JP3952695B2 - Method and apparatus for surface modification of polymer compound container - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for modifying a surface of a polymer compound container, and more specifically, for example, the inner surface of a PET container (polyethylene tefret container) has little gas permeation such as DLC (diamond-like carbon). The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for reforming a product.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, many PET containers have been used as beverage containers because they are lightweight, impact resistant and have re-plugging properties.
While having the above-mentioned features, PET containers have the disadvantage of being permeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide, so they are not suitable as containers for filling beer or carbon dioxide-containing beverages and cannot be used as containers for such beverages. There was a drawback.
Therefore, conventionally, in order to eliminate the drawbacks of the PET container described above, an apparatus and a method for coating the inner surface of the PET container with a hard carbon film have been proposed (for example, Japanese Patent No. 2788412).
According to the apparatus and method disclosed in the above patent, since the hard carbon film can be coated only on the inner surface of the PET container, permeation of oxygen and carbon dioxide can be prevented by this hard carbon film.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the apparatus and method disclosed in the above patent, a carbon-based gas, which is a raw material for the hard carbon film, is supplied into a PET container, and after plasma is generated on this, it is attached to the inner surface of the container. A hard carbon film was formed. In other words, the apparatus and method disclosed in the above patent are merely a technique for coating a hard carbon film on the inner surface of the container, and do not modify the inner surface of the container itself.
Therefore, when a beverage is filled in a PET container manufactured by the apparatus and method of the above patent, the coated hard carbon film may be peeled off and mixed into the beverage, which is reliable as a beverage container. There was a drawback of applying to.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a container that can prevent or prevent the permeation of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and that the inner surface of the container does not peel after filling with a beverage or the like. is there.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In other words, the present invention described in claim 1 is a container containing a polymer compound containing carbon. Insert a tubular or rod-shaped electrode into the container. After generating plasma on the inner side Positive to the electrode A high voltage pulse is applied to inject ions in the container into the surface layer of the container, so that the surface layer of the container is modified to a material that does not permeate carbon dioxide and oxygen or is difficult to permeate. Is.
Further, the present invention described in claim 3 A storage chamber capable of storing a polymer compound container in an airtight manner, a negative pressure source for introducing a negative pressure into the storage chamber, plasma generating means for generating plasma in the storage chamber, and storage in the storage chamber A tubular or rod-shaped electrode inserted into the container, and a positive electrode A high-voltage power source that applies a high-voltage pulse to inject ions into the surface layer of the container, and the surface layer of the container stored in the storage chamber is made of a material that does not permeate carbon dioxide or oxygen or is difficult to permeate. The present invention provides a surface modification device for a polymer compound container to be modified.
[0005]
According to such a configuration, the surface layer of the polymer compound container can be modified to a material that does not permeate carbon dioxide and oxygen or is difficult to permeate. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a container made of a polymer compound that does not permeate or hardly permeate carbon dioxide and oxygen, and further, by modifying the surface layer of the container itself, the modified surface layer Does not peel off.
Therefore, a polymer compound container suitable for beverages containing beer or carbon dioxide can be provided.
[0006]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the illustrated embodiments. In FIGS. 1 to 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a reforming apparatus for modifying the inner surface of the PET container 2.
The reformer 1 includes a cup-shaped storage chamber 3 that can store a PET container 2, a lid 4 that closes an upper end opening of the storage chamber 3, a tubular electrode 5 provided on the lid 4, A coil 6 disposed on the inner periphery of the storage chamber 3 and a solenoid coil 7 disposed surrounding the storage chamber 3 and the coil 6 are provided.
The PET container 2 whose surface is modified by the reformer 1 has an opening 2A at the upper end and a screw portion 2B into which a cap (not shown) is screwed onto the outer peripheral portion of the upper end. The PET container 2 is colorless and transparent, and a plurality of annular protrusions 2C are formed at required portions of the body for reinforcement. That is, the PET container 2 whose surface is modified by the modifying device 1 is a conventionally known general PET container, and is filled with a liquid such as a beverage through the opening 2A. Yes. The PET container 2 configured as described above is supplied into the storage chamber 3 so that the opening 2A is on the upper side.
[0007]
The storage chamber 3 is made of a conductive material and is formed in a cup shape having a wide opening at the upper end, and a suction port 3A is formed at a position close to the upper end.
One end of the conduit 8 is connected to the suction port 3 </ b> A, and the other end of the conduit 8 is connected to the negative pressure source 11. A normally closed electromagnetic opening / closing valve 13 is provided in the middle of the conduit 8, and the operation of the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 13 is controlled by a control device 14.
When the electromagnetic on-off valve 13 is opened by the control device 14, a negative pressure can be introduced into the storage chamber 3 through the conduit 8 and the suction port 3A. The storage chamber 3 made of a conductive material is electrically connected to a constant voltage such as a ground.
Next, the lid body 4 is made of a conductive material formed in a disc shape, and can be lifted and lowered on the upper side of the storage chamber 3 by a lifting mechanism (not shown). A through-hole 4A is formed in the center of the lid body 4, and the support 5A on the electrode 5 side is slidably passed through the through-hole 4A while maintaining airtightness. The support portion 5A is made of a cylindrical insulating material and is fitted at a predetermined position of the electrode 5. An annular seal member 29 is embedded in the outer peripheral portion of the lower surface of the lid 4, and the lid 4 is placed on the upper end opening of the storage chamber 3 and stored when the storage chamber 3 is closed. The airtightness between the upper end opening of the chamber 3 and the lid 4 is maintained.
The electrode 5 is made of a conductive pipe and is electrically connected to a DC high-voltage power supply 15. The upper end portion of the electrode 5 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the lid body 4, and one end of the conduit 16 is connected to the upper end portion. The other end of the conduit 16 is connected to a gas supply source 12. In this embodiment, argon gas is stored in the gas supply source 12. A normally closed electromagnetic switching valve 21 is provided in the middle of the conduit 16, and the operation of the electromagnetic switching valve 21 is also controlled by the control device 14. When the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 21 is opened by the control device 14, argon gas is supplied from the supply source 12 into the storage chamber 3 through the conduit 16. Thus, in this embodiment, the electrode 5 also serves as a gas introduction pipe.
[0008]
As will be described in detail later, the PET container 2 is stored in the storage chamber 3 by the transport mechanism (not shown) in a state where the lid 4 is positioned at the rising end position separated from the upper end of the storage chamber 3 by the lifting mechanism. It has become. Thereafter, the lid 4 is lowered to the lowered end position by the lifting mechanism, so that the electrode 5 is inserted into the container 2 in the storage chamber 3, and then the lid 4 is placed on the upper end of the storage chamber 3. Thus, the upper end opening of the storage chamber 3 is sealed. In this sealed state, after a negative pressure is introduced through the conduit 8, argon gas is supplied to the entire internal space of the storage chamber 3 including the internal space of the PET container 2 through the conduit 16 and the electrode 5. It has become so.
As shown in FIG. 2, in a state where the upper end opening of the storage chamber 3 is closed by the lid 4, the support portion 5 </ b> A of the electrode 5 is located on the inner side of the upper end opening portion 2 </ b> A of the PET container 2 and the screw portion 2 </ b> B. It is supposed to be located. From this state, the electrode 5 itself can be further raised with respect to the lid 4 by a predetermined dimension by the lifting mechanism (FIG. 3). In the state of FIG. 3, the support portion 5 </ b> A made of an insulating material is positioned above the upper end opening 2 </ b> A of the PET container 2.
The operation of the DC high voltage power supply 15 connected to the electrode 5 is controlled by the control device 14. When an operation command is transmitted from the control device 14 to the high voltage power supply 15, the high voltage power supply 15 is connected to the electrode 5. It is configured to apply with a positive high voltage pulse.
[0009]
Next, the coil 6 provided in the inner peripheral part of the storage chamber 3 is electrically insulated from the storage chamber 3, and this coil 6 is several through an aligner 17 disposed outside the storage chamber 3. It is connected to a high frequency power source 18 of MHz to several 100 MHz. The operation of the high frequency power supply 18 is also controlled by the control device 14. When an operation command is transmitted from the control device 14 to the high frequency power supply 18, the high frequency power supply 18 applies a high frequency current of several MHz to several hundred MHz to the coil 6. It is designed to be applied.
Further, the solenoid coil 7 disposed so as to surround the storage chamber 3 is connected to a power source (not shown). When an operation command is transmitted to the power source from the control device 14, the solenoid coil 7 is excited and a DC magnetic field is generated. To do.
In this embodiment, the coil 7, the matching unit 17 and the high frequency power source 18 constitute plasma generating means for generating plasma.
[0010]
----- (Operation explanation)
In the above configuration, the reformer 1 modifies the inner surface of the PET container 2 through the following steps.
That is, in a state before the PET container 2 is stored in the storage chamber 3, the lid body 4 is separated from the upper end portion of the storage chamber 3 by the lifting mechanism (not shown) and is held at the upper end position on the upper side. ing. In this state, after the PET container 2 is transported to a position above the storage chamber 3 by a transport mechanism (not shown), the PET container 2 is stored in the storage chamber 3 (FIG. 1).
Next, the lid body 4 is lowered to the lower end position by the elevating mechanism. Thereby, the electrode 5 is inserted into the PET container 2 through the opening 2A, and the upper end opening of the storage chamber 3 is sealed by the lid 4 (FIG. 2).
Next, since the control device 14 switches the power supply of the solenoid coil 7 to energize the solenoid coil 7, the solenoid coil 7 is excited. Thereby, a magnetic field is generated in the entire internal space of the storage chamber 3 in which the PET container 2 is stored.
Next, since the control device 14 opens the electromagnetic on-off valve 13 for a predetermined time, a negative pressure is introduced into the storage chamber 3 through the conduit 8, and the internal space of the storage chamber 3 becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure. .
Next, since the controller 14 opens the electromagnetic on-off valve 21 provided in the conduit 16 for a predetermined time from this state, argon gas is introduced into the internal space of the PET container 2 through the conduit 16. That is, the argon gas is interposed in the space inside and outside the PET container 2 in the storage chamber 3.
[0011]
Thereafter, since the control device 14 transmits an operation command to the high frequency power supply 18, a high frequency current of several MHz to several hundred MHz is applied to the coil 6 from the high frequency power supply. Thereby, plasma is generated in the storage chamber 3.
Further, in this state, an operation command is transmitted from the control device 14 to the high voltage power supply 15, and a series of a plurality of positive high voltage pulses are applied from the high voltage power supply 15 to the electrode 5. Thereby, ions in the plasma on the inner side of the PET container 2 are injected into the inner surface of the PET container 2.
Here, since the PET container 2 is an insulator, charge-up occurs at the time of ion implantation and the surface potential rises. However, the PET container 2 is neutralized because it is exposed to plasma at the time of pulse pause, and returns to the original potential. Then, ion implantation is performed again at the next pulse.
Next, in this state, the electrode 5 is raised relative to the lid 4 by a predetermined height by the lifting mechanism (FIG. 3). Then, a high voltage pulse is applied again to perform ion implantation. Therefore, the support portion 5 </ b> A of the electrode 5 is supported above the upper end portion of the PET container 2. Therefore, ions are reliably implanted into the inside surface of the screw portion 2B where the support portion 5A has been positioned.
In this embodiment, ions are implanted into the entire area of the inner surface of the PET container 2 in this way. Therefore, the material of the inner surface of the PET container 2 originally provided with carbon atoms is modified to DLC (diamond-like carbon) over the entire area (see FIG. 4). That is, in this embodiment, the surface of the original PET container 2 is not coated with DLC, but the material of the surface of the PET container 2 itself is modified to DLC, as shown on the right side in FIG. The DLC layer 22 is formed over the entire surface on the opposite side.
In the above work process, it is not always necessary to raise the electrode 5 from the position of FIG. 2 to the position of FIG. 3 after the ion implantation.
Thus, when the surface modification work for one PET container 2 is completed, the lid 4 is raised to the rising end position by the lifting mechanism, so that the storage chamber 3 is opened and the electrode 5 is placed in the PET container. 2 is extracted. In addition, before raising the cover body 4 from a closed state, it is better to raise the cover body 4 by the said raising / lowering mechanism, after opening the inside of the storage chamber 3 to the atmosphere via the one end conduit | pipe 8.
Thereafter, the treated PET container 2 is taken out by a take-out mechanism (not shown), and a new PET container 2 is stored in the storage chamber 3, and then the inner side of the new PET container 2 through the above-described steps. The surface is modified to a DLC layer 22.
[0012]
As described above, in this embodiment, the entire surface on the inner side of the PET container 2 is modified to the DLC layer 22, so that it is colorless and transparent or slightly colored, while carbon dioxide and oxygen It is possible to provide a PET container 2 that can prevent or hardly permeate. Therefore, the PET container 2 suitable not only as a general beverage such as mineral water but also as a beverage container containing carbon dioxide such as beer can be provided.
Moreover, in this embodiment, the DLC film is not attached to the inner surface of the container 2 and coated as in the prior art, but the material of the inner surface of the PET container 2 itself is modified to DLC. Therefore, the DLC layer 22 does not peel off. Therefore, after filling the PET container 2 with a liquid such as a beverage, there is no possibility that the peeled DLC is mixed in the liquid, and a safe container can be provided as a container for the beverage or the like.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the time required for forming the DLC layer 22 on the inner surface of the PET container 2 is smaller than that of the conventional technique of coating the surface of the DLC film with the conventional coating. Therefore, it is possible to provide the reforming apparatus 1 and the reforming method having a high processing speed.
In addition, all the PET containers 2 whose inner surfaces are modified according to the present embodiment can be recycled. In the above-described embodiment, the argon gas is stored in the gas supply source 12 and supplied into the storage chamber 3, but a hydrocarbon gas or a nitrogen gas may be used instead of the argon gas.
[0013]
--- (Second Example)
Next, although not shown in the drawings, the following configuration may be adopted as the second embodiment of the reformer 1. That is, in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the gas supply source 12, the conduit 16, and the electromagnetic on-off valve 21 may be omitted, and the other configurations may be the same as in the first embodiment. . However, in this second embodiment, the electrode 5 is not a pipe but a rod. In the second embodiment, the coil 6, the matching unit 17 and the high frequency power source 18 constitute plasma generating means for generating plasma. In the reforming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, processing is performed in the following steps.
That is, in a state where the lid 4 and the electrode 5 are held at the rising end position by the lifting mechanism, the PET container 2 is transported to the upper position of the storage chamber 3 by a transport mechanism (not shown), and then the PET container 2 is placed in the storage chamber 3. Store in.
Next, since the lid 4 is lowered to the lower end position by the lifting mechanism, the electrode 5 is inserted into the PET container 2 and the upper end opening of the storage chamber 3 is sealed by the lid 4.
At the same time, the control device 14 switches the power supply of the solenoid coil 7 to energize the solenoid coil 7, so that the solenoid coil 7 is excited and a magnetic field is generated in the storage chamber 3.
Thereafter, the control device 14 opens the electromagnetic on-off valve 13 for a predetermined time, so that a negative pressure is introduced into the storage chamber 3.
Thereafter, since the control device 14 transmits an operation command to the high frequency power supply 18, a high frequency current of several MHz to several hundred MHz is applied to the coil 6 from the high frequency power supply. Thereby, plasma is generated in the storage chamber 3.
Further, in this state, an operation command is transmitted from the control device 14 to the high-voltage power supply 15, so that a positive high voltage pulse is applied to the electrode 5 from the high-voltage power supply 15. Thereby, ions in the plasma on the inner side of the PET container 2 are injected into the inner surface of the PET container 2.
Accordingly, the entire inner surface of the PET container 2 is modified to the DLC layer 22.
Also in the second embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.
[0014]
-------- (Third embodiment)
Next, FIGS. 5 to 6 show a third embodiment of the present invention. Briefly speaking, this third embodiment has a plurality of permanent magnets instead of the solenoid coil 7 in the first embodiment. 25, and a magnetron 26 is used in place of the coil 6, the matching unit 17, and the high-frequency power source 18.
That is, in the storage chamber 3 in the third embodiment, a flange portion 3C is formed on the outer periphery of the lower end of the cylindrical main body portion, and a single quartz plate is superposed on the lower surface of the flange portion 3C. . The quartz plate constitutes the bottom surface 3B of the storage chamber 3. Then, a flange-like connecting portion 27A formed on the waveguide 28 side is fitted to the quartz plate (bottom surface 3B) and the outer peripheral portion of the flange portion 3C in this state, whereby the storage chamber 3 and the waveguide are guided. The tube 27 is connected. An annular seal member 28 is provided between the flange portion 3C and the quartz plate as the bottom surface 3B, thereby maintaining airtightness between the two members.
A magnetron 26 is connected to the other end of the waveguide 27 while maintaining airtightness. The operation of the magnetron 26 is also controlled by the control device 14. When the magnetron 26 is operated by the control device 14, a microwave of 2.45 GHz is supplied into the storage chamber 3. Yes.
Next, in this embodiment, rod-shaped permanent magnets 25 are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the storage chamber 3 at an equal pitch in the circumferential direction. Here, the adjacent permanent magnets 25 are arranged so that the magnetic poles at positions in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the storage chamber 3 are different. Therefore, in this third embodiment, a magnetic field is always formed by the plurality of permanent magnets 25 near the inner periphery of the storage chamber 3 adjacent to them.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, an annular seal member 29 is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the lower surface of the lid 4. When the upper end opening of the storage chamber 3 is closed by the lid 4, the sealing member 29 keeps the airtightness between the lid 4 and the upper end opening of the storage chamber 3. In the third embodiment, the waveguide 27 and the magnetron 26 constitute plasma generating means for generating plasma.
Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0015]
------ (Operation explanation of the third embodiment)
The surface of the PET container 2 is modified as follows by the modifying apparatus 1 of the third embodiment configured as described above.
That is, the PET container 2 transported by the transport mechanism (not shown) is stored in the storage chamber 3 in a state where the lid 4 and the electrode 5 are held at the rising end position by the lift mechanism (not shown).
Next, the lid 4 is lowered to the lower end position by the lifting mechanism. Thereby, the electrode 5 is inserted into the PET container 2 through the opening 2A, and the upper end opening of the storage chamber 3 is sealed by the lid 4 (FIG. 5).
Since the magnetic field is formed in the inner peripheral portion of the storage chamber 3 by the plurality of permanent magnets 25, the magnetic force by the permanent magnet 25 also acts on the PET container 2 stored in the storage chamber 3.
Next, since the control device 14 opens the electromagnetic on-off valve 13 for a predetermined time, a negative pressure is introduced into the storage chamber 3 through the conduit 8, and the internal space of the storage chamber 3 becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure. .
Next, since the controller 14 opens the electromagnetic on-off valve 21 provided in the conduit 16 for a predetermined time from this state, argon gas is introduced into the internal space of the PET container 2 through the conduit 16. That is, the argon gas is interposed in the space inside and outside the PET container 2 in the storage chamber 3. In addition, the pressure in the storage chamber 3 at this time is below atmospheric pressure.
Thereafter, since the control device 14 operates the magnetron 26, a 2.45 GHz microwave is supplied from the magnetron 26 toward the bottom surface 3 </ b> B of the storage chamber 3. Thereby, microwaves are supplied into the storage chamber 3 to generate plasma in the argon gas in the storage chamber 3.
Further, in this state, an operation command is transmitted from the control device 14 to the DC high-voltage power supply 15, so that a positive high voltage pulse is applied to the electrode 5 from the high-voltage power supply 15. Thereby, ions in the plasma on the inner side of the PET container 2 are injected into the inner surface of the PET container 2.
After that, if necessary, the electrode 5 is raised with respect to the lid 4 by a predetermined height by an elevating mechanism, and thereafter, an operation command is transmitted again to the high voltage power source 15, and again the PET container 2 Ions may be implanted into the inner surface.
Also in the third embodiment configured as described above, the same operational effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0016]
------- (Fourth embodiment)
Next, FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In short, this fourth embodiment replaces the coil 6, the matching unit 17 and the high-frequency power source 18 in the first embodiment. A waveguide 27 and a magnetron 26 are used.
That is, in the fourth embodiment, one end of the waveguide 27 is connected to the center of the upper surface of the lid 4 made of a conductive material. The upper end portion of the electrode 5 penetrates the waveguide 27 while maintaining airtightness and protrudes upward, and connects the end portion of the conduit 16. A magnetron 26 similar to that of the third embodiment is connected to the other end of the waveguide 27 while maintaining airtightness. The operation of the magnetron 26 is also controlled by the control device 14. When the magnetron 26 is operated by the control device 14, microwaves are supplied toward the bottom surface 3 </ b> B of the storage chamber 3.
In the fourth embodiment, since the end of the waveguide 27 is connected to the lid 4, the lifting mechanism (not shown) moves the lid 4, the electrode 5 and the waveguide 27 up and down. .
In this embodiment, an annular seal member 29 is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the lower surface of the lid 4. When the upper end opening of the storage chamber 3 is closed by the lid 4, the sealing member 29 keeps the airtightness between the lid 4 and the upper end opening of the storage chamber 3. In the fourth embodiment, plasma generating means for generating plasma is constituted by the waveguide 27 and the magnetron 26.
Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0017]
------ (Operation explanation of the fourth embodiment)
The surface of the PET container 2 is modified as follows by the modifying apparatus 1 of the fourth embodiment configured as described above.
That is, the PET container 2 that has been transported by the transport mechanism (not shown) is stored in the storage chamber 3 in a state where the lid 4, the electrode 5, and the waveguide 27 are held at the rising end position by the lift mechanism (not shown). Is done.
Next, the lid 4 and the like are lowered to the lower end position by the lifting mechanism. Thereby, the electrode 5 is inserted into the PET container 2 through the opening 2A, and the upper end opening of the storage chamber 3 is sealed by the lid 4 (FIG. 7).
At the same time, the control device 14 switches the power supply of the solenoid coil 7 to energize the solenoid coil 7, so that the solenoid coil 7 is excited. Thereby, a magnetic field is formed in the storage chamber 3.
Next, since the control device 14 opens the electromagnetic on-off valve 13 for a predetermined time, a negative pressure is introduced into the storage chamber 3 through the conduit 8, and the internal space of the storage chamber 3 becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure. .
Next, since the controller 14 opens the electromagnetic on-off valve 21 provided in the conduit 16 for a predetermined time from this state, argon gas is introduced into the internal space of the PET container 2 through the conduit 16. That is, the argon gas is interposed in the space inside and outside the PET container 2 in the storage chamber 3. In addition, the pressure in the storage chamber 3 at this time is below atmospheric pressure.
Thereafter, since the control device 14 operates the magnetron 26, the microwave is supplied from the magnetron 26 toward the lid 4. Thereby, plasma is generated in the argon gas in the storage chamber 3.
Further, in this state, an operation command is transmitted from the control device 14 to the DC high-voltage power supply 15, so that a positive high voltage pulse is applied to the electrode 5 from the high-voltage power supply 15. Thereby, ions in the plasma on the inner side of the PET container 2 are injected into the inner surface of the PET container 2.
After that, if necessary, the electrode 5 is raised to the lid 4 by a predetermined height by an elevating mechanism, and then an operation command is transmitted again to the high-voltage power source 15 and again the PET container 2. Ions may be implanted into the inside surface of the substrate.
In the fourth embodiment configured as described above, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0018]
------- (5th Example)
Next, FIGS. 8 to 9 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment, the coil 6, the matching unit 17 and the high-frequency power source 18 in the first embodiment are omitted. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the fifth embodiment, the high voltage power supply 15 also serves as a plasma generating means for generating plasma. In the fifth embodiment, the surface of the PET container 2 is modified as follows.
That is, the PET container 2 transported by the transport mechanism (not shown) is stored in the storage chamber 3 in a state where the lid 4 and the electrode 5 are held at the rising end position by the lift mechanism (not shown).
Next, the lid 4 is lowered to the lower end position by the lifting mechanism. Thus, the electrode 5 is inserted into the PET container 2 through the opening 2A, and the upper end opening of the storage chamber 3 is sealed by the lid 4 (FIG. 8).
At the same time, the control device 14 switches the power supply of the solenoid coil 7 to energize the solenoid coil 7, so that the solenoid coil 7 is excited. Thereby, a magnetic field is formed in the storage chamber 3.
Next, since the control device 14 opens the electromagnetic on-off valve 13 for a predetermined time, a negative pressure is introduced into the storage chamber 3 through the conduit 8, and the internal space of the storage chamber 3 becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure. .
Next, since the controller 14 opens the electromagnetic on-off valve 21 provided in the conduit 16 for a predetermined time from this state, argon gas is introduced into the internal space of the PET container 2 through the conduit 16. That is, the argon gas is interposed in the space inside and outside the PET container 2 in the storage chamber 3. In addition, the pressure in the storage chamber 3 at this time is less than atmospheric pressure.
Thereafter, an operation command is transmitted from the control device 14 to the DC high-voltage power supply 15, so that a positive high voltage pulse is applied from the high-voltage power supply 15 to the electrode 5. Thus, plasma is generated on the inner side of the PET container 2 and at the same time, ions in the generated plasma are injected into the inner surface of the PET container 2. Thereby, the inside of the inner surface of the PET container 2 is modified to DLC.
After that, if necessary, the electrode 5 is raised to the lid 4 by a predetermined height by an elevating mechanism, and then an operation command is transmitted again to the high-voltage power source 15 and again the PET container 2. The plasma may be generated inside and ions may be implanted into the inner surface of the PET container 2.
Also in the fifth embodiment configured as described above, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as those in the first embodiment.
[0019]
----- (Sixth embodiment)
Next, FIGS. 10 to 11 show a sixth embodiment of the present invention. This sixth embodiment omits the solenoid coil 7 in the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. A plurality of permanent magnets 25 are provided.
That is, in the sixth embodiment, rod-shaped permanent magnets 25 are arranged at an equal pitch in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the electrode 5 below the support portion 5A. As shown in FIG. 11, the adjacent permanent magnets 25 are arranged so that the magnetic poles at positions in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the electrode 5 are different. Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, a magnetic field is always formed on the electrode 5 itself by the plurality of permanent magnets 25. The other configuration is the same as that of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 7, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
---- (Description of the operation of the sixth embodiment)
The surface of the PET container 2 is modified as follows by the modifying apparatus 1 of the sixth embodiment configured as described above.
That is, the PET container 2 that has been transported by the transport mechanism (not shown) is stored in the storage chamber 3 in a state where the lid 4, the electrode 5, and the waveguide 27 are held at the rising end position by the lift mechanism (not shown). Is done.
Next, the lid 4 and the like are lowered to the lower end position by the lifting mechanism. Thereby, the electrode 5 is inserted into the PET container 2 through the opening 2A and the upper end opening of the storage chamber 3 is sealed by the lid 4 (FIG. 10).
A magnetic field is formed by a plurality of permanent magnets 25 on the electrode 5 inserted into the storage chamber 3.
Thereafter, since the control device 14 opens the electromagnetic on-off valve 13 for a predetermined time, a negative pressure is introduced into the storage chamber 3 via the conduit 8 and the internal space of the storage chamber 3 becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure. .
Next, since the controller 14 opens the electromagnetic on-off valve 21 provided in the conduit 16 for a predetermined time from this state, argon gas is introduced into the internal space of the PET container 2 through the conduit 16. That is, the argon gas is interposed in the space inside and outside the PET container 2 in the storage chamber 3. In addition, the pressure in the storage chamber 3 at this time is below atmospheric pressure.
Thereafter, since the control device 14 operates the magnetron 26, the microwave is supplied from the magnetron 26 toward the lid 4. Thereby, plasma is generated in the argon gas in the storage chamber 3.
Further, in this state, an operation command is transmitted from the control device 14 to the DC high-voltage power supply 15, so that a positive high voltage pulse is applied to the electrode 5 from the high-voltage power supply 15. Thereby, ions in the plasma on the inner side of the PET container 2 are injected into the inner surface of the PET container 2.
After that, the electrode 5 is raised with respect to the lid 4 by a height corresponding to the vertical dimension of the support portion 5A by the lifting mechanism, and thereafter, an operation command is transmitted again to the high-voltage power supply 15 and again. Ions may be implanted into the inside surface of the PET container 2.
Also in the sixth embodiment configured as described above, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained.
[0020]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an effect that the surface layer of the polymer compound container can be modified to a material that does not permeate carbon dioxide and oxygen or a material that does not easily permeate.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
3 is an end view showing a different state of the main part shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
4 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the PET container 2 showing the state before and after the surface modification by the apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part along VI-VI in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state different from FIG. 8 of the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part taken along the line XX of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... reformer 2 ... PET container
3 ... Storage room 4 ... Lid
5 ... Electrode 6 ... Coil
7 ... Solenoid 11 ... Negative pressure source
12 ... Gas supply source 15 ... High voltage power supply
18 ... High frequency power supply 22 ... DLC layer

Claims (10)

Insert the tubular or rod-like electrodes in the polymer compound steel vessel containing carbon, by generating plasma inwardly of definitive to the container by applying a positive high voltage pulse to the electrode, the container A method for modifying the surface of a container made of a polymer compound, characterized by injecting ions into the surface layer of the container, and modifying the surface layer of the container to a material that does not allow carbon dioxide and oxygen to permeate or is difficult to permeate. . The method for modifying a surface of a polymer compound container according to claim 1, wherein the polymer compound container is a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) container or a synthetic resin container. And retractable storage chamber holds the airtight container made polymer compound, and a negative pressure source for introducing a negative pressure into the storage chamber, and a plasma generating means for generating a plasma in the storage chamber, held in the holding chamber A tubular or rod-shaped electrode inserted into the container, and a high-voltage power source that applies a positive high-voltage pulse to the electrode to inject ions into the surface layer of the container, and is stored in the storage chamber. A surface modification device for a polymer compound container, wherein the surface layer of the container is modified to a material that does not permeate carbon dioxide and oxygen or a material that does not easily permeate. The apparatus for modifying a surface of a polymer compound container according to claim 3, further comprising magnetic field generating means for generating a magnetic field in the storage chamber. The apparatus for modifying a surface of a polymer compound container according to claim 4, further comprising a gas supply source for supplying gas into the storage chamber. The said plasma generation means is provided with the coil provided in the inner peripheral part of the storage chamber, and the high frequency power source which applies a high frequency current to this coil via a matching device, The Claim 4 or Claim 5 characterized by the above-mentioned. Surface modification equipment for high molecular compound containers. 6. The apparatus for modifying a surface of a polymer compound container according to claim 4 , wherein the plasma generating means includes a magnetron for supplying microwaves to the storage chamber through a waveguide. 6. The apparatus for modifying a surface of a polymer compound container according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein the high-voltage power supply also serves as the plasma generating means. It said magnetic field generating means, surrounds the housing chamber or the solenoid coil is provided, the high set forth in each claim 8 claims 4, characterized in that it consists of a plurality of permanent magnets arranged to surround the housing chamber Surface modification equipment for molecular compound containers. 10. The apparatus for modifying a surface of a polymer compound container according to claim 3, wherein the polymer compound container comprises a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) container or a synthetic resin container. .

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