Temperature measuring device

A temperature-measuring device including a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is configured to measure the temperature of the material being contained in a container being revolved and/or rotated, and is configured to transmit data including a value of the measured temperature. The receiver is configured to receive the transmitted data. The transmitter is disposed in or on an upper lid detachably secured to the container, so that the transmitter can detect an incident light emitted from the material, and the transmitter can be revolved along with the container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. National Phase of International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/JP2018/033667 entitled “TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT DEVICE, TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT METHOD, AND AGITATION/DEFOAMING METHOD FOR MATERIAL BEING PROCESSED,” filed on Sep. 11, 2018. International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/JP2018/033667 claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-199844 filed on Oct. 13, 2017. The entire contents of each of the above-referenced applications are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a temperature-measuring device, a method of measuring the temperature of the material to be agitated/defoamed in a container, and a method for agitating/defoaming the material.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

An agitation/defoaming device for revolving and rotating a container containing a material to be agitated/defoamed (hereinafter, simply referred to as “material”), is known.

Such an agitation/defoaming device applies a centrifugal force by rotating materials, such as a liquid mixed with various liquid materials and an admixture material mixed with powder and liquid materials, and it agitates and defoams the material.

A rotary motion applied to the material may cause a friction with the container, and the friction or other factors tends to typically raise the temperature of the material. Such temperature change depends on viscosity, specific heat, heat capacity, and other conditions of the material.

Some materials may undergo a chemical change or the properties of the materials may be changed by a rise temperature, and thus, the agitation/defoaming process needs to be performed under a condition where the temperature is managed.

Patent document 1 discloses a device for measuring a temperature of a material using a temperature sensor disposed in the bottom of the container containing the material.

Patent document 2 discloses a method of measuring a temperature of a material in a container from the top of the container without any contact with the material.

Patent document 3 discloses a method of measuring a temperature of a material in a container using a temperature sensing resistor element that is extended from the upper part of container (sample holder).

CITATION LIST

Technical Problems

However, with the method as described in the patent document1, the temperature of the object is indirectly measured, but the temperature of the material cannot be measured at high sensitivity to the temperature temporal change when a container having a low thermal conductivity is used.

The device, as described in the patent document2, measures the temperature of the top of the container without any contact with the material, using a radiation thermometer fixed to the housing, and thus requires a highly advanced technology. This means that a temperature sensor shall be disposed accurately in an extended line of a rotational shaft of the container and that the temperature of the material in the container shall bois measured synchronously with a revolution period of the container.

With the method as described in the patent document 3, the temperature sensing resistor element is inserted into the container, but this method may cause some problems. For example, the temperature sensing resistor element inserted may interrupt the agitation/defoaming processing flow, or the self-heating of the temperature sensing resistor element may raise the temperature of the material.

Furthermore, with this method, a centrifugal force of the rotational motion lowers the central axis portion of the material, and thus, a detector needs to be placed adjacent to the bottom of the container. This method locally measures only the temperature adjacent to the bottom of the container.

Additionally, when air bubbles exist around the temperature sensing resistor element during the agitation/defoaming process, the air bubbles may interrupt the heat flow from the material to the temperature sensing resistor element. Consequently, the lower temperature than the actual temperature may be displayed as the measured temperature.

Such a temperature sensing resistor element locally measuring the temperature of the material is strongly influenced by the flow of the material. Consequently, the temperature temporal changes of the material cannot be overall accurately measured using the temperature sensing resistor element.

Although the patent document 3 discloses a method to detect a temperature of a container using an infrared temperature sensor, the same problem as that in the patent document 1 may still occur.

To solve the above problem, it is a material of the present invention to provide a temperature-measuring device and a temperature-measuring method capable of accurately, easily, and in real-time monitoring a temperature of a material to be agitated/defoamed, and to provide an agitation/defoaming method capable of controlling the temperature of the material using the temperature-measuring device.

Solution to Problem

According to the present invention, a temperature-measuring device includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is configured to measure a temperature of a material without contact, the material being contained in a container being revolved and/or rotated, and is configured to transmit data including a value of the measured temperature. The receiver is configured to receive the transmitted data. The transmitter is disposed in or on an upper lid detachably secured to the container, so that the transmitter can detect an incident light emitted from the material, and the transmitter can be revolved along with the container.

In the above configuration, the transmitter may include:

a. a sensor configured to measure the temperature of the material without contact,

b. a power supply configured to supply electricity to the sensor, and

c. a processor configured to transmit the data including the value of the measured temperature to the receiver, and

the receiver may include:storage for storing the value of the measured temperature.
Such a configuration may accurately, easily, and in real-time measure the temperature of the material during a revolving/rotational motion (revolving motion and rotational motion) process.

In the above, “during a revolving/rotational motion (revolving motion and rotational motion) process” refers to a period from the time when the container containing the material is placed onto a container holder of an agitation/defoaming device to the time when the container is detached from the container holder.

As described below, when the transmitter is turned on (ON) or turned off (OFF) using an acceleration sensor, “during a process” refers to a period from the time when the rotary motion is applied to the container holder (the acceleration sensor detects acceleration more than or equal to the predetermined threshold) to the time when a rotary motion of the container holder is stopped (the acceleration sensor detects acceleration at a predetermined threshold or less). In the above configuration, the sensor may have a view angle equal to or greater than 20° and less than or equal to 90°. Such a configuration can accurately measure the temperature of the material in the container, even if the material is raised up along the side wall of the container by centrifugal force.

In the above configuration, the sensor may comprise an optical element that is located in a light incident opening of the sensor and that is movable in an optical axial direction of the sensor. In the above configuration, the sensor may comprise an optical element disposed on an extension line of an optical axis of the sensor and at a position separated away from the light incident opening of the sensor. Such a configuration can adjust the measuring field of the sensor and can achieve the suitable measuring field depending on the container and the material.

In the above configuration, the transmitter may be disposed in or on the upper lid of the container. Such a configuration allows the temperature-measuring device of the present invention to be easily applied to known devices for performing a rotary process, such as an agitation/defoaming device, and thus, the temperature-measuring device having high extendability can be obtained.

In the above configuration, the transmitter may be disposed in or on a revolving body that revolves synchronously with the container, and may be disposed above the container. Such a configuration allows the container to be easily replaced, and it can improve productivity for producing products.

In the above configuration, the transmitter may be swingably supported by a spherical bearing. Such a configuration can constantly measure the temperature of the material, corresponding to the raise-up phenomenon of the material along the side wall of the container.

In the above configuration, the transmitter may further include an acceleration sensor, and may start measuring the temperature of the material when the acceleration sensor detects acceleration more than or equal to the predetermined threshold. Such a configuration can automatically measure the temperature of the material, and it can achieve power saving.

According to the present invention, a temperature-measuring method for measuring a temperature of a material contained in a container being revolved and/or rotated includes repeating a transmission cycle performed by a transmitter and repeating a reception cycle performed by a receiver. The transmitter is disposed above the container and the receiver is disposed outside of the container.

The transmission cycle includes:

a. a measurement step for measuring the temperature of the material without contact,

b. a transmission step for transmitting data including a value of the measured temperature, and

c. a standby step for waiting for a predetermined time.

The reception cycle includes:

a. following the transmission step, a reception step for receiving the transmitted data including the value of the measured temperature, and

b. a storing step for storing the data.

Such a temperature-measuring method can in real-time measure the temperature of the material and can store the measured data of the material as a processing history of the device while the rotary process, such as an agitation/defoaming process, is being performed. It also leads to a quality control of products obtained through the rotary processing.

The above method includes repeating the reception cycle performed by the receiver, and the reception cycle may further include:

a. following the storing step, a comparison step for comparing the data with a reference data pre-stored in storage of the receiver, and

b. a determination step for determining whether the data is deviated from the reference data.

By using the temperature-measuring method, it is possible to confirm whether the rotary process, such as an agitation/defoaming process, is a process as scheduled, and to immediately determine presence/absence of processing abnormality.

According to the present invention, an agitation/defoaming method for agitating and/or defoaming a material contained in a container being revolved and/or rotated includes repeating a transmission cycle performed by a transmitter and repeating a reception cycle performed by a receiver. The transmitter is disposed above the container and the receiver is disposed outside of the container.

The transmission cycle includes:

a. a measurement step for measuring the temperature of the material without any contact with the material,

b. a transmission step for transmitting data including a value of the measured temperature, and

c. a standby step for waiting for a predetermined time.

The reception cycle includes:

a. following the transmission step, a reception step for receiving the transmitted data including the value of the measured temperature,

b. a storing step for storing the data,

c. following the storing step, a comparison step for comparing the data with a reference data pre-stored in storage of the receiver, and

d. a calculation step for calculating a divergence value between the data and the reference data.

At least one of a revolving frequency and a rotational frequency is changed depending on the divergence value.

With such an agitation/defoaming method, the agitation/defoaming processing condition can be automatically modified, and thus, the material can be processed under suitable processing conditions.

Advantageous Effect

According to the present invention, the temperature of the material can be in real-time and accurately measured from the above of the container during the rotary processes, such as a revolving motion and a rotational motion. The present invention can be applied to a variety of rotary processing devices, such as an agitation/defoaming device and is useful.

According to the present invention, presence/absence of processing abnormality can be determined while the agitation/defoaming process is being performed, and the suitable processing condition can be maintained.

Additionally, a temperature-measuring device and a temperature-measuring method according to the present invention can be applied not only to the agitation/defoaming device but also to any rotary processing devices for revolving/rotating the container containing the material. Examples of the rotary processing devices include a polishing processing device, a grinding processing device (e.g. ball mill), and a centrifuge processing device.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to drawings. However, each embodiment should not be interpreted so as to limit the gist of the invention. The same or similar members are identified with the same reference symbols, and their description may be omitted from the description of subsequent embodiments.

First Embodiment

Configurations of a temperature-measuring device and a temperature-measuring method will be described in detail while, as one example, the temperature-measuring device and the temperature-measuring method are applied to an agitation/defoaming device. However, the temperature-measuring device according to the present invention can also be applied to other devices, such as a polishing processing device, a grinding processing device (e.g. ball mill), and a centrifuge processing device.

Device Configuration

FIG. 1illustrates a configuration of a container2containing a material1in the agitation/defoaming device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The container2is rotated while being revolved using the agitation/defoaming device, and it enables the material1to be agitated and defoamed. The container2typically forms rotational symmetry shape, preferably a cylinder with a bottom, to be suitable for rotation. An upper lid3is detachably secured to the top of the container2using screws or the like, and an inner lid4is secured to be enclosed between the upper lid3and the container2.

A radiation thermometer6is a non-contact temperature measurement device, and for example, an infrared sensor. The radiation thermometer6is disposed in or on the upper lid3and has a light incident opening facing to the material1. The radiation thermometer6detects light that is radiated from the material1and that enters the radiation thermometer6through an opening5formed in the inner lid4, thereby measuring the temperature of the material.

A cover7is secured to the upper lid3using bolts or the like so as to cover the radiation thermometer6, and can prevent unnecessary external light from coming in and from causing a disturbance. The container2, the upper lid3, and cover7may be preferably made from materials that can shield lights in a wavelength region to be measured. Alternatively, the upper lid3and the cover7may be integrally formed.

Additionally, a light-transmitting plate which can transmit the light to be measured by the radiation thermometer6, such as a quartz glass, may be disposed in the opening5so as to prevent a front surface of the radiation thermometer6from being fogged with vapor or the like from the material1.

The temperature measurement can always be performed under suitable condition, if only the inner lid4is periodically detached and cleaned. The plurality of inner lids4may be prepared in order to avoid reduction in the device availability due to the cleaning.

The above light-transmitting plate disposed in the opening5of the inner lid4can be a filter that transmits light of particular wavelengths (e.g. infrared light) only. Then, the radiation thermometer6suitable to detect the light of the particular wavelengths is used, and it can enhance measurement accuracy in temperature. When the filter that selectively transmits the light with high emissivity of the material1is adopted, the measurement accuracy in temperature of the material1can be improved effectively.

The radiation thermometer6typically used is configured to take in the thermal radiation light from the material to be measured through a light incident opening39, to condense the light with its lens, to introduce (condense) the light to its detector, and to measure the temperature of the material1. The radiation thermometer6has its own optical axis and incident angle range (view angle) θ, which determines its measurable field. The desirable θ value can be selected from a variety of specifications of radiation thermometers6.

The distance between the material1and the radiation thermometer6, and the view angle θ determine a surface dimension of the measuring field of the material1. As described below, the value θ is selected so as to achieve the suitable measuring field according to the shape of the container2and the amount of the material1.

As shown inFIG. 1, the diameter of the opening5in the inner lid4is configured so that only the light in the incident angle range θ can enter the radiation thermometer6. Consequently, unnecessary radiation light from other than the measuring field is prevented from entering into the radiation thermometer6, and a measurement error of the radiation thermometer6due to an area effect may be reduced. More preferably, a cross-section of the opening5may slant and may form tapered shape.

An inclination angle of the cross-section of the opening5is determined according to a light receiving surface of the radiation thermometer6, an area of the opening5, and a distance between the light receiving surface and the opening5. This prevents an edge of the opening5from affecting the light-condensing property of the incident light due to a diffraction phenomenon. Accordingly, it can suppress a decrease, which is caused by the diffraction phenomenon, in light receiving intensity adjacent to the edge of the opening5. Additionally, a further optical element, such as Fresnel lens, may be disposed in the opening5in the inner lid4to change the value θ.

When the optical element is disposed on an extension line of the optical axis of the radiation thermometer6on the side of the container2and at a position separated away from the light incident opening of the radiation thermometer6, the light entering the radiation thermometer6through the opening5can be refracted by the optical element and the value θ can be altered. Consequently, the measuring field can be appropriately adjusted depending on the container2and the amount of the material1without replacing the radiation thermometer6with other one. Such an adjustment of the measuring field can enhance measurement accuracy of the temperature.

The use of the inner lid4having the opening5prevents an operation rate of the temperature-measuring device from being lowered, and a variety of supports, such as enhancing measurement accuracy in temperature, can be achieved.

A power source8, such as a button battery, is disposed above the radiation thermometer6. The detector of the radiation thermometer6is typically axisymmetrical (cylindrical), and thus, a rotational axis around which the container2rotates, a central axis (optical axis) of the radiation thermometer6, and a central axis (or the center of gravity) of the power source8(battery) may be configured to be aligned on a line. Consequently, while the rotational motion of the container2makes the radiation thermometer6and the power source8rotate around each central axis, the above configuration can easily achieve the effect of reducing a shake caused by the fluctuation of the center of gravity of the upper lid3. This arrangement of the power source8is not limited to the above embodiment.

The radiation thermometer6is secured to a plate9aof the upper lid3, and the power source8is secured to a plate9bof the upper lid3using bolts or the like. The bolts are disposed symmetrically with respect to a rotational axis of the container2, and the plates9aand9bare preferably designed to be symmetrical with respect to the rotational axis of the container2.

The plates9aand9bare electrically coupled through conductive wirings or the like, and a power switch10is disposed in the plate9b. Upon processing the material1in the container2, supplying electricity can be supplied to the radiation thermometer6by turning a power switch on (ON). In non-use, the electrical power supply can be stopped by turning a power switch off (OFF).

An acceleration sensor30may be additionally mounted on the plate9aor9b. The acceleration sensor30can be driven by the power source8. It may be configured to automatically start supplying electricity to the radiation thermometer6when the acceleration sensor30detects acceleration over a predetermined threshold. This configuration can save labor of manually operating the power switch10and can also prevent the power switch10from failing to be turned on. Furthermore, when a rotary process is stopped and the acceleration sensor30detects acceleration below the predetermined threshold, the power supply is automatically stopped, thereby promoting power saving. In the above configuration, an output from the acceleration sensor30may operate a relay circuit.

The acceleration sensor30may be mechanically driven other than electrically driven. For example, the acceleration sensor, which has a weight and an elastic body, capable of mechanically turning on and off the power switch may be used, thereby further promoting power saving. Alternatively, a tiltmeter may be used instead of the acceleration sensor30. The power switch may be configured to be turned on or off when the tiltmeter detects that the container2is disposed in or removed from a tilted container holder of the agitation/defoaming device.

As described above, the acceleration sensor or the tiltmeter with low or non power consumption is used to automatically detect whether an agitation/defoaming process is being performed, and then, the electrical power supply to the radiation thermometer6is started or stopped. It can prevent the battery from being wastefully consumed and can reduce the frequency of changing the battery.

An output from the radiation thermometer6, that is, a value of the measured temperature may be sent to the outside of the container2through a radio communication means. The temperature measurement value obtained using the radiation thermometer6disclosed herein is not limited to numerical values converted into the temperature but also may be values of measured voltage, current, or the like corresponding to the temperature (values used in an electronic circuit).

FIG. 2illustrates a configuration example of a transmitter11configured to transmit data including the value of the measured temperature and a receiver12configured to receive the data.

As shown inFIG. 1, the transmitter11is mounted inside the cover7and comprises the radiation thermometer6and other elements, and each component of the transmitter11is secured to the plate9aor9b. The upper lid3and the cover7configure a housing to mount the transmitter11. When the agitation/defoaming device revolves and rotates the container2, the transmitter11is also revolved and rotated along with the container2.

The transmitter11is secured to the upper lid3in an outside upper position of the container2, and thus, the existing container can be used for the container2. Another material1can be measured by only replacing the container2containing the material1with another container containing another material, and thus, this configuration is suitably used in a manufacturing plant for mass-producing products.

The receiver12is disposed separated from the container2, is not revolved or rotated, and is built in a controlling part of the agitation/defoaming device. Alternatively, the receiver12is configured as a separate device different from the agitation/defoaming device, and for example, is configured using a PC (personal computer). The configuration that the separate device different from the agitation/defoaming device is used for the receiver can particularly add a temperature measuring function without remodeling the existing agitation/defoaming device.

Information may be electrically transmitted between the receiver12and the agitation/defoaming device. A known communication technology may be used for transmitting information. The transmitter11and the receiver12may be constructed using build-up (multilayered) substrates so as to miniaturize each unit. The configuration and function of the transmitter11and the receiver12will be described in detail below.

The transmitter11includes a sensor13, a power supply14, and a CPU (processor)15. The power supply14includes one or more batteries16and a battery residual capacity detector17. The CPU15includes storage18, a timepiece19, and a transmission section20. The sensor13corresponds to the above radiation thermometer6, and the batteries16correspond to the above power source8.

The power supply14, while supplying electricity to the sensor13and the CPU15, detects a residual capacity of the batteries16using the battery residual capacity detector17and outputs the residual capacity to the CPU15. The CPU15can transmit to the receiver12a request to exchange the batteries16. Alternatively, the CPU may transmit the residual capacity of the batteries16to the receiver12, and the receiver12may determine whether the batteries16require to be exchanged based on the received residual capacity.

The sensor13measures the temperature of the material1and outputs it to the CPU15as an electrical signal corresponding to the value of the measured temperature. Hereinafter for simplicity, “electrical signal corresponding to the value of the measured temperature” may be referred as to just “value of the measured temperature”.

The CPU15requests the sensor13to output the value of the measured temperature at a predetermined time interval (cycle) measured by timepiece19. The CPU15stores the value of the measured temperature from the sensor13into the storage18as data, converts the stored data and the measured time into a digital format by an arithmetic processing, and transmits the digitalized data to the outside of the transmitter11as an output signal using the transmission section20. The data can be transmitted according to, in one example, a short-distance radio communication standard or an infrared communication standard.

The transmitter11may transmit as an output signal not only the value of the measured temperature but also the data including the residual capacity of the batteries, the measured time, other information to the receiver12.

When electricity is supplied to the radiation thermometer6and the temperature measurement is started, the transmitter11starts measuring the temperature of the material1periodically at a predetermined cycle while the rotary process, such as an agitation/defoaming process, is being performed.

In the other words, during the agitation/defoaming process, the transmitter11repeats the following three steps as one transmission cycle:

a. a measurement step for measuring the temperature of the material1using the sensor13without contact;

b. a transmission step for transmitting data including a value of the measured temperature to the receiver12; and

c. a standby step for waiting for a predetermined time (the measurement of the temperature is not performed).

In the above standby step, by changing the time for waiting (standby time), a cycle of measuring the temperature can be changed. The standby time, that is, the period of the cycle of measuring the temperature may be determined by, in one example, a predetermined value pre-stored in the storage18of the transmitter11. However, as described below, the receiver12can also specify and change the standby time. The standby time specified by the receiver12is sent from the receiver12, is received on the transmission section20in the transmitter11, and is stored in the storage18as timing information for operating the radiation thermometer6in the transmitter11. The transmission section20can transmit/receive data to/from the receiver12, and can also receive the signal sent from the receiver12as described above. The transmitter11should not to be identified as a unit to only perform a transmission according to its name “transmitter11”.

When the standby time is short, the temporal change of the measured temperature can be monitored in detail, but the battery consumption increases. In one example, according to physical and chemical properties of the material1or the agitation/defoaming processing condition, both the requirement of the time resolution and energy-saving effect are considered, and then, the standby time can be appropriately determined. Additionally, the temperature may be measured synchronously with the revolving frequency.

The receiver includes a reception section21, a controller22, a display23, an operation section24, and storage25. The receiver12receives a signal transmitted from the transmitter11by the reception section21, converts the received signal into data including a value of the measured temperature (e.g. data including only the value of the measured temperature, or data including the value of the measured temperature, the measured time, and other information), and stores the data into the storage25by the controller22. The reception section21can transmit/receive data to/from the transmitter11, and can also transmit the signal from the receiver12to the transmitter11as described below. In one example, when the receiver12receives a first signal from the transmitter11, the receiver12transmits to the transmitter11a second signal so as to notify the transmitter11that the receiver12has received the first signal from the transmitter11. Consequently, the transmitter11can detect the presence or absence of a reception error on the receiver12. If the transmitter11detects the reception error on the receiver12, the transmitter11transmits the first signal to the receiver12again and the lack of the value of the measured temperature can be prevented. The receiver12should not to be identified as a unit to only perform a reception according to its name “receiver12”.

When the temperature measurement of the material1is started, the receiver12repeats the following two steps as one reception cycle:

a. a reception step for receiving the transmitted data including the value of the measured temperature;

b. a storing step for storing the data.

The receiver12is constantly operating while the agitation/defoaming process is being performed, in order to receive the output signal transmitted from the transmitter11. Alternatively, if the receiver12is not constantly operating, the reception cycle may be operated synchronously with the transmission cycle including the measurement step, the transmission step, and the standby step.

Additionally, for an agitation/defoaming device capable of processing a plurality of containers (e.g. seeFIG. 3), a plurality of transmitters11are used at the same time, and the communication is performed between one receiver and the plurality of transmitters. In this case, a known radio standard enabling one-to-multiple communication can be adopted.

The receiver12may be built in the agitation/defoaming device, but the receiver12may be configured to be separated from the agitation/defoaming device so that a variety of known agitation/defoaming devices can be effectively utilized and thus the extendability can be enhanced. By adopting wireless communication for data transmission/reception between the transmitter11and the receiver12, it is possible for the receiver12to communicate with the transmitter11during the rotary motion. Furthermore, the above configuration using wireless communication can also be applied to, for example, an agitation/defoaming device that performs the agitation/defoaming process under vacuum.

The values of the measured temperature are stored in the storage25as a database (as temperature data) associated with the material1and each measurement time. When the plurality of transmitters11are provided, the values of the measured temperature for each transmitter11are stored in the respective database for each transmitter11.

The display23can show the measured temperature, and also can graphically display the temperature changing over time. As described below, the display23can also display an alarm when an abnormality is detected during the agitation/defoaming process. The operation section24enables operators to input data. The operator, for example, may change the specification of the graph displayed by the display23. Additionally, the operator may input the type of the material1and pre-store a physical property value or the like of the material into the storage25, and the measured data may be stored in association with them into the database. In one example, the operator can also retrieve the data stored in the storage25and can analyze the data.

The operator can also input a command to forcibly terminate the agitation/defoaming process from the operation section24. The command input from the operation section24is set to rank as the highest priority, and it allows the operator to forcibly terminate the process.

An emissivity can be pre-stored in the storage25in the database as the physical property value of the material1, the emissivity of the material1can be read from the database using the controller22, and the value of the measured temperature that the radiation thermometer6outputs can be also automatically modified. Since the emissivity varies depending on each material1and the value of the measured temperature of the radiation thermometer6depends on the emissivity, the modification of the value of the measured temperature by the controller22enables a more accurate value of the measured temperature to be easily obtained. Additionally, the receiver12can also transmit a command to measure the temperature to the transmitter11, as described above.

According to the predicted change of the temperature of the material1, the frequency of the temperature measurement is changed, thereby enhancing energy-saving effect in the transmitter11.

In one example, when the temperature of the material1is predicted to change suddenly, the receiver12may transmit to the transmitter11a command to increase the frequency of the temperature measurement (shorten the temperature measurement cycle). Alternatively, when the temperature of the material1is predicted to change slowly, the receiver12transmits the other command to lower the frequency of the temperature measurement (lengthen the temperature measurement cycle). The receiver12may transmit the command of measuring the temperature to the transmitter11each time when the temperature is to be measured, and the transmitter11can start measuring the temperature every time it receives the command. Alternatively, the receiver12may pre-transmit to the transmitter11timing for measuring the temperature (time or cycle for measuring the temperature), and the transmitter11may start measuring the temperature according to the timing. In this case, the CPU15in the transmitter11may pre-store into the storage18the information of the timing for measuring the temperature, and the CPU15may control the sensor13to start measuring the temperature according the timing for measuring the temperature. When the transmitter11is driven by batteries, the above configuration can eliminate unnecessarily measuring the temperature and can extend the battery life.

Alternatively, timing for measuring the temperature corresponding to the material1and its processing condition may be pre-stored in the storage25in the receiver12. The receiver12may read the timing for measuring the temperature using the controller22, and then, may send the timing from the reception section21to the transmitter11.

FIG. 3illustrates one example of an agitation/defoaming device100where the containers2shown inFIG. 1are placed. A revolving drum102having a revolving gear101is rotatably supported to a revolving shaft103(fixed shaft) via a bearing. A rotary motion produced by a motor104is conveyed to the revolving drum102via the revolving gear101, and the revolving drum102is revolved around the revolving shaft103. The revolving table105is coupled (secured) to the revolving drum102and is revolved together with the revolving drum102. The container holder106has a rotary (rotational) shaft107, and the rotary (rotational) shaft107is rotatably supported to the revolving table105via a bearing. In this way, the revolution of the revolving table105makes the container holder106be revolved around the revolving shaft103.

The container holder106has a rotational gear108. The rotational gear108is engaged with an intermediate gear109that is rotatably supported by the revolving table105via the bearing. Additionally, the intermediate gear109is engaged with a sun gear110. The sun gear110is disposed outside the revolving drum102and is rotatably supported by a revolving drum102via a bearing. Additionally, the sun gear110is engaged with a gear111. A braking force produced by a braking device114, such as a powder brake, is conveyed to the gear111via gears112and113engaged each other. With no braking force produced by the braking device114(braking force is zero), the sun gear110is revolved following the revolving drum102.

When the braking force of the braking device114is conveyed to the sun gear110via the gear111, a rotary speed of the sun gear110is reduced compared with a rotary speed of revolving drum102. The rotary speed of the sun gear110comes to be different from the rotary speed of the revolving table105coupled to the revolving drum102. Consequently, the intermediate gear109is relatively rotated with respect to the sun gear110. The intermediate gear109is engaged with the rotational gear108, and thus, the rotational gear108is rotated and the container holder106is rotated (spun) around the rotational shaft107. The above is a configuration example that the agitation/defoaming device100revolves and rotates the container holder106using one drive motor104, but the configuration is not limited to the configuration example shown inFIG. 3. For example, the agitation/defoaming device100may include one drive motor for the revolving motion and the other drive motor for the rotational motion individually, and then, may revolve and rotate the container holder106using both. Alternatively, other configurations may also be adopted. The transmitter12can be disposed in the container2as described above, and thus, the configuration of the present invention is applicable to a variety of agitation/defoaming devices.

InFIG. 3, two containers2are provided. As seen inFIG. 3, the temperatures of the materials-contained in two or more containers2can be measured while the materials contained in two or more containers2are simultaneously agitated/defoamed.

As described above, the plurality of containers2, that is, the plurality of transmitters11and one receiver12can be connected with each other by radio communication (radio waves, infrared, or the like). A variety of communication standards are available for the transmitters11and the receiver12, because the amount of the data to be transmitted in one communication is small.

The container2is secured inside the container holder106of the agitation/defoaming device100, and thus, the container2can be rotated while being revolved. A centrifugal force produced by the revolving motion of the container2raise up the material1along the side wall inside the container2. As seen inFIG. 3, the range of the measuring field defined by the value θ of the radiation thermometer6is determined by the area of the bottom of the container2, and thus, the radiation thermometer6can measure the temperature of the material1, even if-the material1is raised-up. The value θ of the radiation thermometer6needs to be selected according to the amount of the material1and the shape (diameter, height, or the like) of the container2.

For example, the value θ of the radiation thermometer6may be determined to 20° as shown inFIG. 4A, and may also be determined to 90° as shown inFIG. 4B. InFIG. 4A, only the central portion of the surface of the material1can be measured. This configuration allows the temperature of only the limited area to be measured, that is, the mean temperature over the entire surface of the material1cannot be measured.

InFIG. 4B, the surface of the material1can be widely measured. With a small amount of the material1, however, the radiation from the side wall of the container2may be added to the radiation from the material1. Consequently, accurate measuring the temperature of the material1may fail.

In a preferable example of the value θ, as shown inFIG. 4C, while a motion of the container2is kept stationary and the material1is held in a horizontal state, the value θ is determined so that the measuring field of the radiation thermometer6covers the entire surface of the material1and substantively matches the surface area of the material1. Additionally, depending on the state of the material1revolved and rotated as shown inFIG. 3, one example of the value θ shown inFIG. 4Ccan be further adjusted (e.g. to lower the value θ), and thus, the measuring field can be optimized.

The value θ can be appropriately selected in a range 20° to 90° according to the shape (diameter or height) of the container2or the amount of the material1, that is, the temperature of the material1can be measured in a broad range of the conditions. The value θ is determined by the specification of the radiation thermometer6, and thus, the radiation thermometer6with a desirable value θ can be selected from a variety of radiation thermometers6commercially available. Additionally, as described above, an additional optical element may be disposed in the opening5in the inner lid4, and the use of the optical element can further adjust the value θ. Consequently, the value θ can be optimized for the container2and the material1.

Consequently, the transmitter11and the receiver12can measure the temperature for an entire measuring field of the material1from the vicinity of the material1in the agitation/defoamation process. The transmitter11and the receiver12can accurately, reproducibly, and in real-time measure the temperature change over time without being affected by temporary and local temperature unevenness caused by a flow of the material1in the agitation/defoamation process. Additionally, the temperature of the material1can be measured without contact, and thus, the measurement does not affect (disturb) the agitation/defoaming process.

Application to Agitation/Defoaming Process

The receiver12includes the storage25and can record into the storage25the measured data in a database format. For the material1, reference data (standard data to be a base) having the temperatures changing over time may be pre-stored in a database format, and a divergence value between the values of temperature that actually measured over time and the reference data may be calculated at any time by comparing them. It can be judged whether the agitation/defoaming process has been normally executed by the divergence value. Needless to say, the receiver12may include storage for pre-storing the reference data separately from the storage25(recordable area) for storing the values of the measured temperature.

With the embodiments of the present invention, for example, a mass-production plant where the same products are manufactured can store, manage, and utilize the measured temperature data for a quality control of the products.

In particular, when the materials1composed of the same material are processed in order to manufacture the same products, reference data having typical (or optimized agitation/defoaming condition) temperature changing over time is pre-measured and is pre-stored in the storage25in a database format in advance.

The divergence value between the temperature of the reference data and the measured temperature is calculated with the temperature difference at a predetermined time interval during the agitation/defoaming process. Then, the average value (or total value) of the temperature differences is calculated. When the absolute value exceeds the threshold, for example, the average value (or total value) deviates from a management criteria range, then, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred (the measured data has deviated from the reference data) and warning is given through a screen display, a lamp, or the like. Alternatively, when the abnormality has occurred, the warning content may be set to be stored in the database. When the divergence value of the temperatures is within the management criteria range, it is determined that no abnormality has occurred (the measured data is not deviated from the reference data).

Instead of the above temperature difference, the square of the temperature difference, or the average value (or total value) of the absolute value of the temperature difference may be used. When the above value exceeds the threshold, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred and the warning may be given. These values may also be used in combination, for example, both difference and its square are used, and then, it is determined whether an abnormality has occurred and the warning may be given in accordance with the result.

As described above, the divergence value is defined by using the difference, the square of the difference, or the average value (or total value) of the absolute value of the difference, and thus, the divergence value from the reference data can be quantitatively evaluated.

The threshold is set to correspond to the material1(or product specification), and, for example, the operator can input the threshold from the operation part24and can store it in the storage25. The above divergence values are calculated continually as the measurement time passes, and it enables dynamically monitoring whether the measured value has deviated from the reference value and how far the measured value has deviated from the reference value. In other words, each divergence value is calculated with each measured data until the present time after the measurement of the temperature is started, and the agitation/defoaming process can be dynamically analyzed by updating the divergence value constantly as the measurement time passes. Consequently, it enables immediately determining whether the agitation/defoaming process is performed as scheduled and whether an abnormality has occurred and warning can be automatically given.

For example, when the average value of the square of the difference exceeds the threshold but the absolute value of the average value of the difference does not exceed the threshold, the warning is determined to be the warning level 1. When they both exceed the threshold, the warning is determined to be the warning level 2. The warning level may further be discriminated by discriminating whether the average value of the difference is minus or plus in one example, and the warning level can be determined corresponding to the physical property value of the material1.

The controller22can perform these difference calculations or others, the display23can displays the warning level, and the information about the warning may be stored in the store25as the database. Furthermore, the data including the above divergence value may also be utilized to control the agitation/defoaming device.

Some materials1have upper-limit temperature value so as to prevent a chemical change of the materials1during the agitation/defoaming process. On the other hand, some other materials1also have lower-limit temperature value so as to enhance the agitation/defoaming effect.

Even in the above cases, the controller22in the receiver12transmits a command signal to a controller for controlling the rotary motion of the agitation/defoaming device100using the data including the above divergence value. It enables controlling of the processing condition of the agitation/defoaming device100and also maintaining the suitable processing condition controlled.

For example, when the divergence value between the reference data and the measured data falls below the lower limit value of the threshold, at least one of the revolving frequency and the rotational frequency can be controlled to be increased. When the divergence value exceeds the upper limit value of the threshold, at least one of the revolving frequency and the rotational frequency can be controlled to be decreased.

The radiation thermometer6has a high response speed, and thus, such a rotary frequency can be feedback-controlled.

Additionally, a radiant energy varies depending on the amount of the bubbles contained in the material1, but the radiation thermometer6can also rapidly detect a difference and other conditions of the radiant energy. Not only the standard data, (data including temperature changing over time, which is obtained by measuring the temperature of the material1under an optimized condition for the agitation/defoaming process) but a variety of measured data of temperature changing over time for the materials1containing different amounts of the bubbles may be pre-stored in a database format in advance. By comparing the actually measured pattern (temperature change pattern over time) with the measured data of the temperature changing over time, the state of the material1in the process can be estimated from the most approximated temperature change pattern.

The comparison can be performed by the controller22, and particularly, the divergence value between the measured data and the variety of temperature changing patterns over time are calculated as described above, and then, one pattern whose divergence value against the measured data is the smallest is selected.

Alternatively, the measured data is reproduced by linearly combining the temperature change pattern of the standard data and the other temperature change pattern of the material1in a specific state, for example, the material1having a large amount of bubbles. When the combining ratio for each temperature change pattern is studied, it can be estimated whether the state of the material1is close to either of the temperature change patterns. The combining ratio is used as a divergence value, and thus, the data can also be quantitatively analyzed. The combining ratio can be easily (algebraically) calculated with a least square approximation.

An identification of the temperature change patterns enables not only measuring the temperature but also estimating the state of the material1. Consequently, it is available to detect the time to terminate the agitation/defoaming process.

Since the measured data is one variable of temperature, the temperature change patterns are easy to be identified and analyzed. Additionally, even without any advanced calculation technique, the analysis can be sufficiently and immediately made using normal personal computer and can also be made dynamically in real-time.

The most simplified model of the temperature change pattern may be assumed as below:(1) the agitation/defoaming processing condition is unchanged, and the constant heat is generated by the friction between the material1and the container2; and(2) the heat proportional to the temperature difference between the temperature (T(t)) of the material1and the ambient temperature (Ta) at the time t is transferred to the surroundings.

With a simple differential equation derived from these assumptions, the temperature of the material1(T(t)) can be expressed below.
T(t)=Ta+A(1−exp(−αt))  (Equation 1),
wherein A and α are constants.

Although the above model is a simplified model, the equation 1 was confirmed to be consistent with the temperature change pattern that had been actually measured in the optimized agitation/defoaming condition. Validity of the value of the measured temperature was confirmed by the above.

On the other hand, in the temperature change pattern obtained by the measuring method at the bottom of the container2, inflection points which cannot be predicted from the equation 1 were observed and it was confirmed that the accurate temperature cannot be consistently measured. Consequently, the advantages of measuring the temperature using the temperature-measuring device according the present invention were also confirmed. The controller22applies the actual measurement value to the above equation 1, obtains A and a by a least squares method or the like, and predicts the temperature changes. When the temperature of the material1is predicted to exceed the upper limit allowed, the predicted result is transmitted to the agitation/defoaming device100. Then, the controller of the agitation/defoaming device100may change (e.g. decrease) at least one of the revolving frequency and the rotational frequency, or may stop the agitation/defoaming process. On the other hand, when the temperature of the material1is predicted to fall below the lower limit, the controller of the agitation/defoaming device100may change (e.g. increase) at least one of the revolving frequency and the rotational frequency. Alternatively, the predicted upper limit and the predicted lower limit in the temperature change of the material1may be pre-stored in the storage25, and the controller25may automatically perform the above processings upon the agitation/defoaming device100.

The temperature change may be predicted by linear approximation based on a plurality of (e.g. three) most recent values of the measured temperature. Subsequently, with the prediction, whether the temperature of the material1exceeds the upper limit (lower limit) may be determined, and the controller25may perform the above processings upon the agitation/defoaming device100.

Additionally, a revolving velocity, a rotational velocity, and each temporal change of torque of each drive system during the process can be stored in the storage25as device data, and correlation between the device data and the measured temperature data can also be analyzed. Consequently, the optimization of the agitation/defoaming condition can be easier.

In one example, for large torque of the drive system, high friction inside the material1or high friction between the material1and the container2can be predicted, that is, the correlation between the torque and the temperature can be monitored in real time.

Alternatively, the temperature of the container2may be monitored at the bottom of the container2using a thermocouple or the like. The difference between the temperatures change pattern of the container2measured by the thermocouple or the like and the temperature change pattern measured by the radiation thermometer6is pre-stored, and a comparison with the actual measured data may be performed in real time. Since the heat generation condition varies depending on the material property or the like of the material1, a clear feature may appear with respect to time-dependency of the both patterns of the temperatures changing over time, and thus, the status of the material1can be indirectly monitored.

Second Embodiment

Typically, a radiation thermometer6condenses a light radiated from the material1, introduces it to the detector, and measures the temperature of the material1. The radiation thermometer6has an optical axis along which a light is condensed with its lens. In the first embodiment, the optical axis31of the radiation thermometer6and the rotational axis32of the container2are aligned on the same line.

In the second embodiment, while the optical axis31of the radiation thermometer6keeps parallel to the rotational axis32of the container2as shown inFIG. 5, the optical axis31of the radiation thermometer6is shifted from the rotational axis32of the container2by a predetermined amount (distance) δ, for example about one tenth of the radius of the container2.

The container2is rotated and revolved. When the container2is rotated at a high rotational frequency to enhance the agitation effect, the agitation effect is low in the vicinity of the rotational axis32and then, a centrifugal force of the rotation makes a depression in the material1at the central portion located on the rotational axis32of the container2.

If the optical axis31of the radiation thermometer6is shifted from the rotational axis32of the container2by a predetermined distance δ, the influence of the depression in the material1can be reduced and the accuracy of the temperature measurement can be further improved.

Third Embodiment

The radiation thermometer6includes an optical system as described above and determines the measuring field. The measuring field is preferably optimized according to the amount of the material1in the container2. For this purpose, a plurality of transmitters11which have radiation thermometers6with a variety of measuring field as their sensors13may be prepared, and then one transmitter11which has the most suitable measurement field may be selected. However, in this case, there is a problem that the cost increases.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, one radiation thermometer6only needs to be prepared and it can optimize the measuring field. As shown inFIG. 6, the optical element40, such as a convex lens, for refracting the incident light is secured to a movable support41, and the movable support41is disposed in the light incident opening39of the radiation thermometer6(sensor13). The movable support41can move in a parallel direction to the optical axis of the radiation thermometer6and can also be secured to the radiation thermometer6with screw or the like.

Moving the movable support41allows the optical element40to change a focal distance along the optical axis of the radiation thermometer6and the viewing angle of the light entering the radiation thermometer6.

The radiation thermometer6is cylindrical and a screw thread is formed on its outer surface, and the movable support41is also cylindrical and a screw thread is formed on its inner surface. The pitch of the screw threads of the radiation thermometer6and the movable support41are configured to be matched. When the movable support41is rotated, the rotation can move the movable support41in an optical axis direction.

The movable support41additionally defines thread holes in the side wall and can be secured with bolts to the radiation thermometer6to be secured in the suitable position.

Additionally, the change of the position of the movable support39can continuously change the viewing angle. Consequently, unlike the case where the lens is used in the opening5of the inner lid4, the viewing angle can be finely adjusted and further the measuring field can be optimized, thereby enhancing the measurement accuracy in temperature.

When the above configuration may be used in combination with the optical element (e.g. Fresnel lens) disposed in the opening5in the inner lid4, the viewing angle can be changed in wide range.

Fourth Embodiment

In the first embodiment, the cover7is secured to the upper lid3so as to protrude upward (outside of the container1) and houses the transmitter11. As shownFIG. 7, the cover7may be secured to the upper lid3so as to protrude downward, that is, so to face the container2, and may house the transmitter11. As shown inFIG. 7, the plates9aand9bare secured with bolts or the like to the cover7, and the cover7is secured with bolts or the like from above to the upper lid7. In such a configuration, the transmitter11can be mounted inside the upper lid3, and the device can be downsized. Consequently, the device (temperature-measuring device) according to the present invention can be easily applied to the small agitation/defoaming devices.

In both of the first and fourth embodiments, the radiation thermometer6can directly and in real time measure the temperature of the material1from the above of the container2, and thus, the description about the temperature measurement is omitted. In the above, “the above of the container2” means the side opposing the bottom of the container2along the rotational shaft of the container2.

Fifth Embodiment

The fifth embodiment takes countermeasures to the raise-up phenomenon due to the centrifugal force while the material1is agitated/defoamed. The optical axis of the radiation thermometer6is crossed (inclined) by a predetermined angle to the rotational axis of the container2, and is directed to the portion where the material1is raised up. The temperature measurement can be made of the material1under optimized conditions according to the temporal status of the material1in the rotary process.

As shown inFIG. 8, the transmitter11includes the radiation thermometer6and other units, and is secured to the housing33via the plates9aand9b. The housing33corresponds to the cover7inFIG. 1and houses the transmitter11.

The housing33is secured to a shaft36coupled to a spherical body35of a spherical bearing34, and is positioned to match the optical axis of the radiation thermometer6(sensor13) of the transmitter11with the central axis of the shaft36. The spherical bearing34is secured to a support37, and the support37is secured to the upper lid3.

At the timing that the upper lid3is disposed in the container2, the support37is positioned so as to match the central axis of the shaft36with the rotational axis (rotation symmetry axis) of the container2in a stationary state. Consequently, the housing33is swingably supported by the spherical bearing34and can be inclined in all directions to the rotational axis of the container2.

Additionally, a stopper38is secured to the shaft36and defines the maximum inclination angle of the shaft36. In other words, when the shaft36is inclined, the stopper38interferes with the upper surface of the spherical bearing34, controls the inclination angle, and prevents the shaft36from inclining beyond the maximum inclination angle (upper limit of the inclination angle). The maximum inclination angle is determined according to the extent of the raise-up level of the material1. When the shape and the position disposed of the stopper38are changed, the maximum inclination angle can be changed.

As described above, the use of the spherical bearing34allows the housing33to be inclined (rotated) in all directions within the maximum inclination angle. The spherical bearing34allows the radiation thermometer6to be inclined freely, and the upper lid3including the radiation thermometer6is secured to the container2. The container2is placed on the container holder106of the agitation/defoaming device100, and then, the agitation/defoaming process is performed. The agitation/defoaming process generates a centrifugal force, and the centrifugal force inclines the optical axis of the radiation thermometer6in the direction away from the revolving axis. At this time, the material1is raised-up toward the direction away from the revolving axis.

The radiation thermometer6of the transmitter11secured to the housing33, which is located above the container2, can measure the temperature of the raised-up portion of the material1. Consequently, the radiation thermometer6can measure the temperature of the raised-up portion of the material1in the container2, without depending on the rotational motion of the container2. The expression “above the container2” means the side opposing the bottom of the container2along the rotational axis of the container2.

Sixth Embodiment

The above embodiment is configured that the radiation thermometer6is secured to the container2via the upper lid3. An agitation/defoaming device200in a sixth embodiment is configured that the radiation thermometer6does not secured to the container202but secured to the revolving body revolved along with the container202. The temperature of the material1is measured with this configuration.

FIG. 9shows one example of the configuration of the agitation/defoaming device200. The agitation/defoaming device200is configured to be like the agitation/defoaming device100. Such an agitation/defoaming device200includes the drive motor104and the drive motor104revolves the revolving drum102around the revolving shaft103.

A revolving arm201is coupled (secured) to the revolving drum102. The configuration enables the revolving arm201to be revolved along with the revolving table105supporting the container holder106via the revolving drum102and the revolving shaft107. The revolving arm201extends above the container202disposed on the container holder106. The expression “above the container202” means the side opposing the bottom of the container202along the rotational axis of the container202.

The housing33is secured to the revolving arm201above the container202. The transmitter11including the radiation thermometer6and other units is secured to the housing33.

The upper part of the container202is open. The optical axis of the radiation thermometer6is directed to the material1in the container, and thus the radiation thermometer6can measure the temperature of the material1.

As shown inFIG. 6, an additional optical element may be disposed in the light incident opening of the radiation thermometer6.

In the embodiment, only the container202can be replaced with another container202to measure the temperature of a new material1. For example, this configuration, for mass production of the same products, facilitates exchange of the containers202and enhances productivity.

The transmitter11is not subject to the rotational motion, and thus, compared with the transmitter11to be rotated, durability of the transmitter11can be enhanced.

This configuration is not subject to the rotational motion different from the embodiment5, and thus, the spherical bearing does not need to be used. The optical axis of the radiation thermometer6is inclined without using the spherical bearing, and the radiation thermometer6can be disposed at an angle allowing the radiation thermometer6to measure the temperature of the raised-up portion of the material1.

Electricity can also be supplied to the transmitter11using a wire, instead of the power source8, from outside via the revolving arm201.

When button batteries are used for the power source8, they must be periodically replaced. In this embodiment, however, electricity can be stably supplied without interruption of the power supply due to the battery exchange.

In one example, batteries are used to supply electricity as the power supply8in each above embodiment. However, a wireless power supply (using radio waves, light, or the like) may be used, the rotational or revolving motion may generate electricity, or solar batteries receiving the external light may be used for generating electricity.

When the rotational/revolving motion generates electricity, a regulator may be disposed in the power supply14of the transmitter11and it may configure to supply stable electricity to the radiation thermometer6.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the present invention, the temperature of a material can be measured in real-time during rotation motiotion, are performed. Temperature change of the material can be detected and the process altered to compensate.

Additionally, the measured temperature data of the material during the rotary process can be stored in a database format as a history and it also leads to a quality control of products.

Therefore, industrial applicability of the present invention is large.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST