Stirring device

Abstract

To provide a stirring device having a mechanism capable of switching a stirring mode and a finishing mode with a relatively simple structure.SOLUTION: A stirring device of the present invention includes a kneading container 270 into which a stirring container enclosing a material to be stirred is inserted and which revolves around a revolution axis 220 in a substantially vertical direction by a single rotation input and rotates around its own rotation axis member 250 forming a predetermined angle with respect to the revolution axis, and a container support member 240 which revolves around the revolution axis 220 by a rotation input and rotatably supports the rotation axis member 250 of the kneading container, and is positioned above the kneading container 270 in a stationary state. The device includes a tilting shaft member 240s for supporting the vessel supporting member 240 so as to be tiltable in a direction orthogonal to the revolution shaft 220, and a regulating member 330 movable between a first position for regulating tilting of a predetermined angle or more during revolution by engaging with a part or the whole of the vessel supporting member and a second position for allowing tilting during revolution without engaging with the vessel supporting member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mixing device that mixes and degasses materials by rotating a mixing vessel containing the materials while revolving the vessel around its axis, and relates to a technology that can mix multiple types of viscous materials or a viscous material and a powder material evenly, and that finishes the surface of the material so that it is horizontal within the vessel after mixing. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as described in Patent Document 1, a mixing device for mixing multiple viscous materials such as ointments prepared in pharmacies and epoxy resins is disclosed, which rotates a mixing container containing the materials while revolving it around its axis (Patent Document 1).

[0003] The stirring device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of kneading containers capable of holding stirring containers, a rotation motor for rotating the plurality of kneading containers around their respective rotation axes, and a revolution motor for revolving the plurality of kneading containers around one revolution axis in the vertical axis direction.

[0004] According to Patent Document 1, the multiple materials sealed in the mixing vessels are mixed so as to be mixed homogeneously by rotating each mixing vessel on its own axis with a rotation motor and revolving the multiple mixing vessels around one vertical axis with a revolution motor. In other words, multiple types of materials with different properties are mixed and mixed so as to be homogeneous as if they were a single material.

[0005] At this time, there is a stirring mode in which the rotation axis rotates and revolves while tilted relative to the horizontal or vertical plane, and the stirring mode is used to stir the material in the stirring vessel to make it homogeneous. By rotating and revolving while the rotation axis is tilted relative to the horizontal or vertical plane, the movement of the material in the stirring vessel becomes uneven, and the material can be stirred homogeneously without uneven distribution in certain parts of the stirring vessel.

[0006] During operation in this stirring mode, the centrifugal force caused by the rotation and revolution pushes the material outward in the radial direction of the rotation. Here, since stirring is performed in the stirring mode with the rotation axis tilted relative to the horizontal or vertical plane, the surface of the material when the stirring mode ends is tilted relative to the bottom surface of the stirring vessel, that is, the area near the center of the vessel is biased toward the wall surface surrounding the depression within the stirring vessel.

[0007] If the material surface becomes concave near the center of the mixing vessel, not only is it unattractive, but it also has the risk of the material adhering to the underside of the lid, which is undesirable. Therefore, after the mixing mode is completed, a finishing mode is performed to make the material surface parallel to the bottom of the vessel. Patent Document 1 discloses a finishing mode in which the mixing vessel only revolves with the rotation axis parallel to the horizontal plane, i.e., with the bottom of the mixing vessel facing sideways. In this finishing mode, the mixing vessel revolves with the bottom facing sideways, preventing the material from becoming concave in the center and allowing the material surface to be finished so that it is parallel to the bottom.

[0008] However, the mixer described in Patent Document 1 requires separate motors for revolution and rotation, and the rotation speed must be adjusted between mixing mode and finishing mode. In this case, not only are two motors required, but a control device and a control circuit for controlling the rotation speed of each motor are also required, resulting in an expensive device. In particular, in developing countries and other financially challenged hospitals and pharmacies, purchasing an expensive mixer is difficult, and mixing must be done manually, which is neither rational nor hygienic. Therefore, there is a need for a mechanism that can switch between mixing mode and finishing mode with a relatively simple structure without relying on motor rotation speed control. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4398451 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a stirring device having a mechanism that can switch between stirring mode and finishing mode with a relatively simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention provides the following solutions.

[0012] The agitation device according to a first feature includes: a mixing container into which a mixing vessel containing a material to be mixed is loaded, the mixing container revolving around a revolution axis in a substantially vertical direction by a single rotation input and rotating around its own rotation shaft member that forms a predetermined angle with respect to the revolution axis; and a container support member that revolves around the revolution axis by the rotation input and rotatably supports the rotation shaft member of the mixing container. Supports the container support member; a holding member fixed to the revolution shaft and rotating together with the revolution shaft in response to a rotational input; and a tilting shaft member that is disposed substantially horizontally on the holding member so as to be positioned above the mixing container when stationary, and that supports the container support member so that it can tilt in a direction perpendicular to the revolution axis, and a tilting shaft insertion hole is drilled substantially horizontally in the container support member, and the tilting shaft member is rotatably installed relative to the tilting shaft insertion hole, so that the container support member is pivotally supported on the holding member so that it can tilt around the tilting shaft member. The device is equipped with a regulating member that can move back and forth vertically on the holding member, and that can move back and forth between a first position that engages with part or all of the container support member to regulate the tilting of more than a predetermined angle during revolution, and a second position that does not engage with the container support member and allows tilting during revolution.

[0013] According to the first aspect of the invention, the container support member that supports the kneading container revolves around the revolution axis by a single rotation input and rotatably supports the rotation axis member of the kneading container, so that the agitation container can revolve and rotate by a single rotation input, and therefore a small power source is required. Here, the container support member that revolves around the revolution axis by a rotation input and rotatably supports the rotation axis member of the kneading container, Supports the container support member; a holding member fixed to the revolution shaft and rotating together with the revolution shaft in response to a rotational input; and a tilting shaft member that is disposed substantially horizontally on the holding member so as to be positioned above the mixing container when stationary, and that supports the container support member so that it can tilt in a direction perpendicular to the revolution axis, and a tilting shaft insertion hole is drilled substantially horizontally in the container support member, and the tilting shaft member is rotatably installed relative to the tilting shaft insertion hole, so that the container support member is pivotally supported on the holding member so that it can tilt around the tilting shaft member.The device is equipped with a regulating member that can move back and forth vertically on the holding member, and that can move back and forth between a first position that engages with part or all of the container support member to regulate tilting of more than a predetermined angle during revolution, and a second position that does not engage with the container support member and allows tilting during revolution.Therefore, by simply switching the position of the regulating member between the first position and the second position, it is possible to switch between a stirring mode in which the rotating shaft member rotates while maintaining an inclined state relative to the revolution axis, and a finishing mode in which the rotating shaft member rotates while facing approximately horizontally, and a finished surface can be formed with a simple structure.

[0014] The invention relating to the second feature is the invention relating to the first feature, in which the regulating member is formed by a pressing member that is roughly U-shaped facing downward when viewed from the front and has a groove formed on its underside, and when the regulating member is positioned in the first position, the portion of the container support member that is inclined at a predetermined angle and above the tilting shaft member is clamped on both sides across the tilting shaft member.

[0015] According to the second feature of the invention, the portion of the container support member above the tilting shaft member is clamped from both sides in a groove provided on the underside of the regulating member, so that even if the container support member attempts to tilt due to the centrifugal force associated with revolution, the groove clamps the container support member from above, thereby restricting tilting beyond a predetermined angle, and the stirring mode can be performed while reliably maintaining the tilted state.

[0016] The invention relating to the third feature is the invention relating to the first feature, further comprising a locking mechanism that locks the regulating member in the second position, and the locking mechanism comprises a handle member that is directly or indirectly connected to the regulating member and can move back and forth in the up-and-down direction while transitioning between an inclined and an upright state, and an abutment portion that has an engagement groove on its upper surface that engages a portion of the handle member when it is in the upright state.

[0017] According to the invention relating to the third feature, the locking mechanism that locks the regulating member in the second position comprises a handle member that can move back and forth in the vertical direction while transitioning between an inclined and an upright state, and an abutment portion having a locking groove on its upper surface that locks a portion of the handle member when it is in the upright state.Therefore, simply by locking a portion of the handle member in the locking groove, the downward movement of the handle member when it is in the upright state can be restricted, and switching between the stirring mode and the finishing mode can be performed using only a simple mechanism.

[0018] The invention according to a fourth feature is the invention according to the first feature, and comprises a fixed bevel gear member that has a center line coaxial with the revolution axis and does not rotate due to rotational input, and a revolving bevel gear member that is rotatably supported on a holding member about an axis in a substantially horizontal direction and meshes with the fixed bevel gear member, revolves about the revolution axis as the holding member rotates and rotates about an axis in a substantially horizontal direction, and the revolving bevel gear member provided on the end of the rotating axis member opposite to the side where the kneading container is disposed is disposed so as to mesh with the revolving bevel gear member.

[0019] According to the invention relating to the fourth feature, there is provided a fixed bevel gear member having a center line coaxial with the revolution axis and which does not rotate in response to a rotational input, and a revolving bevel gear member which is rotatably supported on a holding member around an axis in a substantially horizontal direction and which meshes with the fixed bevel gear member, revolves around the revolution axis as the holding member rotates, and rotates around an axis in a substantially horizontal direction, and the rotating bevel gear member provided on the end of the rotating axis member opposite to the side on which the kneading container is disposed is disposed so as to mesh with the revolving bevel gear member, so that with just a single rotational input, the kneading container can be caused to revolve around the revolution axis while rotating around its own rotation axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a stirring device having a mechanism that can switch between stirring mode and finishing mode with a relatively simple structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a stirring device 1 according to the present invention in a stationary state. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the stirring device 1 according to the present invention in a stationary state. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the stirring device 1 according to the present invention in a stationary state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the agitation device 1 according to the present invention during a finishing mode operation. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of the agitation device 1 according to the present invention during a finishing mode operation. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the agitation device 1 according to the present invention during a finishing mode operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the inclination angle of the container support member when the agitator 1 according to the present invention is stationary and when rotating, (a) showing the state when stationary and (b) showing the state when rotating. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these are merely examples, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0023] The overall configuration of a stirring device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0024] Figure 1 is an oblique view showing the state of the agitator 1 of the present invention when stationary, Figure 2 is a front view showing the state of the agitator 1 of the present invention when stationary, Figure 3 is a side view showing the state of the agitator 1 of the present invention when stationary, Figure 4 is an oblique view of the agitator 1 of the present invention when operating in finishing mode, Figure 5 is a front view of the agitator 1 of the present invention when operating in finishing mode, and Figure 6 is a side view of the agitator 1 of the present invention when operating in finishing mode.

[0025] The mixing device 1 according to the present invention is composed of a stationary base mechanism 100 that serves as a base for supporting the rotational motion of the entire device, a rotation mechanism 200 that causes the kneading container 270 to revolve and rotate about its axis, and a switching mechanism 300 that switches between a mixing mode and a finishing mode when revolving and rotating the kneading container 270. In the present invention, two kneading containers 270 are installed, but the number is not limited to this.

[0026] <Base mechanism unit 100> The base mechanism section 100 is a stationary mechanism that serves as a base for supporting the rotational movement of the entire device including the kneading container 270, and includes a base member 110, a fixed shaft member 120, and a fixed bevel gear member .

[0027] The base member 110 is formed by a substantially horizontal planar portion 111 having two insertion holes 111s, 111s through which the two link portions 311, 311 of the handle member 310 described later are respectively inserted, and an abutment portion 112 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape protruding upward from the upper surface of the planar portion 111 between the insertion holes 111s, 111s, and having an engagement groove 112d formed on its upper surface that can engage a roller 311r arranged on the handle member 310.

[0028] A hole (not shown) is formed in the substantially vertical direction at the approximate center of the underside of the abutting portion 112, and a fixed shaft member 120 is fixed to the hole. Note that the base member 110 may be connected to a base (not shown) or a container that holds the entire stirring device 1 inside.

[0029] The fixed shaft member 120 is a stationary shaft member that is fixed to the contact portion 112 of the base member 110 and extends substantially vertically downward, and is disposed coaxially with a rotating shaft member 220 described later.

[0030] The fixed bevel gear member 130 is a downward-facing, stationary gear member connected to the lower end of the fixed shaft member 120, which extends substantially vertically downward, and is formed of a substantially conical bevel gear. The central axis of a substantially conical gear 130g formed on the fixed bevel gear member 130 is set coaxially with the fixed shaft member 120.

[0031] <Rotation mechanism 200> The rotation mechanism 200 is a mechanism that causes the kneading container 270 to revolve and rotate, and is equipped with a revolving bevel gear member 210, a rotating shaft member 220, a holding member 230, a container support member 240, a rotating shaft member 250, a rotating bevel gear member 260, and the kneading container 270.

[0032] The revolving bevel gear member 210 is a gear member that rotates about its own axis 210s while revolving about the axis of the rotating shaft member 220, and is formed by a substantially conical bevel gear. The revolving bevel gear member 210 includes a gear 210g that meshes with a gear 130g of the fixed bevel gear member 130 and gears 260g of two rotating bevel gear members 260, which will be described later. The axis of the revolving bevel gear member 210 is set in a substantially horizontal direction; that is, the axis of the fixed bevel gear member 130 and the axis 210s of the revolving bevel gear member 210 are substantially perpendicular to each other. The substantially horizontal axis 210s that rotates the revolving bevel gear member 210 is rotatably supported by a holding member 230. The revolving bevel gear member 210 revolves around the rotating shaft member 220 as the holding member 230 rotates around the rotating shaft member 220, and at that time, the gear 210g of the revolving bevel gear member 210 meshes with the gear 130g of the fixed bevel gear member 130, causing it to rotate around the axis 210s.

[0033] The rotating shaft member 220 is a rod-shaped member extending in a substantially vertical direction and having the same axis as the fixed shaft member 120. It is connected to a rotating shaft such as the output shaft of a motor (not shown) and rotates in response to rotational input from the motor shaft or the like. The rotational input is not limited to the output shaft of the motor, but may also be provided by a rotating shaft operated by hand. The rotating shaft member 220 functions as the revolution axis in the present invention.

[0034] The holding member 230 is a member for supporting the revolving bevel gear member 210, the container support member 240, etc., and is made of a member that is roughly square-shaped when viewed from the front, with an upper side, a lower side, and both side sides connected at the edges, and a space formed in the center for arranging the fixed bevel gear member 130 and the revolving bevel gear member 210. The rotating shaft member 220 is fixed to the lower side of the holding member 230, and the holding member 230 is connected so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft member 220.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, a vertical hole 230h is drilled in the approximately vertical direction at the approximate center in the width direction of the upper side of the holding member 230, and the fixed shaft member 120 passes through the vertical hole 230h, with the fixed bevel gear member 130 disposed in the space surrounded by the upper side, lower side, and both side sides.

[0036] A first horizontal hole (not shown) is drilled in the opposing surfaces of both side edges of the holding member 230 in the approximately horizontal direction below the position where the fixed bevel gear member 130 is disposed, and the shaft 210s of the revolving bevel gear member 210 passes through the first horizontal hole, so that the revolving bevel gear member 210 is axially supported so as to be freely rotatable relative to the holding member 230.

[0037] A second horizontal hole is bored in the surface of each side edge of the holding member 230 opposite to the surface on which the first horizontal hole is formed, in a substantially horizontal direction and substantially coaxial with the first horizontal hole, and the tilting shaft member 240s of the container support member 240 is rotatably supported in the second horizontal hole. In this way, the holding member 230 supports the container support member 240 tiltably.

[0038] The container support member 240 is a member for supporting the kneading container 270 so that it can swing up and down relative to the axis of the rotating shaft member 220 while allowing rotation on its axis, and consists of an approximately U-shaped member having a pair of side arms 241, 241 and a base portion 242 connecting the side arms 241, 241 to each other.

[0039] The rotation shaft member 250 is inserted into a rotation shaft insertion hole (not shown) drilled in the base bottom portion 242, and the kneading container 270 fixed to the rotation shaft member 250 is supported by the container support member 240 so as to be rotatable. Note that it is desirable to provide a bearing on the inner periphery of the rotation shaft insertion hole so as to ensure smooth rotation of the rotation shaft member 250.

[0040] Tilting shaft insertion holes (not shown) are drilled substantially horizontally in the side arm portions 241, and a tilting shaft member 240s rotatably installed relative to the tilting shaft insertion holes is installed in the holding member 230. As shown in Fig. 2, the tilting shaft member 240s is disposed substantially horizontally so as to be located above the kneading container 270 when stationary, and supports the container support member 240 so that it can tilt in a direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft member 220. Therefore, the container support member 240 is pivotally supported by the tilting shaft member 240s to the holding member 230 so that it can tilt about the tilting shaft member 240s. Note that, as shown in Fig. 3, the axis of the tilting shaft member 240s and the axis 210s of the revolving bevel gear member 210 are positioned on substantially the same axis.

[0041] One container support member 240 supports one kneading container 270, and in this embodiment, two container support members 240 support two kneading containers 270. In this case, the tilting shaft insertion holes and tilting shaft members 240s of the two container support members 240 are arranged on one common axis.

[0042] The rotation shaft member 250 is a rod-shaped member that is inserted into a rotation shaft insertion hole drilled in the base portion 242 of the container support member 240, and is rotatable relative to the container support member 240. A rotation bevel gear member 260 is fixed to one end of the rotation shaft member 250, and a kneading container 270 is fixed to the other end. Note that in the drawing, the rotation shaft member 250 is hidden by the container support member 240 and is barely visible.

[0043] The rotating bevel gear member 260 is a gear member fixed to one end of the rotating shaft member 250, and rotates together with the rotating shaft member 250. The rotating bevel gear member 260 is formed by a bevel gear, and a gear 260g of the rotating bevel gear member 260 meshes with a gear 210g of the revolving bevel gear member 210. An axis 260s of the rotating bevel gear member 260 is coaxial with the rotating shaft member 250, and both are perpendicular to the axis 210s of the revolving bevel gear member 210.

[0044] The kneading container 270 is a substantially cylindrical container into which an agitation container (not shown) can be placed, and is formed by detachably connecting a lid portion 271 and a body portion 272. By attaching the body portion 272 to the lid portion 271, a substantially cylindrical space capable of accommodating the agitation container is formed inside.

[0045] The kneading container 270 is supported by being fixed to the rotation shaft member 250. In this case, the central axis of the kneading container 270 is coaxial with the axis of the rotation shaft member 250. Since the kneading container 270 is fixed to the rotation shaft member 250 and moves in the same manner, it can tilt around the tilting shaft member 240s together with the container support member 240 that rotatably supports the rotation shaft member 250.

[0046] When stationary, the kneading container 270 abuts against the rotating shaft member 220, thereby stopping the tilting of the container support member 240. At this time, the angle between the axis of the rotating shaft member 220, which is in the substantially vertical direction, and the axis of the spinning shaft member 250 is set to be approximately 40°.

[0047] With the base mechanism 100 and the rotation mechanism 200 configured as described above, first, the rotating shaft member 220 rotates due to the rotation of the motor or manual rotation input. As the rotating shaft member 220 rotates, the holding member 230 rotates around a vertical rotation axis. As the holding member 230 rotates, the revolving bevel gear member 210 revolves around the vertical axis of the rotating shaft member 220 and the fixed shaft member 120. Because the gear 210g of the revolving bevel gear member 210 meshes with the gear 130g of the fixed bevel gear member 130, as the revolving bevel gear member 210 revolves, the revolving bevel gear member 210 rotates around its own axis 210s. Here, the gear 210g of the revolving bevel gear member 210 not only meshes with the gear 130g of the fixed bevel gear member 130, but also meshes with the gear 260g of the rotating bevel gear member 260. Therefore, as the revolving bevel gear member 210 rotates, the rotating bevel gear member 260 rotates about its own axis 260s. As the rotating bevel gear member 260 rotates, the rotating shaft member 250 fixed to the rotating bevel gear member 260 rotates. Accordingly, the kneading container 270 fixed to the rotating shaft member 250 rotates. At this time, because the container support member 240 that supports the kneading container 270 is supported by the holding member 230, the container support member 240 and the kneading container 270 revolve as the holding member 230 revolves. With this mechanism, the kneading container 270 rotates about its rotation axis while revolving about its rotation axis with a single rotation input from one motor or manually.

[0048] <Switching mechanism unit 300> The switching mechanism 300 is a mechanism for switching between operation in the stirring mode and operation in the finishing mode in the stirring device 1 according to this embodiment, and includes a handle member 310, a handle connecting member 320, and a pressing member 330.

[0049] The handle member 310 is a member that is manually gripped and operated when switching between stirring mode and finishing mode operation, and includes two link portions 311, 311 arranged side by side at a predetermined distance, and a grip portion 312 that connects the upper ends of the link portions 311, 311 and is gripped during operation. Each link portion 311, 311 protrudes toward the other link portion 311, 311, and includes rollers 311r, 311r that are rotatable about a horizontal axis provided approximately in the center of the link portions 311, 311. Furthermore, shaft members 311s, 311s that are rotatable relative to the handle connecting member 320 are fixed to approximately the lower end of each link portion 311, 311.

[0050] The handle member 310 configured in this manner is pivotally supported so as to be tiltable relative to the handle connecting member 320, and as the handle member 310 is tilted or pulled up, the pressing member 330 moves downward or upward, as described below.

[0051] The handle connecting member 320 is a member to which the handle member 310 is rotatably supported, and is a member for connecting the handle member 310 and the presser member 330. The handle connecting member 320 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a fixed shaft insertion hole (not shown) drilled in the substantially vertical direction at the substantially center, through which the fixed shaft member 120 is inserted. In addition, shaft members 311s, 311s fixed to substantially the lower ends of the link portions 311, 311 of the handle member 310 are rotatably mounted on the side surface of the handle connecting member 320. In addition, the handle connecting member 320 has a connecting portion for connecting to the presser member 330 (described later), and the presser member 330 also moves up and down in accordance with the up and down movement of the handle connecting member 320.

[0052] The pressing member 330 includes pressing portions 331 that are provided corresponding to the pair of side arms 241, 241 of the container support member 240, respectively, and have a generally downward U-shape in front view, with an upward-facing recessed groove 331d at the lower end that can receive the upper end portions of the side arms 241, 241, in other words, the portion of the side arm 241 that is above the tilting shaft member 240s, and a connecting portion 332 that connects the pressing portions 331, 331 provided corresponding to the pair of side arms 241, 241 at their upper ends. The pressing member 330 functions as a restricting member in the present invention.

[0053] A roller 331r that is movable vertically on the holding member 230 while in contact with the holding member 230 is rotatably supported by the holding portion 331. Two rollers 331r, 331r are disposed per holding portion 331. The two rollers 331r, 331r are brought into contact with the holding member 230 so as to sandwich it from both sides.

[0054] A fixed shaft member insertion hole (not shown) is drilled in the substantially vertical direction at the approximate center of the connecting portion 332, and the fixed shaft member 120 is inserted through the fixed shaft member insertion hole.

[0055] The pressing member 330 is capable of reciprocating between a first position located vertically downward and a second position located vertically upward in association with tilting or pulling up of the handle member 310.

[0056] Since the pressing member 330 sandwiches the holding member 230 between two rollers 331r, 331r, it rotates as the rotating shaft member 220 rotates, i.e., as the holding member 230 rotates, but the handle member 310 and the handle connecting member 320 are not connected to the pressing member 330 in the rotational direction, and so even if the rotating shaft member 220 rotates, the handle member 310 and the handle connecting member 320 do not rotate.

[0057] Next, an operating method for stirring materials using the stirring device 1 according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the inclination angle of the container support member 240 when the stirring device 1 according to the present invention is stationary and rotating, with (a) showing the stationary state and (b) showing the rotating state. The operating methods will be described for the stationary state, operation in stirring mode, and operation in finishing mode.

[0058] <When stationary> 1 and 3, when stationary, that is, when not stirring, the handle member 310 is held in an inclined state with respect to the handle connecting member 320. At this time, the roller 311r disposed on the link portion 311 of the handle member 310 is in contact with the side surface of the abutment portion 112 of the base member 110 and the upper surface of the horizontal surface portion 111 of the base member 110.

[0059] As shown in Figure 7(a), when stationary, the pressing member 330 is located at a first position, which is vertically downward. At this time, the upper ends of the side arms 241, 241 of the container support member 240, in other words, the portions of the side arms 241, 241 above the tilting shaft member 240s, are inserted into the recessed groove 331d of the pressing member 330. Furthermore, when stationary, the end of the kneading container 270 abuts against the rotating shaft member 220, so that the rotation shaft member 250 is stationary at an angle of approximately 40° with respect to the vertical direction. In this state, no part is in operation, so the body 272 of the kneading container 270 can be removed from the lid 271, and a stirring container containing material can be inserted into or removed from the kneading container 270.

[0060] <Stirring mode> When the kneading container 270 is stationary, the stirring container containing the material is loaded into the body 272 of the kneading container 270, and the body 272 and the lid 271 are attached. Then, the rotating shaft member 220 is rotated by a rotation input such as a motor, thereby operating in stirring mode.

[0061] In the stirring mode, the rotating shaft member 220 is rotated by a rotational input from a motor or the like. As the rotating shaft member 220 rotates, the holding member 230 fixed to the rotating shaft member 220 rotates around a revolution axis in the vertical direction. As the holding member 230 rotates, the revolving bevel gear member 210, whose shaft 210s is pivoted horizontally relative to the holding member 230, revolves around the revolution axis in the vertical direction.

[0062] The axis 210s of the revolving bevel gear member 210 is perpendicular to the central axis (coaxial with the axis of revolution) of the fixed bevel gear member 130, and the gear 210g of the revolving bevel gear member 210 meshes with the gear 130g of the fixed bevel gear member 130, so that the revolving bevel gear member 210 rotates about the horizontal axis 210s as the revolving bevel gear member 210 revolves. In other words, the revolving bevel gear member 210 rotates about the horizontal axis 210s while revolving around the axis of the vertical rotation shaft member 220.

[0063] Here, gear 210g of the revolving bevel gear member 210 not only meshes with gear 130g of the fixed bevel gear member 130, but also with gear 260g of the rotating bevel gear member 260. Furthermore, when viewed from above, the axis 210s of the revolving bevel gear member 210 and the axis 260s of the rotating bevel gear member 260 are perpendicular to each other, so that as the revolving bevel gear member 210 rotates, the two rotating bevel gear members 260, 260 rotate around their respective central axes.

[0064] As the rotating bevel gear member 260 rotates, the rotating shaft members 250, 250 fixed to the axis of the rotating bevel gear member 260 rotate. Accordingly, the kneading container 270 fixed to one end of the rotating shaft member 250 rotates around the rotating shaft member 250. At this time, since the container support member 240 that supports the kneading container 270 is supported by the holding member 230, the container support member 240 and the kneading container 270 revolve as the holding member 230 revolves.

[0065] By this mechanism, the kneading vessel 270 revolves around the axis (revolution axis) of the rotating shaft member 220 while rotating around the rotation shaft member 250. As a result, the materials sealed in the stirring vessels loaded in the kneading vessel 270 are uniformly stirred and degassed.

[0066] As the kneading container 270 revolves around the axis of the rotating shaft member 220, centrifugal force acts on the kneading container 270, causing the container support member 240 to tilt upward around the tilting shaft member 240s connected to the holding member 230, as shown in FIG. 7(b). At this time, the upper ends of the side arms 241 of the container support member 240, in other words, the portions of the side arms 241 above the tilting shaft member 240s, are inserted into the recessed grooves 331d of the pressing member 330, allowing movement by a predetermined angle but restricting further tilting. In other words, when the pressing member 330 is positioned in the first position, the portions of the container support member 240 above the tilting shaft member 240s, which is tilted at a predetermined angle, are sandwiched from both sides by the tilting shaft member 240s. At this time, the side arms 241 form an angle of 45° with respect to the vertical when viewed from the front. That is, in the stirring mode, the side arm 241 moves upward by 5° around the tilting shaft member 240s, and any further upward movement is restricted by the recessed groove 331d.

[0067] The operation in this stirring mode is carried out for a predetermined time, which varies depending on the properties such as viscosity of the material and the number of materials enclosed in the stirring vessel.

[0068] <Finishing mode> When operation in the stirring mode is completed, the rotation is temporarily stopped and the handle member 310 is brought to a stationary state. After the handle member 310 is brought to a stationary state, the gripping portion 312 of the handle member 310 is grasped and pulled upward. At this time, the roller 311r pivotally supported by the link portion 311 of the handle member 310 rolls upward along the side surface of the abutting portion 112 of the base member 110, thereby guiding the handle member 310 upward. Then, when the roller 311r rides over the upper surface of the abutting portion 112, the lower end of the link portion 311 is pivotally supported by the shaft member 311s at approximately the center of the handle connecting member 320, so that the roller 311r rolls on the upper surface of the abutting portion 112 toward the center of the abutting portion 112 and finally stops moving by fitting into the locking groove 112d provided at approximately the center of the upper surface of the abutting portion 112. At this time, the handle member 310 is in an upright state.

[0069] At this time, compared to the state in which the handle member 310 was tilted, the handle member 310 has moved upward by approximately the height of the abutment portion 112, and accordingly, the handle connecting member 320 and the pressing member 330 connected thereto move upward by the same amount, i.e., to the second position.

[0070] By operating the handle member 310 in this manner, the pressing member 330 rises from the first position to the second position, and the upper ends of the side arms 241, 241 of the container support member 240 do not reach the recessed groove 331d of the pressing member 330. Therefore, the container support member 240 is released from the restriction by the pressing member 330 and becomes freely tiltable around the tilting shaft member 240s.

[0071] At this time, the handle member 310, which is directly or indirectly connected to the pressing member 330 and can move back and forth in the vertical direction while transitioning between an inclined and upright state, and the abutment portion 112, which has an engagement groove 112d on its upper surface that engages the roller 311r of the handle member 310 when it is in the upright state, function as a locking mechanism, so that the handle member 310 can be maintained in an upright position with the pressing member 330 in the second position.

[0072] In this state, when the rotating shaft member 220 is rotated again by an external force such as a motor, the kneading container 270 will revolve around the axis of the rotating shaft member 220 and rotate around the rotation shaft member 250 by a mechanism similar to that in the stirring mode. Then, the centrifugal force generated by the revolution causes the side arm 241 of the container support member 240 to tilt upward around the tilting shaft member 240s. However, unlike the stirring mode, the upper end of the side arm 241 is free from the restriction by the recessed groove 331d of the pressing member 330, so it can tilt 45° or more around the tilting shaft member 240s, and ultimately, the side arm 241, i.e., the rotation shaft member 250, will be oriented in a substantially horizontal direction, as shown in FIGS.

[0073] Furthermore, because the tilting shaft member 240s and the shaft 210s of the revolving bevel gear member 210 are coaxial, even when the rotating shaft member 250 is tilted and faces substantially horizontally, the gear 260g of the rotating bevel gear member 260 and the gear 210g of the revolving bevel gear member 210 maintain meshing. Therefore, as the holding member 230 and the container support member 240 revolve, the rotating bevel gear member 260, the rotating shaft member 250, and the kneading container 270 rotate.

[0074] In this way, the kneading container 270 rotates and revolves with the rotation axis member 250 facing approximately horizontally, so the surface of the material enclosed in the stirring container can be finished so that it is parallel to the bottom surface of the stirring container without being inclined relative to the stirring container.

[0075] This operation in the finishing mode is carried out for a predetermined time. As with the stirring mode, the time for which the finishing mode is carried out varies depending on the properties, such as the viscosity, of the material sealed in the stirring vessel.

[0076] After the operation in the finishing mode has been performed for a predetermined time, the input of the rotational driving force to the rotating shaft member 220 is stopped, and the mixing and finishing operation is completed. When the rotation is stopped, the centrifugal force no longer acts, so the tilting by the tilting shaft member 240s returns to the original 40° state and stops.

[0077] After the stirring and finishing operations are completed, the body 272 of the kneading vessel 270 is removed, and the stirring vessel installed inside the kneading vessel 270 is taken out, completing the series of operations.

[0078] In the agitation device 1 configured as described above, the container support member 240 supporting the kneading container 270 revolves around the revolution axis with a single rotational input, and the rotation shaft member 250 of the kneading container 270 is rotatably supported, allowing the kneading container 270 to revolve and rotate on its axis with a single rotational input, thereby requiring a small power source. Here, the container support member 240 is supported by a tilting shaft member 240s positioned above the kneading container 270 so as to be tiltable in a direction perpendicular to the revolution axis, and is equipped with a pressing member 330 that is movable between a first position that restricts tilting of more than a predetermined angle during revolution and a second position that allows tilting. Therefore, simply by switching the position of the pressing member 330 between the first and second positions, it is possible to switch between a stirring mode in which the rotation shaft member 250 rotates while maintaining an inclination with respect to the revolution axis, and a finishing mode in which the rotation shaft member 250 rotates while facing approximately horizontally, thereby enabling the formation of a finished surface with a simple structure.

[0079] Furthermore, since the portion of the container support member 240 above the tilting shaft member 240s is sandwiched from both sides by the groove portion 331d provided on the underside of the pressing member 330, even if the container support member 240 attempts to tilt due to the centrifugal force associated with revolution, the groove portion 331d clamps the container support member 240 from above, restricting tilting beyond a predetermined angle, and the stirring mode can be performed while reliably maintaining the tilted state.

[0080] Furthermore, the locking mechanism that locks the pressing member 330 in the second position comprises a handle member 310 that can move back and forth in the vertical direction while transitioning between an inclined and an upright state, and an abutment portion 112 that has an engagement groove 112d on its upper surface that engages a portion of the handle member 310 when it is in the upright state. Therefore, simply by engaging a portion of the handle member 310 with the engagement groove 112d, the downward movement of the handle member 310 when it is in the upright state can be restricted, and switching between the stirring mode and the finishing mode can be performed using only a simple mechanism.

[0081] The rotating shaft member 250 also includes a holding member 230 that rotates around the revolution axis due to a rotational input, a fixed bevel gear member 130 that has a center line coaxial with the revolution axis and does not rotate due to the rotational input, and a revolving bevel gear member 210 that is rotatably supported on the holding member 230 around an axis in a substantially horizontal direction, meshes with the fixed bevel gear member 130, revolves around the revolution axis as the holding member 230 rotates, and rotates around an axis 210s in a substantially horizontal direction, and the rotating bevel gear member 260 provided at the end of the rotating shaft member 250 opposite to the side on which the kneading container 270 is disposed is disposed so as to mesh with the revolving bevel gear member 210, so that the kneading container 270 can be caused to revolve around the revolution axis while rotating around its own rotation axis with just a single rotational input.

[0082] In this embodiment, the regulating member is a pressing member 330 that is movable in the vertical direction, has a recessed groove portion 331d at the bottom, and engages with the container support member 240 from above, but this is not limited to this, and it may also be something that clamps the container support member 240 from the side.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the revolution and rotation of the kneading container 270 are configured by a combination of three bevel gear members, namely, the fixed bevel gear member 130, the revolving bevel gear member 210, and the rotating bevel gear member 260, but this is not limited to this. For example, a roller that rotates around the revolution axis may be used, and the revolving bevel gear member 210 may be abutted against a point off the center of the roller, so that the revolving bevel gear member 210 rotates while revolving due to friction.

[0084] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0085] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to an embodiment having all of the configurations described. [Industrial Applicability]

[0086] The stirring device of the present invention is useful as a stirring device for compounding ointments in pharmacies and as a stirring device for mixing paints in paint shops. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1. Stirring device 100 Base mechanism 110 Foundation members 111 Planar part 111s Insertion hole 112 Contact part 112d Locking groove 120 Fixed shaft member 130 Fixed bevel gear member 130g gear 200 Rotation mechanism 210 Revolving bevel gear member 210s axis 210g gear 220 Rotating shaft member (revolution shaft) 230 Retaining member 230h vertical hole 240 Container support member 240s tilting shaft member 241 Lateral arm 242 Base 250 Rotation shaft member 260 Rotating bevel gear components 260s axis 260g gear 270 Mixing container 271 Lid 272 Torso 300 Switching mechanism 310 Handle member (locking mechanism) 311 Link Section 311r Laura 311s shaft member 312 Gripping part 320 Handle connecting member 330 Retaining member (regulating member) 331 Holding part 331d Groove 331r Laura 332 Connection

Claims

1. A kneading vessel into which a stirring vessel containing a material to be stirred is loaded, and which revolves around a revolution axis in a substantially vertical direction by a single rotation input, while rotating around its own rotation axis member which forms a predetermined angle with respect to the revolution axis; a container support member that revolves around the revolution axis by the rotation input and rotatably supports the rotation shaft member of the kneading container; a tilting shaft member that is located above the kneading vessel when stationary and supports the vessel support member so that the vessel support member can tilt in a direction perpendicular to the revolution axis; a restricting member movable between a first position that engages with a part or all of the container support member to restrict tilting of the container support member to a predetermined angle or more during revolution, and a second position that does not engage with the container support member and allows tilting of the container support member during revolution; A stirring device comprising:

2. The regulating member is formed by a pressing member having a generally downward U-shape in front view, which has a recessed groove portion formed on its underside, When the regulating member is located at the first position, a portion of the container support member inclined at a predetermined angle above the tilting shaft member is sandwiched from both sides by the tilting shaft member. The stirring device according to claim 1 .

3. a locking mechanism that locks the restricting member at the second position; The locking mechanism includes a handle member that is directly or indirectly connected to the regulating member and that can reciprocate up and down while transitioning between an inclined state and an upright state, and a contact portion that has an engagement groove on its upper surface that engages a part of the handle member when it is in the upright state. The stirring device according to claim 1 .

4. a holding member that rotates around the revolution axis in response to the rotational input; a fixed bevel gear member having a centerline coaxial with the revolution axis and not rotating due to the rotational input; a revolving bevel gear member that is journaled by the holding member so as to be rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis, that meshes with the fixed bevel gear member, that revolves around the revolution axis as the holding member rotates, and that rotates about the substantially horizontal axis, a rotating bevel gear member provided at an end of the rotating shaft member opposite to the side where the kneading vessel is disposed, and is disposed so as to mesh with the revolving bevel gear member; The stirring device according to claim 1 .

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