Vacuum insulated container

Abstract

To provide a highly manufacturable vacuum-insulated container that can easily create a vacuum in its internal sealed space. [Solution] The vacuum insulated container 1 comprises an inner container 10 and an outer container 20 that forms an internal sealed space 40 between itself and the inner container 10. The vacuum insulated container 1 also comprises an exhaust port 21 connected to the internal sealed space 40 and a sealing part 30 that seals the exhaust port 21 after vacuum evacuation due to the exothermic reaction inside the internal sealed space 40.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum insulation container.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies related to heat insulation structures that prevent heat conduction between objects are known. Examples of documents describing this type of technology include Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

[0003] Patent Document 1 relates to a vacuum insulation container including an inner container and an outer container. In Patent Document 1, an exhaust pipe of an exhaust device is connected to a chip tube connected to an exhaust hole that communicates the inside of the outer container with the outside, and after vacuum exhaust is performed so that the internal space reaches a predetermined degree of vacuum, the chip tube is sealed and unnecessary portions are cut off, thereby making the internal space a vacuum state.

[0004] Patent Document 2 relates to a gas adsorbent applied to a heat insulator. In Patent Document 2, at least a silver ion-exchanged zeolite and a chemically moisture-adsorbing substance are included in the gas adsorbent, and the chemically moisture-adsorbing substance adsorbs and removes moisture that cannot be completely removed in an industrial vacuum exhaust process and internally generated moisture. By adsorbing and removing the moisture, the silver ion-exchanged zeolite that exhibits nitrogen adsorption activity adsorbs and immobilizes nitrogen that cannot be completely removed in an industrial vacuum exhaust process and nitrogen that intrudes over time. Further, as an example of the chemically moisture-adsorbing substance, chemical adsorbents such as oxides and hydroxides of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals are shown.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Creating a vacuum in the internal sealed space can improve the heat insulation of a container. However, achieving a vacuum requires using equipment such as an exhaust device to create a vacuum at the exhaust port connected to the internal sealed space, or assembling components under vacuum. From the perspective of improving the manufacturability of vacuum-insulated containers, there was room for improvement in conventional technology.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a highly manufacturable vacuum-insulated container that can easily create a vacuum in its internal sealed space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) One aspect of the present invention is a vacuum insulated container (for example, vacuum insulated containers 1, 1a, described later) comprising an inner container (for example, inner containers 10, 10a, described later) and an outer container (for example, outer containers 20, 20a, described later) that forms an internal sealed space (for example, an internal sealed space 40, described later) between itself and the inner container, the vacuum insulated container comprising an exhaust port (for example, exhaust ports 21, 21a, described later) connected to the internal sealed space and a sealing part (for example, a sealing part 30, described later) that seals the exhaust port after vacuum evacuation by an exothermic reaction inside the internal sealed space.

[0009] This allows the exothermic reaction to push air out of the internal sealed space through the exhaust port into the outside atmosphere, maintaining a low vacuum state within the internal sealed space through the sealing portion. This enables the manufacture of a double-walled vacuum-insulated container with a low-vacuum internal sealed space without the need for vacuum pumps or other equipment, saving time and effort. Furthermore, since the exhaust port is sealed by the sealing portion, brazing to seal the vacuum hole is unnecessary, simplifying the manufacturing of vacuum-insulated containers.

[0010] (2) The exothermic reaction may occur when an alkaline earth metal oxide (for example, an alkaline earth metal oxide 41 described later) comes into contact with water.

[0011] This allows the air in the sealed internal space to be exhausted by the water vapor produced by the exothermic reaction between alkaline earth metal oxides and water, thus shortening the manufacturing time of vacuum-insulated containers.

[0012] (3) The alkaline earth metal oxide may be placed in the internal sealed space, and the water may be injected into the internal sealed space from the exhaust port.

[0013] This allows for an exothermic reaction to occur in the alkaline earth metal oxides placed in the internal sealed space simply by injecting water into the exhaust port, thus simplifying the process of vacuum evacuation.

[0014] (4) The alkaline earth metal oxide may contain at least one of calcium oxide or magnesium oxide.

[0015] This makes it possible to easily manufacture vacuum-insulated containers that can maintain a sealed internal space that has been evacuated by an exothermic reaction using calcium oxide or magnesium oxide.

[0016] (5) The amount of water and the amount of alkaline earth metal oxide are set such that unreacted alkaline earth metal oxide remains in the internal sealed space after the exothermic reaction.

[0017] As a result, the alkaline earth metal oxides remaining in the sealed internal space after the exothermic reaction function as oxidizing agents that adsorb water and carbon dioxide. Furthermore, the adsorption of water and carbon dioxide can increase the vacuum level of the sealed internal space even after vacuum evacuation.

[0018] (6) The alkaline earth metal oxide is placed in the internal sealed space without being fixed.

[0019] As a result, the alkaline earth metal oxides, being unfixed, move downwards in the direction of gravity. In this state, the water injected into the sealed internal space also moves downwards according to gravity, thus enabling a simple structure that ensures reliable contact between the alkaline earth metal oxides and water.

[0020] (7) The sealing portion may be configured to be capable of injecting water into the internal sealed space after sealing the exhaust port.

[0021] Thereby, even when the degree of vacuum decreases after the production of the vacuum-insulated container, water can be injected into the internal sealed space to react with the unreacted alkaline earth metal oxide to increase the degree of vacuum.

[0022] (8) The sealing portion may be a check valve.

[0023] Thereby, by making the sealing portion a check valve automatically sealed by negative pressure, it becomes unnecessary to perform operations such as welding or brazing the exhaust port after vacuum exhaust, improving the productivity. Also, by making the sealing portion a check valve, even if the sealing portion is attached to the exhaust port first, by moving the valve body of the check valve to the open position where the exhaust port is opened, alkaline earth metal oxide or water can be put into the internal sealed space through the gap between the exhaust port and the valve body.

[0024] (9) Further, one aspect of the present invention is a vacuum-insulated container (for example, the vacuum-insulated containers 1 and 1a described later) including an inner container (for example, the inner containers 10 and 10a described later) and an outer container (for example, the outer containers 20 and 20a described later) that forms an internal sealed space (for example, the internal sealed space 40 described later) between the inner container, the vacuum-insulated container including an exhaust port (for example, the exhaust ports 21 and 21a described later) connected to the internal sealed space, a vacuum promotion material (for example, the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 described later) disposed in the internal sealed space, and a sealing portion (for example, the sealing portion 30 described later) that seals the exhaust port after vacuum-exhausting the gas in the internal sealed space through the exhaust port by the vacuum promotion material.

[0025] As a result, the vacuum promoting material can push air out from the internal sealed space to the outside through the exhaust port, and the sealing part can maintain the state of the internal sealed space that has become a low vacuum. Even without equipment such as a vacuum pump, a double-structured vacuum insulation container having an internal sealed space in a low vacuum state can be manufactured without much effort and time. Furthermore, since the exhaust port is sealed by the sealing part, it is not necessary to seal the vacuum hole by brazing, and the manufacturing of the vacuum insulation container can be facilitated.

[0026] (10) Also, one aspect of the present invention is a vacuum insulation container (for example, the vacuum insulation containers 1 and 1a described later) including an inner container (for example, the inner containers 10 and 10a described later) and an outer container (for example, the outer containers 20 and 20a described later) that forms an internal sealed space (for example, the internal sealed space 40 described later) between the inner container and the outer container, the vacuum insulation container including an exhaust port (for example, the exhaust ports 21 and 21a described later) connected to the internal sealed space, a sealing part (for example, the sealing part 30 described later) that seals the exhaust port, and an alkaline earth metal hydroxide (for example, the alkaline earth metal hydroxide 42 described later) present in the internal sealed space, the internal sealed space being in a low vacuum state.

[0027] As a result, the heat-generating reaction of the alkaline earth metal oxide and water can push air out from the internal sealed space to the outside through the exhaust port, and the sealing part can maintain the state of the internal sealed space that has become a low vacuum. Even without equipment such as a vacuum pump, a double-structured vacuum insulation container having an internal sealed space in a low vacuum state can be manufactured without much effort and time. Furthermore, since the exhaust port is sealed by the sealing part, it is not necessary to seal the vacuum hole by brazing, and the manufacturing of the vacuum insulation container can be facilitated.

Effect of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a highly manufacturable vacuum insulation container that can easily make the internal sealed space into a vacuum state.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1]This figure schematically shows a vacuum-insulated container according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically shows the open state of the sealing valve in this embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically shows the closed state of the sealing valve in this embodiment. [Figure 4A] This is a schematic diagram showing how water is added to alkaline earth metal oxides in the sealed internal space of the vacuum-insulated container of this embodiment. [Figure 4B] This is a schematic diagram showing the vacuum evacuation process associated with the exothermic reaction between alkaline earth metal oxides and water in the sealed internal space of the vacuum-insulated container of this embodiment. [Figure 4C] This is a schematic diagram showing the state of alkaline earth metal oxides remaining in the sealed internal space of the vacuum-insulated container of this embodiment. [Figure 5] This diagram schematically shows a modified example of a vacuum-insulated container. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vacuum insulated container 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vacuum insulated container 1 of this embodiment has a double-walled structure comprising an inner container 10 and an outer container 20.

[0032] The inner container 10 has a storage space 11 for storing objects not shown, such as solids, liquids, gases, and devices, which are to be contained in the vacuum-insulated container 1, and forms the inner wall portion of the vacuum-insulated container 1. The inner container 10 is made of, for example, metal.

[0033] The outer container 20 is configured to accommodate the inner container 10 inside and forms the outer wall portion of the vacuum-insulated container 1. The outer container 20 is made of, for example, metal.

[0034] In this embodiment, the inner container 10 and the outer container 20 are joined together such that an internal sealed space 40 is formed between the outer surface of the inner container 10 and the inner surface of the outer container 20. The joining of the inner container 10 and the outer container 20 is performed under atmospheric pressure.

[0035] The method of joining the inner container 10 and the outer container 20 is not particularly limited. For example, the inner container 10 and the outer container 20 can be connected by known methods such as fastening with fastening members such as screws or bolts, or by placing a sealing member between them. More specifically, flange portions (not shown) may be formed on the upper ends of the inner container 10 and the outer container 20 so as to overlap each other, and the flange portion of the inner container 10 and the flange portion of the outer container 20 may be sealed and fastened with bolts. These flange portions may be formed to extend circumferentially outward from the upper end of the side surface of the vacuum insulated container 1, or they may be formed to bend inward from the upper end of the side surface of the vacuum insulated container 1. Alternatively, the joining method may be a method in which the upper ends of the inner container 10 and the outer container 20 are bent closer to each other to seal the joint. By joining the inner container 10 and the outer container 20 by a method other than welding, it becomes possible to reduce manufacturing costs when the vacuum insulated container 1 is large, as it is not necessary to manufacture a vacuum double-walled container by welding in a reduced-pressure, near-vacuum environment. However, this does not exclude cases where the components are joined by welding; in some cases, the inner container 10 and the outer container 20 may be joined by welding.

[0036] The outer container 20 has an exhaust port 21 that connects the atmosphere to the internal sealed space 40. In this embodiment, the exhaust port 21 is formed on the side of the outer container 20, which is located above the bottom of the internal sealed space 40. A sealing portion 30 is placed at the exhaust port 21, separating the atmosphere from the internal sealed space 40.

[0037] The sealing portion 30 is composed of, for example, a check valve. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the open state of the sealing portion 30 in this embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the closed state of the sealing portion 30 in this embodiment.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the sealing portion 30 comprises a valve body 31, a sealing portion 32, and a biasing mechanism 33. The valve body 31 functions as a lid capable of closing the exhaust port 21. In this embodiment, the valve body 31 is configured such that a portion with a larger diameter than the inner diameter of the exhaust port 21 is located outside the exhaust port 21, and it is formed in a mortar-like shape that narrows as it approaches the internal sealed space 40 from the outside.

[0039] The sealing portion 32 is composed of an O-ring or the like placed on the circumferential surface of the valve body 31 and closes the gap that occurs between the valve body 31 in the closed position and the exhaust port 21. The biasing mechanism 33 is composed of a spring or the like that applies a force to bias the valve body 31 outward from the internal sealed space 40 side.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, when air attempts to flow outward from the internal sealed space 40, the sealing portion 30 moves to the open position if the force pushing the valve body 31 outward due to the airflow exceeds the spring force of the biasing mechanism 33. In this open position, a space is formed between the valve body 31 and the sealing portion 32 and the exhaust port 21, allowing air to flow out from the internal sealed space 40 to the outside.

[0041] In contrast, as shown in Figure 3, even if air tries to flow from the outside into the internal sealed space 40, the valve body 31, which is biased to the closed position by the biasing mechanism 33, has a larger diameter than the inner diameter of the exhaust port 21, thus closing the exhaust port 21 and preventing air from flowing into the internal sealed space 40. In this embodiment, the exhaust port 21 is formed in a mortar shape that narrows as it approaches the internal sealed space 40 from the outside, and makes surface contact with the valve body 31, which is also formed in a mortar shape, and the gap between the exhaust port 21 and the valve body 31 is reliably sealed by the sealing portion 32.

[0042] Thus, the sealing portion 30 is configured to allow fluid to flow out from the internal sealed space 40 to the outside, while preventing fluid from flowing from the outside to the internal sealed space 40.

[0043] The internal sealed space 40 is evacuated by a chemical exothermic reaction, resulting in a low vacuum state. Vacuum evacuation, in this context, refers to the process of creating negative pressure by expelling gas from a sealed physical space. The low vacuum state is, for example, 10 5 Pa~10 2 The range is Pa. Furthermore, the vacuum state in this embodiment does not refer only to an ideal vacuum state, but also to a state of negative pressure below atmospheric pressure, including a low vacuum state.

[0044] In this embodiment, vacuum evacuation is performed by the exothermic reaction of the chemical reaction of the alkaline earth metal oxide 41. The alkaline earth metal oxide 41 is placed in the internal sealed space 40 in a solid state such as powder or sheet. The alkaline earth metal oxide 41 is, for example, calcium oxide or magnesium oxide.

[0045] The alkaline earth metal oxide 41 is a vacuum-promoting material that is placed in the internal sealed space 40 without being fixed. The method of placing the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 is not particularly limited. For example, the placement method may be to first place the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 into the internal sealed space 40 from the exhaust port 21 before placing the sealing part 30 in the exhaust port 21, and then place the sealing part 30 in the exhaust port 21. Alternatively, the placement method may be to place the sealing part 30 in the exhaust port 21, then move the valve body 31 to the open position, and then place the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 into the internal sealed space 40 through the gap. After entering the internal sealed space 40 from the exhaust port 21, the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 falls to the bottom due to gravity and accumulates at the bottom.

[0046] Furthermore, the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 is arranged such that, in addition to the amount that reacts completely in the exothermic reaction when water is added, some unreacted alkaline earth metal oxide 41 remains after the exothermic reaction. The amount of alkaline earth metal oxide 41 may be set according to the amount of water added, or the amount of water may be set according to the amount of alkaline earth metal oxide 41.

[0047] Referring to Figures 4A to 4C, the vacuum evacuation by exothermic reaction will be explained. Figure 4A is a schematic diagram showing how water is added to the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 in the internal sealed space 40 of the vacuum insulated container 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4A, water is added to the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 placed in the internal sealed space 40 to cause a chemical reaction. The water is added, for example, by moving the valve body 31 of the sealing part 30 located at the exhaust port 21 to the open position, and then injecting water into the internal sealed space 40 from above through the gap between the exhaust port 21 and the valve body 31. The water injected from the exhaust port 21 falls due to gravity and comes into contact with the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 placed at the bottom.

[0048] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram showing the vacuum evacuation process associated with the exothermic reaction between alkaline earth metal oxide 41 and water in the internal sealed space 40 of the vacuum insulated container 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4B, an exothermic reaction occurs in the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 upon contact with water. Due to the exothermic reaction, the water injected into the internal sealed space 40 changes from liquid to gas, expanding to approximately 1700 times its original size. The generation of water vapor within the internal sealed space 40 creates a gas flow from the internal sealed space 40 outward, resulting in vacuum evacuation as the gas flows out from the exhaust port 21. If the sealing part 30 was moved to the closed position when water was injected into the internal sealed space 40, the sealing part 30 will move from the closed position to the open position, resulting in vacuum evacuation as the gas flows out from the exhaust port 21.

[0049] Furthermore, in the exothermic reaction, by heating or keeping the inner container 10 or outer container 20 warm, vacuum evacuation can be performed in a short time, and the amount of alkaline earth metal oxide 41, which has exothermic and dehydrating effects, that needs to be added can also be suppressed.

[0050] Figure 4C is a schematic diagram showing the state of alkaline earth metal oxides 41 remaining in the internal sealed space 40 of the vacuum insulated container 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4C, once the vacuum evacuation due to the exothermic reaction is complete, the flow of gas from the internal sealed space 40 to the outside ceases, and the valve body 31 of the sealing part 30 moves from the open position to the closed position, closing the exhaust port 21. This separates the outside from the internal sealed space 40, preventing air from flowing from the outside into the internal sealed space 40 even after the inner container 10 and outer container 20 have cooled. Due to the vacuum evacuation due to the exothermic reaction, the internal sealed space 40 becomes a low vacuum state.

[0051] Furthermore, alkaline earth metal hydroxide 42, produced by the reaction of alkaline earth metal oxide 41 with water, remains in the internal sealed space 40. For example, if the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 used in the reaction is calcium oxide, the alkaline earth metal hydroxide 42 is calcium hydroxide; if the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 used in the reaction is magnesium oxide, the alkaline earth metal hydroxide 42 is magnesium hydroxide.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the structure of the vacuum-insulated container 1 of this embodiment, even if the vacuum level of the internal sealed space 40 decreases, the valve body 31 of the sealing part 30 can be moved to the open position, so that alkaline earth metal oxides 41 can be added or replaced through the gap between the exhaust port 21 and the valve body 31. In this state, water can be reinjected to perform vacuum evacuation by exothermic reaction. This makes it possible to easily increase the vacuum level of the internal sealed space 40 even after manufacturing.

[0053] In this embodiment, the amounts of water and alkaline earth metal oxide 41 are set so that unreacted alkaline earth metal oxide 41 remains in the internal sealed space 40 after the exothermic reaction. That is, the amount of alkaline earth metal oxide 41 is set to be excessive relative to the amount of water added. Consequently, after the exothermic reaction is completed, less alkaline earth metal oxide 41 remains in the internal sealed space 40 than it was initially placed there. The remaining alkaline earth metal oxide 41 can capture water and water molecules that have condensed as the water vapor cools after the exothermic reaction, and it can also capture carbon dioxide by reacting with it to form a carbonate.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the exhaust port 21 where the sealing portion 30 is located is formed in the outer container 20, but the configuration is not limited to this. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a modified vacuum insulated container 1a. Components that are common or similar to those described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0055] In the modified example shown in Figure 5, the exhaust port 21a connecting the internal sealed space 40 to the outside is formed in the inner container 10a. A sealing portion 30 with the same configuration as in the above embodiment is placed at this exhaust port 21a. In this modified example, the exhaust port 21 is not formed in the outer container 20a. This modified example can also achieve the same effects as in the above embodiment. Furthermore, the number of exhaust ports 21, 21a is not limited to one, but two or more may be formed. Thus, the number, arrangement, and other configurations of the exhaust ports 21, 21a can be changed as appropriate.

[0056] The effects of this embodiment, as described above, will now be explained. (1) The vacuum insulated container 1 (or vacuum insulated container 1a) of this embodiment comprises an inner container 10 (or inner container 10a) and an outer container 20 (or outer container 20a) that forms an internal sealed space 40 between itself and the inner container 10, and further comprises an exhaust port 21 (exhaust port 21a) connected to the internal sealed space 40 and a sealing part 30 that seals the exhaust port 21 after vacuum evacuation due to the exothermic reaction inside the internal sealed space 40. As a result, the exothermic reaction pushes air out of the internal sealed space 40 through the exhaust port 21 into the outside atmosphere, and the sealing part 30 maintains the low vacuum state of the internal sealed space 40. Even without equipment such as a vacuum pump, a double-walled vacuum insulated container 1 with a low vacuum internal sealed space 40 can be manufactured without much effort or time. Furthermore, since the exhaust port 21 is sealed by the sealing part 30, there is no need to seal the vacuum hole by brazing, which simplifies the manufacturing of the vacuum insulated container 1.

[0057] (2) In this embodiment, the exothermic reaction occurs when the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 comes into contact with water. This allows the air in the internal sealed space 40 to be exhausted by the water vapor generated by the exothermic reaction between the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 and water, thereby shortening the manufacturing time of the vacuum insulated container 1.

[0058] (3) In this embodiment, the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 is placed in the internal sealed space 40, and water is injected into the internal sealed space 40 from the exhaust port 21. This makes it possible to induce an exothermic reaction in the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 placed in the internal sealed space 40 simply by injecting water into the exhaust port 21, thereby simplifying the process of vacuum evacuation.

[0059] (4) In this embodiment, the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 may also include at least one of calcium oxide or magnesium oxide. This makes it easy to manufacture a vacuum-insulated container 1 that can maintain the state of the internal sealed space 40 (low vacuum state) by an exothermic reaction using calcium oxide or magnesium oxide.

[0060] (5) In this embodiment, the amount of water and the amount of alkaline earth metal oxide 41 are set such that unreacted alkaline earth metal oxide 41 remains in the internal sealed space 40 after the exothermic reaction. As a result, the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 remaining in the internal sealed space 40 after the exothermic reaction functions as an oxidizing agent that adsorbs water and carbon dioxide. Furthermore, the adsorption of water and carbon dioxide can increase the vacuum level of the internal sealed space 40 even after vacuum evacuation.

[0061] (6) In this embodiment, the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 is not fixed in the internal sealed space 40 but is placed within it. As a result, the alkaline earth metal oxide 41, being unfixed, moves downward in the direction of gravity. In this state, the water injected into the internal sealed space 40 also moves downward according to gravity, thus enabling a simple structure that ensures reliable contact between the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 and water.

[0062] (7) In this embodiment, the sealing portion 30 may also be configured to allow water to be injected into the internal sealed space 40 after the exhaust port 21 has been sealed. This allows the vacuum level to be increased even if the vacuum level decreases after the manufacture of the vacuum-insulated container 1 by injecting water into the internal sealed space 40 to react with the unreacted alkaline earth metal oxide 41.

[0063] (8) In this embodiment, the sealing portion 30 is a check valve. As a result, by making the sealing part 30 a check valve that is automatically sealed by negative pressure, the exhaust port 21 is automatically sealed by negative pressure after vacuum evacuation. This eliminates the need to weld or braze the exhaust port 21, making it possible to manufacture even in places without welding equipment. Furthermore, it becomes possible to transport the product with the sealing part 30 attached to the exhaust port 21, and a vacuum can be created at the place of use, further improving manufacturability. In addition, even if the sealing part 30 is attached to the exhaust port 21 beforehand, by moving the valve body 31 of the check valve to the open position that opens the exhaust port 21, alkaline earth metal oxide 41 or water can be introduced into the internal sealed space 40 through the gap between the exhaust port 21 and the valve body 31.

[0064] (9) The vacuum insulated container 1 (or vacuum insulated container 1a) of this embodiment comprises an inner container 10 (or inner container 10a) and an outer container 20 (or outer container 20a) that forms an internal sealed space 40 between itself and the inner container 10, and further comprises an exhaust port 21 connected to the internal sealed space 40, an alkaline earth metal oxide 41 as a vacuum promoting material placed in the internal sealed space 40, and a sealing part 30 that seals the exhaust port 21 after the gas in the internal sealed space 40 has been evacuated by the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 through the exhaust port 21. As a result, the air in the internal sealed space 40 is pushed out through the exhaust port 21 by the alkaline earth metal oxide 41, which is a vacuum promoting material, and the sealed portion 30 maintains the low vacuum state of the internal sealed space 40. A double-walled vacuum insulated container 1 with a low vacuum state in the internal sealed space 40 can be manufactured without the need for equipment such as a vacuum pump, and without requiring much time or effort. Furthermore, since the exhaust port 21 is sealed by the sealed portion 30, there is no need to seal the vacuum hole by brazing, which simplifies the manufacturing of the vacuum insulated container 1.

[0065] (10) Furthermore, the vacuum insulated container 1 (or vacuum insulated container 1a) of this embodiment comprises an inner container 10 (or inner container 10a) and an outer container 20 (or outer container 20a) that forms an internal sealed space 40 between itself and the inner container 10, and further comprises an exhaust port 21 (or exhaust port 21a) connected to the internal sealed space 40, a sealing portion 30 that seals the exhaust port 21, and alkaline earth metal hydroxide 42 present in the internal sealed space 40, wherein the internal sealed space 40 is in a low vacuum state.

[0066] As a result, the exothermic reaction between the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 and water pushes air out of the internal sealed space 40 through the exhaust port 21, maintaining the low vacuum state of the internal sealed space 40 through the sealing portion 30. This allows for the manufacture of a double-walled vacuum insulated container 1 with a low vacuum internal sealed space 40 without the need for equipment such as a vacuum pump, and without requiring much time or effort. Furthermore, since the exhaust port 21 is sealed by the sealing portion 30, there is no need to seal the vacuum hole by brazing, thus simplifying the manufacture of the vacuum insulated container 1.

[0067] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and any further modifications, improvements, etc., that can achieve the objectives of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0068] For example, in the above embodiment, water is injected from the exhaust port 21, but the method of injecting water into the internal sealed space 40 is not limited to this. The vacuum insulated container 1 may be configured such that an injection port connected to the internal sealed space 40 is separately provided in the inner container 10 or outer container 20, and water is injected into the internal sealed space 40 through this injection port.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the vacuum-insulated container 1 is constructed without using equipment such as a vacuum pump, but this does not mean that the use of a vacuum pump during manufacturing is excluded. For example, the valve body 31 of the sealing part 30, which is configured as a check valve, can be moved to the open position and a vacuum pump can be used in conjunction to evacuate the container. This makes it possible to raise the vacuum level of the internal sealed space 40 to a level higher than the low vacuum state.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sealing portion 30 is configured with a one-way check valve, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a three-way valve may be applied to the sealing portion 30. The three-way valve is configured to switch between, for example, an exhaust path for exhausting gas from the internal sealed space 40 to the outside and an injection path for injecting water or alkaline earth metal oxide 41 into the internal sealed space 40 from the outside. When injecting alkaline earth metal oxide 41 or water into the internal sealed space 40, the path of the three-way valve is switched to the injection path, and when vacuuming due to the exothermic reaction is performed, the path of the three-way valve is switched to the exhaust path. Alternatively, the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 may be replaced using the exhaust path. Specifically, by providing a three-way tee fitting between the check valve and the container and providing a valve inlet at the end, water or alkaline earth metal can be easily injected. In this way, the configuration of the sealing portion 30 can be changed as appropriate.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, water is injected with the valve body 31 of the sealing part 30 moved to the open position after the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 has been placed, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the vacuum insulated container 1 may be manufactured in a configuration in which the alkaline earth metal oxide 41 is placed in the internal sealed space 40 and water is injected before the sealing part 30 is placed at the exhaust port 21. In this case, the sealing part 30 is placed at the exhaust port 21 after the water has been injected.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an alkaline earth metal oxide 41 is placed in the internal sealed space 40 as a vacuum-accelerating material that performs an exothermic reaction. However, it is not limited to alkaline earth metal oxides 41 such as calcium oxide or magnesium oxide. For example, any material that is liquid or solid at room temperature, expands into a gas through a chemical reaction, and can evacuate the internal sealed space 40 can be placed in the internal sealed space 40 as a vacuum-accelerating material. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1, 1a Vacuum insulated container 10, 10a inner container 20, 20a outer container 21, 21a Exhaust port 30 Sealing part 40 Internal sealed space 41 Alkaline earth metal oxides 42 Alkaline earth metal hydroxides

Claims

1. A vacuum insulated container comprising an inner container and an outer container that forms an internally sealed space between the inner container, An exhaust port connected to the aforementioned internal sealed space, A vacuum-insulated container comprising a sealing portion that seals the exhaust port after the internal sealed space has been evacuated by an exothermic reaction.

2. The vacuum insulated container according to claim 1, wherein the exothermic reaction is produced by contact between an alkaline earth metal oxide and water.

3. The alkaline earth metal oxide is placed in the internal sealed space, The vacuum insulated container according to claim 2, wherein the water is injected into the internal sealed space from the exhaust port.

4. The vacuum insulated container according to claim 2, wherein the alkaline earth metal oxide comprises at least one of calcium oxide or magnesium oxide.

5. The vacuum insulated container according to claim 2, wherein the amount of water and the amount of alkaline earth metal oxide are set such that unreacted alkaline earth metal oxide remains in the internal sealed space after the exothermic reaction.

6. The vacuum insulated container according to claim 2, wherein the alkaline earth metal oxide is arranged in the internal sealed space without being fixed.

7. The vacuum insulated container according to claim 2, wherein the sealing portion is configured to allow water to be injected into the internal sealed space after the exhaust port is sealed.

8. The vacuum insulated container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sealing portion is a check valve.

9. A vacuum insulated container comprising an inner container and an outer container that forms an internally sealed space between the inner container, An exhaust port connected to the aforementioned internal sealed space, A vacuum-promoting material is placed in the aforementioned internal sealed space, A vacuum insulated container comprising: a sealing portion that seals the exhaust port after the gas in the internal sealed space has been evacuated by the vacuum-accelerating material through the exhaust port;

10. A vacuum insulated container comprising an inner container and an outer container that forms an internally sealed space between the inner container, An exhaust port connected to the aforementioned internal sealed space, A sealing portion that seals the exhaust port, The aforementioned internal sealed space contains an alkaline earth metal hydroxide, The aforementioned internal sealed space is in a low-vacuum state, and the container is vacuum-insulated.

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