Temperature control device and temperature control method

Abstract

To provide a temperature regulating device which is advantageous in performing heating and cooling of an object quickly, and to provide a temperature regulating method.SOLUTION: A temperature regulating device includes a first crimp part 11, a temperature regulating fluid supply device 30, and a pressure regulating device 50. The first crimp part 11 has a first flow passage 13. The temperature regulating fluid supply device 30 regulates a first crimp surface 15 to a first heating temperature by supplying a gaseous temperature regulating fluid to the first flow passage 13. The pressure regulating device 50 regulates the first crimp surface 15 to a temperature lower than the first heating temperature by lowering an internal pressure of the first flow passage 13 so as to facilitate gasification of the liquid temperature regulating fluid in the first flow passage 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a temperature adjustment device and a temperature adjustment method. [Background technology]

[0002] Heat bonding techniques are widely used to bond the mouths of bags.

[0003] In the sealing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a heat medium is caused to flow through the circulating portion of the sealing portion, whereby heat is exchanged between the crimped portion of the sealing portion and the heat medium, thereby heating the crimped portion, while a cooling medium is caused to flow through the circulating portion, whereby the crimped portion is cooled. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014 / 126009 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the sealing device of Patent Document 1, a heat medium is caused to flow through the circulating portion when the pressure-bonded portion is heated, and a cooling medium is caused to flow through the circulating portion when the pressure-bonded portion is cooled.

[0006] Therefore, in addition to a mechanism for supplying a heat medium to the circulating portion, it is necessary to provide a mechanism for supplying a cooling medium to the circulating portion.

[0007] Furthermore, since both the heat medium and the cooling medium flow through a common flow passage, it is necessary to provide a mechanism for switching the fluid flowing through the flow passage between the heat medium and the cooling medium.

[0008] It takes a considerable amount of time from when the heat medium is flowing through the circulating section until the fluid flowing through the circulating section is switched from the heat medium to the cooling medium and the cooling medium can actually flow through the circulating section.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides a technique that is advantageous for quickly heating and cooling an object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a temperature control device including a first crimping section having a first flow passage and a first crimping surface that can be brought into contact with an object, a temperature control fluid supplying device that supplies a gaseous temperature control fluid to the first flow passage to condense the temperature control fluid on an inner wall surface of the first crimping section that defines the first flow passage, and adjusts the first crimping surface to a first heating temperature, and a pressure adjustment device that adjusts the first crimping surface to a temperature lower than the first heating temperature by reducing the internal pressure of the first flow passage to promote evaporation of the liquid temperature control fluid in the first flow passage.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a temperature control device including a first crimping portion and a second crimping portion, the first crimping portion having a first flow passage, the first crimping surface of the first crimping portion and the second crimping surface of the second crimping portion contacting an object and sandwiching the object; a temperature control fluid supplying device that supplies a gaseous temperature control fluid to the first flow passage to condense the temperature control fluid on an inner wall surface of the first crimping portion that defines the first flow passage, thereby adjusting the first crimping surface to a first heating temperature; and a pressure adjustment device that adjusts the first crimping surface to a temperature lower than the first heating temperature by reducing the internal pressure of the first flow passage to promote evaporation of the liquid temperature control fluid in the first flow passage.

[0012] The temperature regulating fluid supply device has a temperature regulating fluid supply path communicating with the first flow passage and a supply opening / closing unit which opens and closes the temperature regulating fluid supply path, the pressure regulating device has a temperature regulating fluid discharge path communicating with the first flow passage and a discharge opening / closing unit which opens and closes the temperature regulating fluid discharge path, the temperature regulating fluid supply device supplies a temperature regulating fluid to the first flow passage via the temperature regulating fluid supply path, the pressure regulating device reduces the internal pressure of the first flow passage by sucking in gas in the first flow passage via the temperature regulating fluid discharge path, the supply opening / closing unit opens and closes the temperature regulating fluid supply path to adjust the amount of temperature regulating fluid supplied to the first flow passage, and the discharge opening / closing unit opens and closes the temperature regulating fluid discharge path to adjust the internal pressure of the first flow passage.

[0013] The second crimping portion may have a second flow passage, and the temperature-control fluid supply device may adjust the second crimping surface to a second heating temperature by supplying a gaseous temperature-control fluid to the second flow passage, and the pressure adjustment device may adjust the second crimping surface to a temperature lower than the second heating temperature by reducing the internal pressure of the second flow passage so as to promote evaporation of the liquid temperature-control fluid in the second flow passage.

[0014] The temperature control device may further include a second crimping portion having a second flow passage and a second crimping surface that can be brought into contact with the object, and the temperature control fluid supply device may adjust the second crimping surface to a second heating temperature by supplying a gaseous temperature control fluid to the second flow passage, and the pressure adjustment device may adjust the second crimping surface to a temperature lower than the second heating temperature by reducing the internal pressure of the second flow passage so as to promote evaporation of the liquid temperature control fluid in the second flow passage.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a temperature control method including the steps of supplying a gaseous temperature control fluid to a first flow passage of a first crimping part, condensing the temperature control fluid on an inner wall surface of the first crimping part that defines the first flow passage, and adjusting the first crimping surface of the first crimping part to a first heating temperature, bringing the first crimping surface of the first crimping part into contact with an object, and adjusting the first crimping surface to a temperature lower than the first heating temperature by reducing the internal pressure of the first flow passage so as to promote evaporation of the liquid temperature control fluid in the first flow passage.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a temperature control method including the steps of: supplying a gaseous temperature control fluid to a first flow passage of a first crimping part, condensing the temperature control fluid on an inner wall surface of the first crimping part that defines the first flow passage, and adjusting the first crimping surface of the first crimping part to a first heating temperature; sandwiching an object between the first crimping surface of the first crimping part and the second crimping surface of the second crimping part while contacting the object; and adjusting the first crimping surface to a temperature lower than the first heating temperature by reducing the internal pressure of the first flow passage so as to promote evaporation of the liquid temperature control fluid in the first flow passage.

[0017] The first flow passage and the second flow passage may be partitioned by a wall surface that promotes a phase change of the temperature regulating fluid. Effect of the Invention

[0018] The present disclosure is advantageous in that it allows for rapid heating and cooling of an object. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a bag bonding device, which is one application example of a temperature adjustment device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view showing an example of a bag being subjected to a joining process by the joining device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of operation of the joining device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of operation of the joining device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of operation of the joining device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example of operation of the joining device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of operation of the joining device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example of the operation of the joining device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view illustrating a cross-sectional structure of a first pressure-bonding portion according to a first modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The joining device and joining method for joining bags will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the joining device and joining method for joining bags described below are merely shown as specific examples of temperature control devices and temperature control methods for controlling the temperature of an object. The following technology can be applied to temperature control devices and temperature control methods in general that rapidly raise or lower the temperature of a target location.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a joining device 10. Fig. 2 is an enlarged side view showing an example of a bag B that has been subjected to a joining process by the joining device 10 shown in Fig. 1.

[0022] The joining device 10 of this embodiment is a device that performs thermal joining of the bag B (particularly heat sealing of the mouth portion B1), and includes a first pressure-sealing section 11, a second pressure-sealing section 12, a temperature-adjusting fluid supplying device 30, and a pressure adjusting device 50.

[0023] The first crimping section 11 is provided so as to be movable by a first moving section 21, and the second crimping section 12 is provided so as to be movable by a second moving section 22. A first crimping surface 15 of the first crimping section 11 and a second crimping surface 16 of the second crimping section 12 face each other, and the bag B (mouth portion B1 in this example) positioned between the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16 is sandwiched to thermally bond the bag B.

[0024] The first moving part 21 and the second moving part 22 can be configured by any device, and may be configured by an air cylinder, for example. The first moving part 21 shown in FIG. 1 has a first moving main body part 21a and a first moving protrusion part 21b protruding from the first moving main body part 21a. Similarly, the second moving part 22 shown in FIG. 1 has a second moving main body part 22a and a second moving protrusion part 22b protruding from the second moving main body part 22a. Under the control of the control device 20, the first moving part 21 changes the protrusion amount of the first moving protrusion part 21b from the first moving main body part 21a, and the second moving part 22 changes the protrusion amount of the second moving protrusion part 22b from the second moving main body part 22a. The advancing and retracting direction of the first moving protrusion part 21b and the advancing and retracting direction of the second moving protrusion part 22b coincide with the opposing direction of the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16, and are horizontal (i.e., vertical direction in FIG. 1) in the example shown in FIG. 1.

[0025] The first crimping portion 11 is attached to the tip of the first moving protrusion 21b and is disposed at a position according to the protrusion amount of the first moving protrusion 21b, for example, at an extended position (i.e., closed position) in contact with the bag B and at a retracted position (i.e., open position) away from the bag B. Similarly, the second crimping portion 12 is attached to the tip of the second moving protrusion 22b and is disposed at a position according to the protrusion amount of the second moving protrusion 22b, for example, at an extended position (i.e., closed position) in contact with the bag B and at a retracted position (i.e., open position) away from the bag B.

[0026] The first crimping portion 11 has a first flow passage 13 penetrating the main body portion 11a of the first crimping portion 11. The second crimping portion 12 has a second flow passage 14 penetrating the main body portion 12a of the second crimping portion 12. The first flow passage 13 extends parallel to the first crimping surface 15 along the first crimping surface 15, and the second flow passage 14 extends parallel to the second crimping surface 16 along the second crimping surface 16. However, the first flow passage 13 does not necessarily have to extend along the first crimping surface 15, and the second flow passage 14 does not necessarily have to extend along the second crimping surface 16. The first flow passage 13 and the first crimping surface 15 may extend non-parallel to each other, and the second flow passage 14 and the second crimping surface 16 may extend non-parallel to each other.

[0027] The temperature control fluid supply device 30 adjusts the first pressure-bonding surface 15 to a first heating temperature and adjusts the second pressure-bonding surface 16 to a second heating temperature by supplying a gaseous temperature control fluid (heat exchange medium) to the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14. In particular, the first pressure-bonding surface 15 and the second pressure-bonding surface 16 can be heated quickly by utilizing the condensation heat released when the temperature control fluid changes phase from gas to liquid on the inner wall surface of the flow passage. When the gaseous temperature control fluid is supplied to the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14, the gaseous temperature control fluid may be mixed with a temperature control fluid in a liquid state (for example, a liquid grain state), or a temperature control fluid in the form of wet steam may be supplied to the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14.

[0028] The first heating temperature and the second heating temperature are not limited, but are temperatures at which the bag B sandwiched in contact with the first pressure bonding surface 15 and the second pressure bonding surface 16 can be thermally bonded, and are preferably temperatures equal to or higher than the melting point of the bag B (particularly the bonding portion). The first heating temperature and the second heating temperature do not need to be the same temperature, and may be different from each other. The first heating temperature and the second heating temperature may be temperatures that enable thermal bonding of the mouth portion B1 of the bag B, and do not necessarily need to be specific temperatures, and may vary depending on conditions such as the environmental temperature.

[0029] The temperature control fluid can be composed of any fluid. Water is relatively inexpensive, has little impact on the environment, and has a large latent heat, so it can be appropriately used as the temperature control fluid. For example, when water (particularly water vapor) is used as the temperature control fluid, the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature can be about 100°C to 180°C (for example, about 120°C to 150°C).

[0030] In this way, the temperature of the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16 is rapidly increased by the heat (including the heat (condensation heat) generated when the temperature control fluid condenses) transmitted from the temperature control fluid flowing through the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14. In addition, as described later, the temperature of the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16 is rapidly decreased by utilizing the heat of vaporization of the liquid temperature control fluid attached to the inner wall surfaces of the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12. For this reason, it is preferable that the first crimping portion 11 (particularly the main body portion 11a located between the first flow passage 13 and the first crimping surface 15) and the second crimping portion 12 (particularly the main body portion 12a located between the second flow passage 14 and the second crimping surface 16) are made of a material having excellent thermal conductivity (heat exchangeability) (i.e., a material having a high thermal conductivity (e.g., copper)).

[0031] The temperature regulating fluid supply device 30 shown in Figure 1 has a temperature regulating fluid supply source 31, a first temperature regulating fluid supply path 32 communicating with the first flow path 13, a first supply opening / closing section (e.g., an opening / closing valve) 33 that opens and closes the first temperature regulating fluid supply path 32, a second temperature regulating fluid supply path 34 communicating with the second flow path 14, and a second supply opening / closing section (e.g., an opening / closing valve) 35 that opens and closes the second temperature regulating fluid supply path 34.

[0032] The temperature control fluid supply source 31 is connected to the first temperature control fluid supply path 32 via the junction supply path 36, and sends out a gaseous temperature control fluid to the first temperature control fluid supply path 32 via the junction supply path 36. The temperature control fluid supply source 31 is also connected to the second temperature control fluid supply path 34 via the junction supply path 36, and sends out a gaseous temperature control fluid to the second temperature control fluid supply path 34 via the junction supply path 36. The temperature of the temperature control fluid sent out from the temperature control fluid supply source 31 is not limited, but in this example, a temperature control fluid having a temperature equal to or higher than the first heating temperature and equal to or higher than the second heating temperature is sent out from the temperature control fluid supply source 31 to the junction supply path 36.

[0033] The supply amount and pressure of the temperature regulating fluid to the first flow passage 13 are adjusted by a first supply opening / closing unit 33 opening and closing the first temperature regulating fluid supply passage 32 under the control of the control device 20. Similarly, the supply amount and pressure of the temperature regulating fluid to the second flow passage 14 are adjusted by a second supply opening / closing unit 35 opening and closing the second temperature regulating fluid supply passage 34 under the control of the control device 20.

[0034] In this manner, the temperature control fluid supply device 30 supplies the temperature control fluid (e.g., water vapor) sent out from the temperature control fluid supply source 31 to the first flow passage 13 via the junction supply path 36 and the first temperature control fluid supply path 32, and supplies the temperature control fluid to the second flow passage 14 via the junction supply path 36 and the second temperature control fluid supply path 34. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first temperature control fluid supply path 32 and the second temperature control fluid supply path 34 are connected to a common temperature control fluid supply source 31, but the first temperature control fluid supply path 32 and the second temperature control fluid supply path 34 may each be connected to a plurality (two) of temperature control fluid supply sources 31 provided separately. In this case, the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 are supplied with temperature control fluid sent out from different temperature control fluid supply sources 31 via the first temperature control fluid supply path 32 and the second temperature control fluid supply path 34, respectively.

[0035] The pressure adjustment device 50 adjusts the temperature of the first pressure-bonding surface 15 to a temperature lower than the first heating temperature by lowering the internal pressure of the first flow passage 13 so as to promote the vaporization of the liquid temperature control fluid in the first flow passage 13. The pressure adjustment device 50 also adjusts the temperature of the second pressure-bonding surface 16 to a temperature lower than the second heating temperature by lowering the internal pressure of the second flow passage 14 so as to promote the vaporization of the liquid temperature control fluid in the second flow passage 14. Specifically, the pressure adjustment device 50 lowers the internal pressure of each of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 so that the saturation temperature of the temperature control fluid is lower than the temperature of the first flow passage 13 and the temperature of the second flow passage 14. For example, the pressure adjustment device 50 may lower the internal pressure of each of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 so that the saturation temperature of the temperature control fluid is lower than the temperature around the bonding device 10 (i.e., the environmental temperature; for example, room temperature (5°C to 35°C)).

[0036] The pressure adjustment device 50 shown in FIG. 1 has a pressure adjustment source 51, a first temperature regulating fluid discharge path 52 communicating with the first flow passage 13, a first discharge opening / closing section (e.g., an opening / closing valve) 53 that opens and closes the first temperature regulating fluid discharge path 52, a second temperature regulating fluid discharge path 54 communicating with the second flow passage 14, and a second discharge opening / closing section (e.g., an opening / closing valve) 55 that opens and closes the second temperature regulating fluid discharge path 54.

[0037] The pressure adjustment source 51 is connected to each of the first temperature regulating fluid discharge path 52 and the second temperature regulating fluid discharge path 54 via the joint discharge path 56, and is also connected to the discharge path 57. The pressure adjustment device 50 (specifically, the pressure adjustment source 51) reduces the internal pressure of the first flow path 13 by sucking in the gas in the first flow path 13 via the first temperature regulating fluid discharge path 52 and the joint discharge path 56. Similarly, the pressure adjustment device 50 (specifically, the pressure adjustment source 51) reduces the internal pressure of the second flow path 14 by sucking in the gas in the second flow path 14 via the second temperature regulating fluid discharge path 54 and the joint discharge path 56. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 1, the first temperature regulating fluid discharge path 52 and the second temperature regulating fluid discharge path 54 are connected to a common pressure adjustment source 51, but each of the first temperature regulating fluid discharge path 52 and the second temperature regulating fluid discharge path 54 may be connected to a plurality (two) of pressure adjustment sources 51 provided separately. In this case, the gas in the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 is sucked in by different pressure adjustment sources 51 through the first temperature regulating fluid discharge path 52 and the second temperature regulating fluid discharge path 54, respectively, and the internal pressure of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 is reduced.

[0038] The pressure adjustment source 51 discharges the gas sucked from the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 to the discharge passage 57. The discharge passage 57 guides the gas sent from the pressure adjustment source 51 and may guide the gas to a device provided in a subsequent stage, or may discharge the gas into the atmosphere. The pressure adjustment source 51 may be configured by any device, and for example, a vacuum aspirator or a vacuum pump may be used as the pressure adjustment source 51. Condensers (not shown) may be provided before and after the pressure adjustment source 51. Specifically, condensers for liquefying the temperature adjustment fluid contained in the gas may be provided in the first temperature adjustment fluid discharge passage 52 between the pressure adjustment source 51 and the first discharge opening / closing unit 53, the second temperature adjustment fluid discharge passage 54 between the pressure adjustment source 51 and the second discharge opening / closing unit 55, the joint discharge passage 56, and / or the discharge passage 57. By installing a condenser upstream of the pressure adjustment source 51 (i.e., the first temperature control fluid discharge path 52, the second temperature control fluid discharge path 54 and / or the joint discharge path 56), the amount of temperature control fluid flowing into the pressure adjustment source 51 is reduced, making it possible to effectively prevent failure of the pressure adjustment source 51 due to the temperature control fluid. By installing a condenser downstream of the pressure adjustment source 51 (i.e., the discharge path 57), it is possible to reduce the temperature control fluid sent to the subsequent stages.

[0039] The internal pressure of the first flow passage 13 is adjusted under the control of the control device 20 by the first supply opening / closing unit 33 opening and closing the first temperature regulating fluid supply passage 32 and the first exhaust opening / closing unit 53 opening and closing the first temperature regulating fluid exhaust passage 52. Similarly, the internal pressure of the second flow passage 14 is adjusted under the control of the control device 20 by the second supply opening / closing unit 35 opening and closing the second temperature regulating fluid supply passage 34 and the second exhaust opening / closing unit 55 opening and closing the second temperature regulating fluid exhaust passage 54. In particular, when the internal pressures of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 are to be reduced, the first exhaust opening / closing unit 53 opens the first temperature regulating fluid exhaust passage 52 and the second exhaust opening / closing unit 55 opens the second temperature regulating fluid exhaust passage 54.

[0040] The control device 20 controls the first moving unit 21, the second moving unit 22, the first supply opening / closing unit 33, the second supply opening / closing unit 35, the first exhaust opening / closing unit 53, and the second exhaust opening / closing unit 55. The control device 20 may also control other devices, such as the temperature regulating fluid supply source 31, the pressure adjustment source 51, and the bag support unit 70.

[0041] When bag B is supported by bag support part 70, the intended joining location (mouth part B1 in this example) is positioned between first crimping surface 15 and second crimping surface 16. Bag support part 70 shown in Fig. 2 holds bag B in a suspended state by clamping both side parts B3 (particularly the range including sealed parts Bs) of bag B below mouth part B1 (particularly the location contacted and clamped by first crimping part 11 and second crimping part 12). Therefore, when bag B is supported by bag support part 70, bottom part B2 of bag B is positioned below mouth part B1.

[0042] The material, shape, and size (including thickness) of bag B are not limited, and bag B can be made of, for example, a biomass material or a monomaterial. However, bag B has a property (e.g., melting point) that allows it to be thermally bonded by being sandwiched between a first pressure-bonding surface 15 heated to a first heating temperature and a second pressure-bonding surface 16 heated to a second heating temperature. Contents may or may not be contained inside bag B. At the bottom B2 and each side B3 of bag B shown in the figure, the front wall surface and the back wall surface of bag B are bonded to each other (e.g., heat-welded) to form a sealed portion Bs.

[0043] Next, a description will be given of an example of the operation of the joining device 10. The joining method described below is performed by appropriately driving each element of the joining device 10 under the control of the control device 20.

[0044] 3 to 8 are plan views showing an example of operation of the joining device 10. FIG.

[0045] When joining bag B (in this embodiment, the front wall portion and the back wall portion that form the mouth portion B1) using the joining device 10, the mouth portion B1 of bag B is positioned between the first crimping surface 15 of the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping surface 16 of the second crimping portion 12, as shown in Figure 3 (preparation process).

[0046] Specifically, by reducing the amount of protrusion of each of the first moving protrusion portion 21b and the second moving protrusion portion 22b, the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12 are disposed in an open position spaced apart from each other, and a space is created between the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16. Then, the bag B supported by the bag support portion 70 moves together with the bag support portion 70, and the mouth portion B1 of the bag B is positioned in the space between the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16.

[0047] Meanwhile, the temperature-control fluid supply device 30 adjusts the first pressure-bonding surface 15 to a first heating temperature by supplying a gaseous temperature-control fluid to the first flow passage 13, and adjusts the second pressure-bonding surface 16 to a second heating temperature by supplying a gaseous temperature-control fluid to the second flow passage 14 (heating process).

[0048] As an example, in the temperature raising step, first, the first supply opening / closing unit 33 and the second supply opening / closing unit 35 are closed, while the first exhaust opening / closing unit 53 and the second exhaust opening / closing unit 55 are opened. That is, the first temperature regulating fluid supply path 32 is closed by the first supply opening / closing unit 33, the second temperature regulating fluid supply path 34 is closed by the second supply opening / closing unit 35, the first temperature regulating fluid exhaust path 52 is opened by the first exhaust opening / closing unit 53, and the second temperature regulating fluid exhaust path 54 is opened by the second exhaust opening / closing unit 55. As a result, in a state in which no new temperature regulating fluid is supplied to the first flow path 13 and the second flow path 14, the pressure adjustment source 51 sends the gas in the first flow path 13 to the exhaust path 57 via the first temperature regulating fluid exhaust path 52 and the junction exhaust path 56, and sends the gas in the second flow path 14 to the exhaust path 57 via the second temperature regulating fluid exhaust path 54 and the junction exhaust path 56. As a result, a vacuum state is placed in the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14. The arrows shown in Figure 3 indicate the flow of gas.

[0049] Thereafter, while the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 are in a vacuum state, the first supply opening / closing section 33 and the second supply opening / closing section 35 are opened. Meanwhile, the first exhaust opening / closing section 53 and the second exhaust opening / closing section 55 are closed. At this time, the timing at which the first supply opening / closing section 33 and the second supply opening / closing section 35 are opened may be the same as or different from the timing at which the first exhaust opening / closing section 53 and the second exhaust opening / closing section 55 are closed. For example, after the first supply opening / closing section 33 and the second supply opening / closing section 35 are opened, the first exhaust opening / closing section 53 and the second exhaust opening / closing section 55 may be closed. As a result, the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 are filled with gaseous temperature control fluid supplied from the temperature control fluid supply source 31 via the first temperature control fluid supply passage 32 and the second temperature control fluid supply passage 34, respectively.

[0050] In this manner, a high-temperature temperature control fluid is supplied to the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14, and the heat of the temperature control fluid is transmitted to the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12, thereby raising the temperatures of the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16. In particular, the temperature of the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16 is raised efficiently and quickly by the heat of condensation generated by the phase change of the temperature control fluid from gas to liquid on the partition wall surfaces of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14. In addition, since the supply of the temperature control fluid to the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 is started while the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 are in a vacuum state, the temperature control fluid flows vigorously into the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 immediately after the first supply opening / closing portion 33 and the second supply opening / closing portion 35 are opened. Furthermore, when the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 are in a vacuum state and the temperatures of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 are low (for example, in the case of the ambient temperature), the temperature control fluid condenses on the partition wall surfaces of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 immediately after flowing into the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14, and can raise the temperatures of the first crimped surface 15 (main body portion 11a) and the second crimped surface 16 (main body portion 12a). Therefore, although not shown in Figures 4 and 5, in reality, at the stage shown in Figures 4 and 5, droplets of the temperature control fluid L (see Figure 6) may be present on the inner wall surfaces of the first crimped portion 11 and the second crimped portion 12 (i.e., the partition wall surfaces of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14).

[0051] In this way, the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 are adjusted to the first and second heating temperatures, respectively. Even after the first crimping surface 15 reaches the first heating temperature, the first supply opening / closing portion 33 is kept open and the first exhaust opening / closing portion 53 is kept closed. Similarly, even after the second crimping surface 16 reaches the second heating temperature, the second supply opening / closing portion 35 is kept open and the second exhaust opening / closing portion 55 is kept closed.

[0052] The timing of performing the preparation step and the temperature increase step is not limited. For example, the preparation step may be completed before the temperature increase step, the preparation step and the temperature increase step may be performed simultaneously, or the preparation step may be completed before the temperature increase step.

[0053] 5, the first crimping surface 15 of the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping surface 16 of the second crimping portion 12 clamp the mouth B1 of the bag B (bag clamping process). Specifically, by increasing the protrusion amounts of the first moving protrusion portion 21b and the second moving protrusion portion 22b, the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12 approach each other and are disposed in the closed position, and press the mouth B1 of the bag B from both sides.

[0054] In the example shown in Fig. 5, the first pressure-bonding portion 11 and the second pressure-bonding portion 12 move without moving the first supply opening / closing portion 33, the second supply opening / closing portion 35, the first exhaust opening / closing portion 53, and the second exhaust opening / closing portion 55. Therefore, the positions (postures) of the portion of the first temperature control fluid supply path 32 connected to the first pressure-bonding portion 11 and the first supply opening / closing portion 33 and the portion of the first temperature control fluid exhaust path 52 connected to the first pressure-bonding portion 11 and the first exhaust opening / closing portion 53 change according to the movement of the first pressure-bonding portion 11. Similarly, the positions (postures) of the portion of the second temperature control fluid supply path 34 connected to the second pressure-bonding portion 12 and the second supply opening / closing portion 35 and the portion of the second temperature control fluid exhaust path 54 connected to the second pressure-bonding portion 12 and the second exhaust opening / closing portion 55 change according to the movement of the second pressure-bonding portion 12.

[0055] 5, the first temperature regulating fluid supply path 32, the second temperature regulating fluid supply path 34, the first temperature regulating fluid discharge path 52, and the second temperature regulating fluid discharge path 54 expand and contract in response to the movement of the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12. This ensures an appropriate flow of the temperature regulating fluid L in the first supply opening / closing portion 33, the first temperature regulating fluid supply path 32, the first flow passage 13, the first temperature regulating fluid discharge path 52, and the first discharge opening / closing portion 53 even if the distance between the first crimping portion 11 and the first supply opening / closing portion 33 and the distance between the first crimping portion 11 and the first discharge opening / closing portion 53 change. Similarly, even if the distance between the second crimping portion 12 and the second supply opening / closing portion 35 and the distance between the second crimping portion 12 and the second exhaust opening / closing portion 55 change, an appropriate flow of the temperature-control fluid L in the second supply opening / closing portion 35, the second temperature-control fluid supply path 34, the second flow passage 14, the second temperature-control fluid exhaust path 54 and the second exhaust opening / closing portion 55 can be ensured.

[0056] In this embodiment, when the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 sandwich the bag B (i.e., when the state of the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 with respect to the bag B is switched from a non-contact state to a contact state), the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 are adjusted to a high temperature (i.e., the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature). Therefore, the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 start thermal bonding (crimping) of the mouth portion B1 at the same time as they sandwich the mouth portion B1 of the bag B (i.e., at the same time as they come into contact with the mouth portion B1).

[0057] In this manner, the bag clamping process of this embodiment is performed in a state where the first crimping surface 15 is adjusted to the first heating temperature and the second crimping surface 16 is adjusted to the second heating temperature in the above-mentioned temperature increase process. However, since the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16 can be instantaneously adjusted to the desired first heating temperature and second heating temperature in the temperature increase process using the condensation heat of the temperature control fluid, the bag clamping process may be started simultaneously with the temperature increase process (particularly, the timing when the high-temperature gaseous temperature control fluid is supplied to the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14). In addition, the temperature increase process (particularly, the supply of the high-temperature gaseous temperature control fluid to the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14) may be started in a state where the mouth portion B1 of the bag B is sandwiched between the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16 in the bag clamping process. In this way, the timing at which the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 reach the first and second heating temperatures may be before or after the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 start to clamp the mouth portion B1 of the bag B. The timing at which the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 reach the first and second heating temperatures may be before or while the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 come into contact with the mouth portion B1 of the bag B.

[0058] As the thermal bonding of the mouth B1 of the bag B progresses, heat is gradually lost from the temperature control fluid in the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14, promoting condensation of the temperature control fluid on the wall surface of the first crimped portion 11 that forms the first flow passage 13 and the wall surface of the second crimped portion 12 that forms the second flow passage 14 (see FIG. 6). Note that the amount of condensation of the temperature control fluid promoted as the thermal bonding of the mouth B1 of the bag B progresses is usually smaller than the amount of condensation of the temperature control fluid that occurs simultaneously with the flow of the temperature control fluid into the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14.

[0059] After a sufficient amount of heat is applied to the bag B from the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16 to thermally bond the mouth portion B1, the pressure adjustment device 50 reduces the internal pressure of the first flow passage 13 so as to promote evaporation of the liquid temperature-control fluid L in the first flow passage 13, and reduces the internal pressure of the second flow passage 14 so as to promote evaporation of the liquid temperature-control fluid L in the second flow passage 14 (cooling process).

[0060] Specifically, the first supply opening / closing unit 33 and the second supply opening / closing unit 35 are closed, while the first exhaust opening / closing unit 53 and the second exhaust opening / closing unit 55 are opened. As a result, as shown in Fig. 7, gas in the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 is sucked out by the pressure adjustment device 50 (particularly the pressure adjustment source 51), and the internal pressures of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 decrease. Ultimately, the pressures in the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 are adjusted so that the saturation temperature of the temperature regulating fluid L is lower than the temperatures of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14.

[0061] As a result, the liquid temperature control fluid L adhering to the inner wall surface of the first crimping portion 11 and the inner wall surface of the second crimping portion 12 vaporizes (evaporates), and a large amount of heat is removed from the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12 by the heat of vaporization of the temperature control fluid L, lowering the temperatures of the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16. The first crimping surface 15 is adjusted to a temperature lower than the first heating temperature, and the second crimping surface 16 is adjusted to a temperature lower than the second heating temperature, and the mouth B1 of the bag B (particularly the joint portion that is in contact and sandwiched by the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16) is cooled.

[0062] By cooling the mouth portion B1 (particularly the joint portion) of the bag B in this manner, the joint strength of the mouth portion B1 is increased and the joint state is stabilized.

[0063] Thereafter, the protruding amount of each of the first moving protrusion 21b and the second moving protrusion 22b is reduced, and the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12 are arranged in an open position away from each other (see FIG. 8). At this time, the first supply opening / closing portion 33, the second supply opening / closing portion 35, the first discharge opening / closing portion 53 and the second discharge opening / closing portion 55 may be placed in a closed state or in an open state. From the viewpoint of quickly carrying out the joining process of the next bag B while saving energy consumption, it is preferable that the wall surfaces of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 are kept in a state where no liquid is attached (i.e., in a sufficiently dry state) after the mouth portion B1 of the bag B is sufficiently cooled. Therefore, while the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12 are moving to the open position and / or arranged in the open position, the first supply opening / closing portion 33 and the second supply opening / closing portion 35 may be closed, the first discharge opening / closing portion 53 and the second discharge opening / closing portion 55 may be opened, and the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 may be placed in a vacuum state.

[0064] Then, the bag B which has been subjected to the series of joining processes described above is moved together with the bag support section 70 to the rear stage.

[0065] Then, a new bag B to be subjected to the next joining process moves together with the bag support part 70, and the mouth part B1 of the new bag B is positioned in the space between the first pressure bonding surface 15 and the second pressure bonding surface 16. Then, the above-mentioned series of joining processes (see Figs. 3 to 8) are repeated.

[0066] As described above, according to the joining device 10 and the joining method of the present embodiment, the temperature of the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16 is lowered by promoting the vaporization of the temperature control fluid L that is used to heat the bag B and liquefied, and the bag B is cooled. In this way, the temperature of the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16 can be actively and quickly raised and lowered by using a common temperature control fluid. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a device for supplying a heating fluid and a device for supplying a cooling fluid, and it is also not necessary to provide a device for switching between the heating fluid and the cooling fluid to be supplied to each of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14. Furthermore, when the temperature of the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16 is to be lowered, it is sufficient to lower the internal pressure of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the structure of the joining device 10 can be simplified, and heating and cooling of the first crimping section 11 (particularly the first crimping surface 15) and the second crimping section 12 (particularly the second crimping surface 16) that perform the thermal joining of the bag B can be quickly performed. Therefore, when the first and second pressure-bonding portions 11, 12 are repeatedly heated and cooled, the period required for one cycle of heating and cooling can be significantly shortened.

[0067] Furthermore, the temperature of the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 starts to increase by the temperature regulating fluid and is adjusted to the first and second heating temperatures before the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 come into contact with the bag B. This makes it possible to shorten the time from when the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 come into contact with the bag B until the thermal bonding of the bag B is completed. In particular, by adjusting the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 to the first and second heating temperatures before coming into contact with the bag B, it is possible to achieve good bonding strength and good bonding appearance at the bonding portion of the bag B (the mouth portion B1 in this example).

[0068] [First Modification] The first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 may be partitioned by a wall surface that promotes a phase change of the temperature regulating fluid L. Typically, each of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 may be partitioned by a wall surface having an uneven shape at least in a part. The inner wall surfaces of the main body 11a of the first crimping portion 11 and the main body 12a of the second crimping portion 12 (particularly the portion that partitions the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14) themselves may have an uneven shape. In addition, the partition wall surfaces of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 may be provided with an uneven shape by other members installed on the inner wall surfaces of the first crimping portion 11 and the inner wall surfaces of the second crimping portion 12.

[0069] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view illustrating a cross-sectional structure of a first pressure-bonding portion 11 according to a first modified example.

[0070] Each of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 may be provided with a heat transfer promotion section for improving the heat transfer coefficient between the gaseous temperature control fluid L and each of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14.

[0071] The heat transfer promotion section promotes the heating of the first crimping section 11 (particularly the first crimping surface 15) and the second crimping section 12 (particularly the second crimping surface 16), while promoting the liquefaction of the temperature control fluid L in the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14.

[0072] The installation position, shape, and other characteristics of the heat transfer promotion part are not limited. Typically, the heat transfer promotion part can be provided so as to protrude from the inner wall surface of the first pressure-bonded part 11 forming the first flow passage 13 and the inner wall surface of the second pressure-bonded part 12 forming the second flow passage 14. However, the heat transfer promotion part may have a porous shape and can be made of, for example, a metal foam or a particle sintered body.

[0073] The heat transfer promotion unit may be fixedly provided with respect to the first crimping unit 11 and the second crimping unit 12, or may be movably provided with respect to each of the first crimping unit 11 and the second crimping unit 12. When the heat transfer promotion unit moves on the inner wall surface of each of the first crimping unit 11 and the second crimping unit 12, the temperature control fluid L liquefied by condensation also moves on the inner wall surface of each of the first crimping unit 11 and the second crimping unit 12. Therefore, the movement of the heat transfer promotion unit can promote adhesion of the liquid temperature control fluid L to a portion of the inner wall surface of each of the first crimping unit 11 and the second crimping unit 12 where the liquid temperature control fluid L is difficult to adhere and is likely to dry if the heat transfer promotion unit does not move. As a result, liquid temperature-control fluid L can be evenly applied to the inner wall surfaces of each of the first and second crimping sections 11 and 12, and the subsequent evaporation of the temperature-control fluid L can lower the temperatures of each of the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 more uniformly overall, allowing bag B to be cooled more uniformly.

[0074] In addition, the heat transfer promotion portion may be formed by a structure (including shape) directly imparted to each of the inner wall surface of the first crimping portion 11 (main body portion 11a) that defines the first flow passage 13 and the inner wall surface of the second crimping portion 12 (main body portion 12a) that defines the second flow passage 14.

[0075] 9 is disposed in the first flow passage 13 and has a coil shape. The heat transfer promotion portion 60 can be realized using any material and any shape, but is typically made by winding a string-like body such as a wire into a spiral shape.

[0076] The heat transfer promotion unit 60 can hold the liquid temperature control fluid L. As shown in Fig. 9, the liquid temperature control fluid L tends to remain between the coil wires arranged at adjacent positions of the heat transfer promotion unit 60. Therefore, the heat transfer promotion unit 60 can effectively hold the liquid temperature control fluid L on the inner wall surfaces of the first pressure bonding unit 11 and the second pressure bonding unit 12. The state of the temperature control fluid L shown in Fig. 9 is merely an example, and for example, the temperature control fluid L held by the heat transfer promotion unit 60 may have a meniscus shape.

[0077] In this way, the liquid temperature control fluid L is likely to remain in the portions of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 that correspond to the heat transfer promotion sections 60. Therefore, by providing the heat transfer promotion sections 60 over the entire portion of the first flow passage 13 that corresponds to the first crimped surface 15 and over the entire portion of the second flow passage 14 that corresponds to the second crimped surface 16, the phase change of the temperature control fluid is promoted in the above-mentioned cooling step (see FIG. 7), and the temperature of the entire first crimped surface 15 and the second crimped surface 16 can be effectively reduced.

[0078] Even if the heat transfer promotion portion 60 originally has a diameter larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14, the heat transfer promotion portion 60 can be appropriately arranged in the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 by deforming and reducing the size of the heat transfer promotion portion 60 using the elasticity of the heat transfer promotion portion 60. In this case, the heat transfer promotion portion 60 exerts an elastic force on the inner wall surface of the first crimping portion 11 (i.e., the main body portion 11a) and the inner wall surface of the second crimping portion 12 (i.e., the main body portion 12a) while in contact with each other. Therefore, the heat transfer promotion portion 60 is unlikely to be displaced by the frictional force received from the inner wall surface of the first crimping portion 11 and the inner wall surface of the second crimping portion 12, and is fixedly and stably arranged in the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14.

[0079] [Other variations] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications.

[0080] The temperature regulating fluid may be supplied to only one of the first pressure-bonding portion 11 (particularly the first flow passage 13) and the second pressure-bonding portion 12 (particularly the second flow passage 14).

[0081] When the bag B is sandwiched between the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16, or when the bag B is released from the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16, both the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12 may move as described above, or only one of them may move. When a temperature regulating fluid is supplied to only one of the first crimping portion 11 (particularly the first flow passage 13) and the second crimping portion 12 (particularly the second flow passage 14) and only one of the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16 moves, only the crimping portion to which the temperature regulating fluid is supplied may move.

[0082] In the above-mentioned cooling step (see FIG. 7), cooling of the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 is started in a state where the bag B is sandwiched between the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16. However, before cooling of the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 is started (i.e., before the internal pressures of the first and second flow paths 13 and 14 are reduced), the first and second crimping sections 11 and 12 may be placed in the open position to separate the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 from the bag B. In this case, in a state where the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 are separated from the bag B, the internal pressures of the first and second flow paths 13 and 14 may be reduced to reduce the temperatures of the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16. In addition, while the temperature of the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16 is being lowered or after the temperature of the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16 has been sufficiently lowered, the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12 may be placed in a closed position, and the joint portion of the bag B (in this example, the mouth portion B1) may be cooled by the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16.

[0083] The joining device 10 described above joins the mouth portion B1 of the bag B, but may join other portions of the bag B.

[0084] In the joining process of the joining device 10 described above, bags B are joined together (i.e., the front wall surface portion and the back wall surface portion of the bag B), but the joining device 10 may also join the bag B to another member (e.g., a spout). For example, the joining device 10 described above can be applied to a device that thermally joins a spout (not shown) to the mouth portion B1 of the bag B. In this case, for example, while positioning the spout between the front wall surface portion and the back wall surface portion of the bag B, the front wall surface portion, the spout, and the back wall surface portion may be joined to each other by the first crimping surface 15 of the first crimping unit 11 and the second crimping surface 16 of the second crimping unit 12. When the first crimping unit 11 and the second crimping unit 12 press the bag B against the joining surface of the other member (such as a spout), it is preferable that the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16 have a shape corresponding to the joining surface of the other member.

[0085] A heater (not shown) may be provided in the first temperature control fluid supply path 32 and the second temperature control fluid supply path 34, and the temperature control fluid flowing through the first temperature control fluid supply path 32 and the second temperature control fluid supply path 34 may be heated by the heater. In this case, it is preferable that the heater is turned on / off under the control of the control device 20. For example, the heater may be placed in an on state "before the supply of the temperature control fluid from the temperature control fluid supply source 31 to the first flow path 13 and the second flow path 14 is started." In this case, it is possible to adjust the first temperature control fluid supply path 32 and the second temperature control fluid supply path 34 to a temperature effective for suppressing a decrease in the temperature of the temperature control fluid in the first temperature control fluid supply path 32 and the second temperature control fluid supply path 34. Furthermore, during at least a portion of the time period between "start of supply of temperature regulating fluid from the temperature regulating fluid supply source 31 to the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14" and "start of process of lowering the temperature of the first crimped surface 15 and the second crimped surface 16", the heater may be kept in an on state to heat the temperature regulating fluid flowing through the first temperature regulating fluid supply passage 32 and the second temperature regulating fluid supply passage 34. On the other hand, after "start of process of lowering the temperature of the first crimped surface 15 and the second crimped surface 16", the heater may be kept in an off state to not heat the temperature regulating fluid flowing through the first temperature regulating fluid supply passage 32 and the second temperature regulating fluid supply passage 34.

[0086] A heating device and / or a cooling device (not shown) may be provided to adjust the temperature of the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12. It is preferable that these heating devices and cooling devices are on / off controlled under the control of the control device 20. The control device 20 may perform on / off control of the heating device and the cooling device based on the detection result of a temperature sensor that directly or indirectly detects the temperature of the first crimping portion 11 (e.g., the first crimping surface 15) and the second crimping portion 12 (the second crimping surface 16), for example.

[0087] For example, when a high-temperature temperature-regulating fluid is passed through the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 while the temperatures of the first and second crimping portions 11 and 12 are low, there is a concern that the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 may not be heated to the desired heating temperature (first and second heating temperatures). Therefore, prior to supplying a high-temperature temperature-regulating fluid to the first and second flow passages 13 and 14, the first and second crimping portions 11 and 12 may be heated by a heating device to adjust the first and second crimping portions 11 and 12 to a desired preparation temperature. The "desired preparation temperature" referred to here is a temperature sufficient to raise the first and second crimping surfaces 15 and 16 to a desired heating temperature when a high-temperature temperature-regulating fluid is passed through the first and second flow passages 13 and 14.

[0088] Similarly, prior to cooling the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12 to lower the temperatures of the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16 (i.e., prior to lowering the internal pressures of the first flow passage 13 and the second flow passage 14 in the above-described embodiment), the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12 may be cooled by a cooling device to adjust the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12 to a desired preparation temperature. The "desired preparation temperature" referred to here is a temperature sufficient to lower the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16 to a desired cooling temperature when the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12 are cooled.

[0089] The manner of installation of the heating device and the cooling device is not limited. For example, the heating device and the cooling device may be installed in the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12. The heating device and the cooling device may also be installed in other members attached to the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12. When the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12 are configured by a long tubular body, there is a concern that the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12 may be relatively greatly deflected. Therefore, the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12 may be supported by a base (not shown), and the heating device and the cooling device may be set on the base. In this case, the heating device and the cooling device can indirectly control the temperature of the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12 by directly controlling the temperature of the base.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, the positions of the first supply opening / closing portion 33, the second supply opening / closing portion 35, the first exhaust opening / closing portion 53, and the second exhaust opening / closing portion 55 do not change regardless of the movement of the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12. However, the first supply opening / closing portion 33 and the first exhaust opening / closing portion 53 may move in response to the movement of the first crimping portion 11, and the second supply opening / closing portion 35 and the second exhaust opening / closing portion 55 may move in response to the movement of the second crimping portion 12.

[0091] The moving directions of the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12 are not limited. The first moving portion 21 may move the first crimping portion 11 linearly as described above, may move the first crimping portion 11 along a curved line (e.g., a circular arc), or may move the first crimping portion 11 along a track consisting of a combination of two or more types of straight lines and / or curved lines. Similarly, the second moving portion 22 may move the second crimping portion 12 linearly as described above, may move the second crimping portion 12 along a curved line (e.g., a circular arc), or may move the second crimping portion 12 along a track consisting of a combination of two or more types of straight lines and / or curved lines. Therefore, the advancing and retreating direction of the first moving protrusion 21b and the advancing and retreating direction of the second moving protrusion 22b may not coincide with the opposing direction of the first crimping surface 15 and the second crimping surface 16.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the mouth portion B1 of the bag B is sealed by sandwiching the bag B between the first crimping surface 15 of the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping surface 16 of the second crimping portion 12, but the second crimping portion 12 does not necessarily have to be provided. For example, the bag B may be sealed by blowing gas from a blower (not shown) onto the bag B and pressing the bag B (e.g., the mouth portion B1) against the first crimping surface 15. The bag B may also be sealed by adjusting the space between the bag B and the first crimping surface 15 to a vacuum using a vacuum device (not shown) and bringing the bag B (e.g., the mouth portion B1) into close contact with the first crimping surface 15.

[0093] Although the above-described bonding apparatus 10 is an apparatus for controlling the temperature of the bag B, the above-described technology can be applied to an apparatus and method for controlling the temperature of an object other than the bag B.

[0094] Various modifications may be made to the elements of the above-described embodiment and modifications. Furthermore, the configurations of the above-described embodiment and modifications may be combined in whole or in part. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10 Bonding equipment 11 First crimping section 11a Main body 12 Second crimping section 12a Main body 13 1st flow path 14 2nd flow path 15 First crimping surface 16 Second crimping surface 20 Control device 21 First Mobile Section 21a 1st moving main body part 21b First moving protrusion 22 Second Mobile Section 22a Second moving body part 22b Second moving protrusion 30 Temperature control fluid supply device 31 Temperature control fluid supply source 32 1st temperature control fluid supply path 33 First supply opening and closing section 34 2nd temperature control fluid supply path 35 Second supply opening / closing part 36 Confluent supply path 50 Pressure adjustment device 51 Pressure adjustment source 52 First temperature-controlled fluid discharge path 53 First discharge opening / closing part 54 Second temperature-controlled fluid discharge path 55 Second discharge opening / closing part 56 Confluent discharge path 57 Discharge path 60 Heat transfer promotion part 70 Bag support part B Bag B1 Mouth part B2 Bottom part B3 Side part Bs Seal part L Temperature-controlled fluid

Claims

1. a first pressure-bonding portion having a first flow passage and a first pressure-bonding surface that is brought into contact with an object; a temperature regulating fluid supplying device that supplies a gaseous temperature regulating fluid to the first flow passage and condenses the temperature regulating fluid on an inner wall surface of the first pressure bonding portion that defines the first flow passage, thereby adjusting the first pressure bonding surface to a first heating temperature; a pressure adjustment device that adjusts the temperature of the first pressure-bonding surface to a temperature lower than the first heating temperature by lowering the internal pressure of the first flow passage so as to promote evaporation of the liquid temperature-control fluid in the first flow passage.

2. the temperature regulating fluid supply device includes a temperature regulating fluid supply passage communicating with the first flow passage, and a supply opening / closing unit opening and closing the temperature regulating fluid supply passage, the pressure regulating device includes a temperature regulating fluid discharge path communicating with the first flow passage, and a discharge opening / closing unit opening and closing the temperature regulating fluid discharge path, the temperature regulating fluid supply device supplies the temperature regulating fluid to the first flow passage through the temperature regulating fluid supply path; the pressure adjustment device reduces an internal pressure of the first flow passage by sucking gas in the first flow passage through the temperature regulating fluid discharge path; the supply opening / closing unit opens and closes the temperature regulating fluid supply path to adjust the amount of the temperature regulating fluid supplied to the first flow passage; The temperature regulating device according to claim 1 , wherein the exhaust opening / closing portion opens and closes the temperature regulating fluid exhaust path, thereby regulating the internal pressure of the first flow passage.

3. The temperature control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first flow passage is defined by a wall surface that promotes a phase change of the temperature control fluid.

4. Further comprising a second pressure-bonding portion having a second flow passage and a second pressure-bonding surface that is brought into contact with the object, the temperature-adjusting fluid supply device adjusts the second pressure-bonding surface to a second heating temperature by supplying a gaseous temperature-adjusting fluid to the second flow passage; The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pressure adjustment device adjusts the second pressure-bonding surface to a temperature lower than the second heating temperature by reducing the internal pressure of the second flow passage so as to promote evaporation of the liquid temperature control fluid in the second flow passage.

5. supplying a gaseous temperature control fluid to a first flow passage of a first pressure-bonding portion, condensing the temperature control fluid on an inner wall surface of the first pressure-bonding portion that defines the first flow passage, and adjusting a first pressure-bonding surface of the first pressure-bonding portion to a first heating temperature; a step of contacting the first crimping surface of the first crimping portion with an object; and adjusting the temperature of the first pressure-bonding surface to a temperature lower than the first heating temperature by reducing the internal pressure of the first flow passage so as to promote evaporation of the liquid temperature-control fluid in the first flow passage.

Images