JPH1164144A - Vacuum detecting device for vessels - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform not only a continuous vacuum inspection but also a total inspection of products by applying a high voltage into a sealed and evacuated non-conductive vessel from the outside to cause a plasma state within the vessel, and detecting the change of electric field or plasma emission before and after plasma generation. SOLUTION: When electrodes 24, 30 are arranged on the outer surface of the body side part of a vessel 10, and a high voltage is applied thereto, a plasma state occurs in the hollow part of the vessel 10, and a low atmospheric pressure condition is given thereto, whereby a vacuum discharge phenomenon can be easily provided. Paying attention to the electric field generated by the high voltage application, the electric change based on the change of field intensity is taken as electric signal to detect the vacuum of a subject vessel. A plasma detection part 14 has a detection part 36 for outputting the change of the electric field as a signal, and the detection signal is compared with a set value set from the relation between atmospheric pressure and voltage to judge the quality of vacuum in conformation to the generation of plasma. Thus, a continuous product total inspection can be performed in a short time.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

This invention relates to reagents and other pharmaceuticals,
The present invention relates to a vacuum degree detecting device for containers (inside) for detecting a reduced pressure state, that is, a degree of vacuum in a non-conductive container in which chemicals, food, and other contents are sealed and stored in a bottle, a plastic container, or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For reagents, other pharmaceuticals, chemicals, cosmetics, etc., these reagents and chemicals are stored in glass bottles, plastic containers, and the like, and a required gap is formed to depressurize the inside. Then, it is supplied to the market under a predetermined vacuum state so that atmospheric pressure does not enter as a sealed state.
Conventionally, this kind of drug etc. is sealed to prevent the invasion of various bacteria and the reaction of the contained drug with the components in the air, to shut off the communication with the atmosphere, and to decompress the inside to create a vacuum state. Therefore, the quality of the contents is maintained by maintaining the vacuum state. Conventionally, in order to measure the degree of vacuum in the container, the puncture needle connected to the vacuum pressure measuring instrument was punctured from the stopper of the container and the like for each product lot, because the sealed state could not be released, and it was removed. The inspection was performed.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional vacuum measurement, the container is positioned and stopped at a predetermined puncture position, the container is held and fixed so as not to move, and the needle is passed through. , Measuring the vacuum pressure, removing the needle after the measurement, and transporting the needle, etc. are required, which takes time for the measurement, is not only inefficient, but also requires a measurement operator, and the operation cost is low. In addition, since it is a sampling inspection, there is a problem that the product vacuum degree cannot be checked for all the products. Further, there is a problem that the contents are damaged by a puncture needle or the like at the time of puncturing operation, thereby deteriorating the commercial value.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and has as its object the purpose of not only being able to perform a continuous vacuum check in a short time with a simple structure, but also to reduce the total number of products. An object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum degree detecting device for containers that can be inspected. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for detecting the degree of vacuum of containers which does not damage the contents of the container and does not cause deterioration in quality due to nondestructive inspection.

[0005]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention. The vacuum degree detecting device for containers according to the present invention is a sealed and reduced pressure non-conductive container, to which a high voltage is applied from the outside and a high voltage applying means for generating a plasma state inside the container. And a plasma detecting means for detecting a change in an electric field before and after the generation of plasma or the presence or absence of plasma emission.

Further, the plasma detecting means may detect an electrical change corresponding to the change in the electric field.

The plasma detecting means includes a detecting means for detecting a change due to any one or a combination of a current, a voltage, an impedance, an admittance, and a frequency corresponding to the change in the electric field, and a detecting signal by the detecting means. A determination means for comparing the set value with the generation of the plasma to determine whether the degree of vacuum is good or not and a display means for displaying the determination result may be provided.

[0008] The detecting means may be an electric field excitation device that changes its internal impedance by changing the electric field due to the plasma generation.

Further, the electric field excitation device may comprise a discharge tube which discharges at a predetermined excitation voltage.

Further, the plasma detecting means optically detects the light emission state of the plasma and outputs an optical change before and after the plasma light emission as an electric signal, and compares the electric signal with a set value. The determination means may determine whether the degree of vacuum is good or bad in response to the generation of the plasma, and a display means for displaying the determination result.

Further, a change adjusting means for changing and adjusting the set value may be provided.

[0012] The high voltage applying means may include first and second electrodes which are arranged on the outer surface of the non-conductive container so as to face each other in a sandwiched manner.

Further, one or both of the first and second electrodes may be elastically urged from an outer surface of the non-conductive container in a direction to sandwich the container inside.

Further, the first and second electrodes may be arranged to face a passage of the non-conductive container so as to allow the non-conductive container to be arranged in series and pass therethrough.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The vacuum detecting apparatus for containers according to the present invention applies a high voltage from the outside to the inside of a non-conductive container which is hermetically closed and decompressed, and creates a plasma state inside the container. A high voltage applying means for generating the plasma; and a plasma detecting means for detecting a change in an electric field before and after the generation of the plasma or the presence or absence of plasma emission. A high voltage is applied to the hollow portion of the container in a reduced pressure state to generate a plasma state, and the presence or absence of the degree of vacuum is determined by outputting a signal indicating an electrical change due to the plasma state or the presence or absence of plasma emission.
The application of the high voltage is performed from the outside of the container, and since it is only necessary to arrange two electrodes on the outer periphery of the container, the supply to the detection area of the object container and the discharge after the detection are performed extremely smoothly. In addition, the container can be continuously charged, and the detection time can be significantly reduced. Further, the measurement of the degree of vacuum of the containers for all the containers can be realized at a practical level.
The detection of the plasma state in the container outputs a change in the electric field after the plasma state occurs, or an electrical change corresponding to the presence or absence of plasma emission, but the specific plasma detection means uses the changing electric field itself. Alternatively, it may be arranged on the output side of light emission, or may be arranged on the input side of plasma state generation in the high voltage applying means. When an alternating current or a high voltage is applied to the hollow portion of the container in a depressurized state, a plasma state is always generated. Therefore, if plasma is generated, a change in the electric field, a current value on the high voltage supply side, and other electrical Change.

The plasma detecting means may detect an electric change corresponding to the electric field change. That is, the plasma detection means, a current corresponding to the change of the electric field, voltage, impedance, detection means for detecting a change due to any one of the admittance or frequency, or a combination thereof, a detection signal and a set value by this detection means And determination means for determining the degree of vacuum in accordance with the generation of the plasma, and display means for displaying the determination result. Further, other electrical changes may be detected and output. The detecting means may quantitatively compose each electrical change accordingly, and use various kinds of measuring instruments for measuring them.

The detecting means may be an electric field excitation device that changes its internal impedance by changing the electric field due to the plasma generation. By using a neon tube, a helium tube, or another discharge tube, it can be manufactured separately from the high voltage application portion, and there is no need for adjustment between processes in the manufacturing process, so that mass productivity can be secured. The device may be configured to be able to excite the electric field in the connected state.

The plasma detection means optically detects the light emission state of the plasma, and outputs an optical change before and after the plasma light emission as an electric signal. A determination means for determining whether the degree of vacuum is good or bad according to the generation of plasma, and a display means for displaying the determination result may be provided. If there is plasma emission, it is determined that a predetermined vacuum state is maintained in the subject container. Also in this case, the electrical change may be output on the output side or the supply side of the plasma in the container, and the determination may be made.

It is preferable to provide a change adjusting means for changing and adjusting the set value, since a pass / fail judgment criterion can be set corresponding to the characteristics of each subject container. This change adjusting means need not always be provided.

It is preferable that the high voltage applying means includes first and second electrodes which are opposed to each other in a sandwiched manner on the outer surface of the non-conductive container. The sample container can be put into the detection area while being placed on a conveyor device or the like that can move linearly and continuously, and therefore, it can be easily discharged from the area, and high voltage can be applied. Effective work can be achieved.

It is preferable that either or both of the first and second electrodes are elastically urged from the outer surface side of the non-conductive container in a direction to sandwich the container inside.
When the specimen container enters the detection area in various directions,
Alternatively, it is elastically sandwiched and held without being influenced by the size of the container, the shape of the surface, and the like, and the high voltage application state is reliably ensured. Therefore, it is more preferable that the first and second electrodes are opposed to each other so as to face the passage so that the non-conductive containers can be arranged in series and passed therethrough.

[0022]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for detecting the degree of vacuum of containers according to the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of the principle block configuration of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram embodying a vacuum degree detecting device for containers according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. A high-voltage applying unit 12 for applying a high voltage from outside the non-conductive container 10 to generate a plasma state PZ inside the container,
A plasma detection unit 14 for detecting a change in the electric field before and after the plasma is generated by the high voltage application unit 12. In the embodiment, the plasma detecting unit 14 detects an electric change which is generated in response to a change in the electric field due to the generation of an electric field over the periphery of the container due to the plasma state inside the container.

In FIGS. 3 to 5, a box-shaped support portion 18 is protruded from an upper front part of the box-shaped unit case body 16 to the front side thereof. The space S is formed such that no shield exists. The plasma detector 14 is formed inside the case body 16. In the figure,
A high voltage generator 20 is built in the case body 16. On the other hand, the space S on the lower surface of the box-shaped support portion 18 is a passage through which the container 10 as an object passes in series in a direction crossing right and left in front view of the unit case. Is provided.

In FIG. 4, a first electrode base 22 is attached to the box-shaped support portion 18, and a first electrode 24 made of a plurality of thin steel wires supported by the first electrode base 22 has a lower end shaped like a blind. It is provided hanging. On the other hand, a second electrode base 26 is attached to the case main body 16 at a position substantially opposite to the lower end side of the first electrode, and the second electrode base 26 is provided with a leaf spring-shaped support plate. A second electrode 30 made of a conductive sponge is attached via 28. Then, the lower end of the first electrode 24 is
In a direction crossing the passing direction, i.e., in a direction in which it is constantly pressed against the case body side, so that both electrodes 24 and 30 are sandwiched from the outer surface of the container 10. Close contact with the outer surface of the container. The two electrodes may not only be arranged in the diametrical direction of the container with the container interposed therebetween, but may also be located at a close position biased to one of the outer circumferences. That is, it is sufficient to arrange the two points on the outer circumference at a required interval. Thus, both electrodes are connected to the container 1
Since the container is arranged to oppose the outer surface of the electrode 0 in a sandwiching manner, the container can continuously pass through the gap Se between the two electrodes, and therefore, the subject container can be continuously supplied to the detection region. In addition, in combination with a plasma detecting means to be described later, an electrical or optical external detection method can be used for a short time and in a large number of inspections, thereby enabling a total inspection.

The first and second electrodes may be urged so that only one of them is elastically pressed against the container 10, or as in the embodiment, both are elastically opposed to each other. You may be made to be energized. As described above, the first and second electrodes 24 and 30 are arranged facing the passage (S) so as to allow the non-conductive containers 10 to be arranged in series and pass therethrough. The configuration position of the passage may be set arbitrarily, and may be provided in the direction toward the paper in FIG.

In FIG. 5, the high voltage generator 20 has a second
The electrode 30 (internal electrode) is connected to supply a high voltage, and the low voltage side is connected to the first electrode 24 (external electrode). And so on. here,
The high voltage applying unit 12 includes a high voltage generating unit 20, first and second electrodes 24 and 30.

FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of the high voltage generating section 20. A DC voltage of, for example, about 12 volts is supplied to the oscillating section 32, and an AC voltage of about 40 KHz, 240 V is supplied from the oscillating section 32 to, for example, a flyback. It is supplied to a transformer section 34 composed of a transformer. The transformer section 34 has a high voltage terminal 34 connected to the second electrode 30 as an internal electrode.
a, and a low voltage terminal 34b connected to the first electrode 24 as an external electrode is provided. The voltage is boosted by the transformer unit 34, and a high voltage is generated between both terminals.

Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the first and second electrodes are arranged so as to face the outer surface of the body side of the container, and a high voltage application unit 12 applies a voltage of, for example, 40 KHz and about 4000 volts. Then, a plasma state is generated in the hollow portion of the container 10. Generally, for example, drugs,
1/10 in the case of decompressed containers such as chemicals
It is kept at about atmospheric pressure, and when a high voltage is applied to this,
The substance in the hollow portion is ionized, and ions and electrons are present in the space at the same density, thereby generating a gaseous plasma state. That is, when an alternating current and a high voltage are applied to the hollow portion in the container 10, plasma generation conditions are basically generated, and by applying a further lower pressure condition to the plasma, a vacuum discharge phenomenon is easily obtained. . It has been proven that the applied voltage V is a function of the product of the interelectrode gap d and the pressure p (Paschen's law) (V = f (p
d)) Thereby, for example, even under the above-mentioned applied voltage, if the degree of vacuum of the ordinary container is maintained, a plasma state can be reliably generated. The specific applied voltage is not limited to the above numerical values. The volume, temperature, degree of vacuum, and the like of the hollow portion in the container vary depending on the type of container and the like, and AC, high voltage conditions, and the like may be set accordingly. In the embodiment, a plasma state is generated in a hollow portion Sc formed above a sample L such as a medicine in a container. It is preferable that the high voltage application section has a configuration that can arbitrarily change the voltage. In a state where a high voltage is applied at all times, the container may pass between the electrodes.However, in a non-passing state, or when necessary, the voltage is normally set to a low voltage, and gradually reaches a set voltage when the container passes. The detection may be performed by increasing the pressure.

In the first embodiment, attention is paid to an electric field generated by application of a high voltage, and the intensity of the electric field varies depending on the presence or absence of a plasma state. The vacuum degree of the container is detected. In the embodiment, the plasma detection unit 14 compares the detection signal with a setting value set based on the relationship between the atmospheric pressure and the electric field voltage by comparing the detection signal with the detection unit 36 that outputs a change in the electric field as an electric signal. A judgment unit 38 for judging the degree of vacuum correspondingly and a display unit 40 for displaying the judgment result are provided.

In the embodiment, the detector 36 comprises an electric field excitation device that changes its internal impedance by changing the electric field due to the plasma generation. In the embodiment, this electric field excitation device is composed of a neon tube 42,
This neon tube 42 is arranged in an electric field that is generated based on the voltage applied by 2. Normally, the power supply DC voltage Vs is supplied. And, for example, always, both electrodes 24, 3
When a high voltage is applied between zero and zero, when the sample, that is, the container is not between the electrodes, a high electric field strength and a high voltage are applied to both ends of the neon tube 42 due to a high impedance because only air is used. The neon tube 42 generates positive column light emission at a predetermined excitation voltage, and a current flows to output a high-level voltage to both ends of the voltage dividing resistor. On the other hand, when the object container is supplied between the detection region, that is, between the electrodes 24 and 30, plasma is generated in the container due to the high voltage and the internal vacuum state, and when the voltage between the first and second electrodes decreases, the electric field intensity decreases. Therefore, the electric field voltage is also reduced to a voltage lower than the excitation of the neon tube, so that the neon tube has a high impedance and outputs a low-level voltage. Here, the first in the plasma state,
A voltage signal based on a change in voltage between the second electrodes 24 and 30 is output to the determination unit 38. That is, in the present embodiment, the neon tube 42 of the detection unit 36 is configured as an electric field sensor. The electric field excitation device is not limited to a neon tube, and may be any other discharge tube utilizing the electrical characteristics associated with the impact ionization of electrons emitted from the cathode and the sealing gas or vapor. Since a commercially available product can be easily obtained and can be easily configured as an electric field sensor, the manufacturing cost is low. In addition, since it can be configured separately from the high voltage applying unit 12, there is no need to perform adjustment between the high voltage generating portion and the process in the process of manufacturing the entire device, which is suitable for mass production.

FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram of the detection unit 36, which normally emits light by high-voltage electric field excitation,
The internal impedance of the device decreases, a current flows, and a high-level voltage is output at all times. However, the neon tube does not emit light due to a change in the electric field due to the plasma state of the subject container 10, and becomes a non-discharged state. Then, no current flows and a low-level fluctuating voltage signal is output to the determination unit 38.

The voltage output from the detector 36 is amplified to an appropriate level by a preamplifier 44, and a zero position is adjusted by a VU meter base adjuster 46 as a direct-reading meter. The optimum run-out width in the visual inspection state is set by the unit 48. The comparator of the determination unit 38 is supplied with a determination value voltage as a threshold voltage of, for example, about 1 V, which is set from the relationship between the atmospheric pressure and the electric field voltage. This determination value voltage can be changed and adjusted to an arbitrary value by the change adjustment unit 49. The LED (light emitting diode) group 51 of the display unit 40 is transmitted from the photocoupler to the input / output device 50 via the input / output interface unit 50 and compared with the input output voltage from the detection unit 36. Output to the display panel. Dial adjustment and other condition setting at the time of input / output are performed by the condition switch group 52 of the condition setting unit. In addition, the transfer of the subject container 10 from the feed conveyor to another sample carrier, the input of the detection operation start, and the like. An end output, a good / bad output, an alarm output, and the like are calculated and output by the arithmetic and control unit 54 via the input / output interface unit 50 based on a preset condition setting program. Drive.

The voltage output from the detection unit 36 as a neon tube is amplified via a selection switch 56 as a switching display unit, and a signal is output to a VU meter as a direct reading display unit for direct reading display. It has become. In addition, the detection unit 36 described above is incorporated in the substrate 58 of FIG. 3, and the plasma detection unit 14 other than the detection unit is incorporated in the substrate 59.

In the embodiment, the box-shaped support portion 18 is provided with an ultraviolet lamp 62 of an ultraviolet generator 60, which irradiates the first and second electrodes 24 and 30 with ultraviolet light. The energy level in the object container is made to increase so as to generate a condition in which plasma is easily generated. A commercial power supply (not shown) is connected to the entire apparatus, and supplies a required power supply voltage to the high voltage generator 20, the ultraviolet light generator 60, the plasma detector 14, and the digital circuit 64. In the drawing, reference numeral 68 denotes an operation panel of the display unit 40, 46a, 48a, 49a, and 56.
a is an adjustment knob or a button for each function.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. A non-conductive bottle such as a bottle which is placed at a predetermined interval on a feeder 19 constituted by a belt roller or the like and in which a medicine or the like is hermetically contained therein is described. The liquid container 10 is continuously supplied so as to pass through the gap Se between the two electrodes of the high voltage application unit 12. At this time,
Since both electrodes are urged so as to face each other, as shown in FIG. 9, the container 10 enters the gap Se while pushing and expanding both electrodes, and stays in this detection area for the maximum measurement time (slow). After the detection is completed, the sheet is sequentially sent forward by the feed device.

Since a predetermined gap is provided between the two electrodes,
The impedance is high due to the gap, and when a high voltage of, for example, about 4000 V is applied in a state where the subject container is not supplied at all times, a high electric field is generated between the two electrodes 24 and 30, and the neon tube 42 of the detection unit 36. Are excited to emit light and discharge, and a current flows between the electrodes, for example, outputting a high-level voltage.

When the sample container enters the gap Se between the two electrodes, which is the detection region, the first and second electrodes contact the diametrically outer surface of the container with the hollow portion of the container interposed therebetween. State, for example, 400
When an AC voltage of about 0 V and 40 KHz is applied, basic plasma generation conditions occur in the hollow portion of the container,
When a substance is ionized, ions and electrons are present in the space at the same density, thereby generating a gaseous plasma state. Further, since the pressure in the hollow interior of the container is reduced, a vacuum discharge is easily generated even if the applied voltage is low. In the plasma state, the plasma gas as a whole has almost no potential difference, but has extremely high electric conductivity. Therefore,
As a result, the voltage between both electrodes suddenly drops, and the electric field strength also drops.
Neon tube 4 of detection unit in embodiment arranged in electric field
When the excitation voltage is lower than the excitation voltage of 2, the discharge does not occur, no current flows due to the high impedance, and a low-level voltage is output.

FIG. 2 and FIGS. 10 to 12
The operation of determining whether the degree of vacuum of the subject container is good or bad in the determination unit 38 will be mainly described with reference to FIG. 3. The main power supply voltage is supplied to the entire apparatus and measurement is started (S1). Prior to the detection work, the quality LED of the status display LED group of the display unit 40 and the alarm LED for promptly informing of the lot failure when the vacuum degree failure is continuously determined and prompting an early response are turned off. To reset (S2). Then, time measurement is started by the reference clock signal of the internal timer of the arithmetic control unit 54, a preset maximum measuring time required for detecting the degree of vacuum of each subject container is read, and further, it is continuously determined as defective. At this time, a preset continuous number is read (S3). The output signal from the detection unit is compared with the set value by the determination unit 38 (S4), and when a good signal (good vacuum degree) is output via the photocoupler,
Further, it is determined whether or not the non-defective item determination is continued for, for example, one second or more (S5). If it has been continued for one second or longer, the number of defective products is set to zero (S6), and the non-defective products are continued. If the result of the comparison in S4 is vacuum failure, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time is within the already read maximum measurement time (S7). If not, the flow returns to S4 to perform good / bad determination again. . If the maximum measurement time is exceeded in S7, the number of defective products is counted and increased by one (S8), and the number of defective products is compared with a preset alarm set value (number) (S9). If the number of defective products is equal to or larger than the set number, the process is continued as a continuous defective state and the process is continued to the continuous defective alarm process.

In FIG. 11, when it is determined that the product is non-defective, the judgment LED of the display unit 40 is lit in green, and a non-defective signal and a normal signal are output from the arithmetic control unit 54 (S1).
0). On the other hand, if it is determined that the product is defective, the determination LED of the display unit 40 is turned on in red, and a normal signal is output from the arithmetic and control unit 54 because it is not a continuous defect (S11). In any case, an END signal is output for adjusting the waiting time and ending the operation of detecting the subject container (S1).
2) After the end, the display of S2 is turned off again, and the same processing is performed thereafter.

On the other hand, in FIG. 12, in the case of the continuous failure shown in FIG. 10, the judgment LED on the display unit 40 lights red, and the alarm LED flashes red (S13). Then, a wait time adjustment for signal timing adjustment is performed, and an END signal is output (S14). At this time, in response to the cause of the continuous failure, an operator performs sorting, withdrawal, inspection of the first and second electrode portions, and other operations for normal detection processing of the container from the transport device, and the operator performs operations from outside. The operation is not resumed unless an alarm reset (S15) operation is performed. After the alarm reset, the alarm LED is turned off (S16), and the number of defective products is returned to zero (S1).
7) Returning to the processing of S2, the same processing as above will be repeated.

In the embodiment, not only the determination of good or bad, but also an abnormal state in the case of continuous failure is displayed externally and checked by the operator, so that the detection accuracy is improved. In addition, the reliability of the detection operation is ensured.

In the embodiment, the detecting section and the judging section are constituted by analog circuits, but may be constituted by an analog-digital converter or the like as digital circuits.
The method of extracting the change in the electric field from the detection unit 36 is the first method.
Instead of taking out as a voltage change as in the embodiment,
For example, it may be extracted as a change in current, impedance, admittance, frequency, or the like, or may be extracted as a combination thereof. In addition, an arbitrary method may be used for the extraction method, such as detecting a change in a periodic or aperiodic time domain or the like.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 13, in which the same reference numerals are given to the same components or members as those in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. First
In the embodiment, the plasma detection unit 14 as a plasma detection unit for detecting a change in the electric field before and after the generation of the plasma uses a change in the electric field due to the plasma generated in the container, and so-called, on the output side. Although the electrical change is used to determine the degree of vacuum, in the second embodiment, if an AC high voltage is applied to a container having a vacuum hollow portion, a plasma state always occurs in the hollow portion, Since it is clear that the electric field fluctuates, a current sensor 70 as the plasma detecting unit 14 is provided on the input side of the first and second electrodes 24 and 30 from the high voltage generating unit 20 to reduce the amount of current consumed. By amplifying and outputting the power information and the like to the determination unit 38, the degree of vacuum of the container can be similarly detected. As described above, a change in an electric field generated on the input side due to a plasma state in the container may be regarded as a change in an electric amount, and the change may be detected by various detection devices.

Further, based on FIG. 14, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
Although the embodiment will be described, the same reference numerals are given to the same components or the same components as those of the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, the plasma detector 14 optically detects the light emission state of the plasma, and outputs an optical change before and after the plasma light emission as an electric signal. A determination unit 38 for comparing the degree of vacuum with respect to the generation of the plasma, and a display unit 40 for displaying the determination result
And is composed of The optical detection section 72 may use, for example, an optical sensor, a CCD image sensor, a MOS image sensor, an image pickup tube, or other optical detection means.
As described above, the degree of vacuum inside the object container can be detected by confirming the plasma state by plasma emission.

In the third embodiment, plasma emission occurs in the plasma state generated in the container by the application of the high voltage. Therefore, by detecting the presence or absence of the plasma emission before and after the application of the high voltage, the inside of the container is detected. It detects the degree of vacuum. In the drawing, a light-shielding device 74 is provided as necessary so as to confine at least the subject container 10 in a dark room at a portion between the two electrodes 24 and 30 which is a detection region to which a high voltage is applied. The light shielding device 74 has a curtain portion 76 formed at a portion corresponding to the passage of the container, so that the curtain portion can freely enter and pass, and after passing through, a hanging shape so that the inside itself becomes a dark room state again. Is held.

The contents inside the containers may be in the form of powder, tablets, granules, kneaded state or other solid state, or may be liquid or gas state if there is no problem in use.

[0047]

As described above, according to the container vacuum detecting apparatus of the present invention, a high voltage is externally applied to the inside of a sealed and depressurized non-conductive container, and A high voltage applying means for generating a plasma state therein; and a plasma detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a change in an electric field or the presence or absence of plasma emission before and after the plasma generation, so that a simple configuration and low cost are provided. In addition to being able to continuously check the degree of vacuum of the subject container in a short time, the entire product can be inspected, and the quality assurance of the product can be ensured. Further, the detection is not performed by piercing a tool such as a puncturing means into the inside of the container, but the electrode is merely brought close to or applied to the outer surface of the container, so that nondestruction of the product is ensured.

Further, since the plasma detecting means detects an electric change corresponding to the change of the electric field, the change based on the electric characteristics such as voltage, current, impedance, power, frequency, and admittance is detected. Since it is only necessary to perform comparison with the set value using a sensor for detection, the circuit is simple, easy to manufacture, and low cost can be maintained.

Further, the plasma detecting means includes a detecting means for detecting a change due to any one or a combination of a current, a voltage, an impedance, an admittance and a frequency corresponding to the change in the electric field, and a detecting signal by the detecting means. By comparing a set value and determining means for determining whether the degree of vacuum is good or bad in response to the generation of the plasma, and display means for displaying the determination result,
With a simple configuration, it can be manufactured at low cost, and it is possible to ensure the effectiveness of continuous vacuum degree check of the subject container in a short time by signal processing.

Further, since the detecting means is an electric field excitation device that changes its internal impedance by changing the electric field due to the plasma generation, it can be configured separately from the high voltage application part, so that the entire device can be manufactured. In the process, there is no need to make adjustments between the process and the high-voltage generating portion, and it is suitable for mass production. Further, since a commercially available product such as a discharge tube can be used, it is possible to reduce the production cost.

Further, since the electric field excitation device is constituted by a discharge tube which discharges at a predetermined excitation voltage, a commercially available one can be easily obtained and can be simply constituted as an electric field sensor, so that the production cost can be kept low. obtain. In addition, since it can be configured separately from the high voltage application unit, there is no need to perform adjustment between the process and the high voltage generation part in the manufacturing process of the entire device, and mass productivity can be ensured.

The plasma detecting means optically detects the light emission state of the plasma, and compares the electric signal with a set value with an optical detecting means for outputting an optical change before and after the plasma light emission as an electric signal. A determination means for determining the degree of vacuum in accordance with the generation of the plasma; and a display means for displaying the determination result. In addition to being able to continuously check the degree of vacuum of the subject container, all the products can be inspected, and the quality assurance of the products can be ensured.

Further, since a change adjusting means for changing and adjusting the set value is provided, the operator can arbitrarily change and adjust the set value in consideration of the relationship between the applied voltage and the degree of vacuum, and This makes it possible to adjust the operation range of the sensor and the electric field, voltage, and other sensors as a detection unit, thereby facilitating the maintenance and maintenance of the apparatus.

Further, the high voltage applying means includes the first and second electrodes which are sandwiched and opposed to the outer surface of the non-conductive container, so that the electrodes are lightly brought into contact with the outer surface of the subject container. Therefore, it is possible to easily and continuously supply containers to the detection area and execute the detection.

Further, one or both of the first and second electrodes are elastically urged from the outer surface side of the non-conductive container in a direction to sandwich the container inside, so that the outer shape of the container is reduced. Irrespective of the above, it is possible to achieve the detection of the degree of vacuum of various types and other sizes of containers.

Further, the first and second electrodes are opposed to each other so as to face the passage so as to allow the non-conductive containers to be arranged in series and pass therethrough. Since only the electrodes are brought into contact with each other, it is possible to easily and continuously supply containers to the detection area and execute detection.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the principle block configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a block configuration in which the first embodiment of the present invention is further embodied.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory front view partially cut away of a unit case of the embodiment device.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the right side thereof.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory plan view thereof.

FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit configuration diagram of a high-voltage generation unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram configuration diagram of a detection unit.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the control unit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the embodiment device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a procedure for determining the quality of a vacuum.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a procedure for determining the quality of a vacuum.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a procedure for determining the quality of a vacuum.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of a device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of a device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Non-conductive container 12 High voltage application part 14 Plasma detection part 20 High voltage generation part 24 1st electrode 30 2nd electrode 36 Detection part 38 Judgment part 40 Display part 49 Change adjustment part 70 Current sensor 72 Optical detection part

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A high-voltage applying means for applying a high voltage from the outside to a sealed and decompressed non-conductive container to generate a plasma state inside the container, and an electric field before and after the generation of the plasma. And a plasma detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of plasma light emission. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plasma detecting means detects an electrical change corresponding to a change in said electric field. 3. The plasma detecting means includes: a detecting means for detecting a change due to any one or a combination of a current, a voltage, an impedance, an admittance and a frequency corresponding to the change in the electric field; and a detecting signal by the detecting means. 3. A container vacuum degree detecting apparatus according to claim 2, comprising: a judging means for judging the degree of vacuum in accordance with the generation of the plasma by comparing the set value with a set value; and a display means for displaying the judgment result. . 4. The apparatus for detecting the degree of vacuum of containers according to claim 3, wherein said detection means is an electric field excitation device for changing its internal impedance by changing the electric field due to said plasma generation. 5. The apparatus for detecting the degree of vacuum of containers according to claim 4, wherein said electric field excitation device comprises a discharge tube which discharges at a predetermined excitation voltage. 6. The plasma detecting means for optically detecting a light emission state of plasma and outputting an optical change before and after plasma light emission as an electric signal, and comparing the electric signal with a set value. 2. The apparatus for detecting the degree of vacuum of containers according to claim 1, further comprising: determining means for determining whether the degree of vacuum is good or bad in response to generation of the plasma; and display means for displaying the result of the determination. 7. The container vacuum degree detecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a change adjusting means for changing and adjusting said set value. 8. The containers according to claim 1, wherein the high-voltage applying means includes first and second electrodes disposed so as to be sandwiched and opposed to an outer surface of the non-conductive container. Vacuum degree detector. 9. The container according to claim 7, wherein one or both of the first and second electrodes are elastically urged from an outer surface of the non-conductive container in a direction to sandwich the container inside. Kind of vacuum detector. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged facing each other to face a passage so as to allow the non-conductive containers to be arranged in series and pass therethrough. A device for detecting the degree of vacuum of containers described in the above.