U.S. patent application number 14/237496 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-26 for sealed container, method of manufacturing the same, and vacuum heat insulating body.
This patent application is currently assigned to PANASONIC CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is Masamichi Hashida, Kazuhiro Kawanishi, Shinya Kojima, Masahiro Koshiyama, Takashi Takano, Naoki Yamamoto, Akiko Yuasa. Invention is credited to Masamichi Hashida, Kazuhiro Kawanishi, Shinya Kojima, Masahiro Koshiyama, Takashi Takano, Naoki Yamamoto, Akiko Yuasa.
Application Number | 20140178613 14/237496 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47668174 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140178613 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Koshiyama; Masahiro ; et
al. |
June 26, 2014 |
SEALED CONTAINER, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME, AND VACUUM HEAT
INSULATING BODY
Abstract
A sealed container (1) includes: a metal container (3) including
an opening portion (5) and a first internal space that is reduced
in pressure; a solid matter (4) contained in the first internal
space of the metal container; and a sealing member (2) made of
glass containing at least alkali earth metal oxide or alkali metal
oxide, and the sealing member is melted by heating and solidified
by cooling to be joined to and seal the opening portion of the
metal container.
Inventors: |
Koshiyama; Masahiro; (Shiga,
JP) ; Yuasa; Akiko; (Kyoto, JP) ; Kojima;
Shinya; (Kyoto, JP) ; Takano; Takashi; (Shiga,
JP) ; Kawanishi; Kazuhiro; (Shiga, JP) ;
Yamamoto; Naoki; (Shiga, JP) ; Hashida;
Masamichi; (Shiga, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Koshiyama; Masahiro
Yuasa; Akiko
Kojima; Shinya
Takano; Takashi
Kawanishi; Kazuhiro
Yamamoto; Naoki
Hashida; Masamichi |
Shiga
Kyoto
Kyoto
Shiga
Shiga
Shiga
Shiga |
|
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
PANASONIC CORPORATION
Kadoma-shi, Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
47668174 |
Appl. No.: |
14/237496 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
August 8, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2012/005044 |
371 Date: |
February 6, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
428/34.6 ;
206/524.6; 53/403 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 428/1317 20150115;
F16L 59/065 20130101; B65D 25/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/34.6 ;
206/524.6; 53/403 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/00 20060101
B65D025/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 9, 2011 |
JP |
2011-173514 |
Sep 5, 2011 |
JP |
2011-192662 |
Sep 5, 2011 |
JP |
2011-192685 |
Claims
1. A sealed container comprising: a metal container including an
opening portion and a first internal space that is reduced in
pressure; a solid matter contained in the first internal space of
the metal container; and a sealing member made of glass containing
at least alkali earth metal oxide or alkali metal oxide, wherein
the sealing member is melted by heating and then solidified by
cooling to be joined to and seal the opening portion of the metal
container.
2. The sealed container according to claim 1, wherein the alkali
earth metal oxide of the sealing member is BaO or SrO.
3. The sealed container according to claim 1, wherein: the sealing
member is located inside the opening portion and joined to the
opening portion; and the metal container has a higher thermal
expansion coefficient than the sealing member.
4. The sealed container according to claim 1, wherein the metal
container is made of aluminum.
5. The sealed container according to claim 1, wherein: a narrow
portion is formed at the opening portion of the metal container;
and the sealing member is joined to and seal the narrow
portion.
6. The sealed container according to claim 1, wherein: the solid
matter contains a gas adsorbing material that does not deteriorate
by a heat treatment; and the sealed container serves as a gas
adsorption device.
7. A vacuum heat insulating body comprising: the gas adsorption
device constituted by the sealed container according to claim 6; a
core member; and a hollow outer coat member including a second
internal space in which the gas adsorption device and the core
member are contained and which is reduced in pressure and
sealed.
8. The vacuum heat insulating body according to claim 7, wherein a
through hole through which the gas adsorption device is open is
formed by destroying the sealing member in the second internal
space of the outer coat member.
9. The vacuum heat insulating body according to claim 8, wherein:
the opening portion of the metal container is formed in a tubular
shape having a substantially flat cross section; and the through
hole is formed by applying an external force, acting in a direction
along a short axis of the substantially flat cross section of the
opening portion, to the sealing member to destroy the sealing
member.
10. The vacuum heat insulating body according to claim 7, wherein:
the gas adsorption device is contained in the core member; and the
core member is interposed between the outer coat member and the gas
adsorption device.
11. The vacuum heat insulating body according to claim 10, further
comprising a cut formed on the core member and communicating with a
space in which the gas adsorption device is contained in the core
member.
12. The vacuum heat insulating body according to claim 7, further
comprising a mark put on a portion of the outer coat member, the
portion corresponding to a portion where the gas adsorption device
is provided.
13. The vacuum heat insulating body according to claim 7, further
comprising a movement suppressing portion provided in the second
internal space of the outer coat member and configured to suppress
a movement of the gas adsorption device.
14. The vacuum heat insulating body according to claim 13, wherein
the movement suppressing portion is constituted by an inner bag
configured to contain a part of the gas adsorption device or the
entire gas adsorption device.
15. The vacuum heat insulating body according to claim 14, wherein
the inner bag is made of an elastic material.
16. The vacuum heat insulating body according to claim 15, wherein
the elastic material includes nonwoven fabric made of resin.
17. The vacuum heat insulating body according to claim 16, wherein
the resin forming the nonwoven fabric contains at least PP or
PET.
18. The vacuum heat insulating body according to claim 13, wherein
the movement suppressing portion is constituted by an inner surface
of the space in which the gas adsorption device is contained in the
core member.
19. A method of manufacturing a sealed container, comprising:
containing a solid matter in a first internal space of a metal
container; and sealing an opening portion of the metal container by
a sealing member, made of glass containing at least alkali earth
metal oxide or alkali metal oxide, in such a manner that while
reducing pressure of the first internal space of the metal
container, the sealing member is melted by heating and solidified
by cooling to be joined to the opening portion of the metal
container.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a sealed container, a
method of manufacturing the sealed container, and a vacuum heat
insulating body, and particularly to a sealed container configured
such that an opening portion of a metal container having an
internal space in which pressure is reduced and a solid matter is
contained is sealed by a sealing member, a method of manufacturing
the sealed container, and a vacuum heat insulating body including a
hollow outer coat member having an internal space in which pressure
is reduced and the sealed container is contained.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In recent years, as a countermeasure against global warming
that is one global environmental problem, moves to promote energy
saving are increasing. Therefore, regarding a heat and cold
utilizing device, in order to effectively utilizing heat and cold,
a vacuum heat insulating body having an excellent heat insulation
performance is desired.
[0003] For example, the vacuum heat insulating body is configured
such that: a core member, such as glass wool, is contained in an
internal space of a laminated bag; the pressure of the internal
space of the bag is reduced; and the bag is sealed. The core member
is high in gas-phase volume ratio, and therefore, a large number of
fine voids are formed in the internal space of the bag. In a case
where a void diameter of the core member is smaller than a mean
free path of a gas molecule under reduced pressure, the size of a
thermally-conductive gas molecule (thermally-conductive gas
component) becomes small. Especially, in a case where the void
diameter of the core member is extremely small, such as about 1 mm,
thermal conduction by the gas molecules in a convection flow
becomes negligibly small. Further, a ratio of contribution of
radiant heat by radiation substances to heat conductivity in the
vicinity of room temperature is extremely low. Therefore, the
thermal conduction in the vacuum heat insulating body is dominated
by thermally-conductive solid components of the core member and the
slightly remaining thermally-conductive gas components. On this
account, the heat conductivity of the vacuum heat insulating body
is considered to be extremely lower than those of the other heat
insulating materials.
[0004] For such a high-performance vacuum heat insulating body,
even a small amount of air flowing into the internal space through
the laminated bag becomes an important factor that deteriorates a
heat insulation property of the vacuum heat insulating body. Here,
proposed is that a gas adsorption device is further contained in
the internal space of the bag in addition to the core member. With
this, since the gas adsorption device adsorbs a minute amount of
thermally-conductive gas components having intruded into the
internal space, the heat insulation performance of the vacuum heat
insulating body is maintained. Therefore, the gas adsorption device
is required to have an extremely high gas adsorption performance.
Especially, proposed is a method of maintaining the performance of
the gas adsorption device by opening a sealing member of the gas
adsorption device in the internal space of the vacuum heat
insulating body.
[0005] As with the above gas adsorption device, proposed is a
technology of seal glass for sealing a container in a vacuum
state.
[0006] Regarding a metal vacuum double container in PTL 1, the
double container is configured by joining metal inner and outer
containers, one of which includes an exhaust port. A sealant made
of low-temperature molten glass having a softening temperature of
200 to 600.degree. C. is provided in the vicinity of the exhaust
port. Then, a double container is provided in a vacuum heating
furnace, and an exhaust operation is performed such that a void
between the inner and outer containers of the double container
becomes a vacuum state at a temperature lower than the softening
temperature of the sealant. Next, when the double container is
heated to a temperature higher than the softening temperature of
the sealant, the sealant softens to seal the exhaust port.
[0007] Regarding the metal double container in PTL 2, proposed is a
composition of seal glass for sealing an exhaust port of the double
container that is in a vacuum state.
[0008] Further, regarding the metal double container in PTL 3,
proposed as seal glass for sealing an exhaust port of the double
container that is in a vacuum state is seal glass in which the
amount of gas generated therefrom when sealing the exhaust port is
small.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0009] PTL 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No.
6-169850 [0010] PTL 2: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application
Publication No. 2002-125866 [0011] PTL 3: Japanese Laid-Open Patent
Application Publication No. 2005-319150
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0012] The metal double container in each of PTLs 1 to 3 is used
as, for example, a thermos. Therefore, providing a solid matter in
a vacuum space between two containers is not assumed. On this
account, a force of joining the seal glass to the exhaust port may
be smaller than that in a case where the solid matter is provided
in the vacuum space. Therefore, if the solid matter is provided in
the vacuum space, a gas and water contained in the solid matter are
desorbed in a vacuum seal process. The pressure in the vacuum space
increases by these desorbed substances, and the gas in the vacuum
space flows through a periphery of the seal glass to be discharged.
With this, a force of vacuum seal of the seal glass decreases, and
the degree of vacuum of the vacuum space decreases.
[0013] The present invention was made to solve the above problems,
and an object of the present invention is to provide a sealed
container configured such that the decrease in the degree of vacuum
in the internal space containing the solid matter is suppressed, a
method of manufacturing the sealed container, and a vacuum heat
insulating body using the sealed container.
Solution to Problem
[0014] A sealed container according to one aspect of the present
invention includes: a metal container including an opening portion
and a first internal space that is reduced in pressure; a solid
matter contained in the first internal space of the metal
container; and a sealing member made of glass containing at least
alkali earth metal oxide or alkali metal oxide, wherein the sealing
member is melted by heating and then solidified by cooling to be
joined to and seal the opening portion of the metal container.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0015] The present invention has an effect of being able to provide
a sealed container configured such that the decrease in the degree
of vacuum in the internal space containing the solid matter is
suppressed, a method of manufacturing the sealed container, and a
vacuum heat insulating body using the sealed container.
[0016] The above object, other objects, features and advantages of
the present invention will be made clear by the following detailed
explanation of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a sealed container
according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where a solid
matter is contained in a metal container used in the sealed
container shown in FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where the metal
container shown in FIG. 2 is crushed in a substantially flat
shape.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state where a sealing
member is inserted into an opening portion of the metal container
shown in FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the sealed container
according to Modification Example 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the sealed container
according to Modification Example 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a vacuum heat
insulating body according to Embodiment 2 of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a gas adsorption device
contained in the vacuum heat insulating body shown in FIG. 7.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state where the gas
adsorption device shown in FIG. 8 is bent.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the vacuum heat
insulating body according to Modification Example 3 of Embodiment 2
of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the vacuum heat
insulating body according to Modification Example 3 of Embodiment 2
of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the vacuum heat
insulating body according to Embodiment 3 of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the vacuum heat
insulating body according to Modification Example 9 of Embodiment 3
of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0030] A sealed container according to a first aspect of the
present invention includes: a metal container including an opening
portion and a first internal space that is reduced in pressure; a
solid matter contained in the first internal space of the metal
container; and a sealing member made of glass containing at least
alkali earth metal oxide or alkali metal oxide, wherein the sealing
member is melted by heating and then solidified by cooling to be
joined to and seal the opening portion of the metal container.
[0031] According to this configuration, by the heat treatment, the
alkali earth metal oxide or alkali metal oxide contained in the
glass of the sealing member chemically binds to the metal oxide
formed on the surface of the opening portion of the metal
container. With this, the sealing member and the opening portion
are strongly joined to each other. Therefore, even if the solid
matter is contained in the metal container, the sealing performance
of the sealed container is maintained high.
[0032] The sealed container according to a second aspect of the
present invention may be configured such that in the first aspect
of the present invention, the alkali earth metal oxide of the
sealing member is BaO or SrO.
[0033] According to this configuration, since each of BaO and SrO
among the alkali earth metals strongly, chemically binds to the
metal oxide, the sealing member is strongly joined to the opening
portion of the metal container. With this, the sealed container can
maintain the excellent sealing performance.
[0034] The metal container according to a third aspect of the
present invention may be configured such that in the first or
second aspect of the present invention, the sealing member is
located inside the opening portion and joined to the opening
portion, and the metal container has a higher thermal expansion
coefficient than the sealing member.
[0035] According to this configuration, the expanded metal
container contracts more than the sealing member by the cooling
treatment performed after the heat treatment. Therefore, the
opening portion of the metal container tightens the sealing member
located inside the opening portion. With this, the opening portion
and the sealing member are strongly, mechanically joined to each
other. Thus, the sealed container can maintain the excellent
sealing performance.
[0036] The sealed container according to a fourth aspect of the
present invention may be configured such that in any one of the
first to third aspects of the present invention, the metal
container is made of aluminum.
[0037] According to this configuration, the metal container made of
aluminum has a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the
sealing member. Therefore, the sealing member is more strongly,
mechanically joined to the opening portion of the metal container.
Thus, the sealed container can maintain the excellent sealing
performance.
[0038] The sealed container according to a fifth aspect of the
present invention may be configured such that in any one of the
first to fourth aspects of the present invention, a narrow portion
is formed at the opening portion of the metal container, and the
sealing member is joined to and seal the narrow portion.
[0039] According to this configuration, when the metal container
having the opening portion in which the sealing member is located
is subjected to the heat treatment, the melted sealing member is
held at the narrow portion by the surface tension. Therefore, a
mechanism for supporting the melted sealing member is unnecessary,
and the sealing member can seal the narrow portion by a simple
structure.
[0040] The sealed container according to a sixth aspect of the
present invention may be configured such that in any one of the
first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the solid matter
contains a gas adsorbing material that does not deteriorate by a
heat treatment, and the sealed container serves as a gas adsorption
device.
[0041] According to this configuration, even if the solid matter is
subjected to the heat treatment for sealing the opening portion of
the metal container by the sealing member, the solid matter does
not deteriorate. Therefore, the solid matter can fulfill its
function as the gas adsorbing material in the sealed container.
[0042] The vacuum heat insulating body according to a seventh
aspect of the present invention may include: the gas adsorption
device constituted by the sealed container according to the sixth
aspect of the present invention; a core member; and a hollow outer
coat member including a second internal space in which the gas
adsorption device and the core member are contained and which is
reduced in pressure and sealed.
[0043] According to this configuration, since the gas adsorption
device is sealed, the gas adsorbing performance is maintained high.
When the gas adsorption device is open in the outer coat member,
the thermally-conductive gas components remaining in or intruding
into the second internal space are adsorbed by the gas adsorption
device. Thus, the degree of vacuum of the second internal space is
maintained high. With this, the vacuum heat insulating body can
fulfill the excellent heat insulation property.
[0044] The vacuum heat insulating body according to an eighth
aspect of the present invention may be configured such that in the
seventh aspect of the present invention, a through hole through
which the gas adsorption device is open is formed by destroying the
sealing member in the second internal space of the outer coat
member.
[0045] According to this configuration, it is unnecessary to
additionally provide a mechanism for forming a through hole at the
sealing member. Thus, the gas adsorption device is surely open by a
simple structure.
[0046] The vacuum heat insulating body according to a ninth aspect
of the present invention may be configured such that in the eighth
aspect of the present invention, the opening portion of the metal
container is formed in a tubular shape having a substantially flat
cross section, and the through hole is formed by applying an
external force, acting in a direction along a short axis of the
substantially flat cross section of the opening portion, to the
sealing member to destroy the sealing member.
[0047] According to this configuration, the external force acting
in the direction along the short axis of the substantially flat
cross section is applied to the opening portion formed in the
tubular shape having the substantially flat cross section. With
this, since the opening portion deforms easily, the sealing member
is easily destroyed. As a result, the gas adsorption device is
surely open by a simple structure.
[0048] The vacuum heat insulating body according to a tenth aspect
of the present invention may be configured such that in any one of
the seventh to ninth aspects of the present invention, the gas
adsorption device is contained in the core member, and the core
member is interposed between the outer coat member and the gas
adsorption device.
[0049] According to this configuration, when the sealing member is
destroyed by the external force, and therefore, the gas adsorption
device is open, the external force is absorbed by the core member
existing between the outer coat member and the gas adsorption
device. With this, broken pieces of the destroyed sealing member do
not scatter at the core member. Therefore, when disassembling the
vacuum heat insulating body, respective members can be easily
separated. Thus, the vacuum heat insulating body can be easily
recycled.
[0050] The vacuum heat insulating body according to an eleventh
aspect of the present invention may be configured to further
include, in the tenth aspect of the present invention, a cut formed
on the core member and communicating with a space in which the gas
adsorption device is contained in the core member.
[0051] According to this configuration, by inserting the gas
adsorption device through the cut of the core member into the
internal space of the core member, the gas adsorption device can be
easily contained in the internal space of the core member.
[0052] The vacuum heat insulating body according to a twelfth
aspect of the present invention may be configured to further
include, in any one of the seventh to eleventh aspects of the
present invention, a mark put on a portion of the outer coat
member, the portion corresponding to a portion where the gas
adsorption device is provided.
[0053] According to this configuration, when the external force is
applied to the position of the gas adsorption device based on the
mark, the external force acts on the gas adsorption device.
Therefore, the sealing member of the gas adsorption device is
destroyed, and therefore, the gas adsorption device is surely
open.
[0054] The vacuum heat insulating body according to a thirteenth
aspect of the present invention may be configured to further
include, in any one of the seventh to twelfth aspects of the
present invention, a movement suppressing portion provided in the
second internal space of the outer coat member and configured to
suppress a movement of the gas adsorption device.
[0055] According to this configuration, the movement of the gas
adsorption device is suppressed by the movement suppressing portion
provided in the second internal space of the outer coat member.
Therefore, the position of the gas adsorption device can be
specified from the outside of the outer coat member. Thus, the
decrease in productivity is prevented.
[0056] The vacuum heat insulating body according to a fourteenth
aspect of the present invention may be configured such that in the
thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the movement
suppressing portion is constituted by an inner bag configured to
contain a part of the gas adsorption device or the entire gas
adsorption device.
[0057] According to this configuration, the displacement of the gas
adsorption device is suppressed by the friction between the gas
adsorption device and the inner bag in a range where the gas
adsorption device is covered with the inner bag. Thus, the decrease
in productivity is prevented.
[0058] The vacuum heat insulating body according to a fifteenth
aspect of the present invention may be configured such that in the
fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the inner bag is made
of an elastic material.
[0059] According to this configuration, since the gas adsorption
device is covered with the inner bag made of the elastic material,
the formation of scratches, depressions, and the like on the gas
adsorption device is prevented by the inner bag.
[0060] The vacuum heat insulating body according to a sixteenth
aspect of the present invention may be configured such that in the
fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the elastic material
includes nonwoven fabric made of resin.
[0061] According to this configuration, the nonwoven fabric made of
resin absorbs less water and is less likely to tear. Therefore, the
decrease in the degree of vacuum of the second internal space is
prevented, and the movement of the gas adsorption device is
restricted.
[0062] The vacuum heat insulating body according to a seventeenth
aspect of the present invention may be configured such that in the
sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the resin forming the
nonwoven fabric contains at least PP or PET.
[0063] According to this configuration, each of PP and PET is high
in pull strength, tear strength, and heat resistance and low in
cost. Therefore, a movement restricting function is maintained, and
the decrease in productivity is prevented.
[0064] The vacuum heat insulating body according to an eighteenth
aspect of the present invention may be configured such that in any
one of the thirteenth to seventeenth aspects of the present
invention, the movement suppressing portion is constituted by an
inner surface of the space in which the gas adsorption device is
contained in the core member.
[0065] According to this configuration, in the storage space of the
gas adsorption device in the core member, the movement of the gas
adsorption device is restricted by the friction between the gas
adsorption device and the core member that is the inner surface of
the space. Therefore, the decrease in productivity is
prevented.
[0066] A method of manufacturing a sealed container according to a
nineteenth aspect of the present invention includes: containing a
solid matter in a first internal space of a metal container; and
sealing an opening portion of the metal container by a sealing
member, made of glass containing at least alkali earth metal oxide
or alkali metal oxide, in such a manner that while reducing
pressure of the first internal space of the metal container, the
sealing member is melted by heating and solidified by cooling to be
joined to the opening portion of the metal container.
[0067] According to this configuration, by the heat treatment, the
alkali earth metal oxide or alkali metal oxide contained in the
glass of the sealing member chemically binds to the metal oxide
formed on the surface of the opening portion of the metal
container. With this, the sealing member and the opening portion
are strongly joined to each other. Therefore, even if the solid
matter is contained in the metal container, the sealing performance
of the sealed container is maintained high.
[0068] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
specifically explained in reference to the drawings.
[0069] In the drawings, the same reference signs are used for the
same or corresponding components, and a repetition of the same
explanation is avoided.
Embodiment 1
[0070] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a sealed container
1 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The sealed container 1
includes a metal container 3, a solid matter 4, and a glass sealing
member 2 containing at least alkali earth metal oxide or alkali
metal oxide.
[0071] The metal container 3 is a member configured to form an
internal space (hereinafter referred to as a "first internal
space") that is reduced in pressure. The metal container 3 is made
of a metal which does not transmit water, gases, and the like, is
high in heat resistance, and is higher in thermal expansion
coefficient than the sealing member 2. In light of cost and
availability, used as the metal of the metal container 3 is
aluminum, iron, copper, stainless steel, or the like. However, the
metal of the metal container 3 is not limited to these and is
suitably selected depending on the purpose of use of the sealed
container 1 and a melting temperature of the sealing member 2.
Especially, aluminum is preferable as a material of the metal
container 3 since aluminum has a high thermal expansion coefficient
among the metals and is higher in ductility than the other
metals.
[0072] The metal container 3 is formed in a tubular shape having
one end (hereinafter referred to as an "opening end") that is open
and the other end that is closed. The metal container 3 includes an
opening portion 5, and the opening portion 5 is constituted by an
opening of the metal container 3 and its vicinity. A diameter of
the opening portion 5 is set such that the sealing member 2 can be
inserted into the opening portion 5. Herein, the opening portion 5
is provided with a narrow portion 7.
[0073] The narrow portion 7 is a portion provided between the
opening end of the metal container 3 and the solid matter 4 and
thinner than the opening (opening end) of the metal container 3. A
diameter of the narrow portion 7 is smaller than that of the
opening and is set such that the narrow portion 7 can hold the
melted sealing member 2. A shape of the narrow portion 7 is not
especially limited. An upper end of the narrow portion 7 and the
opening end of the metal container 3 may be or may not be spaced
apart from each other. In a case where the upper end of the narrow
portion 7 and the opening end of the metal container 3 are not
spaced apart from each other, the sealing member 2 is mounted on
the opening end of the metal container 3 before the heat treatment.
In contrast, in a case where the upper end of the narrow portion 7
and the opening end of the metal container 3 are spaced apart from
each other, the sealing member 2 is inserted into the opening
portion 5 before the heat treatment so as to be located between the
opening end of the metal container 3 and the upper end of the
narrow portion 7.
[0074] The solid matter 4 is contained in the first internal space
of the metal container 3. Examples of the solid matter 4 include a
support material necessary to maintain the first internal space
that is reduced in pressure and a functional material required to
be stored in the first internal space that is reduced in
pressure.
[0075] One example of the support material is a core member
including a large number of fine spaces. Even if the first internal
space is reduced in pressure, the metal container 3 is prevented
from breaking, and the first internal space that is reduced in
pressure is maintained by providing the core member in the first
internal space. For example, a material, such as glass wool, which
is low in heat transfer rate and generates little gas by the heat
treatment under reduced pressure may be used as the core member. In
a case where such a core member is used as the solid matter 4, the
first internal space of the metal container 3 is maintained in a
pressure reduced state, and the heat transfer rate of the sealed
container 1 configured such that the core member is contained in
the first internal space of the metal container 3 becomes low.
Therefore, the sealed container 1 itself may be utilized as a
vacuum heat insulating body.
[0076] One example of the functional material is a gas adsorbing
material which adsorbs a gas. The gas adsorbing material supports
the metal and secures the first internal space while the gas
adsorbing material is stored in the first internal space reduced in
pressure until the sealing member 2 is open.
[0077] Used as the gas adsorbing material is a material which does
not lose its activity or deteriorate by the heat treatment. Used as
the gas adsorbing material is a substance which is activated by the
heat treatment under reduced pressure. Examples of the gas
adsorbing material include alloy getters, such as Ba-based alloy
getters, Ti-based alloy getters, Zr-based alloy getters, and
Fe-based alloy getters, and copper ion exchange ZSM-5 zeolite.
Especially, from the viewpoint of the energy efficiency and the
management of the gas adsorbing performance, the copper ion
exchange ZSM-5 which is activated by the heat treatment under
reduced pressure is preferable as the gas adsorbing material.
[0078] Regarding the management of the gas adsorbing performance,
an adsorption active site of the copper ion exchange ZSM-5 zeolite
is copper ion. A hue of the copper ion exchange ZSM-5 zeolite
changes depending on how the copper ion is introduced in the copper
ion exchange ZSM-5 zeolite. By utilizing this, the gas adsorbing
performance of the copper ion exchange ZSM-5 zeolite can be managed
under reduced pressure by colorimetric values.
[0079] The colorimetric values are measured by a commercially
available spectrocolorimeter. A measuring cell of the
spectrocolorimeter is filled with the copper ion exchange ZSM-5
zeolite, and the spectrocolorimeter measures the reflectance,
absorptance, transmittance, etc. with respect to light of a
wavelength of from 380 to 760 nm. Chromatic coordinates of the
copper ion exchange ZSM-5 zeolite are obtained based on the
measured numerical values.
[0080] The following will show ranges of colorimetric values
(chromatic coordinates, reflectance) of the copper ion exchange
ZSM-5 zeolite, which provides an adsorption performance, in a case
where measurements were performed by a spectrophotometer SE6000
(produced by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd.). In this case,
illuminant C was used, and the chromatic coordinates were measured
at a viewing angle of two degrees. Regarding the copper ion
exchange ZSM-5 zeolite, the activity before the heat treatment and
the activity after the heat treatment are different from each
other. Therefore, the colorimetric values before the heat treatment
and the colorimetric values after the heat treatment were obtained.
The copper ion exchange ZSM-5 zeolite was subjected to the heat
treatment after the copper ion exchange ZSM-5 zeolite was contained
in the metal container 3 and provided in the heat insulating body.
Therefore, the copper ion exchange ZSM-5 zeolite subjected to the
heat treatment was obtained in such a manner that: the metal
container 3 was taken out from the heat insulating body subjected
to the heat treatment; the metal container 3 was destroyed; and the
copper ion exchange ZSM-5 zeolite was taken out from the first
internal space. Then, the copper ion exchange ZSM-5 zeolite
subjected to the heat treatment was measured by the
spectrophotometer as with the copper ion exchange ZSM-5 zeolite not
yet subjected to the heat treatment.
[0081] If L*, a*, and b* chromatic coordinates of the copper ion
exchange ZSM-5 zeolite not yet subjected to the heat treatment are
respectively, for example, 70.gtoreq.L*.gtoreq.96,
0.gtoreq.a*.gtoreq.-6, and -1.gtoreq.b.gtoreq.-15, the adsorption
performance is excellent. More desirably, if those chromatic
coordinates are respectively, for example, 75.gtoreq.L*.gtoreq.96,
-2.5.gtoreq.a*.gtoreq.-6, and -1.gtoreq.b.gtoreq.-10, the
adsorption performance is further excellent. If the reflectance
with respect to the light of a wavelength of from 380 to 580 nm is,
for example, 55% or higher and 95% or lower, the excellent
adsorption performance is obtained. More desirably, if the
reflectance with respect to the light of a wavelength of from 400
to 500 nm is, for example, 60% or higher and 95% or lower, the
further excellent adsorption performance is obtained.
[0082] The state of the copper ion changes by the heat treatment,
and air components are adsorbed to the copper ion exchange ZSM-5
zeolite. With this, the colorimetric values of the copper ion
exchange ZSM-5 zeolite subjected to the heat treatment change.
Therefore, if the L*, a*, and b* chromatic coordinates of the
copper ion exchange ZSM-5 zeolite subjected to the heat treatment
are respectively, for example, 88.gtoreq.L*.gtoreq.81,
4.gtoreq.a*.gtoreq.-4, and 12.gtoreq.b.gtoreq.-4, it is thought
that the adsorption performance is excellent. More desirably, if
the chromatic coordinates are respectively, for example,
86.gtoreq.L*.gtoreq.83, 2.gtoreq.a*.gtoreq.-2, and
10.gtoreq.b.gtoreq.-2, the adsorption performance is further
excellent. If the reflectance with respect to the light of a
wavelength of from 380 to 580 nm is, for example, 50% or higher and
70% or lower, the excellent adsorption performance can be obtained.
More desirably, the reflectance with respect to the light of a
wavelength of from 400 to 500 nm is, for example, 50% or higher and
70% or lower, the further excellent adsorption performance is
obtained.
[0083] It is clear that if the colorimetric values of the copper
ion exchange ZSM-5 zeolite are within the above ranges, the copper
ion exchange ZSM-5 zeolite exerts the excellent gas adsorbing
performance. Therefore, the gas adsorbing performance of the copper
ion exchange ZSM-5 zeolite is easily determined based on the
colorimetric values.
[0084] The sealing member 2 is made of glass containing at least
alkali earth metal oxide or alkali metal oxide. Examples of the
alkali metal oxide include Na.sub.2O, K.sub.2O, Rb.sub.2O, and
Cs.sub.2O. Examples of the alkali earth metal oxide include MgO,
CaO, BaO, and SrO. Especially, the alkali earth metal oxide is
desirable since it chemically binds to the metal container 3 more
strongly than the alkali metal oxide. Among the alkali earth metal
oxides, BaO and SrO are desirable since each of these further
strongly, chemically binds to the metal container 3. An ionization
energy of each of Ba and Sr is smaller than that of each of the
other alkali earth metal oxides, such as Be, Mg, and Ca. Therefore,
it is thought that oxygen atoms binding to Ba and Sr easily,
chemically bind to metal oxides on the surface of the metal
container 3.
[0085] A mole ratio of at least the alkali earth metal oxide or the
alkali metal oxide (hereinafter referred to as "the alkali earth
metal oxide or the like") is, for example, from 1 to 65%, and
preferably from 15 to 60%. If the mole ratio of the alkali earth
metal oxide or the like is too high, the sealing member 2 cannot
maintain its performance as glass. If the mole ratio of the alkali
earth metal oxide or the like is too low, the joining between the
sealing member 2 and the metal container 3 becomes weak.
[0086] For example, the mole ratio is obtained as below. A sample
is prepared by dissolving the sealing member 2 by acid. The weights
of respective elements contained in this sample are measured by,
for example, ICP emission spectrochemical analysis. A mole of each
element is obtained by dividing the weight of the element by the
atomic weight of the element. Since the elements exist as oxides in
glass, the moles of the elements are converted into the moles of
the oxides of the elements. Then, the mole ratio of the alkali
earth metal oxide or the like is obtained based on a ratio of the
mole of the alkali earth metal oxide or the like to the total of
the moles of the oxides of all the elements.
[0087] A joint portion 6 is a layer formed on the surface of the
sealing member 2 and is a portion of the sealing member 2, the
portion being joined to the opening portion 5 of the metal
container 3. The joint portion 6 is formed inside the opening
portion 5 of the metal container 3 by melting the sealing member 2
by heating and solidifying the sealing member 2 by cooling. The
joint portion 6 is a portion where the alkali earth metal oxide or
the like of the sealing member 2 and the metal oxide formed on the
surface of the metal container 3 chemically bind to each other via
oxygen.
[0088] Here, grounds for "chemical binding" will be explained. When
the joint portion 6 was immersed in water to contact a large amount
of water, the joint portion 6 was peeled off the sealing member 2.
When this water was analyzed by, for example, the ICP emission
spectrochemical analysis, alkali earth metal was detected. However,
when the sealing member 2 itself was immersed in the water, and
this water was analyzed by, for example, the ICP emission
spectrochemical analysis, the alkali earth metal was not detected.
As a result, it was found out that unlike the sealing member 2, the
joint portion 6 is formed by the chemical binding and has a
property of being easily dissolved in water. It is thought that
this chemical binding is chemical binding of the metal oxide formed
on the surface of the metal container 3 and the alkali earth metal
oxide via oxygen.
[0089] Method of Manufacturing Sealed Container
[0090] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the metal container 3
having the first internal space in which the solid matter 4 is
contained. FIG. 3 shows a state where the metal container 3 shown
in FIG. 2 is crushed. FIG. 4 shows a state where the sealing member
2 is inserted into the opening portion 5 of the metal container 3
shown in FIG. 3.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 2, the solid matter 4 is arranged in the
first internal space of the metal container 3 having a cylindrical
shape. To reduce the thickness of the metal container 3, the metal
container 3 is crushed over the entire axial length of the metal
container 3 as shown in FIG. 3. With this, the cross section of the
metal container 3 becomes a substantially oval shape or a
rectangular, flat shape having rounded corners. Then, as shown in
FIG. 4, the opening portion 5 of the metal container 3 is
sandwiched to be further crushed. Thus, the narrow portion 7 is
formed. Then, by inserting the sealing member 2 into the opening
portion 5, the sealing member 2 is held on the narrow portion
7.
[0092] The metal container 3 as above is heated in a vacuum heating
furnace while reducing the pressure. This heating temperature is
suitably determined, but for example, is set to a temperature at
which the sealing member 2 is partially or entirely melted. With
this, the first internal space is reduced in pressure to become the
vacuum state, and the sealing member 2 melts. The melted sealing
member 2 flows into the narrow portion 7 and stays at the narrow
portion 7 by, for example, surface tension. Next, when the
temperature of the vacuum heating furnace is reduced in a state
where the vacuum heating furnace is in the pressure reduced state,
the metal container 3 is cooled. With this, the melted sealing
member 2 is solidified. In addition, the metal container 3 expanded
by heat contracts.
[0093] At this time, the alkali earth metal oxide or the like
contained in the sealing member 2 made of glass and the metal oxide
formed on the surface of the metal container 3 chemically bind to
each other. With this, the opening portion 5 of the metal container
3 and the sealing member 2 are chemically joined to each other. In
addition, the metal container 3 contracts more than the sealing
member 2. Therefore, since the opening portion 5 of the metal
container 3 holds the periphery of the sealing member 2, the
opening portion 5 of the metal container 3 and the sealing member 2
are mechanically joined to each other. By these chemical joining
and mechanical joining, the opening of the metal container 3 is
closed by the sealing member 2 without a gap between the opening
portion 5 of the metal container 3 and the sealing member 2. Thus,
the metal container 3 is sealed. With this, the sealed container 1
is formed.
[0094] Conditions of the heat treatment and the cooling treatment
are not especially specified and are appropriately selected
depending on the combination of the sealing member 2 and the metal
container 3. Here, the heat treatment is performed under reduced
pressure. Therefore, if the heating temperature is too high, a
deoxygenation reaction occurs in the glass composition of the
sealing member 2 and the metal oxide of the metal container 3. With
this, the metal contained in the glass composition and the metal of
the metal oxide may form an alloy, and the alloy may peel off.
Therefore, it is desirable that the heating temperature be, for
example, 700.degree. C. or lower.
[0095] Actions and Effects
[0096] According to the sealed container 1 of Embodiment 1, when
the sealing member 2 made of glass is melted by the heat treatment,
the diffusion and migration of the elements occur in the glass
composition. With this, since the alkali earth metal oxide or the
like is highly compatible with the metal oxide on the surface of
the metal container 3, the alkali earth metal oxide or the like
increases at the joint portion 6 contacting the metal container 3.
Then, it is thought that the alkali earth metal oxide or the like
of the sealing member 2 and the metal oxide of the metal container
3 strongly, chemically bind to each other via oxygen. As a result,
excellent airtightness between the opening portion 5 of the metal
container 3 and the sealing member 2 is realized, and the opening
portion 5 of the metal container 3 and the sealing member 2 are
strongly joined to each other.
[0097] The thermal expansion coefficient of the metal container 3
made of aluminum is higher than that of the sealing member 2 made
of glass. Therefore, in the cooling treatment performed after the
heat treatment, the metal container 3 made of aluminum contracts
more than the sealing member 2 made of glass inserted into the
opening portion 5 of the metal container 3. With this, by a stress
generated by the difference between these thermal expansion
coefficients, the opening portion 5 of the metal container 3
tightens the sealing member 2. With this, the metal container 3 is
more strongly joined to the sealing member 2. Thus, the
airtightness of the sealed container 1 becomes excellent.
[0098] Further, the ductility of the metal container 3 made of
aluminum is higher than that of the sealing member 2 made of glass.
Therefore, when the metal container 3 contracts by the cooling
treatment, the metal container 3 does not destroy the sealing
member 2 or break, but flexibly deforms along the shape of the
sealing member 2. With this, the opening portion 5 of the metal
container 3 tightly adheres to the sealing member 2, and the gap
between the opening portion 5 of the metal container 3 and the
sealing member 2 is not likely to be formed. With this, the metal
container 3 is strongly joined to the sealing member 2. Thus, the
airtightness of the sealed container 1 becomes excellent.
[0099] Further, the metal container 3 made of aluminum has the
ductility. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the
sealing member 2 from above the metal container 3, the metal
container 3 deforms easily. With this, the external force is
transmitted to the sealing member 2, and the sealing member 2 is
destroyed easily. Thus, the sealed container 1 is easily open.
[0100] In a case where the gas adsorbing material which is
activated by the heat treatment is used as the solid matter 4, the
activation of the gas adsorbing material and the melting of the
sealing member 2 are performed by a single heat treatment.
Therefore, the energy consumption for the heat treatment is
suppressed. Thus, the energy efficiency becomes excellent.
[0101] Further, in a case where the gas adsorbing material which
may be activated under a pressure reduced state is used as the
solid matter 4, the gas adsorbing material may be activated in a
state where the first internal space is reduced in pressure. With
this, the activated gas adsorbing material does not adsorb
unnecessary gas or water. Thus, the deterioration of the gas
adsorbing material is suppressed.
[0102] According to the sealed container 1 configured as above, the
melted sealing member 2 is fixed to the narrow portion 7, and the
opening portion 5 of the metal container 3 and the sealing member 2
contact each other by their surfaces. With this, a joint area
therebetween becomes large, so that a joint force therebetween
becomes strong. Thus, the metal container 3 can be surely
sealed.
[0103] The narrow portion 7 is formed by deforming the opening
portion 5 of the metal container 3. Therefore, without providing,
for example, a supporting portion provided for the sealing member 2
separately from the metal container 3, the melted sealing member 2
can be supported by a simple structure.
[0104] Further, when the sealing member 2 is inserted into the
opening portion 5 of the metal container 3 before the heat
treatment, the sealing member 2 is supported by an upper end of the
narrow portion 7. With this, the sealing member 2 can be easily,
surely arranged in the opening portion 5.
[0105] Hereinafter, results of evaluations of a joint strength
between the sealing member 2 and the metal container 3 in the
sealed container 1 will be explained. In these evaluations, the
sealed containers 1 of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1
were used. The joint strength was evaluated by two methods that are
an appearance evaluation and a measurement evaluation. In the
appearance evaluation, the sealed container 1 was dropped from a
height of one meter, and whether or not the sealing member 2 was
peeled off the metal container 3 was visually confirmed. It was
determined that the joint strength was low if the sealing member 2
was peeled off, and the joint strength was high if the sealing
member 2 was not peeled off. The measurement evaluation was
performed by using an autograph produced by Shimadzu Corporation
according to a T-peel strength test. Specifically, opposing
portions of the opening portion 5 of the metal container 3 are
fixed to a measurement jig, and the measurement jig is pulled and
moved in a direction so as to widen the opening. With this, the
opening portion 5 deforms, and the sealing member 2 is peeled off
the opening portion 5. A pull strength is obtained from a travel
distance and pull strength of the jig at this time.
Example 1
[0106] In the sealed container 1 of Example 1, used as the sealing
member 2 was glass containing ZnO.P.sub.2O.sub.5.K.sub.2O and
having the thermal expansion coefficient of
120.times.10.sup.-7/.degree. C. and the softening temperature of
420.degree. C. Used as the metal container 3 was a cylinder made of
SUS301. The SUS301 has the thermal expansion coefficient of
16.9.times.10.sup.-6/.degree. C. and hardness of 165 Hv. Used as
the solid matter 4 was alloy powder that shows a gas adsorption
activity by the heat treatment under reduced pressure.
[0107] After the solid matter 4 was provided in the metal container
3, the metal container 3 was entirely crushed to have a
substantially flat shape. The narrow portion 7 was formed by
applying the external force to the opening portion 5 of the metal
container 3 to reduce the width of the opening portion 5. Then, the
sealing member 2 was provided on the narrow portion 7. After the
gas and water contained in the gas adsorbing material were desorbed
in the vacuum heating furnace at about 100.degree. C., the gas
adsorbing material was appropriately activated at about 500.degree.
C., and then, the sealing member 2 was melted at 550.degree. C.
After the heat treatment, the vacuum heating furnace was cooled in
the vacuum state up to normal temperature. Thus, the sealed
container 1 was manufactured.
[0108] In the sealed container 1 manufactured as above, the sealing
member 2 was joined to the metal container 3, and the gap was not
formed between the sealing member 2 and the metal container 3. In
the appearance evaluation after the sealed container 1 was dropped,
the gap was not formed between the sealing member 2 and the metal
container 3. Thus, the joint strength was evaluated as high. It was
thought that this high joint strength was obtained by chemical
joint realized by the chemical binding at the joint portion 6 and
mechanical joint realized by the tightening of the metal container
3. In the measurement evaluation of the sealed container 1, a peel
strength was 0.80 N/mm.sup.2.
Example 2
[0109] The sealing member 2 and solid matter 4 of the sealed
container 1 of Example 2 are the same as those of Example 1, but
the metal container 3 of the sealed container 1 of Example 2 is
different from that of Example 1. Used as the metal container 3 was
a cylinder made of copper having the thermal expansion coefficient
of 17.0.times.10.sup.-6/.degree. C. and the hardness of 46 Hv. A
method of manufacturing the sealed container 1 of Example 2 is also
the same as that of Example 1.
[0110] In the manufactured sealed container 1, the gap was not
formed between the sealing member 2 and the metal container 3. In
the appearance evaluation after the sealed container 1 was dropped,
the gap was not formed between the sealing member 2 and the metal
container 3. Thus, the joint strength was evaluated as high. It was
thought that this high joint strength was obtained by the chemical
joint realized by the chemical binding at the joint portion 6 and
the mechanical joint realized by the tightening of the metal
container 3.
[0111] In the measurement evaluation of the sealed container 1, the
peel strength was 1.0 N/mm.sup.2. This peel strength is higher than
that of Example 1. This may be because since a layer of metal oxide
is formed on the surface of copper more easily than SUS301, the
copper strongly, chemically binds to K.sub.2O of the sealing member
2.
[0112] The hardness of copper is lower than that of SUS301.
Therefore, if the external force is applied to the metal container
3 made of copper, the force is transmitted to the sealing member 2,
and the sealing member 2 is easily destroyed. Thus, the sealed
container 1 is easily open.
Example 3
[0113] The sealing member 2 and solid matter 4 of the sealed
container 1 of Example 3 are the same as those of Example 1, but
the metal container 3 of the sealed container 1 of Example 3 is
different from that of Example 1. Used as the metal container 3 was
a cylinder made of aluminum having the thermal expansion
coefficient of 23.9.times.10.sup.-6/.degree. C. and the hardness of
25 Hv. A method of manufacturing the sealed container 1 of Example
3 is the same as that of Example 1.
[0114] In the manufactured sealed container 1, the gap was not
formed between the sealing member 2 and the metal container 3. In
the appearance evaluation after the sealed container 1 was dropped,
the gap was not formed between the sealing member 2 and the metal
container 3. Thus, the joint strength was evaluated as high. It was
thought that this high joint strength was obtained by the chemical
joint realized by the chemical binding at the joint portion 6 and
the mechanical joint realized by the tightening of the metal
container 3.
[0115] In the measurement evaluation of the sealed container 1, the
peel strength was 1.1 N/mm.sup.2. This peel strength is higher than
each of the peel strengths of Examples 1 and 2. This may be because
since a layer of metal oxide is formed on the surface of aluminum
more easily than SUS301 or copper, the aluminum strongly,
chemically binds to K.sub.2O of the sealing member 2.
Example 4
[0116] The solid matter 4 and metal container 3 of the sealed
container 1 of Example 4 are the same as those of Example 3, but
the sealing member 2 of the sealed container 1 of Example 4 is
different from that of Example 3. Used as the sealing member 2 was
glass containing ZnO.P.sub.2O.sub.5CaO and having the thermal
expansion coefficient of 80.times.10.sup.-7/.degree. C. and the
softening temperature of 500.degree. C. A method of manufacturing
the sealed container 1 of Example 4 is the same as that of Example
1 except for the heat treatment. In the heat treatment of Example
4, after the gas and water contained in the gas adsorbing material
were desorbed at about 100.degree. C., the gas adsorbing material
was appropriately activated at about 580.degree. C., and then, the
sealing member 2 was melted at 620.degree. C.
[0117] In the manufactured sealed container 1, the gap was not
formed between the sealing member 2 and the metal container 3. In
the appearance evaluation after the sealed container 1 was dropped,
the gap was not formed between the sealing member 2 and the metal
container 3. Thus, the joint strength was evaluated as high. It was
thought that this high joint strength was obtained by the chemical
joint realized by the chemical binding at the joint portion 6 and
the mechanical joint realized by the tightening of the metal
container 3.
[0118] In the measurement evaluation of the sealed container 1, the
peel strength was 1.4 N/mm.sup.2. This peel strength is higher than
that of Example 3. This may be because CaO of the alkali earth
metal of the sealing member 2 chemically binds to the metal oxide
on the surface of the metal container 3 more strongly than K.sub.2O
of alkali metal.
Example 5
[0119] The solid matter 4 and metal container 3 of the sealed
container 1 of Example 5 are the same as those of Example 3, but
the sealing member 2 of the sealed container 1 of Example 5 is
different from that of Example 3. Used as the sealing member 2 was
glass containing Bi.sub.2O.sub.2.B.sub.2O.sub.3.SrO.BaO.ZnO and
having the thermal expansion coefficient of
110.times.10.sup.-7/.degree. C. and the softening temperature of
420.degree. C. A method of manufacturing the sealed container 1 of
Example 5 is the same as that of Example 1 except for the heat
treatment. In the heat treatment of Example 5, after the gas and
water contained in the gas adsorbing material were desorbed at
about 100.degree. C., the gas adsorbing material was appropriately
activated at about 500.degree. C., and then, the sealing member 2
was melted at 600.degree. C.
[0120] In the manufactured sealed container 1, the gap was not
formed between the sealing member 2 and the metal container 3. In
the appearance evaluation after the sealed container 1 was dropped,
the gap was not formed between the sealing member 2 and the metal
container 3. Thus, the joint strength was evaluated as high. It was
thought that this high joint strength was obtained by the chemical
joint realized by the chemical binding at the joint portion 6 and
the mechanical joint realized by the tightening of the metal
container 3.
[0121] In the measurement evaluation of the sealed container 1, the
peel strength was 2.0 N/mm.sup.2. This peel strength is higher than
that of Example 4. This may be because SrO and BaO of the sealing
member 2 chemically bind to the metal oxide on the surface of the
metal container 3 more strongly than CaO.
Comparative Example
[0122] A metal container, sealing member, and solid matter of a
sealed container of Comparative Example are the same as
corresponding members of the sealed container 1 of Example 5, but a
method of manufacturing the sealed container of Comparative Example
is different from the method of Example 5. To be specific, used in
the sealed container 1 of Example 5 was the metal container 3 in
which the narrow portion 7 was formed at the opening portion 5 by
crushing the opening portion 5 in a substantially flat shape. The
sealing member 2 intruded into the narrow portion 7 in the metal
container 3, and the sealing member 2 chemically bound to the metal
container 3 thereat. Thus, the joint portion 6 spreading in a
planar shape was formed. In contrast, used in the sealed container
of Comparative Example was the metal container having a cylindrical
shape. The sealing member did not intrude into the metal container,
and the opening end of the metal container and the sealing member
were joined to each other. Thus, the joint portion 6 having a
linear shape was formed.
[0123] In the manufactured sealed container, the gap was not formed
between the sealing member and the metal container. However, in the
appearance evaluation after the sealed container was dropped, the
sealing member was peeled off the metal container. Thus, the joint
strength was evaluated as low. It was thought that the joint
strength was low because an area of the chemical binding was small,
and there was no mechanical joint realized by the tightening of the
metal container.
Modification Example 1
[0124] As shown in FIG. 1, the narrow portion 7 is formed at the
opening portion 5 of the metal container 3. However, as shown in
FIG. 5, the narrow portion 7 may not be formed at the opening
portion 5. In this case, a supporting portion for supporting the
melted sealing member 2 is provided between the opening and the
solid matter 4. Examples of this supporting portion include an
inorganic fiber assembly and filter having gas permeability and
heat resistance, and a projection. When the metal container 3 at
which the supporting portion is provided is subjected to the heat
treatment, the supporting portion supports the melted sealing
member 2. With this, the sealing member 2 is held by the opening
portion 5 of the metal container 3. Thus, the opening of the metal
container 3 can be surely sealed. The projection projects from the
opening portion 5 toward an inner side such that the opening
portion 5 of the metal container 3 is reduced in diameter. The
height of the projection is determined based on, for example, the
viscosity of the melted sealing member 2. The projection may be
formed integrally with the metal container 3 or may be a member
formed separately from the metal container 3 and attached to an
inner portion of the metal container 3.
Modification Example 2
[0125] As shown in FIG. 1, the metal container 3 is crushed in a
substantially flat shape. However, as shown in FIG. 6, the metal
container 3 having a cylindrical shape may be used. The narrow
portion 7 is formed at the opening portion 5 in FIG. 1, but a
support portion for supporting the melted sealing member 2 may not
be provided. In this case, the size of the opening portion 5 may be
set to be smaller than the size of the sealing member 2 not yet
subjected to the heat treatment. In this case, the sealing member 2
can be arranged on the opening end of the metal container 3 before
the heat treatment.
Embodiment 2
Configuration of Vacuum Heat Insulating Body
[0126] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a
vacuum heat insulating body 8 according to Embodiment 2 of the
present invention.
[0127] The vacuum heat insulating body 8 includes: the sealed
container 1 as a gas adsorption device 1; a core member 9; and an
outer coat member 10 having a second internal space in which the
gas adsorption device 1 and the core member 9 are contained and
which is reduced in pressure and sealed.
[0128] The outer coat member 10 is hollow and includes the internal
space (hereinafter referred to as the "second internal space") that
is so-called vacuum. Here, the so-called vacuum denotes a state
where pressure is lower than atmospheric pressure. For example, the
degree of vacuum of the second internal space is 1 to 200 Pa. The
outer coat member 10 is constituted by a film having a gas barrier
property by which the intrusion of water, gas, and the like into
the second internal space is blocked. Regarding the gas barrier
property, a gas transmission rate is, for example, 104
[cm.sup.3/m.sup.2dayatm] or lower. It is desirable that the gas
transmission rate be 103 [cm.sup.3/m.sup.2dayatm] or lower, and it
is further desirable that the gas transmission rate be 102
[cm.sup.3/m.sup.2dayatm] or lower. Used as the outer coat member 10
is, for example, a laminated film obtained by stacking a resin
film, aluminum foil, and the like.
[0129] The laminated film is a sheet manufactured by laminating a
stacked body. The stacked body is a sheet manufactured by stacking
a heat weld film as an innermost layer, a gas barrier film as an
intermediate layer, and a surface protection film as an outermost
layer.
[0130] The heat weld film that is the innermost layer is not
especially specified, and for example, thermoplastic resin or a
mixture of thermoplastic resin is used as the heat weld film.
Examples of the thermoplastic resin include a low-density
polyethylene film, a linear low-density polyethylene film, a
high-density polyethylene film, a polypropylene film, and a
polyacrylonitrile film.
[0131] The gas barrier film that is the intermediate layer is not
especially specified, and for example, metal foil or a metal
deposition film is used as the gas barrier film. Examples of the
metal foil include aluminum foil and copper foil. The metal
deposition film is formed by, for example, depositing metal, such
as aluminum or copper, or metal oxide on a resin film. Examples of
resin of the resin film include a polyethylene terephthalate film
and an ethylene-vinylalcohol copolymer.
[0132] The surface protection film that is the outermost layer is
not especially specified, and a resin film, such as a nylon film, a
polyethylene terephthalate film, or a polypropylene film, is used
as the surface protection film.
[0133] The core member 9 is contained in the second internal space
of the outer coat member 10 and is a framework member of the vacuum
heat insulating body 8, the framework member being configured to
maintain the second internal space that is vacuum. In the vacuum
second internal space of the outer coat member 10, the core member
9 includes therein a large number of fine spaces and supports the
outer coat member 10 to maintain the internal space of the outer
coat member 10. The core member 9 is a porous substance, and
open-cell foam of a polymer material, such as polystyrene or
polyurethane, open-cell foam of an inorganic material, inorganic or
organic powder, an inorganic or organic fibrous material, or the
like may be utilized as the core member 9. Used as the core member
9 is, for example, fiber which is low in heat conductivity and high
in heat resistance, and generates little gas in a vacuum state or a
high-temperature state. Examples of the fiber include inorganic
fiber, such as glass wool, rock wool, alumina fiber, and metal
fiber, and resin fiber, such as polyethylene terephthalate. Among
these, the glass wool is preferable since it is high in elasticity,
low in heat conductivity, and industrially inexpensive. The thinner
the fiber is, the lower the heat conductivity of the vacuum heat
insulating body 8 becomes. Therefore, thin fiber is preferable.
However, since such fiber is expensive, the diameter of the fiber
is selected in consideration of the cost and the heat conductivity.
For example, as the fiber for the vacuum heat insulating body 8, an
aggregate of glass wool which is commonly used, comparatively
inexpensive, and has an average fiber diameter of about 3 to 6 nm
is desirable.
[0134] The core member 9 has a three-dimensional shape, such as a
substantially rectangular solid that is small in thickness. The
core member 9 is constituted by one fiber sheet or a plurality of
stacked thin fiber sheets. The core member 9 constituted by
stacking a plurality of fiber sheets is provided with a cut 11
extending in its stack direction.
[0135] The cut 11 is an insertion opening through which the gas
adsorption device 1 is inserted into the core member 9. The cut 11
communicates with the space in which the gas adsorption device 1 is
contained. The cut 11 is a cut line formed perpendicularly with
respect to the surface of the core member 9 and has, for example, a
rectangular shape. The width of the cut 11 in a direction parallel
to the surface of the core member 9 is larger than the width of the
gas adsorption device 1. The cut 11 extends from the surface of the
core member 9 to an inner portion of the core member 9, and the
depth of the cut 11 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of
the core member 9 is larger than the thickness of one or more fiber
sheets. Therefore, one or more fiber sheets are cut.
[0136] A storage space 12 for the gas adsorption device 1 is formed
inside the core member 9. The storage space 12 for the gas
adsorption device 1 may be formed by cutting the core member 9 or
may be formed inside the core member 9 in advance. In a case where
the storage space 12 for the gas adsorption device 1 is formed by
cutting the core member 9, the fiber sheet cut due to the formation
of the cut 11 is peeled off, and a tear 12 formed in this manner is
used as the storage space 12. The tear 12 is formed parallel to the
surface of the core member 9 and between the stacked fiber sheets.
The tear 12 and the cut 11 are connected to each other to form an L
shape in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the core
member 9. Therefore, the gas adsorption device 1 is inserted
through the cut 11 to the tear 12.
[0137] The gas adsorption device 1 is a member configured to adsorb
thermally-conductive gas components remaining in or intruding into
the second internal space of the outer coat member 10. The gas
adsorbing material is contained in the first internal space of the
metal container 3, the first internal space is reduced in pressure,
and the opening portion 5 of the metal container 3 is sealed by the
sealing member 2. As the gas adsorbing material, a chemical
adsorption material, such as calcium oxide or magnesium oxide, a
physical adsorption material, such as zeolite, or a mixture of
those may be used. In addition, copper ion-exchanged ZSM-5 zeolite
having a chemical adsorption property and a physical adsorption
property may be used. Used as the metal container 3 is aluminum,
copper metal, resin, or the like. As the sealing member 2, a
material capable of sealing a metal container and weaker than the
metal container 3 is used. For example, glass containing alkali
metal oxide or alkali earth metal oxide is used.
[0138] The gas adsorption device 1 is contained in the tear 12
formed inside the core member 9. The shape of the gas adsorption
device 1 is not especially limited and may correspond to, for
example, the shape of the vacuum heat insulating body 8. For
example, in the vacuum heat insulating body 8 having a
substantially flat shape that is small in thickness, the gas
adsorption device 1 having a substantially flat cross-sectional
shape whose width is larger than the thickness thereof is used. In
this case, the gas adsorption device 1 is arranged such that a
short axis (thickness) of the substantially flat cross section
thereof extends in a thickness direction of the vacuum heat
insulating body 8, and a long axis (width) of the substantially
flat cross section thereof is parallel to the surface of the vacuum
heat insulating body 8. With this, the gas adsorption device 1 is
arranged such that the short axis (thickness) of the substantially
flat cross section thereof extends in the thickness direction of
the vacuum heat insulating body 8. A mark 13 is formed at a portion
on the surface of the vacuum heat insulating material, the portion
corresponding to a place where the gas adsorption device 1 is
arranged.
[0139] The mark 13 indicates the position of the gas adsorption
device 1 provided inside the outer coat member 10 and especially
indicates the position of the opening portion 5 of the gas
adsorption device 1. The mark 13 is put at a portion of the outer
coat member 10, the portion opposed to (corresponding to) a portion
where the gas adsorption device 1 is arranged. The type, shape, and
the like of the mark 13 are not especially limited as long as the
position of the gas adsorption device 1 can be recognized from the
outside of the outer coat member 10. For example, the mark 13 may
be a mark put on an outer surface of the outer coat member 10 or a
seal attached to the outer surface of the outer coat member 10. For
example, the mark 13 may be printed on the outer coat member 10
when manufacturing the outer coat member 10 or when printing a lot
number on the vacuum heat insulating body 8. Or, after the
manufacture of the vacuum heat insulating body 8, the mark 13 may
be put by a person using ink or the like.
[0140] The mark 13 indicating the installation position of the gas
adsorption device 1, especially the position of the sealing portion
9 is printed on the outer coat member 106, and this position is a
position to which the external force is applied when opening the
gas adsorption device 1.
[0141] Manufacture of Vacuum Heat Insulating Body
[0142] A method of manufacturing the vacuum heat insulating body 8
is not especially limited. For example, the core member 9 is placed
with the surface facing upward, and the core member 9 is cut from
the surface thereof toward the inner portion thereof. Thus, the cut
is formed on the core member 9. By peeling off the fiber sheet cut
due to the formation of the cut 11, the tear 12 is formed inside
the core member 9. Then, by inserting the gas adsorption device 1
through the cut 11 into the tear 12, the gas adsorption device 1 is
contained in the tear 12. At this time, since a tip end portion of
the gas adsorption device 1 at which the sealing member 2 is
arranged is first inserted into the cut 11, a rear end portion of
the gas adsorption device 1 is located in the vicinity of the cut
11. Then, the gas adsorption device 1 is arranged in the core
member 9 such that the short axis (thickness) of the substantially
flat cross section thereof extends in the thickness direction of
the core member 9. By the cut 11, the movement of the gas
adsorption device 1 in a direction parallel to the surface of the
core member 9 is restricted.
[0143] One laminated film is bent such that the heat weld film that
is the innermost layer is located on the inner side. Then, two
sides of the bent laminated film are heated, so that the heat weld
film is welded to itself. Thus, the laminated film having a bag
shape whose one side is open is formed. The core member 9 in which
the gas adsorption device 1 is contained is inserted through this
opening into the laminated film, and the laminated film is arranged
under reduced pressure in a chamber to which a vacuum pump is
connected. When the inside of the chamber is reduced in pressure to
about 10 Pa, the heat weld film is thermally welded to itself such
that the opening of the laminated film having the bag shape is
closed. With this, the outer coat member 10 is sealed in a state
where the second internal space is vacuum. The mark 13 is put on
the outer coat member 10 and arranged at a position corresponding
to the position of the gas adsorption device 1. Thus, the vacuum
heat insulating body 8 in which the second internal space is vacuum
is completed.
[0144] In the manufacture of the vacuum heat insulating body 8, the
outer coat member 10 is formed by closing three sides of one
laminated film. However, the outer coat member 10 is similarly
formed by closing four sides of two laminated films.
[0145] Use of Vacuum Heat Insulating Body
[0146] Hereinafter, operations of the vacuum heat insulating body 8
configured as above will be explained. FIG. 8 is a perspective view
showing the gas adsorption device 1 contained in the vacuum heat
insulating body 8. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the
deformed gas adsorption device 1.
[0147] As shown in FIG. 7, the vacuum heat insulating body 8 is
placed with the mark 13 facing upward. By applying the external
force toward the mark 13 in a direction parallel to the
substantially flat cross section, the outer coat member 10 and the
core member 9 are pushed down. Then, the external force acts on the
sealing member 2 of the gas adsorption device 1 located at a
position corresponding to the mark 13. In the gas adsorption device
1 of FIG. 8, the metal container 3 is bent and deformed as shown in
FIG. 9. Then, the external force acts on the sealing member 2, and
the weak sealing member 2 is destroyed. With this, a through hole
14 is formed at the sealing member 2, and the first internal space
inside the metal container 3 and the second internal space outside
the metal container 3 communicate with each other. Therefore, the
gas adsorbing material in the first internal space adsorbs the
thermally-conductive gas components remaining in the second
internal space and the thermally-conductive gas components
intruding into the second internal space. As a result, the second
internal space is maintained in a vacuum state, for example, at 1
Pa or lower. Thus, the vacuum heat insulating body 8 can maintain
the excellent heat insulation performance.
[0148] Actions and Effects
[0149] According to the above configuration, the second internal
space is maintained in a vacuum state by containing the gas
adsorption device 1 in the second internal space of the outer coat
member 10. Therefore, the heat insulation performance of the vacuum
heat insulating body 8 is prevented from deteriorating.
[0150] The mark 13 is put at the portion corresponding to the
installation position of the gas adsorption device 1. Therefore, by
applying the external force to the mark 13, the sealing member 2 is
surely destroyed. On this account, the function of the gas
adsorption device 1 is fulfilled in the vacuum heat insulating body
8. Thus, the degree of vacuum of the vacuum heat insulating body 8
is maintained, and therefore, the heat insulation property of the
vacuum heat insulating body 8 is maintained.
[0151] Further, since the gas adsorption device 1 is open by the
external force, it is unnecessary to provide, for example, a tool
for opening the gas adsorption device 1. Thus, the adsorption
device is easily, surely open. In addition, a trouble is prevented
from occurring, in which, for example, the surface of the vacuum
heat insulating body 8 bulges by a seal opening member, and the
outer coat member 106 is rubbed and tears.
[0152] The sealing member 2 is destroyed inside the outer coat
member 10, and therefore, the through hole 14 is formed. With this,
the performance of the gas adsorption device 1 is fulfilled.
Therefore, for example, to investigate causes of a failure
regarding the performance of the vacuum heat insulating body 8, the
gas adsorption device 1 is taken out from the vacuum heat
insulating body 8, and how the through hole 14 is formed at the
sealing member 2 is observed. With this, whether or not the
adsorption device is functioning can be confirmed.
[0153] Further, since the gas adsorption device 1 is provided
inside the core member 9, the core member 9 serves as a buffer.
Therefore, the gas adsorption device 1 is prevented from being open
mistakenly.
[0154] The opening portion 5 of the metal container 3 of the gas
adsorption device 1 is formed in a tubular shape having a
substantially flat cross section, and the gas adsorption device 1
is arranged such that the short axis of the substantially flat
cross section thereof extends in a direction perpendicular to the
surface of the vacuum heat insulating body 8. Therefore, when the
external force is applied in a direction parallel to the
substantially flat cross section, the external force acts on the
opening portion 5 in a direction along the short axis of the
substantially flat cross section such that the sealing member 2 is
bent. The strengths of the opening portion 5 and the sealing member
2 with respect to the external force acting in the direction along
the short axis of the substantially flat cross section are
respectively smaller than those of the opening portion 5 and the
sealing member 2 with respect to the external force acting in a
direction along the long axis of the substantially flat cross
section. With this, the sealing member 2 is easily, surely
destroyed, and therefore, the through hole 14 is formed.
[0155] Further, the cut 11 formed on the core member 9 communicates
with the tear 12 formed inside the core member 9. Therefore, the
gas adsorbing material is inserted through the cut 11 into the tear
12, and the gas adsorption device 1 is contained in the tear 12. By
the cut 11, the movement of the gas adsorption device 1 in a
direction parallel to the surface of the core member 9 is
restricted.
Modification Example 3
[0156] In the vacuum heat insulating body 8 according to Embodiment
2, the mark 13 is the mark or seal put on the outer surface of the
outer coat member 10. However, the mark 13 may be a depression,
projection, cut, or the like formed on the outer coat member 10.
Therefore, the cut 11 of the core member 9 may serve as the mark 13
indicating the installation position of the gas adsorption device
1. As shown in FIG. 10, by containing the gas adsorption device 1
in the core member 9, the surface of the core member 9 bulges
outward in a range corresponding to the gas adsorption device 1.
Since this bulge appears on the outer coat member 10, this bulge
may also serve as the mark 13 indicating the position of the gas
adsorption device 1. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, in a case where
a recess is formed on the core member 9, and the gas adsorption
device 1 is contained in the recess, this recess appears on the
outer coat member 10. Therefore, the recess may serve as the mark
13 indicating the position of the gas adsorption device 1.
Modification Example 4
[0157] In the vacuum heat insulating body 8 according to Embodiment
2, the gas adsorption device 1 is contained in the core member 9.
However, the gas adsorption device 1 may be arranged on the surface
of the core member 9. In this case, the cut 11 and the
accommodating space 12 of the gas adsorption device are not
formed.
Embodiment 3
[0158] In Embodiment 2, the gas adsorption device 1 is included in
the vacuum heat insulating body 8. However, in Embodiment 3, the
gas adsorption device 1 is contained in an inner bag 15, and a
water adsorbent 16 is included in the vacuum heat insulating body
8.
[0159] Configuration of Vacuum Heat Insulating Body
[0160] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the vacuum heat
insulating body 8 according to Embodiment 3.
[0161] The inner bag 15 is provided in the second internal space of
the outer coat member 10 and serves as a movement suppressing
portion configured to suppress a displacement of the gas adsorption
device 1. Used as the inner bag 15 is a material having a high
frictional force, and one example of such a material is nonwoven
fabric made of Japanese paper or resin, such as PE. Especially, the
inner bag 15 is made of an elastic material, and one example of the
elastic material is nonwoven fabric made of resin, such as PP or
PET. The elastic material is soft and not likely to deform. With
this, the generation of appearance abnormalities, such as scratches
and depressions, on the gas adsorption device 1 by the inner bag 15
is prevented. The nonwoven fabric made of the resin is preferable
since it contains less water and is less likely to tear than
Japanese paper. Especially, the nonwoven fabric made of PP or PET
is preferable since it is high in tensile strength, tear strength,
and heat resistance and low in cost and therefore can be
manufactured at a low cost by a simple manufacturing process.
[0162] The inner bag 15 contains a part of the gas adsorption
device 1 or the entire gas adsorption device 1. The inner bag 15
has a shape whose three sides or four sides are closed. In a case
where four sides of the inner bag 15 are closed, used as a material
of the inner bag 15 is a material having gas permeability. The
inner bag 15 whose four sides are closed is preferable since the
gas adsorption device 1 is not likely to be detached.
[0163] The water adsorbent 16 is a material that adsorbs the steam
remaining in or intruding into the second internal space of the
vacuum heat insulating body 8. As the water adsorbent 16, a
chemical adsorption material, such as calcium oxide or magnesium
oxide, a physical adsorption material, such as zeolite, or a
mixture of those is used.
[0164] Actions and Effects
[0165] According to the above configuration, the gas adsorption
device 1 is wrapped up with the inner bag 15. Therefore, the
displacement of the gas adsorption device 1 by the friction between
the inner bag 15 and the core member 9 when arranging the gas
adsorption device 1 in the core member 9 or when wrapping up the
core member 9 with the outer coat member 10 is prevented. With
this, the position of the sealing member 2 of the gas adsorption
device 1 can be easily specified, and therefore, the decrease in
productivity is suppressed. In addition, the external force is
surely applied to the gas adsorption device 1, so that the gas
adsorption device 1 is open.
[0166] Further, since the inner bag 15 serves as a buffer for the
gas adsorption device 1, the gas adsorption device 1 is prevented
from being open mistakenly.
[0167] Since the displacement of the gas adsorption device 1 is
prevented by the inner bag, the outer coat member 10 is prevented
from being rubbed and tearing by the displaced gas adsorption
device 1.
[0168] Further, both the gas adsorption device 1 and the water
adsorbent 16 are used. With this, the moisture of the gas in the
second internal space of the vacuum heat insulating body 8 is
adsorbed in advance by the water adsorbent 16 that is inexpensive.
After that, when the gas adsorption device 1 is open, it adsorbs
the gas in the second internal space other than the moisture.
Therefore, the amount of use of the expensive gas adsorption
substance is reduced, so that the cost is reduced.
Modification Example 5
[0169] The vacuum heat insulating body 8 according to Embodiment 3
does not have to include the water adsorbent 16.
Modification Example 6
[0170] Further, the mark 13 according to Embodiment 2 may be put on
the outer coat member 10 of the vacuum heat insulating body 8
according to Embodiment 3. By the mark 13, the position of the
sealing member 2 of the gas adsorption device 1 can be easily
recognized from outside.
Modification Example 7
[0171] As shown in FIG. 13, the cut and the accommodating space of
the gas adsorption device 1 according to Embodiment 2 may be
provided at the core member 9 of the vacuum heat insulating body 8
according to Embodiment 3. In this case, the gas adsorption device
1 wrapped up with the inner bag 15 is contained in the storage
space 12 formed inside the core member 9. The movement of the gas
adsorption device 1 is restricted by the friction between the inner
bag 15 and an inner surface of the storage space 12 in addition to
the friction between the gas adsorption device 1 and the inner bag
15. With this, in addition to the inner bag 15, the inner surface
of the space in which the gas adsorption device 1 is contained
serves as the movement suppressing portion.
Modification Example 8
[0172] Further, in the vacuum heat insulating body 8 according to
Embodiment 3, the sealing member 2 of the gas adsorption device 1
is destroyed by the external force, and thus, the gas adsorption
device 1 is open. The seal opening member for the gas adsorption
device 1 may be included in the vacuum heat insulating body 8.
Modification Example 9
[0173] The inner bag 15 that wraps up the gas adsorption device 1
is provided in the vacuum heat insulating body 8 according to
Embodiment 3, but the inner bag 15 does not have to be provided. In
this case, since the gas adsorption device 1 is contained inside
the core member 9, the movement of the gas adsorption device 1 is
restricted by the friction between the gas adsorption device 1 and
the inner surface of the storage space 12. With this, the inner
surface of the space in which the gas adsorption device 1 is
contained serves as the movement suppressing portion. Moreover, the
core member 9 is surely sandwiched between the gas adsorption
device 1 and the outer coat member 10. With this, when the seal
opening member or the like is pressed against the sealing member 2,
the core member 9 existing between the sealing member 2 and the
outer coat member 10 and having the elasticity absorbs the impact
of the external force. Therefore, although the sealing member 2 is
destroyed by the external force, broken pieces of the sealing
member 2 are prevented from scattering. Therefore, the broken
pieces of the sealing member 2 do not get into the core member 9
except for the portion between the sealing member 2 and the outer
coat member 10. As a result, when discarding the vacuum heat
insulating body 8, the vacuum heat insulating body 8 can be easily
separated into respective members. Thus, the recyclability
improves. Depending on how the sealing member 2 is destroyed, the
core member 9 existing between the sealing member 2 and the outer
coat member 10 may contain the broken pieces of the sealing member
2. In this case, by removing the core member 9 existing between the
sealing member 2 and the outer coat member 10 from the other core
member 9, the vacuum heat insulating body 8 can be separated.
Moreover, the core member 9 existing between the sealing member 2
and the outer coat member 10 and the other core member 9 may be
separated from each other in advance. In this case, the vacuum heat
insulating body 8 can be more easily separated.
Modification Example 10
[0174] In the vacuum heat insulating body 8 according to Embodiment
3, the gas adsorption device 1 is contained inside the core member
9. However, the gas adsorption device 1 may be arranged on the
surface of the core member 9.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0175] The sealed container, method of manufacturing the sealed
container, and vacuum heat insulating body according to the present
invention are applicable to, for example, a sealed container
configured to suppress a decrease in a degree of vacuum of an
internal space in which a solid matter is contained, a method of
manufacturing the sealed container, and a vacuum heat insulating
body.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0176] 1 sealed container [0177] 2 sealing member [0178] 3 metal
container [0179] 4 solid matter [0180] 5 opening portion [0181] 6
joint portion [0182] 7 narrow portion [0183] 8 vacuum heat
insulating body [0184] 9 core member [0185] 10 outer coat member
[0186] 11 cut [0187] 12 tear [0188] 12 space [0189] 13 mark [0190]
14 through hole [0191] 15 inner bag [0192] 16 water adsorbent
* * * * *