JP7473938B2 - Pressure reducing device and method for reducing pressure inside a container using the pressure reducing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pressure reducing device used to reduce the pressure inside a container that contains a fluid, and a method for reducing the pressure inside the container using the pressure reducing device.

For example, fluid substances such as paints, coatings (for example, liquid architectural coatings such as waterproofing materials, sealants, and floor coatings for use on the surfaces of building materials such as balconies, rooftops, and floors), and adhesives (for example, adhesives used outdoors when installing artificial turf, tiles, and wall components) may be stored in containers in storage facilities such as warehouses. Fluid paints, coatings, adhesives, etc. include one-component liquid substances that can be used as is, and two-component liquid substances that are used after mixing two components, and in either case, a predetermined amount may be taken out of the container at any time when used.

Fluid substances such as fluid paints are filled into containers such as 18-liter cans using the liquid filling device of Patent Document 1, for example.

On the other hand, if the container is stored in a storage facility in the summer or other times when the outside air temperature is elevated, the internal space of the container will become pressurized above atmospheric pressure due to the temperature rise. When removing a fluid substance from a container whose internal space is pressurized above atmospheric pressure, the lid of the container is opened, and the pressurized state inside the container is released. When the pressurized state inside the container is released, the fluid substance that has adhered to the periphery of the lid during filling or transportation will spray out of the container, and there is a risk that the sprayed fluid substance will fall on workers. Furthermore, when the internal space is further pressurized above atmospheric pressure, the lid of the container may open.

Therefore, in order to ensure the safety of workers, prevent loss of fluid substances, maintain quality, and prevent contamination of the work environment, containers for storing fluid substances are required to prevent the fluid substances adhering to the periphery of the lid from spraying out and the lid from opening, even in high-temperature environments.

Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 6-47101

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a pressure reduction device that can prevent a fluid substance contained in a container from spraying out of the opening of the container even when the lid of the container stored in a high-temperature environment is opened, and can also prevent the lid of the container from opening due to internal pressure.

The outline of the configuration of the pressure reducing device and the method for reducing the pressure inside a container using the pressure reducing device of the present invention is as follows.
[1] A pressure reduction device comprising: an opening closure that covers an opening of a container via a specified space; and a pressure reduction means connection portion to which a pressure reduction means that reduces the pressure in the specified space covered by the opening closure is connected.
[2] A pressure reducing device as described in [1], wherein the opening closure body covers a portion of a wall portion of the container in which the opening is provided.
[3] The pressure reducing device according to [1] or [2], wherein the pressure reducing means connection portion has a through hole provided in the wall surface of the opening closure body.
[4] The pressure reducing device according to any one of [1] to [3], further comprising a lid attachment member for attaching a lid to the opening to close the opening.
[5] The pressure reducing device described in [4], wherein the lid mounting member is provided with a lid pressing portion arranged opposite the opening, and a support portion extending from the lid pressing portion through the opening closure body in a direction perpendicular to the opening.
[6] The pressure reducing device according to [4], wherein the lid mounting member is provided with a lid holding portion for holding a lid.
[7] The pressure reducing device described in [6], wherein the lid mounting member comprises a lid holding portion arranged opposite the opening, and a support portion extending from the lid holding portion through the opening closure body in a direction perpendicular to the opening.
[8] A pressure reducing device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein a bellows portion is formed on a side portion of the opening closure body.
[9] A process of installing a pressure reducing device including an opening closure body that covers the opening of a container via a predetermined space and a pressure reducing means connection part to which a pressure reducing means that reduces the pressure of the predetermined space covered by the opening closure body is connected, at the opening of the container in a state where an internal space of the opening closure body and an internal space of the container are in communication with each other;
reducing the pressure inside the opening blocker by a pressure reducing means connected to the pressure reducing means connection portion;
and closing the opening by attaching a lid to the opening.
[10] The method for reducing pressure inside a container described in [9], wherein the pressure reducing device further includes a lid attachment member for attaching a lid to the opening to close the opening.
[11] The method for reducing pressure inside a container described in [9], wherein a bellows portion is formed on a side portion of the opening closure body.
[12] A method for reducing pressure inside a container as described in [11], in which the bellows portion shrinks during the process of reducing the pressure inside the opening closure body, thereby attaching the lid to the opening and closing the opening without the intervention of an operator.

In the above aspect [1], when the pressure reducing means connected to the pressure reducing device via the pressure reducing means connection part is operated, the internal space of the opening closure body that covers the opening of the container via a predetermined space is reduced in pressure. Furthermore, if the internal space of the opening closure body is in communication with at least a partial area of the opening of the container, the internal space of the opening closure body and the internal space of the container are in communication with each other via the opening of the container. From the above, as the internal space of the opening closure body is in communication with the opening of the container, the internal space of the opening closure body is in a reduced pressure state, and the internal space of the container is also in a reduced pressure state. When the internal space of the container containing the fluid substance is in a reduced pressure state, a lid is attached to the opening of the container to close the opening, and the fluid substance is contained in the container with the internal space in which it is reduced in pressure.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the internal space of the opening closure of the pressure reducing device is decompressed, so that the internal space of the container is also decompressed, and as a result, the internal pressure of the container containing a fluid substance is reduced. Therefore, even if the container containing the fluid substance is stored in a high temperature environment, the internal space of the container is prevented from becoming pressurized above atmospheric pressure, and the fluid substance is prevented from spraying out of the opening of the container when the lid of the container is opened. In addition, even if the container is stored in a high temperature environment, the internal space of the container is prevented from becoming pressurized above atmospheric pressure, so that the lid of the container is prevented from opening due to internal pressure.

According to this aspect of the present invention, the opening closure covers a portion of the wall of the container where the opening is provided, so that the lid can be attached to the opening of the container more smoothly with the internal space of the container in a decompressed state. In addition, the decompression device is made smaller, improving ease of handling.

According to this aspect of the present invention, by further providing a lid attachment member, the lid can be reliably and quickly attached to the opening of the container while the internal space of the container is in a decompressed state.

According to this aspect of the present invention, the lid attachment member is provided with a lid holder for holding the lid, so that the lid can be attached reliably and quickly to the opening of the container while the internal space of the container is decompressed.

According to this aspect of the present invention, a bellows portion is formed on the side of the opening closure, so that a lid can be reliably and quickly attached to the opening of the container while the internal space of the container is in a depressurized state. In addition, according to this aspect of the present invention, a bellows portion is formed on the side of the opening closure, so that the bellows portion contracts and the lid can close the opening without the need for an operator to attach the lid to the opening, improving the work efficiency of the depressurization process.

1 is an external perspective view illustrating a state in which a pressure reducing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is installed in a container. FIG. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a state during decompression processing of the decompression device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a state after a decompression process of the decompression device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an external perspective view illustrating a state in which a pressure reducing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is installed in a container. FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a state during decompression processing of the decompression device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a state after a decompression process of the decompression device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a state during decompression processing of the decompression device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a state after a decompression process of the decompression device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an external perspective view illustrating a state in which a pressure reducing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is installed in a container. FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a state during decompression processing of the decompression device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a state after a decompression process of the decompression device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of a container used in the examples. 1A, 1B, and 1C are explanatory views showing a method for measuring the expansion state of a container in an embodiment.

The pressure reduction device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the pressure reduction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view illustrating the pressure reduction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention installed in a container. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the state during pressure reduction processing of the pressure reduction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the state after pressure reduction processing of the pressure reduction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pressure reducing device 1 according to the first embodiment includes an opening blocker 10 having a predetermined space 11, and a pressure reducing means connection part 20 that is connected to the predetermined space 11 and is provided on the opening blocker 10. The pressure reducing means connection part 20 is a part for connecting a pressure reducing means (not shown) for reducing the pressure of the predetermined space 11.

The opening blocker 10 is the main body of the pressure reducing device 1, with one end 12 and a side portion 14 closed and the other end 13 opposite the one end 12 open. In other words, the opening blocker 10 is a container-shaped member. The one end 12 is formed of a flat top plate. The side portion 14 is cylindrical, and a flat top plate forming the one end 12 is provided at one end of the side portion 14 in the longitudinal direction X. The side portion 14 extends in a direction perpendicular to the planar direction of the flat top plate. A predetermined space 11 is defined by the one end 12 and the side portion 14. Meanwhile, the other end of the side portion 14 in the longitudinal direction X is open to the outside, and this open other end is the other end 13 of the opening blocker 10.

The shape of the opening blocker 10 in a plan view is not particularly limited, but in the pressure reducing device 1, it is approximately circular in shape in response to the circular shape of the opening of the container 100 described below and the lid 103 for sealing the opening. Therefore, the opening blocker 10 has both a closed end 12 and an open other end 13 in a plan view that are approximately circular. Note that "plan view" refers to the aspect when the pressure reducing device 1 is installed at the opening of the container 100 and viewed from a part facing the opening. In addition, the material of the pressure reducing device 1 is not particularly limited, and examples include metal, resin, etc.

The pressure reducing means connection part 20 has a through hole 21 provided in the side part 14 and a connection part 22 that communicates with the through hole 21 and extends from the through hole 21. The connection part 22 is a part for connecting the pressure reducing means to the pressure reducing device 1. The connection part 22 is a tubular member with both ends open, and extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the side part 14. The inside of the connection part 22 communicates with the specified space 11 of the opening blocker 10 via the through hole 21.

Next, an example of a method for reducing the pressure inside the container 100 using the pressure reducing device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. As shown in Figure 2, the pressure reducing device 1 is placed on the top plate 101 of the container 100 containing a fluid substance (not shown). At this time, the pressure reducing device 1 is placed on the top plate 101 so that the other end 13 of the opening blocker 10 is in contact with the top plate 101. The top plate 101 is provided with an opening 102 for putting in and taking out the fluid substance. In the container 100, the opening 102 is provided in a partial area of the top plate 101. Also, in Figure 2, the pressure reducing device 1 is placed on the top plate 101 so that the other end 13 of the opening blocker 10 surrounds the opening 102 and the peripheral portion 105 of the opening 102. Therefore, the flat top plate forming one end 12 of the opening blocker 10 is arranged opposite the opening 102. The pressure reducing device 1 is placed on the top plate 101 so that the other end 13 of the opening blocker 10 surrounds the opening 102 and the peripheral portion 105 of the opening 102, and the opening 102 is covered by the opening blocker 10 through the predetermined space 11.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pressure reducing device 1 is not placed on the top plate 101 of the container 100 so that the entire top plate 101 is surrounded by the other end 13 of the opening closure body 10. In addition, in the pressure reducing device 1, a rubber packing (not shown) may be attached along the periphery of the other end 13 to improve airtightness between the other end 13 of the opening closure body 10 and the top plate 101, if necessary.

2, a lid 103 is placed on the opening 102 of the container 100. The lid 103 is simply placed on the opening 102, and the opening 102 is not closed by the lid 103. Therefore, the predetermined space 11 of the opening blocker 10 and the internal space 104 of the container 100 are in communication with each other through the opening 102. As described above, when the pressure reducing device 1 is placed on the top plate 101, the predetermined space 11 and the internal space 104 of the container 100 become substantially airtight spaces. The lid 103 has a shape that can be fitted with the peripheral wall surface 106 of the opening 102. When the lid 103 is subjected to stress in the direction of the opening 102, the lid 103 fits with the peripheral wall surface 106 of the opening 102, and the lid 103 is attached to the opening 102, and as a result, the opening 103 is closed by the lid 103. When the opening 103 is closed by the lid 103, communication between the internal space 104 of the container 100 and the outside is eliminated.

A pressure reducing means (not shown) is connected to the tip of the connection part 22 of the pressure reducing means connection part 20, and the pressure reducing means is operated. When the pressure reducing means is operated, the atmosphere G in the specified space 11 of the opening blocker 10 is degassed to the outside through the through hole 21 and the connection part 22, and the specified space 11 is in a depressurized state (a state of negative pressure compared to atmospheric pressure). As the specified space 11 is in a depressurized state, the atmosphere G in the internal space 104 of the container 100, which is connected to the specified space 11, is also degassed to the outside through the opening 102, and the internal space 104 of the container 100 is also in a depressurized state.

The pressure reducing means is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a suction pump. If necessary, a pressure gauge may be installed at the connection part 22 to check the reduced pressure state of the specified space 11 and the internal pressure of the internal space 104 of the container 100.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3, after the pressure reducing means is operated for a predetermined time or the internal pressure of the internal space 104 of the container 100 drops below a predetermined value, the worker W removes the pressure reducing device 1 from the top plate 101 and quickly pushes the lid 103 toward the opening 102 to fit the lid 103 with the peripheral wall surface 106 of the opening 102. By fitting the lid 103 with the peripheral wall surface 106 of the opening 102, the lid 103 is attached to the opening 102, and as a result, the opening 102 is sealed by the lid 103 while the internal space 104 of the container 100 remains in a reduced pressure state. By sealing the opening 103 while the internal space 104 of the container 100 remains in a reduced pressure state, the internal pressure of the container 100 containing the fluid substance becomes reduced pressure.

In addition, since the internal space 104 of the container 100 is in a reduced pressure state, when the pressure reducing device 1 is removed from the top plate 101, the lid 103 is subjected to stress in the direction of the opening 102 due to atmospheric pressure, which is a pressure higher than the internal pressure of the internal space 104 of the container 100. If the lid 103 is subjected to stress in the direction of the opening 102 and can fit into the peripheral wall surface 106 of the opening 102, the worker W can remove the pressure reducing device 1 from the top plate 101 without pushing the lid 103 in the direction of the opening 102, and the opening 102 will be sealed by the lid 103 while the internal space 104 of the container 100 remains in a reduced pressure state.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the predetermined space 11 of the opening blocker 10 of the pressure reducing device 1 is decompressed, and the internal pressure of the internal space 104 of the container 100 is also decompressed. Therefore, even if the container 100 containing a fluid substance is stored in a high-temperature environment for a long period of time, the internal space 104 of the container 100 is prevented from becoming pressurized above atmospheric pressure, and the fluid substance is prevented from spraying out of the opening 102 of the container 100 when the lid 103 of the container 100 is opened. In addition, even if the container 100 is stored in a high-temperature environment, the internal space 104 of the container 100 is prevented from becoming pressurized above atmospheric pressure, and the lid 103 of the container 100 is prevented from opening due to the internal pressure of the internal space 104.

In addition, since the opening closure body 10 covers only the area of the opening 102 and its peripheral portion 105 of the top plate 101 of the container 100, the lid 103 can be fitted more smoothly to the opening 102 of the container 100 while the internal space 104 of the container 100 remains depressurized. In addition, since the opening closure body 10 covers only the area of the opening 102 and its peripheral portion 105 of the top plate 101 of the container 100, the depressurization device 1 is made smaller, improving the handleability of the depressurization device 1.

The fluid substance stored in the container 100 is not particularly limited, and may be any liquid or powder substance. Specific examples of fluid substances include liquid paints, liquid coatings (for example, liquid architectural coatings such as waterproofing materials, sealing materials, and floor coating materials for use on the surfaces of building materials such as balconies, rooftops, and floors), and liquid adhesives (for example, adhesives used outdoors when installing artificial turf, tiles, and wall components).

Next, a pressure reduction device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same components as those in the pressure reduction device according to the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals. Note that FIG. 4 is an external perspective view illustrating the pressure reduction device according to the second embodiment of the present invention installed in a container. FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the state during pressure reduction processing of the pressure reduction device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the state after pressure reduction processing of the pressure reduction device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the pressure reducing device 2 according to the second embodiment, the opening closure body 10 is further provided with a lid attachment member 30. The lid attachment member 30 is a member for fitting and attaching the lid 103 to the opening to seal the opening while maintaining the reduced pressure state of the predetermined space 11 of the opening closure body 10 without removing the pressure reducing device 2 from the top plate 101.

The lid attachment member 30 includes a lid pressing portion 31 that is disposed opposite the opening 102 of the container 100, and a support portion 32 that extends from the lid pressing portion 31 in a vertical direction relative to the opening 102, penetrating a predetermined space 11 of the opening blocker 10 to the outside of the opening blocker 10.

As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the support part 32 is a rod-like member having a straight shape, and the lid pushing part 31 is attached to one tip part of the support part 32. The support part 32 extends through the predetermined space 11 of the opening closure body 10 along the longitudinal direction X of the opening closure body 10, penetrating one end 12 of the opening closure body 10. The support part 32 is also slidably inserted into a hole part 34 formed in one end 12 of the opening closure body 10.

The lid pressing part 31 attached to the tip of the support part 32 is a flat plate-shaped member, and its planar part 33 is arranged facing the opening 102 of the container 100. The lid pressing part 31 is located inside the opening blocker 10. When the support part 32 is moved along the longitudinal direction X of the opening blocker 10, the lid pressing part 31 also moves in conjunction with the movement along the longitudinal direction X of the opening blocker 10. The materials of the lid pressing part 31 and the support part 32 are not particularly limited, and examples include metal, resin, etc.

Next, an example of a method for reducing the pressure inside the container 100 using the pressure reducing device 2 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. As with the pressure reducing device 1, first, as shown in Figure 5, the pressure reducing device 2 is placed on the top plate 101 of the container 100 containing a fluid substance (not shown). At this time, the lid pressing part 31 is positioned inside the opening blocker 10 so as not to contact the lid 103. Next, a pressure reducing means (not shown) is connected to the tip of the connection part 22 of the pressure reducing means connection part 20, and the pressure reducing means is operated. When the pressure reducing means is operated, the atmosphere G in the predetermined space 11 of the opening blocker 10 is degassed to the outside, and the predetermined space 11 is in a depressurized state. As the predetermined space 11 is in a depressurized state, the atmosphere G in the internal space 104 of the container 100 that is connected to the predetermined space 11 is also degassed to the outside through the opening 102, and the internal space 104 of the container 100 is also in a depressurized state.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, after the pressure reducing means is operated for a predetermined time or the internal pressure of the internal space 104 of the container 100 drops below a predetermined value, the operator moves the support portion 32 a predetermined distance toward the top plate 101 of the container 100. By moving the support portion 32 toward the top plate 101, the lid pressing portion 31 located inside the opening closure body 10 moves toward the opening 102 and abuts against the lid 103 placed on the opening 102 of the container 100. When the support portion 32 is further moved toward the top plate 101, the lid pressing portion 31 abutting against the lid 103 applies stress to the lid 103 in the direction of the opening 102. By applying stress to the lid 103 in the direction of the opening 102 by the lid pressing portion 31, the lid 103 fits into the peripheral wall surface 106 of the opening 102, and the lid 103 is attached to the opening 102, and as a result, the opening 102 is closed by the lid 103.

In the decompression device 2, there is no need to remove the decompression device 2 from the top plate 101 when sealing the opening 102 with the lid 103. Therefore, the lid 103 can be quickly attached to the opening 102 of the container 100 while more reliably maintaining the decompressed state of the internal space 104 of the container 100.

Next, a pressure reduction device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same components as those in the pressure reduction devices according to the first and second embodiments will be described using the same reference numerals. Note that FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the state of the pressure reduction device according to the third embodiment of the present invention during pressure reduction processing. FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the state of the pressure reduction device according to the third embodiment of the present invention after pressure reduction processing.

In the pressure reducing device 2 according to the second embodiment, a lid pushing portion 31 is provided at the tip of the lid mounting member 30. Instead, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, in the pressure reducing device 3 according to the third embodiment, a lid holding portion 41 is provided at the tip of the lid mounting member 40. The lid holding portion 41 is a member for holding the lid 103 of the container 100.

Therefore, in the pressure reducing device 3, while the pressure reducing means (not shown) is operating to reduce the pressure in the internal space 104 of the container 100, the lid 103 is not placed on the opening 102 of the container 100, but is held by the lid holding portion 41 located inside the opening closure body 10 while separated from the opening 102.

The lid mounting member 40 includes a lid holding part 41 and a support part 42 that extends from the lid holding part 41 in a direction perpendicular to the opening 102, penetrating the specified space 11 of the opening blocker 10 to the outside of the opening blocker 10. The support part 42 is a straight rod-shaped member, like the support part 32 of the pressure reducing device 2, and the lid holding part 41 is attached to one tip of the support part 42. The support part 42 extends through the specified space 11 of the opening blocker 10 along the longitudinal direction X of the opening blocker 10, penetrating one end 12 of the opening blocker 10. The support part 42 is slidably inserted into a hole part 44 formed in one end 12 of the opening blocker 10.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the pressure reducing device 3, the lid holding part 41 is a flat member and includes a base 45 whose flat part 46 is disposed opposite the opening 102 of the container 100, and a lid holding member 47 provided on the flat part 46 of the base 45. An example of the lid holding member 47 is a magnet.

7 and 8, an example of a method for reducing the pressure inside the container 100 using the pressure reducing device 3 will be described. As with the pressure reducing devices 1 and 2, first, as shown in FIG. 7, the pressure reducing device 3 is placed on the top plate 101 of the container 100 containing a fluid substance (not shown). At this time, the lid 103 is magnetically attached to the lid holding part 41 by the magnetic force of the magnet that is the lid holding member 47. Next, a pressure reducing means (not shown) is connected to the tip of the connection part 22 of the pressure reducing means connection part 20, and the pressure reducing means is operated. When the pressure reducing means is operated, the atmosphere G in the predetermined space 11 of the opening blocker 10 is degassed to the outside, and the predetermined space 11 is in a depressurized state. As the predetermined space 11 is depressurized, the atmosphere G in the internal space 104 of the container 100 that is connected to the predetermined space 11 is also degassed to the outside through the opening 102, and the internal space 104 of the container 100 is also in a depressurized state.

8, the pressure reducing means is operated for a predetermined time, or after the internal pressure of the internal space 104 of the container 100 drops below a predetermined value, the support portion 42 is moved a predetermined distance toward the top plate 101 of the container 100, so that the lid holding portion 41 located inside the opening closure body 10 moves toward the opening 102 while holding the lid 103, and the lid 103 abuts against the peripheral wall surface 106 of the opening 102. When the support portion 42 is further moved toward the top plate 101, a stress is applied to the lid 103 in the direction of the opening 102. By applying a stress to the lid 103 in the direction of the opening 102, the lid 103 fits into the peripheral wall surface 106 of the opening 102, and the lid 103 is attached to the opening 102, and as a result, the opening 102 is closed by the lid 103. After the lid 103 engages with the peripheral wall surface 106 of the opening 102, the support portion 43 is moved back in a direction away from the top plate 101, whereby the lid holding portion 41 separates from the lid 103 attached to the opening 102, and the pressure reducing device 3 can be removed from the top plate 101.

In the decompression device 3, there is no need to remove the decompression device 3 from the top plate 101 when sealing the opening 102 with the lid 103. Therefore, the lid 103 can be quickly attached to the opening 102 of the container 100 while more reliably maintaining the decompressed state of the internal space 104 of the container 100. In addition, in the decompression device 3, the lid 103 is held by the lid holding portion 41 in a state completely separated from the opening 102, so that the atmosphere G in the internal space 104 of the container 100 can be more smoothly evacuated to the outside.

Next, a pressure reduction device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same components as those in the pressure reduction devices according to the first to third embodiments will be described using the same reference numerals. Note that FIG. 9 is an external perspective view illustrating the pressure reduction device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention installed in a container. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the state during pressure reduction processing of the pressure reduction device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the state after pressure reduction processing of the pressure reduction device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the pressure reducing device 4 according to the fourth embodiment, a bellows portion 50 is formed on the side portion 14 of the opening blocker 10 along the circumferential direction of the opening blocker 10. The bellows portion 50 has an uneven structure and is an expandable portion. The uneven structure has concave and convex portions alternately positioned along the longitudinal direction X of the opening blocker 10. The bellows portion 50 is formed on the other end 13 side of the pressure reducing means connection portion 20. Therefore, in the opening blocker 10 of the pressure reducing device 4, the area between the pressure reducing means connection portion 20 and the other end 13 in the longitudinal direction X of the opening blocker 10 is an expandable structure.

The inner surface of one end 12 of the opening closure 10 is provided with a protrusion 52 that protrudes toward the other end 13. The protrusion 52 extends from the one end 12 to the vicinity of the pressure reducing means connection part 20.

In the pressure reducing device 4, the connection part 22 of the pressure reducing means connection part 20 is connected to a vacuum generator 51, which is not particularly limited, as a pressure reducing means. The vacuum generator 51 is a device that reduces the pressure of a desired space (the specified space 11 of the opening blockage body 10 in the pressure reducing device 4) connected to the inside of the vacuum generator 51 by circulating compressed air through a specified flow path of the vacuum generator 51. The compressed air is released from the nozzle at high speed by narrowing the flow path by a nozzle upstream of the connection part between the specified flow path of the vacuum generator 51 and the connection part 22 of the pressure reducing means connection part 20, and flows into a diffuser located downstream of the connection part. When the compressed air is jetted from the nozzle at high speed, the pressure of the specified space 11 of the opening blockage body 10 is reduced and the pressure is reduced, and the internal space 104 of the container 100 is reduced in pressure.

Next, an example of a method for reducing the pressure inside the container 100 using the pressure reducing device 4 will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. As with the pressure reducing device 1, first, as shown in Figure 10, the pressure reducing device 4 is placed on the top plate 101 of the container 100 containing a fluid substance (not shown). A vacuum generator 51 is connected to the connection part 22 of the pressure reducing means connection part 20 of the pressure reducing device 4 in advance. Next, the vacuum generator 51 is operated. When the vacuum generator 51 is operated, the atmosphere G in the specified space 11 of the opening blocker 10 is degassed to the outside, and the specified space 11 is in a depressurized state. As the specified space 11 is in a depressurized state, the atmosphere G in the internal space 104 of the container 100 that is connected to the specified space 11 is also degassed to the outside through the opening 102, and the internal space 104 of the container 100 is also in a depressurized state. As the internal space 104 of the container 100 becomes decompressed, the bellows portion 50 shrinks, and the length between the pressure reducing means connection portion 20 and the other end 13 decreases. At this time, the tip of the protrusion 52 is close to the lid 103 or abuts against the lid 103.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11, after the bellows portion 50 is sufficiently contracted and the length between the pressure reducing means connection portion 20 and the other end 13 is sufficiently reduced, the worker W pushes the one end 12 toward the top plate 101 of the container 100. By pushing the one end 12 toward the top plate 101 of the container 100, the one end 12 is bent toward the top plate 101 of the container 100, and the protrusion 52 located inside the opening closure body 10 moves significantly toward the opening 102. By the protrusion 52 moving significantly toward the opening 102, the protrusion 52 applies a large stress to the lid 103 placed on the opening 102 of the container 100 in the direction of the opening 102. By the protrusion 52 applying a large stress to the lid 103 in the direction of the opening 102, the lid 103 fits more smoothly with the peripheral wall surface 106 of the opening 102, and the lid 103 is attached to the opening 102, and as a result, the opening 102 is closed by the lid 103.

In the decompression device 4, there is no need to remove the decompression device 4 from the top plate 101 when sealing the opening 102 with the lid 103. Therefore, the lid 103 can be quickly attached to the opening 102 of the container 100 while more reliably maintaining the decompressed state of the internal space 104 of the container 100. In addition, in the decompression device 4, the lid 103 can be attached to the opening 102 of the container 100 by bending one end 12 toward the top plate 101 of the container 100, making it easy to attach the lid 103.

Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the pressure reducing device according to the third embodiment, a magnet was used as the lid holding member, but the configuration of the lid holding member is not particularly limited, and instead of a magnet, for example, a protruding locking member that holds the lid, a suction cup, a vacuum pad, etc. may be used. In addition, in the pressure reducing device according to the third embodiment, one lid is held by the lid holding part, but instead, multiple lids may be held by the lid holding part in a stacked state. When multiple lids are held by the lid holding part in a stacked state, each lid is attached sequentially to the opening of the container that has been subjected to the pressure reduction treatment. Therefore, when multiple lids are held by the lid holding part in a stacked state, the internal spaces of multiple containers can be continuously subjected to the pressure reduction treatment.

In the fourth embodiment of the pressure reducing device, the inner surface of one end is provided with a protrusion that protrudes toward the other end. Alternatively, the opening closure may be structured so that the gap between the one end and the pressure reducing means connection is narrow, and instead of providing a protrusion, the inner surface of the one end may apply stress to the lid in the direction of the opening.

In addition, in the pressure reducing device according to each of the above embodiments, the shape of the opening closure body in a plan view is approximately circular in correspondence with the circular shape of the lid, but the shape is not particularly limited, and may instead be, for example, a polygonal shape such as a square or pentagon, or an elliptical shape, etc.

In the method of reducing the pressure inside a container using the pressure reducing device according to the fourth embodiment, an operator presses one end of the opening closure body toward the top plate of the container, thereby applying stress to the lid in the direction of the opening, and the lid is attached to the opening. However, instead of this, the lid may be attached to the opening by the bellows portion shrinking without the intervention of an operator. In other words, the lid may be attached to the opening by applying stress to the lid in the direction of the opening as the bellows portion shrinks as a specified space in the opening closure body becomes depressurized, without an operator pressing one end of the opening closure body toward the top plate of the container.

In the above decompression method, the opening can be closed with a lid by contracting the bellows, without the need for an operator to attach a lid to the opening, improving the work efficiency of the decompression process.

Next, we will explain examples of reducing the pressure inside a container using the pressure reducing device of the present invention. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the invention.

As a container for reducing the pressure in the internal space, a hexahedral can 200 (top plate 201 dimensions: 237 mm x 237 mm, height: 280 mm) as shown in FIG. 12 was used. The opening of the can 200 was a circle with a diameter of 70 mm, and the opening was sealed by fitting and attaching a lid 203 to the opening. The top plate 201 of the can 200 was positioned 4.0 mm back from the end 205 of the can 200. Therefore, the end 205 forming the periphery of the can 200 protruded 4.0 mm from the top plate 201.

18 kg of liquid adhesive ("Auton Floor Grip S", manufactured by Auto Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was placed in the can 200. Then, as an example, a pressure reducing device having the same configuration as the pressure reducing device according to the fourth embodiment was used to reduce the pressure in the internal space of the can 200 to 0.005 MPa (Examples 1 and 2) or 0.010 MPa (Example 3) below atmospheric pressure. A vacuum generator ("MCA Convum", manufactured by Myotoku Co., Ltd.) was used as a pressure reducing means connected to the pressure reducing device. After the pressure reducing process, one end of the pressure reducing device was pushed toward the top plate 201 of the can 200, and the opening was sealed with the lid 203.

In the comparative example, the opening of the can 200 was sealed with the lid 203 in the same manner as in the example, except that the internal space of the can 200 was not subjected to a decompression treatment.

After that, the cans 200 of the examples and comparative examples were stored in an environment at 35°C for 24 hours, and then continuously stored in an environment at 40°C for another 24 hours. That is, the cans 200 of the examples and comparative examples were stored in a high-temperature environment for a total of 48 hours. The cans 200 stored in an environment at 35°C for 24 hours and then in an environment at 40°C for 24 hours were evaluated for swelling of the top plate 201 by touching with fingers, and the swelling of the top plate 201 and the side wall portion 206 was measured. The method for measuring the swelling of the top plate 201 was as shown in Figures 13(a) and (b) when the entire top plate 201 was below the end portion 205, by placing a flat plate 300 on the end portion 205, and measuring the distance (d) of the top plate 201 from the lower surface of the flat plate 300 at a position 1 mm away from the rising base 207 of the end portion 205 with a tape measure. On the other hand, if the top plate 201 swells to such an extent that a portion of the top plate 201 is above the end 205, as shown in FIG. 13(c), the flat plate 300 is placed on a portion of the end 205 so as to contact the protruding portion 208 of the top plate 201, and the bulge is measured by measuring the maximum distance (d) between the tip of the end 205 and the underside of the flat plate 300 with a tape measure. In addition, the bulge of the side wall 206 was measured by measuring the maximum width of the opposing side wall 206 with a tape measure, and calculating the difference (Δ) between the width of the opposing side wall 206 at the start of storage in a 35° C. environment.

The test results are shown in Table 1 below.

As shown in Table 1, in Examples 1 to 3 in which the internal space of the can 200 was decompressed using the decompression device of the present invention, the swelling of the top plate 201 and the side wall 206 was reduced after both 24 hours and 48 hours. Therefore, it was found that when the lid 203 of the can 200 was opened, it was possible to prevent the liquid adhesive from spraying out from the opening of the can 200, and it was also found that it was possible to prevent the lid 203 of the can 200 from opening due to the internal pressure of the can 200. On the other hand, in the comparative example in which the internal space of the can 200 was not decompressed, swelling occurred at the start of storage in an environment of 35°C, and after 24 hours, the swelling of the top plate 201 and the side wall 206 had already occurred noticeably. Therefore, it was found that in the comparative example, the liquid adhesive is likely to spray out from the opening of the can 200, and there is a risk that the lid 203 of the can 200 may open due to the internal pressure of the can 200.

The pressure reducing device of the present invention can prevent the fluid substance contained in the container from spraying out of the opening even when the lid of the container stored in a high temperature environment is opened, and can also prevent the container lid from opening due to internal pressure. Therefore, it is highly useful in fields such as sealing the opening of a container that stores a fluid substance such as paint, coating material (for example, liquid architectural coating material such as waterproofing material, sealant, floor coating material, etc. for the surfaces of building materials such as balconies, rooftops, and floors), adhesives (for example, adhesives for installing artificial turf, tiles, and wall components outdoors) in a high temperature environment.

1, 2, 3, 4 Pressure reducing device 10 Opening block 11 Predetermined space 20 Pressure reducing means connection part

Claims (11)

A pressure reducing device comprising: an opening closing body that covers an opening of a container via a predetermined space; and a pressure reducing means connection part to which a pressure reducing means that reduces the pressure of the predetermined space covered by the opening closing body is connected;
The opening is provided in a partial area of a top plate of the container, and the opening closing body covers the partial area of the top plate where the opening is provided . 2. The pressure reducing device according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure reducing means connection portion has a through hole provided in a wall surface of the opening closing body. 3. The pressure reducing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a lid attachment member for attaching a lid to the opening to close the opening. The pressure reducing device according to claim 3, wherein the lid mounting member comprises a lid pressing portion arranged opposite the opening, and a support portion extending from the lid pressing portion through the opening closure body in a direction perpendicular to the opening . 4. The pressure reducing device according to claim 3 , wherein the lid mounting member is provided with a lid holding portion for holding a lid. The pressure reducing device according to claim 5, wherein the lid mounting member comprises: a lid holding portion arranged opposite the opening; and a support portion extending from the lid holding portion through the opening closure body in a direction perpendicular to the opening. A pressure reducing device comprising: an opening closing body that covers an opening of a container via a predetermined space; and a pressure reducing means connection part to which a pressure reducing means that reduces the pressure of the predetermined space covered by the opening closing body is connected;
A pressure reducing device having a bellows portion formed on a side portion of the opening closing body. a pressure reducing device including an opening closure body that covers an opening of a container via a predetermined space, and a pressure reducing means connection part to which a pressure reducing means that reduces the pressure of the predetermined space covered by the opening closure body is connected, the opening being provided in a partial area of a top plate of the container, the opening being provided in a partial area of the top plate, and the opening closure body covering the partial area of the top plate where the opening is provided, the pressure reducing device being installed in the opening of the container in a state where the internal space of the opening closure body and the internal space of the container are in communication;
reducing the pressure inside the opening blocker by a pressure reducing means connected to the pressure reducing means connection portion;
and closing the opening by attaching a lid to the opening. 9. The method for reducing the pressure inside a container according to claim 8 , wherein the pressure reducing device further comprises a lid attachment member for attaching a lid to the opening to close the opening. a pressure reducing device including an opening closure body that covers an opening of a container via a predetermined space, and a pressure reducing means connection part to which a pressure reducing means that reduces the pressure of the predetermined space covered by the opening closure body is connected, the pressure reducing device having a bellows portion formed on a side part of the opening closure body being installed at the opening of the container in a state where the internal space of the opening closure body and the internal space of the container are in communication with each other;
reducing the pressure inside the opening blocker by a pressure reducing means connected to the pressure reducing means connection portion;
and closing the opening by attaching a lid to the opening . The method for reducing pressure inside a container according to claim 10, wherein the bellows portion contracts during the process of reducing the pressure inside the opening closure body, thereby attaching the lid to the opening and closing the opening without the intervention of an operator.

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