JP7148202B2 - Plug manufacturing method and plug assembly device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a stopper. The present invention also relates to a plug assembly device capable of assembling plugs.

2. Description of the Related Art A bodily fluid-collecting container having a stopper is widely used to collect bodily fluid such as blood. The plug generally includes a plug body such as a rubber plug and a cap member attached to the plug body.

As an example of a plug attached to a bodily fluid collection container, Patent Document 1 below discloses a lid assembly (plug) that seals an open end of a bodily fluid collection tube. The lid assembly comprises a stopper (plug body) having a specific structure and a flexible cap body (cap member) having a top surface, a bottom stop ledge and an annular skirt. The inner wall of the annular skirt of the flexible cap body is provided with an integral abutment having a tapered surface.

JP-A-2001-145685

A plug such as that described in Patent Document 1 is generally manufactured by inserting a plug body inside a cap member.

When the maximum diameter of the plug body is larger than the inner diameter of the open end of the cap member, the plug body is compressed at the open end portion of the cap member when the plug body is inserted into the cap member, In addition, the compressed plug body tends to tilt. When the plug body is inserted into the cap member in a compressed and tilted state, a large force is applied from the inside to the outside of the cap member, and as a result, the cap member is deformed and/or deformed. It may be damaged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a plug that can suppress deformation and breakage of a cap member. Another object of the present invention is to provide a stopper assembling apparatus capable of manufacturing a stopper capable of suppressing deformation and breakage of the cap member.

According to a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a plug comprising a cap member having a top plate portion at one end and an open end at the other end, and a plug body, the first jig having a concave portion on the upper surface. arranging the cap member inside the recess of the first jig so that the open end side of the cap member protrudes above the upper surface of the first jig using , a second jig having a through hole in which a tapered portion, a small diameter portion, and a large diameter portion having a larger diameter than the small diameter portion are provided in this order, and the large diameter portion of the second jig is a fitting step of fitting the protruding portion of the cap member; and a press-fitting step of press-fitting the plug body into the cap member from the tapered portion side of the second jig. The tapered portion of the jig is inclined so that the diameter decreases toward the small diameter portion of the second jig, and the maximum diameter of the plug body is larger than the inner diameter of the open end of the cap member. , the diameter of the small diameter portion of the second jig is smaller than the inner diameter of the open end of the cap member.

In a specific aspect of the method for manufacturing the plug according to the present invention, in the press-fitting step, the press-fitting plug has an open end and the outer diameter of the open end is smaller than the diameter of the small diameter portion of the second jig. A member is used to press fit the plug body inside the cap member.

In a specific aspect of the method for manufacturing a plug according to the present invention, the plug body has a surface having a recess at one end, and in the press-fitting step, the plug body is placed on the surface of the plug body having the recess. From there, it is press-fitted inside the cap member.

In a specific aspect of the method for manufacturing the plug according to the present invention, the material of the plug body is an elastomer.

In a specific aspect of the method for manufacturing a plug according to the present invention, the taper portion of the second jig is oriented at an angle of 15 degrees or more and 30 degrees or less with respect to the penetrating direction of the through hole of the second jig. Slanted at an angle of inclination.

In a specific aspect of the method for manufacturing the plug according to the present invention, the ratio of the depth of the taper portion of the second jig to the depth of the small diameter portion of the second jig is 0.75 or more and 3. .5 or less.

According to a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plug assembly apparatus used to manufacture a plug comprising a cap member having a top plate portion at one end and an open end at the other end, and a plug body, the top surface and a second jig having a through hole in which a tapered portion, a small diameter portion, and a large diameter portion larger in diameter than the small diameter portion are provided in this order, and the second jig There is provided the plug assembly device, wherein the taper portion of the jig is inclined so that the diameter thereof becomes smaller toward the small diameter portion of the second jig.

In a specific aspect of the plug assembly apparatus according to the present invention, a press-fitting member having an open end and an outer diameter of the open end smaller than the diameter of the small diameter portion of the second jig is provided.

In a specific aspect of the plug assembly apparatus according to the present invention, the tapered portion of the second jig is inclined at an angle of 15 degrees or more and 30 degrees or less with respect to the penetrating direction of the through hole of the second jig. slanted at an angle.

In a specific aspect of the plug assembly apparatus according to the present invention, the ratio of the depth of the taper portion of the second jig to the depth of the small diameter portion of the second jig is 0.75 or more3. 5 or less.

In a specific aspect of the plug assembly apparatus according to the present invention, the plug body and the cap member are combined so that the maximum diameter of the plug body is larger than the inner diameter of the open end of the cap member. It is preferably used for manufacturing bodies.

A method of manufacturing a plug according to the present invention is a method of manufacturing a plug including a cap member having a top plate portion at one end and an open end at the other end, and a plug body. A method for manufacturing a plug according to the present invention uses a first jig having a recessed portion on an upper surface, and the opening end side of the cap member protrudes above the upper surface of the first jig. An arranging step of arranging the cap member inside the recess of the first jig is provided. A method for manufacturing a plug according to the present invention uses a second jig having a through hole in which a tapered portion, a small diameter portion, and a large diameter portion larger in diameter than the small diameter portion are provided in this order. and a fitting step of fitting the large-diameter portion of the jig to the projecting portion of the cap member. A method for manufacturing a plug according to the present invention includes a press-fitting step of press-fitting the plug body into the cap member from the taper portion side of the second jig. In the method for manufacturing the plug according to the present invention, the tapered portion of the second jig is inclined so that the diameter becomes smaller toward the small-diameter portion of the second jig, and the maximum diameter of the plug body is The diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the open end of the cap member, and the diameter of the small diameter portion of the second jig is smaller than the inner diameter of the open end of the cap member. Since the method for manufacturing a plug according to the present invention has the above configuration, deformation and breakage of the cap member can be suppressed.

A plug assembly apparatus according to the present invention is used to manufacture a plug comprising a cap member having a top plate portion at one end and an open end at the other end, and a plug body held inside the cap member. be done. A plug assembly apparatus according to the present invention includes a first jig having a concave portion on the upper surface, and a first jig having a through hole in which a tapered portion, a small diameter portion, and a large diameter portion larger in diameter than the small diameter portion are provided in this order. 2 jigs, and the tapered portion of the second jig is inclined so that the diameter becomes smaller toward the small diameter portion of the second jig. Since the stopper assembly device according to the present invention has the above configuration, deformation and breakage of the cap member can be suppressed.

1(a) to 1(d) are cross-sectional views for explaining a method for manufacturing a plug according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2(a), 2(b) and 2(c) are plan views of the first jig, the second jig and the press-fitting member, respectively. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the inclination angle of the taper portion of the second jig. 4(a) and 4(b) are a front view and a front cross-sectional view showing a cap member used in a method for manufacturing a plug according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a front cross-sectional view showing a plug body used in a method for manufacturing a plug according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 is a front cross-sectional view showing a plug obtained by a method for manufacturing a plug according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention will be described in detail below.

<Manufacturing method of stopper>
A method of manufacturing a plug according to the present invention is a method of manufacturing a plug including a cap member having a top plate portion at one end and an open end at the other end, and a plug body.

A method for manufacturing a plug according to the present invention uses a first jig having a recessed portion on an upper surface, and the opening end side of the cap member protrudes above the upper surface of the first jig. An arranging step of arranging the cap member inside the recess of the first jig is provided.

A method for manufacturing a plug according to the present invention uses a second jig having a through hole in which a tapered portion, a small diameter portion, and a large diameter portion larger in diameter than the small diameter portion are provided in this order. and a fitting step of fitting the large-diameter portion of the jig to the projecting portion of the cap member.

A method for manufacturing a plug according to the present invention includes a press-fitting step of press-fitting the plug body into the cap member from the taper portion side of the second jig.

In the stopper manufacturing method according to the present invention, the tapered portion of the second jig is inclined so that the diameter thereof decreases toward the small diameter portion of the second jig.

In the method for manufacturing a plug according to the present invention, the maximum diameter of the plug body is larger than the inner diameter of the open end of the cap member. The maximum diameter of the plug body is the maximum diameter of the plug body before it is press-fitted inside the cap member.

In the stopper manufacturing method according to the present invention, the diameter of the small diameter portion of the second jig is smaller than the inner diameter of the open end of the cap member.

In the stopper manufacturing method according to the present invention, since the first jig having a specific shape is used in the arranging step, the cap member can be stably arranged on the first jig. . In addition, in the method of manufacturing the plug according to the present invention, the second jig having a specific shape is used in the fitting step and the press-fitting step, so that the maximum diameter of the plug body is the same as that of the cap member. Deformation and breakage of the cap member can be suppressed even though the inner diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the open end.

Therefore, in the method for manufacturing the plug according to the present invention, the yield of the plug can be improved.

Further, in the plug obtained by the method for manufacturing a plug according to the present invention, the plug body is held inside the cap member in a compressed state, so that the plug body is difficult to come off from the cap member.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the cap member and the plug main body used in the method for manufacturing the plug according to the present invention will be described.

4(a) and 4(b) are a front view and a front cross-sectional view showing a cap member used in a method for manufacturing a plug according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4(c) is a front cross-sectional view showing a plug body used in the method for manufacturing a plug according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The cap member 4 has a top plate portion 4a at one end and an open end 4b at the other end. The cap member 4 has a side portion extending downward from the peripheral edge of the top plate portion 4a. The top plate portion 4a has a circular opening 4a1 in the center. Therefore, the outer shape of the top plate portion 4a is annular.

The cap member 4 has a protrusion 4c on its inner surface. The convex portion 4c is annularly provided on the inner surface of the cap member 4 and is an annular convex portion. By having the projection on the cap member, it is possible to make it difficult for the plug body to come off from the cap member.

The cap member does not have to have a convex portion. Also, a plurality of protrusions may be provided at the same height position on the cap member. When a plurality of protrusions are provided at the same height position on the cap member, the protrusions are different from the annular protrusion.

The cap member 4 has a plurality of ribs 4d protruding radially outward of the cap member 4 on the outer surface of the side portion. Since the cap member has ribs, it is possible to prevent the cap member and the stopper from rolling, thereby improving the handleability.

In the cap member 4 , the rib 4 d does not reach the upper end of the cap member 4 . The rib may extend to the upper end of the cap member. In the cap member 4, the rib 4d does not reach the lower end of the cap member. The rib may extend to the lower end of the cap member.

The cap member may not have ribs.

The plug body 5 has a grip portion (large diameter portion) 5a on one end side and a small diameter portion 5b on the other end side. The diameter of the grip portion 5a is larger than the diameter of the small diameter portion 5b. A step is formed by the grip portion 5a and the small diameter portion 5b. The plug body 5 has a maximum diameter at the grip portion 5a. The plug body 5 has a surface with a recess 5a1 at one end. That is, the grip portion 5a has a concave portion 5a1.

In this specification, the direction connecting the one end (top plate portion 4a) and the other end (opening end 4b) of the cap member 4 is the length direction of the cap member 4. The direction orthogonal to the direction is the radial direction of the cap member 4 . Further, in this specification, the direction connecting the one end and the other end of the plug body 5 is the length direction of the plug body 5, and the direction perpendicular to the length direction of the plug body 5 is the direction of the plug body 5. radial direction.

The maximum diameter of the plug body 5 is larger than the inner diameter of the open end 4b of the cap member 4 before manufacturing the plug.

In the cap member 4, the thickness of the side surface portion at the opening end 4b is the smallest. Therefore, the cap member 4 has the maximum inner diameter at the open end 4b. In the stopper manufacturing method according to the present invention, deformation and breakage of the cap member can be suppressed even when the cap member 4 has the maximum inner diameter at the open end 4b.

Note that the cap member 4 does not have to have the maximum inner diameter at the open end 4b.

The inner diameter of the open end 4b of the cap member 4 is preferably 13 mm or more, more preferably 14 mm or more, preferably 18 mm or less, and more preferably 17 mm or less. When the inner diameter of the open end 4b of the cap member 4 is equal to or more than the lower limit and equal to or less than the upper limit, deformation and breakage of the cap member can be effectively suppressed. It can be used favorably as a stopper for blood collection tubes of various sizes, such as blood collection tubes.

From the viewpoint of improving the handleability of the cap member, the length of the cap member 4 is preferably 11 mm or longer, more preferably 15 mm or longer, preferably 25 mm or shorter, and more preferably 20 mm or shorter.

From the viewpoint of improving the handleability of the cap member, the thickness of the top plate portion 4a of the cap member 4 is preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 1 mm or more, preferably 3 mm or less, and more preferably 2 mm or less. .

From the viewpoint of effectively suppressing deformation and breakage of the cap member, the maximum thickness of the side portion of the cap member 4 is preferably 0.3 mm or more, more preferably 0.4 mm or more, preferably 2 mm or less, and more preferably 1 mm. It is below.

If the cap member comprises ribs, the length of the ribs is preferably 10 mm or more, more preferably 14 mm or more. When the length of the rib is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the bodily fluid-collecting container can be easily handled.

When the cap member has ribs, the ribs preferably have a height of 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 0.3 mm or more, preferably 1 mm or less, more preferably 0.8 mm or less. When the height of the rib is equal to or more than the lower limit and equal to or less than the upper limit, the handleability of the bodily fluid-collecting container can be improved.

The length direction of the rib corresponds to the length direction of the cap member, and the height direction of the rib corresponds to the radial direction of the cap member.

The maximum diameter of the plug body 5 is larger than the inner diameter of the open end 4 b of the cap member 4 .

From the viewpoint of effectively suppressing deformation and breakage of the cap member, the maximum diameter of the plug body 5 is preferably 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 0.5 mm or more, than the inner diameter of the open end 4b of the cap member 4. A large size is more preferable, a large size of 3 mm or less is preferable, and a large size of 2 mm or less is more preferable.

From the viewpoint of effectively suppressing deformation and breakage of the cap member, the maximum diameter of the plug body 5 is preferably larger than the minimum inner diameter of the cap member 4 by 0.5 mm or more, and more preferably by 1 mm or more. , preferably 4 mm or less, and more preferably 3 mm or less.

From the viewpoint of enhancing the pierceability of the bodily fluid collection needle, the distance between the lower end of the concave portion 5a1 provided on the upper surface of the grip portion 5a and the lower end of the plug body 5 is preferably 3 mm or more and preferably 7 mm or less.

From the viewpoint of effectively suppressing bodily fluid splashing when the bodily fluid sampling needle is pulled out of the plug body, the depth of the concave portion 5a1 provided on the upper surface of the grip portion 5a is preferably 4 mm or more and preferably 8 mm or less.

Next, a method of manufacturing the plug 6 shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a method of manufacturing a plug according to one embodiment of the present invention. 2(a), 2(b) and 2(c) are plan views of the first jig, the second jig and the press-fitting member, respectively.

[Placement process]
FIG. 1(a) is a cross-sectional view for explaining the arrangement process. FIG. 2(a) is a plan view of the first jig. The first jig shown in FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view along line II of the first jig shown in FIG. 2(a).

The first jig 1 has a concave portion 1a1 on the upper surface 1a. The first jig 1 has a cylindrical concave portion 1a1.

A side portion of the first jig 1 has a wall portion 1b protruding upward from the upper surface 1a. The wall portion 1b is provided to effectively suppress movement of the second jig. The first jig has three wall portions 1b. In addition, the first jig may not have the wall portion, may have one wall portion, may have two walls, or may have four walls, You may have 4 or more.

As shown in FIG. 1A, in the arrangement step, the first jig 1 having the concave portion 1a1 on the upper surface 1a is used so that the opening end 4b side of the cap member 4 is positioned above the upper surface 1a of the first jig 1. As shown in FIG. The cap member 4 is arranged inside the recess 1a1 of the first jig 1 so as to protrude outward. That is, in the arrangement step, the cap member 4 is arranged inside the concave portion 1a1 of the first jig 1 so that the opening end 4b of the cap member 4 is positioned above the upper surface 1a of the first jig 1. be done.

In the arrangement step, the opening end 4b of the cap member 4 may be positioned above or below the upper surface of the wall portion 1b of the first jig.

The shape of the recess of the first jig is not particularly limited as long as the cap member can be arranged inside the recess. The shape of the concave portion of the first jig may be a polygonal prism shape.

The diameter and depth of the concave portion of the first jig can be appropriately changed according to the size of the cap member. When the concave portion of the first jig has a polygonal prismatic shape, the diameter of the concave portion of the first jig means the diameter of a circle inscribed in the polygon in the polygonal columnar shape.

In this specification, the direction orthogonal to the depth direction of the recess 1a1 of the first jig 1 is the radial direction of the recess 1a1.

The diameter of the concave portion 1a1 is preferably larger than the maximum outer diameter of the cap member 4. As shown in FIG.

The diameter of the concave portion of the first jig is preferably larger than the maximum outer diameter of the cap member by 0.1 mm or more, more preferably by 0.5 mm or more, and preferably by 1.5 mm or less. , 1.0 mm or less. When the diameter of the recess of the first jig is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the cap member can be favorably arranged inside the recess of the first jig. When the diameter of the recess of the first jig is equal to or less than the upper limit, it is possible to effectively suppress the cap member from wobbling after the cap member is placed inside the recess of the first jig.

The depth of the concave portion of the first jig is preferably 5 mm or more, more preferably 7 mm or more, preferably 20 mm or less, and more preferably 15 mm or less. When the depth of the concave portion of the first jig is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the cap member can be favorably arranged inside the concave portion of the first jig. When the depth of the concave portion of the first jig is equal to or less than the upper limit, it is possible to effectively suppress the cap member from wobbling after the cap member is arranged inside the concave portion of the first jig.

The ratio of the depth of the recess of the first jig to the length of the cap member (depth of the recess of the first jig/length of the cap member) is preferably 0.25 or more, more preferably 0.25. 3 or more, preferably less than 1, more preferably 0.75 or less. When the ratio (depth of the concave portion of the first jig/length of the cap member) is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the cap member can be favorably arranged inside the concave portion of the first jig. When the ratio (depth of the recess of the first jig/length of the cap member) is equal to or less than the upper limit (or less than the upper limit), the cap member is placed inside the recess of the first jig. Wobble of the cap member can be effectively suppressed.

[Mating process]
FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view for explaining the placement process. FIG. 2(b) is a plan view of the second jig. The second jig shown in FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of the second jig shown in FIG. 2(b).

The second jig 2 has a through hole 21 . The through hole 21 is a hole passing through the upper surface and the lower surface of the second jig 2, and has a tapered portion 21a, a small diameter portion 21b, and a large diameter portion 21c. The diameter of the large diameter portion 21c is larger than the diameter of the small diameter portion 21b. In the through hole 21, the tapered portion 21a is a substantially truncated cone-shaped hole, the small diameter portion 21b is a substantially cylindrical hole, and the large diameter portion 21c is a substantially cylindrical hole.

The through hole 21 is provided with a tapered portion 21a, a small diameter portion 21b, and a large diameter portion 21c in this order. A tapered portion 21a is provided on the upper surface side of the second jig 2, a large diameter portion 21c is provided on the lower surface side of the second jig 2, and a small diameter portion 21b is provided between the tapered portion 21a and the large diameter portion 21c. It is

In this specification, the direction orthogonal to the through hole 21 (tapered portion 21a, small diameter portion 21b, and large diameter portion 21c) of the second jig 2 is the through hole 21 (tapered portion 21a, small diameter portion 21b). and the radial direction of the large diameter portion 21c).

The tapered portion 21a of the second jig 2 is inclined so that the diameter becomes smaller toward the small diameter portion 21b of the second jig 2 . Therefore, the tapered portion 21a has the maximum diameter at the upper surface of the second jig 2. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1(b), in the fitting step, a second jig 2 having a through hole 21 in which a tapered portion 21a, a small diameter portion 21b, and a large diameter portion 21c are provided in this order is used. 2, the large-diameter portion 21c of the jig 2 is fitted to the projecting portion of the cap member 4. As shown in FIG.

The maximum diameter of the tapered portion 21 a of the second jig 2 may be larger or smaller than the diameter of the large diameter portion 21 c of the second jig 2 .

The maximum diameter of the taper portion 21 a of the second jig 2 is preferably larger than the maximum diameter of the plug body 5 .

The maximum diameter of the tapered portion 21a of the second jig 2 is preferably larger than the maximum diameter of the plug body by 0.5 mm or more, more preferably by 1 mm or more, preferably by 4 mm or less, and 3 mm. It is more preferable that it is greater than or equal to. When the maximum diameter of the tapered portion 21a of the second jig 2 is equal to or more than the lower limit and equal to or less than the upper limit, the plug body can be arranged satisfactorily.

The maximum diameter of the tapered portion 21a of the second jig 2 is preferably 16 mm or more, more preferably 18 mm or more, preferably 22 mm or less, and more preferably 20 mm or less. When the maximum diameter of the taper portion 21a of the second jig 2 is equal to or more than the lower limit and equal to or less than the upper limit, the plug body can be arranged satisfactorily, and deformation and breakage of the cap member can be effectively suppressed. can.

The diameter of the large-diameter portion 21 c of the second jig 2 is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the cap member 4 .

The diameter of the large-diameter portion 21c of the second jig 2 is preferably larger than the maximum outer diameter of the cap member 4 by 0.1 mm or more, more preferably by 0.5 mm or more, and 1.5 mm or less. A large size is preferable, and a large size of 1.0 mm or less is more preferable. In this case, wobbling of the cap member can be effectively suppressed.

The diameter of the large diameter portion 21 c of the second jig 2 is larger than the diameter of the small diameter portion 21 b of the second jig 2 .

The diameter of the large-diameter portion 21c of the second jig 2 is preferably larger than the diameter of the small-diameter portion 21b of the second jig 2 by 0.5 mm or more, more preferably by 1 mm or more, and 4 mm or less. A large size is preferable, and a large size of 3 mm or less is more preferable. In this case, wobbling of the cap member can be effectively suppressed.

The diameter of the large-diameter portion 21c of the second jig 2 is preferably 16 mm or more, more preferably 17 mm or more, preferably 22 mm or less, and more preferably 20 mm or less. When the diameter of the large-diameter portion 21c of the second jig 2 is equal to or greater than the lower limit and equal to or less than the upper limit, deformation and breakage of the cap member can be effectively suppressed.

The diameter of the small diameter portion 21b of the second jig 2 is smaller than the inner diameter of the open end 4b of the cap member 4 .

The diameter of the small-diameter portion 21b of the second jig 2 is preferably 0.1 mm or more smaller than the inner diameter of the open end 4b of the cap member 4, more preferably 0.3 mm or more, and 1 mm or less. is preferred, and it is more preferred to be as small as 0.8 mm or less. In this case, when the plug body 5 moves from the small-diameter portion 21b of the second jig 2 to the opening end 4b of the cap member 4, the inclination of the plug body 5 can be effectively suppressed, and deformation of the cap member can be prevented. And breakage can be effectively suppressed.

The diameter of the small diameter portion 21 b of the second jig 2 is smaller than the maximum diameter of the plug body 5 .

The small diameter portion 21b of the second jig 2 is preferably smaller than the maximum diameter of the plug body 5 by 0.5 mm or more, more preferably by 1 mm or more, preferably by 3 mm or less, and 2 mm or less. Smaller is more preferred. In this case, the plug body 5 can be effectively deformed, and deformation and breakage of the cap member can be effectively suppressed.

The diameter of the small diameter portion 2b of the second jig 2 is preferably 13 mm or more, more preferably 14.5 mm or more, preferably 18 mm or less, and more preferably 16.5 mm or less. When the diameter of the small-diameter portion 2b of the second jig 2 is equal to or greater than the lower limit and equal to or less than the upper limit, deformation and breakage of the cap member can be effectively suppressed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the inclination angle of the taper portion of the second jig.

A sectional view of the second jig 2 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 3 , P is the penetrating direction of the through hole 21 of the second jig 2 , and Q is the inclination direction of the taper portion 21 a of the second jig 2 . The inclination angle θ of the tapered portion 21 a of the second jig 2 is an angle at which the tapered portion 21 a of the second jig 2 is inclined with respect to the penetrating direction P of the through hole 21 of the second jig 2 . As shown in FIG. 3, the inclination angle .theta. means the smaller one of the angles formed by the straight line in the penetrating direction P and the inclination direction Q of the tapered portion. Therefore, the maximum value of the tilt angle θ is 90 degrees. The inclination angle is 0 degrees when the tapered portion is not inclined. In the present invention, the tilt angle θ is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

It is preferably inclined at an inclination angle θ of 15 degrees or more, more preferably at an inclination angle θ of 18 degrees or more, with respect to the penetration direction P of the through hole 21 of the second jig. It is preferably inclined at an inclination angle θ of 25 degrees or less, and more preferably at an inclination angle θ of 25 degrees or less. When the inclination angle θ is equal to or greater than the lower limit and equal to or less than the upper limit, deformation and breakage of the cap member can be effectively suppressed.

In FIG. 3, X is the depth of the tapered portion 21a, Y is the depth of the small diameter portion 21b, and Z is the depth of the large diameter portion 21c. The depth direction of the tapered portion 21 a , the small diameter portion 21 b and the large diameter portion 21 c corresponds to the through direction P of the through hole 21 of the second jig 2 .

The ratio of the depth X of the taper portion 21a of the second jig 2 to the depth Y of the small diameter portion 21b of the second jig 2 (depth X of the taper portion 21a/depth Y of the small diameter portion 21b) is preferably is 0.75 or more, more preferably 1.3 or more, preferably 3.5 or less, more preferably 2.5 or less. When the ratio (depth X of tapered portion 21a/depth Y of small diameter portion 21b) is equal to or greater than the lower limit and equal to or less than the upper limit, deformation and breakage of the cap member can be effectively suppressed.

The ratio of the depth X of the taper portion 21a of the second jig 2 to the depth Z of the large diameter portion 21c of the second jig 2 (depth X of the taper portion 21a/depth Z of the large diameter portion 21c) is , preferably 0.2 or more, more preferably 0.3 or more, preferably 1.4 or less, more preferably 1 or less. When the ratio (depth X of tapered portion 21a/depth Z of large diameter portion 21c) is equal to or greater than the lower limit, movement of the second jig can be effectively suppressed during the press-fitting process. If the ratio (depth X of tapered portion 21a/depth Z of large diameter portion 21c) is equal to or less than the upper limit, deformation and breakage of the cap member can be effectively suppressed.

The sum of the depth of the concave portion 1a1 of the first jig 1 and the depth Z of the large-diameter portion 21c of the second jig is preferably greater than the length of the cap member 4. The sum of the depth of the concave portion 1a1 of the first jig 1 and the depth Z of the large-diameter portion 21c of the second jig is preferably longer than the length of the cap member 4 by 0.1 mm or more, and preferably 0.3 mm or more. , preferably 2 mm or less longer than the length of the cap member 4, and more preferably 1 mm or less longer than the length of the cap member 4 . In this case, deformation and breakage of the cap member can be effectively suppressed.

[Press fitting process]
1(c) and 1(d) are cross-sectional views for explaining the press-fitting process. FIG. 2(c) is a plan view of the press-fitting member.

As shown in FIG. 1(c), in the press-fitting step, the plug body 5 is press-fitted inside the cap member 4 from the taper portion 21a side of the second jig 2. As shown in FIG.

The plug body 5 has a surface with a recess at one end. Specifically, the plug body has a recessed portion 5a1 in the grip portion 5a. In the press-fitting step, it is preferable to press-fit the plug body 5 into the inside of the cap member 4 from the surface side of the grip portion of the plug body 5 having the concave portion 5a1. Since the plug main body has the concave portion, the plug body can be effectively deformed when passing through the small-diameter portion 21b of the second jig 2 .

In the press-fitting step, first, the plug body 5 passes through the taper portion 21 a of the second jig 2 . Since the plug body 5 is gradually compressed when passing through the tapered portion 21a, the plug body 5 is less likely to tilt. Next, the plug body 5 passes through the small diameter portion 21 b of the second jig 2 . The plug body 5 is further compressed when passing through the small diameter portion 21b, and a force is generated from the inside to the outside. However, while the plug body 5 is passing through the small diameter portion 21b, the force directed from the inside to the outside is alleviated to some extent. Next, the plug body 5 reaches the open end 4b of the cap member 4, and the plug body 5 is press-fitted to the inside of the cap member 4. As shown in FIG. The plug body 5 can be easily inserted straight into the cap member 4, and the force directed from the inside to the outside is relieved to some extent while the plug body 5 is passing through the small-diameter portion 21b. Deformation and breakage of the cap member can be suppressed even though the stopper body and the cap member having a larger diameter than the opening end 4b of the cap member 4 are used.

In the press-fitting step, methods for press-fitting the plug body into the inside of the cap member include a method using a rod-like member or the like.

It is preferable to use the press-fitting member 3 in the press-fitting step. The press-fitting member 3 has an open end 3 a whose outer diameter is smaller than the diameter of the small diameter portion 21 b of the second jig 2 . By using the press-fitting member 3 , the plug body 5 can be properly inserted inside the cap member 4 .

The end of the press-fitting member 3 opposite to the open end 3a is preferably closed.

The outer diameter of the open end 3 a of the press-fitting member 3 is preferably smaller than the maximum diameter of the gripping portion 5 a of the plug body 5 . The inner diameter of the open end 3 a of the press-fitting member 3 is preferably larger than the maximum diameter of the small diameter portion 5 b of the plug body 5 . It is preferable to use the press-fitting member 3 to press the stepped portion formed by the grasping portion 5a and the small-diameter portion 5b of the plug body 5, thereby press-fitting it inside the cap member. By using the press-fitting member 3, the plug main body 5 can be press-fitted into the cap member 4 with a uniform force, and the plug main body 5 and the top plate portion 4a of the cap member 4 are press-fitted so as to be in contact with each other. be able to. Note that the press-fitting member 3 may not be used.

The inner diameter of the open end 3a of the press-fitting member 3 is preferably 10 mm or more, more preferably 11 mm or more, preferably 14 mm or less, and more preferably 13 mm or less.

The outer diameter of the open end 3a of the press-fitting member 3 is preferably 12 mm or more, more preferably 13 mm or more, preferably 17 mm or less, and more preferably 16 mm or less.

The thickness of the open end 3a of the press-fitting member 3 is preferably 0.3 mm or more, more preferably 0.5 mm or more, preferably 3 mm or less, and more preferably 2 mm or less.

The length of the press-fitting member 3 is preferably 15 mm or longer, more preferably 20 mm or longer, preferably 35 mm or shorter, and more preferably 30 mm or shorter.

After the press-fitting step, the plug 6 shown in FIG. 5 can be obtained by removing the first jig 1, the second jig 2 and the press-fitting member 3. FIG. In addition, FIG. 1D shows a cross-sectional view after the press-fitting member 3 is removed and before the first jig 1 and the second jig 2 are removed.

In the method of manufacturing the plug 6, a first jig having one recess and a second jig having one through hole are used. In the method for manufacturing a plug according to the present invention, the first jig may have a plurality of recesses on the upper surface, and the second jig may have a plurality of through holes. By using the first jig having a plurality of recesses and the second jig having a plurality of through-holes, the efficiency of manufacturing the plug can be improved.

<Plug assembly device>
A plug assembly apparatus according to the present invention is used to manufacture a plug comprising a cap member having a top plate portion at one end and an open end at the other end, and a plug body.

A plug assembly apparatus according to the present invention includes a first jig having a concave portion on the upper surface, and a first jig having a through hole in which a tapered portion, a small diameter portion, and a large diameter portion larger in diameter than the small diameter portion are provided in this order. 2 jigs, and the tapered portion of the second jig is inclined so that the diameter becomes smaller toward the small diameter portion of the second jig.

The first jig and the second jig in the plug assembly apparatus are the above-described first jig and the above-described second jig.

Since the stopper assembly device according to the present invention has the above configuration, deformation and breakage of the cap member can be suppressed.

Therefore, in the plug assembly apparatus according to the present invention, the yield of plugs can be improved.

It is preferable that the plug assembly device according to the present invention includes a press-fitting member having an open end and an outer diameter of the open end smaller than the diameter of the small diameter portion of the second jig.

The press-fitting member in the plug assembly device is the press-fitting member described above.

A plug assembly apparatus according to the present invention is for manufacturing a plug using a combination of the plug body and the cap member, in which the maximum diameter of the plug body is larger than the inner diameter of the open end of the cap member. is particularly preferably used for The stopper assembly apparatus according to the present invention manufactures a stopper by using a combination of the stopper body and the cap member, in which the maximum diameter of the stopper body is smaller than the inner diameter of the open end of the cap member. It is also preferably used for Further, the stopper assembly device according to the present invention uses a combination of the stopper body and the cap member, in which the maximum diameter of the stopper body is the same as the inner diameter of the open end of the cap member, to assemble the stopper. It is also suitable for use in manufacturing.

The plug assembly apparatus according to the present invention manufactures a plug using the second jig in which the diameter of the small diameter portion of the second jig is smaller than the inner diameter of the open end of the cap member. It is particularly preferably used for

In the stopper assembly apparatus according to the present invention, the first jig may have a plurality of recesses on the upper surface, and the second jig may have a plurality of through holes. By using the first jig having a plurality of recesses and the second jig having a plurality of through-holes, the efficiency of manufacturing the plug can be improved.

The material of the cap member is preferably resin. Only one kind of the above resin may be used, or two or more kinds thereof may be used.

Examples of the resin include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polycarbonate, and the like.

The same material or different materials may be used for the top plate portion, the side surface portion, the convex portion, and the ribs that constitute the cap member. From the viewpoint of facilitating molding, it is preferable that the same material is used for the top plate portion, the side surface portions, the protrusions, and the ribs.

The material of the plug body is preferably an elastomer. If the material of the plug body is an elastomer, the plug body can be well deformed when passing through the tapered portion and the small diameter portion of the second jig. Only one kind of material for the stopper body may be used, or two or more kinds thereof may be used in combination.

Examples of the elastomer include thermosetting elastomers and thermoplastic elastomers. Examples of the thermosetting elastomer include isoprene rubber, butyl rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene copolymer rubber, and the like. Examples of the thermoplastic elastomer include styrene-based elastomers.

When the material of the plug body is the elastomer, the plug body is a rubber plug. The stopper body is preferably a rubber stopper.

Materials for the first jig, the second jig, and the press-fitting member include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, acrylic resin, polytetrafluoroethylene, and the like. Each of the materials of the first jig, the second jig, and the press-fitting member may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Further, the material of the first jig, the material of the second jig, and the material of the press-fitting member may be the same or different.

The material of the first jig and the press-fitting member is preferably polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, or polytetrafluoroethylene because of their excellent strength.

The material of the second jig is preferably polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, or polytetrafluoroethylene, more preferably polytetrafluoroethylene, because of its excellent strength and slipperiness.

The stopper manufactured by the method for manufacturing a stopper according to the present invention is preferably attached to the open end of a container having an open end. Examples of the container include a body fluid collection container such as a body of a blood collection tube.

The stopper can be suitably used as a stopper for a blood collection tube such as a 5 cc blood collection tube, a 7 cc blood collection tube, and a 10 cc blood collection tube.

EXAMPLES The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. The invention is not limited only to the following examples.

(Example 1)
Fabrication of the cap member:
A resin composition (polyethylene) was injected into a mold having the cap member dimensions shown below and molded to produce a cap member having the shape shown in FIG.

Length: 20mm
Top plate thickness: 1.6 mm, side thickness: 0.4 mm
Inner diameter of open end: 16.5mm
Minimum inner diameter: 15.5mm
Maximum outer diameter: 17.2mm
Rib length: 17 mm, rib height: 0.1 mm
Height of annular protrusion: 0.2 mm Width of annular protrusion: 1.8 mm Distance between annular protrusion and top plate 6 mm

Plug body:
A rubber plug (material: butyl rubber) having a shape shown in FIG. 4 was prepared.

Maximum diameter (maximum diameter of grip): 17 mm
Diameter of small diameter part (maximum diameter of small diameter part): 14.2 mm
Depth of recess: 5mm

Fabrication of the first jig:
A resin composition (polycarbonate) was injected into a mold having the dimensions of the first jig shown below and molded to prepare a first jig having the shape shown in FIG.

Diameter of recess: 18.0 mm, Depth of recess: 11 mm
Number of walls: 3

Fabrication of the second jig:
A resin composition (polycarbonate) was injected into a mold having the second jig dimensions shown below and molded to prepare a second jig having the shape shown in FIG.

Maximum diameter of taper part: 19 mm, depth X of taper part: 5 mm, inclination angle θ of taper part: 20 degrees Diameter of small diameter part: 15.8 mm, depth Y of small diameter part: 3 mm
Diameter of large diameter part: 18.0 mm, depth Z of large diameter part: 10 mm

Fabrication of press-fit members:
A resin composition (polycarbonate) was injected into a mold having the dimensions of a press-fitting member shown below and molded to prepare a press-fitting member having the shape shown in FIG.

Inner diameter of open end: 14 mm, Outer diameter of open end: 15.6 mm, Thickness of open end: 0.8 mm
Length: 25mm

Placement process:
The cap member was arranged inside the concave portion of the first jig so that the open end side of the cap member protruded above the upper surface of the first jig. The open end side of the cap member protruded upward by about 10 mm with respect to the upper surface of the first jig.

Mating process:
The large-diameter portion of the second jig was fitted to the projecting portion of the cap member.

Press-fitting process:
By using the press-fitting member to press the stepped portion formed by the gripping portion and the small diameter portion of the plug body, the plug body is moved from the surface side having the recess of the gripping portion of the plug body to the inside of the cap member. pressed into.

The first jig, the second jig and the press-fitting member were removed to obtain a plug.

A total of 10 plugs were produced in the same manner.

(Example 2)
Ten plugs were produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the material of the second jig was changed to polytetrafluoroethylene.

(Comparative example 1)
Ten plugs were produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the second jig was not used.

(evaluation)
<Deformation and breakage of the cap member>
The cap member in the resulting stopper was visually observed.

[Criteria for Deformation and Breakage of Cap Member]
○: The number of cap members observed to be deformed or damaged is 1 or less out of 10 △: The number of cap members observed to be deformed or damaged is 2 or more and 8 or less out of 10 ×: Deformed or damaged The number of cap members observed is 9 out of 10

The composition and results are shown in Table 1.

Reference Signs List 1 First jig 1a Upper surface 1a1 Recess 1b Wall 2 Second jig 3 Press-fitting member 3a Opening end 4 Cap member 4a Top plate 4a1 Opening 4b Opening end 4c Convex Part 4d... Rib 5... Plug body 5a... Grip part 5a1... Recess 5b... Small diameter part 6... Plug body 21... Through hole 21a... Tapered part 21b... Small diameter part 21c... Large diameter part P... Through direction Q... Inclination direction

Claims (11)

A method for manufacturing a plug comprising: a cap member having a top plate portion at one end and an open end at the other end; and a plug body, comprising:
Using a first jig having a recessed portion on the top surface, the cap member is moved from the top surface of the first jig so that the open end side of the cap member protrudes upward from the top surface of the first jig. an arranging step of arranging inside the recess;
A second jig having a through hole in which a tapered portion, a small diameter portion, and a large diameter portion having a larger diameter than the small diameter portion are provided in this order is used to replace the large diameter portion of the second jig with the cap. A fitting step of fitting to the protruding portion of the member;
a press-fitting step of press-fitting the plug body into the cap member from the taper portion side of the second jig;
the tapered portion of the second jig is inclined so that the diameter becomes smaller toward the small diameter portion of the second jig;
The plug body has a grip portion on one end side and a small diameter portion on the other end side, and a step is formed by the grip portion and the small diameter portion,
the maximum diameter of the plug body is larger than the inner diameter of the open end of the cap member,
A method of manufacturing a plug, wherein the diameter of the small diameter portion of the second jig is smaller than the inner diameter of the open end of the cap member. In the press-fitting step, a press-fitting member having an open end whose outer diameter is smaller than the diameter of the small-diameter portion of the second jig is used to insert the plug body inside the cap member. 2. The method for manufacturing the plug according to claim 1, wherein the plug is press-fitted. the plug body has a surface with a recess at the one end;
3. The method of manufacturing the plug according to claim 1, wherein in the press-fitting step, the plug body is press-fitted into the cap member from the surface side of the plug body having the recess. The method for manufacturing the plug according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the material of the plug body is an elastomer. 5. Any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tapered portion of the second jig is inclined at an inclination angle of 15 degrees or more and 30 degrees or less with respect to the penetrating direction of the through hole of the second jig. 2. A method for manufacturing the plug according to item 1. 6. The ratio of the depth of the tapered portion of the second jig to the depth of the small diameter portion of the second jig is 0.75 or more and 3.5 or less. 3. The method for manufacturing the plug according to 1. A plug assembly apparatus used for manufacturing a plug comprising a cap member having a top plate portion at one end and an open end at the other end, and a plug body, wherein the plug body has a grip portion at one end side. and a small diameter portion on the other end side, and a step is formed by the grip portion and the small diameter portion,
a first jig having a concave portion on its upper surface;
a second jig having a through hole in which a tapered portion, a small diameter portion, and a large diameter portion having a larger diameter than the small diameter portion are provided in this order;
The plug assembly device, wherein the tapered portion of the second jig is inclined such that the diameter decreases toward the small diameter portion of the second jig. 8. The plug assembly device according to claim 7, further comprising a press-fitting member having an open end and an outer diameter of the open end smaller than the diameter of the small diameter portion of the second jig. 9. The tapered portion of the second jig according to claim 7 or 8, which is inclined at an inclination angle of 15 degrees or more and 30 degrees or less with respect to the penetrating direction of the through hole of the second jig. Plug assembly device. 10. The ratio of the depth of the taper portion of the second jig to the depth of the small diameter portion of the second jig is 0.75 or more and 3.5 or less. The plug assembly device according to 1. According to any one of claims 7 to 10, the plug body is used to manufacture a plug by using a combination of the plug body and the cap member, in which the maximum diameter of the plug body is larger than the inner diameter of the open end of the cap member. The plug assembly device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images