JP2021165759A - Level switch - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a viscosity measurement device which can accurately measure the viscosity of a measurement object which is accommodated in a sealed vessel, can reduce energy necessary for the measurement, and is easily formed into a high-rigidity structure.SOLUTION: A viscosity measurement device 100 comprises a partitioning plate 20 attached to an opening part 91 of a vessel 9 in which a measurement object 900 is accommodated, a rod-shaped first vibration piece 11 which penetrates the partitioning plate 20, and a second vibration piece 12 which penetrates the partitioning plate 20 in parallel with the first vibration piece 11, and is the same in a raw material and a shape as those of the first vibration piece 11. The first and second vibration pieces 11 and 12 penetrate the partitioning plate 20 so that a distance L2 between one end of the vessel 9 side and the partitioning plate 20 becomes an equal length. The viscosity measurement device also comprises a drive unit 31 for imparting vibration to a first position at a side opposite to the vessel 9 side rather than the partitioning plate 20 of the first vibration piece 11, and a measurement unit 32 for detecting an amplitude of a second position at a side opposite to the vessel 9 side rather than the partitioning plate 20 of the second vibration piece 12, and measuring the viscosity of the measurement object on the basis of the detected amplitude.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a level switch for separating an object to be measured.

Conventionally, as described in Non-Patent Document 1 and the like below, a vibration type viscosity measuring device for measuring the viscosity of a measurement object such as a liquid has been known. In this device, the viscosity of the object to be measured is measured as follows. First, the vibrating piece is immersed in the object to be measured, and the vibrating piece is forcibly vibrated in a vibrating mode according to the material and shape of the vibrating piece. Then, the degree of attenuation of the amplitude of the vibrating piece due to the viscosity of the object to be measured is detected by the vibration sensor, and the detected degree of attenuation is converted into the viscosity of the object to be measured by a predetermined conversion method.

Shiro Sangyo Co., Ltd., "Digital Vibration Viscometer / MF10-SOF / Measurement / Packaging / Logistics / Specialty", [online], [Search on March 22, 2017], Internet <URL: http: // www. webshiro. com / syouhinsetumei / MF10-SOF. htm>

It is assumed that the viscosity of the object to be measured in a closed container is measured by using the conventional vibration type viscosity measuring device. In this case, it is necessary to provide an opening in the container and immerse the vibrating piece in the object to be measured through the opening. Therefore, it is necessary to close the opening by welding the peripheral surface of the vibrating piece and the opening so that the object to be measured does not flow out from the opening. However, in this case, the peripheral surface of the vibrating piece is supported at the position of the opening, and the vibrating piece does not vibrate in the desired vibration mode.

Therefore, in order to vibrate the vibrating piece in a desired vibration mode, the distance from one end of the vibrating piece to the opening is strictly adjusted so that the vibrating piece is supported at a position where the amplitude becomes 0 in the vibration mode. However, it is necessary to forcibly vibrate the vibrating piece with a large energy of, for example, about 0.1 J to several J.

In addition, depending on the viscosity of the object to be measured and the mass and length of the vibrating piece immersed in the object to be measured, the vibration of the vibrating piece causes the object to be measured to move, and a reaction force is exerted on the vibrating piece. So-called leakage vibration may occur in the vibrating piece. Due to the influence of this leakage vibration, the degree of attenuation of the amplitude due to the viscosity of the object to be measured may not be detected accurately. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly adjust the structure of the vibrating piece, such as the mass and length of the vibrating piece, so that the vibrating piece can vibrate without being affected by the leakage vibration. Therefore, the structure of the vibrating piece tends to be delicate and fragile.

However, even if the above adjustment is performed, the vibrating piece may be deformed or damaged depending on the environment inside the container, such as when the inside of the container is in a high temperature and high pressure environment. Further, as a result of the above adjustment, if a device that applies vibration to the vibrating piece or a device that detects the degree of damping of the amplitude of the vibrating piece can be arranged only at a position close to the container, the environment inside the container causes a malfunction of these devices. And may cause a malfunction. Therefore, when making the above adjustment, it is also necessary to consider that all the components of the viscosity measuring device have the strength to withstand the environment inside the container.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has a high-strength structure capable of accurately measuring the viscosity of a measurement object housed in a closed container and reducing the energy required for measurement. It is an object of the present invention to provide an easy viscosity measuring device.

The viscosity measuring device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a partition plate fitted in the opening of a container containing an object to be measured, a rod-shaped first vibrating piece penetrating the partition plate, and the partition. A plate is provided with a second vibrating piece of the same material and shape as the first vibrating piece, which is penetrated in parallel with the first vibrating piece, and the first vibrating piece and the second vibrating piece are the container. It is penetrated through the partition plate so that the distance between one end on the side and the partition plate is equal in length, and further, a predetermined value on the side opposite to the container side of the partition plate in the first vibrating piece. The amplitude of the driving unit that applies vibration to the first position and the predetermined second position of the second vibrating piece on the side opposite to the container side of the partition plate is detected, and the amplitude is based on the detected amplitude. It is characterized by including a measuring unit for measuring the viscosity of an object to be measured.

According to this configuration, even if the container is a closed container, an opening can be provided in the closed container and a partition plate can be fitted in the opening. As a result, while preventing the object to be measured from flowing out from the opening to the outside of the container, the first vibrating piece and the second vibrating piece penetrating the partition plate are immersed in the object to be measured to increase the viscosity of the object to be measured. Can be measured.

Further, the first vibrating piece and the second vibrating piece of the same material and the same shape are penetrated into the partition plate so that the distance between one end on the container side and the partition plate is the same. Therefore, a so-called tuning fork can be formed by the first vibrating piece and the second vibrating piece and the partition plate on the container side and the opposite side of the partition plate. As a result, the drive unit only applies vibration to the first position on the side opposite to the container side of the partition plate in the first vibrating piece, and the first vibrating piece and the second vibrating piece are partitioned by the resonance phenomenon. It is possible to oscillate at the same natural frequency on the container side and the opposite side of the partition plate with the penetrating portion with the plate as a fulcrum. As a result, it is necessary to vibrate the second vibrating piece used for measuring the viscosity, as compared with the case where each of the first vibrating piece and the second vibrating piece is forcibly vibrated in the natural vibration mode as in the conventional case. Energy can be reduced.

Further, since the first vibrating piece and the second vibrating piece vibrate at the same natural frequency, the leakage vibration generated in the first vibrating piece and the second vibrating piece can be offset. As a result, the amplitude of the second position in the second vibrating piece attenuated by the viscosity of the object to be measured can be detected with high accuracy. As a result, the viscosity of the object to be measured can be measured with high accuracy. Further, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to strictly adjust the structure of the vibrating piece so that the vibrating piece vibrates without being affected by the leakage vibration. Therefore, the lengths of the first viscometer piece and the second viscometer piece on the side opposite to the container side from the partition plate are lengthened, and the drive unit and the measurement unit are sufficiently separated from the container without being affected by the environment inside the container. It becomes easy to make the viscosity measuring device a structure having strength enough to withstand the environment in the container by arranging it at a position away from the container.

Further, after the driving unit starts applying vibration to the first position of the first vibrating piece, a signal representing the vibration of the second position of the second vibrating piece is positively applied to the viscosity measuring device. Further, an amplification circuit may be further provided in which the drive unit returns to generate a drive signal for applying vibration to the first position of the first vibration piece.

According to this configuration, when the driving unit starts applying vibration to the first vibrating piece and the first vibrating piece and the second vibrating piece oscillate due to the resonance phenomenon, the amplification circuit is the second vibrating piece in the second vibrating piece. Vibration is applied to the first position in the first vibration piece by the drive signal generated by positive feedback of the signal representing the vibration at two positions. Therefore, after the second position of the second vibrating piece starts to vibrate, the first vibrating piece does not need to generate a drive signal for applying vibration to the first position of the first vibrating piece by the drive unit. The amplitude of the first position in can be increased.

As a result, the amplitude of the second position in the second vibrating piece can be increased to a size that can be detected by the measuring unit due to the resonance phenomenon. As a result, the magnitude of the vibration applied to the first position of the first vibrating piece by the drive unit at the start of measurement can be reduced to the extent that the second position of the second vibrating piece starts vibrating due to the resonance phenomenon. As described above, according to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the energy required for the drive unit to generate a drive signal for applying vibration to the first position in the first vibration piece.

Further, the viscosity measuring device is provided with a first elastic member that supports the peripheral surface of the first vibrating piece at a position separated from the partition plate by the predetermined distance on the side opposite to the container side, and the second vibration. A second elastic member that supports the peripheral surface of one piece at a position separated from the partition plate by the predetermined distance on the side opposite to the container side may be further provided.

According to this configuration, the first elastic member and the second elastic member support the peripheral surfaces of the first vibrating piece and the second vibrating piece at positions separated from the partition plate by a predetermined distance on the side opposite to the container side. .. Therefore, even if the first vibrating piece and the second vibrating piece continue to oscillate and the amplitude of the low frequency component becomes excessive, the vibration is restricted by the first elastic member and the second elastic member, and the first vibrating piece is used. And it is possible to prevent the second vibrating piece from coming into contact with the housing.

Thereby, the possibility that the first vibrating piece and the second vibrating piece are damaged by the contact can be eliminated. Therefore, the total length of the first vibrating piece and the second vibrating piece and the predetermined distance are lengthened so that the supporting positions of the peripheral surfaces of the first vibrating piece and the second vibrating piece are sufficiently separated from the partition plate. be able to. As a result, the drive unit and the measuring unit should be arranged at a position sufficiently distant from the container so as not to be affected by the environment inside the container, so that the viscosity measuring device has a structure having strength to withstand the environment inside the container. Can be done.

Further, the first magnet connected to the one end of the first vibrating piece on the opposite side of the container side and the second vibrating piece connected to the one end of the second vibrating piece on the opposite side of the container side to the above-mentioned viscosity measuring device. A second magnet is further provided, a drive coil arranged in the vicinity of the first magnet, and a detection coil arranged in the vicinity of the second magnet, and the drive unit is predetermined to the drive coil. An AC voltage of frequency and amplitude is applied, and the measuring unit detects the amplitude of the AC voltage generated in the detection coil by the vibration of the second magnet as the amplitude of the second position in the second vibrating piece. May be good.

According to this configuration, with a simple configuration using a coil and a magnet, vibration is applied to one end of the first vibrating piece on the side opposite to the container side, and one end on the side opposite to the container side of the second vibrating piece. The amplitude can be detected as the amplitude of the second position on the second vibrating piece.

Further, in the above-mentioned viscosity measuring device, the first vibrating piece and the second vibrating piece are, respectively, a main body member formed through the partition plate and a removable extension member at an end portion of the main body member. , May be provided.

According to this configuration, the extension member is attached to the end of the main body member or the extension member is removed from the end of the main body member, and the length of the container side from the partition plate of the first vibrating piece and the second vibrating piece and the first The length of the vibrating piece and the partition plate of the second vibrating piece opposite to the container side can be easily adjusted.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a viscosity measuring device capable of accurately measuring the viscosity of a measurement object housed in a closed container, reducing the energy required for the measurement, and easily forming a high-strength structure. can.

It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the viscosity measuring apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention. It is an external view when the viscosity measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is seen in the direction of line AA of FIG. It is a partially enlarged view of the modification of the viscosity measuring apparatus shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, an example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the viscosity measuring device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external view of the viscosity measuring device 100 shown in FIG. 1 when viewed in the direction of line AA of FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the viscosity measuring device 100 includes a partition plate 20, a first vibrating piece 11, a second vibrating piece 12, and a housing 10.

The partition plate 20 has a structure of being fitted into the opening 91 of the container 9 in which the measurement object 900 such as a liquid or powder is housed. FIG. 1 shows a mode immediately before the partition plate 20 is fitted into the opening 91. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the partition plate 20 is formed of a metal plate such as stainless steel into a cylindrical shape having a circular cross section having substantially the same diameter as the opening 91.

Further, the partition plate 20 is provided with a flange 29 at one end on the side opposite to the container 9 side in the axial direction. That is, the partition plate 20 is fitted into the opening 91 by joining the flange 29 and the peripheral surface of the opening 91 of the container 9 by welding or the like.

The first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 are rod-shaped members penetrating the partition plate 20. The second vibrating piece 12 is made of the same material and has the same shape as the first vibrating piece 11. Here, the same shape means that the length is the same and the cross section is the same.

The first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 are penetrated through the partition plate 20 so that the distance L2 between one end on the container 9 side and the partition plate 20 is the same length. The distance L2 may be longer than 0.

Further, since the first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 have the same length, the distance between one end of the first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 opposite to the container 9 side and the partition plate 20. L1 is also of equal length. The distance L1 is preferably, for example, 100 mm or more, but is not limited to, in order to prevent the environmental influence of the container 9 from affecting each component in the housing 10 described later.

That is, a so-called tuning fork is formed by the first vibrating piece 11, the second vibrating piece 12, and the partition plate 20 on the container 9 side and the opposite side of the partition plate 20. Hereinafter, the container 9 side of the partition plate 20 will be referred to as the left side L, and the side of the partition plate 20 opposite to the container 9 side will be referred to as the right side R.

The first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 are configured to include a main body member 1a and an extension member 1b, respectively, which are formed through the partition plate 20. The extension member 1b is provided with a convex portion that fits into a concave portion provided at the end portion 1c on the right side R of the partition plate 20 of the main body member 1a, and is configured to be removable from the end portion 1c of the main body member 1a. Therefore, the length L1 on the right side R of the partition plate 20 of the first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 can be easily adjusted by attaching the extension member 1b to the end portion 1c or removing the extension member 1b from the end portion 1c. can.

Similarly, a recess may be provided at the end of the main body member 1a on the container 9 side so that the extension member 1b can be removed. As a result, the length L2 of the left side L of the partition plate 20 of the first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 may be adjustable.

The housing 10 is connected to the end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20. The housing 10 is provided with a first magnet 61, a second magnet 62, a drive coil 310, a detection coil 320, an operation display unit 7, a control unit 3, and an amplifier circuit 4.

The first magnet 61 is connected to one end (first position) of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the first vibrating piece 11. The second magnet 62 is connected to one end (second position) of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the second vibrating piece 12.

The drive coil 310 is arranged in the vicinity of the first magnet 61. The vicinity of the first magnet 61 indicates a position separated from the first magnet 61 to the extent that the first magnet 61 is attracted or moved away by the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the drive coil 310.

The detection coil 320 is arranged in the vicinity of the second magnet 62. The vicinity of the second magnet 62 indicates a position separated from the second magnet 62 to the extent that an induced current flows through the detection coil 320 due to the magnetic field generated by the second magnet 62.

The operation display unit 7 includes operation keys used by the user for various operations of the viscosity measuring device 100, a liquid crystal panel for displaying various information, and the like.

The control unit 3 includes a CPU (not shown) that executes a predetermined arithmetic process, a non-volatile memory (not shown) such as an EEPROM in which a predetermined control program is stored, and a RAM (not shown) for temporarily storing data. I have. The control unit 3 comprehensively controls the viscosity measuring device 100 by causing the CPU to execute a control program stored in a non-volatile memory or the like.

Specifically, the control unit 3 operates as the drive unit 31 and the measurement unit 32 by causing the CPU to execute a control program stored in a non-volatile memory or the like.

The drive unit 31 applies vibration to one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the first vibrating piece 11. Specifically, the drive unit 31 applies a predetermined AC voltage to the drive coil 310. As a result, an alternating current is passed through the drive coil 310 to change the magnetic field generated in the drive coil 310, thereby vibrating the first magnet 61. As a result, one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the first vibrating piece 11 to which the first magnet 61 is connected starts to vibrate.

As described above, a so-called tuning fork is formed by the first vibrating piece 11, the second vibrating piece 12, and the partition plate 20 on the left side L and the right side R of the partition plate 20. Therefore, when the drive unit 31 applies vibration to one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the first vibrating piece 11, a resonance phenomenon occurs. As a result, the first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 vibrate at the same natural frequency on the left side L and the right side R of the partition plate 20 with the penetrating portions 21 and 22 as fulcrums, respectively. ..

The measuring unit 32 detects the amplitude of one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the second vibrating piece 12, and measures the viscosity of the object to be measured 900 based on the detected amplitude.

Specifically, the viscosity conversion table is stored in advance in the ROM included in the control unit 3. The viscosity conversion table refers to the viscosity of the object to be measured 900 and the partition plate 20 of the second vibrating piece 12 when the second vibrating piece 12 immersed in the object to be measured 900 is vibrated at the above natural frequency. Is also information in which the voltage value of the AC voltage generated in the detection coil 320 due to the vibration at one end of the right side R is associated with the voltage value. The viscosity conversion table is predetermined based on experimental values and the like.

The measuring unit 32 detects the voltage value of the AC voltage generated in the detection coil 320 as the amplitude of one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the second vibrating piece 12. Then, the measuring unit 32 reads the viscosity of the measurement object 900 associated with the detected AC voltage voltage value from the viscosity conversion table stored in the ROM, thereby determining the viscosity of the measurement object 900. taking measurement.

Instead of the viscosity conversion table, when the viscosity of the object to be measured 900 and the second vibrating piece 12 immersed in the object to be measured 900 are vibrated at the above natural frequency, the partition in the second vibrating piece 12 A function for associating the voltage value of the AC voltage generated in the detection coil 320 by the vibration at one end of R on the right side of the plate 20 may be determined in advance based on an experimental value or the like, and the function may be stored in the ROM in advance. In accordance with this, the measuring object 32 corresponds to the voltage value detected as the vibration at one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the second vibrating piece 12 by using the function stored in the ROM. The viscosity of 900 may be calculated.

In the amplifier circuit 4, after the drive unit 31 starts applying vibration to one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the first vibrating piece 11, after the driving unit 31 starts applying vibration to one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the second vibrating piece 12, one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 The signal representing the vibration is positively fed back, and the drive unit 31 generates a drive signal for applying vibration to one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the first vibration piece 11.

Specifically, in the amplification circuit 4, after the drive unit 31 starts applying vibration to one end of the right side R of the partition plate 20 of the first vibrating piece 11, the amplification circuit 4 is more than the partition plate 20 of the second vibrating piece 12. The current signal representing the induced current flowing through the detection coil 320 due to the vibration at one end of the right side R is used as a signal representing the vibration at one end of the right side R with respect to the partition plate 20 in the second vibrating piece 12, and is amplified with a predetermined gain. As a result, the amplifier circuit 4 generates a current signal obtained by amplifying the current signal representing the induced current as a drive signal for applying vibration to one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the first vibrating piece 11. Output to the drive unit 31.

When the drive signal is input from the amplifier circuit 4, the drive unit 31 causes the input drive signal to flow through the drive coil 310, so that one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the first vibrating piece 11 Increases the amplitude of. As a result, due to the resonance phenomenon, the amplitude of one end of the right side R of the second vibrating piece 12 with respect to the partition plate 20 also increases.

That is, after one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the second vibrating piece 12 starts to vibrate, the drive unit 31 applies vibration to one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the first vibrating piece 11. It is possible to increase the amplitude of one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the first vibrating piece 11 without generating the drive signal of.

As a result, the amplitude of one end of the right side R of the partition plate 20 in the second vibrating piece 12 can be increased by the resonance phenomenon until the amplitude becomes large enough to be detected by the measuring unit 32. As a result, the magnitude of the vibration applied to one end of the partition plate 20 on the first vibrating piece 11 by the drive unit 31 at the start of measurement is given to one end of the right side R of the partition plate 20 in the second vibrating piece 12. , It can be reduced to the extent that vibration starts due to the resonance phenomenon. For example, the energy required for the drive unit 31 to generate a drive signal for applying vibration to one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the first vibrating piece 11 at the start of measurement is 40 micron without fear of ignition. It can be reduced to about J. Therefore, the viscosity measuring device 100 can have a safety explosion-proof structure.

The viscosity measuring device 100 measures the viscosity of the object to be measured 900 as follows. When the user performs an operation of inputting a measurement instruction of the viscosity of the measurement object 900 using the operation display unit 7, the control unit 3 starts measuring the viscosity of the measurement object 900. When the measurement of the viscosity of the object to be measured 900 is started, the drive unit 31 applies a predetermined AC voltage to the drive coil 310.

As a result, the drive unit 31 starts applying vibration to one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the first vibrating piece 11. As a result, due to the resonance phenomenon, the first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 start to vibrate at the same natural frequency with the penetrating portions 21 and 22 as fulcrums, respectively. When a current signal representing the vibration at one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the second vibrating piece 12 is input, the amplifier circuit 4 outputs the amplified signal of the current signal to the drive unit 31. The drive unit 31 sends the signal input from the amplifier circuit 4 to the drive coil 310. As a result, the amplitude of one end of the right side R of the first vibrating piece 11 is increased from that of the partition plate 20, and the amplitude of one end of the right side R of the second vibrating piece 12 is also increased by the resonance phenomenon.

The first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 are affected by the viscosity of the object to be measured 900 on the left side L of the partition plate 20, and vibrate with a smaller amplitude than when vibrating at the above natural frequency in air. do. When the measuring unit 32 detects the voltage value of the AC voltage generated in the detection coil 320 as the amplitude of one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the second vibrating piece 12, the measuring target is measured based on the detected amplitude. Measure the viscosity of the object 900. The control unit 3 displays the viscosity of the measurement object 900 measured by the measurement unit 32 on the liquid crystal panel included in the operation display unit 7.

As described above, according to the configuration of the above embodiment, even if the container 9 is a closed container, an opening 91 can be provided in the closed container and the partition plate 20 can be fitted into the opening 91. As a result, the first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 penetrating the partition plate 20 are immersed in the measuring object 900 while preventing the measurement object 900 from flowing out from the opening 91 to the outside of the container 9. The viscosity of the object to be measured 900 can be measured.

Further, the drive unit 31 only applies vibration to one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the first vibrating piece 11, and the first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 have the same natural frequency due to the resonance phenomenon. It can be oscillated. Therefore, in order to vibrate the second vibrating piece 12 used for measuring the viscosity, as compared with the case where each of the first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 is forcibly vibrated in the natural vibration mode as in the conventional case. The energy required for vibration can be reduced.

Further, since the first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 vibrate at the same natural frequency, the leakage vibration generated in the first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 can be offset. As a result, it is possible to accurately detect the amplitude of one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the second vibrating piece 12, which is attenuated by the viscosity of the object to be measured 900. As a result, the viscosity of the object to be measured 900 can be measured with high accuracy. Further, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to strictly adjust the structure of the vibrating piece so that the vibrating piece vibrates without being affected by the leakage vibration. Therefore, the lengths of the first viscometer piece 11 and the second viscometer piece 12 on the right side R of the partition plate 20 are lengthened, and the drive coil 310, the detection coil 320, the first magnet 61, the second magnet 62, the control unit 3 and The operation display unit 7 is arranged at a position sufficiently distant from the container 9 so as not to receive the environment inside the container 9, so that the viscosity measuring device 100 has a structure having a strength capable of withstanding the environment inside the container 9. Becomes easier.

It should be noted that the above embodiment is merely an example of the embodiment according to the present invention, and does not mean that the present invention is limited to the above embodiment.

(1) The first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 are not limited to a structure in which the main body member 1a (FIG. 1) and the extension member 1b (FIG. 1) are connected, and the same material and the same material having no connecting portion are used. It may be composed of only two rod-shaped members having a shape.

(2) As shown by the broken line portion in FIG. 1, the housing 10 has a first elastic member 51 that supports the peripheral surface of the first vibrating piece 11 at a position separated by a predetermined distance L5 from the partition plate 20 on the right side R. A second elastic member 52 that supports the peripheral surface of the second vibrating piece 12 at a position separated by a predetermined distance L5 from the partition plate 20 on the right side R may be further provided. The first elastic member 51 and the second elastic member 52 may be formed of, for example, a leaf spring or the like. Further, even if the same elastic members as the first elastic member 51 and the second elastic member 52 are used to support the peripheral surface of the first vibrating piece 11 and the peripheral surface of the second vibrating piece 12 at a plurality of places. good.

According to this configuration, even if the first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 continue to oscillate and the amplitude of the low frequency component becomes excessive, the first elastic member 51 and the second elastic member 52 vibrate the vibration. By limiting, it is possible to prevent the first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 from coming into contact with the housing 10.

Thereby, the possibility that the first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 are damaged by the contact can be eliminated. Further, the total length of the first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 and the predetermined predetermined position so that the supporting positions of the peripheral surfaces of the first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 are sufficiently separated from the partition plate 20. The distance L5 can be increased. As a result, the drive coil 310, the detection coil 320, the first magnet 61, the second magnet 62, the control unit 3, and the operation display unit 7 are positioned sufficiently away from the container 9 without being affected by the environment inside the container 9. The viscosity measuring device 100 can be arranged in a structure having a strength that can withstand the environment inside the container 9.

(3) The first magnet 61 is attached to the first vibrating piece 11 at any position (first position) on the container 9 side of the one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 and in the vicinity of the first magnet 61. , The drive coil 310 may be provided. As a result, the drive unit 31 may apply vibration to any of the above positions on the first vibrating piece 11.

Alternatively, instead of the first magnet 61 and the drive coil 310, a piezoelectric element is attached to any of the above positions on the first vibrating piece 11, and the drive unit 31 applies a predetermined AC voltage to the piezoelectric element. good. As a result, the pressure applied to the first vibrating piece 11 by the piezoelectric element may apply vibration to any of the above positions on the first vibrating piece 11.

Alternatively, the drive unit 31 controls an air cylinder or the like to eject air toward any of the above positions on the first vibrating piece 11, thereby causing vibration to any of the above positions on the first vibrating piece 11. It may be given.

(4) The second magnet 62 is attached to the second vibrating piece 12 at any position (second position) on the container 9 side of the one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 and in the vicinity of the second magnet 62. , The detection coil 320 may be provided. As a result, the measuring unit 32 may detect the amplitude of any of the above positions on the second vibrating piece 12.

Alternatively, instead of the second magnet 62 and the detection coil 320, it is known that the amplitude of any of the positions on the second vibrating piece 12 can be detected in a non-contact manner in the vicinity of any of the above positions on the second vibrating piece 12. Vibration sensor may be provided.

In these cases, the viscosity of the object to be measured 900 and the vibration at any of the above positions on the second vibrating piece 12 when the second vibrating piece 12 immersed in the object to be measured 900 is vibrated at the natural frequency. The information corresponding to the voltage value of the AC voltage generated in the detection coil 320 may be determined in advance as the viscosity conversion table based on the experimental value or the like. Alternatively, it is detected by the viscosity of the object to be measured 900 and the vibration at any of the above positions on the second vibrating piece 12 when the second vibrating piece 12 immersed in the object to be measured 900 is vibrated at the natural frequency. A function for associating the AC voltage generated in the coil 320 with the voltage value may be predetermined based on an experimental value or the like. The measuring unit 32 detects the voltage value detected by the vibration sensor as the amplitude of any of the positions on the second vibration piece 12, and uses the viscosity conversion table or the function to detect the voltage detected by the vibration sensor. The viscosity of the measurement object 900 corresponding to the value may be read out or calculated.

(5) FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of a modified example of the viscosity measuring device 100 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the north pole (or south pole) of the first magnet 61 and the south pole (or north pole) of the second magnet 62 are arranged so as to face each other, and the first magnet 61 and the second magnet 62 are arranged so as to face each other. The detection coil 320 may be arranged between the two.

In accordance with this, the N pole (or S pole) of the third magnet 63 and the S pole (or N pole) of the fourth magnet 64 are made to face each other so as to be more than the first magnet 61 in the first vibrating piece 11. A third magnet 63 may be further attached to a position on the container 9 side, and a fourth magnet 64 may be further attached to a position closer to the container 9 than the second magnet 62 in the second vibrating piece 12. Then, the drive coil 310 may be arranged between the third magnet 63 and the fourth magnet 64.

In this case, the first magnet 61 and the second magnet 62 are attracted to each other, and the third magnet 63 and the fourth magnet 64 are attracted to each other, so that the amplitudes of the first vibrating piece 11 and the second vibrating piece 12 are further aligned. And the stability of vibration is improved.

(6) The viscosity measuring device 100 is not provided with an amplifier circuit 4, and the driving unit 31 applies vibration to one end of R on the right side of the partition plate 20 in the first vibrating piece 11 while measuring the viscosity of the object to be measured 900. It may continue to generate a drive signal for this purpose.

(7) The viscosity measuring device 100 may further include a communication circuit for communicating with an external device. Then, the control unit 3 may control the communication circuit to transmit a signal representing the viscosity of the measurement object 900 measured by the measurement unit 32 to the external device.

The viscosity measuring device of the present invention can be used as a viscosity measuring device for measuring the viscosity of a liquid or powder contained in a container. Further, it can be used in a level switch that separates a measurement object based on the viscosity of the measurement object, a sensor that detects whether or not the measurement object contains a foreign substance based on the viscosity of the measurement object, and the like.

100 Viscosity measuring device 1a Main body member 1b Extension member 11 First vibrating piece 12 Second vibrating piece 20 Partition plate 31 Drive unit 310 Drive coil 32 Measuring unit 320 Detection coil 4 Amplification circuit 51 First elastic member 52 Second elastic member 61 One magnet 62 Second magnet 63 Third magnet 64 Fourth magnet 9 Container 91 Opening 900 Measurement target L5 Predetermined distance

Claims (5)

A partition plate fitted into the opening of the container containing the object to be measured,
A rod-shaped first vibrating piece penetrated through the partition plate and
A second vibrating piece of the same material and shape as the first vibrating piece, which is formed in the partition plate in parallel with the first vibrating piece.
With
The first vibrating piece and the second vibrating piece are penetrated into the partition plate so that the distance between one end on the container side and the partition plate is equal in length.
In addition
A drive unit that applies vibration to a predetermined first position on the side of the first vibrating piece opposite to the container side of the partition plate,
A measuring unit that detects the amplitude of a predetermined second position of the second vibrating piece on the side opposite to the container side of the partition plate and measures the viscosity of the object to be measured based on the detected amplitude.
With
A level switch that separates the object to be measured based on the viscosity measured by the measuring unit. After the driving unit starts applying vibration to the first position of the first vibrating piece, a signal representing the vibration of the second position of the second vibrating piece is positively fed back, and the driving unit receives the vibration. The level switch according to claim 1, further comprising an amplifier circuit for generating a drive signal for applying vibration to the first position of the first vibrating piece. A first elastic member that supports the peripheral surface of the first vibrating piece at a position separated from the partition plate by the predetermined distance on the side opposite to the container side.
A second elastic member that supports the peripheral surface of the second vibrating piece at a position separated from the partition plate by the predetermined distance on the side opposite to the container side.
The level switch according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising. A first magnet connected to one end of the first vibrating piece on the side opposite to the container side,
A second magnet connected to one end of the second vibrating piece on the side opposite to the container side,
A drive coil arranged in the vicinity of the first magnet and
A detection coil arranged in the vicinity of the second magnet and
Further prepare
The drive unit applies an AC voltage having a predetermined frequency and amplitude to the drive coil, and applies an AC voltage to the drive coil.
According to any one of claims 1 to 3, the measuring unit detects the amplitude of the AC voltage generated in the detection coil by the vibration of the second magnet as the amplitude of the second position in the second vibrating piece. The listed level switch. Claims 1 to 4, wherein the first vibrating piece and the second vibrating piece each include a main body member formed through the partition plate and a removable extension member at an end portion of the main body member. The level switch described in any one of the items.

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