JP2011235201A - Method and apparatus for stirring/defoaming liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stirring/defoaming technique exhibiting an excellent stirring/defoaming effect with a simple and compact structure, capable of reducing a running cost.SOLUTION: An agitation tank 1 supported with inclination at a specified inclination angle α relative to a perpendicular rotary main shaft 6, is made to revolve at a specified speed around the rotary main shaft 6 and to rotate at a low speed on a rotary spindle 20 disposed parallel to the rotary main shaft 6 by a single driving motor 11 to cause the inclination direction of the agitation tank 1 to fluctuate relative to the action direction of the centrifugal force applied to a liquid L to be treated present in the agitation tank 1. Thus, the centrifugal force generated by the revolution of the agitation tank 1 induces not only a movement in the horizontal direction but also a movement in the vertical direction of the liquid L by virtue of a joint action with the fluctuation of the inclination direction of the inclined inner face of the agitation tank 1, to cause the liquid L to flow in the vertical and the horizontal directions (to move three-dimensionally) in the agitation tank 1.

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for stirring and defoaming liquids, and more specifically, a plurality of types of liquids, liquids and powders, or a mixture thereof are stirred while defoaming bubbles contained therein. The present invention relates to stirring and defoaming technology.

  As conventional techniques for stirring and defoaming a plurality of kinds of liquids, liquids and powders, or a mixture thereof, these plural kinds of liquids, liquids and powders, or a mixture thereof (hereinafter referred to as a liquid to be treated). By revolving the stirring tank filled and accommodated, or by further rotating the stirring tank in addition to this revolution, centrifugal force is applied to the liquid to be treated in the stirring tank and mixed into the liquid to be treated. There is a method of stirring the liquid to be treated while defoaming the bubbles that are present (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  However, in the centrifugal action by revolving the stirring tank under atmospheric pressure and by adding rotation to this revolution, even the bubbles mixed in the liquid to be treated under atmospheric pressure are completely degassed. Therefore, it works effectively when the liquid to be treated is not required to have a high defoaming effect, but it is sufficient when a high defoaming effect is required. There was a problem that it could not function.

  In this regard, in addition to the centrifugal force action due to the revolution of the agitation tank (and the combined use of rotation), there is known a method in which the agitation and defoaming by the centrifugal force action is performed in a vacuum state (for example, And Patent Document 3).

  As shown in FIG. 10, the stirring and defoaming apparatus using this vacuum technology is provided with stirring tanks a and a in which liquids to be treated are stored on an arm body b that is driven to rotate. The stirring tanks a and a and the arm body b are housed in a box-shaped vacuum chamber c, and the vacuum chamber c is structured to be in a vacuum state by a vacuum means e having a vacuum pump d.

  Then, the vacuum pump d of the vacuum means e brings the stirring chambers a and a provided in the vacuum chamber c, that is, the vacuum chamber c, into a vacuum state. Under this vacuum state, the stirring tanks a and a Air bubbles mixed in the liquid to be treated are given a centrifugal force to the liquid to be treated in the stirring tanks a and a by the revolution of the arm body b by the drive motor f and the rotation by the rotation control device g. The liquid to be treated is agitated while defoaming.

JP-A-6-71110 JP-A-7-289873 Japanese Patent No. 3627220

  However, in the method and apparatus for rotating the stirring tanks a and a while revolving in such a vacuum state, the structure for keeping the vacuum chamber c in a vacuum state becomes complicated and large, and the apparatus cost and running cost increase. Was invited.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 10, since the stirring tanks a and a and the arm body b which are main parts of the apparatus are mounted in the vacuum chamber c, the internal volume of the vacuum chamber c, that is, the vacuum state should be set. The space is large and the capacity of the vacuum pump d is increased, and the rotation systems a, a, and b are driven by the drive motor f and the rotation control device g which are drive sources provided outside the vacuum chamber c. Since they are connected, the sealing structure for maintaining the airtightness of these drive connecting portions is also complicated and large. As a result, the structure of the apparatus is large and complicated, leading to an increase in apparatus cost, and the running cost tends to increase.

  In addition, in the conventional stirring / defoaming device using the revolution / spinning action of this kind of stirring tank, both a rotational drive source for revolution and a rotational drive source for rotation are required. The structure was increased in size and complexity, and the equipment cost and running cost were also increased.

  The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and its purpose is to exhibit excellent stirring and defoaming effects comparable to conventional liquid stirring and defoaming techniques, An object of the present invention is to provide a stirring and defoaming method that is simple and compact in structure and that can also reduce running costs.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an agitation / defoaming apparatus having a configuration for effectively carrying out the agitation / degassing method.

  In order to achieve the above object, the liquid stirring and defoaming method of the present invention applies a centrifugal force to the liquid to be treated in the stirring tank by revolving the stirring tank filled with the liquid to be treated in the horizontal direction. A stirring and defoaming method for stirring the liquid to be processed while defoaming bubbles mixed in the liquid to be processed, and having a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the vertical revolution axis by a single drive source. The liquid to be treated in the stirring tank is revolved at a predetermined speed around the revolution axis and rotated at a low speed around a vertical axis arranged in parallel to the revolution axis. The inclination direction of the agitation tank is varied with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force applied to the surface.

The following configuration is adopted as a preferred embodiment.
(1) Using a vacuum vessel having an airtight structure as the agitation tank, filling and storing the liquid to be treated in the agitation, sealing, and then performing the agitation process with the agitation tank individually in a vacuum state What you did.

(2) The rotational speed of the agitation tank is set to -1/20 to 1/20 of the revolution speed.

(3) The inclination angle of the stirring tank is 10 to 45 degrees.

(4) The revolution speed of the stirring tank is 100 to 300 revolutions / minute.

(5) The revolution speed of the stirring tank is changed from low speed to high speed from the initial stage of the stirring process to the finishing stage.

(6) The revolution direction of the stirring tank is reversed in the middle of the stirring step.

  The first liquid stirring and defoaming apparatus of the present invention executes the above stirring and defoaming method, and the stirring tank filled and accommodated with the liquid to be treated revolves in the horizontal direction, whereby the stirring tank A stirring and defoaming device in which centrifugal force is applied to the liquid to be treated and the liquid to be treated is stirred while bubbles mixed in the liquid to be treated are defoamed. The stirring tank composed of a cylindrical container is inclined and supported at a predetermined inclination angle, and the stirring tank is revolved around the revolution axis by a single driving source and is arranged in parallel with the revolution axis. The tilting direction of the agitation tank varies with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force applied to the liquid to be treated in the agitation tank rotated at a low speed around the axis.

  Further, the second liquid stirring and defoaming apparatus of the present invention is also for executing the above stirring and defoaming method, and the stirring tank filled with the liquid to be treated is revolved in the horizontal direction, thereby stirring. A stirring / defoaming device in which centrifugal force is applied to the liquid to be processed in the tank, and the liquid to be processed is stirred while bubbles mixed in the liquid to be processed are degassed. It is in the form of a vacuum vessel having a structure, and comprises vacuum means for individually evacuating the inside of the stirring tank. The vacuum means is individually and detachably attached to and connected to the stirring tank. A vacuum pipe capable of communicating with the inside of the tank is provided.

  The following configuration is adopted as a preferred embodiment of the first and second liquid stirring and defoaming apparatuses.

(1) A rotary table that is mounted horizontally with respect to the rotary spindle that constitutes the revolution shaft and is driven to rotate at a predetermined speed, and a rotation that is rotatably supported on the rotary table and constitutes the vertical axis. The above-mentioned stirring tank attached to the support shaft in an inclined state, a planetary gear mechanism for drivingly connecting the rotation main shaft and the rotation support shaft, and a drive motor for rotationally driving the rotation main shaft are provided. The stirring tank is revolved at a predetermined speed around the rotation main shaft by the rotational drive of the rotation main shaft by a motor, and is slowly rotated at a predetermined speed around the rotation support shaft that is significantly decelerated from the revolving speed. The tilt direction of the agitation tank varies with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force applied to the liquid to be treated in the agitation tank rotated at a speed.

(2) The planetary gear mechanism includes the sun gear provided concentrically and stationary with the rotation main shaft, the planetary gear provided concentrically with the rotation support shaft, and the sun gear. At least one intermediate gear interposed between the gear and the planetary gear in a meshed state and rotatably supported by the rotary table is provided.

(3) The sun gear and the planetary gear are drivingly connected via the single intermediate gear.

(4) The sun gear and the planetary gear are drivingly connected via the two intermediate gears.

(5) The rotation speed of the stirring tank is set to −1/20 to 1/20 of the revolution speed.

(6) The inclination angle of the stirring tank is 10 to 45 degrees.

(7) The revolution speed of the stirring tank is 100 to 300 revolutions / minute.

(8) Control means for driving the drive motor is provided, and the control means drives the drive so that the revolution speed of the stirring tank is changed from low speed to high speed from the initial stage of the stirring process to the finishing stage. Drive control of the motor.

(9) The control means drives and controls the drive motor so as to reverse the revolution direction of the stirring tank during the stirring process.

(10) The vacuum means includes a plurality of the vacuum pipes provided corresponding to the number of the agitation tanks arranged, and each of the vacuum pipes is individually attached to and detached from the agitation tanks at the tip connection portions. It has a pipe joint structure that can be connected and communicated.

(11) A liquid container that is housed and fixed so as to be able to be taken out in the agitation tank is provided, and the liquid container is provided with a communication hole in the top portion thereof that can communicate with the agitation tank.

(12) The inner peripheral surface of the liquid container has a polygonal cross section.

  According to the stirring and defoaming method of the present invention, the stirring tank that is tilted and supported at a predetermined tilt angle with respect to the vertical revolution axis is revolved at a predetermined speed around the revolution axis by a single drive source. At the same time, by rotating at a low speed around a vertical axis arranged parallel to the revolution axis, the inclination direction of the stirring tank is changed with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force applied to the liquid to be treated in the stirring tank. As a result, the centrifugal force generated by the revolution of the agitation tank is not limited to a simple horizontal movement with respect to the liquid to be treated. It also induces movement.

  As a result, the liquid to be treated flows in the stirring tank in the vertical and horizontal directions (three-dimensional motion), and the bubbles mixed in the liquid to be treated are effectively separated from the liquid (defoaming action). The liquid is effectively stirred (stirring action).

  In this case, by setting the rotation speed of the stirring tank to a low speed of −1/20 to 1/20 of the revolution speed or zero, the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the stirring tank is the centrifugal force generated by the revolution of the stirring tank. A smooth three-dimensional movement can be ensured by maximizing the effective use without canceling the force.

  In addition, the revolution and rotation of the agitation tank are performed by a single drive source, thereby reducing the drive source in size and labor savings. Cost reduction can be realized.

  In addition, using a vacuum vessel having an airtight structure as the agitation tank, the liquid to be treated is filled and accommodated in the agitation tank and sealed, and then the agitation tank is individually vacuumed to perform the agitation process. This makes it possible to completely defoam bubbles in the liquid to be treated under atmospheric pressure, and it is fully functional for processing liquids that require a highly accurate defoaming effect. Can respond.

  In addition, by adopting a method of individually vacuuming the inside of the stirring tank that originally needs to be in a vacuum state, a rotating system including a stirring tank (usually a plurality) is installed in the vacuum chamber as in the past, Compared to the method of vacuuming the stirring tank, the space to be vacuumed is much smaller, the capacity of the vacuum drive source of the vacuum means can be reduced, and the airtight structure of the vacuum space is simple Also from this point, it is possible to promote downsizing and simplification of the structure of the apparatus, and to reduce the apparatus cost and the running cost.

It is a front view which shows the liquid stirring and defoaming apparatus which is Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is front sectional drawing which similarly shows the internal structure of the stirring and defoaming apparatus. It is a top view which removes the opening-and-closing lid of the same stirring and defoaming device similarly. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2 while cutting a part of the same stirring and defoaming device. It is a partial cross section front view which shows the structure of the stirring tank of the stirring / defoaming apparatus. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows the connection structure of the vacuum piping in the stirring tank of the stirring and defoaming apparatus. It is a front view which shows the structure of the piping temporary storage part in the vacuum apparatus of the stirring / defoaming apparatus in a partial cross section. It is front sectional drawing which shows the structure of the liquid filter in the vacuum apparatus of the stirring / defoaming apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the vacuum apparatus of the stirring and defoaming apparatus. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the conventional liquid stirring and defoaming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numeral indicates the same component or element.

Embodiment 1
1 to 9 show a liquid agitation / defoaming apparatus according to the present invention. Specifically, the agitation / defoaming apparatus agitates, for example, a paint or printing ink as the liquid L to be treated. It is for defoaming.

  This stirring / defoaming apparatus includes a plurality of (four in the illustrated case) stirring tanks 1, 1,..., A rotary table 2 constituting the revolution means of the stirring tanks 1, 1,. Are composed mainly of a planetary gear mechanism 3 that constitutes the rotating means and a vacuum device 4 that constitutes vacuum means for making the inside of the stirring tanks 1, 1,. 4 is installed in the device case 5. In the device case 5, 50 is a lid that can be opened and closed, 51 is a free caster as a means for moving the device case 5, and 52 is a level adjuster for adjusting the posture of the device case 5 in a horizontal state.

  The rotary table 2 has a disk shape, is mounted horizontally with respect to the vertical main spindle 6 and is driven to rotate at a predetermined speed.

  In the illustrated embodiment, a spindle stock 8 is provided at the center position of the base frame 7 of the apparatus case 5, and the rotary spindle 6 rotates in a vertical state via the rotary bearings 9, 9 on the spindle stock 8. The rotary table 2 is fixedly supported and supported in a horizontal state by a fixing bracket 10 on the upper end portion of the rotary main shaft 6.

  Further, a drive motor 11 as a rotation drive source is mounted in a horizontal state on the head stock 8 on which the lower part of the rotary spindle 6 is pivoted. Although not specifically shown, the output of the drive motor 11 is not shown. The lower part of the rotating main shaft 6 is directly geared to the shaft.

  Then, by the rotational drive of the drive motor 11, the rotary table 2 together with the rotary spindle 6 is rotationally driven at a predetermined rotational speed in the horizontal direction.

  The agitation tank 1 is in the form of a vacuum container having an airtight structure, and specifically comprises a cylindrical container that can be sealed by a lid 1a that can be opened and closed as shown in FIG. The lid body 1a is provided with an O-ring 15 at a fitting portion with the container body 1b at the time of lid application, and the airtightness of this portion is ensured. A specific airtight structure of the stirring tank 1 will be described later in relation to the vacuum device 4.

  A plurality of stirring tanks 1 are attached to the outer peripheral position of the rotary table 2 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The stirring tank 1 of the illustrated embodiment is a cylindrical container having an inner peripheral surface that is a cylindrical surface, and is configured to be mounted on the rotary table 2.

  That is, at the outer peripheral position of the rotary table 2, four rotary support shafts 20, 20,... Are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and each rotary support shaft 20 is in a vertical state by the bearings 21, 21, that is, An agitation tank receiver 22 that is rotatably supported in a state of being parallel to the rotation main shaft 6 and that accommodates and supports the agitation tank 1 so as to be detachable is attached and fixed to an upper end portion 20a of the rotation support shaft 20 in an inclined state. Reference numeral 23 denotes a presser fitting for fixing the agitation tank 1 to the agitation tank receiver 22, and specific tightening of the presser fitting 23 will be described later in relation to the airtight structure of the vacuum device 4 and the agitation tank 1. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, the agitation tank receiver 22 is fixed at the bottom to the upper end 20 a of the rotary support shaft 20, and the upper part is opened to accommodate and hold the agitation tank 1 from above. It is made into a shape. In the state in which the stirring tank 1 is accommodated in the stirring tank receiver 22, the stirring tank 1 is configured such that its axis is inclined by a predetermined angle α with respect to the axis of the rotation main shaft 6.

  The inclination angle α of the axis of the agitation tank 1 is specifically set to 10 to 45 degrees, preferably 12 to 20 degrees, and in the illustrated embodiment, the inclination angle α is 15 degrees. .

  The inclination angle α is set in this way when the inclination angle α is smaller than 10 degrees or larger than 45 degrees due to the revolution of the inner peripheral inclined surface of the stirring tank 1 and the stirring tank 1 described later. This is because the cooperation with centrifugal force cannot be obtained with certainty.

  The planetary gear mechanism 3 constitutes the rotating means of the agitation tank 1 as described above. At least the sun gear 25 provided concentrically with the rotation main shaft 6 and the rotation support shaft 20 are provided concentrically. Specifically, the sun gear 25, the planetary gear 26, and at least one intermediate gear interposed between the sun gear 25 and the planetary gear 26 in an engaged state. 27. The number of the intermediate gears 27 is set in consideration of the rotation direction and the rotation speed of the planetary gear 26, that is, the stirring tank 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the sun gear 25 and the planetary gear 26 are drivingly connected via a single intermediate gear 27, so that the planetary gear 26, that is, the stirring tank 1 is opposite to the revolution direction (the rotation direction of the rotary table 2). It is configured to rotate in the direction.

  The sun gear 25 is provided concentrically and stationaryly with the rotary main shaft 6 of the rotary table 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the sun gear 25 is attached to the rotary main shaft 25 via bearings 28 and 28. The shaft is supported so as to be relatively rotatable, and its rotational motion is stationary and fixed by an anti-rotation means (not shown).

  The planetary gear 26 is provided concentrically and integrally with the rotary support shaft 20 that is rotatably supported by the rotary table 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. It is integrally attached to the lower end portion of the rotary support shaft 20 protruding downward.

  The intermediate gear 27 is interposed between the sun gear 25 and the planetary gear 26 in a meshed state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. The rotary shaft 29 is supported and fixed so as to be rotatable through bearings 30 and 30 and meshed with the sun gear 25 and the planetary gear 26, respectively.

  That is, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the four stirring tanks 1, 1,... Arranged and supported on the rotary table 2 are also rotated (revolved) by the rotation of the rotary table 2 (in the direction of the arrow X). However, the planetary gear 26 of the planetary gear mechanism 3 is attached and fixed to the rotation support shafts 20, 20,. In this planetary gear mechanism 3, since the sun gear 25 is stationary and fixed as described above, the planetary gear 26 passes around the sun gear 25 via the intermediate gear 27 meshed with both the gears 20 and 21. While revolving in the X direction, it rotates in a direction opposite to the revolving direction at a slow rotational speed that is greatly decelerated from this revolution speed.

  In this case, the rotational speed of the agitation tank 1 is determined by the gear ratio of the sun gear 25, the intermediate gear 27, and the planetary gear 26 constituting the planetary gear mechanism 3, and is set to −1/20 to 0 of the revolution speed. Desirably, it is set to -1/30 to -1/40. The revolution speed of the stirring tank 1 is set to 100 to 300 rotations / minute in consideration of the effective centrifugal force, and therefore the rotation speed of the stirring tank 1 is set to 5 rotations to 15 rotations / minute. Is set.

  The rotational speed of the stirring tank 1 is set in this way because the centrifugal force generated in the liquid L to be processed by the revolution of the stirring tank 1 when the rotational speed of the stirring tank 1 is larger than 1/20 of the revolution speed. The effect is reduced by the effect of the centrifugal force generated in the liquid L to be processed by the rotation of the stirring tank 1, or is canceled and is not fully exhibited, and the active movement of the liquid L in the stirring tank 1 is obtained. On the other hand, when the rotation speed of the stirring tank 1 is 0 to 1/20 of the revolution speed, the effect of centrifugal force generated in the liquid L to be treated due to the revolution of the stirring tank 1 is sufficiently exhibited. This is because the movement of the liquid L to be treated is not limited to a mere horizontal movement, but a vertical movement is also induced by the cooperative action with the inclined inner surface by the inclination angle α of the stirring tank 1 (three-dimensional movement). The effect of this is that the rotation speed of the stirring tank 1 is the revolution speed. If set to -1 / 30-1/40, a greater effect can be obtained.

  In addition, the stirring tank 1 is rotated at a very slow rotational speed that is 1/20 or less of the revolution speed as described above, rather than when the stirring tank 1 is only revolving and does not rotate (that is, when the rotational speed is 0). Centrifugal force due to the revolution of the agitation tank 1 effectively acts on the entire liquid L to be treated in 1, and all the liquids L to be treated in the agitation tank 1 can perform a smooth three-dimensional motion.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation speed of the stirring tank 1 is set to 1/36 of the revolution speed.

  The vacuum device (vacuum means) 4 makes the inside of the stirring tanks 1, 1,... In a vacuum state, and specifically, has a configuration in which the insides of these stirring tanks 1, 1,. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the vacuum device 4 includes a vacuum pump 35, a liquid filter 36, a manifold 37, a connection vacuum pipe 38 (38A, 38B, 38C, 38D), and a vacuum gauge 39 as main parts. Prepare.

  The vacuum pump 35 has an exhaust port 35a opened to the atmosphere through a pipe 40a, and an intake port 35b communicated with the exhaust port 36a of the liquid filter 36 through the pipe 40b.

  The liquid filter 36 filters and removes the liquid L to be treated contained in the air sucked up from the stirring tank 1, and its specific structure is shown in FIG. The liquid filter 36 of the illustrated embodiment is provided with the exhaust port 36a and the intake port 36b at the ceiling of a hollow filter body 36c in the form of a box-shaped container. Each of the exhaust port 36a and the intake port 36b includes a joint member 100a having a valve structure that can be opened and closed. The specific structure of the joint members 100a and 100a is as follows. 50, the joint members 100b and 100b, which will be described later, are also provided at the ends of the pipes 40b and 40c to be connected to each other. The exhaust port 36a and the intake port 36b communicate with the filter body 36c through nipples 41 and 42, respectively.

  In addition, a drainage port 43 for discharging the liquid L to be processed that has been filtered and stored therein is provided in the ceiling of the filter body 36c. The drainage port 43 is closed by a lid member 44 so as to be opened and closed. Reference numeral 45 denotes an O-ring.

  The manifold 37 has an exhaust port 37a communicated with the intake port 36b of the liquid filter 36 through a pipe 40c, and can communicate with a vacuum gauge 39 through a pipe 40d. A solenoid valve 46 is provided in the pipe 40d. The electromagnetic valve 46 is opened and closed in conjunction with the vacuum pump 35, and is opened when the vacuum pump 35 is ON (operated), and the degree of vacuum in the agitation tank 1 is measured by the vacuum gauge 39. Is closed when is OFF (stopped). Although the exhaust port 37b is not specifically illustrated, the exhaust port 37b includes a joint member 100a having a valve structure that can be opened and closed. The specific structure constitutes the exhaust port 50 of the agitation tank 1 as described later. It is the same as the joint member. Similarly, although not specifically shown, a joint member 100b, which will be described later, is also provided at the end of the pipe 40c to be connected.

  Further, the manifold 37 includes a plurality of (four in the illustrated example) intake ports 37b corresponding to the number of connection vacuum pipes 38 (38A, 38B, 38C, 38D), and these intake ports 37b, 37b, 37b and 37b are connected to the connection vacuum pipes 38A, 38B, 38C and 38D, respectively. These intake ports 37b, 37b, 37b, 37b are made of a joint member 100a having a valve structure that can be opened and closed, although not specifically shown, and the specific structure of these joint members 100a,... Will be described later. Further, it is the same as the joint member constituting the exhaust port 50 of the stirring tank 1. Similarly, although not specifically shown, a joint member 100b described later is also provided at the end of the connection vacuum pipe 38 (38A, 38B, 38C, 38D) to be connected.

  The connection vacuum pipe 38 (38A, 38B, 38C, 38D) includes a pipe joint structure that is individually and detachably connected to and communicates with the four stirring tanks 1, 1, 1, 1, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a pipe joint (coupler) 100 constituting the pipe joint structure is connected to a joint member 100 a that is attached to the lid body 1 a of the stirring tank 1 and forms the exhaust port 50 of the stirring tank 1. A conventional well-known basic structure including a joint member 100b attached to the connection end of the vacuum pipe 38 (38A, 38B, 38C, 38D) is shown in FIG.

  That is, this pipe joint 100 is composed of a joint member 100a in the form of a plug as a male member and a joint member 100b in the form of a socket as a female member. These both 100a and 100b are one-touch. It has a detachable structure and a valve structure that always closes when not connected and always opens when connected.

  The plug 100a has a male cylindrical shape as shown in the figure. An annular lock ball engaging groove 101 is provided on the outer periphery of the plug 100a, and a valve body 102 is provided therein so as to be opened and closed. The valve body 102 is always urged and urged by a spring 103 in a contact engagement direction with the valve seat 104 to keep the plug 100a closed in a normal state (when not connected). The plug 100 a is connected to the lid body 1 a of the stirring tank 1 through the nipple 105 so as to be able to communicate therewith, and forms an exhaust port 50 of the stirring tank 1.

  The socket 100b has a female cylindrical shape as illustrated, and a plurality of lock balls 106, 106,... Are accommodated and held so as to be movable in the radial direction, and the diameter of the lock balls 106, 106,. An operation sleeve 107 for controlling the direction movement is provided to be movable in the axial direction. Reference numeral 108 denotes a resilient spring that constantly urges the operation sleeve 107 toward the socket tip. The connection end 109 of the socket 100b and the socket 100b is fitted and connected to the end of the connection vacuum pipe 38 (38A, 38B, 38C, 38D).

  Then, the operation sleeve 107 of the socket 100b is retracted from the tip of the socket against the elastic urging force of the elastic spring 108, thereby enabling the radial movement of the lock balls 106, 106,... Can be inserted into the socket 100b. When the plug 100a is inserted into the socket 100b and the lock balls 106, 106,... Are inserted into and locked into the lock ball locking grooves 101 of the plug 100a, the operation sleeve 107 is socketed by the elastic biasing force of the elastic spring 108. By moving to the tip, the rush engagement state of the lock balls 106, 106,... With respect to the lock ball engagement groove 101 is locked, and the connection state of the plug 100a and the socket 100b is obtained (see FIG. 6B). .

  On the other hand, from this connected state, the operation sleeve 107 is retreated from the socket tip and the reverse operation is performed, so that the lock balls 106, 106,. The connection state between the plug 100a and the socket 100b is released. As described above, the plug 100a and the socket 100b can be attached and detached (connected and detached) by one-touch operation of the operation sleeve 107.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), the pipe joint 100 is in a closed state when the plug 100a and the socket 100b are not connected, while the plug 100a is closed as shown in FIG. 6 (b). When the socket 100b is connected to the socket 100b, the valve body 110 of the socket 100b retreats the valve body 102 of the plug 100a against the elastic urging force of the elastic spring 103. As a result, the valve body 102 is detached from the valve seat 104. Thus, the plug 100a is kept open, and the communication state between the plug 100a and the socket 100b is maintained.

  In addition, as long as the structure of the pipe joint 100 has the same function, it is not specifically limited to the thing of illustration, A general commercial thing is selected suitably and employ | adopted. The pipe joint 100 of the illustrated embodiment employs an SP coupler (trade name) manufactured by Nitto Koki Co., Ltd.

  Further, as described above, the connection vacuum pipe 38 (38A, 38B, 38C, 38D) is shown in FIG. 3 in connection with the structure that is connected to the stirring tank 1 only when the stirring tank 1 is evacuated. Thus, on the upper surface side portion of the apparatus case 5, a temporary placement portion 111 for temporarily placing the sockets 100b, 100b, 100b, 100b of these connection vacuum pipes 38 (38A, 38B, 38C, 38D) and a connection A piping storage portion 112 that stores the vacuum piping 38 (38A, 38B, 38C, 38D) is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the temporary placement portion 111, holding plugs 111a, 111a, 111a, 111a for inserting and holding the four sockets 100b, 100b, 100b, 100b upright are arranged on the base 111b. It becomes.

  The pipe storage part 112 is provided adjacent to the temporary raising part 111 and is in the form of a storage recess for folding and storing the connection vacuum pipe 38 (38A, 38B, 38C, 38D).

  Further, as described above, the stirring tank 1 has an airtight structure in relation to the vacuum device 4, and the specific structure is shown in FIG. 5.

  The stirring tank 1 is preferably made of a material that is excellent in air tightness and excellent in resistance to liquids. For example, an acetal resin is suitably employed as a constituent material. In the illustrated embodiment, “Delrin” (registered trademark) is used. : DuPont, USA) is used as a constituent material.

  The lid structure of the lid 1a of the agitation tank 1 is configured to be fastened together with a presser fitting 23 when the agitation tank 1 is attached and fixed to the agitation tank receiver 22.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, the presser fitting 23 is in the form of a straight bar, and both end portions 23 a and 23 b (see FIG. 5) are engaging recesses of the stirring tank receiver 22. The structure is constructed so as to be inserted and locked into 22a and 22b, and a clamping bolt 51 which can be manually operated is provided at the center thereof. The fastening bolt 51 is attached to the presser fitting 23 so as to be able to advance and retract in the vertical direction, and its tip 51a is in contact with and locked to the upper surface of the receiving member 52 provided on the lid 1a of the stirring tank 1. Yes.

  Then, the opening of the container body 1b of the stirring tank 1 is closed by the lid 1a, and both end portions 23a and 23b of the presser fitting 23 are inserted and locked in the engaging recesses 22a and 22b of the stirring tank receiver 22, respectively. When the tightening bolt 51 is tightened and rotated, the tightening bolt 51 presses the lid 1a with its tip 51a while screwing the presser fitting 23. As a result, the presser fitting 23 and the lid body 1a are pushed away from each other to be in a tightened state, and the lid body 1a is tightly covered with the container body 1b, and at the same time, the stirring tank 1 is attached to the stirring tank receiver 22. It will be tightened and fixed.

  Further, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 5, it is also possible to provide a liquid container 55 that is housed and fixed in the stirring tank 1 so as to be removable. By adopting such a configuration, the liquid container 55 can be used as a dedicated container for each liquid to be processed L, and it is avoided that the liquid to be processed L directly touches the inner peripheral surface of the stirring tank 1. In addition, it can be used as it is as a container for the liquid L to be treated even after the agitation / defoaming treatment, and the handleability is greatly improved.

  In the case of such a configuration, a communication hole (not shown) that can communicate with the stirring tank 1 is provided at the top of the liquid container 55.

  Furthermore, the inner peripheral surface of the liquid container 55 has a polygonal cross section, so that the stirring action by the revolution of the stirring tank 1 can be improved.

  Thus, in the stirring and defoaming apparatus configured as described above, when the liquid L to be treated is not required to have a defoaming effect with a very high accuracy, the stirring tank receiver 22 rotatably provided on the rotary table 2; When the rotary table 2 is rotationally driven in a state in which the stirring tanks 1, 1,. Axis) 6 is revolved at a predetermined speed in the horizontal direction, whereby a centrifugal force is applied to the liquid L to be processed in the stirring tank 1, and bubbles mixed in the liquid L to be processed are defoamed. The liquid L to be treated is stirred.

  In this case, the stirring tank 1 is inclined and supported at a predetermined inclination angle α with respect to the rotation main shaft 6 and is slowly predetermined around a rotation support shaft (vertical axis) 20 arranged in parallel with the rotation main shaft 6. Therefore, the inclination direction of the stirring tank 1 varies with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force applied to the liquid L to be treated in the stirring tank 1.

  Therefore, the centrifugal force generated by the revolution of the stirring tank 1 is not limited to a simple horizontal movement with respect to the liquid L to be processed, and further, in the vertical direction due to the cooperative action with the fluctuation of the inclined direction of the inclined inner surface of the stirring tank 1. As a result, the liquid L to be treated flows in the stirring tank 1 in the vertical and horizontal directions (three-dimensional movement), and the bubbles mixed in the liquid L to be treated are effective as the liquid. While being separated (defoaming action), the liquid is effectively stirred (stirring action).

  In this case, since the rotation speed of the stirring tank 1 is set to a low speed of −1/20 to 1/20 of the revolution speed, the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the stirring tank 1 causes the revolution of the stirring tank 1 to rotate. It is possible to effectively exhibit the centrifugal force generated by the above as much as possible without canceling out and to ensure a smooth three-dimensional motion.

  In addition, the revolution and rotation of the agitation tank 1 are performed by the drive motor 11 which is a single drive source, so that the drive source can be reduced in size and labor savings. As a result, the apparatus structure can be reduced in size and simplified. It is promoted, and reduction of apparatus cost and running cost can be realized.

  Moreover, when the defoaming effect of high precision is requested | required of the to-be-processed liquid L, the vacuum apparatus 4 is driven and the stirring process mentioned above is performed.

  That is, after the liquid L to be processed is filled and accommodated in each stirring tank 1 composed of a vacuum container having an airtight structure and sealed, the above stirring process is performed by individually setting the inside of each stirring tank 1 to a vacuum state. Thereby, the bubbles mixed in the liquid L to be processed under atmospheric pressure can be completely degassed, and the function is sufficient for processing the liquid L to be processed which requires a highly accurate defoaming effect. Demonstrate and respond.

  In addition, since the inside of the agitation tank 1 that originally needs to be evacuated is individually evacuated, the agitation tank (usually plural) a is included in the vacuum chamber c as in the conventional apparatus shown in FIG. Compared with the method in which the rotating system is mounted and the inside of the agitation tank a is in a vacuum state, the space to be in a vacuum state is much smaller, and the capacity of the vacuum pump 35 of the vacuum device 4 can be reduced. In addition, the airtight structure of the vacuum space, that is, the airtight structure of the agitation tank 1 can be simplified. From this point, the apparatus structure and the running cost can be reduced by promoting the miniaturization and simplification of the apparatus structure. it can.

Embodiment 2
The present embodiment is a modification of the configuration of the agitation / defoaming device of the first embodiment, and the agitation / defoaming device of the present embodiment drives and controls a drive motor 11 that rotationally drives the rotary spindle 6. (Control means) 200 is provided, and the revolution speed of the stirring tank 1 is automatically variably controlled.

  That is, the drive motor 11 of this embodiment is electrically connected to the control unit 200 and is automatically controlled according to the process program of the control unit 200.

  Specifically, the control unit 200 includes a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O port, and the like. The control unit 200 has a process program and the like for executing the above-described stirring process in advance. Various data necessary for driving the drive motor 11 such as the rotation speed of the rotary table 2 (revolution speed of the stirring tank 1), operation time, speed change timing, processing time of the stirring process, etc. As shown in FIG. 3 or the touch panel 201a (see FIG. 3) of the operation panel 201 provided in the device case 5, the drive motor 11 is automatically controlled according to these data.

  In addition to the touch panel 201a, the operation panel 201 includes device start and stop buttons 201b and 201c, and vacuum device 4 ON and OFF buttons 201d and 201e.

  The touch panel 201a is in the form of a touch panel display device having both functions of a setting unit and a display unit. The touch panel display device 201a is configured such that a display unit including a liquid crystal screen is connected to the setting unit by a touch operation with a finger. The display unit is configured to switch and display.

  When the display unit of the touch panel display device 201a displays the screen of the setting unit on a liquid crystal display, the control data can be input and set by touching the operation panel of the setting unit with fingers. On the other hand, when the screen of the display unit is displayed on the liquid crystal, necessary information such as the operating conditions of the apparatus (the rotational speed and operating time of the rotary table 2) or the elapsed time of operation is displayed on the liquid crystal.

  Then, by the rotational drive of the drive motor 11, the rotary table 10 together with the rotary spindle 6 is rotationally driven at a predetermined rotational speed in the horizontal direction. In this case, the rotation speed of the rotary table 10, that is, the revolution speed of the stirring tank 1 described later, is changed from low speed to high speed from the initial stage of the stirring process to the finishing stage according to the process program of the control unit 200, as described later. Automatically controlled.

  As a specific process program in the present embodiment, a general process pattern similar to that of the conventional apparatus, that is, the revolution speed of the stirring tanks 1, 1,... Becomes a predetermined constant value from the start to the completion of the stirring process. Further, the drive motor 11 is controlled so that the constant speed process pattern in which the drive motor 11 is driven and the revolution speed of the stirring tanks 1, 1,... Change from the low speed to the high speed from the initial stage of the stirring process to the finishing stage. And a shift process pattern in which the drive is controlled.

  The latter speed change process pattern includes, for example, (1) a pattern in which the revolution speed of the stirring tank 1 is gradually changed from low speed to high speed from the initial stage of the stirring process to the finishing stage, and (2) the stirring tank. There is a pattern in which the revolution speed of 1 is continuously changed from a low speed to a high speed from the initial stage of the stirring process to the finishing stage.

  Further, (3) the processing time of the stirring process is set to twice the total operating time of the turntable 2, and after the stirring process of the constant speed process pattern or the shift process pattern is completed, the remaining time following this There is a pattern in which the operation time is the reverse finish period in which the reverse rotation is performed at the same speed as the high speed of the finish period or at a changed speed.

  In the illustrated embodiment, as the process pattern of (1), the initial stage of the stirring process is 1 minute at a low speed of 100 rpm, the middle stage is 2 minutes at a medium speed of 150 rpm, and the finishing stage is stirred at a high speed of 180 rpm for 3 minutes. It is set to perform the process.

  Further, as the process pattern (2), the speed is continuously increased from a low speed of 100 rpm at the initial stage of the stirring process to a high speed of 180 rpm at the finishing stage, and this finishing period is set to 3 minutes.

  Thus, in the stirring / defoaming apparatus configured as described above, the stirring tank 1 in which the liquid L to be processed is filled and accommodated in the stirring tank receivers 22, 22,. Are stored and held, and a desired process program is selected on the operation panel 201, and then the start button 201b is activated, whereby the drive motor 11 is automatically controlled by the control unit 200, and the rotary table 2 is It is rotationally driven with a preset process pattern.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the stirring process, the revolution speed of the stirring tank 1 is controlled in accordance with a preset process program or appropriately changed. -The stirring process can be performed under optimum conditions regardless of the characteristics.
Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  In addition, Embodiment 1 and 2 mentioned above show the suitable embodiment of this invention to the last, This invention is not limited to this, A various design change is possible in the range.

  For example, in the planetary gear mechanism 3 of the illustrated embodiment, the sun gear 25 and the planetary gear 26 are drivingly connected via a single intermediate gear 27 so that the stirring tank 1 is in the revolution direction (the rotation direction of the rotary table 2). ) Although it is configured to rotate in the direction opposite to X, specifically, although not shown, the sun gear 25 and the planetary gear 26 hold the relationship between the revolution speed and the rotation speed described above, The agitation tank 1 may be rotated in the same direction as the revolution direction X by being driven and connected via the two intermediate gears 27 and 27.

1 Stirring tank 2 Rotary table 3 Planetary gear mechanism 4 Vacuum device (vacuum means)
6 Spindle (revolving shaft)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Drive motor 20 Rotating spindle (Vertical shaft 22 Stirring tank receptacle 23 Press fitting 25 Sun gear 26 Planetary gear 27 Intermediate gear 35 Vacuum pump 36 Liquid filter 37 Manifold 38 (38A, 38B, 38C, 38D) Connection vacuum piping 39 Vacuum Gauge L Liquid to be treated α Inclination angle of stirring tank 100 Pipe joint 111 Temporary placement part 200 Control part (control means)

Claims (21)

By rotating the stirring tank filled with the liquid to be processed in the horizontal direction, centrifugal force is applied to the liquid to be processed in the stirring tank, and bubbles to be mixed in the liquid to be processed are defoamed while the liquid to be processed is removed. A stirring / defoaming method for stirring
A stirrer that is tilted and supported at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to a vertical revolution axis by a single drive source is revolved at a predetermined speed around the revolution axis, and a vertical axis arranged in parallel to the revolution axis. A liquid agitation / defoaming method characterized in that the direction of inclination of the agitation tank is changed with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force applied to the liquid to be treated in the agitation tank by rotating it around at a low speed. As the stirring tank, using a vacuum vessel having an airtight structure,
2. The liquid agitation / desorption according to claim 1, wherein after the liquid to be treated is filled and accommodated in the agitation tank and sealed, the agitation process is performed by individually setting the inside of the agitation tank to a vacuum state. Bubble method. 2. The liquid stirring and defoaming method according to claim 1, wherein a rotation speed of the stirring tank is set to −1/20 to 1/20 of the revolution speed. The liquid stirring and defoaming method according to claim 1, wherein the stirring tank has an inclination angle of 10 degrees to 45 degrees. The method for stirring and defoaming a liquid according to claim 1, wherein the revolution speed of the stirring tank is 100 to 300 revolutions / minute. The method for stirring and defoaming a liquid according to claim 5, wherein the revolution speed of the stirring tank is changed from a low speed to a high speed from an initial stage of the stirring process to a finishing stage. The liquid stirring and defoaming method according to claim 6, wherein the revolution direction of the stirring tank is reversed in the middle of the stirring step. The stirring tank filled with the liquid to be processed revolves in the horizontal direction, so that centrifugal force is applied to the liquid to be processed in the stirring tank, and the bubbles mixed in the liquid to be processed are degassed to be processed. A stirring and defoaming device in which liquid is stirred,
A stirring tank composed of a cylindrical container is supported with an inclination at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to a vertical revolution axis,
The stirring tank is revolved around the revolution axis by a single drive source, and is rotated at a low speed around a vertical axis arranged in parallel with the revolution axis to be a liquid to be treated in the stirring tank. An apparatus for stirring and defoaming a liquid, characterized in that an inclination direction of the stirring tank varies with respect to a direction in which a centrifugal force is applied. The stirring tank filled with the liquid to be processed revolves in the horizontal direction, so that centrifugal force is applied to the liquid to be processed in the stirring tank, and the bubbles mixed in the liquid to be processed are degassed to be processed. A stirring and defoaming device in which liquid is stirred,
The stirring tank is in the form of a vacuum vessel having an airtight structure,
Comprising a vacuum means for individually vacuuming the inside of the stirring tank,
This vacuum means is equipped with a vacuum pipe which is individually and detachably attached to and connected to the agitation tank and can communicate with the inside of the agitation tank. A turntable mounted horizontally with respect to the rotation spindle constituting the revolution shaft and driven to rotate at a predetermined speed;
The stirring tank attached in an inclined state to a rotation support shaft that is rotatably supported on the turntable and constitutes the vertical shaft;
A planetary gear mechanism for drivingly connecting the rotation main shaft and the rotation support shaft;
A drive motor that rotationally drives the rotary spindle;
By the rotational driving of the rotating main shaft by the drive motor, the stirring tank is revolved at a predetermined speed around the rotating main shaft and is slowly decelerated at a predetermined speed around the rotating support shaft, which is significantly reduced than the revolving speed. 9. The tilting direction of the stirring tank is changed with respect to the direction of action of the centrifugal force applied to the liquid to be treated in the stirring tank. The liquid stirring and defoaming apparatus according to 9. The planetary gear mechanism includes the sun gear concentrically and stationaryly provided with the rotation main shaft, the planetary gear provided concentrically and integrally with the rotation support shaft, the sun gear and the planetary gear. The liquid agitation / defoaming according to claim 10, further comprising at least one intermediate gear interposed between the gears in a meshed state and rotatably supported by the rotary table. apparatus. The liquid agitation / defoaming device according to claim 11, wherein the sun gear and the planetary gear are drivingly connected via the single intermediate gear. The liquid agitation / defoaming device according to claim 11, wherein the sun gear and the planetary gear are drivingly connected via the two intermediate gears. The liquid stirring / defoaming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a rotation speed of the stirring tank is set to −1/20 to 1/20 of the revolution speed. The liquid stirring / defoaming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein an inclination angle of the stirring tank is 10 to 45 degrees. The liquid stirring / defoaming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the revolution speed of the stirring tank is 100 to 300 revolutions / minute. Comprising a control means for driving and controlling the drive motor;
11. The liquid according to claim 10, wherein the control means drives and controls the drive motor so that the revolution speed of the stirring tank is changed from a low speed to a high speed from an initial stage of the stirring process to a finishing stage. Stirring and defoaming equipment. The liquid agitation / defoaming device according to claim 17, wherein the control means drives and controls the drive motor so as to reverse the revolution direction of the agitation tank during the agitation process. The vacuum means includes a plurality of the vacuum pipes provided corresponding to the number of the agitation tanks arranged, and is connected to the agitation tanks individually and detachably at the tip connection portions of the vacuum pipes. The liquid agitation / defoaming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a pipe joint structure communicated. A liquid container that is stored and fixed in the stirring tank so as to be removable;
The liquid agitation / defoaming device according to claim 9, wherein the liquid container is provided with a communication hole at a top portion thereof so as to communicate with the inside of the agitation tank. 21. The liquid stirring / defoaming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein an inner peripheral surface of the liquid container has a polygonal cross section.

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