Agitator deaerating device and fluid treatment method

Abstract

A stirring and defoaming apparatus capable of improving the efficiency of stirring and defoaming processes using centrifugal force accompanying the revolution and the orbit of a stirring container, and capable of reducing the excess space produced under the stirring container or effectively utilizing the space under the stirring container. The stirring and defoaming apparatus includes a central rotating shaft capable of rotating with a pinion arranged coaxially with a first shaft as a center, a rotor capable of rotating around the central rotating shaft, a plurality of container holder outer circumferential portions fixed to a plurality of positions of the rotor, respectively, a plurality of container holder inner circumferential portions inserted into the plurality of container holder outer circumferential portions, respectively, with a gear ring engaged with the pinion arranged coaxially at an upper end portion, and capable of rotating with a second shaft as a center, and a rotating drive mechanism that causes the plurality of container holder inner circumferential portions to revolve by rotating the central rotating shaft, and causes the plurality of container holder inner circumferential portions to orbit by rotating the rotor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stirring and degassing apparatus and a fluid processing method for stirring and degassing fluids in the form of liquids or pastes, such as mixtures of main agents and hardeners, or mixtures of metal powders and liquids. Background Technology

[0002] For example, when coating a substrate with a fluid such as epoxy resin, the raw material components are stirred and mixed in a stirring container to form a paste-like fluid. After a degassing treatment to remove air bubbles from the fluid is performed, the stirred and degassed fluid is transferred to a filling container such as a syringe for use. As an example, firstly, the raw material components are stirred and mixed and air bubbles are removed in a stirring container using a stirring and degassing device. Then, the stirred and degassed fluid is transferred to another pressure container, and the fluid is filled into the filling container by pressurizing the fluid using a pressure piston.

[0003] As a related technology, Patent Document 1 discloses a stirring and degassing apparatus that causes a container containing a substance to be processed to rotate and revolve to stir and degas. This stirring and degassing apparatus includes: a container holder having a rotation axis; a rotating unit rotatably contacting the rotation axis via a bearing; a revolution axis connected to the rotating unit; a revolution drive motor connected to the revolution axis via a first rotational motion transmission mechanism; a rotation drive shaft connected to the container holder via a second rotational motion transmission mechanism; and a rotation drive motor connected to the rotation drive shaft via a third rotational motion transmission mechanism.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: (Japanese Patent Application Publication) Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-80645 (paragraphs 0001, 0022-0023, 0033) Figure 1 ) Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to the stirring and degassing device in Patent Document 1, the container is kept in a revolution position and rotates at two different speeds according to a prescribed processing sequence, thereby enabling high-precision stirring and degassing of the processed material. It should be noted that, although not disclosed in Patent Document 1, sealing the space around the stirring container to reduce pressure is effective in improving the efficiency of stirring and degassing.

[0007] However, in patent document 1 Figure 1In the shown stirring and degassing device, a gear 11 and a bearing 4 are installed below the container 1. Therefore, extra space is needed between the container 1 and the fixed base 19 to accommodate the gear 11 and the bearing 4. To improve the efficiency of stirring and degassing, the size of the enclosed space increases. In addition, a fluid filling device separate from the stirring and degassing device is needed to fill the stirred and degassed fluid into a syringe or other filling container.

[0008] Therefore, in view of the above points, the first objective of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of stirring and degassing by utilizing the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation and revolution of the stirring container when stirring and degassing a fluid contained in a stirring container, and to reduce the excess space generated below the stirring container, or to effectively utilize the space below the stirring container. Furthermore, the second objective of the present invention is to use a stirring and degassing device to perform stirring and degassing of a fluid contained in a stirring container, and to fill a filling container with the stirred and degassed fluid.

[0009] To address at least one of the aforementioned issues, the stirring and degassing apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention comprises: a central rotating shaft capable of rotating about a first axis together with a pinion gear arranged coaxially; a rotor capable of rotating about the first axis around the central rotating shaft; a plurality of outer peripheral portions of container holders respectively fixed at a plurality of positions of the rotor; a plurality of inner peripheral portions of container holders respectively inserted into the plurality of outer peripheral portions of container holders, and bearings respectively disposed between the outer side of the upper and lower portions of each inner peripheral portion of container holders and the inner side of the outer peripheral portion of container holders; a ring gear coaxially disposed at the upper end of each inner peripheral portion of container holders and meshing with the pinion gear; and the plurality of inner peripheral portions of container holders capable of rotating about a second axis inclined relative to the first axis; and a rotation drive mechanism that causes the plurality of inner peripheral portions of container holders to rotate by rotating the central rotating shaft and to revolve by rotating the rotor.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the inner circumferences of multiple container holders that respectively hold multiple stirring containers are rotated and revolved, thereby improving the efficiency of stirring and degassing processes by utilizing the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation and revolution of the stirring containers. Furthermore, bearings are respectively arranged between the outer sides of the upper and lower portions of the inner circumferences of each container holder and the inner sides of the outer circumferences of the container holders, and a gear ring is arranged at the upper end of the inner circumferences of each container holder, thereby reducing excess space generated below the stirring containers or effectively utilizing the space below the stirring containers.

[0011] The second aspect of the present invention, the stirring and degassing apparatus, further includes a sealed structure for sealing the space comprising the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the plurality of container holders, based on the structure described above. In this case, in the first mode of stirring and degassing the fluid contained in the plurality of stirring containers using centrifugal force, when the plurality of stirring containers are held within the inner periphery of the plurality of container holders, an empty space is created inside the sealed structure below the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the plurality of container holders. Furthermore, in the second mode of filling the plurality of filled containers from the plurality of stirring containers into the plurality of filled containers using centrifugal force, when the plurality of stirring containers, which are equipped with the plurality of filled containers, are held within the inner periphery of the plurality of container holders, the plurality of filled containers protrude downwards from the openings provided at the bottom of the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the plurality of container holders.

[0012] Furthermore, the fluid processing method of the second aspect of the present invention includes: step (S1), holding a plurality of stirring containers containing fluid within the inner periphery of a plurality of container holders, wherein the inner periphery of the plurality of container holders is rotatably inserted into the outer periphery of a plurality of container holders about a second axis, and the outer periphery of the plurality of container holders is fixed at a plurality of positions of a rotor rotatable about a first axis; step (S2), depressurizing by sealing the space including the inner periphery of the plurality of container holders holding the plurality of stirring containers; step (S3), rotating the central rotation axis of a pinion connected to a gear coaxially arranged with the upper end of the inner periphery of each container holder to cause the inner periphery of the plurality of container holders to rotate, and rotating the rotor to cause the inner periphery of the plurality of container holders to revolve, thereby utilizing centrifugal force to contain the plurality of stirring containers. The process involves: stirring and degassing the fluid; step (S4), holding multiple stirring containers equipped with multiple filling containers within the inner periphery of the multiple container holders, allowing the multiple filling containers to protrude downwards from openings provided at the bottom of the outer periphery and inner periphery of the multiple container holders, and containing the stirred and degassed fluid within the multiple stirring containers; step (S5), depressurizing the space within the inner periphery of the multiple container holders, which holds the multiple stirring containers equipped with the multiple filling containers, by sealing it; and step (S6), rotating the inner periphery of the multiple container holders by rotating the central rotating shaft, and rotating the inner periphery of the multiple container holders by rotating the rotor, thereby using centrifugal force to fill the multiple filling containers with the fluid contained within the multiple stirring containers.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the invention, the space below the stirring container can be effectively utilized, and a stirring and degassing device can be used to stir and degas the fluid contained in the stirring container and fill the filled container with the stirred and degassed fluid. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a stirring and degassing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 It is Figure 1 The enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the container holder on the left is shown.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the positional relationship between the pinion gear and the four gear rings in a stirring and degassing device equipped with four container holders.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the positional relationship between the pinion gear and the eight gear rings in a stirring and degassing device equipped with eight container holders.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a flow chart illustrating a fluid processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0020] 10 Central rotating shaft, 11 Pinion gear, 20 Rotor, 30 Outer periphery of container holder, 31-32 Side plates, 33 Central block, 40 Inner periphery of container holder, 41 Gear ring, 51-52 Bearing, 60 Rotary drive mechanism, 61-64 First-fourth pulleys, 65-66 Timing belt, M1-M2 motor, 70 Control circuit, 80 Base plate, 81 Housing, 82 Cover, 90 Vacuum pump, 100 Universal stirring container, 101 Stirring container with nozzle, 102 Distributor, 103 Injector. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same constituent elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0022] <Stirring and Degassing Device>

[0023] Figure 1This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a stirring and degassing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The stirring and degassing apparatus includes a central rotating shaft 10, a rotor 20, multiple outer peripheral portions 30 of container holders, multiple inner peripheral portions 40 of container holders, bearings 51 and 52, a rotation drive mechanism 60, and a control circuit 70, and is used for stirring and degassing of liquid or paste-like materials (hereinafter referred to as "fluids") such as epoxy resin.

[0024] Here, to improve the efficiency of stirring and degassing, the inner circumference 40 of the multiple container holders of the multiple stirring containers is configured to revolve around a first axis (revolution axis) A, and rotate around second axes (rotation axes) B1, B2, ... . It should be noted that this configuration can be omitted or modified. Figure 1 Part of the constituent elements shown, or may also be related to Figure 1 The constituent elements shown are supplemented with other constituent elements.

[0025] The central rotating shaft 10 is capable of rotating around the revolution axis A together with the pinion 11, which is coaxially arranged at its upper end. The rotor 20 is capable of rotating around the central rotating shaft 10 around the revolution axis A. Generally, the pinion refers to the gear on the drive side. The central rotating shaft 10 and the rotor 20 are supported by, for example, multiple rotary bearings provided on the base plate 80 to enable rotation.

[0026] Multiple container retainer outer peripheral portions 30 are respectively fixed to multiple positions of the rotor 20. For example, each container retainer outer peripheral portion 30 is fixed to a central block 33 by two side plates 31 and 32, and the central block 33 can also be fixed to the rotor 20. Alternatively, the multiple container retainer outer peripheral portions 30, each side plate 31 and 32, and the central block 33 can also be integrally formed by casting or the like.

[0027] The outer periphery 30 of the container holder has, for example, a cylindrical shape. Additionally, multiple inner periphery portions 40 of the container holders are respectively inserted into multiple outer periphery portions 30 of the container holders. Bearings 51 and 52 are respectively disposed between the outer side of the upper and lower portions of each inner periphery portion 40 and the inner side of the outer periphery portion 30 of the container holder. For example, bearings 51 and 52 may each include annular ball bearings.

[0028] Additionally, at the upper end of the inner periphery 40 of each container holder, a gear ring 41 that meshes with a pinion 11 connected to the central rotating shaft 10 is arranged coaxially. For example, when using a 1.5-liter stirring container, a gear set with 25 teeth on the pinion 11 and 48 teeth on the gear ring 41 can be used (e.g., module 4).

[0029] To improve the efficiency of stirring and degassing processes, the rotation axes B1, B2, ... of the inner periphery 40 of the container holders are inclined relative to the revolution axis A. The angle between the revolution axis A and the rotation axes B1, B2, ... is expected to be in the range of approximately 30° to approximately 60°. As a result, the distance between the upper part of the inner periphery 40 of the multiple container holders and the revolution axis A is shorter than the distance between the lower part of the inner periphery 40 of the multiple container holders and the revolution axis A.

[0030] Furthermore, the gear ring 41 is disposed at the upper end of the inner periphery 40 of the container holder, and thus the pinion 11 is also disposed at the upper end of the central rotation shaft 10. This minimizes the diameter of the pinion 11 and compactly forms the outer periphery 30 of the container holder, thereby reducing the excess space below the stirring container when the gear ring 41 is disposed at the lower part of the inner periphery 40 of the container holder, as in Patent Document 1. It should be noted that "below" usually refers to the direction of gravity, but regarding the outer periphery 30 and the inner periphery 40 of the container holder, the rotation axes B1, B2, ... are inclined relative to the vertical direction; therefore, "above" and "below" are defined along the direction of the rotation axes B1, B2, ...

[0031] The rotary drive mechanism 60 rotates the inner circumference of the multiple container holders 40 by rotating the central rotating shaft 10, and revolves the inner circumference of the multiple container holders 40 by rotating the rotor 20.

[0032] For example, the rotary drive mechanism 60 includes: a first pulley 61, which is coaxially arranged at the lower end of the central rotating shaft 10; a second pulley 62, which is connected to the first pulley 61 via a timing belt 65; and a first motor M1, which rotates the second pulley 62. By rotating the first motor M1, the central rotating shaft 10 can be rotated, causing the inner circumference 40 of the plurality of container holders to rotate.

[0033] Additionally, the rotary drive mechanism 60 includes: a third pulley 63, which is coaxially arranged at the lower end of the rotor 20; a fourth pulley 64, which is connected to the third pulley 63 via a timing belt 66; and a second motor M2, which rotates the fourth pulley 64. By rotating the second motor M2, the rotor 20 can be rotated, causing the inner circumference 40 of the plurality of container holders to revolve.

[0034] Alternatively, you can also use Figure 1Other than belt drive, such as idler drive or direct drive, are also possible drive methods. Regardless, the rotary drive mechanism 60 is configured to include a first motor M1 and a second motor M2, both composed of AC servo motors, and the rotational and revolution speeds of the inner periphery 40 of the container holder can be independently set by independently setting the rotational speeds of these motors.

[0035] Alternatively, the rotary drive mechanism 60 can be configured as a motor to cause the inner circumference 40 of the container holder to rotate and revolve. For example, if the second motor M2 is omitted and the rotor 20 is linked to the central rotating shaft 10, the first motor M1 can cause the inner circumference 40 of the container holder to rotate and revolve. The control circuit 70 has multiple operation buttons, etc., and controls at least the rotary drive mechanism 60 according to the operator's operation.

[0036] Furthermore, the stirring and degassing apparatus of this embodiment may also include a sealed structure (e.g., a sealable chamber) for sealing a space comprising the outer periphery 30 of a plurality of container holders and the inner periphery 40 of a plurality of container holders. In this case, by sealing the space around the stirring container containing the fluid and thus reducing pressure, the efficiency of stirring and degassing processes can be improved.

[0037] To construct the aforementioned sealed structure, for example, Figure 1 The stirring and degassing device shown includes: a base plate 80 supporting a central rotating shaft 10 and a plurality of container holding parts 40, etc.; a shell 81, such as a tank, surrounding the base plate 80 and housing the aforementioned machinery; and a cover 82, which is closable and can be installed on the upper part of the shell 81. Furthermore, a vacuum pump 90 is installed outside the shell 81, and the duct of the vacuum pump 90 is connected to the shell 81, thereby enabling pressure reduction of the internal space of the shell 81.

[0038] According to this embodiment, the inner periphery 40 of the multiple container holders that hold multiple mixing containers rotates and revolves, thereby improving the efficiency of mixing and degassing by utilizing the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation and revolution of the mixing containers. Furthermore, bearings 51 and 52 are respectively disposed between the outer sides of the upper and lower portions of the inner periphery 40 of each container holder and the inner side of the outer periphery 30 of the container holder, and a gear ring 41 is disposed at the upper end of the inner periphery 40 of each container holder, thereby reducing excess space generated below the mixing containers or effectively utilizing the space below the mixing containers.

[0039] <Structure of container retainer>

[0040] The outer periphery 30 and the inner periphery 40 of the container holder are combined as a whole to form the container holder. The materials for the outer periphery 30 and the inner periphery 40 of the container holder can be, for example, metals (such as stainless steel or aluminum), ceramics, or a combination of these materials.

[0041] In this embodiment, the inner periphery 40 of each container holder can hold the general stirring container 100, and can also hold the nozzle stirring container 101 with a predetermined number of filling containers (e.g., syringes 103) instead of the general stirring container 100.

[0042] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows that the inner periphery 40 of the container holder on the right holds the general-purpose stirring container 100, and the inner periphery 40 of the container holder on the left holds the stirring container 101 with a nozzle. However, it is also possible that all the inner periphery 40 of the container holder holds the general-purpose stirring container 100, or all the inner periphery 40 of the container holder holds the stirring container 101 with a nozzle.

[0043] The materials used for the general-purpose mixing container 100, the nozzle-equipped mixing container 101, and the syringe 103 can be, for example, resin, glass, ceramic, metal, or a combination of several of these materials. Furthermore, a lid may be provided on the top of the general-purpose mixing container 100 or the nozzle-equipped mixing container 101.

[0044] As a general-purpose mixing vessel 100, when using a general-purpose 1.5-liter resin container (body diameter: 114.5 mm, set total height: 160 mm), the inner diameter C of the inner circumference 40 of the container holder needs to be set to approximately 120 mm, and the depth L1 to approximately 165 mm. Furthermore, to facilitate the easy insertion and removal of clamps relative to the left and right inner circumferences 40 of the container holder, the depth L2 of the inner circumference 40 of the container holder, measured from the axis of revolution A, i.e., the point Y where the extension of the inner side of the inner circumference 40 of the container holder intersects with the axis of revolution A, is ideally set to approximately 250 mm or more to eliminate interference during container insertion and removal.

[0045] For example, in a first mode of agitating and degassing a fluid contained in multiple universal agitation containers 100 using centrifugal force, the multiple universal agitation containers 100 are held within the inner periphery 40 of multiple container holders. At this time, an empty space is created below the multiple container holders 30 and 40 inside the sealed structure.

[0046] In addition, in the second mode, in which the fluid that has been stirred and degassed is filled from multiple nozzle-equipped stirring containers 101 into multiple syringes 103 by using centrifugal force, the multiple nozzle-equipped stirring containers 101 equipped with multiple syringes 103 are held in the inner periphery 40 of multiple container holders.

[0047] Figure 2 It is Figure 1 The enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the container holder on the left side is shown. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 In this example, the position of the bottom surface of the outer periphery 30 of the container holder is indicated by XX. For a nozzle-stirred container 101, a plurality of syringes 103 are mounted via a dispenser 102. The dispenser 102 has a flow path for distributing and filling fluid supplied from the nozzle-stirred container 101 to the plurality of syringes 103.

[0048] The number of syringes assembled in a nozzle-stirring container 101 also depends on the size of the syringes. For example, a single large syringe 103 can be positioned below the nozzle-stirring container 101 on the rotation axis B2. Alternatively, two to sixteen syringes 103 can be arranged at equal intervals around the rotation axis B2 below the nozzle-stirring container 101. In this case, a two-way or multi-way dispenser is used as the dispenser 102 to distribute and fill the fluid into the multiple syringes 103.

[0049] In the second mode, when the capacity of the nozzle-equipped stirring container 101 and the syringe 103 is below a predetermined value, the nozzle-equipped stirring container 101 and the plurality of syringes 103 can be arranged within a distance L3 from the revolution axis A to the bottom surface of the outer periphery 30 of the container holder on the rotation axis B2. On the other hand, when the capacity of the nozzle-equipped stirring container 101 and the syringe 103 exceeds a predetermined value, the plurality of syringes 103 can protrude downward from the openings provided at the bottom of the plurality of container holders 30 and 40.

[0050] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, multiple syringes 103 protrude from openings provided at the bottom of multiple container holders 30 and 40 into a space lower than the bottom surface (XX). This allows for efficient use of the excess space, which, when the universal mixing container 100 is mounted on the inner periphery 40 of the container holder, is approximately triangular in plan view between the universal mixing container 100 and the base plate 80.

[0051] <Container Retainer Configuration>

[0052] exist Figure 1Two container holders are shown arranged at 180° intervals with the revolution axis A as the axis of symmetry, but the number of container holders can also be 4, 6, or 8, etc. However, the number of container holders mounted on the stirring and degassing device is selected within the range that the multiple gear rings 41 arranged to mesh with the pinion 11 do not interfere with each other. Conversely, the appropriate relationship between the diameter of the pinion 11 and the diameter of the gear rings 41 is determined based on the number of container holders mounted on the stirring and degassing device.

[0053] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the positional relationship between the pinion and the four gear rings in a stirring and degassing device equipped with four container holders. Here, in order to prevent the multiple gear rings 41 configured to mesh with the pinion 11 from interfering with each other, the relationship shown in the following formula is obtained between the diameter d of the pinion 11 and the diameter D of the gear rings 41.

[0054] D / 2 < (D / 2 + d / 2) × sin45°

[0055] ∴(2 1 / 2 -1)×D<d

[0056] Therefore, D < d / (2) 1 / 2 -1)≈2.4×d

[0057] Therefore, if the diameter D of the gear ring 41 is made smaller than approximately 2.4 times the diameter d of the pinion 11, it is possible to ensure that the multiple gear rings 41 configured to mesh with the pinion 11 do not interfere with each other, while setting the number of container holders mounted on the stirring and degassing device to 4.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the positional relationship between the pinion and the eight gear rings in a stirring and degassing device equipped with eight container holders. Here, in order to prevent the multiple gear rings 41 configured to mesh with the pinion 11 from interfering with each other, the relationship shown in the following formula is obtained between the diameter d of the pinion 11 and the diameter D of the gear rings 41.

[0059] D / 2 < (D / 2 + d / 2) × sin(45° / 2)

[0060] Therefore, D < (D + d) × sin22.5°

[0061] Here, it is approximately sin22.5°=(2-2 1 / 2 ) 1 / 2 / 2≈0.38.

[0062] D < (D + d) × 0.38

[0063] ∴(1 / 0.38-1)×D≈1.63×D<d

[0064] Therefore, D < d / 1.63 ≈ 0.61 × d

[0065] Therefore, if the diameter D of the gear ring 41 is made smaller than the diameter d of the pinion 11 by about 0.61 times, it is possible to ensure that the multiple gear rings 41 configured to mesh with the pinion 11 do not interfere with each other, while setting the number of container holders mounted on the stirring and degassing device to 8.

[0066] In addition, in the stirring and degassing device equipped with 6 container holders, in order to prevent the multiple gear rings 41 configured to mesh with the pinion 11 from interfering with each other, the relationship shown in the following formula is obtained between the diameter d of the pinion 11 and the diameter D of the gear rings 41.

[0067] D < d

[0068] Therefore, if the diameter D of the gear ring 41 is smaller than the diameter d of the pinion 11, it is possible to ensure that the multiple gear rings 41 configured to mesh with the pinion 11 do not interfere with each other, while setting the number of container holders mounted on the stirring and degassing device to 6.

[0069] On the other hand, when the diameter D of the gear ring 41 is set to be greater than or equal to the diameter d of the pinion 11, the number of container holders mounted on the stirring and degassing device needs to be set to 5 or less, and in the case of an even number, it needs to be set to 4 or less. In this way, the number of container holders mounted on the stirring and degassing device can be selected within a range where the multiple gear rings 41 configured to mesh with the pinion 11 do not interfere with each other.

[0070] <Fluid Processing Methods>

[0071] Next, instructions on using Figures 1-4 An example of a fluid handling method using the stirring and degassing apparatus shown. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a fluid processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 In this process, steps S1 to S3 correspond to the first mode of stirring and degassing the fluid contained in multiple general-purpose stirring containers 100 using centrifugal force, and steps S4 to S6 correspond to the second mode of filling the stirred and degassed fluid from multiple nozzle-equipped stirring containers 101 into multiple syringes 103 using centrifugal force.

[0072] exist Figure 5 In step S1, the operator holds multiple general-purpose stirring containers 100 containing fluid within multiple container holders 40. The multiple container holders 40 are rotatably inserted into multiple container holders 30 about a second axis. The multiple container holders 30 are respectively fixed at multiple positions of a rotor 20 that is rotatable about a revolution axis A.

[0073] For example, the operator may pre-fill the multiple universal mixing containers 100 with fluid and install a cover on the top of the universal mixing containers 100 before placing the multiple universal mixing containers 100 on the inner periphery 40 of the multiple container holders. Alternatively, the operator may place the multiple universal mixing containers 100 on the inner periphery 40 of the multiple container holders, fill the multiple universal mixing containers 100 with fluid, and install a cover on the top of the universal mixing containers 100. Afterwards, the operator closes the cover 82 located on the upper part of the housing 81.

[0074] In step S2, the operator activates the vacuum pump 90 by operating the control circuit 70, thereby sealing and depressurizing the space (e.g., the space within the chamber) of the inner periphery 40 of the multiple container holders that hold the multiple universal stirring containers 100. The control circuit 70 may also stop the vacuum pump 90 after a predetermined time or when the vacuum level reaches a predetermined value.

[0075] In step S3, the operator operates the control circuit 70 to rotate the central rotating shaft 10 of the pinion 11, which meshes with the gear ring 41 coaxially arranged at the upper end of the inner periphery 40 of each container holder, thereby causing the inner periphery 40 of the multiple container holders to rotate. Furthermore, the control circuit 70 rotates the rotor 20, causing the inner periphery 40 of the multiple container holders to revolve. As a result, the stirring and degassing device utilizes the centrifugal force generated by the rotation and revolution of the universal stirring container 100 to perform stirring and degassing treatment of the fluid contained in the multiple universal stirring containers 100.

[0076] In step S4, the operator holds multiple nozzle-equipped stirring containers 101, each equipped with multiple syringes 103, within the inner periphery 40 of multiple container holders, causing the multiple syringes 103 to protrude downwards from openings provided at the bottom of the multiple container holders 30 and 40. Additionally, the operator collects the stirred and deaerated fluid within the multiple nozzle-equipped stirring containers 101.

[0077] For example, the operator may hold the multiple nozzle-equipped stirring containers 101 within the inner periphery 40 of the multiple container holders while the multiple syringes 103 are assembled. Alternatively, the operator may assemble the multiple syringes 103 into the multiple nozzle-equipped stirring containers 101 after holding the multiple nozzle-equipped stirring containers 101 within the inner periphery 40 of the multiple container holders. Afterward, the operator collects fluid into the multiple nozzle-equipped stirring containers 101 and closes the cover 82 located on the upper part of the housing 81.

[0078] In step S5, the operator activates the vacuum pump 90 by operating the control circuit 70, thereby sealing off the space (e.g., the space within the chamber) of the inner periphery of the multiple container holding members that hold the multiple nozzle-equipped stirring containers 101 with multiple syringes 103, thus reducing the pressure. After a predetermined time has elapsed, or after the vacuum level has reached a predetermined value, the control circuit 70 may also stop the vacuum pump 90.

[0079] In step S6, the operator operates the control circuit 70 to rotate the inner circumference 40 of the plurality of container holders by rotating the central rotating shaft 10, and to revolve the inner circumference 40 of the plurality of container holders by rotating the rotor 20. As a result, the stirring and degassing device uses the centrifugal force generated by the rotation and revolution of the nozzle-stirring container 101 to fill the fluid contained in the plurality of nozzle-stirring containers 101 into the plurality of syringes 103.

[0080] Based on the above structure, the space below the universal mixing container 100 can be effectively utilized, and a mixing and degassing device can be used to mix and degas the fluid contained in multiple universal mixing containers 100, and the mixed and degassed fluid can be filled from the nozzle mixing container 101 into the syringe 103.

[0081] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Those skilled in the art can make many modifications within the technical concept of this invention.

[0082] Industrial availability

[0083] This invention can be used in stirring and degassing devices and fluid processing methods for stirring and degassing liquid or paste-like fluids.

Claims

1. A stirring and degassing device, comprising: A central rotating shaft, which can rotate about a first shaft together with a small gear arranged coaxially; A rotor that is capable of rotating around the central axis of rotation about the first axis; Multiple container retainers are fixed to multiple positions on the rotor and have openings at the bottom. Multiple container holder inner peripheral portions are respectively inserted into the multiple container holder outer peripheral portions, and openings are provided at the bottom corresponding to the openings of the multiple container holder outer peripheral portions. Bearings are respectively arranged between the upper and lower outer sides of each container holder inner peripheral portion and the inner side of the container holder outer peripheral portion. A gear ring that meshes with the pinion is coaxially arranged at the upper end of each container holder inner peripheral portion, and the multiple container holder inner peripheral portions are capable of rotating about a second axis inclined relative to the first axis. A rotary drive mechanism that causes the inner circumference of the plurality of container holders to rotate by rotating the central rotating shaft, and causes the inner circumference of the plurality of container holders to revolve by rotating the rotor; as well as A sealed structure for sealing a space including the outer periphery of the plurality of container holders and the inner periphery of the plurality of container holders. in, In a first mode where centrifugal force is used to agitate and degas a fluid contained in multiple agitated containers, when the multiple agitated containers are held within the inner periphery of the multiple container holders, an empty space is created inside the sealed structure below the outer periphery and inner periphery of the multiple container holders. In a second mode where centrifugal force is used to fill multiple filled containers from the multiple agitated containers into multiple filled containers, when the multiple agitated containers equipped with the multiple filled containers are held within the inner periphery of the multiple container holders, inside the sealed structure, the filled containers protrude from openings provided at the bottom of the outer periphery and inner periphery of each container holder into a space lower than the bottom surface of the outer periphery of the container holder.

2. A fluid processing method, wherein, The fluid processing method includes: Step (S1): A plurality of stirring containers containing fluid are held in the inner periphery of a plurality of container holders inserted into the outer periphery of a plurality of container holders. The outer periphery of the plurality of container holders is fixed to a plurality of positions of a rotor that can rotate about a first axis and has an opening at the bottom. The inner periphery of the plurality of container holders is rotatably inserted into the outer periphery of the plurality of container holders about a second axis that is inclined relative to the first axis and has an opening at the bottom corresponding to the opening of the outer periphery of the plurality of container holders. Step (S2) depressurizes the space within the inner periphery of the plurality of container holders that hold the plurality of stirring containers by sealing it with a sealed structure. Step (S3) involves rotating the central rotating shaft of a pinion that meshes with a gear ring coaxially arranged at the upper end of the inner periphery of each container holding member, thereby causing the inner periphery of the multiple container holding members to rotate, and causing the inner periphery of the multiple container holding members to revolve by rotating the rotor, thereby using centrifugal force to stir and degas the fluid contained in the multiple stirring containers. Step (S4) involves holding multiple stirring containers equipped with multiple filling containers within the inner periphery of the multiple container holders. Inside the sealed structure, the filling containers protrude from openings provided at the bottom of the outer periphery and inner periphery of each container holder into a space lower than the bottom surface of the outer periphery of the container holders, and the stirred and degassed fluid is contained in the multiple stirring containers. Step (S5) involves depressurizing the space within the inner periphery of the plurality of container holders, which hold the plurality of stirring containers assembled with the plurality of filled containers, by sealing them with the hermetic structure; and Step (S6): The inner circumference of the plurality of container holders rotates by rotating the central rotating shaft, and the inner circumference of the plurality of container holders revolves by rotating the rotor, thereby using centrifugal force to fill the plurality of filled containers with the fluid contained in the plurality of stirring containers.

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