JP2005010022A

JP2005010022A - Measuring method and measuring device for gas barrier performance

Info

Publication number: JP2005010022A
Application number: JP2003174656A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Akira Kobayashi; 亮小林; Koji Yamada; 幸司山田; Takeshi Aihara; 武志藍原; Tsunehisa Namiki; 恒久並木
Original assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd
Current assignee: Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2003-06-19
Filing date: 2003-06-19
Publication date: 2005-01-13
Anticipated expiration: 2023-06-19
Also published as: JP4232548B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately measure the gas barrier performance for an object to be measured by preventing invasion of measuring object gas from the second space to the first space by way of a gap between the object to be measured and a support member. <P>SOLUTION: The measuring method is for measuring the gas barrier performance of a bottle vessel 1 based on the mixed quantity of a measuring objective gas in a measuring medium gas by supporting the bottle vessel 1 so as to separate the first space (inner space 4) supplied with the measuring medium gas and the second space (inner space 9) filled with the measuring objective gas. The gap between the bottle vessel 1 and its support member 2 are sealed at least in double by using a plurality of seal members 13 and 14 to measure the gas barrier performance of the bottle vessel 1. The space surrounded by the bottle vessel 1, the support member 2 and the seal members 13 and 14 is replaced with a specific gas. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、被測定物のガスバリア性能を測定する測定方法及び測定装置に関し、特に、ペットボトルなどの立体容器であっても、そのガスバリア性能を精度良く測定することができるガスバリア性能の測定方法及び測定装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
被測定物のガスバリア性能（酸素透過性、水分透過性、炭酸ガス透過性など）を測定する測定装置（測定方法）が知られている（例えば、特許文献１〜３参照。）。
この種の測定装置は、測定媒体ガス（窒素など）が供給される第一の空間と、測定対象ガス（酸素、炭酸ガスなど）が供給される第二の空間とを仕切るように被測定物を支持し、測定媒体ガスに対する測定対象ガスの混入量にもとづいて、被測定物のガスバリア性能を測定するように構成されている。
【０００３】
また、近年では、ペットボトルなどの樹脂容器の普及に伴い、立体容器を被測定物としたガスバリア性能の測定ニーズがある。例えば、ＰＥＴ樹脂で形成されるペットボトルは、その内容物の酸化や品質低下を防止するために、高いガスバリア性能が求められることから、最終的な立体容器形態でガスバリア性能を測定したいという要求が高まっている。
【０００４】
従来の測定装置は、平面的に形成されたシート状の被測定物を対象としており、立体形状の被測定物に対応していないため、ペットボトルのような立体容器のガスバリア性能を測定する場合には、図８に示すようなアダプタが使用されている。
図８に示すアダプタ１００は、立体容器１０１を支持する支持部材１０２と、立体容器１０１の内部空間（第一の空間）１０３に窒素などの測定媒体ガスを供給する測定媒体ガス供給路１０４と、立体容器１０１の内部空間１０３から測定媒体ガスを排出する測定媒体ガス排出路１０５と、立体容器１０１の周囲を覆うカバー１０６と、カバー１０６の内部空間（第二の空間）１０７に酸素などの測定対象ガスを供給する測定対象ガス供給路１０８とを備えて構成されている。なお、カバー１０６及び測定対象ガス供給路１０８は省くことが可能であり、この場合には外気が測定対象ガスとなる。
【０００５】
上記のアダプタ１００を用いて立体容器１０１のガスバリア性能を測定する場合は、立体容器１０１の口部をエポキシ樹脂などで支持部材１０２に固定するとともに、立体容器１０１をカバー１０６で覆う。その後、立体容器１０１の内部空間１０３に測定媒体ガスを供給するとともに、カバー１０６の内部空間１０７に測定対象ガスを供給する。そして、測定媒体ガス及び測定対象ガスが各空間１０３、１０７に十分に充填され、測定媒体ガスに対する測定対象ガスの混入量が安定したら、測定媒体ガス排出路１０５に接続されるセンサにより、測定媒体ガスに対する測定対象ガスの混入量を測定する。
【０００６】
【特許文献１】
特公平７−７４７７８号公報（第５頁、第４図）
【特許文献２】
特許第２９５７９９０号公報（第４頁、第１図）
【特許文献３】
特許第３００３５９１号公報（第５頁、第１図）
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記従来の測定装置やアダプタでは、被測定物の取り付け界面（被測定物１０１とその支持部材１０２との隙間）を介して、第二の空間から第一の空間に測定対象ガスが侵入し、正確な測定値が得られないという問題がある。この取り付け界面から侵入するガスの量は、ごくわずかであると考えられるが、高いガスバリア性能を有する被測定物の性能評価では、大きな誤差となる可能性があるため、無視することができない。例えば、ペットボトルは、酸素透過係数が、０．０４４×１０^１３〔（ｃｍ^３（２７３．１５Ｋ，１．０１３×１０^５Ｐａ）×ｃｍ）／（ｃｍ^２×ｓｅｃ×Ｐａ）〕と非常に小さいことから、取り付け界面から侵入するガスの量がごくわずかであっても、測定結果が大きく変動してしまうという問題がある。
【０００８】
また、上記のアダプタを用いて立体容器のガスバリア性能を測定する場合は、測定者によって測定結果に大きなばらつきが生じるという問題もある。これは、エポキシ樹脂などを用いて被測定物を支持部材に固定する際、その固定精度が測定者ごとに相違するためであると考えられる。
しかも、エポキシ樹脂などを用いて被測定物を支持部材に固定する場合は、溶融したエポキシ樹脂などを被測定物と支持部材との間に溶着し、その後エポキシ樹脂などを冷却して固定しなければならず、被測定物の固定作業に手間がかかるとともに、測定後はエポキシ樹脂などを再度溶融して支持部材から除去する必要があるため、短時間のうちに効率良く測定を繰り返すことが困難であった。
【０００９】
本発明は、上記の事情にかんがみなされたものであり、被測定物と支持部材との隙間を介して、第二の空間から第一の空間に測定対象ガスが侵入することを防止し、被測定物のガスバリア性能を、短時間のうちに高精度に測定することができるガスバリア性能の測定方法及び測定装置の提供を目的とする。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するため本発明におけるガスバリア性能の測定方法は、測定媒体ガスが供給される第一の空間と、測定対象ガスが満たされている第二の空間とを仕切るように被測定物を支持し、測定媒体ガスに対する測定対象ガスの混入量にもとづいて、前記被測定物のガスバリア性能を測定する測定方法であって、前記被測定物とその支持部材との隙間を、複数のシール部材を用いて少なくとも二重にシールしながら、前記被測定物のガスバリア性能を測定する方法としてある。
【００１１】
ガスバリア性能の測定方法をこのような方法にすれば、被測定物とその支持部材との隙間を、複数のシール部材を用いて少なくとも二重にシールするため、被測定物と支持部材との隙間を介して、第二の空間から第一の空間に測定対象ガスが侵入することを防止でき、その結果、侵入ガスによる測定誤差を抑制し、ガスバリア性能の測定精度を向上させることができる。
【００１２】
また、上記目的を達成するため本発明におけるガスバリア性能の測定方法は、測定媒体ガスが供給される第一の空間と、測定対象ガスが満たされている第二の空間とを仕切るように被測定物を支持し、測定媒体ガスに対する測定対象ガスの混入量にもとづいて、前記被測定物のガスバリア性能を測定する測定方法であって、前記被測定物とその支持部材との隙間を、シール部材を用いてシールするとともに、前記被測定物、前記支持部材及び前記シール部材で囲まれる空間を所定のガスで置換しながら、前記被測定物のガスバリア性能を測定する方法としてある。
【００１３】
ガスバリア性能の測定方法をこのような方法にすれば、被測定物とその支持部材との隙間を、シール部材を用いてシールするとともに、被測定物、支持部材及びシール部材で囲まれる空間を所定のガスで置換するため、被測定物と支持部材との隙間を介して、第二の空間から第一の空間に測定対象ガスが侵入することを防止でき、その結果、侵入ガスによる測定誤差を抑制し、ガスバリア性能の測定精度を向上させることができる。
【００１４】
また、本発明におけるガスバリア性能の測定方法は、前記被測定物とその支持部材との隙間を、複数の前記シール部材を用いて少なくとも二重にシールするとともに、前記被測定物、前記支持部材及び前記シール部材で囲まれる空間を所定のガスで置換しながら、前記被測定物のガスバリア性能を測定する方法としてある。
ガスバリア性能の測定方法をこのような方法にすれば、被測定物とその支持部材との隙間を、複数のシール部材を用いて少なくとも二重にシールし、しかも、被測定物、支持部材及びシール部材で囲まれる空間を所定のガスで置換するため、被測定物と支持部材との隙間を介して、第二の空間から第一の空間に測定対象ガスが侵入することを確実に防止できる。
【００１５】
また、本発明におけるガスバリア性能の測定方法は、前記被測定物を、立体容器としてある。
ガスバリア性能の測定方法をこのような方法にすれば、ペットボトルなどの立体容器を被測定物とし、そのガスバリア性能を高精度に測定することが可能になる。しかも、エポキシ樹脂などを用いることなく、立体容器を気密的に固定することが可能であるため、立体容器のガスバリア性能測定を効率良く繰り返すことができるだけでなく、固定精度を安定させて測定結果のばらつきを抑制することができる。
【００１６】
また、本発明におけるガスバリア性能の測定方法は、前記立体容器を、口部の外周にキャップ装着用の雄ねじ部を有し、前記支持部材が、前記雄ねじ部に対応する雌ねじ部を備える方法としてある。
ガスバリア性能の測定方法をこのような方法にすれば、立体容器に形成されるキャップ装着用の雄ねじ部を利用して、立体容器を支持部材に固定することができる。
【００１７】
また、本発明におけるガスバリア性能の測定方法は、前記立体容器を、前記雄ねじ部の下側にフランジ部を有し、前記シール部材が、前記口部の先端部及び／又は前記フランジ部に当接して前記隙間をシールする方法としてある。
ガスバリア性能の測定方法をこのような方法にすれば、立体容器の雄ねじ部を支持部材の雌ねじ部にねじ込むだけで、前記隙間をシールすることができるため、支持部材に対する立体容器の固定作業をより簡単にすることができる。
【００１８】
また、本発明におけるガスバリア性能の測定方法は、前記シール部材を、環状の弾性体としてある。
ガスバリア性能の測定方法をこのような方法にすれば、一般的なＯリングを利用して前記隙間をシールすることができる。
【００１９】
また、本発明におけるガスバリア性能の測定方法は、前記所定のガスを、測定媒体ガスとしてある。
ガスバリア性能の測定方法をこのような方法にすれば、第一の空間に測定媒体ガスを供給する既存のガス供給手段を利用して、前記隙間に置換ガスを供給することができるため、専用のガス供給手段を別途設ける場合に比べ、測定装置の構造を簡略化することができる。
【００２０】
また、上記目的を達成するため本発明におけるガスバリア性能の測定装置は、被測定物を支持する支持部材と、前記被測定物内部の測定媒体ガスに混入している測定対象ガス量を測定するセンサと、前記被測定物とその支持部材との隙間を、少なくとも二重にシールする複数のシール部材と、を備える構成としてある。
ガスバリア性能の測定装置をこのように構成すれば、簡単な装置を用いて、ガスバリア性能の測定を、短時間のうちに精度よく行うことができる。
【００２１】
また、上記目的を達成するため本発明におけるガスバリア性能の測定装置は、被測定物を支持する支持部材と、前記被測定物内部の測定媒体ガスに混入している測定対象ガス量を測定するセンサと、前記被測定物とその支持部材との隙間をシールするシール部材と、前記被測定物、前記支持部材及び前記シール部材で囲まれる空間を所定のガスで置換するガスシール手段と、を備える構成としてある。
ガスバリア性能の測定装置をこのように構成すれば、簡単な装置を用いて、ガスバリア性能の測定を、短時間のうちに精度よく行うことができる。
【００２２】
また、本発明におけるガスバリア性能の測定装置は、前記被測定物とその支持部材との隙間を、少なくとも二重にシールする複数の前記シール部材と、前記被測定物、前記支持部材及び前記シール部材で囲まれる空間を所定のガスで置換する前記ガスシール手段と、を備える構成としてある。
ガスバリア性能の測定装置をこのように構成すれば、被測定物と支持部材との隙間から測定対象ガスが侵入することを確実に防止できる。
【００２３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施形態について、図面を参照して説明する。
［第一実施形態］
まず、本発明の第一実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置（測定方法）について、図１及び図２を参照して説明する。
図１は、本発明の第一実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置を示すブロック図である。
【００２４】
この図に示すように、ガスバリア性能の測定装置は、立体容器であるボトル容器（被測定物）１を支持する支持部材２と、測定媒体ガス供給路３を介して、ボトル容器１の内部空間（第一の空間）４に窒素などの測定媒体ガスを供給する測定媒体ガス供給源５と、ボトル容器１の内部空間４から測定媒体ガスを排出する測定媒体ガス排出路６と、ボトル容器１の周囲を覆うカバー７と、測定対象ガス供給路８を介して、カバー７の内部空間（第二の空間）９に酸素などの測定対象ガスを供給する測定対象ガス供給源１０と、カバー７の内部空間９から測定対象ガスを排出する測定対象ガス排出路１１と、測定媒体ガス排出路６に接続され、測定媒体ガスに対する測定対象ガスの混入量を検出するセンサ１２とを備える。なお、カバー７、測定対象ガス供給路８、測定対象ガス供給源１０及び測定対象ガス排出路１１は省くことが可能であり、この場合には外気が測定対象ガスとなる。
【００２５】
図２は、本発明の第一実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置を示す要部断面図である。
被測定物としてのボトル容器１は、例えば、ＰＥＴ樹脂で形成されるペットボトルであり、その上端部には、内容物の出入り口となる口部１ａが形成されている。口部１ａは、外周にキャップ装着用の雄ねじ部１ｂを有し、この雄ねじ部１ｂにキャップ（図示せず）をねじ込むことにより、口部１ａが閉じられる。
【００２６】
支持部材２には、上方に開口する円形のボトル固定穴２ａが形成されている。ボトル固定穴２ａの内周には、上記雄ねじ部１ｂに対応する雌ねじ部２ｂが形成されており、この雌ねじ部２ｂに対する前記雄ねじ部１ｂのねじ込みにより、ボトル容器１の口部１ａが支持部材２に固定される。
測定媒体ガス供給路３及び測定媒体ガス排出路６は、ボルト固定穴２ａの底面部を貫通し、ボトル容器１の内部空間４に突出される。測定媒体ガス供給路３から内部空間４に測定媒体ガスを供給すると、内部空間４の圧力上昇に伴い、内部空間４の測定媒体ガスが、測定媒体ガス排出路６を介して排出される。
【００２７】
ボトル固定穴２ａには、複数のシール部材１３、１４が設けられ、これらのシール部材１３、１４によって、ボトル容器１と支持部材２との隙間が少なくとも二重にシールされる。
シール部材１３、１４の材質は、測定対象ガスの種類などに応じて選択される。例えば、測定対象ガスが酸素の場合は、シール部材１３、１４の材質として、酸素透過率が低いものが用いられる。具体的には、クロロプレンゴム（２．９６×１０^１３）やブチルゴム（０．９８×１０^１３）などを用いることができる。
【００２８】
本実施形態では、シール部材１３、１４として環状の弾性体（Ｏリング）が用いられる。一方のシール部材１３は、ボトル固定穴２ａの底面周縁部で保持され、他方のシール部材１４は、ボトル固定穴２ａの上端周縁部に形成されるシール部材収納溝２ｃで保持されている。上記のようにボトル容器１の口部１ａを支持部材２のボトル固定穴２ａにねじ込むと、口部１ａの先端部が一方のシール部材１３に当接するとともに、フランジ部１ｃが他方のシール部材１４に当接される。これにより、ボトル容器１の口部１ａを支持部材２のボトル固定穴２ａにねじ込むだけで、ボトル容器１の固定及び二重のシールを行うことが可能になる。
【００２９】
ボトル固定穴２ａの内周面中間部には、全周にわたってガスシール溝（ガスシール手段）２ｄが形成されている。ガスシール溝２ｄは、ボトル容器１、支持部材２及びシール部材１３、１４で囲まれる空間に形成されており、置換ガス供給路１５及び置換ガス排出路１６に接続される。置換ガス供給路１５は、ガスシール溝２ｄに所定のガスを供給し、置換ガス排出路１６は、ガスシール溝２ｄ内に充填された所定のガスを外部に排出する。これにより、ボトル容器１、支持部材２及びシール部材１３、１４で囲まれる空間が所定のガスで置換される。
【００３０】
つまり、シール部材１４を通過した外気（測定対象ガス）が、ボトル容器１、支持部材２及びシール部材１３、１４で囲まれる空間に侵入すると、置換ガス供給路１５から供給される所定のガスとともに置換ガス排出路１６から排出されるため、ボトル容器１内への外気の侵入を防止することが可能になる。
【００３１】
ガスシール溝２ｄに供給する所定のガスは、測定対象ガス以外であれば任意のガスを用いることが可能であるが、測定媒体ガスと同一のガスを用いることが好ましい。この場合には、本実施形態のように、置換ガス供給路１５を測定媒体ガス供給路３に接続するだけで、ガスシール溝２ｄに対するガス供給が可能になる。
【００３２】
上記のように構成された測定装置を用いてボトル容器１のガスバリア性能を測定する場合は、まず、ボトル容器１の口部１ａを支持部材２のボトル固定穴２ａにねじ込んで固定する。つぎに、ボトル容器１の内部空間４及び支持部材２のガスシール溝２ｄに対する測定媒体ガスの供給を開始する。このとき、カバー７の内部空間９に測定対象ガスを供給してもよいが、本実施形態では省略する。そして、測定媒体ガスがボトル容器１の内部空間４に十分に充填され、測定媒体ガスに対する測定対象ガスの混入量が安定したら、測定媒体ガス排出路６に接続されるセンサ１２により、測定媒体ガスに対する測定対象ガスの混入量を測定する。
【００３３】
上記のように構成された第一実施形態によれば、ボトル容器１とその支持部材２との隙間を、複数のシール部材１３、１４を用いて少なくとも二重にシールするとともに、ボトル容器１、支持部材２及びシール部材１３、１４で囲まれる空間を所定のガスで置換するため、ボトル容器１と支持部材２との隙間を介して、ボトル容器１の内部空間４に外気（測定対象ガス）が侵入することを防止でき、その結果、侵入ガスによる測定誤差を抑制し、ガスバリア性能の測定精度を向上させることができる。
【００３４】
また、ペットボトルなどのボトル容器１を、エポキシ樹脂などを用いることなく、気密的に固定することが可能であるため、ボトル容器１のガスバリア性能測定を効率良く繰り返すことができるだけでなく、固定精度を安定させて測定結果のばらつきを抑制することができる。
【００３５】
また、ボトル容器１は、口部１ａの外周にキャップ装着用の雄ねじ部１ｂを有し、支持部材２は、前記雄ねじ部１ｂに対応する雌ねじ部２ｂを備えるため、ボトル容器１に形成されるキャップ装着用の雄ねじ部１ｂを利用して、ボトル容器１を支持部材２に固定することができる。
【００３６】
また、ボトル容器１は、雄ねじ部１ｂの下側にフランジ部１ｃを有し、複数のシール部材１３、１４は、口部１ａの先端部及びフランジ部１ｃに当接して前記隙間を二重にシールするため、ボトル容器１の雄ねじ部１ｂを支持部材２の雌ねじ部２ｂにねじ込むだけで、ボトル容器１の固定及び二重シールを完了させることができる。
また、シール部材１３、１４は、環状の弾性体であるため、一般的なＯリングを利用して前記隙間を二重にシールすることができる。
【００３７】
また、ガスシール溝２ｄに供給する所定のガスは、測定媒体ガスであるため、ボトル容器１の内部空間４に測定媒体ガスを供給する既存のガス供給手段を利用して、ガスシール溝２ｄに置換ガスを供給することができ、その結果、専用のガス供給手段を別途設ける場合に比べ、測定装置の構造を簡略化することができる。
【００３８】
つぎに、本発明に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置の他の実施形態について、図３〜図７を参照して順次説明する。ただし、前記実施形態と共通する部分については、同じ符号を付け、前記実施形態の説明を援用する。
【００３９】
［第二及び第三実施形態］
図３は、本発明の第二実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置を示す要部断面図、図４は、本発明の第三実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置を示す要部断面図である。
これらの図に示すように、第二及び第三実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置は、シール部材１３、１４のいずれか一方を省いた点が第一実施形態と相違している。このように、シール部材１３、１４のいずれか一方を省いた場合、ボトル容器１と支持部材２との間におけるシール性の低下が懸念されるが、要求される測定精度に応じて、適宜選択的に実施することが可能である。また、ボトル容器１と支持部材２との摺り合わせによってシール性を高められる場合は、本実施形態のように、シール部材１３、１４のいずれか一方を省いても、第一実施形態とほぼ同等のシール性を確保することができる。
【００４０】
上記のように構成された第二及び第三実施形態によれば、ボトル容器１とその支持部材２との隙間を、シール部材１３（１４）を用いてシールするとともに、ボトル容器１、支持部材２及びシール部材１３（１４）で囲まれる空間を所定のガスで置換することにより、ボトル容器１と支持部材２との隙間を介して、ボトル容器１の内部空間４に外気（測定対象ガス）が侵入することを防止でき、その結果、侵入ガスによる測定誤差を抑制し、ガスバリア性能の測定精度を向上させることができる。
【００４１】
［第四実施形態］
図５は、本発明の第四実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置を示す要部断面図である。
この図に示すように、第四実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置は、ボトル容器１と支持部材２との隙間において、ガス置換を行わない点が第一実施形態と相違している。このように、ボトル容器１と支持部材２との隙間でガス置換を行わない場合、ボトル容器１と支持部材２との間におけるシール性の低下が懸念されるが、シール部材１３、１４による二重シールで十分なシール性が得られるケースでは、選択的に実施することが可能である。
【００４２】
上記のように構成された第四実施形態によれば、ボトル容器１とその支持部材２との隙間を、複数のシール部材１３、１４を用いて少なくとも二重にシールすることにより、ボトル容器１と支持部材２との隙間を介して、ボトル容器１の内部空間４に外気（測定対象ガス）が侵入することを防止でき、その結果、侵入ガスによる測定誤差を抑制し、ガスバリア性能の測定精度を向上させることができる。
【００４３】
［第五実施形態］
図６は、本発明の第五実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置を示す要部断面図である。
この図に示すように、第五実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置は、ボトル容器１とキャップ２１との間のシール性能や、キャップ２１がプラスチックの場合には、それ自体のガスバリア性能を測定する点が前記実施形態と相違している。なお、この測定に用いるボトル容器１は、胴部の中間で予め切断される。
【００４４】
本実施形態の支持部材２２は、上方が開口した環状の固定溝２２ａを備えている。この固定溝２２ａにボトル容器１の切断部を差し込み、ボトル容器１の肩部を固定部材２３で押え、固定部材２３をボルト２４で支持部材２２に固定することにより、ボトル容器１が支持部材２２に固定される。
固定溝２２ａの外側内周面には、上下に所定の間隔をあけて、二本のシール部材収納溝２２ｂ、２２ｃが形成され、ここに保持されるシール部材２５、２６によって、ボトル容器１と支持部材２２の隙間が二重にシールされる。
【００４５】
固定溝２２ａの外側内周面には、全周にわたってガスシール溝２２ｄが形成されている。ガスシール溝２２ｄは、ボトル容器１、支持部材２２及びシール部材２５、２６で囲まれる空間に形成されており、前記実施形態と同様に置換ガス供給路１５及び置換ガス排出路１６に接続される。これにより、ボトル容器１、支持部材２２及びシール部材２５、２６で囲まれる空間が所定のガスで置換される。
【００４６】
上記のように構成された第五実施形態によれば、ボトル容器１とキャップ２１との間のシール性能を測定するものでありながら、第一実施形態と同様に、ボトル容器１、支持部材２２及びシール部材２５、２６で囲まれる空間を所定のガスで置換することにより、ボトル容器１と支持部材２２との隙間を介して、ボトル容器１の内部空間４に外気（測定対象ガス）が侵入することを防止し、測定精度を向上させることができる。
この実施形態の場合におけるボトル容器としては、ガラス瓶等のガス遮断性を有するものであることが好ましい。
【００４７】
［第六実施形態］
図７は、本発明の第六実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置を示す要部断面図である。
この図に示すように、第六実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置は、カップ容器３１のガスバリア性能を測定する点が前記実施形態と相違している。カップ容器３１は、例えば、逆円錐台状に形成され、上端縁部にフランジ部３１ａを有するものである。
【００４８】
第六実施形態の支持部材３２は、上方が開口した環状の固定溝３２ａを備えている。この固定溝３２ａにカップ容器３１の上端縁部を差し込み、カップ容器３１のフランジ部３１ａを固定部材３３で押え、固定部材３３をボルト３４で支持部材３２に固定することにより、カップ容器３１が支持部材３２に固定される。固定溝３２ａの内周面には、上下に所定の間隔をあけて、二本のシール部材収納溝３２ｂ、３２ｃが形成され、ここに保持されるシール部材３５、３６によって、カップ容器３１と支持部材３２の隙間が二重にシールされる。
【００４９】
固定溝３２ａの内周面には、全周にわたってガスシール溝３２ｄが形成されている。ガスシール溝３２ｄは、カップ容器３１、支持部材３２及びシール部材３５、３６で囲まれる空間に形成されており、前記実施形態と同様に置換ガス供給路１５及び置換ガス排出路１６に接続される。これにより、カップ容器３１、支持部材３２及びシール部材３５、３６で囲まれる空間が所定のガスで置換される。
【００５０】
上記のように構成された第六実施形態によれば、カップ容器３１のガスバリア性能を測定するものでありながら、第一実施形態と同様に、カップ容器３１、支持部材３２及びシール部材３５、３６で囲まれる空間を所定のガスで置換することにより、カップ容器３１と支持部材３２との隙間を介して、カップ容器３１の内部空間に外気（測定対象ガス）が侵入することを防止し、測定精度を向上させることができる。
【００５１】
なお、本発明は、前記実施形態に示した立体容器のガスバリア性能測定に限定されるものではなく、平面的に形成される被測定物のガスバリア性能測定にも適用することができる。
【００５２】
【発明の効果】
以上のように、本発明によれば、被測定物と支持部材との隙間を介して、第二の空間から第一の空間に測定対象ガスが侵入することを防止し、被測定物のガスバリア性能を、短時間のうちに高精度に測定することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第一実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置を示すブロック図である。
【図２】本発明の第一実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置を示す要部断面図である。
【図３】本発明の第二実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置を示す要部断面図である。
【図４】本発明の第三実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置を示す要部断面図である。
【図５】本発明の第四実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置を示す要部断面図である。
【図６】本発明の第五実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置を示す要部断面図である。
【図７】本発明の第六実施形態に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置を示す要部断面図である。
【図８】従来例に係るガスバリア性能の測定装置（アダプタ）を示す正面図である。
【符号の説明】
１ボトル容器
１ａ口部
１ｂ雄ねじ部
１ｃフランジ部
２支持部材
２ａボルト固定穴
２ｂ雌ねじ部
２ｄガスシール溝
３測定媒体ガス供給路
４内部空間
６測定媒体ガス排出路
１２センサ
１３シール部材
１４シール部材
１５置換ガス供給路
１６置換ガス排出路
２２支持部材
２２ｄガスシール溝
２５シール部材
２６シール部材
３１カップ容器
３２支持部材
３２ｄガスシール溝
３５シール部材
３６シール部材[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a measurement method and a measurement apparatus for measuring the gas barrier performance of an object to be measured, and in particular, a gas barrier performance measurement method capable of accurately measuring the gas barrier performance of a three-dimensional container such as a PET bottle, and It relates to a measuring device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A measuring apparatus (measuring method) for measuring gas barrier performance (oxygen permeability, moisture permeability, carbon dioxide permeability, etc.) of an object to be measured is known (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3).
This type of measuring device is a device under test so as to partition a first space to which a measurement medium gas (such as nitrogen) is supplied from a second space to which a measurement target gas (such as oxygen or carbon dioxide) is supplied. The gas barrier performance of the object to be measured is measured based on the amount of the measurement target gas mixed into the measurement medium gas.
[0003]
In recent years, with the spread of resin containers such as PET bottles, there is a need for measurement of gas barrier performance using a three-dimensional container as an object to be measured. For example, PET bottles made of PET resin are required to have high gas barrier performance in order to prevent oxidation and quality deterioration of their contents. Therefore, there is a demand for measuring gas barrier performance in the final three-dimensional container form. It is growing.
[0004]
When measuring the gas barrier performance of a three-dimensional container such as a plastic bottle because conventional measuring devices are intended for flat sheet-like objects to be measured and do not correspond to three-dimensional objects to be measured An adapter as shown in FIG. 8 is used.
An adapter 100 shown in FIG. 8 includes a support member 102 that supports the three-dimensional container 101, a measurement medium gas supply path 104 that supplies a measurement medium gas such as nitrogen to the internal space (first space) 103 of the three-dimensional container 101, Measurement medium gas discharge path 105 for discharging measurement medium gas from the internal space 103 of the three-dimensional container 101, a cover 106 covering the periphery of the three-dimensional container 101, and measurement of oxygen or the like in the internal space (second space) 107 of the cover 106 A measurement target gas supply path 108 for supplying the target gas is provided. The cover 106 and the measurement target gas supply path 108 can be omitted, and in this case, the outside air becomes the measurement target gas.
[0005]
When measuring the gas barrier performance of the three-dimensional container 101 using the adapter 100, the mouth of the three-dimensional container 101 is fixed to the support member 102 with an epoxy resin or the like, and the three-dimensional container 101 is covered with the cover 106. Thereafter, the measurement medium gas is supplied to the internal space 103 of the three-dimensional container 101 and the measurement target gas is supplied to the internal space 107 of the cover 106. When the measurement medium gas and the measurement target gas are sufficiently filled in the spaces 103 and 107 and the amount of the measurement target gas mixed into the measurement medium gas is stabilized, the sensor connected to the measurement medium gas discharge path 105 is used to measure the measurement medium gas. Measure the amount of gas to be measured with respect to the gas.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-74778 (5th page, FIG. 4)
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent No. 2957990 (page 4, FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 3]
Japanese Patent No. 3003591 (page 5, FIG. 1)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional measuring apparatus and adapter described above, the measurement target gas enters the first space from the second space through the attachment interface of the measurement object (the gap between the measurement object 101 and the support member 102). However, there is a problem that an accurate measurement value cannot be obtained. The amount of gas entering from the attachment interface is considered to be very small, but in the performance evaluation of the object to be measured having high gas barrier performance, there is a possibility of a large error, so it cannot be ignored. For example, a PET bottle has an oxygen permeability coefficient of 0.044 × 10 ¹³ [(Cm ³ (273.15K, 1.013 × 10 ⁵ Pa) × cm) / (cm ² × sec × Pa)], which is very small, there is a problem that the measurement result fluctuates greatly even if the amount of gas entering from the attachment interface is very small.
[0008]
Moreover, when measuring the gas barrier performance of a three-dimensional container using said adapter, there also exists a problem that a measurement result will have big dispersion | variation by a measurer. This is considered to be because when the object to be measured is fixed to the support member using an epoxy resin or the like, the fixing accuracy differs depending on each measurer.
In addition, when fixing an object to be measured to a support member using an epoxy resin or the like, melted epoxy resin or the like must be welded between the object to be measured and the support member, and then the epoxy resin or the like is cooled and fixed. In addition, it takes time to fix the object to be measured, and after measurement, it is difficult to repeat the measurement efficiently in a short time because it is necessary to melt the epoxy resin again and remove it from the support member. Met.
[0009]
The present invention has been considered in view of the above circumstances, and prevents the measurement target gas from entering the first space from the second space through the gap between the measured object and the support member. An object of the present invention is to provide a gas barrier performance measuring method and a measuring apparatus capable of measuring the gas barrier performance of a measurement object with high accuracy in a short time.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the gas barrier performance measuring method according to the present invention is a method of separating an object to be measured so as to partition a first space supplied with a measurement medium gas and a second space filled with a measurement target gas. A measurement method for supporting and measuring a gas barrier performance of the object to be measured based on a mixing amount of a measurement object gas with respect to a measurement medium gas, wherein a gap between the object to be measured and the support member is provided with a plurality of seal members. This is a method for measuring the gas barrier performance of the object to be measured while at least double-sealing.
[0011]
If the method for measuring the gas barrier performance is such a method, the gap between the object to be measured and the support member is sealed at least twice using a plurality of seal members. Thus, it is possible to prevent the measurement target gas from entering the first space from the second space, and as a result, it is possible to suppress measurement errors caused by the intrusion gas and improve the measurement accuracy of the gas barrier performance.
[0012]
In addition, in order to achieve the above object, the gas barrier performance measuring method according to the present invention is to measure a first space in which the measurement medium gas is supplied and a second space in which the measurement target gas is filled. A measuring method for supporting an object and measuring a gas barrier performance of the object to be measured based on a mixed amount of the measurement object gas with respect to a measuring medium gas, wherein a gap between the object to be measured and the supporting member is a sealing member. And measuring the gas barrier performance of the object to be measured while replacing the space surrounded by the object to be measured, the support member and the seal member with a predetermined gas.
[0013]
If the measurement method of the gas barrier performance is such a method, the gap between the object to be measured and its support member is sealed using the seal member, and a space surrounded by the object to be measured, the support member and the seal member is predetermined. Therefore, the measurement target gas can be prevented from entering the first space from the second space through the gap between the object to be measured and the support member. It can suppress and can improve the measurement accuracy of gas barrier performance.
[0014]
Further, the gas barrier performance measuring method in the present invention is to seal the gap between the object to be measured and its supporting member at least double using a plurality of the sealing members, and to measure the object to be measured, the supporting member, and The gas barrier performance of the object to be measured is measured while replacing the space surrounded by the seal member with a predetermined gas.
If the measurement method of the gas barrier performance is such a method, the gap between the object to be measured and its support member is sealed at least double using a plurality of seal members, and the object to be measured, the support member and the seal are sealed. Since the space surrounded by the members is replaced with a predetermined gas, it is possible to reliably prevent the measurement target gas from entering the first space from the second space through the gap between the object to be measured and the support member.
[0015]
In the gas barrier performance measuring method according to the present invention, the object to be measured is a three-dimensional container.
If the measuring method of the gas barrier performance is such a method, it becomes possible to measure the gas barrier performance with high accuracy by using a three-dimensional container such as a PET bottle as an object to be measured. Moreover, since it is possible to fix the three-dimensional container in an airtight manner without using an epoxy resin or the like, not only can the gas barrier performance measurement of the three-dimensional container be repeated efficiently, but also the measurement accuracy can be stabilized by stabilizing the fixing accuracy. Variations can be suppressed.
[0016]
The gas barrier performance measuring method according to the present invention is a method in which the three-dimensional container has a male screw part for attaching a cap on the outer periphery of the mouth part, and the support member has a female screw part corresponding to the male screw part. .
If the method for measuring the gas barrier performance is such a method, the three-dimensional container can be fixed to the support member by using the male screw part for mounting the cap formed on the three-dimensional container.
[0017]
In the gas barrier performance measuring method according to the present invention, the three-dimensional container has a flange portion below the male screw portion, and the seal member abuts on the front end portion of the mouth portion and / or the flange portion. This is a method for sealing the gap.
If the method for measuring the gas barrier performance is such a method, the gap can be sealed only by screwing the male screw part of the three-dimensional container into the female screw part of the support member. Can be simple.
[0018]
Moreover, the measuring method of the gas barrier performance in this invention uses the said sealing member as a cyclic | annular elastic body.
If the method for measuring the gas barrier performance is such a method, the gap can be sealed using a general O-ring.
[0019]
In the gas barrier performance measuring method according to the present invention, the predetermined gas is used as a measurement medium gas.
If the method for measuring the gas barrier performance is such a method, the replacement gas can be supplied to the gap using the existing gas supply means for supplying the measurement medium gas to the first space. The structure of the measuring device can be simplified as compared with the case where a gas supply unit is provided separately.
[0020]
In order to achieve the above object, a gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to the present invention includes a support member for supporting an object to be measured, and a sensor for measuring an amount of a measurement target gas mixed in a measurement medium gas inside the object to be measured. And a plurality of seal members that at least double seal the gap between the object to be measured and its support member.
If the gas barrier performance measuring apparatus is configured in this way, the gas barrier performance can be accurately measured in a short time using a simple apparatus.
[0021]
In order to achieve the above object, a gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to the present invention includes a support member for supporting an object to be measured, and a sensor for measuring an amount of a measurement target gas mixed in a measurement medium gas inside the object to be measured. And a seal member that seals a gap between the object to be measured and its support member, and a gas sealing means that replaces a space surrounded by the object to be measured, the support member, and the seal member with a predetermined gas. As a configuration.
If the gas barrier performance measuring apparatus is configured in this way, the gas barrier performance can be accurately measured in a short time using a simple apparatus.
[0022]
Further, the gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of the seal members that seal at least a gap between the object to be measured and the support member, the object to be measured, the support member, and the seal member. And a gas sealing means for replacing a space surrounded by a predetermined gas.
By configuring the gas barrier performance measuring apparatus in this way, it is possible to reliably prevent the measurement target gas from entering from the gap between the object to be measured and the support member.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First embodiment]
First, a gas barrier performance measuring apparatus (measuring method) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0024]
As shown in this figure, the gas barrier performance measuring apparatus includes an inner space of the bottle container 1 via a support member 2 that supports a bottle container (measurement object) 1 that is a three-dimensional container, and a measurement medium gas supply path 3. (First space) A measurement medium gas supply source 5 for supplying a measurement medium gas such as nitrogen to 4, a measurement medium gas discharge path 6 for discharging the measurement medium gas from the internal space 4 of the bottle container 1, and the bottle container 1 A measurement target gas supply source 10 for supplying a measurement target gas such as oxygen to an internal space (second space) 9 of the cover 7 via a measurement target gas supply path 8, and a cover 7. A measurement target gas discharge path 11 for discharging the measurement target gas from the internal space 9 and a sensor 12 connected to the measurement medium gas discharge path 6 for detecting the amount of the measurement target gas mixed into the measurement medium gas. Note that the cover 7, the measurement target gas supply path 8, the measurement target gas supply source 10, and the measurement target gas discharge path 11 can be omitted, and in this case, the outside air becomes the measurement target gas.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing the gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The bottle container 1 as an object to be measured is, for example, a PET bottle formed of PET resin, and a mouth portion 1a serving as a content entrance is formed at the upper end portion. The mouth portion 1a has a male threaded portion 1b for mounting a cap on the outer periphery, and the mouth portion 1a is closed by screwing a cap (not shown) into the male threaded portion 1b.
[0026]
The support member 2 is formed with a circular bottle fixing hole 2a that opens upward. A female screw portion 2b corresponding to the male screw portion 1b is formed on the inner periphery of the bottle fixing hole 2a. By screwing the male screw portion 1b into the female screw portion 2b, the mouth portion 1a of the bottle container 1 is supported by the support member 2. Fixed to.
The measurement medium gas supply path 3 and the measurement medium gas discharge path 6 pass through the bottom surface of the bolt fixing hole 2 a and protrude into the internal space 4 of the bottle container 1. When the measurement medium gas is supplied from the measurement medium gas supply path 3 to the internal space 4, the measurement medium gas in the internal space 4 is discharged through the measurement medium gas discharge path 6 as the pressure in the internal space 4 increases.
[0027]
A plurality of sealing members 13 and 14 are provided in the bottle fixing hole 2a, and the gap between the bottle container 1 and the supporting member 2 is sealed at least double by these sealing members 13 and 14.
The material of the seal members 13 and 14 is selected according to the type of measurement target gas. For example, when the measurement target gas is oxygen, a material having a low oxygen permeability is used as the material of the seal members 13 and 14. Specifically, chloroprene rubber (2.96 × 10 ¹³ ) And butyl rubber (0.98 × 10 ¹³ ) Etc. can be used.
[0028]
In the present embodiment, annular elastic bodies (O-rings) are used as the seal members 13 and 14. One seal member 13 is held at the bottom peripheral edge of the bottle fixing hole 2a, and the other seal member 14 is held by a seal member housing groove 2c formed at the upper peripheral edge of the bottle fixing hole 2a. When the mouth portion 1a of the bottle container 1 is screwed into the bottle fixing hole 2a of the support member 2 as described above, the front end portion of the mouth portion 1a comes into contact with one seal member 13, and the flange portion 1c is brought into contact with the other seal member 14. Abut. Thereby, the bottle container 1 can be fixed and double-sealed only by screwing the mouth portion 1a of the bottle container 1 into the bottle fixing hole 2a of the support member 2.
[0029]
A gas seal groove (gas seal means) 2d is formed over the entire circumference in the middle portion of the inner peripheral surface of the bottle fixing hole 2a. The gas seal groove 2 d is formed in a space surrounded by the bottle container 1, the support member 2 and the seal members 13 and 14, and is connected to the replacement gas supply path 15 and the replacement gas discharge path 16. The replacement gas supply path 15 supplies a predetermined gas to the gas seal groove 2d, and the replacement gas discharge path 16 discharges the predetermined gas filled in the gas seal groove 2d to the outside. Thereby, the space surrounded by the bottle container 1, the support member 2, and the seal members 13 and 14 is replaced with a predetermined gas.
[0030]
That is, when the outside air (measurement target gas) that has passed through the seal member 14 enters the space surrounded by the bottle container 1, the support member 2, and the seal members 13 and 14, together with the predetermined gas supplied from the replacement gas supply path 15. Since the exhaust gas is discharged from the replacement gas discharge path 16, it is possible to prevent the outside air from entering the bottle container 1.
[0031]
As the predetermined gas supplied to the gas seal groove 2d, any gas other than the measurement target gas can be used, but the same gas as the measurement medium gas is preferably used. In this case, the gas can be supplied to the gas seal groove 2d only by connecting the replacement gas supply path 15 to the measurement medium gas supply path 3 as in the present embodiment.
[0032]
When measuring the gas barrier performance of the bottle container 1 using the measuring apparatus configured as described above, first, the mouth portion 1a of the bottle container 1 is screwed into the bottle fixing hole 2a of the support member 2 and fixed. Next, supply of the measurement medium gas to the internal space 4 of the bottle container 1 and the gas seal groove 2d of the support member 2 is started. At this time, the measurement target gas may be supplied to the internal space 9 of the cover 7, but this is omitted in the present embodiment. When the measurement medium gas is sufficiently filled in the internal space 4 of the bottle container 1 and the amount of the measurement target gas mixed into the measurement medium gas is stabilized, the measurement medium gas is detected by the sensor 12 connected to the measurement medium gas discharge path 6. Measure the amount of mixed gas to be measured.
[0033]
According to the first embodiment configured as described above, the gap between the bottle container 1 and the support member 2 is at least double sealed using the plurality of seal members 13 and 14, and the bottle container 1, In order to replace the space surrounded by the support member 2 and the seal members 13 and 14 with a predetermined gas, the outside air (measurement target gas) enters the internal space 4 of the bottle container 1 through the gap between the bottle container 1 and the support member 2. Can be prevented, and as a result, the measurement error due to the intruding gas can be suppressed and the measurement accuracy of the gas barrier performance can be improved.
[0034]
In addition, since the bottle container 1 such as a PET bottle can be fixed in an airtight manner without using an epoxy resin or the like, not only the gas barrier performance measurement of the bottle container 1 can be repeated efficiently, but also the fixing accuracy. It is possible to suppress variations in measurement results.
[0035]
Moreover, since the bottle container 1 has the external thread part 1b for cap attachment in the outer periphery of the opening part 1a, and the support member 2 is provided with the internal thread part 2b corresponding to the said external thread part 1b, it is formed in the bottle container 1. The bottle container 1 can be fixed to the support member 2 by using the male screw portion 1b for attaching the cap.
[0036]
Further, the bottle container 1 has a flange portion 1c on the lower side of the male screw portion 1b, and the plurality of seal members 13 and 14 abut against the front end portion of the mouth portion 1a and the flange portion 1c to double the gap. For sealing, the bottle container 1 can be fixed and double-sealed only by screwing the male thread 1b of the bottle container 1 into the female thread 2b of the support member 2.
Moreover, since the sealing members 13 and 14 are annular elastic bodies, the gap can be double sealed using a general O-ring.
[0037]
Further, since the predetermined gas supplied to the gas seal groove 2d is the measurement medium gas, the existing gas supply means for supplying the measurement medium gas to the internal space 4 of the bottle container 1 is used to enter the gas seal groove 2d. The replacement gas can be supplied, and as a result, the structure of the measuring apparatus can be simplified as compared with the case where a dedicated gas supply means is separately provided.
[0038]
Next, other embodiments of the gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to the present invention will be sequentially described with reference to FIGS. However, about the part which is common in the said embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description of the said embodiment is used.
[0039]
[Second and third embodiments]
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. is there.
As shown in these drawings, the gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to the second and third embodiments is different from the first embodiment in that either one of the seal members 13 and 14 is omitted. As described above, when any one of the sealing members 13 and 14 is omitted, there is a concern that the sealing performance between the bottle container 1 and the support member 2 is deteriorated, but it is appropriately selected depending on the required measurement accuracy. Can be implemented automatically. Further, when the sealing performance can be improved by sliding the bottle container 1 and the support member 2 together, even if one of the seal members 13 and 14 is omitted as in the present embodiment, it is almost equivalent to the first embodiment. The sealing property can be ensured.
[0040]
According to 2nd and 3rd embodiment comprised as mentioned above, while sealing the clearance gap between the bottle container 1 and its supporting member 2 using the sealing member 13 (14), the bottle container 1 and supporting member 2 and the space surrounded by the seal member 13 (14) are replaced with a predetermined gas, so that the outside air (measurement target gas) enters the internal space 4 of the bottle container 1 through the gap between the bottle container 1 and the support member 2. Can be prevented, and as a result, the measurement error due to the intruding gas can be suppressed and the measurement accuracy of the gas barrier performance can be improved.
[0041]
[Fourth embodiment]
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in this figure, the gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that gas replacement is not performed in the gap between the bottle container 1 and the support member 2. As described above, when gas replacement is not performed in the gap between the bottle container 1 and the support member 2, there is a concern about a decrease in sealing performance between the bottle container 1 and the support member 2. In a case where sufficient sealing performance can be obtained with a heavy seal, it is possible to carry out selectively.
[0042]
According to the fourth embodiment configured as described above, the gap between the bottle container 1 and the support member 2 is sealed at least twice using the plurality of seal members 13 and 14, thereby the bottle container 1. It is possible to prevent the outside air (measurement target gas) from entering the inner space 4 of the bottle container 1 through the gap between the support member 2 and the measurement error due to the intrusion gas, thereby reducing the measurement accuracy of the gas barrier performance. Can be improved.
[0043]
[Fifth embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a principal part showing a gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in this figure, the gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to the fifth embodiment measures the sealing performance between the bottle container 1 and the cap 21 and, when the cap 21 is made of plastic, the gas barrier performance of itself. This is different from the above embodiment. In addition, the bottle container 1 used for this measurement is cut | disconnected previously in the middle of a trunk | drum.
[0044]
The support member 22 of the present embodiment includes an annular fixed groove 22a that opens upward. By inserting the cutting portion of the bottle container 1 into the fixing groove 22a, pressing the shoulder portion of the bottle container 1 with the fixing member 23, and fixing the fixing member 23 to the supporting member 22 with the bolt 24, the bottle container 1 is supported by the supporting member 22. Fixed to.
Two seal member housing grooves 22b and 22c are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed groove 22a with a predetermined interval in the vertical direction. The seal members 25 and 26 held here hold the bottle container 1 with the seal member 25 and 26, respectively. The gap between the support members 22 is double sealed.
[0045]
A gas seal groove 22d is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed groove 22a over the entire circumference. The gas seal groove 22d is formed in a space surrounded by the bottle container 1, the support member 22, and the seal members 25 and 26, and is connected to the replacement gas supply path 15 and the replacement gas discharge path 16 in the same manner as in the above embodiment. . Thereby, the space surrounded by the bottle container 1, the support member 22, and the seal members 25 and 26 is replaced with a predetermined gas.
[0046]
According to the fifth embodiment configured as described above, while measuring the sealing performance between the bottle container 1 and the cap 21, the bottle container 1 and the support member 22 are the same as in the first embodiment. And by replacing the space surrounded by the seal members 25 and 26 with a predetermined gas, outside air (measurement target gas) enters the internal space 4 of the bottle container 1 through the gap between the bottle container 1 and the support member 22. Can be prevented and measurement accuracy can be improved.
In the case of this embodiment, the bottle container preferably has a gas barrier property such as a glass bottle.
[0047]
[Sixth embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a principal part showing a gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the figure, the gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to the sixth embodiment is different from the above embodiment in that the gas barrier performance of the cup container 31 is measured. The cup container 31 is formed, for example, in an inverted truncated cone shape, and has a flange portion 31a at the upper edge.
[0048]
The support member 32 of the sixth embodiment includes an annular fixed groove 32a having an upper opening. The cup container 31 is supported by inserting the upper edge of the cup container 31 into the fixing groove 32a, pressing the flange part 31a of the cup container 31 with the fixing member 33, and fixing the fixing member 33 to the support member 32 with the bolt 34. It is fixed to the member 32. Two seal member storage grooves 32b and 32c are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fixed groove 32a with a predetermined interval in the vertical direction, and are supported by the cup container 31 by the seal members 35 and 36 held therein. The gap between the members 32 is double sealed.
[0049]
A gas seal groove 32d is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fixed groove 32a over the entire circumference. The gas seal groove 32d is formed in a space surrounded by the cup container 31, the support member 32 and the seal members 35 and 36, and is connected to the replacement gas supply path 15 and the replacement gas discharge path 16 in the same manner as in the above embodiment. . Thus, the space surrounded by the cup container 31, the support member 32, and the seal members 35 and 36 is replaced with a predetermined gas.
[0050]
According to the sixth embodiment configured as described above, while measuring the gas barrier performance of the cup container 31, the cup container 31, the support member 32, and the seal members 35 and 36 are the same as in the first embodiment. By replacing the space surrounded by the predetermined gas with the gap between the cup container 31 and the support member 32, outside air (measuring target gas) is prevented from entering the internal space of the cup container 31, and measurement is performed. Accuracy can be improved.
[0051]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the gas barrier performance measurement of the three-dimensional container shown to the said embodiment, It can apply also to the gas barrier performance measurement of the to-be-measured object formed planarly.
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the gas to be measured is prevented from entering the first space from the second space through the gap between the object to be measured and the support member, and the gas barrier of the object to be measured is obtained. The performance can be measured with high accuracy in a short time.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a principal part showing a gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a front view showing a gas barrier performance measuring apparatus (adapter) according to a conventional example.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Bottle container
1a Mouth
1b Male thread
1c Flange
2 Support members
2a Bolt fixing hole
2b Female thread
2d Gas seal groove
3 Measurement medium gas supply path
4 interior space
6 Measuring medium gas discharge passage
12 sensors
13 Seal member
14 Sealing member
15 Replacement gas supply path
16 Replacement gas discharge passage
22 Support members
22d Gas seal groove
25 Seal member
26 Seal member
31 cup container
32 Support member
32d gas seal groove
35 Seal member
36 Seal member

Claims

The object to be measured is supported so as to partition the first space in which the measurement medium gas is supplied and the second space filled with the measurement target gas, and based on the amount of the measurement target gas mixed into the measurement medium gas. A measurement method for measuring the gas barrier performance of the object to be measured,
A gas barrier performance measuring method, comprising: measuring a gas barrier performance of the object to be measured while at least double sealing a gap between the object to be measured and a supporting member using a plurality of sealing members.

The object to be measured is supported so as to partition the first space in which the measurement medium gas is supplied and the second space filled with the measurement target gas, and based on the amount of the measurement target gas mixed into the measurement medium gas. A measurement method for measuring the gas barrier performance of the object to be measured,
The gap between the object to be measured and its supporting member is sealed using a seal member, and the space to be measured is replaced with a predetermined gas while the space surrounded by the object to be measured, the supporting member and the seal member is replaced with the predetermined object gas. A method for measuring gas barrier performance, comprising measuring gas barrier performance of an object.

3. The gas barrier performance measuring method according to claim 2, wherein a gap between the object to be measured and the supporting member is sealed at least twice using a plurality of the sealing members.

The gas barrier performance measuring method according to claim 1, wherein the object to be measured is a three-dimensional container.

5. The gas barrier performance measuring method according to claim 4, wherein the three-dimensional container has a male screw portion for attaching a cap on an outer periphery of the mouth portion, and the support member includes a female screw portion corresponding to the male screw portion. .

The three-dimensional container has a flange portion on the lower side of the male screw portion, and the seal member abuts on a front end portion of the mouth portion and / or the flange portion to seal the gap. Item 6. The method for measuring gas barrier performance according to Item 5.

The method for measuring gas barrier performance according to claim 1, wherein the seal member is an annular elastic body.

The method for measuring gas barrier performance according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined gas is a measurement medium gas.

A support member for supporting the object to be measured;
A sensor for measuring a measurement target gas amount mixed in a measurement medium gas inside the object to be measured;
An apparatus for measuring gas barrier performance, comprising: a plurality of sealing members that seal at least a gap between the object to be measured and its supporting member at least twice.

A support member for supporting the object to be measured;
A sensor for measuring a measurement target gas amount mixed in a measurement medium gas inside the object to be measured;
A seal member for sealing a gap between the object to be measured and the support member;
Gas sealing means for replacing a space surrounded by the object to be measured, the support member and the seal member with a predetermined gas;
A gas barrier performance measuring apparatus comprising:

The gas barrier performance measuring apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein a gap between the object to be measured and its supporting member is sealed at least double.