Glass tube sealing apparatus and glass tube sealing method

Abstract

We propose a glass tube sealing method that allows for sample encapsulation without requiring specialized skills. [Solution] An object is placed inside a glass tube 100 that is sealed at one end, and the glass tube 100 is tilted so that the sealed end is facing downwards. The pressure inside the glass tube is then reduced, the glass tube is rotated, and a flame is applied to the glass tube to melt and seal it.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a glass tube sealing device used when enclosing an object such as a sample or a specimen in a glass tube under a reduced pressure state. The present invention also relates to a glass tube sealing method for putting an object such as a sample or a document into a glass tube under a reduced pressure state and sealing the glass tube.

Background Art

[0002] A sample used in a scientific experiment may be enclosed in a glass tube. There may be a case where a sample used in a scientific experiment is enclosed in a glass tube and light rays are applied from the outside. Also, there may be a case where it is required to make the inside of the above-mentioned glass tube into a vacuum state. For the purpose of long-term storage of a sample, the sample may be enclosed in a glass tube under a vacuum state. As a method of enclosing a sample in a glass tube, there is a method called a two-step enclosing method. The two-step enclosing method is performed according to the following procedure. (1) Introduction of a sample into a glass tube Put a sample into a glass tube with one end sealed. (2) Narrowing process of the glass tube A part of the glass tube containing the sample is narrowed under normal pressure by heating with a burner or the like. (3) Pressure reduction and fusing The inside of the glass tube is made into a negative pressure, and while maintaining that state, the narrowed portion is heated and fused.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the work of enclosing a sample in a glass container requires skill, and the development of a new enclosing method has been desired. The present invention addresses the above-mentioned requirements and proposes a glass tube sealing apparatus and a glass tube sealing method that enable the sealing of samples without requiring specialized skills. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An embodiment for solving the above-mentioned problems is a glass tube sealing device for sealing a glass tube into which an object has been introduced under reduced pressure, comprising a glass tube rotating device for rotating the glass tube, a heating means for heating the glass tube, and a depressurization means, wherein the glass tube rotating device comprises two tube holding members for holding the glass tube, and a rotating device for synchronously rotating the two tube holding members, wherein the two tube holding members share a common axis, and the two tube holding members are installed at different heights so that the common axis is inclined vertically, and at least the lower of the two tube holding members is a through-type tube holding member that holds the glass tube through it, wherein an article is placed in a glass tube that is sealed on one end, the sealed side of the glass tube is held by the through-type tube holding member, and the glass tube is held by the two tube holding members, the inside of the glass tube is depressurized by the depressurization means, the glass tube is rotated in an inclined position, and the space between the two tube holding members of the glass tube is heated by the heating means to melt it.

[0006] The glass tube sealing apparatus in this embodiment can hold the glass tube with a glass tube rotating device and rotate the glass tube, thereby performing depressurization by a depressurization means and sealing the glass tube by a heating means. In the glass tube sealing device of this embodiment, the glass tube rotating device employs two tube holding members that hold the glass tube, and the axes of the two tube holding members are common, and there is a difference in height between the two tube holding members at their installation positions, so that the common axis is inclined in the vertical direction. When using the glass tube sealing device according to this embodiment, an article is placed in a glass tube that is sealed at one end, and the sealed end of the glass tube is held by a through-type tube holding member, while the glass tube is held by two tube holding members. It is preferable to hold the glass tube with the sealed end of the glass tube protruding from the through-type tube holding member. Then, with the inside of the glass tube depressurized by a depressurization means, the glass tube is rotated in an inclined position. In this embodiment of the glass tube sealing apparatus, the two tube holding members have a difference in height at their installation positions, and their common axis is inclined vertically. As a result, the glass tube is held in an inclined position and rotates. Therefore, the sample (article) inside the glass tube remains stably on the sealed side of the glass tube and does not move towards the side that is heated and melted. Thus, the glass tube can be sealed without worrying about the position of the sample (article).

[0007] Another embodiment for solving a similar problem is a glass tube sealing device for sealing a glass tube into which an object has been introduced under reduced pressure, comprising a glass tube rotating device for rotating the glass tube, a heating means for heating the glass tube, and a depressurization means, wherein the glass tube rotating device comprises two tube holding members for holding the glass tube, and a rotating device for synchronously rotating the two tube holding members, wherein the two tube holding members share a common axis, and the two tube holding members are installed at different heights so that the common axis is inclined vertically, wherein an object is placed in a glass tube that is sealed on one end, the sealed side of the glass tube is held by the lower holding member, and the glass tube is held by the two tube holding members, the inside of the glass tube is depressurized by the depressurization means, the glass tube is rotated in an inclined position, and the space between the two tube holding members of the glass tube is heated by the heating means to melt it.

[0008] In this embodiment of the glass tube sealing apparatus, the two tube holding members have a difference in height at their installation positions, and their common axis is inclined vertically. As a result, the glass tube is held in an inclined position and rotates. Therefore, the sample (article) inside the glass tube remains stably on the sealed side of the glass tube and does not move towards the side that is heated and melted. As a result, the glass tube can be sealed without worrying about the position of the sample (article).

[0009] Another embodiment for solving a similar problem is a glass tube sealing device for sealing a glass tube into which an object has been introduced, comprising a glass tube rotating device for rotating the glass tube and a heating means for heating the glass tube, wherein the glass tube rotating device comprises two tube holding members for holding the glass tube and a rotating device for synchronously rotating the two tube holding members, the two tube holding members share a common axis, and the two tube holding members are installed at different heights so that the common axis is inclined vertically, the glass tube is held by the two tube holding members, the glass tube is rotated in an inclined position, and the space between the two tube holding members of the glass tube is heated and melted by the heating means.

[0010] In this embodiment of the glass tube sealing apparatus, the two tube holding members have a difference in height at their installation positions, and their common axis is inclined vertically. As a result, the glass tube is held in an inclined position and rotates. Therefore, the sample (article) inside the glass tube remains stably on the sealed side of the glass tube and does not move towards the side that is heated and melted. As a result, the glass tube can be sealed without worrying about the position of the sample (article).

[0011] In the above-described embodiment, it is desirable that the pressure reducing means is connected to the pipe holding member installed on the upper side via a swivel joint.

[0012] According to this embodiment, the inside of the glass tube can be depressurized without applying excessive force to the glass tube.

[0013] In each of the above-described aspects, it is desirable that the distance between the two tube holding members can be changed.

[0014] According to this aspect, it is easy to separate the portion where the sample is sealed from other portions.

[0015] In each of the above-described aspects, it is desirable that the heating means is a burner and at least one of the heating means or the glass tube rotating device is movable in a direction intersecting the axis.

[0016] According to this aspect, the glass tube can be heated evenly around its circumference.

[0017] In each of the above-described aspects, at least one of the tube holding members has an elastic body having a through hole in the center and a pressing member that compresses the elastic body in the axial direction of the through hole, and with the glass tube communicating with the through hole, it is desirable to hold the glass tube by compressing the elastic body with the pressing member to reduce the diameter of the through hole.

[0018] According to this aspect, the glass tube can be held without applying excessive force to the glass tube.

[0019] In each of the above-described aspects, it is desirable that the elastic body is an O-ring.

[0020] According to this aspect, general-purpose products can be used.

[0021] In each of the above-described aspects, at least one of the tube holding members has an outer member having an opening, an elastic body having a through hole disposed in the opening, and a lid member having a through hole attached to the open end of the outer member, and the glass tube is inserted into the opening of the outer member in a state of being inserted through the through hole of the elastic body and the lid member, and it is desirable to hold the glass tube by directly or indirectly compressing the elastic body with the lid member to reduce the diameter of the through hole of the elastic body.

[0022] According to this aspect, it is easy to attach the glass tube.

[0023] In each of the above aspects, it has a pair of sleeves having through holes, the elastic body is disposed between the pair of sleeves, and the lid member and the outer member have a pair of screws formed thereon, and the lid member is engaged with the outer member by the screws, and the lid member moves in the axial direction by the screws, and it is desirable to directly or indirectly compress the elastic body by tightening the screws.

[0024] According to this aspect, it is easy to attach the glass tube.

[0025] Another aspect for solving the same problem is to accommodate an object in a glass tube with one end sealed, evacuate the inside of the glass tube in a state where the glass tube is inclined so that the sealed side is downward, rotate the glass tube, and apply a flame to the glass tube to melt and seal the glass tube. This is a glass tube sealing method characterized by the above.

[0026] According to this aspect, therefore, the sample in the glass tube stably stays on the sealed side of the glass tube and does not come closer to the side to be heated and melted. Therefore, the glass tube can be sealed without worrying about the position of the sample.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] When using the glass tube sealing device of the present invention, it is possible to enclose a sample (article) without requiring skill. Also, according to the glass tube sealing method of the present invention, it is possible to enclose a sample (article) without requiring skill.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the configuration of the glass tube sealing device of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of the glass tube rotating device of the glass tube sealing device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3]Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the area around the upper side tube holding member of the glass tube sealing device. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the area around the lower side tube holding member of the glass tube sealing device. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the upper side tube holding member of the glass tube sealing device. [Figure 6] (a) is an exploded perspective view of the upper side tube holding member of the glass tube sealing device shown in Figure 1, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of its lid member, a pair of sleeves, and an O-ring (elastic body). [Figure 7] (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the process of sealing a glass tube using the glass tube sealing apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a glass tube sealing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the glass tube rotating mechanism of the glass tube sealing apparatus. [Figure 10] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the burner moving mechanism of the glass tube rotating device of the glass tube sealing apparatus. [Figure 11] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the lower side tube holding member and the glass tube in the embodiment shown and in other embodiments of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The invention as described in the claims is not limited to the embodiments described below. In the following explanation, the left-right direction in Figure 1 will be referred to as the X direction, the direction perpendicular to it as the Y direction, and the height direction as the Z direction.

[0030] First, an overview of the glass tube sealing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the glass tube sealing apparatus 1 includes a glass tube rotating device 2 for rotating the glass tube, a heating means 3 for heating the glass tube, and a depressurization means 5. The glass tube rotating device 2 is capable of holding and rotating the glass tube 100 in an inclined position. The glass tube rotating device 2 has an upper side tube holding member 10 and a lower side tube holding member 11 for holding the glass tube 100. The upper side tube holding member 10 and the lower side tube holding member 11 can hold the glass tube 100 loosely. Both the upper side tube holding member 10 and the lower side tube holding member 11 can be rotated by a tube rotation motor 27. Furthermore, the upper side tube holding member 10 and the lower side tube holding member 11 are movable in the X direction, and the distance between them can be changed. The glass tube rotating device 2 can move in the Y direction as a whole. Heating means 3 is a gas burner. Depressurization means 5 is a vacuum pump.

[0031] Next, we will explain each component. As shown in Figure 2, the glass tube rotating device 2 is composed of a glass tube rotating mechanism 20 and an XY drive mechanism 21. The glass tube rotation mechanism 20 is composed of an upper drive unit 30 and a lower drive unit 31. The upper drive unit 30 consists of a holder member 25 to which the upper pipe holding member 10, a centering member 24, and a pipe rotation motor 27 are attached. In addition, a pipe connection member 35 is attached to the upper pipe holding member 10 of the upper drive unit 30.

[0032] The upper side tube holding member 10 elastically holds the glass tube 100 and, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, is composed of an outer casing member 36, a lid member (pressing member) 37, a pair of sleeves (pressing members) 41 and 43, and an O-ring (elastic body) 42. A gear 38 is also attached to the outer casing member 36. The outer casing member 36 is a cylindrical member with a through hole 45 inside. In other words, the outer casing member 36 has a through opening. The inside of the opening is wider at the opening end and narrows towards the back. Between the two is an inclined surface 46, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. External threads 47 are formed on the outer circumference of the open end of the outer shell member 36.

[0033] The lid member (pressing member) 37 has a concave cross-sectional shape and has a circular front portion 48 and a side wall portion 50 surrounding its periphery. A through hole 51 is provided in the center of the front portion 48. An internal thread 52 is formed on the inner circumference of the side wall portion 50.

[0034] The pair of sleeves (pressing members) 41 and 43 are both ring-shaped members with a through hole in the center, and have inclined portions 73 and 75 on their opposing surfaces. The O-ring (elastic body) 42 is a known rubber ring with an opening in the center. The upper side pipe holding member 10 has a pair of sleeves (pressing members) 41 and 43 and an O-ring (elastic body) 42 inserted into an outer shell member 36, and a lid member (pressing member) 37 attached to the open end of the outer shell member 36. The lid member (pressing member) 37 is attached by tightening its internal thread 52 onto the external thread 47 of the outer shell member 36. Inside the opening of the outer shell member 36, the O-ring (elastic body) 42 is positioned between the sleeves (pressing members) 41 and 43.

[0035] As described above, a pipe connection member 35 is attached to the upper side pipe holding member 10. The pipe connection member 35 consists of an extension pipe 71 and a swivel joint 72. The extension pipe 71 is a pipe with a certain degree of elasticity and is connected to the rear end of the upper side pipe holding member 10. The swivel joint 72 is connected to the rear end of the extension pipe 71.

[0036] The centering member 24 has a support plate 53 as shown in Figure 3, and the support plate 53 is connected to the holder member 25 by four springs 56. The holder member 25 is an "L"-shaped plate and has a large-area pipe-holding portion 57 and a small-area guide mounting piece 58. The pipe-holding portion 57 is provided with openings 60 and 61 and a female threaded member 63. Opening 60 is a hole through which the upper side pipe holding member 10 protrudes. Opening 61 is a hole through which the drive shaft of the pipe rotation motor 27, which will be described later, is inserted.

[0037] The pipe rotation motor 27 is a stepping motor that rotates in fixed increments by an electrical signal. A gear 62 is attached to the drive shaft of the stepping motor. The upper side pipe holding member 10 is rotatably held on the support plate 53 of the centering member 24 via a bearing 55. The support plate 53 of the centering member 24 is attached to the pipe holding portion 57 of the holder member 25. The centering member 24 is attached to the holder member 25 with a certain degree of freedom. The front half of the upper side pipe holding member 10 protrudes from the opening 60 of the holder member 25, and the gear 38 attached to the outer casing member 36 and the lid member (pressing member) 37 protrude from the pipe holding portion 57 of the holder member 25.

[0038] The pipe rotation motor 27 is attached to the pipe holding portion 57 of the holder member 25, and its drive shaft passes through the opening 61 of the holder member 25. The gear 62 attached to the pipe rotation motor 27 is positioned to protrude from the holder member 25 and engages with the gear 38 attached to the outer casing member 36 of the upper side pipe holding member 10. Therefore, when the pipe rotation motor 27 rotates, the gears 62 and 38 cause the upper side pipe holding member 10 to rotate.

[0039] Since the lower drive unit 31 has substantially the same structure as the upper drive unit 30, the same numbers are assigned to common components, and the explanation is omitted to avoid redundancy. The difference between the lower drive unit 31 and the upper drive unit 30 is that while the upper drive unit 30 has a pipe connection member 35 attached to its outside, the lower drive unit 31 is open on the outside. Therefore, the lower pipe holding member 11 attached to the lower drive unit 31 has a through hole through which the glass tube 100 passes, and is a through-type pipe holding member that holds the glass tube 100 in the state where the glass tube 100 has passed through.

[0040] The lower drive unit 31 is mounted in a position facing the upper drive unit 30, and the holder members 25 of both are oriented in opposite directions. The pipe rotation motors 27 and female thread members 63 of the lower drive unit 31 and the upper drive unit 30 are in opposing positions.

[0041] Next, the XY drive mechanism 21 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. The XY drive mechanism 21 has an X-direction trajectory 65 and a Y-direction trajectory 66. The X-direction track 65 is a single rail, extending in the X direction as shown in the diagram. The X-direction track 65 is in a vertical orientation, and its track surface is perpendicular. The Y-direction track 66 consists of two parallel rails that extend in the Y direction. The X-direction track 65 is supported by the Y-direction track 66 via a movable member 68. Therefore, the X-direction track 65 is linearly movable in the Y direction along the Y-direction track 66. A Y-direction feed motor 77 is located near the Y-direction track 66. A Y-direction feed screw 78 is positioned along the Y-direction track 66, and the Y-direction feed motor 77 rotates the Y-direction feed screw 78. Furthermore, a female threaded member 80 is attached to the X-direction track 65, and the Y-direction lead screw 78 engages with the female threaded member 80 on the X-direction track 65. Therefore, by rotating the Y-direction feed motor 77, the X-direction trajectory 65 moves linearly in the Y-direction along the Y-direction trajectory 66.

[0042] Both the upper drive unit 30 and the lower drive unit 31 are attached to the X-direction track 65 via a movable member 81, and are capable of linear movement in the X-direction along the X-direction track 65. That is, the movable member 81 is connected to the guide mounting piece 58 of the holder member 25 of the upper drive unit 30 and the lower drive unit 31, and the upper drive unit 30 and the lower drive unit 31 are capable of linear movement in the X-direction along the X-direction track 65. The orientation of the upper drive unit 30 and the lower drive unit 31 when mounted on the X-direction track 65 is as shown in Figure 1, with the pipe holding portions 57 of the holder member 25 facing each other. The upper pipe holding member 10 and the lower pipe holding member 11 are in an orientation where the lid members (pressing members) 37 face each other. The structure of the upper pipe holding member 10 and the lower pipe holding member 11 is the same, and they are mounted in the same way, so their axes 200 are common.

[0043] An upper X-direction feed motor 82 is provided near the X-direction trajectory 65, at the left end of the drawing. An upper feed screw 83 is also positioned along the X-direction trajectory 65, and the upper X-direction feed motor 82 rotates the upper feed screw 83. As described above, a female thread member 63 is provided on the holder member 25. The upper feed screw 83 engages with the female thread member 63 of the upper drive unit 30. Therefore, by rotating the upper motor 82 that feeds in the X direction, the upper drive unit 30 moves linearly in the X direction along the X direction trajectory 65.

[0044] The same applies to the lower drive unit 31, where an X-direction feed lower motor 85 is provided near the X-direction trajectory 65, at the right end of the drawing. A lower feed screw 86 is also positioned along the X-direction trajectory 65, and the lower feed screw 86 is rotated by the X-direction feed lower motor 85. The lower feed screw 86 then engages with the female thread member 63 of the lower drive unit 31. Therefore, by rotating the lower motor 85 that feeds in the X direction, the lower drive unit 31 moves linearly in the X direction along the X direction trajectory 65.

[0045] The glass tube sealing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a rotation switch (not shown) for starting and stopping the tube rotation motor 27 that rotates the upper tube holding member 10 and the tube rotation motor 27 of the lower tube holding member 11. When the rotation switch (not shown) is turned on, the same pulse signal is transmitted to both tube rotation motors 27. As a result, the tube rotation motor 27 of the upper tube holding member 10 and the tube rotation motor 27 of the lower tube holding member 11 rotate synchronously.

[0046] Furthermore, the glass tube sealing device 1 of this embodiment has a track / stop switch (not shown) for starting and stopping the Y-direction feed motor 77, and a forward / reverse switch (not shown) for rotating the Y-direction feed motor 77 in the forward and reverse directions. Furthermore, the glass tube sealing device 1 of this embodiment includes a track / stop switch (not shown) for starting and stopping the X-direction upper motor 82 and the X-direction lower motor 85, and a proximity / separation switch (not shown) for driving the upper side tube holding member 10 and the lower side tube holding member 11 to move closer together and further apart.

[0047] In this embodiment, the glass tube sealing device 1 has the glass tube rotating device 2 in an overall inclined position, and the upper side tube holding member 10 is at a higher position than the lower side tube holding member 11. That is, the upper side tube holding member 10 and the lower side tube holding member 11 are at different positions in the Z direction. However, as mentioned above, since the axis 200 of the upper side pipe holding member 10 and the axis 200 of the lower side pipe holding member 11 are the same, a straight glass tube 100 can be attached to both members. In this embodiment, since the common axis 200 is inclined, the glass tube 100 is held in an inclined position. The heating means 3 is installed between the upper side pipe holding member 10 and the lower side pipe holding member 11. In this embodiment, the heating means 3 is fixed and does not move.

[0048] Next, the method of using the glass tube sealing device 1 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 7. As a preparatory step, a glass tube 100 with one end sealed is prepared. Although not limited to this, a glass tube 100 made of quartz glass is often used. However, quartz glass has a higher softening temperature than borophorus glass, and a challenge with glass tubes 100 made of quartz glass is that they are difficult to seal. Then, the sample (article) is placed into the glass tube 100. The glass tube 100 is then mounted onto the glass tube sealing device 1.

[0049] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the sealed side of the glass tube 100 is positioned to protrude outside the lower side tube holding member (through-type tube holding member) 11. The glass tube 100 is inserted through the through hole 51 of the lid member (pressing member) 37 of the lower side tube holding member 11, and within the through hole 45, it passes through the openings of the sleeves (pressing members) 41 and 43 and the O-ring (elastic body) 42. The open end of the glass tube 100 is inserted into the opening (through hole 45) of the upper side tube holding member 10. The glass tube 100 is inserted through the through hole 51 of the lid member (pressing member) 37 of the upper side tube holding member 10, and within the through hole 45, it passes through the openings of the sleeves (pressing members) 41 and 43 and the O-ring (elastic body) 42.

[0050] In this state, the lid members (pressing members) 37 of the upper side tube holding member 10 and the lower side tube holding member 11 are tightened. As a result, the lid members (pressing members) 37 move to the outer casing member 36, moving the outer sleeve 43 to the rear. On the other hand, the rear sleeve (pressing member) 41 cannot move, so the distance between the two sleeves (pressing members) 41 and 43 narrows, and the O-ring (elastic body) 42 sandwiched between them is pressed and shrinks in diameter. As a result, the inner circumference of the O-ring (elastic body) 42 comes into close contact with the inner circumference of the glass tube 100, holding the glass tube 100. As shown in Figure 5, a reinforcing core may be placed inside the glass tube 100, and the wall surface of the glass tube 100 may be sandwiched between the core and the O-ring (elastic body) 42.

[0051] Next, the depressurization means 5 is connected to the upper drive unit 30 to depressurize the glass tube 100. In this state, the rotation switch (not shown) is operated to send the same pulse signal to the pipe rotation motors 27 of the upper drive unit 30 and the lower drive unit 31, causing both pipe rotation motors 27 to rotate synchronously. As a result, the upper side tube holding member 10 and the lower side tube holding member 11 rotate synchronously, and the glass tube 100 rotates without being broken. Since the upper side drive unit 30 is fitted with a swivel joint 72, the vacuum piping does not twist. Furthermore, the glass tube 100 is tilted with the closed side facing downwards, and the glass tube 100 rotates while maintaining this tilted position. Therefore, the sample inside the glass tube 100 remains at the bottom and does not move towards the open side of the glass tube 100.

[0052] In this state, the heating means 3 is ignited. The flame from the burner is then used to heat the area between the upper side tube holding member 10 and the lower side tube holding member 11 of the glass tube 100 (Figure 7(a)). At this time, the forward / reverse switch (not shown) that rotates the Y-direction feed motor 77 in the forward and reverse directions is operated as appropriate to move the glass tube rotation mechanism 20 in the forward and backward directions as a whole, so that the burner flame is evenly applied to the perimeter of the glass tube 100. As a result, the central part of the glass tube 100 turns red and softens (Figure 7(b)). When this state is reached, the proximity / separation switch (not shown) is operated to appropriately drive the X-direction upper motor 82 and the X-direction lower motor 85, thereby widening the gap between the upper side pipe holding member 10 and the lower side pipe holding member 11. As a result, the central part of the glass tube 100 expands and shrinks in diameter, sealing that portion (Figure 7(c)). Once the glass tube 100 is sealed, the heating means 3 is extinguished, the tube rotation motors 27 of the upper drive unit 30 and the lower drive unit 31 are stopped, and the glass tube 100 is removed. Through the above procedure, the sample can be sealed inside the vacuum-sealed glass tube 100.

[0053] In the embodiments described above, the common axis 200 of the upper side tube holding member 10 and the lower side tube holding member 11 is inclined. The inclination angle is not limited, but if the inclination angle is shallow, the sample may move towards the opening side. In particular, if the sample is a liquid or contains liquid, there is a concern that the liquid will move closer to the heating side if the inclination is shallow. Therefore, to avoid bringing the sample close to the flame, a steep incline is desirable. On the other hand, if the tilt angle is too steep, the glass tube will be closer to the direction of the flame's rise, causing the heating area to spread more than necessary. Therefore, to narrow the heating area, a lower tilt angle is preferable. Considering the advantages and disadvantages for both parties, a desirable slope angle is approximately 5 to 40 degrees, with the most desirable slope angle being approximately 10 to 30 degrees. It is also recommended to use a configuration that allows the tilt angle to be changed according to the characteristics of the sample by using a lifting mechanism such as a jack in conjunction with the system.

[0054] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration was adopted in which the upper side tube holding member 10 and the lower side tube holding member 11 are moved in the Y direction as a measure to heat the glass tube 100 evenly. This configuration has the advantage of being safer because there is no need to move the burner. On the other hand, it has the disadvantage of being bulky and requiring a large piece of equipment to be moved. If miniaturization of the device is desired, a configuration that allows the burner to be moved may be adopted.

[0055] In the embodiment described above, the X-direction track 65 is positioned to the side of the upper side tube holding member 10 and the lower side tube holding member 11. This configuration is preferable because it allows for a lower overall height of the glass tube rotating device 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the X-direction track 65 may be positioned below the upper side tube holding member 10 and the lower side tube holding member 11. In the embodiment described above, the upper side pipe holding member 10 and the lower side pipe holding member 11 were rotated by separate motors, but they may also be rotated by a single motor.

[0056] The same applies to the mechanism for changing the distance between the upper side pipe holding member 10 and the lower side pipe holding member 11; the distance between the two can be changed with a single motor. In the above-described embodiment, both the upper side pipe holding member 10 and the lower side pipe holding member 11 can be moved in the X direction. This configuration is preferable because it allows the flame to be directed at the center of both the upper side pipe holding member 10 and the lower side pipe holding member 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and only one of the upper side pipe holding member 10 or the lower side pipe holding member 11 may be moved in the X direction.

[0057] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. In the glass tube sealing device 1 of the first embodiment described above, the X-direction track 65 was in a vertical position with the track surface perpendicular, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In contrast, in the glass tube sealing device 101 of the second embodiment, the X-direction track 102 was in a horizontal position with the track surface facing upward, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. In this embodiment, there is a rectangular base member 111 on which the X-direction track 102 is mounted.

[0058] In the glass tube sealing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described above, a configuration was adopted in which the upper side tube holding member 10 and the lower side tube holding member 11 are moved in the Y direction as a measure to evenly heat the glass tube 100. However, in the glass tube sealing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the heating means 3 is moved in the Y direction. In the glass tube sealing device 101 of the second embodiment, extension tubes 108a and 108b are attached to the upper side tube holding member 10 and the lower side tube holding member 11, respectively. The extension tubes 108a and 108b used in this embodiment have a different shape from those in the previous embodiment, but their function is the same. They are tubes with a certain degree of elasticity and are connected to the upper side tube holding member 10 and the lower side tube holding member 11. The glass tube sealing device 101 of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 8 to 10. In the configuration of the glass tube sealing device 101 of the second embodiment, the same components and components that perform the same functions as those of the glass tube sealing device 1 of the first embodiment are given the same numbers and their descriptions are omitted.

[0059] The glass tube sealing device 101 of the second embodiment also includes a glass tube rotating device 110 for rotating the glass tube and a heating means 3 for heating the glass tube, as shown in Figure 8. The glass tube rotating device 110 is capable of holding and rotating the glass tube 100 in an inclined position. The glass tube sealing device 101 of this embodiment also has an upper drive unit 30 and a lower drive unit 31. The upper drive unit 30 includes an upper tube holding member 10 for holding the glass tube 100, and the lower drive unit 31 includes a lower tube holding member 11. The configuration of the upper drive unit 30 and the lower drive unit 31 is substantially the same as that of the glass tube sealing device 1 of the first embodiment. However, as described above, in the glass tube sealing device 101 of the second embodiment, the X-direction trajectory 102 is in a horizontal position and the trajectory surface is facing upward. Therefore, the orientation of the upper drive unit 30 and the lower drive unit 31 is different from that of the glass tube sealing device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0060] Specifically, the guide mounting pieces 58 of the holder members 25 of the upper drive unit 30 and the lower drive unit 31 are located downwards, and the movable member 81 is provided on the bottom surface of the holder member 25. The guide mounting pieces 58 of the holder members 25 of the upper drive unit 30 and the lower drive unit 31 engage with the X-direction track 102 installed at the bottom, and are able to move linearly in the X direction along the X-direction track 102.

[0061] In this embodiment, in addition to the X-direction trajectory 102, there is also an auxiliary trajectory 103. The auxiliary trajectory 103 overlaps the base member 111 at a distance in the Z-direction (height direction) via the support base 105. In this embodiment, a support base 87 that supports the swivel joint 72 is attached to the auxiliary track 103 via a movable member 107. A vibration-damping member 106, such as a spring, is interposed between the swivel joint 72 and the movable member 107, and the runout of the swivel joint 72 is absorbed by the vibration-damping member 106.

[0062] Next, the configuration of the burner relocation mechanism 120 will be described. In this embodiment, the heating means 3 can be moved in the Y direction by the burner moving mechanism 120. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the burner moving mechanism 120 includes a Y-direction moving member 121, a burner holding member 122, and a drive mechanism 123 for moving the Y-direction moving member 121 in the Y direction. The drive mechanism 123 is composed of a Y-direction feed motor 125, a Y-direction feed screw 126, and a female screw member 127.

[0063] The Y-direction moving member 121 is a plate-shaped member. The burner holding member 122 has a support column 130, a horizontal support member 131, and a burner support portion 132. The support column 130 has a cylindrical tip 136 on top of a rectangular base 135. The horizontal support member 131 cantileveres out from the tip 136 of the support column 130 via an extension fitting 128. A burner support 132 is provided at the tip of the horizontal support member 131.

[0064] The support column 130 is attached to one end of the Y-direction moving member 121. The horizontal support member 131 of the burner holding member 122 extends parallel to the Y-direction moving member 121. Since the horizontal support member 131 cantileveres out from the support column 130, there is a gap between the Y-direction moving member 121 and the horizontal support member 131.

[0065] As shown in Figure 10, the Y-direction moving member 121 of the burner moving mechanism 120 is located below the base member 111 and the X-direction track 102, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-direction track 102. That is, the Y-direction moving member 121 extends in the Y direction. Below the Y-direction moving member 121 is a sliding member (not shown), and the Y-direction moving member 121 is supported by the sliding member and is movable in the Y direction. The horizontal support member 131 of the burner holding member 122 is positioned eccentrically in the Z direction with respect to the Y-direction moving member 121 and extends parallel to the Y-direction moving member 121. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the horizontal support member 131 straddles the base member 111 and the X-direction track 102 and lies on the X-direction track 102. The burner support portion 132 is located on the free end side of the horizontal support member 131, and the burner support portion 132 lies on the base member 111 and the X-direction track 102, and is located in the center of the width direction of the X-direction track 102.

[0066] The Y-direction feed motor 125 is attached to the other end of the Y-direction moving member 121, as shown in Figure 10. The Y-direction feed screw 126 is attached to the Y-direction feed motor 125 and rotates by the Y-direction feed motor 125. The female thread member 127 is attached to the side of the base member 111, as shown in Figure 10, and the Y-direction feed screw 126 engages with it. Therefore, by rotating the Y-direction feed motor 125, the Y-direction moving member 121 moves linearly in the Y direction. Consequently, the burner support part 132 moves linearly in the Y direction on the X-direction trajectory 102. In this embodiment, the burner, which is the heating means 3, is attached to the burner support 132. Therefore, when the Y-direction feed motor 125 rotates the Y-direction feed screw 126, the heating means 3 moves linearly in the Y direction on the X-direction trajectory 102. Consequently, the burner support 132 also moves linearly in the Y direction on the X-direction trajectory 102.

[0067] In the glass tube sealing device 101 of the second embodiment, extension tubes 108b are attached not only to the upper side tube holding member 10 but also to the lower side tube holding member 11. The extension tube 108b attached to the lower side tube holding member 11 plays the role of holding the discharge portion when the amount of protrusion of the glass tube 100 from the lower side tube holding member (through-type tube holding member) 11 is large. Furthermore, if the amount of protrusion of the glass tube 100 from the lower side tube holding member (through-type tube holding member) 11 is particularly large, and the tip of the glass tube 100 protrudes from the extension tube 108b, it is desirable to support the extension tube 108b so that it can rotate relative to the base member 111.

[0068] In addition, as a special method of use, a glass tube 100 with an unsealed end may be used to enclose the sample. In this case, the glass tube 100 is inserted through the axis 200 of the upper side tube holding member 10 and the lower side tube holding member 11. The tip of the glass tube 100 passes through the lower side tube holding member 11 and stops at an intermediate position in the extension tube 108b. Then, a plug (not shown) is placed at the end of the extension tube 108b to close the opening of the extension tube 108b. The subsequent steps are the same as described above, and the pressure reducing means 5 is connected to the upper drive unit 30 to reduce the pressure of the glass tube 100. In this state, both tube rotation motors 27 are rotated synchronously, and the glass tube 100 is heated with the burner flame, sealing the sample inside the vacuum-sealed glass tube 100.

[0069] In the embodiment described above, the lower tube holding member 11 has a through hole through which the glass tube 100 passes, and is a through-type tube holding member that holds the glass tube 100 in a state where the glass tube 100 has passed through. As shown in Figures 7 and 11(a), the sealed side of the glass tube 100 is positioned to protrude to the outside of the lower tube holding member (through-type tube holding member) 11, and the sample is sealed inside the vacuum-sealed glass tube 100. While the method described above is recommended, it is not essential to have the sealed end of the glass tube 100 protrude outside the lower side tube holding member (through-type tube holding member) 11. For example, as shown in Figure 11(b), the sealed end of the glass tube 100 may remain inside the lower side tube holding member 11. Furthermore, as shown in 11(c), the lower side pipe holding member (through-type pipe holding member) 11 may have a deep hole 140, and the sealed end of the glass tube 100 may be located inside the hole 140. In other words, the lower side pipe holding member 11 may not be a through-type, but rather closed at the back.

[0070] The inventions according to the embodiments described above can be substituted or combined as long as no contradictions arise. Furthermore, the above embodiments allow for the free substitution or addition of components between each embodiment, as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1: Glass tube sealing device, 2: Glass tube rotating device, 3: Heating means, 5: Pressure reducing means 10: Upper side pipe holding member, 11: Lower side pipe holding member (through-type pipe holding member), 20: Glass tube rotation mechanism, 21: XY drive mechanism, 24: Self-aligning member, 25: Holder member, 27: Motor for rotating the pipe, 30: Upper drive unit, 31: Lower drive unit, 35: Pipe connection member, 36: Outer enclosure member, 37: Cover member (pressing member), 38: Gear, 41, 43: Sleeve (pressing member), 42: O-ring (elastic body), 45: Through hole, 51: Through hole, 72: Swivel joint, 100: Glass tube, 101: Glass tube sealing device, 120: Burner moving mechanism, 200: Axle

Claims

1. In a glass tube sealing apparatus that seals a glass tube into which an object has been introduced under reduced pressure, It comprises a glass tube rotating device for rotating the glass tube, a heating means for heating the glass tube, and a depressurization means. The glass tube rotating device comprises two tube-holding members for holding glass tubes, and a rotating device for synchronously rotating the two tube-holding members, wherein the two tube-holding members share a common axis, and the two tube-holding members are installed at different heights, causing the common axis to be inclined vertically. Of the two pipe-holding members, at least the one installed on the lower side is a through-type pipe-holding member that holds the glass tube with the glass tube passing through it. A glass tube sealing apparatus characterized by the ability to place an article into a glass tube sealed at one end, hold the sealed end of the glass tube with the through-type tube holding member, hold the glass tube with two tube holding members, reduce the pressure inside the glass tube with a depressurizing means, rotate the glass tube in an inclined position, and heat and melt the space between the two tube holding members of the glass tube with the heating means.

2. In a glass tube sealing apparatus that seals a glass tube into which an object has been introduced under reduced pressure, It comprises a glass tube rotating device for rotating the glass tube, a heating means for heating the glass tube, and a depressurization means. The glass tube rotating device comprises two tube-holding members for holding glass tubes, and a rotating device for synchronously rotating the two tube-holding members, wherein the two tube-holding members share a common axis, and the two tube-holding members are installed at different heights, causing the common axis to be inclined vertically. A glass tube sealing apparatus characterized by the ability to place an article into a glass tube sealed at one end, hold the sealed end of the glass tube with the lower holding member, hold the glass tube with two tube holding members, reduce the pressure inside the glass tube with a depressurizing means, rotate the glass tube in an inclined position, and heat and melt the space between the two tube holding members of the glass tube with the heating means.

3. In a glass tube sealing device that seals a glass tube into which an object has been introduced, It has a glass tube rotating device for rotating the glass tube and a heating means for heating the glass tube, The glass tube rotating device comprises two tube-holding members for holding glass tubes, and a rotating device for synchronously rotating the two tube-holding members, wherein the two tube-holding members share a common axis, and the two tube-holding members are installed at different heights, causing the common axis to be inclined vertically. A glass tube sealing apparatus characterized by the ability to hold a glass tube with two tube-holding members, rotate the glass tube in an inclined position, and heat and melt the space between the two tube-holding members of the glass tube using the heating means.

4. The glass tube sealing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressure reducing means is connected to a tube holding member installed on the upper side via a swivel joint.

5. The glass tube sealing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the distance between the two tube holding members can be changed.

6. The glass tube sealing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the heating means is a burner, and at least one of the heating means or the glass tube rotating device is movable in a direction intersecting the axis.

7. The glass tube sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the tube holding members comprises an elastic body having a through hole in the center and a pressing member that compresses the elastic body in the axial direction of the through hole, and the glass tube is held by compressing the elastic body with the pressing member to reduce the diameter of the through hole while the glass tube is passed through the through hole.

8. The glass tube sealing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the elastic body is an O-ring.

9. At least one of the pipe holding members comprises an outer shell member having an opening, an elastic body having a through hole disposed within the opening, and a lid member having a through hole attached to the open end of the outer shell member. The glass tube sealing device according to claim 7, characterized in that the glass tube is inserted into the opening of the outer shell member while being inserted through the through hole of the elastic body and the lid member, and the glass tube is held by directly or indirectly compressing the elastic body with the lid member to reduce the diameter of the through hole of the elastic body.

10. It has a pair of sleeves with through holes, and the elastic body is positioned between the pair of sleeves, The glass tube sealing device according to claim 7, characterized in that a pair of screws are formed on the lid member and the outer casing member, the lid member engages with the outer casing member by the screws, the lid member moves axially by the screws, and the elastic body is compressed directly or indirectly by tightening the screws.

11. An object is placed inside a glass tube that is sealed at one end, and the glass tube is tilted so that the sealed end is facing downwards. The inside of the glass tube is depressurized, Rotate the glass tube, The glass tube is sealed by applying a flame to it and melting it. A method for sealing glass tubes characterized by the following features.

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