Measuring device

Abstract

To provide a measuring device capable of measuring viscosity of an object with a simpler structure.SOLUTION: A measuring device 1 according to the present disclosure, which is a measuring device 1 that measures viscosity of an object, includes: a contact part 11b that contacts the object; a detection part 11c deformed according to force applied to the contact part 11b; and a control unit 50 that calculates the viscosity of the object on the basis of an electric signal output from the detection unit 11c. The detection unit 11c has a circuit CB that contains a resin, is formed integrally with the resin and outputs the electric signal varying according to the deformation of the detection part 11c to the control unit 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a measurement device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in order to prevent aspiration, food and drink have been thickened in a predetermined number of stages by adding water. The standard for thickness is vague, and the way the food solidifies varies depending on the thickening agent and water content used. Therefore, it is not easy to thicken the food well. In addition, the sense of thickness varies from person to person, and the degree of thickening tends to vary from person to person.

[0003] To solve the above problems, there are known techniques for objectively measuring viscosity. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a highly portable viscosity discriminator that can determine the degree of viscosity of a liquid with simple operation and without individual differences. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-148588 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For such measuring devices, there is a demand for a reduction in the number of parts, miniaturization, and weight reduction from the viewpoint of portability, etc. Conventional measuring devices generally require sensor parts to operate. For example, when a measuring device is intended to measure the viscosity of an object as a thickness while stirring the object, as in the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, a sensor part such as a pressure sensor is additionally mounted on the measuring device. This makes it difficult to reduce the size and weight of the measuring device.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a measurement device capable of measuring the viscosity of an object with a simpler configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A measuring device according to one embodiment for solving the above problems includes: A measuring device for measuring the viscosity of an object, comprising: A contact portion that comes into contact with the object; A detection portion that is distorted in response to a force applied to the contact portion; A control unit that calculates the viscosity of the object based on the electrical signal output from the detection unit; Equipped with The detection unit is Contains resin, The sensor further includes a circuit that is formed integrally with the resin and outputs the electrical signal, which changes in response to the distortion of the detection portion, to the control portion. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a measurement device that can measure the viscosity of an object with a simpler configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a measurement device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measurement device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of an agitation module of the measurement device of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the agitation module of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a part of the configuration of the mixing module of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measurement device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 7 is a front view showing a part of the configuration of the stirring module of the measurement device of FIG. 6. [Figure 8]FIG. 11 is a front view showing a part of the configuration of a measurement device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a part of the configuration of a measurement device according to a modified example of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be mainly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a measuring device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of the measuring device 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a front view showing an example of an agitation module 10 of the measuring device 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the agitation module 10 of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a part of the configuration of the agitation module 10 of FIG. 3. An example of the configuration of the measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the measurement device 1 has a housing 1a constituting a main body, and an agitation module 10 attached to the housing 1a at the tip of the measurement device 1. The agitation module 10 also functions as a measurement module that contributes to the measurement of the viscosity of the object by the measurement device 1. The agitation module 10 is supported by the housing 1a by attaching an end portion of the agitation module 10 opposite to a contact portion 11b (described later) for agitating the object to the housing 1a. The agitation module 10 operates while being supported by the housing 1a, and agitates the object while moving on a predetermined trajectory in accordance with the trajectory of the entire measurement device 1. The agitation module 10 contributes to the measurement of the viscosity of the object while agitating the object. The measurement device 1 measures the viscosity of the object using the agitation module 10.

[0013] In the present disclosure, the "object" includes, for example, non-Newtonian liquids, but is not limited thereto, and may include any other liquids and other fluids that are subject to agitation by the agitation module 10.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the stirring module 10 has a main body 11. The main body 11 constitutes the entire outer shape of the stirring module 10. The main body 11 has an attachment portion 11a, a contact portion 11b, and a detection portion 11c. The attachment portion 11a is attached to the housing 1a of the measurement device 1. The contact portion 11b is located at the tip of the main body 11 opposite the attachment portion 11a. The detection portion 11c is formed in the main body 11 such that one end of the detection portion 11c is attached to the attachment portion 11a and the other end is continuous with the contact portion 11b.

[0015] The stirring module 10 operates while being supported by the housing 1a, and stirs the target object by moving the contact part 11b located at the tip of the stirring module 10 in a predetermined trajectory. The stirring module 10 contributes to measuring the viscosity of the target object based on the distortion of the detection part 11c caused by the stirring of the target object by the contact part 11b.

[0016] Fig. 5 shows only the contact portion 11b and the detection portion 11c, excluding the mounting portion 11a of the main body portion 11. As can be seen from Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, the portion of the main body portion 11 excluding the mounting portion 11a is formed in a flat plate shape. The contact portion 11b and the detection portion 11c are continuously connected to each other with the same width in the main body portion 11, and form a single flat plate having a uniform width.

[0017] The contact portion 11b is formed on one half of the plate. The contact portion 11b performs an action of stirring the object. At this time, the contact portion 11b comes into contact with the object. For example, during the action of stirring the object, the surface A of the contact portion 11b in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction continues to contact the object while facing the moving direction of the stirring module 10. At this time, the contact portion 11b receives fluid resistance at the surface A associated with stirring the object. At the surface A of the contact portion 11b, a force facing in the opposite direction to the moving direction of the stirring module 10 acts as the contact portion 11b moves in the object.

[0018] The detection unit 11c is formed in the other half of the above-mentioned flat plate. The detection unit 11c contributes to the measurement of the viscosity of the object. For example, the detection unit 11c is distorted in response to the above-mentioned force applied to the contact portion 11b when the contact portion 11b comes into contact with the object during the stirring operation. The detection unit 11c outputs an electric signal that changes in response to the distortion of the detection unit 11c to the control unit 50, which will be described later. In this way, the detection unit 11c contributes to the measurement of the viscosity of the object by the control unit 50.

[0019] The main body 11 contains resin. As an example, the entire main body 11 including the attachment portion 11a, the contact portion 11b, and the detection portion 11c is formed of resin. That is, the detection portion 11c that contributes to measuring the viscosity of the object also contains resin.

[0020] As described below, in the present disclosure, the "resin" includes, for example, a thermoplastic resin. The "thermoplastic resin" includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of engineering plastics and super engineering plastics. The thermoplastic resin is, for example, a polyarylene sulfide resin. More specifically, the thermoplastic resin includes a polyarylene sulfide resin such as a polyphenylene sulfide resin.

[0021] 2, the measurement device 1 has a storage unit 20, a sensor unit 30, an output unit 40, and a control unit 50 in addition to the stirring module 10 having a main body unit 11. The storage unit 20, the sensor unit 30, and the control unit 50 are housed in a housing 1a of the measurement device 1. On the other hand, as also shown in FIG. 1, the output unit 40 is attached to the housing 1a so that a part of it is exposed to the outside from the outer surface of the housing 1a and is visible to the user.

[0022] The storage unit 20 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or any combination thereof. The storage unit 20 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 20 stores information used in the operation of the measuring device 1 and information obtained by the operation of the measuring device 1. For example, the storage unit 20 stores system programs, application programs, and various data acquired by any means such as communication.

[0023] The sensor unit 30 includes an arbitrary sensor module that measures at least one of the moving speed, moving direction, and inclination of the measuring device 1. The sensor module includes, for example, a gyro sensor that functions as a 9-axis acceleration sensor. The 9-axis acceleration sensor can measure the acceleration in three axial directions of X, Y, and Z, the angular velocity in three axial directions of X, Y, and Z, and the geomagnetism in three axial directions of X, Y, and Z. The sensor unit 30 outputs an output signal based on the sensing information to the control unit 50.

[0024] The output unit 40 includes one or more output interfaces that output information to notify the user according to control by the control unit 50. The output interfaces include a display that visually outputs information as an image, a speaker that audibly outputs information as sound, and a vibrator that tactilely outputs information as vibration.

[0025] The control unit 50 includes a microcontroller, a processor, a programmable circuit, a dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. "CPU" is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for Graphics Processing Unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for Field-Programmable Gate Array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. The control unit 50 is communicably connected to each component that constitutes the measurement device 1, and executes various processes related to the operation of the measurement device 1 while controlling each component.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5, the detection unit 11c has a circuit CB that is formed integrally with resin and outputs an electrical signal that changes according to the distortion of the detection unit 11c to the control unit 50. The circuit CB is formed over substantially the entire surface B of the detection unit 11c that is formed on the same side as the surface A of the contact unit 11b. As also shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the detection unit 11c has a pair of circuits CB on both sides that intersect with the moving direction of the contact unit 11b when the mixing module 10 mixes the target object with the contact unit 11b. That is, the circuit CB is formed on both the front surface B and the back surface B of the detection unit 11c that is formed in the other half of the flat plate shown in FIG. 5.

[0027] The circuit CB is formed, for example, by being directly drawn on the surface B of the resin that forms the detection unit 11c of the main body 11. In the circuit CB, wiring and electrodes are formed in each area of ​​the surface B of the resin that forms the detection unit 11c. The circuit CB is formed, for example, as a molded circuit using LDS, which is one of MIDs. "MID" is an abbreviation for Molded Interconnect Device. "LDS" is an abbreviation for Laser Direct Structuring. The circuit CB is formed by plating by directly irradiating a laser onto the surface B of the detection unit 11c as a molded product.

[0028] The circuit CB has wiring W formed on the surface B of the resin of the detection unit 11c. The circuit CB has an input electrode E1 and an output electrode E2 formed on the surface B of the resin of the detection unit 11c. The input electrode E1 and the output electrode E2 are formed in parallel to each other. The wiring W of the circuit CB includes a plurality of straight lines connecting the input electrode E1 and the output electrode E2 formed integrally with the resin.

[0029] For example, the wiring W has a connection line W1 extending linearly from each of the input electrode E1 and the output electrode E2. The wiring W has a perimeter line W2 connecting two ends of the two connection lines W1 located on the opposite sides of the input electrode E1 and the output electrode E2. The perimeter line W2 forms the perimeter of the wiring W and is drawn in a rectangular shape. The wiring W has a plurality of first straight lines W31 protruding in a comb shape from a long side W21 on one side of the perimeter line W2 toward a long side W22 on the other side. The wiring W has a plurality of second straight lines W32 protruding in a comb shape from the long side W22 on the other side of the perimeter line W2 toward the long side W21 on one side. The first straight lines W31 and the second straight lines W32 are drawn alternately one by one along the long side of the perimeter line W2.

[0030] The width d1 of each of the lines of the wiring W, for example the first straight line W31 and the second straight line W32, is not particularly limited, but is preferably 250 μm or less, more preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 150 μm or less, and even more preferably 100 μm or less. The interval d2 between the first straight line W31 and the second straight line W32 in the wiring W is not particularly limited, but is preferably 250 μm or less, more preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 150 μm or less, and even more preferably 100 μm or less. As an example, each of the width d1 and the interval d2 may be narrowed to about 50 μm.

[0031] The circuit CB formed on the surface B of the detection unit 11c outputs an electric signal that changes according to the electric resistance of the wiring W itself to the control unit 50. As a result, the detection unit 11c contributes to the calculation of the viscosity of the object by the control unit 50 based on the wiring W itself. For example, the circuit CB includes a strain gauge. More specifically, the circuit CB functions as a strain gauge based on the configuration of the wiring W described above.

[0032] For example, when the detection unit 11c is distorted as the contact unit 11b stirs the object, the wiring W formed as multiple straight lines connecting the input electrode E1 and the output electrode E2 is also distorted, and the electrical resistance of the wiring W changes depending on the degree of distortion. The amount of distortion in the detection unit 11c and the electrical resistance value of the wiring W are correlated with each other. As a result, the voltage between the input electrode E1 and the output electrode E2 changes depending on the distortion of the detection unit 11c. The circuit CB outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the electrical resistance of the wiring W itself, which changes depending on the distortion of the detection unit 11c, to the control unit 50 as an example of the above-mentioned electrical signal.

[0033] For example, the control unit 50 of the measurement device 1 calculates the viscosity of the object based on the electrical signal output from the circuit CB of the detection unit 11c. More specifically, the control unit 50 measures the viscosity of the object being stirred by the stirring module 10 by measuring the voltage change between the input electrode E1 and the output electrode E2 based on such an electrical signal. At this time, the control unit 50 calculates the viscosity of the object based on the output signal output from the sensor unit 30 in addition to the electrical signal output from the circuit CB of the detection unit 11c. The process of measuring the viscosity of the object executed by the control unit 50 of the measurement device 1 will be described.

[0034] First, the control unit 50 acquires actual measurement data, for example, in a preliminary calibration operation before actually measuring the viscosity of the object using the stirring module 10 of the measurement device 1, and stores it in the storage unit 20. In the present disclosure, the "actual measurement data" includes, for example, first data in which the voltage value of the electric signal output from the detection unit 11c and physical quantities such as the force and moment of force applied to the contact unit 11b when the voltage value is output from the detection unit 11c are associated with each other. The control unit 50 calculates a first approximation equation or the like showing the relationship between the voltage value and the physical quantity based on the first data, and stores it in the storage unit 20. In addition, the actual measurement data includes second data in which the above physical quantity, the moving speed of the measurement device 1 when the physical quantity is obtained, which is calculated by the control unit 50 using the sensor unit 30, and the viscosity of the object are associated with each other. The control unit 50 calculates a second approximation equation or the like showing the relationship between the above physical quantity, the moving speed of the measurement device 1, and the viscosity of the object based on the second data, and stores it in the storage unit 20.

[0035] When measuring the viscosity of the object, the control unit 50 calculates the viscosity of the object corresponding to the voltage value of the electric signal output from the detection unit 11c while referring to the above-mentioned first approximation formula and second approximation formula based on past actual measurement data including the first data and the second data stored in advance in the memory unit 20. The control unit 50 first calculates the above physical quantity by comparing the voltage value of the electric signal output from the detection unit 11c with the first approximation formula. The control unit 50 then calculates the viscosity of the object by comparing the calculated physical quantity with the second approximation formula together with the moving speed of the measurement device 1 calculated by the control unit 50 using the sensor unit 30. As described above, the control unit 50 measures the viscosity of the object based on past actual measurement data acquired in advance by a calibration operation.

[0036] The control unit 50 notifies the user, via the output unit 40, of classification information indicating, for example, the calculated degree of viscosity of the object. In the present disclosure, "classification information" includes, for example, a plurality of stages related to the viscosity of the object. For example, the classification information includes three stages: "thin," "medium," and "thick." "Thin" indicates that the object has low viscosity and is thinly thickened. "Medium" indicates that the object has medium viscosity and is mediumly thickened. "Thick" indicates that the object has high viscosity and is thickly thickened.

[0037] The control unit 50 causes the output unit 40 to output the classification information by any method based on at least one of vision, hearing, and touch. For example, the control unit 50 may cause the display of the output unit 40 to display the classification information as an image such as text, such as "light," "medium," and "dark." The control unit 50 may cause the speaker of the output unit 40 to output a sound at a volume corresponding to the classification information. The control unit 50 may cause the vibrator of the output unit 40 to output a vibration at a vibration amount corresponding to the classification information.

[0038] The control unit 50 determines, for example, whether the stirring conditions when the user stirs an object using the measuring device 1 are appropriate based on the output signal from the output unit 40. The control unit 50 notifies the user of the determination result via the output unit 40. In the present disclosure, the "stirring conditions" include the moving speed of the measuring device 1, the angle of the measuring device 1 with respect to the object or the earth's axis, i.e., the attitude of the measuring device 1 including the tilt, and the distance from the wall of a container that holds the object.

[0039] The control unit 50 executes the above-mentioned determination process, for example, by comparing appropriate stirring conditions stored in advance in the storage unit 20 with actual stirring conditions obtained based on the output signal from the output unit 40. For example, the control unit 50 executes the above-mentioned determination process by comparing the moving speed of the measuring device 1 obtained as an integral value of the output signal from the output unit 40 related to acceleration with an appropriate value or its numerical range of the moving speed stored in advance in the storage unit 20. The control unit 50 executes the above-mentioned determination process by comparing the attitude of the measuring device 1 obtained based on the output signal from the output unit 40 with an appropriate value or its numerical range of the attitude of the measuring device 1 stored in advance in the storage unit 20.

[0040] For example, the control unit 50 executes the above-mentioned determination process by comparing the deceleration of the measuring device 1 obtained based on the output signal from the output unit 40 with an appropriate value or its numerical range of the deceleration of the measuring device 1 stored in advance in the storage unit 20. For example, when the deceleration of the measuring device 1 obtained based on the output signal from the output unit 40 is greater than the appropriate value, the control unit 50 determines that the mixing module 10 of the measuring device 1 has come into contact with the wall of a container containing an object and the measuring device 1 has stopped. At this time, the control unit 50 determines that the separation state from the wall of the container containing the object when the user uses the measuring device 1 to mix the object is not appropriate.

[0041] The control unit 50 causes the output unit 40 to output the determination result by any method based on at least one of vision, hearing, and touch. For example, the control unit 50 may cause the display of the output unit 40 to display the determination result as an image such as text. The control unit 50 may cause the speaker of the output unit 40 to output a sound at a volume according to the determination result. The control unit 50 may cause the vibrator of the output unit 40 to output a vibration at a vibration amount according to the determination result.

[0042] For example, when the control unit 50 determines that the stirring conditions are not appropriate, it notifies the user via the output unit 40 of support information that supports the user in stirring so that the stirring conditions become appropriate. In the present disclosure, "support information" includes, for example, the appropriate value of the stirring conditions itself, a numerical value related to the appropriate value, a method of operating the measuring device 1 by the user to approach the appropriate value, and auditory or tactile information suggesting the operation method.

[0043] For example, when the control unit 50 determines that the moving speed of the measuring device 1 is not appropriate, the control unit 50 may display the appropriate value and the current value of the moving speed on the display of the output unit 40 to assist the user in stirring so that the value of the current moving speed approaches the appropriate value. When the control unit 50 determines that the moving speed of the measuring device 1 is not appropriate, the control unit 50 may display only the relative value between the appropriate value and the current value of the moving speed on the display of the output unit 40 to assist the user in stirring so that the relative value approaches zero. The control unit 50 may display a message on the display of the output unit 40 to move the measuring device 1 slower if the value of the current moving speed is greater than the appropriate value. The control unit 50 may display a message on the display of the output unit 40 to move the measuring device 1 faster if the value of the current moving speed is smaller than the appropriate value.

[0044] Alternatively, the control unit 50 may output a sound at a louder volume from the speaker of the output unit 40 as the value of the current moving speed deviates more from the appropriate value. The control unit 50 may support the user's stirring so that the value of the current moving speed approaches the appropriate value by continuously lowering the volume of the sound from the speaker of the output unit 40 as the value of the current moving speed approaches the appropriate value.

[0045] Alternatively, the control unit 50 may output a vibration with a larger vibration magnitude from the vibrator of the output unit 40 as the value of the current moving speed deviates more from the appropriate value. The control unit 50 may assist the user in stirring so that the value of the current moving speed approaches the appropriate value by continuously decreasing the vibration magnitude of the vibration from the vibrator of the output unit 40 as the value of the current moving speed approaches the appropriate value.

[0046] For example, when the control unit 50 determines that the posture of the measuring device 1 is not appropriate, the control unit 50 may display the appropriate value and the current value of the posture of the measuring device 1 on the display of the output unit 40 to assist the user in stirring so that the value of the current posture approaches the appropriate value. When the control unit 50 determines that the posture of the measuring device 1 is not appropriate, the control unit 50 may display only the relative value between the appropriate value of the posture and the current value on the display of the output unit 40 to assist the user in stirring so that the relative value approaches zero. If the value of the current posture is different from the appropriate value, the control unit 50 may display on the display of the output unit 40 a message to tilt the measuring device 1 at an appropriate angle and a direction in which to change the tilt of the measuring device 1, etc.

[0047] Alternatively, the control unit 50 may output a sound at a louder volume from the speaker of the output unit 40 as the current posture value deviates more from the appropriate value. The control unit 50 may support the user's stirring so that the current posture value approaches the appropriate value by continuously lowering the volume of the sound from the speaker of the output unit 40 as the current posture value approaches the appropriate value.

[0048] Alternatively, the control unit 50 may output a vibration with a greater vibration intensity from the vibrator of the output unit 40 as the current posture value deviates more from the appropriate value. The control unit 50 may assist the user in stirring so that the current posture value approaches the appropriate value by continuously decreasing the vibration intensity from the vibrator of the output unit 40 as the current posture value approaches the appropriate value.

[0049] For example, when the control unit 50 determines that the distance from the wall of the container containing the object is not appropriate, it may display a message on the display of the output unit 40 indicating that the measuring device 1 has come into contact with the wall, thereby assisting the user in stirring the object so that the measuring device 1 moves away from the wall.

[0050] Alternatively, when the measuring device 1 comes into contact with a wall, the control unit 50 may output a sound at a high volume from the speaker of the output unit 40. When the measuring device 1 moves away from the wall, the control unit 50 may support the user's stirring to appropriately separate the measuring device 1 from the wall of the container that contains the object by muting the sound from the speaker of the output unit 40.

[0051] Alternatively, when the measuring device 1 comes into contact with a wall, the control unit 50 may output a large vibration from the vibrator of the output unit 40. When the measuring device 1 moves away from the wall, the control unit 50 may support the user's stirring to appropriately separate the measuring device 1 from the wall of the container that contains the object by canceling the vibration from the vibrator of the output unit 40.

[0052] Second embodiment Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measurement device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a front view showing a part of the configuration of the stirring module 10 of the measurement device 1 of Fig. 6. Fig. 7 corresponds to Fig. 5 in the first embodiment. An example of the configuration of the stirring module 10 according to the second embodiment will be mainly described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7.

[0053] The stirring module 10 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the components of the main body 11, excluding the mounting portion 11a, have a shape as shown in FIG. 7. The other configurations, functions, effects, and modifications are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the corresponding explanations also apply to the stirring module 10 and measuring device 1 according to the second embodiment. In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the explanations thereof will be omitted. The differences from the first embodiment will be mainly explained.

[0054] 7 shows only the components of the main body 11 excluding the mounting portion 11a, as in FIG. 5. In the stirring module 10 according to the second embodiment, the portion of the main body 11 excluding the mounting portion 11a is formed in a shape different from the flat plate shape in the first embodiment. For example, the detection portion 11c has a portion formed narrower than the contact portion 11b. The main body 11 of the stirring module 10 further has a tapered portion 11d that connects the contact portion 11b and the detection portion 11c and gradually tapers from the contact portion 11b toward the detection portion 11c.

[0055] In the main body 11, the contact portion 11b, the tapered portion 11d, and the detection portion 11c are formed continuously in this order to form one plate having a non-uniform width. The contact portion 11b is formed at the bottom of the plate. The tapered portion 11d is formed continuously from the upper end of the contact portion 11b, and the width gradually narrows from the contact portion 11b toward the detection portion 11c so that the outer edge draws a gentle curve. The detection portion 11c is formed continuously from the upper end of the tapered portion 11d. The lower portion 11c1 of the detection portion 11c is formed narrower than the contact portion 11b. The central portion 11c2 of the detection portion 11c is formed continuously from the upper end of the lower portion 11c1 of the detection portion 11c, and the width gradually widens from the lower portion 11c1 of the detection portion 11c toward the upper portion 11c3 of the detection portion 11c so that the outer edge draws a gentle curve. An upper portion 11c3 of the detection portion 11c is formed to be as wide as the contact portion 11b.

[0056] The detection unit 11c has a circuit CB in a portion of the detection unit 11c that is formed narrower than the contact unit 11b. For example, in the circuit CB, the outer peripheral line W2 of the wiring W and the first straight line W31 and the second straight line W32 are formed in the lower portion 11c1 of the detection unit 11c. Meanwhile, in the circuit CB, the connection line W1 of the wiring W is formed from the central portion 11c2 to the upper portion 11c3 of the detection unit 11c. In the circuit CB, the input electrode E1 and the output electrode E2 are formed in the upper portion 11c3 of the detection unit 11c.

[0057] (resin) The resin used in the embodiment including the first and second embodiments is preferably a thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polyolefin resins such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and polybutene; polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate; polyamide resins or aromatic polyamide resins such as nylon-6 and nylon 6,6; thermoplastic polyimide resins; polyamideimide resins; polystyrene resins such as polystyrene, syndiotactic polystyrene, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer resins, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resins; polyarylene sulfide resins such as polyphenylene sulfide; polyphenylene ether resins; polyurethane resins; polylactic acid; polyether ether ketone resins; polyetherimide resins; polyketone resins; polyarylate resins such as amorphous polyarylate and liquid crystal polyarylate; and liquid crystal polyester resins.

[0058] Among these, the thermoplastic resin used in one embodiment is preferably a thermoplastic polyimide resin, a polyamideimide resin, a polyarylene sulfide resin, a polyphenylene ether resin, a polyether ether ketone resin, a polyetherimide resin, a polyketone resin, a polyarylate resin, or a liquid crystal polyester resin, which are so-called engineering plastics or super engineering plastics excellent in heat resistance, mechanical properties, etc., and from the viewpoints of chemical resistance, heat resistance, and mechanical properties, a polyarylene sulfide resin is more preferable, and among polyarylene sulfide resins (hereinafter also referred to as "PAS resins"), a polyphenylene sulfide resin (hereinafter also referred to as "PPS resins") is particularly preferable.

[0059] In one embodiment, the above resin may be used alone, or may be used in the form of a polymer alloy in which a plurality of the above resins are mixed. The resin according to one embodiment may also contain a filler. The resin containing a filler may contain the filler and the above resin described below, and may be in the form of a composition containing any of the following optional additive components (colorant, antistatic agent, antioxidant, heat stabilizer, ultraviolet stabilizer, ultraviolet absorber, foaming agent, flame retardant, flame retardant assistant, rust inhibitor, coupling agent, silane coupling agent, thermoplastic elastomer, or synthetic resin) as necessary.

[0060] The polyarylene sulfide resin has a resin structure having a repeating unit in which an aromatic ring and a sulfur atom are bonded. Specifically, the polyarylene sulfide resin is a resin having a repeating unit of a structural portion represented by the following general formula (1) and, if necessary, a trifunctional structural portion represented by the following general formula (2).

[0061] [ka] In formula (1), R 1 and R 2 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a nitro group, an amino group, a phenyl group, a methoxy group, or an ethoxy group.

[0062] [ka] The trifunctional structural moiety represented by formula (2) is preferably present in an amount of 0.001 to 3 mol %, particularly preferably 0.01 to 1 mol %, based on the total number of moles including other structural moieties.

[0063] Here, the structural portion represented by the above general formula (1) is particularly R 1 and R 2 is preferably a hydrogen atom from the viewpoint of the mechanical strength of the PAS resin, and in that case, examples include those bonded at the para position represented by the following formula (3) and those bonded at the meta position represented by the following formula (4).

[0064] [ka] Among these, a structure in which the bond of the sulfur atom to the aromatic ring in the repeating unit is bonded at the para position represented by the above general formula (3) is particularly preferred in terms of the heat resistance and crystallinity of the PAS resin.

[0065] In addition, the PAS resin may contain not only the structural moieties represented by the above general formulas (1) and (2), but also the structural moieties represented by the following structural formulas (5) to (8) in an amount of 30 mol % or less of the total of the structural moieties represented by the above general formulas (1) and (2).

[0066] [ka] In one embodiment, the structural moieties represented by the general formulae (5) to (8) are preferably 10 mol % or less in terms of the heat resistance and mechanical strength of the PAS resin. When the structural moieties represented by the general formulae (5) to (8) are contained in the PAS resin, the bonding mode thereof may be either a random copolymer or a block copolymer.

[0067] In addition, the PAS resin may have naphthyl sulfide bonds or the like in its molecular structure, but the amount of such bonds is preferably 3 mol % or less, and particularly preferably 1 mol % or less, relative to the total number of moles including other structural portions.

[0068] The physical properties of the PAS resin are not particularly limited as long as they do not impair the effects of one embodiment, but are as follows.

[0069] ((Melt Viscosity)) The melt viscosity of the PAS resin is not particularly limited, but in order to obtain a good balance between fluidity and mechanical strength, the melt viscosity (V6) measured at 300°C is preferably in the range of 2 Pa·s or more, preferably in the range of 1000 Pa·s or less, more preferably in the range of 500 Pa·s or less, and even more preferably in the range of 200 Pa·s or less. The melt viscosity (V6) is measured using a Shimadzu flow tester, CFT-500D, at 300°C, load: 1.96×10 6 The melt viscosity is measured after holding the sample for 6 minutes at a pressure of 1 Pa and L / D = 10 (mm) / 1 (mm).

[0070] ((Non-Newtonian Exponents)) The non-Newtonian index of the PAS resin is not particularly limited, but is preferably in the range of 0.90 or more to 2.00 or less. When a linear polyarylene sulfide resin is used, the non-Newtonian index is preferably in the range of 0.90 or more, more preferably in the range of 0.95 or more to preferably in the range of 1.50 or less, more preferably in the range of 1.20 or less. Such a polyarylene sulfide resin is excellent in mechanical properties, fluidity, and abrasion resistance. However, in one embodiment, the non-Newtonian index (N value) is a value calculated using the following formula by measuring the shear rate (SR) and shear stress (SS) using a capillograph under the conditions of melting point +20°C and the ratio of the orifice length (L) to the orifice diameter (D) L / D=40. The closer the non-Newtonian index (N value) is to 1, the closer the structure is to a linear structure, and the higher the non-Newtonian index (N value), the more branched the structure is.

[0071]

number

[0072] In one embodiment, the resin used contains a metal oxide containing at least one of copper and chromium for the purpose of forming a molded circuit using LDS. The metal oxide generates heat when irradiated with a laser in the resulting molded article, melts the resin, and roughens the surface of the molded article, and is activated by laser irradiation to selectively form a plating layer.

[0073] The metal oxide contains at least one of copper and chromium, and may further contain other metals such as iron, aluminum, gallium, boron, molybdenum, tungsten, and selenium.

[0074] Specific examples of the metal oxide include, but are not limited to, CuFe 0.5 B 0.5 O 2.5 , CuAl 0.5 B 0.5 O 2.5 , CuGa 0.5 B 0.5 O 2.5 , CuB2O4, CuB 0.7 O2, CuMo 0.7 O3, CuMo 0.5 O 2.5 , CuMoO4, CuWO4, CuSeO4, CuCr2O4, etc. Among these, the metal oxide is CuCr2O4, CuFe 0.5 B 0.5 O 2.5 , CuAl 0.5 B 0.5 O 2.5 It is preferable that CuCr2O4, CuFe 0.5 B 0.5 O 2.5It is more preferable that the metal oxide is one of these. These metal oxides may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0075] The average particle size of the metal oxide is preferably 0.01 μm or more, more preferably 0.05 μm or more, and preferably 50 μm or less, more preferably 30 μm or less. When the average particle size of the metal oxide is 0.01 μm or more, it is preferable because efficient and stable production can be achieved. On the other hand, when the average particle size of the metal oxide is 50 μm or less, it is preferable because material strength can be maintained. In this disclosure, the "average particle size of the metal oxide" means the number average particle size, and the value measured by electron microscopy is adopted. Specifically, the particle sizes of 100 arbitrarily selected metal oxide particles in one visual field of an electron microscope are measured, and the average value is calculated.

[0076] The Mohs hardness of the metal oxide is preferably in the range of 4.0 or more, preferably 6.5 or less, more preferably 6.0 or less.

[0077] The amount of the metal oxide is preferably 15 parts by mass or more, more preferably 20 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 25 parts by mass or more, and preferably 90 parts by mass or less, relative to 100 parts by mass of the PAS resin. When the amount of the metal oxide is 15 parts by mass or more relative to 100 parts by mass of the PAS resin, it is preferable from the viewpoints that the surface roughening and activation of the metal oxide by laser irradiation can be highly generated in the obtained molded product, and that the plating property is excellent. On the other hand, when the amount of the metal oxide is 90 parts by mass or less relative to 100 parts by mass of the PAS resin, it is preferable from the viewpoints that the material strength can be maintained.

[0078] As the other filler, known and commonly used materials can be used as long as they do not impair the effect of one embodiment, and examples of such fillers include fillers of various shapes, such as fibrous ones and non-fibrous ones such as granular and plate-shaped ones. Specifically, fibrous fillers such as glass fiber, carbon fiber, silane glass fiber, ceramic fiber, aramid fiber, metal fiber, potassium titanate, silicon carbide, calcium silicate, wollastonite, and natural fibers can be used, and non-fibrous fillers such as glass beads, glass flakes, barium sulfate, clay, pyrophyllite, bentonite, sericite, mica, talc, kerolite, pimelite, pyrophyllite, hydrotalcite, kaolinite, attapulgite, ferrite, calcium silicate, calcium carbonate, glass beads, zeolite, milled fiber, and calcium sulfate can also be used.

[0079] In one embodiment, the content of the filler is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effect of the embodiment. The amount of the filler to be blended is, for example, preferably 1 part by mass or more, more preferably 10 parts by mass or more, and preferably 600 parts by mass or less, more preferably 200 parts by mass or less, relative to 100 parts by mass of the resin. In this range, the resin exhibits good mechanical strength and moldability, which is preferable.

[0080] The resin used in one embodiment can be mixed with a silane coupling agent as an optional component as necessary. The silane coupling agent is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effect of one embodiment, but a silane coupling agent having a functional group that reacts with a carboxy group, such as an epoxy group, an isocyanato group, an amino group, or a hydroxyl group, is preferably mentioned. Examples of such silane coupling agents include epoxy group-containing alkoxysilane compounds such as γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropyltriethoxysilane, and β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxysilane; isocyanato group-containing alkoxysilane compounds such as γ-isocyanatopropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane, γ-isocyanatopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, γ-isocyanatopropylmethyldiethoxysilane, γ-isocyanatopropylethyldimethoxysilane, γ-isocyanatopropylethyldiethoxysilane, and γ-isocyanatopropyltrichlorosilane; amino group-containing alkoxysilane compounds such as γ-(2-aminoethyl)aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, γ-(2-aminoethyl)aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, and γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane; and hydroxyl group-containing alkoxysilane compounds such as γ-hydroxypropyltrimethoxysilane and γ-hydroxypropyltriethoxysilane. In one embodiment, the silane coupling agent is not an essential component, but when it is blended, the blending amount is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effect of the embodiment, and is preferably in the range of 0.01 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.1 parts by mass or more, to preferably 10 parts by mass or less, more preferably 5 parts by mass or less, relative to 100 parts by mass of the resin. In such a range, the resin has good corona resistance and moldability, especially releasability, and the molded product exhibits excellent adhesion to the epoxy resin while further improving mechanical strength, which is preferable.

[0081] The resin used in one embodiment may contain a thermoplastic elastomer as an optional component, if necessary. Examples of the thermoplastic elastomer include polyolefin-based elastomers, fluorine-based elastomers, and silicone-based elastomers, among which polyolefin-based elastomers are preferred. When these elastomers are added, the amount of the elastomers is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effects of one embodiment, but is preferably in the range of 0.01 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.1 parts by mass or more, to preferably 10 parts by mass or less, more preferably 5 parts by mass or less, based on 100 parts by mass of resin (A). In this range, the impact resistance of the resulting resin is improved, which is preferable.

[0082] For example, the polyolefin-based elastomer may be a homopolymer of an α-olefin, a copolymer of two or more α-olefins, or a copolymer of one or more α-olefins and a vinyl polymerizable compound having a functional group. In this case, the α-olefin may be an α-olefin having 2 or more to 8 or less carbon atoms, such as ethylene, propylene, or 1-butene. In addition, the functional group may be a carboxy group, an acid anhydride group (-C(=O)OC(=O)-), an epoxy group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, an isocyanate group, or an oxazoline group. Examples of the vinyl polymerizable compound having the functional group include one or more of vinyl acetate, α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids such as (meth)acrylic acid, alkyl esters of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, and butyl acrylate, metal salts of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids such as ionomers (metals include alkali metals such as sodium, alkaline earth metals such as calcium, and zinc), glycidyl esters of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids such as glycidyl methacrylate, α,β-unsaturated dicarboxylic acids such as maleic acid, fumaric acid, and itaconic acid, and derivatives of the above α,β-unsaturated dicarboxylic acids (monoesters, diesters, and acid anhydrides). The above thermoplastic elastomers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0083] Furthermore, in addition to the above components, the resin used in one embodiment may further contain synthetic resins such as polyester resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, polyetherimide resin, polycarbonate resin, polyphenylene ether resin, polysulfone resin, polyethersulfone resin, polyetheretherketone resin, polyetherketone resin, polyarylene resin, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, polytetrafluoroethylene resin, polydifluoroethylene resin, polystyrene resin, ABS resin, phenol resin, urethane resin, and liquid crystal polymer as optional components depending on the application. Although the above synthetic resin is not an essential component in one embodiment, when it is added, the ratio of the synthetic resin to be added is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effect of one embodiment, and it differs depending on each purpose and cannot be generally defined, but the ratio of the synthetic resin to be added in the resin according to one embodiment is, for example, in the range of 5 parts by mass or more and 15 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of the resin. In other words, the ratio of resin (A) to the total of resin (A) and the synthetic resin is preferably in the range of (100 / 115) or more, and more preferably in the range of (100 / 105) or more, on a mass basis.

[0084] The resin used in one embodiment may contain other known and commonly used additives as optional components, such as colorants, antistatic agents, antioxidants, heat stabilizers, UV stabilizers, UV absorbers, foaming agents, flame retardants, flame retardant assistants, rust inhibitors, and coupling agents, etc. These additives are not essential components, and may be used, for example, in an amount of preferably 0.01 parts by mass or more and preferably 1000 parts by mass or less relative to 100 parts by mass of the resin, with appropriate adjustment depending on the purpose and application so as not to impair the effects of one embodiment.

[0085] A method for producing the resin used in one embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0086] The resin used in one embodiment is a mixture of each essential component and other optional components as required. The method for producing the resin used in one embodiment is not particularly limited, but includes a method of blending the essential components and optional components as required and melt-kneading them, more specifically, a method of uniformly dry-mixing them as required using a tumbler or Henschel mixer, and then feeding them into a twin-screw extruder and melt-kneading them.

[0087] The melt kneading can be carried out by heating the resin to a temperature range in which the resin temperature is equal to or higher than the melting point of the resin, preferably equal to or higher than the melting point + 10°C, more preferably equal to or higher than the melting point + 10°C, even more preferably equal to or higher than the melting point + 20°C, preferably equal to or lower than the melting point + 100°C, more preferably equal to or lower than the melting point + 50°C.

[0088] The melt kneader is preferably a twin-screw kneading extruder from the viewpoint of dispersibility and productivity. For example, it is preferable to melt knead while appropriately adjusting the discharge amount of the resin component in the range of 5 to 500 (kg / hr) and the screw rotation speed in the range of 50 to 500 (rpm), and it is more preferable to melt knead under the condition that the ratio (discharge amount / screw rotation speed) is in the range of 0.02 to 5 (kg / hr / rpm). In addition, the addition and mixing of each component to the melt kneader may be performed simultaneously or in portions. For example, when an additive is added among the above components, it is preferable to feed the additive into the extruder from a side feeder of the twin-screw kneading extruder from the viewpoint of dispersibility. The position of the side feeder is preferably such that the ratio of the distance from the extruder resin input part (top feeder) to the side feeder to the total screw length of the twin-screw kneading extruder is 0.1 or more, more preferably 0.3 or more. In addition, such a ratio is preferably 0.9 or less, more preferably 0.7 or less.

[0089] The resin according to one embodiment obtained by melt kneading in this manner is a molten mixture containing the above-mentioned essential components, optional components added as necessary, and components derived therefrom. After the melt kneading, it is preferable to process the molten resin by a known method, for example, by extruding the resin in a strand shape, and then processing it into a form such as pellets, chips, granules, or powder, and then pre-drying it at a temperature range of 100 to 150° C. as necessary.

[0090] The molded article of one embodiment is formed by molding a resin. A method for producing the molded article of one embodiment includes a step of melt-molding the resin. The method will be described in detail below.

[0091] The resin used in one embodiment is subjected to injection molding. The various molding conditions are not particularly limited, and molding can be performed by a general method. For example, in an injection molding machine, the resin is melted at a temperature range of the melting point of the resin or higher, preferably at a temperature range of the melting point +10°C or higher, more preferably at a temperature range of the melting point +10°C to the melting point +100°C, and even more preferably at a temperature range of the melting point +20 to the melting point +50°C, and then the resin is injected into a mold from a resin discharge port and molded. At that time, the mold temperature may be set to a known temperature range, for example, room temperature (23°C) to 300°C, preferably 120 to 180°C.

[0092] (effect) According to the measuring device 1 according to the embodiment as described above, the viscosity of an object can be measured with a simpler configuration. Since the measuring device 1 has the circuit CB formed integrally with the resin in the main body 11, it is not necessary to additionally mount a sensor component such as a pressure sensor when measuring the viscosity of an object, as in the conventional technology. The measuring device 1 can also omit the arrangement of wiring corresponding to the pressure sensor. The measuring device 1 does not need to separately arrange a sheet or film for the sensor component and a substrate forming an electric circuit. The measuring device 1 does not need to separately provide a joint or bonding portion of the sheet, film, and substrate. The measuring device 1 can measure the viscosity of an object with the above-mentioned simpler configuration.

[0093] The measuring device 1 can achieve a reduction in the number of parts, size, and weight. Therefore, the measuring device 1 can be easily carried around with improved portability. The measuring device 1 can also improve the freedom of designing its shape. In addition, the measuring device 1 has improved waterproofing and water resistance because the main body 11 contains resin, and can be washed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and for other hygienic purposes. Unlike conventional metal devices, the measuring device 1 is light and rust during washing can be suppressed.

[0094] The measuring device 1 has a contact portion 11b that contacts the object, and thus can stir the object in addition to measuring the viscosity of the object. Therefore, the measuring device 1 can measure the viscosity of the object in real time while stirring the object. The user can continue stirring the object with the measuring device 1 until the desired appropriate viscosity is reached while checking the measurement result of the viscosity of the object using the measuring device 1 on the output unit 40 or the like. For example, for an object that requires viscosity adjustment, such as nursing care food, the user can adjust the stirring of the object with the measuring device 1 so that the object has a specified viscosity.

[0095] The circuit CB has wiring W formed on the surface B of the resin, and outputs an electrical signal that changes according to the electrical resistance of the wiring W itself to the control unit 50. As a result, the measurement device 1 has an integrated molded product that contributes to measuring the viscosity of the target object by directly drawing the circuit CB on the stirring module 10. Since the drawn circuit CB itself serves as a means for transmitting an electrical signal, the measurement device 1 does not need to additionally provide wiring such as a harness and a board. The measurement device 1 does not require a shape and space for accommodating a wired harness and a board on which a circuit is formed, and can therefore avoid a complicated shape and simplify its configuration.

[0096] The measuring device 1 tends to become charged because the main body 11 contains resin, but even in such a case, the charge can be easily removed by the plating wiring W in the metal circuit CB formed on the surface B. The measuring device 1 can effectively remove the charged static electricity by the path shape of the wiring W that is directly drawn on the surface.

[0097] The measuring device 1 calculates the viscosity of the object based on the electrical signal output from the detection unit 11c as well as the output signal output from the sensor unit 30. This allows the measuring device 1 to measure the viscosity of the object with higher accuracy, for example, by using a gyro sensor included in the sensor unit 30 to measure the moving speed of the measuring device 1 during stirring in accordance with a reciprocating motion or the like, or by detecting interference of the measuring device 1 with a container that contains the object.

[0098] The measuring device 1 judges whether the stirring conditions when the user stirs the object using the measuring device 1 are appropriate based on the output signal from the sensor unit 30, and notifies the user of the judgment result via the output unit 40. This allows the user to easily judge whether the object is accurately stirred under appropriate stirring conditions when stirring the object. Therefore, the stirring accuracy when the user stirs the object using the measuring device 1 is improved. In addition, the convenience of the measuring device 1 is also improved.

[0099] When the measuring device 1 determines that the stirring conditions are not appropriate, it notifies the user through the output unit 40 of support information that supports the user in stirring so that the stirring conditions become appropriate. This allows the user to recognize that the stirring conditions are not appropriate when stirring the object, and to correct the operation of the measuring device 1 so that the stirring conditions become appropriate according to the support information output from the output unit 40. This improves the stirring accuracy when the user stirs the object using the measuring device 1. In addition, the convenience of the measuring device 1 is also improved.

[0100] The measuring device 1 notifies the user of classification information indicating the calculated degree of viscosity via the output unit 40. This allows the user to grasp the viscosity of the object in real time via the output unit 40 of the measuring device 1. The user can continue stirring the object with the measuring device 1 until the desired appropriate viscosity is reached while checking the measurement result of the viscosity of the object using the measuring device 1 on the output unit 40. For example, for an object that requires viscosity adjustment, such as nursing care food, the user can adjust the stirring of the object with the measuring device 1 so that the object has a specified viscosity.

[0101] The detection unit 11c has a pair of circuits CB on both sides that intersect with the moving direction of the contact unit 11b when stirring the object. This allows the measurement device 1 to measure the viscosity of the object in both reciprocating directions even when the contact unit 11b performs a reciprocating motion.

[0102] The detection unit 11c has a circuit CB in a portion of the detection unit 11c that is formed narrower than the contact portion 11b, as shown in FIG. 7, for example. This allows the measurement device 1 to increase the area of ​​the contact portion 11b that contacts the object to be relatively large to increase the force applied to the contact portion 11b, while narrowing the width of the detection unit 11c in the strain gauge portion of the circuit CB to make it easier to distort. Therefore, the measurement device 1 can measure the viscosity of the object even if the object has a low viscosity. The measurement device 1 can distort the detection unit 11c even if the object has a low viscosity, and can cause the stirring module 10 to function as a more sensitive strain gauge.

[0103] The main body 11 of the measuring device 1 further has a tapered portion 11d that connects the contact portion 11b and the detection portion 11c and gradually tapers from the contact portion 11b toward the detection portion 11c, as shown in FIG. 7, for example. This allows the measuring device 1 to smoothly connect the wide contact portion 11b and the narrow detection portion 11c, and the effect of the force applied to the contact portion 11b can be efficiently transmitted to the detection portion 11c. Therefore, the measuring device 1 can more easily distort the detection portion 11c in response to the force applied to the contact portion 11b. Therefore, the measuring device 1 can measure the viscosity of the object even if the object has a low viscosity. The measuring device 1 can more easily distort the detection portion 11c even if the object has a low viscosity, and can cause the stirring module 10 to function as a more sensitive strain gauge.

[0104] Since the circuit CB includes a strain gauge, the measurement device 1 can output a voltage signal corresponding to the force applied to the contact portion 11b as the object is stirred to the control unit 50. This allows the measurement device 1 to execute a process of measuring the viscosity of the object by the control unit 50. The control unit 50 can accurately calculate the viscosity of the object based on the voltage signal obtained from the stirring module 10.

[0105] The measuring device 1 can measure the viscosity of an object including a non-Newtonian liquid. The measuring device 1 can also measure the moving speed of the measuring device 1 by the sensor unit 30, so it is also possible to measure the viscosity of the object according to the moving speed of the contact part 11b during stirring. The measuring device 1 can also measure the stirring speed, i.e., the viscosity characteristics of the object relative to the moving speed of the contact part 11b. The measuring device 1 can easily measure the viscosity characteristics even for a non-Newtonian liquid whose viscosity changes depending on the stirring speed.

[0106] Since the resin contains a thermoplastic resin and the thermoplastic resin is a polyarylene sulfide resin, the measuring device 1 can improve waterproofing and water resistance. In addition, due to the excellent chemical resistance and heat resistance of the polyarylene sulfide resin, the measuring device 1 can also improve the chemical resistance and heat resistance. This enables the measuring device 1 to be used in chemicals and high-temperature substances. For example, the measuring device 1 can also stir objects such as hydrochloric acid that require chemical resistance.

[0107] The resin is formed by blending a metal oxide containing at least one of copper and chromium, and the measuring device 1 facilitates the formation of a molded circuit using LDS. The measuring device 1 can provide functions such as generating heat when irradiated with a laser, melting the resin and roughening its surface, and being activated by laser irradiation to selectively form a plating layer, by using a metal oxide containing at least one of copper and chromium.

[0108] For example, the wiring W of the circuit CB has a pattern as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 7, so that the measuring device 1 can more easily cause a change in the electrical resistance of the wiring W itself due to the strain of the detection unit 11c. Therefore, the measuring device 1 can measure the viscosity of an object even if the object has a low viscosity. The measuring device 1 can more easily cause a change in the electrical resistance of the wiring W itself even if the object has a low viscosity, and can cause the detection unit 11c to function as a more sensitive strain gauge.

[0109] The measuring device 1 can more easily cause a change in the electrical resistance of the wiring W itself even in response to a minute strain in the detection unit 11c by narrowing each of the width d1 and the interval d2 to about 50 μm. Therefore, the measuring device 1 can measure the viscosity of an object even if the object has a low viscosity. The measuring device 1 can more easily cause a change in the electrical resistance of the wiring W itself even if the object has a low viscosity, and can cause the detection unit 11c to function as a more sensitive strain gauge.

[0110] In the measurement device 1, the main body 11 has an attachment part 11a that is attached to the housing 1a, which makes it easy to attach and detach the agitation module 10 to and from the housing 1a. The measurement device 1 makes it possible to remove the agitation module 10 from the housing 1a. This allows the user to remove the agitation module 10 from the housing 1a and wash the entire module. This allows the user to keep the agitation module 10 clean. In addition, even if the agitation module 10 is damaged or deteriorates over time, the user can easily replace it with another agitation module 10. As a result, the convenience of the measurement device 1 is improved.

[0111] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be realized in other specific forms other than the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the above description is illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims, not by the above description. Any modifications within the scope of the equivalents of all modifications are intended to be included therein.

[0112] For example, the shape, pattern, size, arrangement, orientation, type, and number of each of the above-mentioned components are not limited to the above description and the contents illustrated in the drawings. The shape, pattern, size, arrangement, orientation, type, and number of each component may be configured arbitrarily as long as the function can be realized. The components of the illustrated stirring module 10 and measuring device 1 are functional concepts, and the specific form of each component is not limited to those illustrated.

[0113] Fig. 8 is a front view showing a part of the configuration of the measuring device 1 according to a modified example of the first embodiment. Fig. 8 corresponds to Fig. 5 in the first embodiment. In the above embodiment, the drawing pattern of the circuit CB has been described as being shown in Figs. 5 and 7, but is not limited thereto. The drawing pattern of the circuit CB may be the one shown in Fig. 8.

[0114] 8, the circuit CB may have wiring W formed on the surface B of the resin of the detection unit 11c. The circuit CB may also have an input electrode E1 and an output electrode E2 formed on the surface B of the resin of the detection unit 11c. The wiring W of the circuit CB may include a plurality of straight lines connecting the input electrode E1 and the output electrode E2 formed integrally with the resin.

[0115] For example, the wiring W may have a connection line W1 extending linearly from each of the input electrode E1 and the output electrode E2. The wiring W may have a gauge line W3 connecting two ends of the two connection lines W1 located on the opposite sides of the input electrode E1 and the output electrode E2. The gauge line W3 may function as a strain gauge. For example, the gauge line W3 may be formed by repeatedly folding a straight line 180° at one end and folding the folded straight line again 180° at the other end.

[0116] The width d1 of the line of the wiring W, for example the gauge line W3, is not particularly limited, but is preferably 250 μm or less, more preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 150 μm or less, and even more preferably 100 μm or less. The interval d2 between a pair of adjacent gauge lines W3 in the wiring W is not particularly limited, but is preferably 250 μm or less, more preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 150 μm or less, and even more preferably 100 μm or less. As an example, each of the width d1 and the interval d2 may be narrowed to about 50 μm.

[0117] Fig. 9 is a front view showing a part of the configuration of the measuring device 1 according to a modified example of the second embodiment. Fig. 9 corresponds to Fig. 7 in the second embodiment. The circuit CB may be formed in the same pattern as Fig. 8 for the mixing module 10 in the second embodiment.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the circuit CB has the wiring W formed on the surface B of the resin, and outputs an electrical signal that changes according to the electrical resistance of the wiring W itself to the control unit 50, but is not limited to this. The circuit CB may have a substrate that is integrally molded with the resin of the main body 11 and wiring formed on the substrate, and may output an electrical signal that changes according to the electrical resistance of the wiring itself to the control unit 50.

[0119] The circuit CB may be configured based on a substrate that is molded integrally with resin by insert molding, for example. In the circuit CB, wiring and electrodes may be formed on the substrate. The circuit CB may be configured as a molded circuit using an IME, for example, among MIDs. "IME" is an abbreviation for In-Mold Electronics. The circuit CB may be formed by inserting a flexible substrate or the like during injection molding. As a result, the measuring device 1 has the stirring module 10 as an integral molded product that contributes to measuring the viscosity of the target object by molding the substrate integrally with the resin.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the circuit CB has been described as contributing to the measurement of the viscosity of the object based on the wiring W itself, but this is not limited thereto. The circuit CB may have a sensor component that is mounted on the circuit CB by soldering or the like and contributes to the measurement of the viscosity of the object, instead of or in addition to the wiring W that contributes to the measurement of the viscosity of the object.

[0121] In addition, the circuit CB may have a control element that is mounted on the circuit CB by soldering or the like and executes processes necessary to realize the measurement of the viscosity of the target object. In the present disclosure, the "control element" may include, for example, a microcontroller, a processor, a programmable circuit, a dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. This allows the agitation module 10 to execute the above-mentioned various processes performed by the control unit 50 of the measurement device 1 by itself. The agitation module 10 can also execute the judgment process, the learning process, and any other process by itself.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the measuring device 1 has been described as having the sensor unit 30, but is not limited to this. The measuring device 1 does not necessarily have to have the sensor unit 30.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the measurement device 1 calculates the viscosity of the object based on the output signal output from the sensor unit 30 in addition to the electrical signal output from the detection unit 11c, but this is not limiting. The measurement device 1 may calculate the viscosity of the object based only on the electrical signal output from the circuit CB of the detection unit 11c.

[0124] At this time, the actual measurement data may include, for example, data in which the voltage value of the electrical signal output from the detection unit 11c and the viscosity of the object are associated with each other. The control unit 50 may calculate an approximation formula or the like indicating the relationship between the voltage value and the viscosity of the object based on such actual measurement data, and store the calculated formula in the storage unit 20. When measuring the viscosity of the object, the control unit 50 may calculate the viscosity of the object corresponding to the voltage value of the electrical signal output from the detection unit 11c, with reference to the approximation formula or the like based on past actual measurement data stored in advance in the storage unit 20.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the measurement device 1 has been described as having the output unit 40, but is not limited to this. The measurement device 1 does not necessarily have to have the output unit 40.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the measuring device 1 is described as determining whether the stirring conditions when the user stirs the object using the measuring device 1 are appropriate based on the output signal, but the present invention is not limited to this. The measuring device 1 does not need to execute such a determination process. Accordingly, the measuring device 1 does not need to execute a notification process of notifying the user of the determination result via the output unit 40.

[0127] In the above embodiment, when the measuring device 1 determines that the stirring conditions are not appropriate, it has been described that the measuring device 1 notifies the user through the output unit 40 of support information that supports the user in stirring so that the stirring conditions become appropriate, but this is not limited thereto. The measuring device 1 does not have to execute such a notification process.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the measurement device 1 is described as notifying the user of the classification information indicating the calculated degree of viscosity via the output unit 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The measurement device 1 does not have to execute such a notification process.

[0129] In the above embodiment, the detection unit 11c has a pair of circuits CB on both sides intersecting with the moving direction of the contact part 11b when stirring the object, but the present invention is not limited to this. The detection unit 11c may have a circuit CB on only one of the both sides intersecting with the moving direction of the contact part 11b.

[0130] In the above-described second embodiment, the detection unit 11c has the circuit CB in a portion of the detection unit 11c that is narrower than the contact portion 11b, but this is not limited to the above. The detection unit 11c may have the circuit CB in any other portion as long as it can detect the distortion of the detection unit 11c. The detection unit 11c may not have a portion that is narrower than the contact portion 11b, as in the first embodiment.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the circuit CB is described as being formed in the stirring module 10, but this is not limited thereto. The circuit CB may be formed by MID technology inside the housing 1a instead of or in addition to the stirring module 10, as long as the function of viscosity measurement by the measurement device 1 can be realized. The stirring module 10 may not have the circuit CB formed therein at all.

[0132] In addition, a circuit for operating a sensor such as a gyro sensor included in the sensor unit 30 may also be formed inside the housing 1a by MID technology. This allows the sensor included in the sensor unit 30 to be directly joined to the housing 1a, making it possible to save space within the housing 1a. As a result, it becomes easier to miniaturize the housing 1a and the measuring device 1 having the housing 1a.

[0133] In the above second embodiment, the main body 11 of the mixing module 10 is described as further having a tapered portion 11d that connects the contact portion 11b and the detection portion 11c and gradually tapers from the contact portion 11b toward the detection portion 11c, but is not limited thereto. The main body 11 does not have to have such a tapered portion 11d. In this case, the wide rectangular contact portion 11b and the narrow rectangular detection portion 11c may be directly connected to each other.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the circuit CB is described as including a strain gauge, but is not limited thereto, and may include any other components that enable the measuring device 1 to measure the viscosity of an object.

[0135] In the above embodiment, the portion of the stirring module 10 excluding the mounting portion 11a is formed in a plate shape, but this is not limited thereto. The portion may be formed in a rod shape instead of a plate shape. Such a rod may have, for example, a cylindrical shape, or a prismatic shape such as a triangular prism or a square prism. In addition, the inside of the rod may be entirely filled with a material such as a resin, or may be partially hollow. For example, the portion may be formed as a cylinder obtained by hollowing out the center of a cylindrical rod.

[0136] In the above embodiment, each of the contact portion 11b and the detection portion 11c is formed in a rectangular shape, but is not limited thereto. At least one of the contact portion 11b and the detection portion 11c may be formed in any other shape. For example, at least one of the contact portion 11b and the detection portion 11c may be formed in a circular or elliptical shape instead of a rectangular shape. For example, the detection portion 11c may be formed in a rectangular shape and the contact portion 11b may be formed in a circular shape, so that the whole is formed in a spoon-like shape.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the entire body 11 is made of resin, but this is not limited to this. It is sufficient that at least the portion of the body 11 where the circuit CB is formed is made of resin, and other parts of the body 11 may be made of any material other than resin.

[0138] In the above embodiment, the mixing module 10 has only one pair of the contact portion 11b and the detection portion 11c, but is not limited thereto. The mixing module 10 may have two or more pairs of the contact portion 11b and the detection portion 11c.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the control unit 50 of the measuring device 1 measures the viscosity of the object based on past actual measurement data acquired in advance by a calibration operation, but this is not limited to the above. The control unit 50 may calculate the viscosity of the object without using such past actual measurement data. For example, if the control unit 50 can refer to information such as a theoretical formula for viscosity calculation, which includes a voltage value of an electric signal output from the circuit CB of the detection unit 11c as a parameter, the control unit 50 may calculate the viscosity of the object based on the theoretical formula.

[0140] Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below as examples. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples. [Appendix 1] A measuring device for measuring the viscosity of an object, comprising: A contact portion that comes into contact with the object; A detection portion that is distorted in response to a force applied to the contact portion; A control unit that calculates the viscosity of the object based on the electrical signal output from the detection unit; Equipped with The detection unit is Contains resin, a circuit that is integrally formed with the resin and outputs the electrical signal that changes in response to the distortion of the detection portion to the control portion; Measuring equipment. [Appendix 2] 2. The measurement device according to claim 1, the circuit has wiring formed on the surface of the resin, and outputs the electrical signal that changes depending on the electrical resistance of the wiring itself to the control unit. Measuring equipment. [Appendix 3] 2. The measurement device according to claim 1, the circuit has a substrate integrally molded with the resin and wiring formed on the substrate, and outputs the electrical signal, which varies depending on the electrical resistance of the wiring itself, to the control unit; Measuring equipment. [Appendix 4] A measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A sensor unit that measures at least one of a moving speed, a moving direction, and an inclination of the measuring device, The control unit calculates the viscosity of the object based on an output signal output from the sensor unit in addition to the electrical signal. Measuring equipment. [Appendix 5] 5. The measurement device according to claim 4, An output unit is further provided, The control unit determines whether or not stirring conditions when a user stirs the object using the measurement device are appropriate based on the output signal, and notifies the user of the determination result via the output unit. Measuring equipment. [Appendix 6] 6. The measurement device according to claim 5, When the control unit determines that the mixing conditions are not appropriate, the control unit notifies the user through the output unit of support information for supporting the user in mixing so that the mixing conditions become appropriate. Measuring equipment. [Appendix 7] 7. The measurement device according to claim 5 or 6, The control unit notifies the user of classification information indicating the calculated degree of viscosity via the output unit. Measuring equipment. [Appendix 8] 8. A measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The detection unit has a pair of the circuits on both sides intersecting with a moving direction of the contact portion when stirring the object, Measuring equipment. [Appendix 9] 9. A measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the detection portion has the circuit in a portion of the detection portion that is formed narrower than the contact portion, Measuring equipment. [Appendix 10] 10. The measurement device according to claim 9, a tapered portion that connects the contact portion and the detection portion and gradually tapers from the contact portion toward the detection portion; Measuring equipment. [Appendix 11] 11. The measurement device according to claim 1, the circuit includes a strain gauge; Measuring equipment. [Appendix 12] 12. A measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The object includes a non-Newtonian liquid. Measuring equipment. [Appendix 13] 13. The measurement device according to claim 1, The resin includes a thermoplastic resin. Measuring equipment. [Appendix 14] 14. The measurement device according to claim 13, The thermoplastic resin includes at least one selected from the group consisting of engineering plastics and super engineering plastics, Measuring equipment. [Appendix 15] 15. The measurement device according to claim 14, The thermoplastic resin is a polyarylene sulfide resin. Measuring equipment. [Appendix 16] 16. The measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The resin is formed by blending a metal oxide containing at least one of copper and chromium. Measuring equipment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 1. Measuring equipment 1a Housing 10 Mixing module 11 Main body 11a Mounting part 11b Contact part 11c Detection section 11c1 lower part 11c2 central part 11c3 Upper 11d Tapered section 20 Memory section 30 Sensor section 40 Output section 50 Control section A surface B surface CB circuit E1 input electrode E2 output electrode W Wiring W1 Connection wire W2 Outer perimeter W21 Long side W22 long side W31 1st straight line W32 2nd straight line W3 gauge wire d1 width d2 interval

Claims

1. A measuring device for measuring the viscosity of an object, comprising: A contact portion that comes into contact with the object; A detection portion that is distorted in response to a force applied to the contact portion; A control unit that calculates the viscosity of the object based on the electrical signal output from the detection unit; Equipped with The detection unit is Contains resin, a circuit that is integrally formed with the resin and outputs the electrical signal that changes in response to the distortion of the detection portion to the control portion; Measuring equipment.

2. 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, the circuit has wiring formed on the surface of the resin, and outputs the electrical signal that changes depending on the electrical resistance of the wiring itself to the control unit. Measuring equipment.

3. 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, the circuit has a substrate integrally molded with the resin and wiring formed on the substrate, and outputs the electrical signal, which varies depending on the electrical resistance of the wiring itself, to the control unit; Measuring equipment.

4. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A sensor unit that measures at least one of a moving speed, a moving direction, and an inclination of the measuring device, The control unit calculates the viscosity of the object based on an output signal output from the sensor unit in addition to the electrical signal. Measuring equipment.

5. The measuring device according to claim 4, An output unit is further provided, The control unit determines whether or not stirring conditions when a user stirs the object using the measurement device are appropriate based on the output signal, and notifies the user of the determination result via the output unit. Measuring equipment.

6. The measuring device according to claim 5, When the control unit determines that the mixing conditions are not appropriate, the control unit notifies the user through the output unit of support information for supporting the user in mixing so that the mixing conditions become appropriate. Measuring equipment.

7. The measuring device according to claim 5, The control unit notifies the user of classification information indicating the calculated degree of viscosity via the output unit. Measuring equipment.

8. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The detection unit has a pair of the circuits on both sides intersecting with a moving direction of the contact portion when stirring the object, Measuring equipment.

9. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the detection portion has the circuit in a portion of the detection portion that is formed narrower than the contact portion, Measuring equipment.

10. The measuring device according to claim 9, a tapered portion that connects the contact portion and the detection portion and gradually tapers from the contact portion toward the detection portion; Measuring equipment.

11. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the circuit includes a strain gauge; Measuring equipment.

12. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The object includes a non-Newtonian liquid. Measuring equipment.

13. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The resin includes a thermoplastic resin. Measuring equipment.

14. The measuring device according to claim 13, The thermoplastic resin includes at least one selected from the group consisting of engineering plastics and super engineering plastics, Measuring equipment.

15. 15. The measuring device according to claim 14, The thermoplastic resin is a polyarylene sulfide resin. Measuring equipment.

16. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The resin is formed by blending a metal oxide containing at least one of copper and chromium. Measuring equipment.

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