 22 serving as a base, a sheet holder 23, and a pressing body 24. The holding part 20 sandwiches the expected opening portion 10 A between the stationary base 22 and the sheet holder 23, and holds down the holding part. It is configured to be reinforced by the pressing body 24.
An allowable space 25 that can receive the insertion of the separation member 27 is formed in the sheet holder 23 in a cave state. If the separating member 27 is driven between the sheets S only by simply forming the allowable space 25 in the excavated state, the sheet S rises in the allowable space 25, and the formation of the opening support deforming portion SU cannot be performed satisfactorily. It is concerned. For this reason, in the present embodiment, a spring plate 26 is provided to prevent the sheet S from rising in the allowable space 25. Of course, the spring plate 26 is configured to be able to appropriately elastically deform within the allowable space 25 when the separation member 27 is inserted (see FIG. 4B).
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 3, the allowable space 25 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and its width is preferably formed to a minimum size that allows the separation member 27 to be inserted. (See FIG. 4 (c)). This is a configuration for minimizing the lifting of the sheet S in the allowable space 25 when the separating member 27 is inserted, and further ensuring that the separating member 27 is driven into the sheet contact surface.
[0029]
The insertion section 21 includes a separation member 27 for deformation configured to be slidable on the surface plate 22 and an insertion cylinder 28 for driving the separation member 27 into a close contact boundary of the sheet S. In the present embodiment, the separating member 27 is formed in a wedge shape in which the operating tip is inclined only on the side (upper side) facing the surface plate 22. In the separation member 27, a relief portion 29 corresponding to one sheet of the thickness of the sheet S is formed on the surface plate 22 side (lower side). The escape portion 29 guides the leading end of the separating member 27 so as to surely enter the boundary surface between the two sheets S.
[0030]
That is, in the present embodiment, in the allowable space 25 in which the opening assisting deformation part SU is formed, the two sheets S (scheduled opening portions 10A) are separated by the platen 22 and the spring plate 26, and outside the allowable space 25. The platen 22 and the sheet presser 23 press and hold the sheet S in a planar manner from both sides, thereby securing a posture reference in the thickness direction of the sheet S. In addition to this, by forming the relief portion 29 for one sheet S on the separation member 27, the opening assisting deformation portion SU can be reliably and smoothly formed on the close contact surface.
[0031]
In the spring plate 26, the tip end portion 26a for receiving the insertion of the separation member 27 is formed in an eave shape along the inclination of the separation member 27, but this facilitates the insertion of the separation member 27. It is a configuration for.
By the insertion of the separating member 27, for example, in the present embodiment, the opening assisting deformed portion SU is formed on one sheet S in the allowable space 25 portion (upper side). 27 can be returned to the recessed state by retreating. However, in this preliminary opening step, once the opening assisting deformation part SU is formed, the sheet S is in a so-called crooked state, and strong adhesion in the opening 10 is also eliminated. No support is provided in the opening step of almost completely separating the opening scheduled portion 10A.
In the above-described embodiment, the wedge-shaped separation member 27 is pushed into the sheet S to form the opening assisting deformation part SU. However, air or the like is blown between the sheets S to form the opening assisting deformation part SU. Is also possible.
[0032]
(C) Opening device
In the opening device 3, the opening support deforming unit SU almost completely separates the scheduled opening portion 10A of the sheet S (chemical solution bag B) formed in a curled state, and the same device as in the related art is applied. . That is, as shown in FIG. 5 as an example, the opening device 3 includes a pair of suction cups 30 (vacuum pads) as main members, sucks the suction cups 30 onto the respective sheets S, and pulls the suction cups 30 away from each other. The part 10 is expanded. At this time, since the boundary surface of the sheet S is processed in a slightly separated state in advance by the opening support deforming unit SU, the opening by the suction cup 30 can be performed reliably and smoothly.
In this embodiment, the piece 15 is welded to the opening 10 thus expanded. Therefore, as the opening device 3, a device integrally provided with a function of attaching the piece 15 in addition to the suction cup 30 or the like. Can be used. Specifically, a device for supplying the piece 15 to the expanded opening 10 and a welding device for heat-sealing the piece 15 are appropriately combined.
[0033]
The preliminary opening device 2 and the opening device 3 for manufacturing the container 1 (chemical solution bag B) in which the opening process is ensured have the basic structure as described above. A method for manufacturing the bag B will be described.
(1) Inflation molding
In manufacturing the chemical solution bag B, as shown in FIG. 1 as an example, first, a molten synthetic resin is extruded from a mold D having an annular slit to form a cylindrical tube-like film F, and air is supplied into the inside thereof. After being blown and cooled, the sheet is folded flat in a superposed state or in an engaged state, so as to form two sheets. In addition, the code | symbol PR in the figure is a pinch roller which pinches the tube-shaped film F and forms it into two sheets. The sheet S is appropriately supported and transferred by the free roller R, and is formed (stretched) to an appropriate thickness during this transfer.
[0034]
(2) Welding, cutting (printing)
Thereafter, the top sheet 12 and the bottom section 11 are appropriately welded to the long sheet S formed in an overlapped state except for the scheduled opening section 10A, and the sheet S is cut for each bag. At the time of this cutting, since the shearing force of the cutter C acts on the cut surface, the burr BU generated due to the shearing force tends to be entangled as if closing the planned opening portion 10A as shown in FIG. Therefore, it is considered that the two sheets S in the scheduled opening portion 10A are in a firmly adhered state. Of course, the reason why the sheet S is firmly adhered to is not only due to such entanglement of the burr BU, but also the folding when the tube S is folded into two sheets S, the sticking property of the sheet S itself, and the like. Is also conceivable.
In the sheet S (chemical solution bag B), a suspension hole 14 and a fixing hole 16 are often formed at the stage where such cutting is performed. Also, printing on the main body sheet portion 13 is often performed before and after this cutting step.
[0035]
(3) Preparatory opening
The sheet S (chemical solution bag B), which has been welded and cut, has the opening scheduled portion 10A pulled by the suction cup 30 and is greatly expanded. In the present invention, prior to such opening work, A preliminary opening operation is performed. This is because, as described above, the opening scheduled portion 10A of the sheet S separated for each sheet is tightly stuck due to the influence of the burr BU at the time of cutting, etc. This is because the opening of the scheduled opening portion 10A cannot always be performed reliably.
The preliminary opening process is a process of forming the opening assisting deformation portion SU at the close boundary of the sheet S in the opening scheduled portion 10A. In the present embodiment, for example, the wedge-shaped separation member 27 is forcibly applied to the close surface. In this case, the sheet S is deformed by being pushed in.
[0036]
(A) Settings
When performing the preliminary opening work, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, first, the scheduled opening portion 10 A (sheet S) is sandwiched between the surface plate 22 and the sheet holder 23, and furthermore, the pressing body 24 This is intended to strengthen the pressing. At this time, the opening scheduled portion 10A is regulated from both sides by the platen 22 and the spring plate 26 in the allowable space 25, and is regulated from both sides by the platen 22 and the sheet retainer 23 outside the allowable space 25. In this manner, the preliminary opening operation is performed in a state where the planned opening portion 10A is planarly held from both sides, that is, in a stable state in which the posture reference in the thickness direction of the sheet S is secured.
[0037]
The separating member 27 to be inserted into the close contact boundary of the sheet S is provided with a relief portion 29 for one sheet S on the surface (lower side) of the platen 22 side. It is set so as to exactly match the boundary surface of the sheet S.
The distal end portion 26a of the spring plate 26 is formed to be slightly inclined along the wedge shape of the separating member 27, and is configured to more easily receive the separating member 27.
[0038]
(B) Insertion of separation member
When the separation member 27 is forcibly inserted into the close contact boundary of the sheet S, the spring plate 26 is appropriately elastically deformed in the allowable space 25 in response to the insertion of the separation member 27 as shown in FIG. (Bend).
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, the opening support deforming portion SU is formed only on the upper sheet S that is not directly supported by the surface plate 22. Further, here, as shown in FIG. 4C as an example, it is preferable that the width dimension of the allowable space 25 is suppressed to a minimum dimension for receiving the separation member 27, whereby the sheet accompanying the insertion of the separation member 27 is provided. The lifting of S can be effectively prevented, and the opening assisting deformed portion SU can be formed more reliably.
[0039]
(C) Extraction of separation member
When the separating member 27 is removed from the opening scheduled portion 10A after the opening support deforming portion SU is formed at the close contact boundary of the sheet S, the formed opening assist deforming portion SU may return due to the elasticity of the spring plate 26. Of course, since the opening assisting deformation part SU is formed by plastically deforming a part of the sheet S, that is, forcibly stretching the sheet S, “return” here means that the formed opening assisting deformation part SU is elastically deformed. It does not mean returning to a flat state, but means a state of depression. However, since the opening assisting deformation part SU once formed on the boundary surface of the sheet S is formed in a so-called habit state, even if it is dented due to the elasticity of the spring plate 26, the opening operation by the suction cup 30 thereafter, It can be done without any trouble.
[0040]
(4) Expanding the opening and welding the pieces
Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the suction cups 30 are attached to both sides of the scheduled opening portion 10A of the sheet S (chemical solution bag B) on which the opening assist deformation portion SU is formed. Then, the suction cups 30 are pulled in the direction away from each other, and the two sheets S of the opening scheduled portion 10A are greatly expanded. At this time, since the opening assisting deforming part SU is formed (processed) in advance in the scheduled opening part 10A in a habit state, the so-called blocking state, in which the sheet S does not open, does not occur, and the opening operation is performed reliably and. It can be done smoothly.
In the present embodiment, as a post-step of the opening step, the pieces 15 are successively supplied to the opening 10 that has been almost completely separated and welded in order to attach the piece 15 to the opening 10. Of course, in the post-processing, not only the piece 15 serving as a filling port is attached to the opening 10, but also the contents may be filled directly from the opening 10.
[0041]
(5) Cleaning, filling, etc.
Thereafter, the chemical solution bag B (sheet S) is completed through washing, filling with a chemical solution, attaching a plug (welding), sterilization, packaging, and the like, and is shipped to a hospital or the like as appropriate.
[0042]
In the present embodiment, the opening assisting deformation unit SU is formed on one of the sheets S in a close contact state, for example, as shown in FIG. As shown, it is also possible to form on both sheets S in a close contact state. Further, the shape of the opening assisting deformation part SU (separation member 27) does not necessarily have to be a wedge shape, and may be formed in a flat elliptical shape, for example, as shown in FIG. In particular, when air is forcibly blown into the close contact boundary of the sheet S to form the opening assisting deformation part SU, the opening assisting deformation part SU may not always be formed in a uniform shape.
[0043]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the container 1 such as the drug solution bag B is formed so that the sheet S is almost completely separated from the sheet S by the opening device 3 after the opening assisting deformation part SU is formed in the scheduled opening part 10A that is in close contact after cutting. The opening can be completely expanded, and the opening operation can be made more reliable and more efficient.
Further, for example, in a case where the opening assisting deformation part SU is formed by forcibly pushing the separation member 27 having an acute angle into the contact surface of the sheet S, the sheet S of the scheduled opening part 10A is placed on the surface plate 22 and the sheet holder 23. If the sheet S is held in a flat state from both sides, the lifting of the sheet S can be prevented, and the separation member 27 can be reliably inserted.
[0044]
Further, by suppressing the width dimension of the allowable space 25 into which the separating member 27 is inserted as much as possible, the lifting of the sheet S can be further prevented.
Further, the holding of the sheet S in the allowable space 25 in which the opening assisting deformation portion SU is formed is performed by the platen 22 and the spring plate 26 that is elastically deformed, and one sheet S is placed on the surface of the separation member 27 on the platen 22 side. By forming the minute relief portion 29, the separation member 27 can be driven between the two sheets S more reliably.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing a method for manufacturing a container in which an opening step is ensured.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are a front view showing a chemical solution bag which is an example of a container in which an opening process is ensured, and a perspective view showing a piece portion.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a preliminary opening device.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are longitudinal sectional views (a) and (b) showing stepwise formation of an opening assisting deformation portion at a close contact boundary of a sheet, and an arrow view (c) as viewed from the IV direction in FIG. ).
FIGS. 5A and 5B are an explanatory view and a perspective view, respectively, showing a state in which a suction cup is attached to an expected opening portion formed with an opening assisting deformable portion and the expected opening portion is almost completely separated.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing various types of opening support deforming portions formed at the opening scheduled portion in a close contact state.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view skeletonly showing a conventional method for manufacturing a drug solution bag.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 container (container which ensured opening process)
2 Spare opening device
3 opening device
10 opening
10A Opening scheduled part
11 Bottom part
11a welding part
12 Top section
12a welding part
13 Body sheet part
14 Hanging hole
15 pieces
16 Fixing hole
20 Holder
21 Insertion part
22 surface plate
23 Sheet Holder
24 Pressing body
25 Allowable space
26 Spring plate
26a Tip
27 Separation member
28 insertion cylinder
29 Escape part
30 Sucker
B Chemical solution bag
BU Bali
C cutter
D Mold
F film
R free roller
S sheet
SU opening support deformation unit
PR pinch roller

Claims

A bag-shaped container formed by joining a film material in a sealed state,
The scheduled opening portion for filling the contents, or the scheduled opening portion for separately attaching a piece serving as a filling port for the contents is in a non-welded state but in a close contact state at the stage of unfilling the contents. And a container in which any one of the post-processes of filling the content from the opening or attaching the piece to the opening is performed after the film material of the contact opening portion is expanded in the opening step. At
Prior to the opening step, in the opening scheduled portion, one or both of the two film materials that are in close contact with each other, the contact surface is partially separated, and the opening assisting deformation portion is formed in a habitual state. A container having a reliable opening step.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the opening assisting deforming portion is formed by forcibly inserting a wedge-shaped separating member into the close contact surface. 3.

The container according to claim 1, wherein the opening assisting deformable portion is formed beforehand independently of the opening process.

Bag-shaped containers made by joining film materials in a sealed state
The scheduled opening portion for filling the contents, or the scheduled opening portion for separately attaching a piece serving as a filling port for the contents is in a non-welded state but in a close contact state at the stage of unfilling the contents. Then, after expanding the film material of the portion to be opened which is in close contact in the opening step, any one of a post-process treatment of filling the contents from the opening or attaching the piece to the opening is performed. In the method for manufacturing a container,
Prior to the opening step, an opening assisting deforming part in which the contact surface partially separates is formed in the opening scheduled part in the close contact state, and in forming the opening assisting deforming part, two sheets overlapping in the close contact state are formed. A method for manufacturing a container in which the opening step is ensured, characterized in that one or both of the film materials are formed in a habit condition.

In forming the opening assisting deformed portion, the two film materials that overlap each other are held in a plane from both sides, and are performed in a state where the posture reference in the thickness direction is secured, and at the contact boundary surface between the two film materials. 5. The method for manufacturing a container according to claim 4, wherein the deformed portion is formed by forcibly inserting a wedge-shaped separating member.

The opening portion where the opening assisting deforming portion is formed is held in a plane from both sides by a fixed platen in which two film materials are immovable and a spring plate which can be elastically deformed by insertion of the separating member. 6. The method for manufacturing a container according to claim 5, wherein the opening step is ensured.

Bag-shaped containers made by joining film materials in a sealed state
The scheduled opening portion for filling the contents, or the scheduled opening portion for separately attaching a piece serving as a filling port for the contents is in a non-welded state but in a close contact state at the stage of unfilling the contents. Then, the film material at the portion of the opening that is in close contact with the opening is pulled by the opening device equipped with a suction cup in a direction away from each other and expanded, and then the contents are filled from the opening or the piece is attached to the opening. Among the above, in a container manufacturing apparatus that is configured to perform any post-processing,
In the preceding stage of the opening device, a preliminary opening device for partially separating the contact surface of the opening scheduled portion is provided,
Prior to the opening step, one or both of the two film materials overlapping in close contact with each other, an opening assisting deforming portion that promotes the separation of the opening to be opened is formed in a habituated state. Container manufacturing equipment that has ensured the opening process.

The preliminary opening device, a holding unit that holds the two closely adhered film materials in a plane from both sides, and secures a posture reference in the thickness direction,
8. The opening step according to claim 7, further comprising a wedge-shaped separating member forcibly inserted into a contact boundary of the held film material to form an opening assisting deformable portion. Container manufacturing equipment.

An allowable space for receiving the insertion of the separation member is formed in the holding portion of the preliminary opening device, and the allowable space has a width dimension suppressed to a minimum size that allows the separation member to be freely inserted. The container manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the opening step is ensured.

In the permissible space, a spring plate that holds the film material and that can be elastically deformed by receiving the insertion of the separating member is provided.In this permissible space, the two film materials are moved in an immovable state. The platen and the spring plate hold it flat from both sides,
On the other hand, the separation member is configured to slide on the surface plate, and a relief portion for one film material is formed on the surface on the surface plate side. Manufacturing equipment for liquefied containers.