Centrifuge, container set applicable to the centrifuge, and method for processing materials to be processed

Abstract

To provide a centrifuge that can achieve further improvements in processing capacity. [Solution] The centrifuge 1 comprises an orbital body 10 that can rotate about an orbital axis L1, a rotating body 20 attached to the orbital body 10 and rotatable about an orbital axis L1 that intersects the orbital axis L1, the rotating body 20 including a holder portion 22, a container set 200, and a drive unit 40 capable of applying rotational force to the orbital body 10 and the rotating body 20. The container set 200 includes a first container 210 for storing the material to be processed, the outer surface of which at least the bottom side of the maximum diameter portion around its centerline CL is spherical, and a bottomed cylindrical second container 220 that is held by the holder portion 22 or is formed by the holder portion 22 and stores the first container 210.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a centrifuge and a container set applicable to the centrifuge. The present invention also relates to a method for treating a material to be treated using the centrifuge.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a centrifuge that treats a material to be treated stored in a container by rotating the container while revolving it. This centrifuge is used for various applications. For example, the centrifuge is used as a stirring / defoaming device that simultaneously performs a stirring treatment and a defoaming treatment on a material to be treated (Patent Document 1). Further, the centrifuge is also used as a ball mill that pulverizes a material to be treated (see Patent Document 2). Furthermore, the centrifuge is also used as an emulsifying device that emulsifies a material to be treated (see Patent Document 3). In addition, the centrifuge is also used as a dispersing device that disperses a material to be treated, a polishing device that polishes a material to be treated, and the like.

[0003] There is a demand for further improvement in the processing ability of the centrifuge. As an example, it is required to mix more homogeneously a material to be treated containing a high-viscosity fluid component and a powder component with respect to the centrifuge. Also, as another example, when treating a material to be treated containing a plurality of powder components of different types with respect to the centrifuge, it is required to suppress the occurrence of a phenomenon in which the material to be treated is pressed and solidified by a centrifugal force or the like due to revolution.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. Its purpose is to provide a centrifuge capable of further improving the processing capacity of the material to be processed, a container set applicable to the centrifuge, and a method for processing the material using the centrifuge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is comprised of the following inventive features or technical characteristics.

[0007] (1) That is, an invention according to a certain view is a centrifuge comprising: an orbital body rotatable about an orbital axis; a rotating body attached to the orbital body and rotatable about a rotation axis intersecting the orbital axis, the rotating body including a holder; a container set; and a drive unit capable of applying rotational force to the orbital body and the rotating body, wherein the container set includes a first container for storing a material to be processed, the outer surface of which at least the bottom side of the maximum diameter portion around its centerline is spherical; and a second bottomed cylindrical container held by the holder or formed by the holder, which houses the first container.

[0008] (2) In addition, in the invention of (1), the first container, as the orbiting body and the rotating body rotate, causes the center line to oscillate with respect to the axis of rotation when viewed from the front, and the angular range of this oscillating motion may be greater than or equal to the necessary angular range for processing the material to be processed.

[0009] Furthermore, the term "sphere" as used in this application does not mean only a surface along the surface of a sphere with zero flattening ratio, i.e., a surface along the surface of a perfect sphere. The term "sphere" as used in this application is a concept that includes surfaces along the surface of an ellipsoidal body of revolution, i.e., surfaces along the surface of an imperfect sphere, surfaces on which some structure is attached to the surface of a perfect sphere or the surface along the surface of the imperfect sphere, and surfaces on which some other component is attached to the surface of a perfect sphere or the surface along the surface of the imperfect sphere. Whether or not a surface is permissible as defined in this application can be determined, for example, by experimentation. In other words, an experiment is conducted in which a container (referred to here as the basic container) is confirmed to have a perfect sphere on the bottom side of the maximum diameter portion around its centerline and to perform a oscillating motion within an angular range of oscillating motion described later that is greater than the required angular range described later, and a container (referred to here as the target container) is different from the basic container only in that its outer surface on the bottom side of the maximum diameter portion around its centerline has a symmetrical shape, and the material to be processed is processed using a centrifuge equipped with a container set including the basic container and the second container. If the processing results for the material to be processed are obtained in the target container as equivalent to or better than those obtained in the basic container, the target shape is treated as a sphere in this application.

[0010] Furthermore, the first container rotates together with the second container due to friction with the inner surface of the second container (however, in this application, "rotating together" is not limited to always rotating together. That is, even when the above friction occurs, there may be periods of rotation together and periods of non-rotation together. Therefore, in this application, unless otherwise specified, the term "rotating together" is used even when there is a period of non-rotation together). 1The portion of the outer surface of the first container located centrifugal to the orbital axis in a cross-section including the container's centerline, rotational axis, and orbital axis changes constantly. Regardless of which portion of the first container is located centrifugal to the orbital axis, the centerline of the first container is tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the rotational axis, based on the fact that the first container is only inserted into the second container and not fixed to the second container, that the outer surface of the first container from the widest diameter around its centerline towards the bottom is spherical, and that the orbital axis and rotational axis intersect. Based on the above, in a front view, the centerline of the first container will oscillate relative to the rotational axis within an angular range of twice the predetermined angle (referred to as the "oscillating motion angular range"). The oscillating motion angular range is determined based on various factors, such as the shape of the first container, the amount of material to be processed contained in the first container, and the angular relationship between the orbital axis and the rotational axis. Furthermore, if the angular range of the oscillating motion is greater than or equal to the required angular range for processing the material to be processed, the desired processing of the material can be achieved. The required angular range is determined based on various factors, such as the material to be processed and the purpose of processing. However, as mentioned above, the angular range of the oscillating motion is also determined by various factors, so it is not necessary to theoretically determine the angular range of the oscillating motion and the required angular range. In other words, if an experiment is conducted in which the target material to be processed is processed using a centrifuge equipped with a container set including a test container that is a candidate for the first container and the second container, and the desired processing result for the material to be processed is obtained, it can be determined that the angular range of the oscillating motion is greater than or equal to the required angular range, and the test container can be used as the first container.

[0011] Furthermore, in this application, the materials constituting the first and second containers are selected according to the type of material to be treated and the content of the treatment.

[0012] Furthermore, in this application, granular materials are also treated as powders.

[0013] (3) In addition, in the invention of (1) or (2), the first container may be opened on the side opposite to the bottom. (4) In addition, in the invention of (3), the first container is provided with a neck portion that extends from the maximum diameter portion toward the opposite side of the bottom portion, and can be opened at the end of the neck portion.

[0014] In this application, the first container may open at its widest diameter, but if configured in this way, the material to be processed is more likely to spill from the first container, resulting in a reduction in the amount of material that can be stored in the first container. Therefore, it is preferable that the first container be provided with a neck portion extending from the widest diameter to the opposite side of the bottom, and that it open at the end of the neck portion. By doing so, spillage of the material to be processed from the first container can be prevented, and as a result, the amount of material that can be stored in the first container can be increased. However, even when the first container is provided with this neck portion, it is necessary that the angular range of the oscillating motion of the centerline with respect to the axis of rotation in a front view is greater than or equal to the required angular range. Therefore, while it is permissible for the neck portion to abut against the inner surface of the second container, the length and shape of the neck portion must be determined so that even after the angular range of the oscillating motion of the centerline of the first container with respect to the axis of rotation is limited as a result of such abutment, it still remains greater than or equal to the required angular range. However, in practice, even when the neck is attached to the first container, if the experiment described above is performed, i.e., an experiment is conducted in which the target material to be processed is processed using a centrifuge equipped with a container set including a test container with a neck that is a candidate for the first container and the second container, and the desired processing result for the material to be processed is obtained, then the angular range of the oscillating motion is the required angle. range It can be determined that the above conditions are met, and the test container can be used as the first container.

[0015] (5) In addition, in the invention of (1) or (2), the first container may be configured such that its bottom is heavier than the other parts.

[0016] (6) In addition, in the invention of (1) or (2), the first container has protrusions on its inner surface and / or can contain a medium together with the material to be processed.

[0017] (7) Further, in the invention of (2), the first container may have a friction member that covers at least a part of the outer surface and increases the friction with the inner surface of the second container.

[0018] (8) Further, in the invention of (2), the second container may have a friction member that covers at least a part of the inner surface and increases the friction with the outer surface of the first container.

[0019] (9) Further, in the invention of (1) or (2), the second container may have a protrusion on the inner surface of the bottom that can contact the first container.

[0020] (10) Further, in the invention of (1) or (2), the centrifuge may further include a mirror unit that is fixed to the revolving body and reflects an image within the holder unit in the vertical direction.

[0021] (11) Further, in the invention of (1) or (2), a partition body that houses the revolving body, a temperature control unit that outputs a temperature-controlled gas, and an outlet provided in the partition body for discharging the temperature-controlled gas into the partition body are further provided, and the outlet may be provided on the upper side or the lower side with respect to the revolving body, on the side of the revolving axis and closer to the revolving axis than a first virtual line that is parallel to the revolving axis and contacts the centrifugal end of the holder unit with respect to the revolving axis.

[0022] (12) Further, in the invention of (11), the outlet may be provided on the side of the revolving axis and closer to the revolving axis than a second virtual line that is parallel to the revolving axis and contacts the center of the bottom of the holder unit.

[0023] (13) Also, in the invention of (1) or (2), the rotating body further includes a lid capable of closing the open end of the holder part with airtightness, a vent provided in the holder part, and a one-way valve attached to the holder part so as to block the vent. The centrifuge further includes a partition body for housing the revolving body, a temperature control part for outputting a temperature-controlled gas, an exhaust part for exhausting, and a piping unit for communicating the inside of the holder part with the open end closed by the lid with the temperature control part and the exhaust part. The one-way valve prevents gas from flowing into the inside of the holder part through the vent when the inside of the holder part is depressurized by the exhaust part through the piping unit, and allows the gas released into the inside of the holder part to escape from the holder part through the vent when the temperature-controlled gas is released into the inside of the holder part by the temperature control part through the piping unit.

[0024] (14) Also, in the invention of (1) or (2), the centrifuge further includes a thermometer for measuring the temperature of the first container or the material to be processed, and a control part for controlling the drive part based on the temperature measured by the thermometer. The control part can control the drive part so that the ratio of the rotational speed of the rotating body to the rotational speed of the revolving body decreases when the temperature measured by the thermometer exceeds a predetermined value.

[0025] (15) Another invention according to a certain viewpoint is a container set for use in a centrifuge comprising: an orbital body rotatable about an orbital axis; a rotating body attached to the orbital body and rotatable about a rotation axis intersecting the orbital axis, the rotating body including a holder; and a drive unit capable of applying rotational force to the orbital body and the rotating body, the container set comprising: a first container for storing a material to be processed, wherein at least the outer surface on the bottom side of the maximum diameter portion around its centerline is spherical; and a second bottomed cylindrical container held by the holder, or formed by the holder, for storing the first container, wherein the first container, in a front view, oscillates with respect to the rotation axis due to the rotation of the orbital body and the rotating body, and the angular range of the oscillating motion is greater than or equal to the necessary angular range for processing the material to be processed.

[0026] (16) In addition, in the invention of (15), the first container is provided with a neck portion extending on the opposite side of the maximum diameter portion, and the end of the neck portion can be opened.

[0027] (17) Also, an invention according to a certain view is a method for processing a material to be processed in a centrifuge comprising: an orbital body rotatable about an orbital axis; a rotating body attached to the orbital body and rotatable about a rotation axis intersecting the orbital axis, the rotating body including a holder; and a drive unit capable of applying rotational force to the orbital body and the rotating body, the method comprising the steps of: placing the material to be processed in a first container, the first container having a spherical outer surface at least on the bottom side of the maximum diameter portion around its centerline; and a second container In the case where the container is held in the holder portion, the first container is placed in the second container and the second container is held in the holder portion; in the case where the second container is composed of the holder portion, the first container is placed in the second container; and the drive unit rotates the orbital body and the rotating body so that, in a front view, the first container moves so that the center line oscillates with respect to the axis of rotation, and the angle range of the oscillating motion is set to the necessary angle required for processing the material to be processed. range The above is a method for processing a material to be processed, which includes the step of processing the material to be processed.

[0028] (18) In addition, in the invention of (17), the first container is provided with a neck portion extending on the opposite side of the maximum diameter portion, and the end of the neck portion can be opened. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a centrifuge that can further improve the performance of a material to be processed, a container set applicable to the centrifuge, and a method for processing a material to be processed using the centrifuge. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1A] This is an end view (including a partial block diagram) showing the schematic configuration of a centrifuge according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] This is an end view (including a partial block diagram) showing the schematic configuration of a centrifuge according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] (a) an enlarged end view and (b) an enlarged plan view of a first container according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged end view of the first container relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged end view of the first container relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged front view of the medium relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating a processing method for a material to be processed according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged end view of the first container relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged end view of the second container according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged end view of the first container relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is an end view (including a partial block diagram) showing the schematic configuration of a centrifuge according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]This is an end view (including a partial block diagram) showing the schematic configuration of a centrifuge according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely illustrative, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly stated below. The present invention can be implemented with various modifications (for example, by combining the embodiments) without departing from its spirit.

[0032] Furthermore, this invention makes a substantial judgment about each numerical value. For example, if the first numerical value and the second numerical value are equal, this invention treats them as equal, even if there is a difference between the two values, as long as they produce an effect equivalent to the effect that would be achieved if the two values ​​were mathematically strictly equal. In addition, in the following drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions or proportions. There may be parts in the drawings where the relationships between dimensions or proportions differ from one another.

[0033] Figure 1A is an end view (including a partial block diagram) showing a schematic configuration of a centrifuge according to one embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows the end view when cut by a plane including the orbital axis L1 and the rotational axis L2. As shown in the figure, the centrifuge 1 comprises an orbital body 10, a rotational body 20, a support substrate 30, a drive unit 40, and a control unit 50. The centrifuge 1 may also include a partition 60 (see Figure 9) that demarcates the space including the region in which the orbital body 10 rotates. In addition, the centrifuge 1 may include balance weights and a housing, etc., which are not shown. The centrifuge 1 can also be understood as including a container set 200.

[0034] The orbiting body 10 is composed of a shaft portion 11, a first arm 12, and a second arm 13. The orbiting body 10 is rotatably supported by the shaft portion 11 on the support base plate 30 and is rotated by the drive unit 40 around the orbital axis L1, which is a virtual straight line.

[0035] The first arm 12 extends in a first direction perpendicular to the orbital axis L1 and is configured to bend upward midway, to which the rotating body 20 is attached. The second arm 13 extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction and is configured to which the balance weights are attached to balance the rotation of the orbital body 10 and improve quietness, etc. It is also conceivable that the second arm 13 extends in a second direction and is configured to bend upward midway, to which a different rotating body 20 from the one attached to the first arm 12 is attached.

[0036] The rotating body 20 is composed of a shaft portion 21 and a holder portion 22. The rotating body 20 is rotatably held by the shaft portion 21 toward the tip of the bent portion of the first arm 12 of the orbiting body 10, and is rotated by the drive unit 40 around a virtual straight line, the rotation axis L2. Based on the above arrangement, the rotation axis L2 has a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the orbital axis L1. That is, the rotation axis L2 intersects the orbital axis L1 above the rotation axis L2.

[0037] The holder portion 22 is configured as a bottomed cylindrical shape, with the end opposite to the end face to which the shaft portion 21 is attached being open, forming an open end. The holder portion 22 receives and holds the container set 200 (first container 210 or second container 220) from the bottom through the open portion.

[0038] The drive unit 40 is comprised of, for example, a motor, and gears, pulleys, and belts that transmit the rotational force generated by the motor to the shafts 11 and 21. The control unit 50 controls the operation of the entire centrifuge 1, including the operation of the drive unit 40. The control unit 50 is composed of a processor and the like. The control unit 50 may include an input unit (not shown) for receiving user input, an output unit (not shown) for informing the user of the operating status of the centrifuge 1, etc. In other words, the control unit 50 can also be composed of a laptop computer or the like.

[0039] In the centrifuge 1 configured as described above, the container set 200 containing the material to be processed M is held in the holder portion 22 of the rotating body 20, and the rotating body 20 rotates around the rotation axis L2 while the rotating body 10 rotates around the rotation axis L1. As a result, the container set 200 revolves around the rotation axis L1 and rotates around the rotation axis L2, so that the material to be processed M contained in the container set 200 is processed.

[0040] The container set 200 comprises a first container 210 and a second container 220. The first container 210 houses the material to be processed M. The first container 210 may be made of resin, ceramic, glass, or the like, depending on the type of material to be processed M, the desired processing content of the material to be processed M, etc. Details of the first container will be described later.

[0041] The second container 220 is a bottomed cylindrical shape with one end open, for example, a bottomed cylindrical shape. That is, the second container 220 has a bottom portion 220a and a side wall portion 220b. The second container 220 may be made of resin, ceramic, glass, etc., depending on the type of material M to be processed, the desired processing content of the material M to be processed, etc. The second container 220 may have a lid (not shown) attached to its opening. Furthermore, the second container 220 houses the first container 210 without fixing the first container 210 to it. That is, the second container 220 is designed so that the orbiting body 10 is centered on the orbital axis L1. times The rotating body 20 rotates, and the rotating body 20 rotates around the axis of rotation L2. timesBy rotating, the first container 210 is allowed to move inside. In addition, in the container set 200, it is also conceivable that the second container 220 is composed of the holder portion 22 of the rotating body 20. That is, in the container set 200, it is also conceivable that the second container 220, composed of the holder portion 22 of the rotating body 20, houses the first container 210.

[0042] The material to be treated M may consist only of fluid components, contain fluid and powder components, consist only of powder, contain only solid components, etc., and its composition and application are not particularly limited. Some examples of the material to be treated M are shown below. • Products containing a high-viscosity fluid component (e.g., 100 [Pa·s] or more) and a powder component: Examples of processing include homogeneous mixing using a centrifuge 1 or container set 200, and degassing during the mixing process. • Products containing multiple powder components of different types: An example of processing is homogeneous mixing using a centrifuge 1 or container set 200. • Small parts and electronic materials: Examples of processing include polishing using a centrifuge 1 or container set 200. • Materials containing a solvent and nanomaterials (e.g., carbon nanotubes): An example of processing is dispersion in the solvent using a centrifuge 1 or container set 200.

[0043] Figure 1B is an end view (including a partial block diagram) showing a schematic configuration of a centrifuge according to one embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows the centrifuge shown in Figure 1 with the addition of a mirror section RE and a fixing section FI for checking the contents inside the holder section 22 (container set 200).

[0044] The mirror part RE is the holder part 22 (second container 220 )ofThe mirror is positioned to reflect the internal image visible through the opening vertically. For example, as shown in the figure, if the rotation axis L2 is at an angle of 135 degrees with respect to the horizontal, the angle of the mirror RE is set to 112.5 degrees with respect to the horizontal. Based on the fact that the mirror RE reflects the image inside the holder 22 vertically, the image inside the holder 22 can be viewed from above the centrifuge 1 by visual inspection or a camera (such as a high-speed camera). In other words, without the mirror RE, it would be difficult to view the internal image of the holder 22 from a certain position, that is, to view it along the center line of the holder 22, due to the holder 22's revolution around its orbital axis L1. However, by providing the mirror RE, it becomes possible to view the internal image of the holder 22 from a certain position, that is, to view it along the center line of the holder 22, despite the holder 22's revolution around its orbital axis L1. Furthermore, in order to confirm the image inside the holder portion 22, an illumination unit (not shown) may be provided to illuminate the inside of the holder portion 22. The fixing part FI is for fixing the mirror part RE to the orbiting body 10.

[0045] Figure 2 shows an enlarged end view and an enlarged plan view of the first container according to one embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows the first container 210a (which, along with the first containers 210b and 210c described later, will be collectively referred to as the first container 210 when there is no need to distinguish between them). Specifically, the first container 210a has a spherical outer surface on the side of its bottom 211a that is greater than its maximum diameter portion D (the maximum diameter portion D refers to the portion of the first container 210 that has the largest outer diameter around the center line CL of the first container 210a). The first container 210a also has a neck portion 211b that extends from its maximum diameter portion D to the side opposite the bottom 211a, and is open at the upper end of the neck portion 211b. Here, as the orbital body 10 rotates around the orbital axis L1 and the rotating body 20 rotates around the rotational axis L2, the first container 210a rotates together with the second container 220 due to friction with the inner surface of the second container 220. As a result, the portion of the first container 210a located centrifugal to the orbital axis L1 in the cross-section (end face) of the first container 210a, which includes the center line CL, the orbital axis L1, and the rotational axis L2 as shown in Figure 1A, changes from moment to moment. In other words, the first container 210a experiences approximately periodic situations where the first side portion 212a is located centrifugal to the orbital axis L1, and where the second side portion 212b is located centrifugal to the orbital axis L1. Furthermore, when the first side portion 212a of the first container 210a is located centrifugal to the orbital axis L1, the second side portion 212b tilts toward the orbital axis L1, causing the centerline CL to tilt toward the orbital axis L1 at an angle θ (see Figure 1A) relative to the rotational axis L2. Also, when the second side portion 212b is located centrifugal to the orbital axis L1, the first side portion 212a tilts toward the orbital axis L1, causing the centerline CL to tilt toward the orbital axis L1 at an angle θ relative to the rotational axis L2. This is based on the fact that the first container 210a is inserted into the second container 220 but is not fixed to the second container 220, that the outer surface of the first container 210a on the side of the bottom 211a side of the maximum diameter D around its center line CL is spherical, and that the orbital axis L1 and the rotational axis L2 intersect above the rotational axis L2. As a result, when the front part 212c located between the first side part 212a and the second side part 212b of the first container 210a is viewed in line of sight A, that is, in a front view, the center line CL will oscillate with respect to the rotational axis L2 within a range of 2 × angle θ.Whether or not the desired processing result can be obtained for the material M to be processed depends on whether the angular range (2 × angle θ) of this oscillating motion is greater than or equal to the required angular range α. In other words, the first container 210a processes the material M to be processed as desired by performing an oscillating motion within an angular range (2 × angle θ) greater than or equal to the required angular range α. In the first container 210a, it is permissible for the neck portion 211b to come into contact with the inner surface of the second container 220, but as a result of this contact, the angular range of the oscillating motion of the first container 210a may be limited. Even after this limitation, the length and shape of the neck portion 211b are determined so that the angular range of the oscillating motion of the first container 210a is greater than or equal to the required angular range α. Based on this, the first container 210a is configured such that, for example, the diameter of the neck portion 211b decreases as it approaches the opening, as shown in the figure. It is also conceivable that the first container 210a may have a lid (not shown) attached to the open portion.

[0046] Figure 3 is an enlarged end view of a first container according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is a different type of first container from the first container 210a. The figure shows a first container 210b that is spherical, meaning all of its outer surfaces are spherical. When the orbiting body 10 rotates around its orbital axis L1 and the rotating body 20 rotates around its rotational axis L2, the first container 210b rotates together with the second container 220 due to friction with the inner surface of the second container 220. As a result, the portion of the first container 210b located centrifugal to the orbital axis L1 in the cross-section (end face) of the first container 210b, which includes the center line CL, the orbital axis L1, and the rotational axis L2, changes moment by moment. Furthermore, based on the fact that the first container 210b is inserted into the second container 220 but is not fixed to the second container 220, that all outer surfaces of the first container 210b are spherical, and that the orbital axis L1 and the rotational axis L2 intersect above the rotational axis L2, the center line CL oscillates relative to the rotational axis L2 within a range of 2 × angle θ (angle range of oscillating motion) when viewed from the front, and / or moves such as flipping upside down. Since all outer surfaces of the first container 210b are spherical, in principle, the angle range of the oscillating motion (2 × angle θ) when the above oscillating motion occurs will be greater than or equal to the required angle range α, and together with or instead of this, the first container 210b performs the desired processing on the material M to be processed by moving such as flipping upside down. The first container 210b can be constructed, for example, by a capsule formed by joining two hollow hemispheres.

[0047] Figure 4 is an enlarged end view of a first container according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is a different type of first container from the first containers 210a and 210b shown in Figures 2 and 3. The figure shows a first container 210c that is spherical, meaning all its outer surfaces are spherical, and has protrusions P on its inner surface. When the orbiting body 10 rotates around the orbital axis L1 and the rotating body 20 rotates around the rotational axis L2, the first container 210c performs the desired processing on the material to be processed by moving in the same manner as the first container 210b, but the presence of protrusions P aims to improve the processing capacity of the material to be processed M. For example, when the material to be processed M contains a high-viscosity fluid component, the protrusions P are provided to further improve the stirring capacity of the material to be processed M by the first container 210c. Another example is when the material to be processed M is a material to be pulverized, the protrusions P are provided to further improve the pulverization capacity of the material to be processed M by the first container 210c. Note that the figure shows a case where there is one protrusion P and its shape is cylindrical, but it is not limited to this. The size of the protrusions P is also not limited. The number, shape, and size of the protrusions P can be determined according to the size of the first container 210c and the type of material M to be processed. For example, the number, shape, and size of the protrusions P can be determined by preparing multiple first containers 210c of a fixed size, each with a different number, shape, and size of protrusions P, and actually processing the material M using them, based on the results.

[0048] Furthermore, it is also possible to designate a container 210 as the first container 210, provided with a projection P on the inner surface of the container shown in Figure 2.

[0049] Figure 5 is an enlarged front view showing the schematic configuration of a medium according to one embodiment of the present invention. The medium m is capable of being stored together with the material to be processed M in each of the first containers 210 of the above-described types. The medium m is used to improve the processing capacity of the material to be processed M by the centrifuge 1 or the container set 200, and is used as needed. For example, when the material to be processed M contains a high-viscosity fluid component, the medium m is used to further improve the stirring capacity of the material to be processed M by the first container 210. As another example, when the material to be processed M is a pulverized object, the medium m is used to further improve the pulverizing capacity of the material to be processed M by the first container 210. In the figure, the medium m is shown as a sphere, but it is not limited to this. For example, the medium m may be cylindrical or the like. Furthermore, the material, number, and size of the medium m are not limited. The material, number, shape, and size of the medium m can be determined according to the size of the first container 210 and the type of material to be processed M. For example, the material, number, shape, and size of the medium m can be determined by conducting experiments to treat the material M while varying the medium m (including cases where medium m is not used) and then interpreting the results.

[0050] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for processing a material M using a centrifuge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] First, the user of the centrifuge 1 places the material to be processed M into the first container 210 of the container set 200 (S601). At this time, the user may also place the medium m into the first container 210. Next, the user places the first container 210, which contains the material to be processed M, into the second container 220 of the container set 200 (S602). At this time, the user does not fix the first container 210 inside the second container 220.

[0052] Next, the user places the second container 220, which contains the first container 210, i.e., the container set 200, into the holder portion 22 of the rotating body 20 of the centrifuge 1 (S603). Note that this step is unnecessary if the second container 220 is made up of the holder portion 22.

[0053] Next, the user operates the centrifuge 1 by manipulating the control unit 50 (S604). As a result, the control unit 50 controls the drive unit 40, which in turn causes the orbital body 10 to rotate around the orbital axis L1 and the rotating body 20 to rotate around the rotational axis L2. As a result of the drive unit 40 rotating the orbital body 10 and the rotating body 20, the container set 200 revolves around the orbital axis L1 while rotating on its own axis L2. Here, the first container 210 is generally positioned centrifugal to the orbital axis L1 within the second container 220 due to the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the orbital body 10. However, due to friction between its outer surface and the inner surface of the second container 220, there are periods when it rotates together with the second container 220. As a result, the portion of the outer surface of the first container 210 that is centrifugal to the orbital axis L1 in a cross-section including the centerline CL, the orbital axis L1, and the rotational axis L2 changes from moment to moment. For example, in the first container 210a, there are approximately periodic instances where the first side portion 212a is positioned centrifugal to the orbital axis L1, and instances where the second side portion 212b is positioned centrifugal to the orbital axis L1. Furthermore, the first container 210 is not fixed to the second container 220 but is inserted into it; the outer surface of the first container 210, at least on the bottom side of the maximum diameter portion D around the center line CL, is spherical; and the orbital axis L1 and the rotational axis L2 intersect above the rotational axis L2, so the center line CL is inclined toward the orbital axis L1 side of the rotational axis L2. For example, when the first container 210a has its first side portion 212a positioned centrifugal to the orbital axis L1, the second side portion 212b tilts toward the orbital axis L1, causing the centerline CL to tilt at an angle θ toward the orbital axis L1 from the rotational axis L2. When the second side portion 212b is positioned centrifugal to the orbital axis L1, the first side portion 212a tilts toward the orbital axis L1, causing the centerline CL to tilt at an angle θ toward the orbital axis L1 from the rotational axis L2. As a result, when viewed from the front (for example, when the front portion 212c of the first container 210a is viewed in line of sight A), the centerline CL will oscillate with respect to the rotational axis L2 within a range of 2 × angle θ (angle range of oscillating motion).As long as the angular range (2 × angle θ) of this oscillating motion is greater than or equal to the required angular range α, the material M to be processed stored in the first container 210 is processed well. In addition, if the first container 210 is the first container 210b or the first container 210c, it is possible to perform movements such as inverting upside down, and the material M to be processed stored in the first container 210 is also processed well by such movements.

[0054] Next, the user or control unit 50 determines whether the processing of the material M to be processed in the centrifuge 1 is complete (S605). For example, the user or control unit 50 measures the time since the centrifuge 1 was started and determines whether the processing of the material M to be processed is complete based on whether the measured time has reached the planned operating time of the centrifuge 1. If the user or control unit 50 determines that the processing of the material M to be processed is complete (YES in S605), the process proceeds to S606. On the other hand, if the user or control unit 50 determines that the processing of the material M to be processed is not complete (NO in S605), the process remains in standby mode at S605.

[0055] Next, the user stops the centrifuge 1 by operating the control unit 50, or the control unit 50 stops the centrifuge 1 (S606). Specifically, when the user stops the centrifuge 1 by operating the control unit 50, the control unit 50 controls the drive unit 40, which in turn stops the rotation of the orbital body 10 and the rotating body 20. Also, when the control unit 50 stops the centrifuge 1, the control unit 50 controls the drive unit 40, which in turn stops the rotation of the orbital body 10 and the rotating body 20. After that, the user can remove the second container 220 from the centrifuge 1, and then remove the first container 210 from the second container 220, and use the processed material M processed in the first container 210.

[0056] Table 1 shows the experimental results. In Example 1, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2, alumina powder and alginate powder were used as the material to be treated M, with a weight ratio of alumina powder to alginate powder of 8:1. A centrifuge 1 manufactured by Synkey Co., Ltd., ARE-310 was used. The operating time of centrifuge 1 was 30 seconds, and the operating mode was set to stirring mode. The individual conditions other than those mentioned above for Example 1, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2 are as follows. (Example 1) As the first container, a container with the same shape as the first container 210a shown in Figure 2 is used, that is, a container in which the outer surface on the bottom 211a side from the maximum diameter D is configured as a spherical surface, and a neck portion 211b extends from the maximum diameter D to the opposite side of the bottom 211a while decreasing in diameter. • As the second container, a container with the same shape as the second container 220 shown in Figure 1A is used. The first container is housed in the second container without being fixed to it. As a result, the first container can swivel within the maximum angular range β (where the maximum angular range β means the maximum swivel angle that is physically possible when the first container is housed in the second container) when viewed from the front. • The first container is filled with 40% of the maximum capacity of the first container containing the material to be processed, M. (Comparative Example 1) • The first container from Example 1 was used as comparative container A, corresponding to the first container. • The second container from Example 1 was used as comparative container B, which corresponds to the second container. The comparative example container A is placed inside and fixed in the comparative example container B. As a result, comparative example container A is unable to pivot along its centerline when viewed from the front. - The material to be treated M is placed in the comparative example container A at 40% of its maximum capacity. (Comparative Example 2) As comparative example container C corresponding to container 1, a container different from container 1 of Example 1 is used, except that it has a neck with a smaller diameter reduction, i.e., a wider neck. • The second container from Example 1 was used as comparative container B, which corresponds to the second container. The comparative example container C is housed in the comparative example container B without being fixed in place. As a result, the comparative example container C can swivel within the maximum angular range β' (the maximum angular range β' refers to the maximum swivel angle that is physically possible when the comparative example container C is housed in the comparative example container B, and is narrower than the maximum angular range β because the neck of the comparative example container C is thicker than the neck of the first container). • The material to be treated M is placed in the comparative example container C at 40% of its maximum capacity.

[0057] [Table 1]

[0058] As shown in Table 1, Example 1, unlike Comparative Examples 1 and 2, was able to mix the material M without compressing and solidifying it. This is thought to be because the first container performs the aforementioned oscillating motion in the front view within an angular range greater than the required angular range α, based on the centrifugal force generated by the operation of the centrifuge 1. Comparative Example 2, based on the fact that the comparative example container C performs an oscillating motion, achieved a better processing of the material M compared to Comparative Example 1, which used comparative example container A, which was unable to perform an oscillating motion. However, the processing result for the material M was not as good as that of Example 1. This is thought to be because, in Comparative Example 2, the maximum angular range β' is narrower than the maximum angular range β, resulting in a narrower and more limited angular range of the actual oscillating motion, which falls short of the required angular range α.

[0059] The embodiments described above are illustrative examples for illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments only. The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit.

[0060] For example, in the methods disclosed herein, steps, operations, or functions may be performed in parallel or in different orders, as long as this does not result in a contradiction in the outcome. The steps, operations, and functions described are provided merely as examples, and some of the steps, operations, and functions may be omitted, combined with each other to form a single unit, or other steps, operations, or functions may be added, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the first container 210 may have a friction member 213 on its outer surface to increase friction with the inner surface of the second container 220. The friction member 213 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. As shown in the same figure, the friction member 213 may cover only the outer surface of the bottom 211a of the first container 210 (first container 210a). However, it is also conceivable that it may cover the entire outer surface of the first container 210. It is also conceivable that the outer surface of the first container 210 itself may be made rough by blasting or the like, so that the outer surface of the first container 210 becomes the friction member 213.

[0062] By providing the friction member 213 in the first container 210, the friction generated between the outer surface of the first container 210 and the inner surface of the second container 220 can be increased. As a result, when the centrifuge 1 is in operation, the first container 210 can more easily rotate together with the second container 220 around the rotation axis L2, more reliably changing the portion located centrifugal to the orbital axis L1, and enabling good processing of the material M to be processed.

[0063] In addition to the first container 210 having a friction member 213, or alternatively, the second container 220 may have a friction member (not shown) on its inner surface to increase friction with the outer surface of the first container 210. The friction member may be configured to cover the entire inner surface of the second container 220, or it may be configured to cover only a part of the inner surface of the second container 220 (for example, only the inner surface of the side wall portion 220b of the second container 220). It is also conceivable that the inner surface of the second container 220 itself may be made rough by blasting or the like, so that the inner surface of the second container 220 becomes the friction member. By doing so, when the centrifuge 1 is in operation, the first container 210 will more easily rotate together with the second container 220 around the rotation axis L2, and the portion located on the centrifugal side with respect to the orbital axis L1 will change more reliably, thereby achieving good processing of the material M to be processed.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the second container 220 may have a projection 224 on the inner surface of its bottom 220a. The projection 224 is formed in a position where it can contact the outer surface of the bottom 211a of the first container 210 when the centrifuge 1 is in operation. The number of projections 224 may be one, as shown in the figure, but it is also conceivable that multiple projections be provided.

[0065] Because the second container 220 is equipped with a projection 224, when the centrifuge 1 is in operation, the first container 210 moves toward the opening side of the second container 220 when it comes into contact with the projection 224, and moves toward the bottom side 220a of the second container 220 when contact with the projection 224 is released. In other words, in addition to the oscillating motion described above, the first container 210 also moves up and down along the axis of rotation L2. As a result, the convection of the material to be processed M inside the first container 210 is promoted, enabling better processing of the material to be processed M.

[0066] Furthermore, the first container 210 may be configured such that its bottom (for example, the bottom 211a of the first container 210a) is heavier than other parts. That is, the first container 210 may be provided with a substantial weight at its bottom (this substantial weight may be achieved not only by embedding a weight 214 in the wall surface of the target part as shown in Figure 9, but also by attaching a weight to the target part, increasing the wall thickness of the target part, or constructing the target part from a material with a high specific gravity). By doing so, the first container 210 becomes more self-supporting, and spillage of the material to be processed M can be further suppressed before and after operating the centrifuge 1. In addition, in particular, the first container 210 of the type such as the first container 210b and the first container 210c can be made to generate the aforementioned swaying motion in the front view. Furthermore, in particular, in the case of the first container 210 provided with a projection P, the projection P can be positioned more reliably within the material to be processed M.

[0067] Furthermore, in order to further improve the processing capacity of the material to be processed M by the centrifuge 1 and the container set 200, it may be necessary to prevent deterioration due to temperature rise of the container set 200 (especially the first container 210) and the material to be processed M. Therefore, the centrifuge 1 may be controlled according to the temperature measurement results of the first container 210 or the material to be processed M, for example, by a thermometer (not shown) attached to the lid attached to the opening of the second container 220 or to the lid 28 of the rotating body 20 (see Figure 11). The thermometer may be a known type that can measure the temperature of an object without contact, and the measurement results are transmitted to the control unit 50 using a wireless communication line or the like. In this case, the control unit 50 controls the drive unit 40 to adjust the rotation speed of at least one of the orbiting body 10 and the rotating body 20 based on the temperature measurement results of the first container 210 or the material to be processed M obtained from the thermometer. In this case, if the temperature of the first container 210 or the material M to be processed exceeds a predetermined temperature (a temperature at which deterioration may occur in at least one of the first container 210 and the material M to be processed), it is preferable for the control unit 50 to control the drive unit 40 so as to decrease the ratio of the rotational speed of the rotating body 20 to the rotational speed of the orbiting body 10. For example, it is conceivable to decrease the rotational speed of the rotating body 20 while maintaining the rotational speed of the orbiting body 10, or to stop the rotation of the rotating body 20 while decreasing the rotational speed of the orbiting body 10. This suppresses the temperature rise due to the rotation of the rotating body 20, maintains the convection of air inside the centrifuge 1 (including the compartment 60 if one is included) due to the rotation of the orbiting body 10, efficiently lowers the temperature of the first container 210 and the material M to be processed, and prevents or suppresses their deterioration.

[0068] Here, when the control unit 50 controls the drive unit 40 so that the ratio of the rotational speed of the rotating body 20 to the rotational speed of the orbiting body 10 decreases, it may increase the rotational speed of the orbiting body 10 while decreasing the rotational speed of the rotating body 20 or stopping the rotating body 20. By doing so, the convection of air inside the centrifuge 1 (or the compartment 60 if one is present) due to the rotation of the orbiting body 10 can be promoted, and the temperature of the first container 210 and the material M to be processed can be lowered more quickly.

[0069] Furthermore, after adjusting the rotational speed of at least one of the orbiting body 10 and the rotating body 20 as described above, the control unit 50 controls the drive unit 40 to restore the rotational speeds of the orbiting body 10 and the rotating body 20 to their original values ​​when predetermined conditions are met, and continues processing the material M to be processed. The predetermined conditions here may be that a predetermined time has elapsed since the rotational speed adjustment, or that the temperature of the first container 210 or the material M to be processed has fallen below the predetermined temperature or has fallen to a temperature sufficiently lower than the predetermined temperature.

[0070] Furthermore, in addition to the need to prevent deterioration due to temperature rise of the container set 200 (especially the first container 210) and the material M to be processed, as described above, some materials M require to be kept at a predetermined temperature during processing. Therefore, the centrifuge 1 may be equipped with a mechanism for controlling the temperature of the container set 200 (especially the first container 210) and the material M to be processed using a temperature-controlled gas (which may be air, etc., and the same applies hereinafter).

[0071] In other words, as shown in Figure 10, the centrifuge 1 may be configured to include a compartment 60, a temperature control unit 70, and a piping unit 80 in addition to the configuration described based on Figure 1A. The compartment 60 is composed of a main body 62 and a lid 64. The main body 62 has an opening at one end to house the orbiting body 10, etc. The lid 64 closes the opening of the main body 62. The lid 64 can also be opened to allow the container set 200 to be attached to the holder portion 22 of the orbiting body 20 inside the main body 62, etc.

[0072] The temperature control unit 70 is controlled by the control unit 50 and outputs temperature-controlled gas. The temperature control unit 70 is composed of, for example, a compressor with a temperature control function. The piping unit 80 comprises a pipe body 81 and a discharge port 82. The piping unit 80 may include valves and other components as appropriate (not shown). The pipe 81 penetrates the lid 64 of the compartment 60 and introduces the temperature-controlled gas output from the temperature control unit 70 into the compartment 60. Alternatively, the pipe 81 may be configured to penetrate the main body 62 of the compartment 60 and introduce the temperature-controlled gas output from the temperature control unit 70 into the compartment 60. The discharge port 82 releases the temperature-controlled gas introduced into the compartment 60 by the pipe 81 back into the compartment 60. The discharge port 82 is located on the lid 64 of the compartment 60. It is also conceivable that the discharge port 82 may be located on the main body 62 of the compartment 60.

[0073] Here, it is known that within the compartment 60, the rotation of the orbital body 10 around its orbital axis L1 generates an airflow directed centrifugal toward the orbital axis L1. Therefore, the discharge port 82 is provided on the upper or lower side of the orbital body 10, which rotates around the orbital axis L1. This is because if the discharge port 82 were provided on the side of the orbital body 10, it would be difficult for the temperature-controlled gas to directly reach the container set 200 and the holder portion 22 of the rotating body 20 that holds the container set 200, making it difficult to efficiently control the temperature of the container set 200 and the material to be processed M.

[0074] Furthermore, when the discharge port 82 is provided on the upper or lower side of the orbiting body 10 (for example, when the discharge port 82 is provided on the lid 64 of the compartment 60 as shown in the figure), it is preferable that the discharge port 82 be provided on the side of the orbiting axis L1 from the first imaginary line L3, which is parallel to the orbiting axis L1 and in contact with the centrifugal end of the holder portion 22 with respect to the orbiting axis L1. This is because, if the discharge port 82 is not provided on the side of the orbiting axis L1 from the first imaginary line L3, the gas discharged from the discharge port 82 will have difficulty even coming into direct contact with the holder portion 22 due to the influence of the airflow generated by the rotation of the orbiting body 10 around the orbiting axis L1. If this were to happen, efficient temperature control of the container set 200 and the material to be processed M could be hindered.

[0075] Furthermore, when the discharge port 82 is provided on the upper or lower side of the orbiting body 10 (for example, when the discharge port 82 is provided on the lid 64 of the compartment 60 as shown in the figure), it is more preferable that the discharge port 82 be provided on the side of the orbiting axis L1 from the second imaginary line L4 which is parallel to the orbiting axis L1 and touches the center of the bottom of the holder portion 22. This is because even if the gas discharged from the discharge port 82 is affected by the airflow generated by the rotation of the orbiting body 10 around the orbiting axis L1, it will be easier for the gas to come into direct contact with the container set 200 in addition to the holder portion 22, making it easier to efficiently control the temperature of the container set 200 and the material to be processed M.

[0076] The rotating body 20 may be configured to include a gap-forming portion 24 and a ventilation opening 26 provided in the holder portion 22. The gap-forming portion 24 is for forming a continuous gap between the inner surface of the side (and bottom) of the holder portion 22 and the container set 200, extending from the open end of the holder portion 22 to the ventilation opening 26. The gap-forming portion 24 may have any configuration, provided that the continuous gap is formed, but for example, as shown in the figure, it may be composed of a plurality of protrusions that project from the inner surface of the side and bottom of the holder portion 22, for example, in a cylindrical or prismatic shape. In this case, the continuous gap is formed when the protrusions come into contact with the outer surface of the container set 200. The ventilation opening 26 is an opening provided in the side wall of the holder portion 22 closer to the bottom than the open end of the holder portion 22. It is also conceivable that the ventilation opening 26 may be an opening provided in the bottom of the holder portion 22. Furthermore, it is conceivable that multiple ventilation openings 26 may be provided. For example, multiple ventilation openings 26 may be provided in the side wall of the holder portion 22 closer to the bottom than the open end of the holder portion 22, or multiple ventilation openings may be provided in addition to, or instead of, the side wall, at the bottom of the holder portion 22.

[0077] By configuring the rotating body 20 to include a gap-forming portion 24 and a vent 26, the temperature-controlled gas released from the discharge port 82 can enter the gap formed between the container set 200 and the holder portion 22 from the open end of the holder portion 22, and then exit through the vent 26. As a result, the temperature-controlled gas comes into contact with a wider surface of the container set 200, enabling more efficient temperature control of the container set 200 and the material M to be processed. This effect can be further enhanced by providing multiple vents 26. This is because the temperature-controlled gas can more easily come into contact with the surfaces of various parts of the container set 200.

[0078] As described above, the centrifuge 1 in this case has a simple structure and can control the temperature of the container set 200 (especially the first container 210) and the material M to be processed.

[0079] Furthermore, the centrifuge 1 shown in Figure 10 may be modified as shown in Figure 11 to include a function to reduce pressure during processing of the material M to be processed. That is, the centrifuge 1 may be configured to include an exhaust section 90, as shown in Figure 11. When the lid described above is attached to the second container 220, a vent is formed in the lid.

[0080] In this case, the rotating body 20 further comprises a cover 28 and a one-way valve 29. The cover 28 is configured to close the open end of the holder portion 22 so that gas does not flow in or out between the cover 28 and the holder portion 22, for example by using a sealing member (not shown) such as an O-ring. The cover 28 also has a through hole 28a. The one-way valve 29 is attached to the holder portion 22 so as to block the vent opening 26. That is, when there are multiple vent openings 26, the same number of one-way valves 29 are provided as the number of vent openings 26, and each one is attached to the holder portion 22 so as to block one of the vent openings 26. The one-way valve 29 allows gas to escape from the inside of the holder portion 22 through the vent opening 26, while preventing gas from flowing into the inside of the holder portion 22 through the vent opening 26.

[0081] Furthermore, the piping unit 80 in this case differs from the configuration shown in Figure 10 and includes a pipe body 81, a rotary joint 84, internal piping 86, and a joint 88. The piping unit 80 provides airtight communication between the holder portion 22, whose open end is closed by the cover 28, and the temperature control unit 70 and the exhaust unit 90. The piping unit 80 in this case may also include valves and the like as appropriate (not shown). The pipe body 81 is branched at one end and connected to the temperature control unit 70 and the exhaust unit 90.

[0082] The rotary joint 84 connects the other end of a pipe 81 located outside the compartment 60 to one end of internal piping 86 located inside the compartment 60, allowing for relative rotation. The rotary joint 84 prevents damage to the pipe 81 and internal piping 86 due to the rotation of the orbital body 10 and the rotating body 20, and can be placed at any position where this can be achieved. For example, the rotary joint 84 is attached to the cover 64 of the compartment 60 along the orbital axis L1, as shown in the figure. It is also conceivable that the rotary joint 84 may be positioned to connect the other end of a pipe 81 extended into the compartment 60 to one end of internal piping 86, allowing for relative rotation, provided that damage to the pipe 81 and internal piping 86 due to the rotation of the orbital body 10 and the rotating body 20 can be prevented.

[0083] The internal compartment piping 86 is located within the compartment 60, and as described above, one end is connected to the pipe body 81 via a rotary joint 84. The other end of the internal compartment piping 86 is connected to a joint 88. The connector 88 is attached to the cover 28 to prevent gas leakage from between it and the cover 28, and connects the internal piping 86 of the compartment to the inside of the holder portion 22 using the through hole 28a. It is also conceivable that the connector 88 may be a rotary connector, or that the rotary connector 84 may be a conventional joint and the connector 88 may be a rotary connector.

[0084] The exhaust unit 90 is controlled by the control unit 50 to exhaust air. The exhaust unit 90 is composed of, for example, a vacuum pump.

[0085] In the centrifuge 1 configured as described above, when a reduced pressure is required during the processing of the material M to be processed, the control unit 50 controls the exhaust unit 90 to reduce the pressure inside the holder unit 22 via the piping unit 80. At this time, the one-way valve 29 attached to the holder unit 22 prevents gas from flowing into the holder unit 22 from the vent 26, thereby achieving efficient pressure reduction inside the holder unit 22.

[0086] Furthermore, in the centrifuge 1, when it becomes necessary to control the temperature of the container set 200 or the material M to be processed during processing, the control unit 50 controls the temperature control unit 70 to release temperature-controlled gas into the holder section 22 via the piping unit 80. At this time, the one-way valve 29 attached to the holder section 22 allows the gas released into the holder section 22 to escape from the holder section 22 through the vent 26.

[0087] As described above, the centrifuge 1 in this case can perform both the following: reducing the pressure inside the holder section 22 (i.e., processing the material to be processed M in a reduced-pressure environment) and releasing temperature-controlled gas into the holder section 22 (i.e., controlling the temperature of the container set 200 (especially the first container 210) and the material to be processed M). Furthermore, the centrifuge 1 can be used for both reducing the pressure inside the holder section 22 and releasing temperature-controlled gas into the holder section 22, thereby reducing the number of parts. In addition, the centrifuge 1 has through holes 28a in the lid 28, gap-forming sections 24, and vents 26 located on the side wall of the holder section 22 closer to the bottom than the opening end of the holder section 22, and / or at the bottom of the holder section 22, which allows the temperature-controlled gas to easily spread throughout the entire holder section 22. As a result, the centrifuge 1 can effectively control the temperature of the material M to be processed. Furthermore, if multiple vents 26 are provided in the centrifuge 1, the temperature-controlled gas can be more easily distributed to various parts of the holder section 22, thereby further enhancing the above effect.

[0088] Furthermore, the centrifuge 1 shown in Figure 11 may be modified in the following ways: (1) a through hole (not shown) is provided in the shaft portion 21 along it, and the through hole is connected to an opening (not shown) provided at the bottom of the holder portion 22; (2) the connector 88 is connected between the internal piping 86 of the compartment and the holder portion 22 using the through hole in the shaft portion 21, and is attached to the end of the shaft portion 21 opposite to the holder portion 22 so that gas does not flow in / out into the holder portion 22 from between the connector and the shaft portion 21; and (3) the vent 26 is moved to the side of the holder portion 22 closer to the opening end than the bottom of the holder portion 22, and the through hole 28a of the cover 28 is abolished, or the vent 26 of the holder portion 22 is abolished and the through hole 28a of the holder portion 22 is treated as the vent 26. In this case, the centrifuge 1 is configured such that, when the vent 26 is moved from the bottom of the holder portion 22 to the side of the holder portion 22 closer to the opening end, a one-way valve 29 is attached to the holder portion 22 to close the vent 26, and when the through hole 28a of the holder portion 22 is treated as the vent 26, a one-way valve 29 is attached to the cover 28 to close the through hole 28a. The centrifuge 1 configured in this way can also achieve the same effect as the centrifuge 1 shown in Figure 11, based on the fact that the one-way valve 29 allows gas to escape from inside the holder portion 22 through the vent 26 and prevents gas from flowing into inside the holder portion 22 through the vent 26.

[0089] Furthermore, the centrifuge 1 shown in Figure 11 may also be modified in the following ways: (1) the lid 28 is attached to the second container 220; (2) a vent 26 is provided in the second container 220; and (3) a one-way valve 29 is attached to the second container 220 to close the vent 26. In this case, the centrifuge 1, with the one-way valve 29, allows gas to escape from the inside of the second container 220 through the vent 26, while preventing gas from flowing into the inside of the second container 220 through the vent 26. In this case, it is preferable that the vent 26 be provided at the bottom 220a, or at the side wall 220b closer to the bottom 220a than the opening of the second container 220, so that the temperature-controlled gas can easily spread throughout the entire inside of the second container 220. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide an opening (not shown) in the holder portion 22 that communicates with the vent 26, so that the gas that escapes from the inside of the second container 220 through the vent 26 can easily escape from the holder portion 22. Even with this modification, the centrifuge 1 exhibits the same effects as the centrifuge 1 shown in Figure 11.

[0090] Furthermore, the control based on the temperature measurement results from the thermometer, and the mechanism for controlling the temperature using the temperature control unit 70, etc. (including one that includes a pressure reduction function), are also useful in centrifuges that process the material M using a general-purpose cylindrical container with a closed bottom for storing the material M, without using the container set 200. In other words, even in centrifuges that process the material M using a general-purpose cylindrical container with a closed bottom for storing the material M, the problem of temperature rise of the material M may occur, and it may be necessary to control the temperature of the material M or process the material M under a reduced pressure environment. These issues can be addressed by using the above-mentioned control and mechanism.

[0091] Furthermore, using the mirror unit RE to check the internal state of the holder unit 22 is also useful in centrifuges that process the material M using a general-purpose cylindrical container with a closed bottom, rather than using the container set 200. In other words, even in centrifuges that process the material M using a general-purpose cylindrical container with a closed bottom, it is important to check how the material M is being processed, and this check can be easily performed by using the mirror unit RE.

[0092] Furthermore, although various embodiments are disclosed herein, specific features (technical matters) in one embodiment can be added to or replaced in other embodiments, with appropriate modifications, and such forms are also included in the gist of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0093] This invention can be widely used in the field of rotational and orbital centrifuges. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1: Centrifuge, 10: Orbiting body, 11: Shaft, 12: First arm, 13: Second arm, 20: Rotating body, 21: Shaft, 22: Holder, 24: Gap forming part, 26: Ventilation port, 28: Cover, 28a: Through hole, 29: One-way valve, 30: Support base plate, 40: Drive unit, 50: Control unit, 60: Compartment, 62: Main body, 64: Cover, 70: Temperature control unit, 80: Piping unit, 81: Pipe, 82: Outlet, 84: Rotary joint, 86: Piping inside compartment, 88: Joint, 90: Exhaust part, 200: Container set, 210: First container, 211a: Bottom, 211b: Neck, 212a: First side, 212b: Second side, 212c: Front, 213: Friction member, 214: Weight, 220: Second container, 220a: Bottom, 220b: Side wall, 224: Protrusion, CL: Centerline, D: Maximum diameter, FI: Fixing part, L1: Orbital axis, L2: Rotation axis, L3: First virtual line, L4: Second virtual line, M: Material to be processed, P: Protrusion, RE: Mirror part, m: Medium, α: Required angle range, θ: Angle

Claims

1. A body that can rotate around its orbital axis, A rotating body attached to the aforementioned orbital body, which is rotatable about a rotation axis that intersects the aforementioned orbital axis, and the rotating body including a holder portion, Container set, A drive unit capable of applying rotational force to the orbiting body and the rotating body, Equipped with, The aforementioned container set is A first container for storing the material to be processed, wherein at least the outer surface on the bottom side of the maximum diameter portion around its centerline is spherical, A bottomed cylindrical second container that houses the first container is held in the holder portion or is formed by the holder portion, Includes, A centrifuge in which the first container is not fixed to the second container, and as the orbiting body and the rotating body rotate, the center line oscillates with respect to the axis of rotation when viewed from the front, and the angular range of the oscillating motion is greater than or equal to the angular range required for processing the material to be processed.

2. The centrifuge according to claim 1, wherein the first container is open on the side opposite to the bottom.

3. The centrifuge according to claim 2, wherein the first container has a neck portion extending from the maximum diameter portion to the side opposite to the bottom portion, and the end of the neck portion is open.

4. The centrifuge according to claim 1, wherein the first container is configured such that its bottom is heavier than the other parts.

5. The centrifuge according to claim 1, wherein the first container has protrusions on its inner surface and / or houses a medium together with the material to be processed.

6. The centrifuge according to claim 1, wherein the first container has a friction member that covers at least a portion of its outer surface and increases friction with the inner surface of the second container.

7. The centrifuge according to claim 1, wherein the second container has a friction member that covers at least a portion of its inner surface and increases friction with the outer surface of the first container.

8. The centrifuge according to claim 1, wherein the second container has a projection on the inner surface of its bottom that can come into contact with the first container.

9. The centrifuge according to claim 1, further comprising a mirror fixed to the orbiting body and reflecting the image in the holder in a vertical direction.

10. A compartment for housing the aforementioned orbiting body, A temperature control unit that outputs temperature-controlled gas, The compartment is provided with an outlet for releasing the temperature-controlled gas into the compartment. Furthermore, The centrifuge according to claim 1, wherein the discharge port is located above or below the orbiting body and is provided on the side of the orbiting axis that is parallel to the orbiting axis and tangent to the centrifugal end of the holder portion relative to the orbiting axis of the first imaginary line.

11. The centrifuge according to claim 10, wherein the discharge port is provided on the side of the orbital axis of a second imaginary line that is parallel to the orbital axis and tangent to the center of the bottom of the holder portion.

12. The aforementioned rotating body is A lid that is airtight and capable of closing the open end of the holder portion, The ventilation opening provided in the holder portion, A one-way valve is attached to the holder portion so as to block the aforementioned vent, It further includes, The aforementioned centrifuge is, A compartment for housing the aforementioned orbiting body, A temperature control unit that outputs temperature-controlled gas, The exhaust section that performs exhaust, A piping unit that connects the inside of the holder portion, whose open end is closed by the cover, with the temperature control unit and the exhaust unit. Furthermore, The centrifuge according to claim 1, wherein the one-way valve prevents gas from flowing into the holder portion through the vent when the exhaust portion reduces the pressure inside the holder portion via the piping unit, and allows the gas released into the holder portion to escape from the holder portion through the vent when the temperature-controlled gas is released into the holder portion via the piping unit by the temperature control portion.

13. A thermometer for measuring the temperature of the first container or the material to be processed, A control unit controls the drive unit based on the temperature measured by the thermometer, Furthermore, The centrifuge according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the drive unit such that the ratio of the rotational speed of the rotating body to the rotational speed of the orbiting body decreases when the temperature measured by the thermometer exceeds a predetermined value.

14. A container set for use in a centrifuge comprising: an orbital body rotatable about an orbital axis; a rotating body attached to the orbital body and rotatable about a rotational axis intersecting the orbital axis, the rotating body including a holder; and a drive unit capable of applying rotational force to the orbital body and the rotating body, A first container for storing the material to be processed, wherein at least the outer surface on the bottom side of the maximum diameter portion around its centerline is spherical, A bottomed cylindrical second container which houses the first container and is held by the holder portion or formed by the holder portion. Includes, A container set wherein the first container is not fixed to the second container, and, due to the rotation of the orbiting body and the rotating body, the center line oscillates relative to the axis of rotation when viewed from the front, and the angular range of this oscillating motion is greater than or equal to the angular range necessary for processing the material to be processed.

15. The container set according to claim 14, wherein the first container has a neck portion extending on the opposite side of the maximum diameter portion, and the end of the neck portion is open.

16. A method for processing a material to be processed in a centrifuge comprising: an orbital body rotatable about an orbital axis; a rotating body attached to the orbital body and rotatable about a rotational axis intersecting the orbital axis, the rotating body including a holder; and a drive unit capable of applying rotational force to the orbital body and the rotating body; The steps include: placing the material to be processed into a first container, wherein at least the outer surface on the bottom side of the maximum diameter portion around its centerline is spherical; When the second container is held in the holder portion, the first container is placed in the second container without fixing it to the second container, and the second container is held in the holder portion; when the second container is composed of the holder portion, the first container is placed in the second container without fixing it to the second container; The drive unit rotates the orbiting body and the rotating body so that, in a front view, the first container moves so that its centerline oscillates relative to the axis of rotation, and the angle range of this oscillating motion is set to be greater than or equal to the necessary angle range for processing the material to be processed, and the process is carried out accordingly. A method for processing a material to be processed, including the method described above.

17. The method for processing a material to be processed according to claim 16, wherein the first container has a neck portion extending on the opposite side of the maximum diameter portion, and the end of the neck portion is open.

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