Stirring and defoaming machine

Abstract

To provide a stirring / degassing machine which allows changes in environmental conditions when stirring or degassing a kneaded object, so that the kneaded object is efficiently stirred or degassed.SOLUTION: A stirring / degassing machine includes: a piston 11 incorporated in a container adapter 10, rotatable about a rotation axis Y together with the container adapter 10, and capable of oscillating in a direction of the rotation axis Y; a volume chamber 12 formed between the piston 11 and the container adapter 10; an oscillation mechanism for causing the piston 11 to oscillate in the direction of the rotation axis Y; and a pressure change mechanism for changing the pressure inside the container adapter 10 by utilizing volume changes of the volume chamber 12 accompanying oscillation of the piston 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stirring and defoaming machine, and more particularly to a stirring and defoaming machine that enables efficient stirring or defoaming of a kneaded material by changing the environmental conditions during stirring or defoaming of the kneaded material.

Background Art

[0002] In a rotary-revolution type stirring and defoaming machine, stirring and defoaming of a kneaded material are performed using rotation and revolution. However, depending on the type of the kneaded material, it may take time or stirring and defoaming may not be sufficiently performed. In addition, in order to promote stirring and defoaming of the kneaded material, the inside of the container is depressurized. In order to depressurize the inside of the container to a vacuum state, it has been proposed to attach a vacuum pump to the stirring and defoaming machine (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). However, since it is necessary to secure an installation place when attaching the vacuum pump, there are problems that the entire apparatus of the stirring and defoaming machine becomes large-sized and the entire apparatus has to be significantly modified.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a stirring and defoaming machine that enables efficient stirring or defoaming of a kneaded material by changing the environmental conditions during stirring or defoaming of the kneaded material.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention provides a stirring and defoaming machine for achieving the above objective, comprising a support body, a rotor rotatably supported with respect to the support body, a drive motor for driving the rotor, a bottomed cylindrical container adapter rotatably supported with respect to the rotor on a rotation axis inclined with respect to the rotor's orbital axis, and a container housed in the container adapter, wherein the stirring and defoaming machine comprises a piston built into the container adapter, which is rotatable together with the container adapter about the rotation axis and configured to swing in the direction of the rotation axis, a volume chamber formed between the piston and the container adapter, a swinging mechanism for swinging the piston in the direction of the rotation axis, and a pressure changing mechanism for changing the pressure inside the container adapter by utilizing the volume change of the volume chamber accompanying the swinging of the piston. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] In the stirring and defoaming machine of the present invention, as the container adapter rotates, the piston rotates around its axis of rotation and oscillates (reciprocates) over a predetermined range in the direction of the axis of rotation. The pressure change mechanism utilizes the change in volume of the volume chamber accompanying the piston's oscillation to change the pressure inside the container adapter. For example, by using the change in volume of the volume chamber to expel air from the inside to the outside of the container adapter, the inside of the container adapter can be depressurized to a vacuum state. Alternatively, by using the change in volume chamber to supply air from the outside to the inside of the container adapter, the inside of the container adapter can be pressurized. This optimizes the pressure conditions when stirring or defoaming the material to be kneaded, allowing for efficient stirring or defoaming of the material. Furthermore, since it only requires modifying the mechanism around the container adapter without significantly altering conventional stirring and defoaming machines, it can be introduced in a space-saving and low-cost manner.

[0007] In the stirring and defoaming machine of the present invention, the oscillating mechanism preferably comprises an elastic member that biases the piston toward the support side, a ridged surface formed on the support side end of the piston, and a bearing disposed to contact this ridged surface. Alternatively, the oscillating mechanism preferably comprises a groove formed on the outer circumferential surface of the piston and a pin that fits into this groove. By using an oscillating mechanism having either structure, the pressure change mechanism can smoothly change the pressure inside the container adapter by utilizing the volume change of the volume chamber accompanying the oscillating of the piston.

[0008] The container adapter has a first flow path that connects the volume chamber to the inside of the container adapter and a second flow path that connects the volume chamber to the outside of the container adapter, wherein the first flow path is equipped with a first check valve that allows only inflow into the volume chamber and the second flow path is equipped with a second check valve that allows only outflow from the volume chamber. Alternatively, the container adapter has a first flow path that connects the volume chamber to the inside of the container adapter and a second flow path that connects the volume chamber to the outside of the container adapter, wherein the second flow path is equipped with a first check valve that allows only inflow into the volume chamber and the first flow path is equipped with a second check valve that allows only outflow from the volume chamber.

[0009] It is preferable to have an oscillation switching mechanism that switches between the oscillation of the piston in the direction of its rotation axis. This allows stirring or defoaming of the material to be kneaded while the piston's oscillation motion is arbitrarily stopped.

[0010] The container adapter preferably has a connecting mechanism that links the container and the piston together. This allows the piston and the container to oscillate as a single unit, enabling more efficient defoaming or stirring of the material being kneaded. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a stirring and defoaming machine. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the container adapter of the stirring and defoaming machine. [Figure 3]Figure 2 shows a magnified view of the piston of the container adapter, Figure 3(A) is a cross-sectional view, and Figure 3(B) is a perspective view. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the container adapter for a stirring and degassing machine. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the container adapter for a stirring and degassing machine. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the container adapter for a stirring and degassing machine. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the container adapter for a stirring and degassing machine. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows a magnified view of the piston of the container adapter, Figure 8(A) is a cross-sectional view, and Figure 8(B) is a perspective view. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the container adapter for a stirring and degassing machine. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the container adapter for a stirring and degassing machine. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the container adapter for a stirring and degassing machine. [Figure 12] (A) to (D) are explanatory diagrams showing the flow paths that connect the inside and outside of the container adapter to the volume chamber. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the stirring and defoaming machine of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 illustrates the basic internal structure of the stirring and defoaming machine of the present invention. Figures 2 to 6 each represent an embodiment of the stirring and defoaming machine having the basic structure of Figure 1 and comprising a first oscillating mechanism, and Figures 7 to 11 each represent an embodiment of the stirring and defoaming machine having the basic structure of Figure 1 and comprising a second oscillating mechanism.

[0013] (Embodiment comprising a first rocking mechanism) As illustrated in FIG. 1, a stirring and defoaming machine (hereinafter referred to as apparatus 1) includes a pedestal frame 2 formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and a lid portion 3 configured to be openable and closable at its upper part. Inside this pedestal frame 2, a support 4 is horizontally held. On this support 4, a rotor 5 is rotatably supported with its central axis in the vertical direction, and at least one (two in FIG. 1) drive motors 6, 7 are attached. The drive motor 6 is for公转 drive, and the drive motor 7 is for自转 drive.

[0014] The driving forces of these drive motors 6, 7 are transmitted to the rotor 5 and at least one (one in FIG. 1) container adapter 10 through a power transmission mechanism appropriately combined with pulleys, belts, gears, chains, etc. Thereby, the rotor 5 rotates around the central axis (revolution axis X), and the container adapter 10 rotates around the central axis (rotation axis Y). The rotation axis Y of the container adapter 10 is inclined with respect to the revolution axis X of the rotor 5.

[0015] An adapter support portion 51 is fixed to the outer edge portion of the rotor 5, and the container adapter 10 is rotatably supported with respect to this adapter support portion 51. An annular bearing 53 is disposed between the adapter support portion 51 and the container adapter 10. A cover portion 52 is provided so as to cover the end portion of the adapter support portion 51 on the side of the support 4.

[0016] Note: In the original text, "公转" and "自转" are likely specific terms in the context of the machine's movement mechanism, and for lack of better English equivalents, they are left in pinyin here. If there are more specific English terms for these in the relevant technical field, they can be replaced accordingly.The container adapter 10 includes an adapter body 10a formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and a lid portion 10e configured to be openable and closable at its upper part. A bottomed cylindrical container 8 is accommodated inside the container adapter 10, and a kneaded material is put into this container 8. The container 8 does not have a lid, and the container 8 accommodated in the container adapter 10 has its opening sealed by the lid portion 10e, but it is not completely sealed, there is a slight gap, and air can flow through. Further, the adapter body 10a includes an innermost layer 10b that abuts against the container 8, an intermediate layer 10c that covers the innermost layer 10b, and an outermost layer 10d that covers the intermediate layer 10c. There are slight gaps between the innermost layer 10b and the intermediate layer 10c and between the intermediate layer 10c and the outermost layer 10d, and these gaps serve as air flow paths unless they are sealed by a sealing member.

[0017] Note that the internal structure of the above-described apparatus is a general example in a stirring and defoaming machine and is not limited thereto. Therefore, the power transmission mechanism of the apparatus 1 can adopt various forms as long as it transmits the driving force of the driving motor to the rotor and the container adapter. Also, the number of driving motors and container adapters is not particularly limited, and by appropriately changing the configuration of the power transmission mechanism, one driving motor can be used, or a plurality of container adapters can be used.

[0018] According to the stirring and defoaming machine of the present invention, the environmental conditions when stirring or defoaming the kneaded material can be changed. As the environmental conditions during stirring or defoaming, the following cases are exemplified: a case of reducing pressure, a case of increasing pressure, a case of rocking the container adapter while reducing pressure, and a case of rocking the container adapter while increasing pressure.

[0019] When reducing pressure during stirring or degassing, a device 1 equipped with a container adapter 10 as illustrated in Figure 2 is used. This device 1 has a pressure change mechanism that changes the pressure inside the container adapter 10. The piston 11 built into the container adapter 10 rotates together with the container adapter 10 around the rotation axis Y and can oscillate in the direction of the rotation axis Y. The pressure change mechanism utilizes the change in volume of the volume chamber 12 that accompanies the oscillation of the piston 11. This volume chamber 12 is formed between the piston 11 and the container adapter 10 (outermost layer 10d). The volume chamber 12 is a substantially cylindrical sealed space containing air, and its volume is variable by the oscillation of the piston 11.

[0020] As illustrated in Figures 3(A) and (B), the piston 11 consists of a cylindrical shaft portion 11a extending in the direction of the rotation axis Y, and a cylindrical extension portion 11b formed at one end of the shaft portion 11a. Furthermore, the shaft portion 11a of the piston 11 has a raised surface 11x formed at the other end (support 4 side). This raised surface is not a flat surface perpendicular to the rotation axis Y, but rather has undulations relative to a surface perpendicular to the rotation axis Y. In Figures 3(A) and (B), the raised surface 11x has an inclined surface that is tilted relative to a surface perpendicular to the rotation axis Y. Alternatively, the raised surface 11x may have localized protrusions in the circumferential direction. As shown in Figure 3(A), the distance d between the endpoint 11y where the protrusion is maximum and the endpoint 11z where the protrusion is minimum at the other end (support 4 side) of the shaft portion 11a corresponds to the oscillation stroke amount of the piston 11 in the direction of the rotation axis Y.

[0021] The piston 11 is biased toward the support 4 in the direction of the rotation axis Y by an elastic member 13. For example, a disc spring can be used as this elastic member 13. A bearing 14 is disposed between the uneven surface 11x of the piston 11 and the cover portion 52 so as to contact the uneven surface 11x of the piston 11. This bearing 14 allows the piston 11 to rotate smoothly around the rotation axis Y. For example, a ball bearing can be used as the bearing 14. If a localized protrusion is formed on the piston 11 as the uneven surface 11x, the bearing 14 is positioned so as to contact this protrusion.

[0022] Thus, the first oscillating mechanism includes an elastic member 13 that biases the piston 11 toward the support 4, a raised surface 11x formed at the end of the piston 11 toward the support 4, and a bearing 14 disposed to contact this raised surface 11x. As a result, the piston 11 moves up and down in accordance with its rotation. More specifically, as the piston 11 rotates and the contact position with the bearing 14 moves from endpoint 11y to endpoint 11z, the piston 11 moves downward, and as it moves from endpoint 11z to endpoint 11y, the piston 11 moves upward. In other words, the piston 11 makes one up-and-down reciprocating motion for each rotation.

[0023] The shape of the relief surface 11x is not limited to the shape described above. For example, the relief surface 11x may be formed such that the piston 11 is displaced from the bottom dead center to the top dead center when the piston 11 rotates 1 / 4 of a turn (90°). In this case, two endpoints 11y and 11z are formed alternately on the circumference of the piston 11, and the piston 11 makes two up-and-down reciprocations for each rotation.

[0024] A swing switching mechanism 20 is provided in the expanded portion 11b of the piston 11. This swing switching mechanism 20 has the function of switching whether or not the piston 11 swings in the direction of its rotation axis Y. As the swing switching mechanism 20, for example, a bolt provided in the expanded portion 11b of the piston 11 and configured to move along the direction of its rotation axis Y can be used. By protruding this bolt toward the volume chamber 12 side, the bolt functions as a bracing member against the outermost layer 10d, and the piston 11 can be held in an upward position. This makes it possible to arbitrarily stop the swing of the piston 11.

[0025] A rotation suppression mechanism 25 is provided on the shaft portion 11a of the piston 11. This rotation suppression mechanism 25 has the function of suppressing the relative rotation of the piston 11. The rotation suppression mechanism 25 can be constructed, for example, by combining a groove formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 11a of the piston 11 and extending in the direction of the rotation axis Y, with a fitting member that fits into this groove. This suppresses slippage of the piston 11 relative to the container adapter 10 during rotation, allowing the two to rotate together as a single unit. Furthermore, by appropriately adjusting the length of the groove, a function to limit the displacement of the piston 11's oscillation can also be added.

[0026] A cylindrical bearing member 15 is provided on the outer circumference of the shaft portion 11a of the piston 11, supporting the piston 11 so that it can slide in the direction of the rotation axis Y. For example, a sliding bearing can be used as the bearing member 15. In addition, annular sealing members 16 are provided on the outer circumference of both the shaft portion 11a and the expansion portion 11b of the piston 11 to seal the air in the volume chamber 12. For example, an O-ring can be used as the sealing member 16. Furthermore, an annular sealing member 17 is also provided to seal the air.

[0027] The container adapter 10 has a first check valve 41 at an intermediate position in the flow path that connects the volume chamber 12 and the inside of the container adapter 10, and a second check valve 42 at an intermediate position in the flow path that connects the volume chamber 12 and the outside of the container adapter 10. The first check valve 41 allows only inflow into the volume chamber 12, and the second check valve 42 allows only outflow from the volume chamber 12. As these first and second check valves 41 and 42, for example, thin-film valves can be used, in which the base end is fixed to the piston 11 by a bolt or the like, and the tip is a free end and supported in a cantilevered manner. In addition, a recess is formed on the end face of the expansion portion 11b of the piston 11 on the volume chamber 12 side, and a ventilation passage 43 is provided in this recess so as to penetrate the expansion portion 11b in the thickness direction, and one end of the ventilation passage 43 is sealed by the first check valve 41. Furthermore, a ventilation passage 44 is provided between the volume chamber 12 and the intermediate layer 10c of the container adapter 10, and one end of the ventilation passage 44 is sealed by a second check valve 42. In addition, a ventilation opening 10x is provided on the side of the container adapter 10, and a ventilation opening 10y is provided in the center of the bottom surface of the container adapter 10 so as to penetrate the intermediate layer 10c in the thickness direction.

[0028] In the apparatus 1 described above, the pressure change mechanism for changing the internal pressure of the container adapter 10 includes a piston 11 that contributes to the volume change of the volume chamber 12, a ridged surface 11x of the piston 11, an elastic member 13, a bearing 14, a first check valve 41, a second check valve 42, a sealing member 16 for sealing the volume chamber 12, and vents 10x, 10y and vents 43, 44 for ensuring an airflow path to the volume chamber 12. The piston 11 has the internal structure illustrated in Figures 3(A) and 3(B).

[0029] When pressurizing during stirring, the apparatus 1 equipped with the container adapter 10 illustrated in Figure 4 is used. In this embodiment of apparatus 1, a ventilation passage 45 is provided on the bottom surface of the intermediate layer 10c of the container adapter 10, extending from the radial edge toward the center. One end of this ventilation passage 45 opens near the ventilation passage 43. In addition, a ventilation passage 46 is provided so as to penetrate the intermediate layer 10c of the container adapter 10 in the thickness direction. This ventilation passage 46 is located adjacent to the ventilation passage 44. The piston 11 has the internal structure illustrated in Figures 3(A) and (B).

[0030] In the apparatus 1 described above, the pressure change mechanism for changing the internal pressure of the container adapter 10 includes a piston 11 that contributes to the volume change of the volume chamber 12, a ridged surface 11x of the piston 11, an elastic member 13, a bearing 14, a first check valve 41, a second check valve 42, a sealing member 16 for sealing the volume chamber 12, and a vent 10x and vent passages 43, 44, 45, 46 for ensuring an airflow path to the volume chamber 12.

[0031] When the container adapter is oscillated while reducing pressure during stirring or degassing, the apparatus 1 equipped with the container adapter 10 illustrated in Figure 5 is used. In this embodiment of apparatus 1, the container adapter 10 has a connecting mechanism that connects the container 8 and the piston 11 to each other. Specifically, the piston 11 and the innermost layer 10b of the container adapter 10 are connected to each other. The central part of the bottom surface of the innermost layer 10b of the container adapter 10 protrudes toward the piston 11, and at this protruding portion, the innermost layer 10b and the expanded part 11b of the piston 11 are connected by a plurality of bolts 31. Furthermore, a cover 32 including an annular sealing member 33 is provided so as to cover the bolts 31, and the bottom surface of the innermost layer 10b is formed to be flat. The connecting mechanism includes the innermost layer 10b of the container adapter 10, the bolts 31, the cover 32, and the sealing member 33. In addition, a ventilation opening 10y is provided in the intermediate layer 10c of the container adapter 10 so as to penetrate the intermediate layer 10c. The diameter of this vent 10y is larger than the diameter of the protruding portion on the bottom surface of the innermost layer 10b, allowing air to circulate through the vent 10y. The piston 11 has the internal structure illustrated in Figures 3(A) and (B).

[0032] In the apparatus 1 described above, the pressure change mechanism for changing the internal pressure of the container adapter 10 includes a piston 11 that contributes to the volume change of the volume chamber 12, a ridged surface 11x of the piston 11, an elastic member 13, a bearing 14, a first check valve 41, a second check valve 42, a sealing member 16 for sealing the volume chamber 12, and vents 10x, 10y and vents 43, 44 for ensuring an airflow path to the volume chamber 12.

[0033] When the container adapter is oscillated while pressurized during stirring, the apparatus 1 equipped with the container adapter 10 illustrated in Figure 6 is used. In this embodiment of apparatus 1, the container adapter 10 has a connecting mechanism that connects the container 8 and the piston 11 to each other. Specifically, the piston 11 and the innermost layer 10b of the container adapter 10 are connected to each other. The central part of the bottom surface of the innermost layer 10b of the container adapter 10 protrudes toward the piston 11, and at this protruding part, the innermost layer 10b and the expanded part 11b of the piston 11 are connected by a plurality of bolts 31. Furthermore, a cover 32 including an annular sealing member 33 is provided to cover the bolts 31, and the bottom surface of the innermost layer 10b is formed to be flat. The connecting mechanism includes the innermost layer 10b of the container adapter 10, the bolts 31, the cover 32, and the sealing member 33. In addition, a ventilation passage 45 is provided on the bottom surface of the intermediate layer 10c of the container adapter 10, extending from the radial edge toward the center. One end of this ventilation passage 45 opens near the ventilation passage 43. Furthermore, a ventilation passage 46 is provided so as to penetrate the intermediate layer 10c of the container adapter 10 in the thickness direction. This ventilation passage 46 is located adjacent to the ventilation passage 44. The piston 11 has the internal structure illustrated in Figures 3(A) and (B).

[0034] In the apparatus 1 described above, the pressure change mechanism for changing the internal pressure of the container adapter 10 includes a piston 11 that contributes to the volume change of the volume chamber 12, a ridged surface 11x of the piston 11, an elastic member 13, a bearing 14, a first check valve 41, a second check valve 42, a sealing member 16 for sealing the volume chamber 12, and a vent 10x and vent passages 43, 44, 45, 46 for ensuring an airflow path to the volume chamber 12.

[0035] (Embodiment comprising a second rocking mechanism) The apparatus 1 equipped with the container adapter 10 illustrated in Figures 7-11 differs from the apparatus 1 equipped with the container adapter 10 illustrated in Figures 1-6 mainly in the structure of the piston 11. In Figures 7-11, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as those in Figures 1-6, and detailed descriptions of those parts are omitted.

[0036] When reducing pressure during stirring or degassing, the apparatus 1 equipped with the container adapter 10 shown in Figure 7 is used. A riser 10f is inserted between the bottom of the innermost layer 10b and the bottom of the intermediate layer 10c.

[0037] As illustrated in Figures 8(A) and (B), a groove 21x with a predetermined depth is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 11a of the piston 11 at the other end (support 4 side). In Figures 8(A) and (B), the groove 21x is continuously formed around the entire circumference of the shaft portion 11a, gradually changing the distance h from the other end (support 4 side). The difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of this distance h corresponds to the amount of oscillation stroke in the direction of the rotation axis Y of the piston 11. In Figures 8(A) and (B), the groove 21x is formed such that the piston 11 is displaced from the bottom dead center to the top dead center with a rotation of half a turn (180°) of the piston 11. In this groove 21x, the part where the distance h is minimum is the endpoint 21y, and the part where the distance h is maximum is the endpoint 21z.

[0038] A pin 22 is fitted into the groove 21x. This pin 22 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation Y. The pin 22 is inserted through a hole in the cover 52 and fixed to the cover 52, and the tip of the pin 22 is positioned to fit into the groove 21x. As such a pin 22, a bearing pin including a ball bearing can be used to reduce friction between the tip of the pin 22 and the wall surface of the groove 21x, thereby making the rotation of the piston 11 smoother.

[0039] Thus, as a second oscillating mechanism, the piston 11 has a groove 21x formed on its outer circumferential surface and a pin 22 that fits into this groove 21x, causing the piston 11 to move up and down in accordance with its rotation. More specifically, as the piston 11 rotates and the contact position with the pin 22 moves from endpoint 21y to endpoint 21z, the piston 11 moves downward, and as it moves from endpoint 21z to endpoint 21y, the piston 11 moves upward. In other words, the piston 11 makes one up-and-down reciprocating motion for each rotation.

[0040] The shape of the groove 21x is not limited to the shape described above. For example, the groove 21x may be formed such that the piston 11 is displaced from the bottom dead center to the top dead center when the piston 11 rotates 1 / 4 of a turn (90°). In this case, two endpoints 21y and 21z are formed alternately on the circumference of the piston 11, and the piston 11 makes two up-and-down reciprocations for each rotation.

[0041] The container adapter 10 has a first check valve 41 at an intermediate position in the flow path that connects the volume chamber 12 and the inside of the container adapter 10, and a second check valve 42 at an intermediate position in the flow path that connects the volume chamber 12 and the outside of the container adapter 10. The first check valve 41 allows only inflow into the volume chamber 12, and the second check valve 42 allows only outflow from the volume chamber 12. For example, a duckbill valve can be used as the first check valve 41 and the second check valve 42. This duckbill valve has a projection extending from the flange (base) that tapers towards the tip and has a slit at the tip, which allows it to restrict flow in only one direction. Since the duckbill valve is less affected by centrifugal force, when a duckbill valve is used, air is less likely to backflow when the centrifugal force changes due to revolution. Furthermore, a ventilation passage 43 is provided so as to penetrate the thickness direction of the expanded portion 11b of the piston 11, and one end of the ventilation passage 43 is sealed by a first check valve 41. In addition, a ventilation passage 44 is provided between the volume chamber 12 and the intermediate layer 10c of the container adapter 10, and one end of the ventilation passage 44 is sealed by a second check valve 42. Moreover, a ventilation opening 10x is provided on the side surface of the container adapter 10, and a ventilation opening 10y is provided in the center of the bottom surface of the container adapter 10 so as to penetrate the intermediate layer 10c in the thickness direction.

[0042] In the apparatus 1 described above, the pressure change mechanism for changing the internal pressure of the container adapter 10 includes a piston 11, a groove 21x, and a pin 22 that contribute to the volume change of the volume chamber 12, a first check valve 41, a second check valve 42, and a sealing member 16 for sealing the volume chamber 12, and vents 10x, 10y, ventilation passages 43, 44, and a sealing member 17 for ensuring an airflow path to the volume chamber 12.

[0043] When pressurizing during stirring, the apparatus 1 equipped with a container adapter 10 as illustrated in Figure 9 is used. A riser portion 10f is inserted between the bottom of the innermost layer 10b and the bottom of the intermediate layer 10c. In this embodiment of apparatus 1, a ventilation passage 45 is provided on the bottom surface of the intermediate layer 10c of the container adapter 10, extending from the radial edge toward the center. One end of this ventilation passage 45 opens near a ventilation passage 43. In addition, a ventilation passage 46 is provided so as to penetrate the intermediate layer 10c of the container adapter 10 in the thickness direction. This ventilation passage 46 is located adjacent to a ventilation passage 44. The piston 11 has the internal structure illustrated in Figures 8(A) and (B).

[0044] In the apparatus 1 described above, the pressure change mechanism for changing the internal pressure of the container adapter 10 includes a piston 11, a groove 21x, and a pin 22 that contribute to the volume change of the volume chamber 12, a first check valve 41, a second check valve 42, and a sealing member 16 for sealing the volume chamber 12, and a vent 10x, ventilation passages 43, 44, 45, 46, and a sealing member 17 for ensuring an airflow path to the volume chamber 12.

[0045] When the container adapter is oscillated while reducing pressure during stirring or degassing, the apparatus 1 equipped with the container adapter 10 illustrated in Figure 10 is used. In this embodiment of apparatus 1, the container adapter 10 has a connecting mechanism that connects the container 8 and the piston 11 to each other. Specifically, the piston 11 and the innermost layer 10b of the container adapter 10 are connected to each other. The central part of the bottom surface of the innermost layer 10b of the container adapter 10 protrudes toward the piston 11, and at this protruding portion, the innermost layer 10b and the expanded part 11b of the piston 11 are connected by a plurality of bolts 31. Furthermore, a cover 32 including an annular sealing member 33 is provided to cover the bolts 31, and the bottom surface of the innermost layer 10b is formed to be flat. The connecting mechanism includes the innermost layer 10b of the container adapter 10, the bolts 31, the cover 32, and the sealing member 33. In addition, a ventilation opening 10y is provided in the intermediate layer 10c of the container adapter 10 so as to penetrate the intermediate layer 10c. The diameter of this vent 10y is larger than the diameter of the protruding portion on the bottom surface of the innermost layer 10b, allowing air to circulate through the vent 10y. The piston 11 has the internal structure illustrated in Figures 8(A) and (B).

[0046] In the apparatus 1 described above, the pressure change mechanism for changing the internal pressure of the container adapter 10 includes a piston 11, a groove 21x, and a pin 22 that contribute to the volume change of the volume chamber 12, a first check valve 41, a second check valve 42, and a sealing member 16 for sealing the volume chamber 12, and vents 10x, 10y, ventilation passages 43, 44, and a sealing member 17 for ensuring an airflow path to the volume chamber 12.

[0047] When the container adapter is oscillated while pressurized during stirring, the apparatus 1 equipped with the container adapter 10 illustrated in Figure 11 is used. In this embodiment of apparatus 1, the container adapter 10 has a connecting mechanism that connects the container 8 and the piston 11 to each other. Specifically, the piston 11 and the innermost layer 10b of the container adapter 10 are connected to each other. The central part of the bottom surface of the innermost layer 10b of the container adapter 10 protrudes toward the piston 11, and at this protruding part, the innermost layer 10b and the expanded part 11b of the piston 11 are connected by a plurality of bolts 31. Furthermore, a cover 32 including an annular sealing member 33 is provided so as to cover the bolts 31, and the bottom surface of the innermost layer 10b is formed to be flat. The connecting mechanism includes the innermost layer 10b of the container adapter 10, the bolts 31, the cover 32, and the sealing member 33. In addition, a ventilation passage 45 is provided on the bottom surface of the intermediate layer 10c of the container adapter 10, extending from the radial edge toward the center. One end of this ventilation passage 45 opens near the ventilation passage 43. Furthermore, a ventilation passage 46 is provided so as to penetrate the intermediate layer 10c of the container adapter 10 in the thickness direction. This ventilation passage 46 is located adjacent to the ventilation passage 44. The piston 11 has the internal structure illustrated in Figures 8(A) and (B).

[0048] In the apparatus 1 described above, the pressure change mechanism for changing the internal pressure of the container adapter 10 includes a piston 11, a groove 21x, and a pin 22 that contribute to the volume change of the volume chamber 12, a first check valve 41, a second check valve 42, and a sealing member 16 for sealing the volume chamber 12, and a vent 10x and vent passages 43, 44, 45, and 46 for ensuring an airflow path to the volume chamber 12.

[0049] Next, the operation of the apparatus 1 when stirring and defoaming the material to be kneaded will be explained. When using the apparatus 1 equipped with the container adapter 10 as illustrated in Figure 2 or Figure 7, the container 8 containing the material to be kneaded is placed inside the container adapter 10 beforehand. Then, the drive motor 6 is driven, and the rotation of the drive motor 6 is transmitted to the rotor 5, causing the rotor 5 to rotate (revolve). At the same time, the drive motor 7 is driven, and the rotation of the drive motor 7 is transmitted to the container adapter 10, causing the container adapter 10 to rotate (rotate).

[0050] As the container adapter 10 rotates, the piston 11 oscillates (reciprocates) over a predetermined distance in the direction of the rotation axis Y. When the piston 11 moves upward, the volume of the volume chamber 12 increases, and when the piston 11 moves downward, the volume of the volume chamber 12 decreases. As the piston 11 moves upward, the pressure in the volume chamber 12 decreases, drawing in air from inside the container 8, which then flows into the volume chamber 12 through the first check valve 41. As the piston 11 moves downward, the pressure in the volume chamber 12 increases, and some of the air in the volume chamber 12 is discharged to the outside of the container adapter 10 through the second check valve 42. As this series of operations is repeated, air is gradually discharged from inside the container adapter 10 to the outside, and the pressure inside the container 8 decreases, approaching a vacuum. In this way, by utilizing the volume change of the volume chamber 12 accompanying the oscillation of the piston 11, the pressure inside the container adapter 10 can be changed, and air can be discharged from inside the container adapter 10 to the outside.

[0051] As illustrated in Figure 12(A), the airflow path generated by the oscillation of the piston 11 is a first flow path R1 (dotted arrow in the figure) that connects the volume chamber 12 to the inside of the container adapter 10, and a second flow path R2 (solid arrow in the figure) that connects the volume chamber 12 to the outside of the container adapter 10. The airflow in the container adapter 10 is limited to one direction overall by the first flow path R1, which is equipped with a first check valve 41 that allows only inflow into the volume chamber 12, and the second flow path R2, which is equipped with a second check valve 42 that allows only outflow from the volume chamber 12.

[0052] When using the apparatus 1 equipped with the container adapter 10 illustrated in Figure 4 or Figure 9, the piston 11 oscillates (reciprocates) over a predetermined section in the direction of the rotation axis Y in accordance with the rotation of the container adapter 10. At this time, as the piston 11 moves upward, the pressure in the volume chamber 12 decreases, and air is drawn in from outside the container adapter 10. This drawn-in air flows into the volume chamber 12 through the first check valve 41. Then, as the piston 11 moves downward, the pressure in the volume chamber 12 increases, and some of the air in the volume chamber 12 is discharged into the container adapter 10 through the second check valve 42. As this series of operations is repeated, air is gradually drawn in from outside the container adapter 10, and the pressure inside the container 8 increases. In this way, by utilizing the volume change of the volume chamber 12 accompanying the oscillation of the piston 11, the pressure inside the container adapter 10 can be changed, and air can be introduced from outside the container adapter 10 into the inside.

[0053] As illustrated in Figure 12(B), the airflow path generated by the oscillation of the piston 11 is a first flow path R1 (dotted arrow in the figure) that connects the volume chamber 12 to the inside of the container adapter 10, and a second flow path R2 (solid arrow in the figure) that connects the volume chamber 12 to the outside of the container adapter 10. The airflow in the container adapter 10 is limited to one direction overall by the second flow path R2 equipped with a first check valve 41 that allows only inflow into the volume chamber 12, and the first flow path R1 equipped with a second check valve 42 that allows only outflow from the volume chamber 12.

[0054] When using the apparatus 1 equipped with the container adapter 10 illustrated in Figure 5 or Figure 10, the piston 11 oscillates (reciprocates) over a predetermined section in the direction of the rotation axis Y in accordance with the rotation of the container adapter 10, and the connected innermost layer 10b also oscillates. At this time, as the piston 11 moves upward, the pressure in the volume chamber 12 decreases, and air inside the container 8 is drawn in, and this drawn air flows into the volume chamber 12 through the first check valve 41. Then, as the piston 11 moves downward, the pressure in the volume chamber 12 increases, and some of the air in the volume chamber 12 is discharged to the outside of the container adapter 10 through the second check valve 42. As this series of operations is repeated, air is gradually discharged from the inside to the outside of the container adapter 10, the pressure inside the container 8 decreases and approaches a vacuum state. In this way, by utilizing the volume change of the volume chamber 12 accompanying the oscillation of the piston 11, the pressure inside the container adapter 10 can be changed, and air can be discharged from the inside to the outside of the container adapter 10.

[0055] As illustrated in Figure 12(C), the airflow path generated by the oscillation of the piston 11 is a first flow path R1 (dotted arrow in the figure) that connects the volume chamber 12 to the inside of the container adapter 10, and a second flow path R2 (solid arrow in the figure) that connects the volume chamber 12 to the outside of the container adapter 10. The first flow path R1, equipped with a first check valve 41 that allows only inflow into the volume chamber 12, and the second flow path R2, equipped with a second check valve 42 that allows only outflow from the volume chamber 12, restrict the airflow in the container adapter 10 to one direction overall.

[0056] When using the apparatus 1 equipped with the container adapter 10 illustrated in Figure 6 or Figure 11, the piston 11 oscillates (reciprocates) over a predetermined section in the direction of the rotation axis Y in accordance with the rotation of the container adapter 10, and the connected innermost layer 10b also oscillates. At this time, as the piston 11 moves upward, the pressure in the volume chamber 12 decreases, and air is drawn in from outside the container adapter 10. This drawn-in air flows into the volume chamber 12 through the first check valve 41. Then, as the piston 11 moves downward, the pressure in the volume chamber 12 increases, and some of the air in the volume chamber 12 is discharged into the container adapter 10 through the second check valve 42. As this series of operations is repeated, air is gradually drawn in from outside the container adapter 10, and the pressure inside the container 8 increases. In this way, by utilizing the volume change of the volume chamber 12 accompanying the oscillation of the piston 11, the pressure inside the container adapter 10 can be changed, and air can be introduced from outside the container adapter 10 into the inside.

[0057] As illustrated in Figure 12(D), the airflow path generated by the oscillation of the piston 11 is a first flow path R1 (dotted arrow in the figure) that connects the volume chamber 12 to the inside of the container adapter 10, and a second flow path R2 (solid arrow in the figure) that connects the volume chamber 12 to the outside of the container adapter 10. The airflow in the container adapter 10 is limited to one direction overall by the second flow path R2 equipped with a first check valve 41 that allows only inflow into the volume chamber 12, and the first flow path R1 equipped with a second check valve 42 that allows only outflow from the volume chamber 12.

[0058] In the agitator and defoamer described above, the piston 11 rotates around the axis of rotation Y in response to the rotation of the container adapter 10, and oscillates (reciprocates) over a predetermined section in the direction of the axis of rotation Y. The pressure change mechanism utilizes the change in volume of the volume chamber 12 accompanying the oscillating of the piston 11 to change the pressure inside the container adapter 10. For example, by using the change in volume of the volume chamber 12 to discharge air from the inside to the outside of the container adapter 10, the inside of the container adapter 10 can be depressurized to a vacuum state. Alternatively, by using the change in volume of the volume chamber 12 to send air from the outside to the inside of the container adapter 10, the inside of the container adapter 10 can be pressurized. This optimizes the pressure conditions when agitating or defoaming the material to be kneaded, allowing for efficient agitation or defoaming of the material to be kneaded.

[0059] By appropriately selecting the configuration of the container adapter 10 in this way, stirring and defoaming suitable for the material to be kneaded can be performed. For example, by using the container adapter 10 illustrated in Figure 2 or Figure 7, the defoaming capacity can be improved by defoaming the material to be kneaded while the inside of the container 8 is in a vacuum state. Also, by using the container adapter 10 illustrated in Figure 4 or Figure 9, the stirring capacity can be improved by stirring the material to be kneaded while pressurizing the inside of the container 8. Furthermore, by using the container adapter 10 illustrated in Figure 5 or Figure 10, stirring and defoaming can be performed while oscillating the inside of the container 8 while it is in a vacuum state. Also, by using the container adapter 10 illustrated in Figure 6 or Figure 11, stirring and defoaming can be performed while oscillating the inside of the container 8 while it is in a pressurized state. Thus, in this invention, a mechanism that can create a vacuum or pressurized state inside the container 8 can be added simply by replacing a part of the device including the container adapter 10, which is extremely beneficial because it can be introduced without significantly modifying conventional equipment.

[0060] Conventional stirring and defoaming machines have used methods to defoam the mixture under vacuum, such as installing a vacuum pump to create a vacuum inside the container, enclosing the entire rotating mechanism in a chamber to create a vacuum inside the chamber, or using rotary joints to create a vacuum inside the container. However, these methods require installation space, which tends to make the overall equipment larger. In contrast, the present invention only requires modification of the mechanism around the container adapter, thus enabling space-saving and low-cost implementation.

[0061] In the above-described agitation and defoaming machine, the oscillating mechanism preferably consists of an elastic member 13 that biases the piston 11 toward the support 4, a raised surface 11x formed on the end of the piston 11 toward the support 4, and a bearing 13 disposed so as to abut against this raised surface 11x. Alternatively, the oscillating mechanism preferably consists of a groove 21x formed on the outer circumferential surface of the piston and a pin 22 that fits into this groove. By using an oscillating mechanism having either structure, the pressure change mechanism can smoothly change the pressure inside the container adapter 10 by utilizing the volume change of the volume chamber 12 accompanying the oscillating of the piston 11.

[0062] Furthermore, by having a oscillation switching mechanism 20 that switches whether or not the piston 11 oscillates in the Y direction of its rotation axis, the mixing or defoaming of the material to be kneaded can be performed with the oscillation of the piston 11 arbitrarily stopped. This is used when, depending on the type of material to be kneaded, it is more suitable to not oscillate the piston 11 for mixing or defoaming.

[0063] Furthermore, since the container adapter 10 has a connecting mechanism that links the piston 11 and the container 8 to each other, the piston 11 and the container 8 can oscillate together, allowing for more efficient defoaming or stirring of the material to be kneaded.

[0064] In the embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the adapter body of the container adapter 10 consists of three layers. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the adapter body may be made of one or two layers, and an air passage may be appropriately provided inside the adapter body.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, stirring or degassing was performed with the lid 10e attached to the container adapter 10, but it is also possible to stir or degass with the lid 10e removed. That is, since the container adapter 10 is not sealed, the inside of the container 8 does not become a vacuum or pressurized state. In this case, the container adapter 10 differs structurally from the container adapter 10 shown in Figures 5, 6, 10, or 11 in that the lid 10e is not attached to the top. When the lid 10e is not attached in this way, the piston 11 built into the container adapter 10 rotates together with the container adapter 10 around the rotation axis Y and oscillates in the direction of the rotation axis Y. That is, the innermost layer 10b of the container adapter 10 connected to the piston 11 oscillates in the direction of the rotation axis Y, causing the container 8 to oscillate. In this type of agitator and defoamer, the piston 11 rotates around the axis of rotation Y in response to the rotation of the container adapter 10, and oscillates (reciprocates) over a predetermined distance in the direction of the axis of rotation Y. This adds oscillating motion to the conventional orbital and rotational motions, allowing for efficient agitation or defoaming of the material to be kneaded. In other words, even without creating a vacuum or pressurized state inside the container 8, simply adding oscillating motion can provide a more agitation or defoaming effect compared to conventional mechanisms.

[0066] If the lid portion 10e is not attached, the piston 11 only needs to swing in the direction of the rotation axis Y, so if necessary, the installation of components that contribute to depressurization or pressurization inside the container 8 (for example, check valves, valves, sealing members, etc.) and the formation of air passages can be omitted. In that case, the piston 11 is not limited to the shape exemplified in Figures 3(A), (B) or Figures 8(A), (B), but may, for example, have a single cylindrical shape. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 1. Stirring and defoaming machine 2. Mounting frame 3 Lid 4 Support 5 rotors 6,7 Drive motor 8 containers 10 Container Adapters 11 pistons 11x undulating surface 12 Volume chamber 13 Elastic members 14 bearings 20. Swivel switching mechanism 21x groove 22 pins 41. First check valve 42. Second check valve R1 First channel R2 Second channel X axis of revolution Y axis of rotation

Claims

1. A stirring and defoaming machine comprising a support, a rotor rotatably supported with respect to the support, a drive motor for driving the rotor, a bottomed cylindrical container adapter rotatably supported with respect to the rotor by a rotation axis inclined with respect to the rotor's orbital axis, and a container housed in the container adapter, A stirring and defoaming machine characterized by comprising: a piston built into the container adapter, which is rotatable together with the container adapter about the axis of rotation and is configured to swing in the direction of the axis of rotation; a volume chamber formed between the piston and the container adapter; a swinging mechanism for swinging the piston in the direction of the axis of rotation; and a pressure changing mechanism for changing the pressure inside the container adapter by utilizing the change in volume of the volume chamber accompanying the swinging of the piston.

2. The stirring and defoaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the oscillating mechanism comprises an elastic member that biases the piston toward the support side, a ridged surface formed on the end of the piston toward the support side, and a bearing disposed so as to be in contact with the ridged surface.

3. The stirring and defoaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the oscillating mechanism comprises a groove formed on the outer surface of the piston and a pin that fits into the groove.

4. The stirring and defoaming machine according to claim 2 or 3, having a first flow path that connects the volume chamber to the inside of the container adapter, and a second flow path that connects the volume chamber to the outside of the container adapter, wherein the first flow path is equipped with a first check valve that allows only inflow into the volume chamber, and the second flow path is equipped with a second check valve that allows only outflow from the volume chamber.

5. The stirring and defoaming machine according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it has a first flow path that connects the volume chamber and the inside of the container adapter, and a second flow path that connects the volume chamber and the outside of the container adapter, wherein the second flow path is equipped with a first check valve that allows only inflow into the volume chamber, and the first flow path is equipped with a second check valve that allows only outflow from the volume chamber.

6. The stirring and defoaming machine according to claim 2, further characterized by having a oscillation switching mechanism that switches whether or not the piston oscillates in the direction of its rotation axis.

7. The stirring and defoaming machine according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the container adapter has a connecting mechanism that connects the container and the piston to each other.

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