Detector and detection system used in a centrifuge

Abstract

To provide a detector which is used in a centrifugal machine and can detect information such as a temperature and so on of a material to be treated more accurately, and a detection system.SOLUTION: A detector 100, which is attached to a treatment container 90 that can accommodate a material M to be treated and is used in a centrifugal machine 1, includes: a first detection part 106 which can detect first information I1; a second detection part 108 which can detect second information I2; and a processing part 154 which performs prescribed processing. The processing part 154 determines the first information I1 of the material M to be processed on the basis of the first information I1 detected by the first detection part 106 and positional information of the material M to be processed that is determined on the basis of the second information I2 detected by the second detection part 108.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a detector and a detection system used in a centrifuge that processes a material to be processed by rotating and revolving the material to be processed.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a centrifuge that processes a material to be processed accommodated in a processing container by rotating the processing container while revolving it. This centrifuge is used for various applications. For example, it is used as a stirring / degassing device that simultaneously performs a stirring process and a degassing process on the material to be processed (Patent Document 1). Further, this centrifuge is also used as a ball mill that pulverizes the material to be processed (see Patent Document 2). Furthermore, this centrifuge is also used as an emulsifying device that emulsifies the material to be processed (see Patent Document 3).

[0003] Among the materials to be processed used in the centrifuge as described above, there are some whose processing results change based on the temperature during processing or the like. In view of such a situation, Patent Document 4 discloses a temperature measuring device that measures the temperature of the material to be processed during processing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, in a centrifuge, it is known that the material to be processed moves within the processing container in response to the centrifugal force generated when the centrifuge operates. Therefore, in the temperature measuring device of Patent Document 4, by attaching a radiation thermometer using a spherical bearing, the radiation thermometer is tilted according to the centrifugal force so that the temperature of the material to be processed that has moved according to the centrifugal force can be measured.

[0006] However, when a radiation thermometer is attached using a spherical bearing in a temperature measuring device, there is a possibility that the inclination of the radiation thermometer according to the centrifugal force does not match the position of the material to be processed that has moved according to the centrifugal force. In that case, it may become difficult to measure the accurate temperature of the material to be processed. Also, the spherical bearing itself may deteriorate with use, and there is a possibility that the inclination of the radiation thermometer according to the desired centrifugal force cannot be achieved.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. Its object is to provide a detector and a detection system that are used in a centrifuge and can more accurately detect information such as the temperature of the material to be processed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The present invention for solving the above problems is configured to include the following invention-specific matters or technical features.

[0009] That is, an invention according to a certain aspect is a detection system including a detector that can accommodate a material to be processed and is attached to a processing container used in a centrifuge, and a processing device configured to communicate with the detector. The detector includes a first detection unit capable of detecting first information, a second detection unit capable of detecting second information, and a first communication unit capable of communicating using a wireless communication line. The processing device includes a second communication unit capable of communicating with the first communication unit using the wireless communication line, and a processing unit that performs a predetermined process. The first communication unit transmits the first information detected by the first detection unit and the second information detected by the second detection unit to the second communication unit. The processing unit obtains the first information of the material to be processed based on the first information received by the second communication unit and the position information of the material to be processed obtained based on the second information received by the second communication unit.

[0010] Further, in the above detection system, the processing unit may obtain the first information of the material to be processed by extracting the first information of the material to be processed from the first information received by the second communication unit based on the position information.

[0011] Further, in the above detection system, the processing unit predicts the time when the material to be processed exists on a predetermined area of the processing container based on the position information, and obtains the first information of the material to be processed based on the first information received by the second communication unit at the predicted time.

[0012] Further, in the above detection system, the processing unit determines whether or not the material to be processed exists on a predetermined area of the processing container based on the position information, and obtains the first information of the material to be processed based on the first information received by the second communication unit when the material to be processed exists on the predetermined area of the processing container.

[0013] Further, in the above detection system, the first information may be information indicating temperature, and the second information may be at least one of information indicating the angle of the processing container, the rotation speed, and the vibration applied to the processing container.

[0014] In addition, in the above detection system, a centrifuge is further provided. The centrifuge is configured to be able to hold the processing container to which the detector is attached, and includes a rotating body that can rotate about its rotation axis, a revolving body that holds the rotating body and can rotate about its revolution axis, and a driving unit that applies a rotational force to the revolving body and the rotating body.

[0015] From another aspect, an invention provides a detector that can accommodate a material to be processed and is attached to a processing container used in a centrifuge. The detector includes a first detection unit that can detect first information, a second detection unit that can detect second information, and a processing unit that performs a predetermined process. The processing unit is a detector that obtains the first information of the material to be processed based on the first information detected by the first detection unit and the position information of the material to be processed obtained based on the second information detected by the second detection unit.

[0016] In addition, in the above detector, the processing unit can obtain the first information of the material to be processed by extracting the first information of the material to be processed from the first information detected by the first detection unit based on the position information.

[0017] In addition, in the above detector, the processing unit predicts the time when the material to be processed exists on a predetermined area of the processing container based on the position information, and obtains the first information of the material to be processed based on the first information detected by the first detection unit at the predicted time.

[0018] In addition, in the above detector, the processing unit determines whether or not the material to be processed exists on a predetermined area of the processing container based on the position information, and obtains the first information of the material to be processed based on the first information detected by the first detection unit when the material to be processed exists on the predetermined area of the processing container.

[0019] In the detector, the first information is information indicating temperature, and the second information can be at least one of information indicating the angle of the processing container, the rotational speed, and vibration applied to the processing container. In the detector, a first communication unit that can transmit the first information of the material to be processed obtained by the processing unit by using a wireless communication line may be further provided.

[0020] From another aspect, an invention is a centrifuge including a rotor configured to hold the processing container to which any of the above detectors is attached and rotatable about its rotation axis, a revolving body holding the rotor and rotatable about its revolution axis, and a driving unit configured to apply a rotational force to the revolving body and the rotor.

[0021] From another aspect, an invention is a method including: detecting first information in a processing container configured to accommodate a material to be processed and used in a centrifuge; detecting second information in the processing container; and obtaining the first information of the material to be processed based on the detected first information and position information of the material to be processed obtained from the detected second information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a detector and a detection system that are used in a centrifuge and can more accurately detect information such as the temperature of a material to be processed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications and applications of technologies not explicitly described below. The present invention can be implemented with various modifications (for example, combining each embodiment) without departing from the gist thereof. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily match the actual dimensions, ratios, etc. There may be parts where the dimensional relationships and ratios are different between the drawings.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a centrifuge according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the centrifuge 1 includes a rotating shaft 10, a revolving body 20, a rotating unit 30, a balance weight 40, a drive unit 50, a support substrate 60, a partitioning body 70, a housing 80, a processing container 90, and a detector 100.

[0026] The rotating shaft 10 is configured to penetrate through the support substrate 60 and the like and rotate about a revolution axis L1, which is an imaginary straight line. The rotating shaft 10 may be configured to rotate about a vertically extending revolution axis L1 as shown in the figure. However, the rotating shaft 10 is not limited thereto.

[0027] The revolving body 20 includes a first arm 22 and a second arm 24. The revolving body 20 is attached to the rotating shaft 10 and configured to rotate about the revolution axis L1 together with the rotating shaft 10. The first arm 22 extends in a first direction orthogonal to the revolution axis L1 and is configured to bend in the middle, and the rotating unit 30 is attached thereto. The second arm 24 extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the balance weight 40 is attached thereto.

[0028] The rotation unit 30 includes a rotation axis 32 and a rotating body 34 and is configured accordingly. The rotation axis 32 is rotatably attached to the first arm 22 of the revolution body 20 via a bearing 36. The position where the rotation axis 32 is attached is on the side opposite to the revolution axis line L1 with the bent portion of the first arm 22 interposed therebetween. Thereby, the rotation axis 32 revolves around the revolution axis line L1 as the revolution body 20 rotates. At the same time, the rotation axis 32 can rotate around a rotation axis line L2 which is an imaginary straight line passing through the revolution body 20.

[0029] The rotating body 34 has a bottomed shape with one end open, and its bottom is attached to one end of the rotation axis 32. Thereby, the rotating body 34 revolves around the revolution axis line L1 together with the rotation axis 32 and rotates around the rotation axis line L2. Further, the rotating body 34 receives and holds the processing container 90 from the open portion.

[0030] The balance weight 40 is attached to the second arm 24 of the revolution body 20 so that the distance from the revolution axis line L1 can be changed. The balance weight 40 adjusts the balance of the revolution body 20 and contributes to the stable operation of the centrifuge 1.

[0031] The drive unit 50 includes a drive source 51, a first pulley 52, a second pulley 53, a belt 54, and a rotation drive mechanism 55 and is configured accordingly. The drive unit 50 rotates the rotation shaft 10 and the rotation axis 32 of the rotation unit 30.

[0032] The drive source 51 is fixed to the support substrate 60, and uses a first pulley 52 fixed to the drive shaft of the drive source 51, a second pulley 53 fixed to the rotation shaft 10, and a belt 54 wound around the first pulley 52 and the second pulley 53 to apply a rotational force to the rotation shaft 10.

[0033] The rotation drive mechanism 55 includes a rotation gear 56, a rotation force applying gear 57, and an intermediate gear 58 and is configured accordingly. The rotating gear 56 is fixed to the other end side of the rotating shaft 32 of the rotating unit 30. The rotation force applying gear 57 is fixed to the support substrate 60 so as to be concentric with the rotation shaft 10. The intermediate gear 58 is rotatably attached to the revolving body 20 via a bearing 59. The intermediate gear 58 transmits the rotational force between the rotating gear 56 and the rotation force applying gear 57.

[0034] Based on the fact that the rotating gear 56, the rotation force applying gear 57, and the intermediate gear 58 are configured as described above, the rotational angular velocities of the rotating gear 56 and the rotation force applying gear 57 are associated. Thereby, the rotating gear 56 and the rotation force applying gear 57 exhibit behavior similar to that of an epicyclic gear train. Therefore, when the drive source 51 drives to rotate the rotation shaft 10, the rotating gear 56 rotates and rotates the rotating shaft 32 of the rotating unit 30.

[0035] The partitioning body 70 includes a partitioning body main body 72 and a lid body 74. The partitioning body main body 72 has an opening at one end side and houses the revolving body 20 and the like. The lid body 74 closes the opening of the partitioning body main body 72. Further, the lid body 74 is removed from the partitioning body main body 72 when attaching and detaching the processing container 90 to and from the rotating body 34 of the rotating unit 30, for example.

[0036] The processing container 90 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape having a side wall portion 92 extending in a cylindrical shape along a central axis CL which is an imaginary straight line passing through its center, a bottom portion 94 provided at one end side of the side wall portion 92, and an opening 96 provided at the other end side of the side wall portion 92, and houses the material to be processed M. For example, the processing container 90 is in a bottomed cylindrical shape (see also FIG. 2).

[0037] The detector 100 is attached to the opening 96 of the processing container 90. For example, the detector 100 is configured to also have a function of a lid that closes the opening 96 of the processing container 90 (see also FIG. 2). Details of the detector 100 will be described later.

[0038] The material to be processed M is to be accommodated in the processing container 90, and it only needs to behave as a fluid, and its composition and use are not particularly limited. For example, the material to be processed M is a material containing only a fluid component (such as resin), a material containing a granular component (powdered component) in addition to the fluid component, a granular (powdered) material and a medium (such as a zirconia ball) for grinding the granular material, and a material containing a fluid to be emulsified. Specific examples of the material to be processed M include adhesives, sealants, liquid crystal materials, mixed materials containing an LED phosphor and resin, solder paste, dental impression materials, dental cements (such as filling agents), and liquid drugs.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a detector according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the internal structure of the detector 100 is omitted, and the detector 100 is shown together with the processing container 90.

[0040] The detector 100 is attached to the opening 96 side of the processing container 90 and includes a housing portion 102 that includes an internal space 104 therein and a first detection portion 106. Further, the detector 100 also includes a second detection portion 108, a first communication portion 110, a power supply portion 112, etc., which will be described later, in the internal space 104.

[0041] The housing portion 102 is attached to the processing container 90 so as to close the opening 96 of the processing container 90 by a mechanism such as a screw mechanism (not shown). Further, the housing portion 102 houses the second detection portion 108, the first communication portion 110, the power supply portion 112, etc., which will be described later, in the internal space 104.

[0042] The first detection portion 106 is fixed to the housing portion 102 so that when the housing portion 102 is attached to the processing container 90, the first information I1 in a predetermined range on the internal space side of the processing container 90 can be detected. For example, when the housing portion 102 is attached to the processing container 90, the first detection portion 106 is located on the central axis CL and is fixed to the housing portion 102 so as to face the internal space of the processing container 90.

[0043] Specifically, the first detection unit 106 is configured to be able to detect first information I1, which is information indicating the temperature in a predetermined range on the inner space side of the processing container 90 (note that the description of "temperature" in the present application not only means the temperature of the corresponding part, but may also mean the temperature distribution of the corresponding part. Also, the description of "information" in the present application includes not only direct information but also indirect information). For example, as shown in the figure, the first detection unit 106 is configured to be able to detect the temperature in an angular range θ of 70 degrees to the left and right from the center in the cross section of the detector 100 as the first information I1. This angular range θ is not limited, and the center of the angular range θ does not need to be provided on the central axis CL as shown in the figure. The first detection unit 106 can detect the first information I1, which is information indicating the temperature as described above, by using a radiation thermometer, an infrared camera, or the like.

[0044] Note that the first detection unit 106 may be configured by an imaging element or the like to detect the first information I1, which is information indicating an image in a predetermined range on the inner space side of the processing container 90, or may be configured by other sensors or the like to detect the first information I1, which is information indicating an arbitrary physical quantity in a predetermined range on the inner space side of the processing container 90 (note that the description of "physical quantity" in the present application not only means the physical quantity of the corresponding part, but may also mean the distribution of the physical quantity of the corresponding part).

[0045] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the detection system 200 includes a detector 100 and a processing device 150. The detector 100 includes, in addition to the first detection unit 106 described above, a second detection unit 108, a first communication unit 110, and a power supply unit 112. Note that the detector 100 may also include the housing unit 102 and the like as described above, and may also include a processing unit, a storage unit, and the like (not shown).

[0046] The second detection unit 108 detects second information I2, which is information indicating at least one of the angle of the processing container 90, the rotation speed (rotation speed) of the processing container 90, and the vibration applied to the processing container 90. The second detection unit 108 can detect the second information I2, which is the above-described information, by using a sensor that measures accelerations in a plurality of axial directions, a sensor that detects inclination, or the like.

[0047] The first communication unit 110 receives the first information I1 detected by the first detection unit 106 and receives the second information I2 detected by the second detection unit 108, and transmits the first information I1 and the second information I2 by using a wireless communication line (in the present application, a visible light communication line, an infrared communication line, etc. are also included in the wireless communication line). As the wireless communication line, a known wireless communication line can be used. Note that the first communication unit 110 may be configured to receive predetermined information transmitted from the second communication unit 152 by using a wireless communication line. The power supply unit 112 is configured to be able to supply power to the first detection unit 106, the second detection unit 108, and the first communication unit 110. For example, the power supply unit 112 may use a battery.

[0048] The processing device 150 includes a second communication unit 152, a processing unit 154, a storage unit 155, an input unit 156, and an output unit 158. Note that the processing device 150 may include a power supply unit (not shown) or the like, and may be configured by, for example, a notebook personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like. The second communication unit 152 receives the first information I1 and the second information I2 transmitted by the first communication unit 110. Note that the second communication unit 152 may be configured to be able to transmit predetermined information by using a wireless communication line. The storage unit 155 stores arbitrary information such as information about the centrifuge 1.

[0049] The processing unit 154 receives the first information I1 and the second information I2 from the second communication unit 152 and performs predetermined processing. Specifically, the processing unit 154 first obtains the position where the material to be processed M exists in the processing container 90 (which may be "position information"; the same applies hereinafter) based on the second information I2.

[0050] Here, the material to be processed M moves (convects) within the processing container 90 in response to the centrifugal force acting on the processing container 90 (at least, the magnitude of the centrifugal force due to revolution and the direction in which the centrifugal force due to revolution acts. The same applies hereinafter unless otherwise noted), and the position where it exists is determined. Then, the angle of the processing container 90 that houses the material to be processed M, the rotational speed of the processing container 90, and the vibration applied to the processing container 90, which are the information indicated by the second information I2, are related to the centrifugal force acting on the processing container 90 (at least one of the magnitude of the centrifugal force and the direction in which the centrifugal force acts). Therefore, the processing unit 154 can obtain the position where the material to be processed M exists within the processing container 90 using the second information I2. Hereinafter, a method for obtaining the position where the material to be processed M exists within the processing container 90 based on the second information I2 will be described. Note that the processing unit 154 may use other methods to obtain the position where the material to be processed M exists within the processing container 90 based on the second information I2. For example, the processing unit 154 may use a table stored in the storage unit 155 that shows the relationship between the second information I2 and the position where the material to be processed M exists within the processing container 90 to obtain the position where the material to be processed M exists within the processing container 90.

[0051] (When the information indicated by the second information I2 is the angle of the processing container 90 that houses the material to be processed M) When the second information I2 is the angle of the processing container 90 that houses the material to be processed M (for example, the angle between two predetermined portions of the processing container 90, and the same applies hereinafter. Also, the angle of the processing container 90 may be substantially detected based on detecting the angle of the detector 100 attached to the processing container 90 (for example, the angle between two predetermined portions of the detector 100)), it can be used when obtaining the centrifugal force acting on the processing container 90 (mainly, the direction in which the centrifugal force acts). This is based on the fact that the angle of the processing container 90 changes according to the rotational position of the processing container 90. From this, based on the angle of the processing container 90, for example, the portion of the processing container 90 located on the centrifugal side with respect to the revolution axis L1 at the time when the angle is detected can be obtained, and further, based on this, the direction in which the centrifugal force due to revolution acts can also be obtained.

[0052] Therefore, the processing unit 154 determines the centrifugal force acting on the processing container 90 based on the angle of the processing container 90 indicated by the second information I2 and information regarding the centrifuge 1 (mainly information for obtaining the magnitude of the centrifugal force, specifically, information such as the revolution radius and revolution speed. These may be stored in the storage unit 155 or obtained by the processing unit 154 based on the specifications of the centrifuge 1 stored in the storage unit 155). At this time, the processing unit 154 may use, for example, a table (which may be stored in the storage unit 155) showing the relationship between such information and the centrifugal force acting on the processing container 90 to determine the centrifugal force acting on the processing container 90 (the same applies hereinafter). Then, based on the determined centrifugal force, the processing unit 154 determines the position where the material to be processed M exists within the processing container 90.

[0053] (When the information indicated by the second information I2 is information indicating the rotational speed of the processing container 90) When the second information I2 is the rotational speed of the processing container 90 (meaning the rotational speed of its own rotation; the same applies hereinafter), it can be used when determining the centrifugal force acting on the processing container 90 (mainly the magnitude of the centrifugal force). For example, since the relationship between the rotational speed and revolution speed of the processing container 90 is known, the revolution speed can be determined based on the rotational speed of the processing container 90. Furthermore, since the revolution radius is known, based on the revolution speed and the revolution radius, the magnitude of the centrifugal force due to revolution can be determined.

[0054] Therefore, the processing unit 154 determines the centrifugal force acting on the processing container 90 based on the rotation speed of the processing container 90 indicated in the second information I2 and information regarding the centrifuge 1 (mainly information for obtaining the magnitude of the centrifugal force based on the rotation speed of the processing container 90 indicated in the second information I2, specifically, information such as the revolution radius and the relationship between the rotation speed and the revolution speed of the processing container 90, and mainly information for obtaining the direction in which the centrifugal force acts, specifically, information such as the portion of the processing container 90 located on the centrifugal side with respect to the revolution axis L1 at the time of detection of the second information I2. These may be those stored in the storage unit 155 or those obtained by the processing unit 154 based on the specifications of the centrifuge 1 stored in the storage unit 155). Then, based on the obtained centrifugal force, the processing unit 154 determines the position where the material to be processed M exists within the processing container 90.

[0055] (When the information indicated by the second information I2 is information indicating the vibration applied to the processing container 90) When the second information I2 is information indicating the vibration applied to the processing container 90, it can be used when determining the centrifugal force (mainly the magnitude of the centrifugal force) acting on the processing container 90. For example, since the relationship between the vibration applied to the processing container 90 and the revolution speed is known, the revolution speed can be determined based on the vibration applied to the processing container 90. Further, since the revolution radius is known, the magnitude of the centrifugal force due to revolution can be determined based on the revolution speed and the revolution radius.

[0056] Therefore, the processing unit 154 determines the centrifugal force acting on the processing container 90 based on the vibration applied to the processing container 90 indicated by the second information I2 and information regarding the centrifuge 1 (mainly information for obtaining the magnitude of the centrifugal force based on the vibration applied to the processing container 90 indicated by the second information I2, specifically, information such as the revolution radius and the relationship between the vibration applied to the processing container 90 and the revolution speed, and mainly information for obtaining the direction in which the centrifugal force acts, specifically, information such as the portion of the processing container 90 located on the centrifugal side with respect to the revolution axis L1 at the time of detection of the second information I2. These may be those stored in the storage unit 155 or those obtained by the processing unit 154 based on the specifications of the centrifuge 1 stored in the storage unit 155). Then, based on the characteristics of the centrifugal force acting on the obtained processing container 90, the processing unit 154 determines the position where the material to be processed M exists within the processing container 90.

[0057] When the information indicated by the second information I2 is information indicating at least one of the angle of the processing container 90 that houses the material to be processed M, the rotation speed of the processing container 90, and the vibration applied to the processing container 90, the processing unit 154 can more accurately determine the magnitude and the acting direction of the centrifugal force acting on the processing container 90 based on such information, and thus can more accurately determine the position where the material to be processed M exists within the processing container 90.

[0058] Also, the position where the material to be processed M exists within the processing container 90 may be affected by the shape of the processing container 90 and the amount of the material to be processed M housed in the processing container 90. Therefore, the processing unit 154 may determine the position where the material to be processed M exists within the processing container 90 in consideration of information regarding the shape of the processing container 90 and the amount of the material to be processed M housed in the processing container 90. Note that the information on the shape of the processing container 90 and the amount of the material to be processed M housed in the processing container 90 may be, for example, those stored in the storage unit 155.

[0059] In addition, the position where the material to be processed M exists within the processing container 90 can also be affected by the characteristics (such as viscosity) of the material to be processed M. Therefore, the processing unit 154 may determine the position where the material to be processed M exists within the processing container 90 in consideration of the information regarding the characteristics of the material to be processed M stored in the storage unit 155. By doing so, the processing unit 154 can more accurately determine the position where the material to be processed M exists within the processing container 90. In addition, when the second information I2 is information indicating the vibration applied to the processing container 90, the processing unit 154 may determine the characteristics of the material to be processed M based on this, and also determine the position where the material to be processed M exists within the processing container 90 in consideration of the determined characteristics of the material to be processed M. This utilizes the fact that the vibration applied to the processing container 90 changes due to the movement of the material to be processed M within the processing container 90 changing according to the characteristics of the material to be processed M.

[0060] Next, the processing unit 154 obtains the first information I1 of the material to be processed M by extracting the first information I1 of the material to be processed M from the first information I1 detected by the first detection unit 106 based on the position where the material to be processed M exists, which is obtained based on the second information I2 as described above. That is, the processing unit 154 extracts the first information I1 of the position where the material to be processed M exists, which is obtained as described above, from the first information I1 within a predetermined range on the inner space side of the processing container 90 detected by the first detection unit 106. Thereby, the processing unit 154 obtains the first information I1 of the material to be processed M within the processing container 90. For example, when the first information I1 detected by the first detection unit 106 is information indicating the temperature within a predetermined range on the inner space side of the processing container 90, the processing unit 154 extracts only the information of the temperature at the position where the material to be processed M exists, which is obtained as described above, from the said information. Thereby, the processing unit 154 can obtain the temperature of the material to be processed M within the processing container 90.

[0061] The input unit 156 may be, for example, a keyboard or the like, and is used for the user to perform a predetermined input or the like. For example, the user may input information regarding the characteristics of the material to be processed M, the shape of the processing container 90, and the amount of the material to be processed M accommodated in the processing container 90 by using the input unit 156. Note that the information regarding the characteristics of the material to be processed M input may be stored in the storage unit 155. The output unit 158 may be, for example, a display or the like, and is used for displaying the first information I1 of the material to be processed M in the processing container 90 obtained by the processing unit 154 or the like.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a material processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Such a material processing method is executed in the centrifuge 1.

[0063] First, the user of the centrifuge 1 attaches the detector 100 to the processing container 90 (S401). In this step, first, the user accommodates the material to be processed M in the processing container 90. Next, the user attaches the detector 100 to the opening 96 side of the processing container 90. Thus, the attachment of the detector 100 to the processing container 90 is completed. Note that the operation of attaching the detector 100 to the processing container 90 may be automatically performed by using a predetermined robot instead of the user. Similarly, in each of the following steps, the operation performed by the user may be automatically performed by using a predetermined robot instead of the user.

[0064] Next, the user removes the lid 74 from the partition body main body 72 and attaches the processing container 90 to which the detector 100 is attached to the rotating body 34 of the rotating unit 30 (S402). The user attaches the processing container 90 to the rotating body 34 by inserting the processing container 90 from the bottom 94 side into the open end of the rotating body 34.

[0065] Next, the user attaches the lid 74 to the partition body main body 72 and operates the centrifuge 1 (S403). When the centrifuge 1 operates, the processing container 90 rotates (revolves) about the revolution axis line L1 and rotates about the rotation axis line L2. Thereby, the material to be processed M is processed.

[0066] Next, the detector 100 detects first information I1, which is information indicating the temperature etc. on the inner space side of the processing container 90, by the first detection unit 106, and also detects second information I2, which is information indicating at least one of the angle of the processing container 90, the rotational speed of the processing container 90, and the vibration applied to the processing container 90, by the second detection unit 108 (S404).

[0067] Next, the detector 100 transmits the first information I1 and the second information I2 using a wireless communication line by the first communication unit 110, and the processing device 150 receives the first information I1 and the second information I2 transmitted by the first communication unit 110 by the second communication unit 152 (S405).

[0068] Next, the processing device 150 obtains the first information I1 (for example, the temperature of the material to be processed M) of the material to be processed M in the processing container 90 based on the first information I1 and the second information I2 received by the second communication unit 152 (S406). The obtained first information I1 of the material to be processed M is output to the output unit 158 so that it can be confirmed by the user.

[0069] After the processing of the material to be processed M is completed, the user stops the centrifuge 1 (S407). Thereby, the processing by the detection system 200 (the detector 100 and the processing device 150) may also end. Thereafter, the user can take out the processed material M accommodated in the processing container 90 by taking out the processing container 90 from the centrifuge 1 and removing the detector 100 from the processing container 90.

[0070] Here, in the detection system 200, the first detection unit 106 and the second detection unit 108 are fixed to the detector 100 (housing unit 102) without having a movable part. Therefore, in the detection system 200, the first information I1 such as the temperature of the material to be processed M in the processing container 90 can be accurately detected without being affected by the movable part.

[0071] Each of the above embodiments is an exemplification for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not intended to be limited only to these embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its gist.

[0072] For example, in the method disclosed in this specification, steps, operations, or functions may be performed in parallel or in a different order as long as the results do not conflict. The described steps, operations, and functions are provided as mere examples, and some of the steps, operations, and functions can be omitted without departing from the gist of the invention, and they may be combined with each other to form one entity, or other steps, operations, or functions may be added.

[0073] Further, the processing unit 154 may obtain the first information I1 of the material to be processed M as follows. First, the processing unit 154 predicts the time when the material to be processed M exists on the region A shown in FIG. 5. As described above, the processing unit 154 can obtain the position where the material to be processed M exists in the processing container 90 (at the time of detection of the second information I2) based on the second information I2. From this, in addition to the obtained position where the material to be processed M exists in the processing container 90 (at the time of detection of the second information I2), the processing unit 154 can also predict the time when the material to be processed M is located on the region A (in the next and subsequent times) based on the second information I2, information about the centrifuge 1, and the characteristics of the material to be processed M, etc. Note that FIG. 5 is a plan view of the processing container 90 seen from the opening 96 side, and the region A is a predetermined region of the bottom 94 of the processing container 90, and its size and position may be determined in consideration of, for example, the shape of the processing container 90 and the amount of the material to be processed M accommodated in the processing container 90.

[0074] Next, the processing unit 154 extracts the first information I1 of the portion corresponding to the region A, that is, the first information I1 of the material to be processed M, from the first information I1 detected by the first detection unit 106 at the time when the material to be processed M is located on the predicted region A. Thereby, the processing unit 154 can obtain the first information I1 of the material to be processed M.

[0075] In this case, the first detection unit 106 may be configured to detect only the first information I1 within the range corresponding to region A. By configuring the first detection unit 106 in this way, when the workpiece M is located on the predicted region A, the processing unit 154 can directly extract the first information I1 detected by the first detection unit 106 at that time as the first information I1 of the workpiece M.

[0076] Further, the processing unit 154 determines whether the position of the workpiece M at the time of detecting the second information I2, which is obtained based on the second information I2, includes the region A. When it includes the region A, the processing unit 154 extracts the first information I1 of the portion corresponding to region A from the first detection unit 106 detected by the first detection unit 106, that is, the first information I1 of the workpiece M, to obtain the first information I1 of the workpiece M. Also in this case, the first detection unit 106 may be configured to detect only the first information I1 within the range corresponding to region A.

[0077] Further, the detection system may be configured to include a centrifuge 1, a detector 100, and a processing device 150. Also, the process of obtaining the first information I1 of the workpiece M in the processing container 90 based on the first information I1 detected by the first detection unit 106 and the second information I2 detected by the second detection unit 108 performed by the processing unit 154 may be performed by the detector 100. In this case, a processing unit and a storage unit (not shown) are provided in the detector 100, and the processing unit performs a process of obtaining the first information I1 of the workpiece M in the processing container 90 based on the first information I1 and the second information I2. The obtained first information I1 of the workpiece M in the processing container 90 is transmitted by the first communication unit 110 to the second communication unit 152 of the processing device 150 using a wireless communication line. By doing so, it is not necessary for the processing unit 154 to perform a process of obtaining the first information I1 of the workpiece M in the processing container 90 based on the first information I1 and the second information I2. Also, it is assumed that the detection system may utilize machine learning in the process of obtaining the first information I1 of the workpiece M in the processing container 90.

[0078] In addition, although various embodiments are disclosed in this specification, specific features (technical matters) in one embodiment can be added to other embodiments while appropriately improving them, or can be replaced with specific features in other embodiments, and such forms are also included in the gist of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0079] The present invention can be widely used in the field of centrifuges with rotation and revolution.

Explanation of Signs

[0080] 1: Centrifuge, 10: Rotating shaft, 20: Revolving body, 22: First arm, 24: Second arm, 30: Rotating unit, 32: Rotating shaft, 34: Rotating body, 36: Bearing, 40: Balance weight, 50: Driving unit, 51: Driving source, 52: First pulley, 53: Second pulley, 54: Belt, 55: Rotating drive mechanism, 56: Rotating gear, 57: Rotating force applying gear, 58: Intermediate gear, 59: Bearing, 60: Support substrate, 70: Partition body, 72: Partition body main body, 74: Cover body, 80: Housing, 90: Processing container, 92: Side wall portion, 94: Bottom portion, 96: Opening, 100: Detector, 102: Housing portion, 104: Internal space, 106: First detection portion, 108: Second detection portion, 110: First communication portion, 112: Power supply portion, 150: Processing device, 152: Second communication portion, 154: Processing portion, 155: Storage portion, 156: Input portion, 158: Output portion, 200: Detection system, A: Region, CL: Central axis, I1: First information, I2: Second information, L1: Revolving axis line, L2: Rotating axis line, M: Material to be processed, θ: Angle range

Claims

1. A detection system including a detector that can accommodate a material to be processed and is attached to a processing container used in a rotary and orbital centrifuge, and a processing device configured to communicate with the detector, wherein the detector includes a detection unit capable of detecting information indicating at least one of the angle of the processing container and the vibration applied to the processing container, a first communication unit capable of communicating using a wireless communication line, and the processing device includes a second communication unit capable of communicating with the first communication unit using the wireless communication line, a processing unit that performs a predetermined process, and the first communication unit transmits the information detected by the detection unit to the second communication unit, and the processing unit determines, during operation of the centrifuge, the position where the material to be processed exists in the processing container based on the information during operation of the centrifuge received by the second communication unit.

2. Further comprising a centrifuge, the centrifuge including a rotor configured to hold the processing container to which the detector is attached and rotatable about a rotation axis, a stator that holds the rotor and is rotatable about an orbital axis, and a drive unit that applies a rotational force to the stator and the rotor, The detection system according to claim 1.

3. A detector that can accommodate a material to be processed and is attached to a processing container used in a rotary and orbital centrifuge, the detector including a detection unit capable of detecting information indicating at least one of the angle of the processing container and the vibration applied to the processing container, a processing unit that performs a predetermined process, and the processing unit determines, during operation of the centrifuge, the position where the material to be processed exists in the processing container based on the information during operation of the centrifuge detected by the detection unit.

4. In a processing container that can accommodate a material to be processed and is used in a rotary and orbital centrifuge, a method comprising detecting information indicating at least one of the angle of the processing container and the vibration applied to the processing container, and determining, during operation of the centrifuge, the position where the material to be processed exists in the processing container based on the detected information during operation of the centrifuge. and

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