JP6742001B2 - Vacuum sealing device and method of operating vacuum sealing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vacuum sealing device and a method of operating the vacuum sealing device.

A vacuum sealing device for manufacturing a vacuum heat insulator used in a refrigerator or the like, which includes a chamber container whose inside can be depressurized, and a sealing device which seals an opening of a jacket material by heat welding in the chamber container. Is known (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). In the vacuum sealing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a sealed material having a core material inside a bag-shaped outer covering material is set in a chamber container to reduce the pressure in the chamber container, By driving the sealing device in that state to seal the opening of the material to be sealed, the core material is vacuum-sealed inside the outer material to manufacture the vacuum heat insulating material.

JP, 2013-23229, A

However, in the vacuum sealing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to increase the size of the chamber container in order to manufacture a vacuum heat insulating material corresponding to a large device such as a refrigerator. When the size of the chamber container is increased, it takes time to depressurize the internal space to a desired pressure, which increases the manufacturing cost of the vacuum heat insulating material.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and by sealing the exhaust hole provided in the vacuum heat insulator, while sufficiently securing the gas barrier property and the heat insulating property, it is possible to suppress the manufacturing cost. An object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum sealing device and a method of operating the vacuum sealing device that can be performed.

In order to solve the above conventional problems, the vacuum sealing device according to the present invention is a vacuum sealing device for exhausting from an exhaust hole provided in a container, and sealing the exhaust hole with a sealing member, The vacuum sealing device has an outer cylinder configured to come into contact with the outer surface of the container in an airtight manner such that a tip end surface covers the exhaust hole, and is movable in the axial direction of the outer cylinder. As described above, the main body is provided in the outer cylinder, and an exhaust space communicating with the front end surface of the outer cylinder is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder; A drive unit for moving the main body forward and backward in the axial direction of the outer cylinder, and a heater for heating the front end portion of the main body are provided, and the main body has an exhaust passage having an opening at the front end portion. Then, by exhausting through the exhaust flow path, the sealing member is configured to be adsorbed and held by the tip end portion.

With this, by sealing the exhaust hole provided in the vacuum heat insulator, it is possible to suppress the manufacturing cost while sufficiently ensuring the gas barrier property and the heat insulating property.

Further, the vacuum sealing device according to the present invention is a vacuum sealing device that evacuates from an exhaust hole provided in a container, melts a boss portion provided at a peripheral portion of the exhaust hole, and seals the exhaust hole. The vacuum sealing device comprises an outer cylinder configured to have an end surface covering the exhaust port so as to airtightly contact an outer surface of the container, and an axial center of the outer cylinder. A main body provided in the outer cylinder so as to be able to move forward and backward in a direction, and an exhaust space communicating with the front end surface of the outer cylinder is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder; A driver for moving the outer cylinder and the main body forward and backward in the axial direction of the outer cylinder, a heater for heating the tip portion of the main body, and a controller, the controller, by the driver, In a state where the main body is retracted, the exhaust hole of the container is brought into contact with the outer surface of the container so that the tip end surface of the outer cylinder is covered, and the vacuum pump pumps the container through the exhaust space. The inside is evacuated, the driver causes the tip of the body to come into contact with the boss of the container, the body is advanced, and the heater heats the tip of the body. It is configured to melt the boss portion and seal the exhaust hole of the container.

With this, by sealing the exhaust hole provided in the vacuum heat insulator, it is possible to suppress the manufacturing cost while sufficiently ensuring the gas barrier property and the heat insulating property.

The vacuum sealing device according to the present invention is a vacuum sealing device that exhausts gas from an exhaust hole provided in a container and seals the exhaust hole with a sealing member, wherein the vacuum sealing device has a tip. An outer cylinder configured to come into airtight contact with the outer surface of the container with a surface covering the exhaust hole, and provided in the outer cylinder so as to be movable back and forth in the axial direction of the outer cylinder. A main body in which an exhaust space communicating with the front end surface of the outer cylinder is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder; and the outer cylinder and the main body, the axial center of the outer cylinder. And a heater for heating the tip portion of the main body, wherein the sealing member placed in the exhaust hole is the container at the tip portion of the main body by the driver. It is configured to be heated by the heater in a state of being pressed against and to weld the sealing member to the peripheral portion of the exhaust hole in the container.

With this, by sealing the exhaust hole provided in the vacuum heat insulator, it is possible to suppress the manufacturing cost while sufficiently ensuring the gas barrier property and the heat insulating property.

Further, a method of operating the vacuum sealing device according to the present invention is a method of operating a vacuum sealing device, which exhausts gas from an exhaust hole provided in a container, and seals the exhaust hole with a sealing member. The sealing device has an outer cylinder configured to come into contact with the outer surface of the container in an airtight manner such that a tip end surface covers the exhaust hole, and a retractable device in an axial direction of the outer cylinder. An exhaust space is provided inside the outer cylinder, an exhaust space communicating with the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, and an opening is provided at the distal end. A main body having a flow path, a drive unit for moving the outer cylinder and the main body forward and backward in the axial direction of the outer cylinder, a heater for heating the tip of the main body, the exhaust space and the exhaust flow path. A vacuum pump connected thereto, wherein the vacuum pump operates to adsorb the sealing member to the tip portion of the main body (A), and the driver operates to retract the main body. In this state, the exhaust hole of the container is brought into contact with the outer surface of the container so that the front end surface of the outer cylinder is covered (B), the vacuum pump operates, and the exhaust space passes through. When the inside of the container is evacuated (C), the driver is operated, and the main body is advanced so that the sealing member blocks the exhaust hole (D), and the heater is operated, (E) heating the tip portion of the main body to weld the sealing member to the peripheral portion of the exhaust hole in the container (E).

With this, by sealing the exhaust hole provided in the vacuum heat insulator, it is possible to suppress the manufacturing cost while sufficiently ensuring the gas barrier property and the heat insulating property.

Further, in the method for operating the vacuum sealing device according to the present invention, gas is exhausted from the exhaust hole provided in the container, the boss portion provided in the peripheral portion of the exhaust hole is melted, and the exhaust hole is sealed. A method of operating a vacuum sealing device, wherein the vacuum sealing device is configured such that a tip surface covers the exhaust hole, and an outer cylinder configured to come into airtight contact with the outer surface of the container, An exhaust space is provided in the outer cylinder so as to be movable back and forth in the axial direction of the outer cylinder, and an exhaust space communicating with the front end surface of the outer cylinder is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the front end and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder. Is provided, a drive unit for advancing and retracting the outer cylinder and the main body in the axial direction of the outer cylinder, and a heater for heating the tip portion of the main body, the drive unit is driven, When the main body is retracted, the exhaust hole of the container is brought into contact with the outer surface of the container so that the distal end surface of the outer cylinder is covered (F), and the vacuum pump operates, When the inside of the container is exhausted through the exhaust space (G), the driver is operated to advance the main body so that the tip end portion of the main body contacts the boss portion of the container (H). ) And the heater is operated to heat the tip of the main body to melt the boss and seal the exhaust hole of the container (I).

With this, by sealing the exhaust hole provided in the vacuum heat insulator, it is possible to suppress the manufacturing cost while sufficiently ensuring the gas barrier property and the heat insulating property.

Furthermore, a method of operating the vacuum sealing device according to the present invention is a method of operating a vacuum sealing device that exhausts gas from an exhaust hole provided in a container and seals the exhaust hole with a sealing member. The sealing device has an outer cylinder configured to come into contact with the outer surface of the container in an airtight manner such that a tip end surface covers the exhaust hole, and a retractable device in an axial direction of the outer cylinder. A main body that is provided in the outer cylinder and has an exhaust space communicating with the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, the outer cylinder and the main body being connected to each other; A driver for moving the outer cylinder forward and backward in the axial direction, a heater for heating the tip of the main body, and a vacuum pump connected to the exhaust space are provided, and the sealing is provided so as to cover the exhaust hole. When a member is placed on the peripheral portion of the exhaust hole in the container (A1), the driver is operated and the main body is retracted, and the exhaust hole of the container is connected to the tip of the outer cylinder. When the container is brought into contact with the outer surface of the container so as to cover the surface (F), the vacuum pump operates to exhaust the inside of the container through the exhaust space (G), and the driver operates. Then, when the main body is advanced so that the front end of the main body presses the sealing member (H1), the heater is operated to heat the front end of the main body to remove the sealing member. (E) is welded to the peripheral portion of the exhaust hole in the container.

With this, by sealing the exhaust hole provided in the vacuum heat insulator, it is possible to suppress the manufacturing cost while sufficiently ensuring the gas barrier property and the heat insulating property.

The above objects, other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

According to the vacuum sealing device and the method for operating the vacuum sealing device of the present invention, by sealing the exhaust hole provided in the vacuum heat insulator, while sufficiently securing the gas barrier property and the heat insulating property, the manufacturing cost is reduced. Can be suppressed.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the vacuum sealing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a heat insulating device including a vacuum heat insulator that is vacuum sealed by the vacuum sealing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the heat insulation device shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ice-making chamber door of the heat insulating device shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the door of the ice making chamber of the heat insulating device shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vacuum heat insulator in the door of the ice making chamber shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a development view in which each member constituting the vacuum heat insulator shown in FIG. 6 is developed. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the gas barrier container in the door of the ice making chamber shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion A of the vacuum heat insulator shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an enlarged schematic view of portion B of the gas barrier container in the vacuum heat insulator shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion C of the gas barrier container in the vacuum heat insulator shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing each step of the method for operating the vacuum sealing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of step S106 shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of step S107 shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of step S108 shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the vacuum sealing device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a vacuum heat insulator which is vacuum sealed by the vacuum sealing device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a development view in which each member constituting the vacuum heat insulator shown in FIG. 17 is developed. FIG. 19 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion D of the vacuum heat insulator shown in FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing each step of the method of operating the vacuum sealing device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of step S207 shown in FIG. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of step S208 shown in FIG. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of step S208 shown in FIG. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the vacuum sealing device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing each step of the operating method (gas barrier container manufacturing method) of the vacuum sealing device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of steps S106A and S107 shown in FIG. FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of step S108 shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same or corresponding parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted. Further, in all the drawings, constituent elements for explaining the present invention are extracted and illustrated, and illustration of other constituent elements may be omitted. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

(Embodiment 1)
The vacuum sealing device according to the first embodiment is a vacuum sealing device that exhausts gas from an exhaust hole provided in a container and seals the exhaust hole with a sealing member. Is provided so as to cover the exhaust hole so as to airtightly contact the outer surface of the container, and is provided inside the outer cylinder so as to be movable back and forth in the axial direction of the outer cylinder. A main body in which an exhaust space communicating with the front end surface of the outer cylinder is formed between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, an outer cylinder and a driver for moving the main body forward and backward in the axial direction of the outer cylinder, A heater for heating the tip portion is provided, and the main body has an exhaust passage having an opening provided at the tip portion, and by exhausting through the exhaust passage, the sealing member is adsorbed to the tip portion. Configured to hold.

Further, the vacuum sealing device according to the present invention further includes a vacuum pump connected to the exhaust space and the exhaust flow path, and a controller, and the controller operates the vacuum pump and causes the tip portion of the main body to operate. With the sealing member adsorbed and the main body retracted by the driver, the exhaust hole of the container is brought into contact with the outer surface of the container so that the front end surface of the outer cylinder is covered, and a vacuum pump is used to exhaust the exhaust space. The container is evacuated, the driver advances the main body so that the sealing member closes the exhaust hole, and the heater heats the tip of the main body to seal the sealing member to the periphery of the exhaust hole in the container. It may be configured to be welded to.

Further, in the vacuum sealing device according to the present invention, a first exhaust passage connecting the exhaust space and the vacuum pump, and a second exhaust passage connecting the exhaust passage of the main body and the first exhaust passage are provided. Further, the first exhaust passage may be configured such that its cross-sectional area is larger than that of the second exhaust passage.

Hereinafter, an example of the vacuum sealing device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16.

[Configuration of vacuum sealing device]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the vacuum sealing device according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vacuum sealing device 500 includes a vacuum sealing device body 501, a vacuum pump 502, a driver 503, a heater 504, and a controller 510. The vacuum sealing device main body 501 has a substantially columnar main body portion 501A having a step portion, and a substantially cylindrical outer cylinder portion 501B having a hollow. Each of the tubular portions 501B is configured to be independently movable in the vertical direction. The vacuum sealing device 500 may be attached to the tip of the arm of the robot device.

The main body portion 501A has a front end portion 51, an intermediate portion 52, and a rear end portion 53, and is formed such that the cross-sectional area thereof becomes smaller from the rear end portion 53 toward the front end portion 51. .. Further, inside the main body portion 501A, an exhaust passage 54 is formed from the front end portion 51 (the front end surface of the main body portion 501A) to the rear end portion 53. The exhaust passage 54 is connected to a first exhaust passage 506 described later via a second exhaust passage 505 provided outside the main body 501A. The opening 54</b>A provided in the tip portion 51 constitutes one end of the exhaust passage 54.

The outer cylinder portion 501B is arranged so as to surround the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 501A. The inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion 501B is configured to slide with the outer peripheral surface of the rear end portion 53 of the main body portion 501A. Specifically, annular seal members 55 and 56 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction on the inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion 501B facing the rear end portion 53. As the sealing members 55 and 56, for example, O-rings may be used.

Further, an annular recess is provided on the front end surface (lower end surface) of the outer tubular portion 501B, and the seal member 57 is disposed in the recess. As the seal member 57, for example, an O ring may be used.

An exhaust space 58 is formed between the outer peripheral surfaces of the tip portion 51 and the intermediate portion 52 of the main body portion 501A and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion 501B so as to communicate with the exhaust space 58. Is connected to one end (opening 506A) of the first exhaust flow path 506. The other end of the first exhaust flow path 506 is connected to the vacuum pump 502.

An opening/closing valve 507 is provided in the middle of the first exhaust flow path 506. Specifically, the opening/closing valve 507 is provided in a region between the opening 506A of the first exhaust passage 506 and the portion where the second exhaust passage 505 is connected.

The first exhaust passage 506 is configured so that its cross-sectional area is larger than that of the second exhaust passage 505. As a result, the flow rate of air flowing through the first exhaust flow path 506 can be made larger than the flow rate of air flowing through the second exhaust flow path 505.

It should be noted that when the main body portion 501A is located at the lowermost position with respect to the outer tubular portion 501B, the tip end portion 51 and the intermediate portion 52 of the main body portion 501A are arranged so that the exhaust space 58 and the first exhaust flow passage 506 communicate with each other. The height dimension, the height dimension of the outer cylinder portion 501B, and the connection position of the first exhaust passage 506 in the outer cylinder portion 501B are appropriately set.

That is, the vacuum sealing device main body 501 and the first exhaust flow passage 506 are the first exhaust flow passage on the inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion 501B when the main body portion 501A is located at the lowest position with respect to the outer tubular portion 501B. An opening 506A of 506 is located below the rear end portion 53 of the main body portion 501A, and is configured so that the exhaust space 58 and the first exhaust passage 506 communicate with each other.

Further, in the first embodiment, a mode in which the other end of the second exhaust flow passage 505 is connected to the first exhaust flow passage 506 is adopted, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the other end of the second exhaust passage 505 may be connected to a vacuum pump different from the vacuum pump 502.

The driver 503 may be in any form as long as it can independently drive the main body 501A and the outer cylinder 501B, and is, for example, a mechanism using gas pressure, hydraulic pressure, a servomotor, or the like. May be.

The heater 504 may have any form as long as it is configured to heat the tip portion 51 of the main body 501A, and may be, for example, an electric heater.

The controller 510 may be in any form as long as it is a device that controls each device that constitutes the vacuum sealing device 500. The controller 510 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a microprocessor and a CPU, a storage unit including a memory that stores programs for executing each control operation, and a clock unit. .. Then, in the controller 510, the arithmetic processing unit reads out a predetermined control program stored in the storage unit and executes the program, thereby performing various controls regarding the vacuum sealing device 500.

It should be noted that the controller 510 is not limited to a configuration including a single controller, but a configuration including a controller group in which a plurality of controllers cooperate to execute control of the vacuum sealing device 500. I don't mind. Further, the controller 510 may be configured by a micro control, and may be configured by an MPU, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), a logic circuit, or the like.

Next, an example of a vacuum heat insulator that is vacuum-sealed by the vacuum sealing device 500 according to the first embodiment and a heat insulating device including the vacuum heat insulator will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 11.

[Structure of heat insulation equipment]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a heat insulating device including a vacuum heat insulator that is vacuum sealed by the vacuum sealing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the heat insulation device shown in FIG. 2 and 3, the vertical direction of the heat insulating device is shown as the vertical direction in the drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a refrigerator is exemplified as the heat insulating device 100 including a vacuum heat insulator that is vacuum sealed by the vacuum sealing device 500 according to the first embodiment. The heat insulation device 100 includes a refrigerator main body 2 having a plurality of storage chambers, a refrigerator compartment door 3, an ice making compartment door 4A, a first freezing compartment door 4B, a vegetable compartment door 5, a second freezing compartment door 6, a compressor 8, and evaporation. It is equipped with a container 9.

On the rear side of the upper part of the refrigerator main body 2, a recess 2A is formed so as to be recessed downward from the top surface of the refrigerator main body 2. The recess 2A constitutes a machine room in which the compressor 8 is arranged. A recess 2B is formed in the lower portion of the refrigerator body 2 so as to be recessed from the rear surface of the refrigerator body 2 toward the front surface.

Further, the internal space of the refrigerator main body 2 is divided into a plurality of storage chambers by the partition walls 15 to 17. Specifically, a refrigerator compartment 11 is provided above the refrigerator body 2, and an ice making compartment 12 and a first freezer compartment (not shown) are provided side by side below the refrigerator compartment 11. A vegetable compartment 13 is provided below the ice making compartment 12 and the first freezing compartment, and a second freezing compartment 14 is provided below the vegetable compartment 13.

The front of the refrigerator main body 2 is open, and the refrigerator compartment door 3 to the second freezer compartment door 6 are provided. Specifically, the refrigerating compartment 11 is provided with a rotary refrigerating compartment door 3. Further, the ice making chamber 12, the first freezing chamber, the vegetable chamber 13, and the second freezing chamber 14 each have a drawer-type ice making chamber door 4A, a first freezing chamber door 4B, a vegetable chamber door 5, which have rails and the like, respectively. The second freezer compartment door 6 is arranged.

A compressor 8 is arranged in the recess 2A. In the first embodiment, the form in which the compressor 8 is arranged in the upper part is adopted, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the form in which it is arranged in the central part or the lower part may be adopted.

A cooling chamber 18 is provided on the back side of the central portion of the refrigerator body 2. The cooling chamber 18 is partitioned on the back side of the vegetable chamber 13 by a cooling chamber wall body 19 that connects the partition wall 16 and the partition wall 17. The evaporator 9 is disposed in the cooling chamber 18.

The evaporator 9 is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 8 and the air existing in the cooling chamber 18. Thereby, the air around the evaporator 9 is cooled, and the cooled air is supplied to the refrigerating chamber 11 and the like via the cooling flow path 10 by a fan or the like (not shown). The cooling channel 10 is composed of a space formed between a partition wall (not shown) and the back surface of the refrigerator body 2.

An evaporation dish 20 for storing water generated in the evaporator 9 is arranged in the recess 2B. Further, a through hole 210 is provided in a portion of the refrigerator body 2 between the evaporator 9 and the evaporation dish 20.

And in the heat insulation apparatus 100 which concerns on this Embodiment 1, the refrigerator main body 2, the refrigerator compartment door 3, the ice making compartment door 4A, the 1st freezing compartment door 4B, the vegetable compartment door 5, the 2nd freezing compartment door 6, the partition wall. At least one of the components 15 to 17 and the cooling chamber wall body 19 includes a heat insulating wall in which the vacuum heat insulating body 101 according to the first embodiment is housed.

[Structure of ice making chamber door (vacuum insulation)]
Next, the ice making chamber door 4A will be described as an example of a vacuum heat insulator sealed by the vacuum sealing device 500 according to the first embodiment with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11.

4 is a perspective view of the heat insulation device shown in FIG. 2 as seen from the front side of the ice making chamber door, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the heat insulation device as shown in FIG. 2 as seen from the back side of the ice making chamber door.

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vacuum heat insulator in the door of the ice making chamber shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a development view in which each member constituting the vacuum heat insulator shown in FIG. 6 is developed. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the gas barrier container in the door of the ice making chamber shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion A of the vacuum heat insulator shown in FIG. 6. 10 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion B of the gas barrier container in the vacuum heat insulator shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a portion C of the gas barrier container in the vacuum heat insulator shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the ice making chamber door 4A includes the vacuum heat insulator 101, a gasket 441, a pair of frames 442, and a plurality of screws 443. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 11, the vacuum heat insulating body 101 includes an outer plate 401, a gas barrier container 402, and an inner box 403 that houses the gas barrier container 402.

The outer plate 401 is formed in a flat plate shape and is made of a glass plate, a precoated steel plate, or the like. The outer plate 401 and the gas barrier container 402 are bonded by a sheet-shaped (film-shaped) adhesive agent 404. The adhesive 404 may be composed of, for example, modified silicone, or may be composed of modified polyolefin or the like.

The inner box 403 is formed in a box shape having a second opening 403C, and its front surface is opened by the second opening 403C. The second opening 403C of the inner box 403 is closed by the outer plate 401. Further, the back surface of the inner box 403 is formed in a step shape and has a first main surface 403A which is a peripheral portion of the back surface and a second main surface 403B which is a central portion of the back surface (FIG. 7).

On the first main surface 403A of the inner box 403, a gasket groove 403F for disposing the gasket 441 is formed so as to surround the second main surface 403B. A pair of frames 442 are screwed to the lower portion of the second main surface 403B of the inner box 403 with screws 443 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a surface (bottom surface) of the inner surface of the inner box 403 facing the gas barrier container 402 has an uneven shape having a plurality of recesses and projections. An adhesive 405 is placed on the bottom surface of the inner box 403. The adhesive 405 may be composed of, for example, modified silicone. The adhesive 405 may be applied to the entire bottom surface or may be applied partially.

In the case of partial application, it is desirable to apply it to at least a portion facing the gasket 441. As a result, it is possible to prevent communication (air flow in and out) between the space generated between the gas barrier container 402 and the inner box 403 and the outside, and it is possible to further reduce the heat absorption load of the heat insulating device (refrigerator).

The gas barrier container 402 has a first member 421, a second member 422, a core material 423, an adsorbent 424, and a sealing member 425. A core material 423 and an adsorbent 424 are arranged in an internal space of a housing formed by the first member 421 and the second member 422, and the gas barrier container 402 is configured so that the internal space has a predetermined vacuum degree. Is configured.

The first member 421 is a molded product that is manufactured by vacuum molding, injection molding, pressure molding, press molding, or the like according to the inner surface shape of the inner box 403, and is formed in a box shape having a first opening 421B. ing.

A flange portion 421A is provided on the outer peripheral edge of the first member 421 (see FIGS. 8 and 10). The second member 422 is bonded to the flange portion 421A. That is, the first opening 421B of the first member 421 is sealed by the second member 422. As a result, the second member 422 can be pressed into a planar shape by the flange portion 421A, and a strong seal can be made between the first member 421 and the second member 422.

Furthermore, a first through hole 421C for vacuuming the inside of the gas barrier container 402 (the inside of the first member 421) is provided at an appropriate position on the back surface of the first member 421. A sealing member 425 for sealing the first through hole 421C is arranged on the peripheral portion of the first through hole 421C.

The sealing member 425 may be, for example, a laminated film. As a material for the laminate film, a low-density polyethylene film, a linear low-density polyethylene film, a medium-density polyethylene film, a high-density polyethylene film, a polypropylene film, a thermoplastic resin such as a polyacrylonitrile film, or a mixture thereof is used. May be.

Further, the laminate film may have a metal layer such as aluminum or stainless steel. In this case, the metal layer may be formed inside the laminate film or may be formed on the surface of the laminate film. The metal layer may be a metal foil such as an aluminum foil, or may be formed by depositing aluminum on the surface of the laminate film.

The sealing member 425 may be in any form as long as it has a gas barrier property, and may be made of, for example, a glass plate or a precoated steel plate. When a laminate film is used as the sealing member 425, the sealing member 425 may be welded to the back surface of the first member 421 to seal the first through hole 421C. Further, when a glass plate or a precoated steel plate is used as the sealing member 425, the first through hole 421C is formed by adhering the sealing member 425 to the back surface of the first member 421 using an adhesive. It may be sealed.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the first member 421 is arranged between the first resin layer 21, the second resin layer 22, and the first resin layer 21 and the second resin layer 22. And a gas barrier layer 23.

The first resin layer 21 and the second resin layer 22 are made of a thermoplastic resin and may be, for example, polyolefin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The first resin layer 21 and the second resin layer 22 may be made of the same material or different materials.

The gas barrier layer 23 has an organic resin and a scale-like inorganic material. The organic resin forming the gas barrier layer 23 may be, for example, an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer or a polyvinyl alcohol polymer. The scale-like inorganic material may be, for example, montmorillonite, which is the main component of the natural clay mineral bentonite, montmorillonite that has been subjected to ion exchange treatment, or synthetic silica. Further, the scale-like inorganic material has a thickness of 1 nm or more, or an average particle diameter of 100 nm or more, from the viewpoint of sufficiently ensuring the gas barrier property of the gas barrier layer 23 (from the viewpoint of sufficiently suppressing oxygen permeability). The thickness may be 3 nm or less, or the average particle diameter may be 300 nm or less, from the viewpoint of processing the sheet forming the gas barrier layer 23 to have a predetermined shape by vacuum forming.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the first member 421 is configured to have a plurality of layers. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first member 421 has a single layer made of an organic resin such as a thermoplastic resin. The embodiment described above may be adopted. Further, the first member 421 may employ a mode in which a metal layer such as aluminum or stainless steel is formed on at least one outer surface.

The second member 422 is configured to seal the first opening 421B of the first member 421. The second member 422 may be, for example, a laminated film. As a material for the laminate film, a low-density polyethylene film, a linear low-density polyethylene film, a medium-density polyethylene film, a high-density polyethylene film, a polypropylene film, a thermoplastic resin such as a polyacrylonitrile film, or a mixture thereof is used. May be.

Further, the laminate film may have a metal layer such as aluminum or stainless steel. In this case, the metal layer may be formed inside the laminate film or may be formed on the surface of the laminate film. The metal layer may be a metal foil such as an aluminum foil, or may be formed by depositing aluminum on the surface of the laminate film. The second member 422 may have the same configuration as the sealing member 425, or may have a different configuration.

The core material 423 may be made of, for example, open-cell urethane foam. The open cell urethane foam may have, for example, the characteristics disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5310928. In this case, the core material 423 is formed in the same shape as the inner surface (internal space) of the first member 421. Further, as the core material 423, for example, glass fiber, rock wool, alumina fiber, polyethylene terephthalate fiber, or the like may be used.

Examples of the adsorbent 424 include a water adsorbent that adsorbs and removes water and a gas adsorbent that adsorbs gas such as atmospheric gas. As the water adsorbent, for example, a chemical adsorbent such as calcium oxide or magnesium oxide, or a physical adsorbent such as zeolite can be used.

The gas adsorbent is composed of an adsorbent material capable of adsorbing a non-condensable gas contained in the gas and a container. As the adsorbent material, an alloy composed of zirconium, vanadium and tungsten, iron, manganese, yttrium, an alloy containing one element of lanthanum and a rare earth element, a Ba-Li alloy, and metal ions (for example, copper ions) and ions Examples include exchanged zeolite and the like.

[How to operate the vacuum sealing device]
Next, an operating method of the vacuum sealing device 500 according to the first embodiment (a manufacturing method of the gas barrier container 402) will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing each step of the operating method (gas barrier container manufacturing method) of the vacuum sealing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of step S106 shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of step S107 shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of step S108 shown in FIG.

13 to 15, the vertical direction in the vacuum sealing device body of the vacuum sealing device is shown as the vertical direction in the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 12, first, an operator or the like manufactures a gas barrier sheet for manufacturing the first member 421 forming the gas barrier container 402 (step S101). Here, the gas barrier sheet has a gas barrier layer 23 including an organic resin and a scale-like inorganic material having a content of 2 to 14 wt% between the first resin layer 21 and the second resin layer 22 made of a thermoplastic resin. Is a sheet on which is arranged.

Specifically, an operator or the like manufactures sheets that compose each layer of the first resin layer 21, the second resin layer 22, and the gas barrier layer 23, stacks these sheets, and thermocompression-bonds them to form them. The sheets of 1 are joined to obtain a gas barrier sheet.

For the first resin layer 21 and the second resin layer 22, for example, when these materials are polypropylene, a known unstretched polypropylene film may be used. Further, the gas barrier layer 23 is obtained by adding 2 to 14 wt% of montmorillonite, which is an example of a scale-like inorganic material, to an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, which is an example of an organic resin, and according to a known manufacturing method, a sheet or film To manufacture. The montmorillonite may have a thickness of 1 to 3 nm and an average particle diameter of 100 to 300 nm.

Next, an operator or the like processes the gas barrier sheet manufactured in step S101 by vacuum forming so as to have the same shape as the inner surface (internal space) of the inner box 403, and has a box shape having the first opening 421B. The first member 421 is manufactured (step S102). The first member 421 may be manufactured by pressure molding, hot press molding, or the like.

Next, the first through hole 421C is formed at an appropriate position on the back surface of the first member 421 (step S103). The first through hole 421C may be formed by, for example, punching (punching). In addition, when the first member 421 is manufactured in step S102, the first through hole 421C is formed at the same time as the manufacturing of the first member 421 by previously providing the first through hole 421C in the mold of the first member 421. The embodiment described above may be adopted.

On the other hand, in parallel with steps S101 to S103, or before and after steps S101 to S103, the worker or the like manufactures the core material 423 (step S101A). Specifically, when the open-cell urethane foam is used as the core material 423, the open-cell urethane foam is molded in advance so as to have the same shape as the internal space of the first member 201 to manufacture the core material 423. To do. When glass fiber, rock wool, alumina fiber, polyethylene terephthalate fiber, or the like is used as the core material 423, the core material 423 is manufactured by heat compression molding.

Next, an operator or the like arranges the core material 423 and the adsorbent 424 in the internal space of the first member 421, and arranges the second member 422 so as to cover the opening of the first opening 421B ( Step S104). Then, the second opening 421B of the first member 421 is sealed by the second member 422 (step S105).

Specifically, for example, a portion of the second member 422 that abuts the flange portion 421A of the first member 421 is heated, and the portion of the second member 422 is thermocompression-bonded to the flange portion 421A to form the first opening. The part 421B is sealed. The first opening 421B may be sealed by adhering the second member 422 and the flange 421A with an adhesive.

Next, the sealing member 425 is fixed to the vacuum sealing device 500 (step S106). Specifically, the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 510 reads out a predetermined control program stored in the storage unit and executes it to execute the following operation.

First, the controller 510 drives a robot device (not shown) to move the vacuum sealing device main body 501 so that the front end surface of the main body portion 501A is located above the sealing member 425. Then, the controller 510 closes the opening/closing valve 507 and operates the vacuum pump 502. After that, the controller 510 actuates the driver 503 to move the main body 501A downward, and brings the tip end surface of the main body 501A into contact with the sealing member 425 (see FIG. 13).

As a result, since the vacuum pump 502 is operating, the inside of the exhaust passage 54 becomes negative pressure, the state in which the sealing member 425 is adsorbed to the tip surface of the main body 501A is maintained, and the sealing member 425 is vacuum sealed. It is fixed (adsorbed) to the stopping device 500.

Next, the inside of the first member 421 is evacuated by the vacuum sealing device 500 (step S107). Specifically, the controller 510 drives a robot device (not shown) so that the front end surface of the main body portion 501A is located above the first through hole 421C of the first member 421. 501 is moved. Next, the controller 510 operates the driver 503 to move the outer cylinder part 501B downward, and bring the tip end surface of the outer cylinder part 501B into contact with the first member 421. At this time, the tip surface of the main body portion 501A (tip portion 51A) is located above the tip surface of the outer tubular portion 501B, and the opening of the tip surface of the outer tubular portion 501B and the first member 421 are arranged. The through hole 421C communicates. Then, the controller 510 opens the open/close valve 507 (see FIG. 14).

As a result, the first exhaust passage 506 and the vacuum pump 502 communicate with each other, and the first exhaust passage 506 is also exhausted. Therefore, the inside of the first member 421 is evacuated via the first through hole 421C, the internal space of the outer tubular portion 501B, and the first exhaust passage 506.

Next, the first through hole 421C is sealed with the sealing member 425 (step S108). Specifically, when the internal space of the first member 421 reaches a predetermined degree of vacuum, the controller 510 drives the driver 503 so that the sealing member 425 contacts the first member 421. The part 501A is moved downward. Next, the controller 510 operates the heater 504 to heat the sealing member 425 via the tip portion of the main body 501A, weld the sealing member 425 to the first member 421, and form the first through hole. The 421C is sealed by the sealing member 425 (see FIG. 15).

It should be noted that whether or not the internal space of the first member 421 has reached a predetermined degree of vacuum is determined by, for example, whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the inside of the first member 421 was evacuated in step S107. It can be carried out. Here, the predetermined time can be calculated from the volume of the internal space of the first member 421, the performance (exhaust volume) of the vacuum pump 502, the flow path length of the first exhaust flow path 505, and the like. The predetermined time can also be set in advance by experiments or the like.

[Operation and effect of vacuum sealing device]
In the vacuum sealing device 500 according to the first embodiment configured as above, the sealing member 425 is fixed to the tip portion of the vacuum sealing device main body 501 by setting the negative pressure in the exhaust passage 54. (Adsorption) is possible. Therefore, a means for fixing the sealing member 425 to the tip of the vacuum sealing device main body 501 such as an adhesive is not required, so that the manufacturing cost of the vacuum sealing device can be reduced.

When the sealing member 425 is fixed to the tip of the vacuum sealing device main body 501 with an adhesive, the first through hole 421C is sealed by the sealing member 425, and then the outer surface of the sealing member 425. The adhesive remains. Then, the remaining adhesive may cause a gap between the outer surface of the gas barrier container 402 and the inner surface of the inner box 403, thereby deteriorating the gas rearing property and the heat insulating property of the heat insulating device 100.

However, in the vacuum sealing device 500 according to the first embodiment, the adhesive does not remain on the outer surface of the sealing member 425 after the first through hole 421C is sealed by the sealing member 425.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent a gap from being formed between the outer surface of the gas barrier container 402 and the inner surface of the inner box 403. Accordingly, the gas barrier property and the heat insulating property of the heat insulating device 100 can be sufficiently ensured.

Moreover, in the vacuum sealing device 500 according to the first embodiment, the first exhaust passage 506 is configured such that its cross-sectional area is larger than the cross-sectional area of the second exhaust passage 505. Therefore, the flow rate of air flowing through the first exhaust flow path 506 can be made larger than the flow rate of air flowing through the second exhaust flow path 505. Thereby, the internal space of the gas barrier container 402 (first member 421) can be exhausted more quickly.

(Embodiment 2)
The vacuum sealing device according to the second embodiment is a vacuum sealing device that exhausts gas from an exhaust hole provided in a container, melts a boss portion provided at a peripheral portion of the exhaust hole, and seals the exhaust hole. The vacuum sealing device is capable of advancing and retracting in the axial direction of the outer cylinder and the outer cylinder configured so as to airtightly contact the outer surface of the container with the tip end surface covering the exhaust port. As described above, the main body is provided inside the outer cylinder, and an exhaust space communicating with the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the front end and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder. It is equipped with a driver that moves forward and backward in the axial direction, a heater that heats the tip of the main body, and a controller.The controller removes the exhaust hole of the container with the main body retracted by the driver. As the tip end surface of the cylinder is covered, it is brought into contact with the outer surface of the container, the inside of the container is evacuated through the exhaust space by the vacuum pump, and the tip end of the main body is brought into contact with the boss portion of the container by the driver, The main body is advanced, and the heater heats the tip of the main body to melt the boss portion and seal the exhaust hole of the container.

Hereinafter, an example of the vacuum sealing device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 23.

[Configuration of vacuum sealing device]
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the vacuum sealing device according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 16, the vacuum sealing device 550 according to the second embodiment includes a vacuum sealing device main body 551, a vacuum pump 552, a driver 553, a heater 554, and a controller 560. The vacuum sealing device main body 551 has a substantially columnar main body portion 551A having a step portion and a substantially cylindrical outer cylinder portion 551B having a hollow portion, and is driven by the driver 553 to remove the main body portion 551A and the outside. Each of the tubular portions 551B is configured to be independently movable in the vertical direction. The vacuum sealing device 550 may be attached to the arm of the robot device.

The main body portion 551A has a front end portion 51A, an intermediate portion 52A, and a rear end portion 53A, and is formed such that its cross-sectional area becomes smaller from the rear end portion 53A toward the front end portion 51A. The outer cylinder portion 551B is arranged so as to surround the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 551A. The inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion 551B is configured to slide with the outer peripheral surface of the rear end portion 53A of the main body portion 551A. Specifically, annular seal members 55A and 56A are arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion 551B facing the rear end portion 53A. Note that, as the sealing members 55A and 56A, for example, O-rings may be used.

Further, an annular recess is provided on the tip end surface of the outer cylinder 551B, and the seal member 57A is disposed in the recess. An O-ring may be used as the seal member 57A, for example.

An exhaust space 58A is formed between the outer peripheral surfaces of the tip portion 51A and the intermediate portion 52A of the main body portion 551A and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion 551B, and communicates with the exhaust space 58A. Is connected to one end of the exhaust flow channel 555. A vacuum pump 552 is connected to the other end of the exhaust passage 555.

The driver 553 may have any form as long as it can independently drive the main body 551A and the outer cylinder 551B, and is, for example, a mechanism using gas pressure, hydraulic pressure, a servomotor, or the like. May be.

The heater 554 may have any configuration as long as it is configured to heat the tip portion 51A of the main body 551A, and may be, for example, an electric heater.

The controller 560 may have any form as long as it is a device that controls each device that constitutes the vacuum sealing device 550. The controller 560 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a microprocessor and a CPU, a storage unit including a memory that stores programs for executing each control operation, and a clock unit. .. Then, in the controller 560, the arithmetic processing unit reads out a predetermined control program stored in the storage unit and executes it, thereby performing various kinds of control regarding the vacuum sealing device 550.

It should be noted that the controller 560 is not limited to a configuration including a single controller, but includes a controller group in which a plurality of controllers cooperate to execute control of the vacuum sealing device 550. I don't mind. Further, the controller 560 may be configured by a micro control, and may be configured by an MPU, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), a logic circuit, or the like.

Next, an example of a vacuum heat insulator that is vacuum-sealed by the vacuum sealing device 550 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19.

[Vacuum insulation structure]
FIG. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a vacuum heat insulator which is vacuum sealed by the vacuum sealing device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a development view in which each member constituting the vacuum heat insulator shown in FIG. 17 is developed. FIG. 19 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion D of the vacuum heat insulator shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the vacuum heat insulator 101 vacuum-sealed by the vacuum sealing device 550 according to the second embodiment is vacuum sealed by the vacuum sealing device 500 according to the first embodiment. The vacuum heat insulating body 101 to be stopped has the same basic configuration, but the following points are different.

That is, in the vacuum heat insulating body 101 that is vacuum-sealed by the vacuum sealing device 550 according to the second embodiment, it faces the first through hole 421C of the first member 421 in the second main surface 403B of the inner box 403. A second through hole 403D is provided in the portion, and a boss portion 403E is provided in the peripheral edge portion of the second through hole 403D. The boss portion 403E is heated when the vacuum heat insulating body 101 is manufactured, and closes the second through hole 403D. The height and thickness of the boss portion 403E are appropriately set so that the second through hole 403D can be closed.

In the vacuum heat insulating body 101 vacuum-sealed by the vacuum sealing device 550 according to the second embodiment, the second main surface is formed so that the sealing member 425 seals the second through hole 403D. It is welded to 403B.

[How to operate the vacuum sealing device]
Next, an operating method of the vacuum sealing device 550 (manufacturing method of the gas barrier container 402) according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 23.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing each step of the operating method (gas barrier container manufacturing method) of the vacuum sealing device according to the second embodiment. Further, FIG. 21 is a schematic view for explaining the manufacturing process of step S207 shown in FIG. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of step S208 shown in FIG. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of step S208 shown in FIG.

21 to 23, the vertical direction in the vacuum sealing device body of the vacuum sealing device is shown as the vertical direction in the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 20, an operator or the like manufactures a gas barrier sheet (step S201). Since the method for manufacturing the gas barrier sheet is performed in the same manner as when manufacturing the gas barrier container 402 of the vacuum heat insulator 101 according to the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the worker or the like manufactures the outer plate 401 by cutting the glass plate or the like into an appropriate size (step S201A). Note that step S201 and step S201A are in no particular order.

Next, an operator or the like processes the gas barrier sheet manufactured in step S201 by vacuum forming so as to have the same shape as the inner surface (internal space) of the inner box 403, and then the first opening 421B and the first through hole. A box-shaped first member 421 having 421C is manufactured (step S202). The first through hole 421C may be formed by punching after manufacturing the first member 421.

Next, an operator or the like manufactures the inner box 403 by insert molding (step S203). Specifically, the first member 421 is arranged in a mold for manufacturing the inner box 403, a resin forming the inner box 403 such as a thermoplastic resin is poured, and a second through hole 403D and a boss portion 403E are provided. The inner box 403 is manufactured.

The second through hole 403D may be manufactured by a mold so as to form the second through hole 403D, or the second through hole 403D may be formed by punching after insert molding. ..

Further, in the second embodiment, a mode in which the first member 421 and the inner box 403 are joined by insert molding is adopted, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first member 421 and the inner box 403 are bonded by an adhesive or the like. A mode of joining (adhesion) may be adopted.

Next, an operator or the like arranges the core material 423 and the adsorbent 424 in the internal space of the first member 421, and arranges the second member 422 so as to cover the opening of the first opening 421B ( Step S205). Then, the second opening 421B of the first member 421 is closed by the second member 422 (step S206).

Specifically, for example, a portion of the second member 422 that abuts the flange portion 421A of the first member 421 is heated, and the portion of the second member 422 is thermocompression-bonded to the flange portion 421A to form the first opening. The part 421B is sealed. The first opening 421B may be sealed by adhering the second member 422 and the flange 421A with an adhesive.

Next, the inside of the first member 421 is evacuated by the vacuum sealing device 550 (step S207). Specifically, the controller 560 drives a robot device (not shown) to cause the vacuum sealing device main body 551 to move. The vacuum sealing device main body 551 is moved so that the front end surface is located above the first through hole 421C of the first member 421 (the second through hole 403D of the inner box 403). Then, the controller 560 operates the driver 553 to move the outer cylinder portion 551B downward, and bring the leading end surface of the outer cylinder portion 551B into contact with the inner box 403 (see FIG. 21). Then, the controller 560 operates the vacuum pump 552.

As a result, the inside of the first member 421 is evacuated via the first through hole 421C, the second through hole 403D, the internal space (exhaust space 58A) of the outer tubular portion 551B, and the exhaust passage 555.

Next, the boss portion 403E of the inner box 403 is heated to close the second through hole 403D (step S208). Specifically, when the internal space of the first member 421 reaches a predetermined vacuum degree, the controller 560 drives the driver 553 so that the tip of the main body 551A abuts the boss 403E. The main body 551A is moved downward (see FIG. 22). Next, the controller 560 operates the heater 554 to heat the boss portion 403E via the tip portion of the main body portion 551A.

As a result, the resin forming the boss portion 403E is melted and the second through hole 403D is closed (see FIG. 23).

Next, the sealing member 425 is arranged so as to cover the portion of the inner box 403 where the second through hole 403D was provided, and the sealing member 425 is fixed to the second main surface 403B of the inner box 403 ( Step S209). The sealing member 425 may be fixed to the second main surface 403B by heating the sealing member 425 and heat-sealing it, or may be fixed by an adhesive.

Next, the vacuum heat insulator 101 is manufactured (step S210). Specifically, a sheet-shaped adhesive 404 is arranged on the front surface of the gas barrier container 402 (inner box 403) to bond the gas barrier container 402 and the outer plate 401, and the vacuum heat insulator 101 is manufactured.

In the vacuum sealing device 550 according to the second embodiment configured as above, the inner box 403 is closed by heating the boss portion 403E of the inner box 403 and closing (embedding) the second through hole 403D. The outer surface of the can be flat. Therefore, a gap is suppressed from being formed between the outer surface of the gas barrier container 402 and the inner surface of the inner box 403. Accordingly, the gas barrier property and the heat insulating property of the heat insulating device 100 can be sufficiently ensured.

Further, in the vacuum sealing device 550 according to the second embodiment, since the exhaust passage 54 is not provided in the main body portion 551A, the configuration is simpler than that of the vacuum sealing device 500 according to the first embodiment. Thus, the second through hole 403D can be sealed.

(Embodiment 3)
The vacuum sealing device according to the third embodiment is a vacuum sealing device that exhausts gas from an exhaust hole provided in a container and seals the exhaust hole with a sealing member. Is provided so as to cover the exhaust hole so as to airtightly contact the outer surface of the container, and is provided inside the outer cylinder so as to be movable back and forth in the axial direction of the outer cylinder. A main body in which an exhaust space communicating with the front end surface of the outer cylinder is formed between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, an outer cylinder and a driver for moving the main body forward and backward in the axial direction of the outer cylinder, An outer surface of the container on which a sealing member is placed so as to cover the exhaust hole, in a state where the main body is retracted by the driver, the heater including a heater for heating the tip portion, and the controller. The tip end surface of the outer cylinder is brought into contact with, the inside of the container is evacuated through the exhaust space by the vacuum pump, the main body is advanced by the driver so that the front end of the main body presses the sealing member, and the heater is used. The tip of the main body is heated to weld the sealing member to the peripheral edge of the exhaust hole in the container.

Hereinafter, an example of the vacuum sealing device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 27.

[Configuration of vacuum sealing device]
FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the vacuum sealing device according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 24, the vacuum sealing device 550 according to the third embodiment has the same basic configuration as the vacuum sealing device 550 according to the second embodiment, but further includes a robot arm 570. The points are different. The robot arm 570 may have any form as long as the sealing member 425 can be placed on the peripheral portion of the first through hole 421C of the first member 421, and a known robot arm can be used. ..

Although the vacuum sealing device 550 includes the robot arm 570 in the third embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the vacuum sealing device 550 does not include the robot arm 570 and a device different from the vacuum sealing device 550 includes the robot arm 570. Further, when the worker places the sealing member 425 on the peripheral portion of the first through hole 421C of the first member 421, even if the vacuum sealing device 550 does not include the robot arm 570, it may be adopted. Good.

[How to operate the vacuum sealing device]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 24 to 27, a method of operating the vacuum sealing device 550 according to Embodiment 3 (a method of manufacturing a gas barrier container) will be described. The vacuum sealing device 550 according to the third embodiment is configured to manufacture the gas barrier container 402 described in the first embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing each step of the operating method (gas barrier container manufacturing method) of the vacuum sealing device according to the third embodiment. Further, FIG. 26 is a schematic view for explaining the manufacturing process of steps S106A and S107 shown in FIG. FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of step S108 shown in FIG. 26 and 27, the vertical direction in the vacuum sealing device body of the vacuum sealing device is shown as the vertical direction in the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 25, the operating method of the vacuum sealing device 550 according to the third embodiment (the manufacturing method of the gas barrier container 402) is the operating method and basic operation of the vacuum sealing device 500 according to the first embodiment. Are the same, but the point that step S106A is executed instead of step S106 and the specific operation of step S107 and step S108 are different. That is, in the operation method of the vacuum sealing device 550 according to the third embodiment, the same operation is executed from step S101 to step S105 of the operation method of the vacuum sealing device 500 according to the first embodiment, but The operation of S106 to step S108 is different.

In step S106A, the sealing member 425 is placed on the outer surface of the first member 421 (the upper surface of the first member 421 in FIG. 26). Specifically, the controller 560 drives the robot arm 570 to place the sealing member 425 on the outer surface of the first member 421 (the upper surface of the first member 421 in FIG. 26).

Note that the sealing member 425 does not interfere with the evacuation of the inside of the first member 421 by an appropriate means, and when the first through hole 421C of the first member 421 is sealed, It is configured to cover the opening of the hole 421C.

For example, the size of the sealing member 425 that does not interfere with the evacuation is tested from the evacuation speed, evacuation amount, evacuation time (operating time of the vacuum pump 552) of the vacuum pump 552, the volume of the evacuation space 58A, and the like. It may be set according to the above. In addition, by bending the main surface of the sealing member 425, bending a part of the sealing member 425, or the like, the first through hole 421C is communicated between the lower surface of the sealing member 425 and the upper surface of the first member 421. You may make it provide the gap. Further, an adhesive may be disposed on a part of the lower surface of the sealing member 425, and the adhesive may fix a part of the sealing member 425 to the upper surface of the first member 421.

Next, the inside of the first member 421 is evacuated by the vacuum sealing device 550 (step S107). Specifically, the controller 560 drives a robot device (not shown) to move the vacuum sealing device main body 551 so that the front end surface of the vacuum sealing device main body 551 is located above the first through hole 421C. To move. Then, the controller 560 actuates the driver 553 to move the outer cylinder portion 551B downward, so that the front end surface of the outer cylinder portion 551B covers the first through hole 421C. And the first member 421 are brought into contact with each other (see FIG. 26). Then, the controller 560 operates the vacuum pump 552.

As a result, the inside of the first member 421 is connected to the vacuum pump 552 through the first through hole 421C, the internal space (exhaust space 58A) of the outer tubular portion 551B, and the exhaust passage 555, and is evacuated. ..

Next, the first through hole 421C is sealed with the sealing member 425 (step S108). Specifically, when the internal space of the first member 421 reaches a predetermined vacuum degree, the controller 560 drives the driver 553 so that the tip surface of the main body 551A (tip 51A) is sealed by the sealing member 425. The main body 551A is moved downward so as to abut. Then, the controller 560 actuates the heater 554 to heat the sealing member 425 via the tip portion of the main body 551A to cause the sealing member 425 to be welded to the first member 421, and the first through hole. The 421C is sealed by the sealing member 425 (see FIG. 27).

In the vacuum sealing device 550 according to the third embodiment configured as described above, the sealing member 425 is placed on the outer surface of the first member 421. Therefore, a means for fixing the sealing member 425 to the tip of the vacuum sealing device main body 501 such as an adhesive is not required, so that the manufacturing cost of the vacuum sealing device can be reduced.

When the sealing member 425 is fixed to the tip of the vacuum sealing device main body 551 with an adhesive, the first through hole 421C is sealed by the sealing member 425, and then the outer surface of the sealing member 425. The adhesive remains. Then, the remaining adhesive may cause a gap between the outer surface of the gas barrier container 402 and the inner surface of the inner box 403, thereby deteriorating the gas rearing property and the heat insulating property of the heat insulating device 100.

However, in the vacuum sealing device 550 according to the third embodiment, the adhesive does not remain on the outer surface of the sealing member 425 after the first through hole 421C is sealed by the sealing member 425.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent a gap from being formed between the outer surface of the gas barrier container 402 and the inner surface of the inner box 403. Accordingly, the gas barrier property and the heat insulating property of the heat insulating device 100 can be sufficiently ensured.

Further, in the vacuum sealing device 550 according to the third embodiment, the exhaust passage 54 is not provided in the main body portion 551A, and therefore, the configuration is simpler than that of the vacuum sealing device 500 according to the first embodiment. Thus, the first through hole 421C can be sealed.

From the above description, many modifications and other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be construed as illustrative only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the present invention. The details of structure and/or function may be changed substantially without departing from the spirit of the invention. Further, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The vacuum sealing device and the method for operating the vacuum sealing device according to the present invention suppress the manufacturing cost while sufficiently securing the gas barrier property and the heat insulating property by sealing the exhaust hole provided in the vacuum heat insulator. It is useful because it can.

2 Refrigerator body 2A Recess 2B Recess 3 Refrigerator compartment door 4A Ice making compartment door 4B 1st freezer compartment door 5 Vegetable compartment door 6 2nd freezer compartment door 8 Compressor 9 Evaporator 10 Cooling channel 11 Refrigerator compartment 12 Ice making compartment 13 Vegetable compartment 14 Second Freezing Chamber 15 Partition Wall 16 Partition Wall 17 Partition Wall 18 Cooling Chamber 19 Cooling Chamber Wall 20 Evaporating Dish 21 First Resin Layer 22 Second Resin Layer 23 Gas Barrier Layer 51 Tip 51A Tip 52 Intermediate 52A Intermediate 53 Rear End 53A Rear End 54 Exhaust Flow Path 54A Opening 55 Seal Member 55A Seal Member 57 Seal Member 57A Seal Member 58 Exhaust Space 58A Exhaust Space 100 Insulation Equipment 101 Vacuum Insulator 201 First Member 210 Through Hole 401 Outer Plate 402 Gas barrier container 403 Inner box 403A First main surface 403B Second main surface 403C Second opening portion 403D Second through hole 403E Boss portion 403F Gasket groove 404 Adhesive 405 Adhesive 421 First member 421A Flange portion 421B First opening 421C First through hole 422 Second member 423 Core material 424 Adsorbent 425 Sealing member 441 Gasket 442 Frame 443 Screw 500 Vacuum sealing device 501 Vacuum sealing device body 501A Body part 501B Outer cylinder part 502 Vacuum pump 503 Driver 504 Heating Device 505 Second exhaust flow passage 506 First exhaust flow passage 506A Opening 507 Opening/closing valve 510 Controller 550 Vacuum sealing device 551 Vacuum sealing device main body 551A Main body 551B Outer cylinder 552 Vacuum pump 553 Driver 554 Heater 555 Exhaust Flow path 560 controller

Claims (2)

A vacuum sealing device for exhausting from an exhaust hole provided in a container, melting a boss portion provided at a peripheral portion of the exhaust hole, and sealing the exhaust hole,
The vacuum sealing device has an outer cylinder portion configured so that a tip end surface covers the exhaust port, and is in airtight contact with the outer surface of the container,
A main body portion provided in the outer cylindrical portion axial direction on the outer cylindrical portion so as to be retractable in,
A driver for moving the outer cylinder part and the main body part back and forth in the axial direction of the outer cylinder part ,
A heater for heating the tip of the main body portion,
And a controller,
The main body portion has a front end portion, a middle portion, and a rear end portion, and the cross-sectional area of the middle portion is larger than the cross-sectional area of the front end portion, and the cross-sectional area of the rear end portion is larger than the cross-sectional area of the middle portion. Is large, the inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion is configured to slide with the outer peripheral surface of the rear end portion, and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the main body portion and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion. An exhaust space that communicates with the distal end surface of the outer tubular portion is formed between the,
Further comprising a vacuum pump connected to the exhaust space,
The controller is
With the driver, with the main body part retracted, the exhaust hole of the container is brought into contact with the outer surface of the container so that the tip end surface of the outer cylinder part covers the exhaust hole,
Wherein the vacuum pump, through the exhaust space, to exhaust the vessel, by the driver, the front end portion of the main body portion so as to contact with the boss portion of the container, allowed to proceed for the body,
A vacuum sealing device configured to heat the tip portion of the main body portion by the heater to melt the boss portion and seal the exhaust hole of the container. A method of operating a vacuum sealing device, comprising exhausting from an exhaust hole provided in a container, melting a boss portion provided at a peripheral portion of the exhaust hole, and sealing the exhaust hole,
The vacuum sealing device,
An outer cylinder portion configured so as to airtightly contact the outer surface of the container such that the tip end surface covers the exhaust hole,
A main body portion provided in the outer cylindrical portion axial direction on the outer cylindrical portion so as to be retractable in,
A driver for moving the outer cylinder part and the main body part back and forth in the axial direction of the outer cylinder part ,
A heater for heating the tip of the main body portion,
A vacuum pump connected to the exhaust space ,
The main body portion has a front end portion, a middle portion, and a rear end portion, and the cross-sectional area of the middle portion is larger than the cross-sectional area of the front end portion, and the cross-sectional area of the rear end portion is larger than the cross-sectional area of the middle portion. Is large, the inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion is configured to slide with the outer peripheral surface of the rear end portion, and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the main body portion and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion. In between, the exhaust space communicating with the tip surface of the outer tubular portion is formed,
In a state where the driver is driven and the main body part is retracted, the exhaust hole of the container is brought into contact with the outer surface of the container so that the tip end surface of the outer cylinder part is covered (F). When,
When the vacuum pump operates to exhaust the inside of the container through the exhaust space (G),
And wherein the driver is actuated, the distal end portion of the main body portion so as to contact with the boss portion of the container, to advance the body portion and (H),
(I) sealing the exhaust hole of the container by heating the tip portion of the main body portion to melt the boss portion, thereby heating the tip portion of the main body portion (I). how to drive.

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