阅读说明：本技术 混炼装置 (Mixing device ) 是由 齐藤久司 永田佳彦 木嶋敬昌 于 2018-03-29 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明的目的在于检测出混炼材料的分散度从而使混炼的品质稳定化。本发明提供一种混炼装置(1),其将分散质分散于分散介质中,该混炼装置(1)具备：外壳(2),在其内部容纳包含分散介质及分散质的混炼材料；转子(3),配置于外壳(2)的内部,并以旋转轴(R)为中心进行旋转从而将分散质分散于分散介质中并且进行混炼材料的混炼；及检测部,通过观测外壳(2)内部的混炼材料的状态,检测分散质在分散介质中的分散度。(The invention aims to detect the dispersion degree of a mixing material and stabilize the mixing quality. The present invention provides a kneading apparatus (1) for dispersing a dispersoid in a dispersion medium, the kneading apparatus (1) comprising: a casing (2) which contains a kneaded material containing a dispersion medium and a dispersoid therein; a rotor (3) which is disposed inside the housing (2) and rotates about a rotation axis (R) to disperse dispersoids in a dispersion medium and knead a kneading material; and a detection unit for detecting the degree of dispersion of the dispersoid in the dispersion medium by observing the state of the kneaded material in the casing (2).)

1. A kneading apparatus for dispersing a dispersoid in a dispersion medium, the kneading apparatus comprising:

a casing which accommodates a kneaded material containing the dispersion medium and the dispersoid therein;

a rotor that is disposed inside the housing and rotates about a rotation axis to disperse the dispersoid in the dispersion medium and knead the kneading material; and

and a detection unit for detecting the degree of dispersion of the dispersoid in the dispersion medium by observing the state of the kneaded material in the casing.

2. The kneading apparatus according to claim 1,

the detection unit detects the degree of dispersion by observing an electromagnetic wave from the kneaded material.

3. The kneading apparatus according to claim 2,

the detection unit detects the degree of dispersion by imaging the kneaded material.

4. The kneading apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,

further comprises a window provided in a through hole penetrating the housing from the outside to the inside,

the detection unit includes:

an imaging unit that images the state of the kneaded material through the window; and

a photographing control section for controlling the photographing section,

the imaging control unit detects the degree of dispersion from the captured image captured by the imaging unit.

5. The kneading apparatus according to claim 4,

the rotor has a shaft portion and a blade portion disposed on the shaft portion,

the detection unit detects the degree of dispersion of the kneading material in a state in which the blade portions are not brought into a close-pressing state in which the kneading material is pressed between the blade portions and the inner surface of the casing.

6. The kneading apparatus according to claim 4 or 5,

the rotor has a shaft portion and a blade portion disposed on the shaft portion,

the imaging unit does not perform imaging at a predetermined timing when the blade portion passes through the window.

7. The mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6,

the blade portion has:

a1 st blade portion extending from the 1 st end portion of the rotor as a start end toward the 2 nd end portion and terminating between the 1 st end portion and the 2 nd end portion; and

a2 nd blade part extending toward the 1 st end part with the 2 nd end part of the rotor as a starting end and terminating between the 2 nd end part and the 1 st end part,

at least a part of the 1 st blade part and the 2 nd blade part overlap in a rotation direction of the rotor, and the window is provided to correspond to a position of the overlap in a rotation axis direction of the rotor.

8. The mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7,

a protective member for reducing impact is provided between the through hole of the housing and the outer edge of the window, and at least a part of the outer edge of the portion of the window facing the inside of the housing.

9. The kneading apparatus according to claim 1,

the detection unit measures a current flowing through the kneaded material, and detects the degree of dispersion based on the measured current.

10. The mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,

the dispersion degree detection device is provided with a control unit which controls at least one of the rotation speed of the rotor, the pressure applied to the dispersion medium, and the temperature of the dispersion medium, based on the dispersion degree detected by the detection unit.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a kneading apparatus for dispersing a dispersoid in a dispersion medium.

Background

A closed kneader is known as an apparatus for kneading viscous materials such as plastics and rubbers. For example, patent document 1 describes a closed kneading machine including a casing for containing a kneading material, a pressurizing cover for closing an upper portion of the casing, and a pair of rotors mounted in the casing.

Prior art documents

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent No. 3574618 Specification

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the invention

In kneading with a closed kneader, in order to ensure reproducibility of stirring, kneading time, temperature of a kneading material, accumulated power, and a combination thereof are often set to predetermined values as conditions for finishing kneading. However, the kneading time, the temperature of the kneaded material, and the accumulated power are not data directly indicating the state of the material, but are indirect data. For example, the position of the material within the housing may change the load applied to the rotor. As a result, the accumulated power for driving the rotor and the actual material state may not be correlated. That is, it is difficult to stabilize the kneading quality by controlling indirect data such as accumulated power.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to detect the degree of dispersion of a kneaded material and stabilize the kneading quality.

Means for solving the technical problem

A kneading apparatus according to the present invention is a kneading apparatus for dispersing a dispersoid in a dispersion medium, the kneading apparatus including:

a casing which accommodates a kneaded material containing the dispersion medium and the dispersoid therein;

a rotor that is disposed inside the housing and rotates about a rotation axis to disperse the dispersoid in the dispersion medium and knead the kneading material; and

and a detection unit for detecting the degree of dispersion of the dispersoid in the dispersion medium by observing the state of the kneaded material in the casing.

According to the above-described structural features, the degree of dispersion can be detected, and the kneading quality can be stabilized.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing the structure of a kneading apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a kneading apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a kneading apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a view from direction IV to IV of FIG. 1.

Fig. 5 is a view from V-V of fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a schematic expansion view of the shaft portion for explaining the detection of the degree of dispersion when the blade portions have substantially the same length.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view for explaining the state of kneading the materials.

Fig. 8 is a schematic expansion view of the shaft portion for explaining the detection of the dispersion degree when the lengths of the blade portions are different.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view showing a protective member provided between the housing and the transmission window.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the transmission window and the protective member.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view showing a protective member provided between the housing and the transmission window.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the transmission window being chamfered.

FIG. 13 is a plan view schematically showing the structure of a kneading apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a kneading apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a kneading apparatus.

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a structure of an electrode portion.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a structure of the electrode portion.

Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a structure of an electrode portion.

Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a structure of the electrode portion.

Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a structure of the electrode portion.

Fig. 21 is a diagram showing a structure of an electrode portion.

Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a structure of an electrode portion.

Detailed Description

[ brief summary of the present embodiment ]

The kneading apparatuses according to embodiments 1 and 2 described below knead a kneading material containing a dispersion medium and a dispersoid that is fed into a casing. The kneading apparatus applies an electromagnetic method to the kneaded material inside the casing to observe the state of the kneaded material. Here, the state of the kneaded material includes the surface state of the kneaded material, the internal state of the kneaded material, and the like. In this way, the dispersion degree is detected by directly observing the state of the kneaded material, and therefore, the method can be applied to stabilization of kneading quality.

For example, the degree of dispersion can be detected by detecting electromagnetic waves from the kneaded material to observe the surface state of the kneaded material, the internal state of the kneaded material, and the like. In this case, the electromagnetic waves to be observed include electromagnetic waves which are irradiated to the surface of the kneaded material and reflected by the surface of the kneaded material, electromagnetic waves emitted from the surface and the interior of the kneaded material and derived from the kneaded material itself, and the like. In embodiment 1 below, a method for detecting such a degree of dispersion will be described.

Further, for example, the ease of flow (resistance) of current in at least one of the surface and the interior of the kneaded material differs depending on the degree of dispersion of the dispersoid in the dispersion medium. In embodiment 2 below, a method for detecting such a degree of dispersion will be described.

[ 1 st embodiment ]

The kneading apparatus 1 according to embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to fig. 1 to 3. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the kneading apparatus 1 includes a casing 2 containing a polymer material (dispersion medium) and a dispersoid therein, a pair of rotors 3 disposed inside the casing 2, an electromagnetic wave irradiation unit (irradiation unit) P (lamp 6), and a dispersion degree detection unit (detection unit) Q. As shown in fig. 3, the kneading apparatus 1 includes a control device 10, a rotor driving mechanism 20, a lid moving mechanism 30, and a temperature adjusting mechanism 40. The degree of scattering detection unit Q is composed of a camera (image capturing unit) 7 and an image capturing control unit 10 d. Hereinafter, the polymer material and the dispersoid in the housing 2 may be collectively referred to as "kneaded material" or "material".

The housing 2 is a trough-like member that contains and kneads the polymer material and the dispersoid therein. The inside of the housing 2 is shaped such that a pair of columns having their central axes (rotation axes R) parallel to each other are arranged with their partial side surfaces overlapping each other. The pair of rotors 3 are disposed inside the casing 2 so that the rotation axes R thereof coincide with the center axis of the column and can rotate.

The housing 2 includes a bottom portion 2a, a cylindrical portion 2b, a side wall portion 2c, and a lid portion 2 d. The bottom 2a is a bottom portion of the housing 2. The cylindrical portion 2b is a portion of the housing 2 that covers the peripheries of the pair of rotors 3. The side wall portion 2c is a side wall of the housing 2 disposed so as to be orthogonal to the rotation axis of the rotor 3. The cover portion 2d is a portion of the cover of the housing 2.

The lid 2d is disposed on the housing 2 in a state of being movable up and down by driving of a lid moving mechanism 30 (not shown). In a state where the lid 2d is moved upward to open the upper part of the housing 2, the kneaded materials (polymer material and dispersoid) are put into the housing 2. Thereafter, the lid portion 2d is moved downward, the inputted kneading materials are pressurized from above, and the kneading materials are kneaded by rotating the rotor 3. Specifically, the lid moving mechanism 30 is configured to include an actuator such as an electric motor or an air cylinder.

The rotor 3 includes a support portion 31 rotatably supporting the rotor 3 in a through hole of the side wall portion 2c, a shaft portion 33 having a diameter larger than that of the support portion 31, and blade portions 35a and 35b formed spirally on a surface of the shaft portion 33. The blade portions 35a and 35b are formed from both end portions of the shaft portion 33 to substantially the center of the shaft portion 33 toward the other end. The blade portions 35a and 35b are tangent lines that do not overlap with each other between a pair of rotors 3 facing each other. The rotor 3 is rotated in a predetermined rotation direction D around a rotation axis R by driving of a rotor driving mechanism 20 (not shown). Specifically, the rotor drive mechanism 20 is configured to have an electric motor. A pair of rotors 3 are disposed in the housing 2, and the rotors 3 rotate in opposite directions to each other.

The rotor 3 has a temperature control flow path 37 inside thereof. The temperature control flow path 37 is a flow path through which cooling water flows, and is formed inside the shaft portion 33 and the blade portions 35a and 35b of the rotor 3. The temperature control flow path 37 is connected to a temperature control mechanism 40 (not shown), and the temperature control mechanism 40 supplies cooling water to the temperature control flow path 37. When the kneading materials are kneaded by the kneading apparatus 1, the kneading materials generate heat by shearing, deformation, or the like, but the rotor 3 is cooled by the cooling water flowing through the temperature control flow path 37, so that the kneading materials contacting the rotor 3 are cooled. That is, the temperature of the rotor 3 and the temperature of the kneading material are controlled by the temperature adjusting mechanism 40. Specifically, the temperature adjustment mechanism 40 is configured to have an electric pump that supplies the cooling water to the temperature adjustment flow path 37.

As shown in fig. 2, a lamp 6 and a camera 7 are disposed outside the housing 2, and a transmission window 8 is disposed in the cylindrical portion 2b of the housing 2. Specifically, the cylindrical portion 2b is formed with a through hole 9 penetrating from the outside to the inside of the cylindrical portion 2 b. A transmission window 8 is fitted into the through-hole 9. Electromagnetic waves from the lamp 6 are irradiated from the transmission window 8 to the kneaded material.

The transmission window 8 is made of a material that transmits electromagnetic waves. The transmission window 8 is, for example, a member made of glass. The surface of the transmission window 8 on the rotor 3 side is formed into a curved surface corresponding to the shape of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2b of the housing 2. The inside of the transmission window 8 (the side where the kneaded material is located) may be coated with a coating for preventing abrasion or damage.

The surface of the transmission window 8 on the rotor 3 side (the region facing the inside of the housing 2) may be processed (coated) to prevent the adhesion of the kneaded material. This can prevent the kneaded material from adhering to the surface of the transmission window 8 on the rotor 3 side. Therefore, the camera 7 described later can photograph the kneaded material inside the casing 2 through the transmission window 8 without being blocked by the kneaded material.

As shown in fig. 9 described later, the outer edge of the inner surface 25 of the housing 2 and the outer edge of the portion of the transmission window 8 facing the inside of the housing 2 are formed in an arc shape. Therefore, the inner surface of the transmission window 8 can be formed to be along the inner surface 25 of the housing 2. In this case, it is preferable that the inner surface 25 of the housing 2 and the surface of the transmission window 8 facing the inside of the housing 2 are substantially flush with each other because the transmission window 8 is prevented from being damaged by pressure applied from the kneaded material without affecting the kneading of the kneaded material.

The camera 7 (a part of the dispersion degree detecting section Q) observes the electromagnetic wave irradiated from the lamp 6 and reflected by the kneaded material inside the casing 2. Specifically, the camera 7 captures an image of the kneaded material inside the casing 2 to obtain a captured image. The operation of the camera 7 is controlled by the control device 10. The captured image is transmitted to the control device 10. The captured image acquired by the camera 7 may be a still image or a moving image. The camera 7 is provided with a magnifying lens 7a, and can magnify the kneaded material to clearly photograph the dispersed state.

As described above, the lamp 6 irradiates electromagnetic waves through the transmission window 8 and the camera 7 images the electromagnetic waves reflected by the kneaded material through the transmission window 8. Therefore, the electromagnetic waves from the kneaded material can be captured by the camera 7 in a state where the inside of the casing 2 is sealed. Therefore, the dispersion degree can be detected without interrupting the kneading while the kneading materials are kneaded in the casing 2.

In embodiment 1, as shown in fig. 2, the camera 7 is disposed outside the transmission window 8. The camera 7 is directed in the radial direction of the rotor 3 and in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the kneaded material. That is, the electromagnetic wave observation direction 7b of the camera 7 is directed in the radial direction of the rotor 3 and in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the kneaded material.

The lamp 6 (electromagnetic wave irradiation part P) irradiates electromagnetic waves to the kneaded material inside the casing 2. The lamp 6 is, for example, a white LED light source. The operation of the lamp 6 is controlled by a control device 10. In embodiment 1, as shown in fig. 2, the lamp 6 is disposed on a side surface of the transmission window 8. The lamps 6 are directed in a direction inclined with respect to the surface of the kneaded material. That is, the electromagnetic wave irradiation direction 6a of the lamp 6 is directed in a direction inclined with respect to the surface of the kneaded material. Therefore, in embodiment 1, the electromagnetic wave irradiation direction 6a of the lamp 6 (electromagnetic wave irradiation part P) and the electromagnetic wave observation direction 7b of the camera 7 (dispersion degree detection part Q) are not parallel to each other. That is, the electromagnetic wave irradiation direction and the electromagnetic wave observation direction intersect with each other.

For example, when the kneading state of the kneaded material is an intermediate state and the degree of dispersion of the dispersoid in the polymer material is small, the electromagnetic wave irradiated to the surface of the kneaded material is scattered by the convex portion of the dispersoid to a large extent. Even in this case, since the observation direction of the electromagnetic wave is different from the irradiation direction of the electromagnetic wave, the electromagnetic wave reflected on the surface of the kneaded material can be effectively observed.

The angle formed by the irradiation direction 6a of the lamp 6 and the surface of the kneaded material is preferably 20 ° or more and 40 ° or less, and more preferably about 30 °. In embodiment 1, one lamp 6 is disposed on each of the upstream side and the downstream side of the transmission window (window) 8 in the rotation direction D of the rotor 3.

The intensity and wavelength of the electromagnetic wave radiated from the lamp 6 to the kneaded material and the electromagnetic wave from the kneaded material observed by the dispersion degree detection unit Q (camera 7) are not limited as long as the dispersion degree can be detected by the dispersion degree detection unit Q. The electromagnetic wave may be, for example, an electromagnetic wave such as visible light, far infrared ray, near infrared ray, ultraviolet ray, microwave, or short-short wavelength, or an X-ray. The electromagnetic wave (or light) irradiated by the lamp 6 and detected by the dispersion degree detecting section Q may be a single wavelength.

The control device 10 is a device for controlling the overall operation of the kneading apparatus 1. In embodiment 1, the control device 10 includes an operation control unit (control unit) 10a and an imaging control unit 10d (degree of scattering detection unit Q). Specifically, the control device 10 is configured to include a storage device such as an HDD (Hard disk drive) or a nonvolatile RAM (Random access memory), a CPU (Central processing unit) and the like. The control device 10 is connected to the lamp 6, the camera 7, the rotor driving mechanism 20, the lid moving mechanism 30, and the temperature adjusting mechanism 40, and controls the respective mechanisms.

The operation controller 10a controls the operation of the kneading apparatus 1 based on the degree of dispersion detected by the photographing controller 10d (degree of dispersion detector Q) described later. Specifically, the operation control unit 10a controls the rotor driving mechanism 20 to control the rotation speed of the rotor 3. The operation controller 10a controls the lid moving mechanism 30 to control the pressure of the lid 2d pressing the kneaded material inside the casing 2. The operation controller 10a controls the temperature adjusting mechanism 40 to control the temperature of the kneaded material inside the casing 2. This makes it possible to stabilize the kneading quality by directly observing the kneaded material.

More specifically, the operation controller 10a controls the operation of the kneading apparatus 1 based on the difference between the degree of dispersion detected by the imaging controller 10d (degree of dispersion detector Q) and the target degree of dispersion. The target value of the degree of dispersion is, for example, a target value of the degree of dispersion at each time during the kneading. For example, if the degree of dispersion detected at a certain time t is lower than the target degree of dispersion at that time t, the number of rotations of the rotor is increased, for example, to further increase the degree of dispersion. For example, if the degree of dispersion detected at a certain time t is larger than the target degree of dispersion at that time t, the rotation speed of the rotor is decreased, for example, in order to suppress an increase in the degree of dispersion. That is, the operation controller 10a performs feedback control of the operation of the kneading apparatus 1 based on the difference between the detected degree of dispersion and the target degree of dispersion.

Then, the operation control unit 10a controls the rotor driving mechanism 20 to stop the rotor 3 after the degree of dispersion detected by the photographing control unit 10d (degree of dispersion detecting unit Q) reaches a predetermined threshold value, and ends the kneading operation. The completion of the kneading operation can be performed as follows. The operation control unit 10a controls the rotor driving mechanism 20 to stop the rotor 3 after the time rate of change of the degree of dispersion detected by the degree of dispersion detecting unit Q reaches a predetermined threshold value, and ends the kneading operation.

The operation control unit 10a then reduces the rotation speed of the rotor 3 when the camera 7 of the dispersity detection unit Q images the kneaded material. Specifically, when the imaging control unit 10d notifies the operation control unit 10a of the content of imaging the kneaded material, the operation control unit 10a controls the rotor driving mechanism 20 to decrease the rotation speed of the rotor 3. The reduction in the rotational speed of the rotor 3 may be, for example, 30% or 50% or 100% or less (i.e., the rotor 3 is stopped). This makes it possible to acquire a clear captured image and to reliably detect the degree of dispersion.

The photographing control section 10d (dispersion degree detection section Q) observes electromagnetic waves from the kneaded material inside the casing 2 to detect the dispersion degree of the dispersoids in the polymer material. More specifically, the photographing control section 10d observes the convex portions on the surface of the kneaded material from the photographed image obtained by photographing the kneaded material inside the casing 2 with the camera 7, and detects the degree of dispersion. The operation of the imaging control unit 10d will be described below.

The photographing control section 10d controls the camera 7 to photograph the kneaded material inside the casing 2, thereby acquiring a photographed image. The image is preferably taken when the kneaded material is located in front of the transmission window 8, and particularly preferably taken after the blade portions 35a and 35b pass through. Specifically, the imaging control unit 10d monitors the rotation of the rotor 3 by the operation control unit 10a, and captures the image by the camera 7 immediately before the blade units 35a and 35b pass through the camera 7 (i.e., before the transmission window 8), thereby acquiring the captured image.

The dispersoids are exposed on the surface of the kneaded material inside the casing 2 and appear as projections. In the photographed image of the kneaded material obtained by the camera 7, the dispersoids exposed on the surface appear as a region with high brightness (i.e., a white region). The imaging control unit 10d performs various image processing such as binarization on the obtained image, and calculates the size, number, and the like of the dispersoids. Then, the degree of dispersion is detected based on the size, number, and the like of dispersoids obtained from the captured image.

For example, when the kneading of the kneaded material is performed to a certain extent, the dispersoid is gradually dispersed in the polymer material, and the surface of the kneaded material becomes smooth. In this case, since the surface of the kneaded material has less unevenness, a region having high brightness is less detected from the captured image of the electromagnetic wave reflected by the kneaded material. At this time, it can be detected that the dispersion degree is large.

On the other hand, for example, when the number of projections where the dispersoid is exposed is large on the surface of the kneaded material, it is found that the surface of the kneaded material is rough and kneading of the kneaded material does not progress. In this case, since the kneading material has many irregularities on the surface thereof, many regions with high brightness are detected from the captured image of the electromagnetic wave reflected by the kneading material. At this time, it can be detected that the dispersion degree is small. The reason why the brightness is increased is considered to be that, for example, the electromagnetic wave irradiated to the kneaded material is scattered, refracted, reflected, diffracted, disturbed, and the like by the convex portions of the dispersoid.

The term "degree of dispersion" means the degree of dispersion of the dispersoid in the polymer material, and may be, for example, a numerical value, a percentage, or a stepwise index (for example, low degree of dispersion, medium degree of dispersion, or high degree of dispersion). For example, the number or presence of dispersoid blocks (aggregates) having a predetermined size or the maximum value of the size of existing dispersoid blocks may be used.

< modification example >

The configuration disclosed in embodiment 1 (including the modifications, the same below) can be combined with the configuration disclosed in the modifications unless any contradiction occurs, and the embodiments disclosed in the present specification are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and may be appropriately modified within a range not departing from the object of the present invention.

＜1＞

In the above embodiment 1, the degree of dispersion is detected based on the electromagnetic wave reflected from the kneaded material, but a method of detecting the degree of dispersion is further studied below. In detecting the degree of dispersion, the state of the kneading material is affected by the kneading by the blade portions 35, and therefore the structure of the blade portions 35 will be described first.

(1) Structure of blade part

An example of the structure of the blade 35 will be described below with reference to fig. 1, 4, 5, and the like.

As shown in fig. 1, 4, 5, and the like, two blade portions 35a, 35b having different twisting directions are provided on an outer peripheral surface (front surface) 33a of the shaft portion 33. Fig. 4 and 5 are an iv-iv view and a V-V view of fig. 1, and when the shaft portion 33 is rotated in the rotation direction D, the blade portion 35a is visible from fig. 4 to fig. 5 in which the blade portion 35b is visible.

As shown in fig. 4, the blade portion 35a extends from the start end 35aF of the outer peripheral end portion (1 st end portion) 111 α to be longer than the central portion of the shaft portion 33 toward the outer peripheral end portion (2 nd end portion) 111 β. The blade portion 35a has a top surface 35a1 projecting most from the outer peripheral surface 33a of the shaft portion 33, and inclined surfaces 35a2 on both sides extending from the top surface 35a1 toward the outer peripheral surface 33 a. The blade portions 35a extend in an oblique direction at an angle θ a with respect to the rotation axis R.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 5, the blade 35b has a top surface 35b1 and inclined surfaces 35b2 on both sides of the top surface 35b 1. The blade portions 35b extend in an oblique direction at an angle θ b with respect to the rotation axis R. For example, the angle θ b has a relationship of θ b ≈ θ a.

Since the blade portions 35a and 35b have different twisting directions with respect to the rotation axis R, the kneading materials are kneaded in various directions by both the blade portions 35a and 35b, and thus the kneading can be performed efficiently.

With the above-described configuration of the paddle portions 35a and 35b, the kneading material is kneaded to be collected in the center of the rotor 3 where the end portions of the paddle portions 35a and the end portions of the paddle portions 35b are close to each other in the direction of the rotation axis R.

(2) Detection of degree of dispersion

Next, the detection of the degree of dispersion of the kneaded material will be described with reference to fig. 6 to 8.

(2-1) arrangement position of Camera

First, the arrangement position of the camera (image pickup unit) 7 with respect to the housing 2 will be described.

Fig. 6 and the like are developed schematic views of the shaft portion 33, and the shaft portion 33 can be divided into regions of a position P3, a position P4, and a position P5 in the direction of the rotation axis R. The position P3 is located on the blade portion 35a side, and the position P3 corresponds to only the blade portion 35 a. The position P5 is located on the blade portion 35b side, and the position P5 corresponds to only the blade portion 35 b. At the position P4, the blade portion 35a and the blade portion 35b overlap each other in the rotational direction D.

Further, the boundary between the position P3 and the position P4 is a position P1, and the boundary between the position P4 and the position P5 is a position P2.

The camera 7 is disposed on the housing 2 so as to correspond to at least one of the positions P1 to P5. Here, when the camera 7 is disposed so as to correspond to the position P3, the camera 7 can capture electromagnetic waves from the kneading material at the blade portion 35 a. When the camera 7 is disposed so as to correspond to the position P1, the position P2, and the position P4, the camera 7 can capture electromagnetic waves from the kneading materials in both the blade 35a and the blade 35 b. When the camera 7 is disposed so as to correspond to the position P5, the camera 7 can capture electromagnetic waves from the kneading material at the blade portion 35 b. Therefore, the camera is preferably disposed at positions P1, P2, and P4.

(2-2) timing of detection of degree of dispersion

Next, the detection timing based on the degree of scattering by the degree of scattering detection unit Q (including the camera 7 and the imaging control unit 10d) will be described.

Here, as shown in fig. 1, 4, 5, and the like, blade portions 35a, 35b having the same length are provided on the shaft portion 33. As shown in the expanded view of the shaft portion 33 in fig. 6 and 7 (i), the blade portion 35a faces upward from the end 35aE toward the start 35 aF. Similarly, the blade portion 35b faces upward from the end 35bE toward the start end 35 bF. In addition, in the developed views such as fig. 6 and fig. 7 (i), the predetermined rotational direction D of the shaft portion 33 is directed upward from below.

When the rotor 3 is rotated in the rotation direction D while the polymer material and the dispersoid are fed into the casing 2, the kneaded material on the paddle portions 35a side moves to the end 35aE, and the kneaded material on the paddle portions 35b side moves to the end 35 bE. Then, the kneading materials are kneaded by moving between the paddle sections 35a and 35b and moving to the adjacent rotor 3 by the rotation of the rotor 3.

Here, as shown in fig. 7 (i), when the kneading material is located in the intermediate portion 35aM between the starting end 35aF and the ending end 35aE of the blade portion 35a (at a position other than the starting end 35aF and the ending end 35aE in the blade portion 35 a), the kneading material is in the state shown in fig. 7 (ii). That is, in a portion where the top surface 35a1 of the blade portion 35a and the inner surface 25 of the housing 2 (or the inner surface of the transmission window 8) are close to each other, the surface of the kneaded material is pressed by a high pressure, and the unevenness of the surface of the kneaded material is crushed (hereinafter, referred to as a close-pressed state (time X of (ii) in fig. 7)). Therefore, even if the surface state of the kneaded material is photographed, the kneading state of the kneaded material cannot be accurately grasped.

Therefore, the dispersion degree detecting unit Q does not detect the dispersion degree of the kneaded material in a state close to the pressed state (i.e., at the time X), but detects the dispersion degree of the kneaded material in a state where the degree of pressing of the kneaded material is relatively small and the dispersoids are easily shown on the surface of the kneaded material.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 7 (i), when the kneaded material is located in the intermediate portion 35aM, the dispersion degree detecting portion Q detects the dispersion degree of the kneaded material at least one of a time point a before the top surface 35a1 of the blade portion 35a passes through the transmission window 8 and a time point B after the blade portion 35a passes through the transmission window 8, as shown in fig. 7 (ii).

At time a before the blade portions 35a pass through the transmission window 8, the kneaded material is separated from the inner surface 25 of the casing 2 and adheres to the blade portions 35a, and is subjected to a pressing force smaller than that in the close-pressed state. The same applies to time B.

On the other hand, when the kneading material is located at the end 35aE of the paddle portion 35a as shown in fig. 7 (i), the kneading material moves away from the end 35aE to the side where the paddle portion 35a is not located as shown in fig. 7 (iii). At this time, the kneaded material is out of the close-pressed state, and the pressing force between the outer peripheral surface 33a of the shaft portion 33 and the inner surface 25 of the housing 2 is relatively small. Therefore, the dispersion degree detecting section Q can detect the dispersion degree of the kneaded material at the timing C when the tip 35aE of the blade section 35a passes through the transmission window 8. Further, the degree of dispersion detecting unit Q can detect the degree of dispersion of the kneaded material at time A, B with respect to the end 35aE of the blade portion 35 a. That is, the degree of dispersion can be detected at any one of the timings A, B, C with respect to the tip 35aE of the blade portion 35 a.

Through the scheme, the surface state of the mixing material can be directly observed, so that the dispersion degree can be accurately detected.

Here, for example, the shooting time of the kneading materials by the camera 7 may be set to the predetermined times a to C, and the degree of dispersion may be detected by the shooting control unit 10d from the shot images shot at the times a to C. Alternatively, for example, the camera 7 may be caused to constantly take an image of the kneaded material, and the photographing control unit 10d may extract the images taken at the predetermined times a to C to detect the degree of dispersion.

Although the detection timing based on the degree of dispersion of the blade portions 35a has been described above, the same applies to the blade portions 35 b.

Next, how the state of the kneaded material is imaged when the camera 7 is disposed at any one of the position P1 to the position P5 will be further described.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, at the position P1, a part of the intermediate portion 35aM of the blade 35a and the tip 35bE of the blade 35b are present in the rotation direction D of the rotor 3. It is assumed that the camera 7 is disposed so as to correspond to this position P1. At this time, the degree of dispersion detecting unit Q (including the camera 7 and the photographing control unit 10d) detects the degree of dispersion of the kneaded material in the intermediate portion 35aM at the above time A, B. The degree of dispersion of the kneaded material at the end 35bE is detected by the degree of dispersion detecting unit Q at any one of times A, B, C. The dispersion degree detecting unit Q may detect the dispersion degree of the kneaded material at least one of the times a to C.

At the position P2, a part of the intermediate portion 35bM of the blade 35b and the tip 35aE of the blade 35a exist in the rotation direction D of the rotor 3. In the case where the camera 7 is arranged so as to correspond to this position P2, the degree of dispersion detecting section Q detects the degree of dispersion of the kneaded material at the end 35aE at any one of times A, B, C, and detects the degree of dispersion of the kneaded material at the middle portion 35bM at any one of times A, B.

At the position P4, a part of the intermediate portion 35aM of the blade 35a and a part of the intermediate portion 35bM of the blade 35b are present in the rotation direction D of the rotor 3. It is assumed that the camera 7 is disposed so as to correspond to this position P4. At this time, the degree of dispersion detecting unit Q detects at least one of the time a and the time B with respect to the intermediate portion 35aM and the intermediate portion 35 bM.

In the rotation direction D of the rotor 3, only a part of the intermediate portion 35aM of the blade portion 35a is present at the position P3, and only a part of the intermediate portion 35bM of the blade portion 35b is present at the position P5. It is assumed that the camera 7 is disposed so as to correspond to the position P3 or P5. At this time, the degree of dispersion detecting unit Q detects the degree of dispersion of the kneaded material in the intermediate portion 35aM or the intermediate portion 35bM at least one of the time a and the time B.

Therefore, at the positions P1, P2, and P4, the kneading state of the kneading materials present on both sides of the blade portions 35a and 35b can be detected. Therefore, the dispersion degree detection unit Q can detect an accurate dispersion degree from a larger number of kneading states.

Although the blade portions 35a and 35b have the same length in the above description, the degree of dispersion detecting unit Q can similarly detect the degree of dispersion even when the blade portions 35a and 35b have different lengths (as shown in fig. 8). In fig. 8, the length of the blade portion 35a is longer than the length of the blade portion 35 b. By making the blade portions 35a and 35b have different lengths, the mixing positions of the mixing materials can be varied, and mixing can be performed more easily and efficiently. The method of detecting the degree of dispersion at the positions P1 to P5 is the same as described above, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

For example, a through hole 9 that is long in the direction of the rotation axis R may be formed in the housing 2, and a transmission window 8 may be fitted into the through hole 9 so that the camera 7 can photograph the kneaded material at any one of the positions P1 to P5. The camera 7 can be attached by being moved to an arbitrary position of the transmission window 8 that is long in the direction along the rotation axis R.

< 2 > in the above embodiment 1, the transmission window 8 is directly fitted into the through hole 9 provided in the cylindrical portion 2b of the housing 2. However, as shown in fig. 9 and 10, the 1 st protective member 50 may be provided between the through hole 9 of the housing 2 and the outer edge of the transmission window 8.

The housing 2 vibrates by kneading the kneaded material while the rotor 3 rotates, but the impact on the transmission window 8 is reduced by the first protective member 50 of the 1 st embodiment. This can suppress damage to the transmission window 8. Further, when the transmission window 8 is aligned with the through hole 9 of the housing 2, the outer edge of the transmission window 8 may contact the through hole 9 of the housing 2, which may damage the transmission window 8, but the damage of the transmission window 8 can be suppressed by the first protective member 50.

The outer edge of the inner surface 25 of the housing 2 and the outer edge of the portion of the transmission window 8 facing the inside of the housing 2 are formed in an arc shape. In this way, the inner surface of the transmission window 8 can be configured to correspond to the inner surface 25 of the housing 2, and damage to the transmission window 8 due to pressure applied from the kneaded material can be suppressed, which is preferable.

As shown in fig. 9 and 10, the transmission window 8 has a small diameter portion 8a located on the inner surface 25 side of the housing 2 and having a small diameter, and a large diameter portion 8b located outside the small diameter portion 8 a. Accordingly, the 1 st protective member 50 includes the 1 st small-diameter protective member 50a and the 1 st large-diameter protective member 50b having small diameters. Further, the through hole 9 of the housing 2 is formed to have a small diameter on the inner surface 25 side of the housing 2 and a large diameter on the outer side thereof corresponding to the transmission window 8 and the 1 st protective member 50. With this configuration, the transmission window 8 and the 1 st protective member 50 can be prevented from falling out into the housing 2.

As shown in fig. 9, a2 nd protective member 51 for reducing vibration transmitted from the housing 2 to the transmission window 8 may be provided between the pressing plate 53 for holding the transmission window 8 in the through hole 9 and the housing 2.

The 1 st and 2 nd protective members 50 and 51 are preferably made of an elastic member such as a gasket.

As shown in fig. 11, the 1 st protective member 50 may be provided on at least a part of the outer edge of the portion of the transmission window 8 facing the inside of the housing 2. The portion that is easily damaged by the vibration of the housing 2 is the outer edge portion of the transmission window 8 facing the inside of the housing 2. Since the 1 st protective member 50 is provided on at least a part of the outer edge of the portion of the transmission window 8 facing the inside of the housing 2, damage to the outer edge portion of the transmission window 8 can be suppressed. For example, the 1 st protective member 50 may be provided at the upper end and the lower end of the rotor 3 in the rotation direction D.

Also, as shown in fig. 12, at least a part of the outer edge of the portion of the transmission window 8 facing the inside of the housing 2 may be chamfered. The outer edge of the portion of the transmission window 8 facing the inside of the housing 2 is easily damaged by pressure of the kneaded material from the inside of the housing 2 and vibration from the housing 2. Since at least a part of the outer edge of the transmission window 8 is chamfered, a sharp area can be reduced at the outer edge of the transmission window 8, and damage due to vibration can be reduced.

In particular, it is preferable to chamfer both ends of the outer edge of the transmission window 8 in the rotation direction D of the rotor 3 about the rotation axis R to form chamfered portions 8c1 and 8c2 as shown in fig. 12. Here, both end portions of the outer edge of the transmission window 8 in the rotation direction D of the rotor 3 are easily subjected to pressure from the kneaded material inside the housing 2, vibration from the housing 2, and the like. Therefore, chamfered portions 8c1, 8c2 are preferably formed at both ends of the outer edge of the transmission window 8 in the rotation direction D of the rotor 3. Further, since the kneaded material presses the transmission window 8 from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the rotation direction D of the rotor 3, the downstream side of the transmission window 8 is most likely to receive the force of the kneaded material inside the housing 2. Therefore, it is preferable that the chamfered portion 8c1 is formed at least on the downstream side in the rotational direction D of the rotor in the outer edge of the transmission window 8.

In the case where at least a part of the outer edge of the transmission window 8 is chamfered, the 1 st protective member 50 may be embedded between the chamfered part of the transmission window 8 and the housing 2. Alternatively, the housing 2 may also be formed into a chamfered shape corresponding to the transmission window 8 so that there is no gap between the chamfered portion and the housing 2.

< 3 > in the above embodiment 1, the dispersion degree detecting section Q detects the kneading state (dispersion degree) of the kneaded material based on the electromagnetic wave irradiated to the surface of the kneaded material and reflected by the surface of the kneaded material. However, the electromagnetic wave detected from the kneaded material as the dispersion degree detection section Q is not limited to this. For example, the degree of dispersion detecting unit Q may detect the kneading state (degree of dispersion) of the kneaded material based on electromagnetic waves emitted from the surface and the interior of the kneaded material from the kneaded material itself.

< 4 > in embodiment 1, two blade portions 35a and 35b are provided, but one blade portion may be provided, or three or more blade portions may be provided.

< 5 > in the above embodiment 1, the lamp 6 and the camera 7 are disposed in the vicinity of the transmission window 8. Specifically, the lamp 6, the transmission window 8, and the rotor 3 are aligned in a straight line. The camera 7, the transmission window 8, and the rotor 3 are also aligned in a linear relationship. Electromagnetic waves (light) from the lamp 6 are irradiated to the kneaded material through the transmission window 8. Electromagnetic waves (light) from the kneaded material reach the camera 7 through the transmission window 8. A mirror may be disposed between the lamp 6 and the transmission window 8 or between the camera 7 and the transmission window 8. That is, the electromagnetic wave (light) from the lamp 6 may be reflected by the reflecting mirror and then incident on the transmission window 8. The electromagnetic wave (light) from the kneaded material may be reflected by a mirror and then reach the camera 7.

In embodiment 1, the operation control unit 10a is configured to control the rotor driving mechanism 20 to stop the rotor 3 and terminate the kneading operation after the degree of dispersion detected by the degree of dispersion detecting unit 10c reaches a predetermined threshold value or after the time rate of change of the degree of dispersion detected by the degree of dispersion detecting unit 10c becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. The operation control unit 10a may be configured to start the next kneading step without ending the kneading operation. The next mixing step is mixing in a step different from the conventional mixing, and for example, is a mixing step under different conditions (temperature, speed, etc.) or a mixing step performed after adding a material.

< 7 > in the above embodiment 1, the camera 7 (a part of the dispersion degree detecting section Q) observes electromagnetic waves from the kneaded material inside the casing 2, and detects the dispersion degree of the dispersoid in the polymer material based on the measurement result. The conversion from the current value to the "degree of dispersion" may be omitted, and the controller 10 may control the operation of the kneading apparatus 1 based on the measurement result.

< 8 > in the above embodiment 1, the camera 7 and the lamp 6 are not limited to the housing 2 as long as they can irradiate the kneaded material with electromagnetic waves through the transmission window 8 and can photograph the kneaded material through the transmission window 8. For example, the camera 7 and the lamp 6 may be supported by a support member separate from the housing 2.

[ 2 nd embodiment ]

The kneading apparatus 1 according to embodiment 2 will be described below. Note that, the same portions as those in embodiment 1 are not described.

As shown in fig. 13 and 14, the kneading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is different from the kneading apparatus according to embodiment 1 in that the lamp 6, the camera 7, and the transmission window 8 are not provided. In the kneading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the through-holes 9 are formed at positions different from the position of the kneading apparatus according to embodiment 1. On the other hand, in the kneading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the electrode portion 4, which is not provided in the kneading apparatus 1 according to embodiment 1, is disposed in the through-hole 9.

The electrode portion 4 is disposed in the housing 2 and contacts the kneaded material inside the housing 2. Specifically, as shown in fig. 16 to 19, the electrode portion 4 includes a pair of electrodes (a 1 st electrode 4a and a2 nd electrode 4 b). The electrode portion 4 is connected to the control device 10, and the voltage applying unit 10b of the control device 10 applies a predetermined measurement voltage to the electrode portion 4. Then, a dispersion degree detecting unit (detecting unit) 10c of the control device 10 measures a current between the 1 st electrode 4a and the 2 nd electrode 4b to detect a dispersion degree (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "dispersion degree") of the dispersoid in the polymer material. Here, the detected current is a current flowing on at least one of the surface and the inside of the kneaded material.

The electrode portion 4 is disposed at least at one of the bottom portion 2a, the cylindrical portion 2b, the side wall portion 2c, and the lid portion 2d of the housing 2. For example, as shown in fig. 13 and 14, the electrode portion 4 may be disposed in the bottom portion 2a, the cylindrical portion 2b, the side wall portion 2c, and the lid portion 2d of the housing 2, or may be disposed in one of these portions.

The control device 10 is a device for controlling the overall operation of the kneading apparatus 1. The control device 10 according to embodiment 2 is configured to include a voltage application unit 10b in addition to the operation control unit 10a provided in the control device 10 according to embodiment 1. Specifically, the control device 10 includes a power supply device for applying a voltage to the electrode portion 4, a measurement device for measuring a current between a pair of electrodes of the electrode portion 4, and the like, in addition to the HDD, the nonvolatile RAM, and the CPU. The control device 10 is connected to the electrode portion 4, the rotor driving mechanism 20, the lid moving mechanism 30, and the temperature adjusting mechanism 40, and performs current measurement and control of the respective mechanisms. Although the present embodiment is provided with the degree of scattering detection unit 10c in place of the imaging control unit 10D in embodiment 1, the present embodiment has the same function of detecting the degree of scattering.

The operation controller 10a controls the operation of the kneading apparatus 1 based on the degree of dispersion detected by the degree of dispersion detector 10c, which will be described later. The operation of the kneading apparatus 1 based on the degree of dispersion is the same as that of embodiment 1.

The voltage applying unit 10b applies a predetermined measurement voltage between a pair of electrodes (the 1 st electrode 4a and the 2 nd electrode 4b) included in the electrode unit 4. The predetermined measurement voltage is, for example, a predetermined constant voltage (for example, 3V, 8V, or 25V).

For example, the voltage applying unit 10b may change the predetermined measurement voltage according to the magnitude of the current of the electrode unit 4 measured by the dispersion degree detecting unit 10 c. For example, the dispersibility detecting unit 10c may change the measurement voltage so that the current flowing through the electrode unit 4 becomes a magnitude suitable for measurement.

When a dispersoid (for example, carbon) having conductivity is dispersed in a polymer material (for example, an acrylate rubber), the electrical resistance value of the kneaded material increases to about 50G Ω. Therefore, the measurement voltage is preferably 3V or more, more preferably 8V or more, and further preferably 25V or more. The measurement voltage is preferably 1000V or less.

The voltage applying unit 10b may be configured to change the measurement voltage according to the degree of dispersion detected by the degree of dispersion detecting unit 10 c. When a conductive dispersoid (e.g., carbon) is dispersed in a polymer material (e.g., an acrylate rubber), the dispersion increases as kneading progresses, and the electrical resistance of the kneaded material also increases. For example, since the resistance of the kneaded material increases with an increase in the degree of dispersion, it may be difficult to measure the current of the kneaded material without increasing the measurement voltage. Therefore, for example, the voltage applying unit 10b is preferably configured to increase the measurement voltage as the dispersion degree increases.

The voltage applying unit 10b is configured not to apply the measurement voltage to the electrode unit 4 when the lid unit 2d is not disposed at the predetermined position. The predetermined position is, for example, a position where the lid 2d is lowered to close the housing 2. Specifically, the voltage application unit 10b detects the position of the lid 2d by the lid moving mechanism 30, and does not apply the measurement voltage to the electrode unit 4 when the lid 2d is located above a predetermined height (height at which the housing 2 is closed). This is preferable because the operator of the kneading apparatus 1 can be prevented from touching the electrode unit 4 and getting an electric shock.

The voltage applying unit 10b is configured not to apply the measurement voltage to the electrode unit 4 when the rotor 3 is not rotating. Specifically, the voltage application unit 10b monitors the operation control unit 10a or the rotor drive mechanism 20 to detect whether the rotor 3 is rotating, and does not apply the measurement voltage to the electrode unit 4 when the rotor 3 is not rotating. This is preferable because the operator of the kneading apparatus 1 can be prevented from touching the electrode unit 4 and getting an electric shock.

The dispersibility detection unit 10c measures the current between the pair of electrodes (the 1 st electrode 4a and the 2 nd electrode 4b) of the electrode unit 4, and detects the dispersibility of the dispersoid in the polymer material based on the measured current. When a conductive dispersoid (e.g., carbon) is dispersed in a polymer material (e.g., an acrylate rubber), the dispersion increases as kneading progresses, and the electrical resistance of the kneaded material also increases. Therefore, it becomes possible to detect the degree of dispersion by measuring the current flowing through the electrode portion 4.

In this case, for example, the measured current value may be directly used as the degree of dispersion. When the voltage application unit 10b makes the measurement voltage applied to the electrode unit 4 constant during the kneading period, the measured current value can be used as the degree of dispersion (an index indicating the degree of dispersion).

For example, the resistance value may be calculated by dividing the measured current value by the measurement voltage at that time, and the dispersion degree may be determined as the resistance value.

The dispersibility detection unit 10c may be configured to calculate the dispersibility of the dispersoid in the polymer material in the casing 2 based on the relationship between the current measured by the electrode unit 4 and the dispersibility. The relationship between the current and the dispersion degree may be expressed by a numerical expression, for example, or may be expressed in the form of a table in which corresponding numerical values are described. The relationship can be determined, for example, by measuring the current using materials of various degrees of dispersion and investigating the relationship between the current and the degree of dispersion. For example, the dispersion degree corresponding to the measured current value (or resistance value) may be calculated by proportional calculation while the current value (or resistance value) at the start of kneading is set to zero and the current value (or resistance value) determined as the end of kneading is set to 100.

The degree of dispersion detection unit 10c may be configured to detect the degree of dispersion by removing values that do not fall within a predetermined range from the measured current values. For example, the degree of dispersion detecting unit 10c may be configured to detect the degree of dispersion by excluding a value (current value) that is not within a predetermined range from the measured current value, with the predetermined range being within ± 30% of the current value when both of the pair of electrodes of the electrode unit 4 are in contact with the kneaded material.

The dispersion medium to be kneaded is rotated and moved inside the housing 2 together with the rotor 3, thereby being kneaded. Therefore, the contact state of the dispersion medium with the electrode portion 4 changes every moment. One or both of the pair of electrodes may be separated from the dispersion medium, but the current value measured at this time becomes large and the state of the dispersion medium cannot be reflected. The dispersion degree is preferably detected by removing values that are not within a predetermined range from the measured current values, because the dispersion degree can accurately represent the state of the material.

Further, the degree of dispersion may be detected by averaging values within a predetermined range among the measured current values. For example, the degree of dispersion detection unit 10c may be configured to detect the degree of dispersion by averaging values within a predetermined range within ± 20% of the current value when both the pair of electrodes of the electrode unit 4 are in contact with the kneaded material (for example, 10-step moving average). This is preferable because variation in the degree of dispersion is suppressed.

The embodiment of the electrode portion 4 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 16 to 19. As described above, the electrode portion 4 includes the 1 st electrode 4a and the 2 nd electrode 4b as a pair of electrodes. The 1 st electrode 4a and the 2 nd electrode 4b are round rods made of metal.

In the embodiments shown in fig. 16, 17, and 18, the 1 st electrode 4a and the 2 nd electrode 4b are arranged in parallel with each other and in a posture perpendicular to the wall surface of the case 2. An insulating member 5 is disposed between the 1 st electrode 4a, the 2 nd electrode 4b and the case 2. The insulating member 5 is a member having a large electric resistance, and is made of, for example, resin. That is, the 1 st electrode 4a, the 2 nd electrode 4b and the case 2 are preferably electrically insulated from each other by the insulating member 5, and discharge between the 1 st and 2 nd electrodes 4a and 4b and the case 2 is suppressed. In the embodiments of fig. 16 to 18, the distance between the 1 st electrode 4a and the 2 nd electrode 4b is smaller than the distance between the 1 st electrode 4a and the case 2 and smaller than the distance between the 2 nd electrode 4b and the case 2. Therefore, it is preferable to suppress the discharge between the 1 st and 2 nd electrodes 4a and 4b and the case 2.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 16, the 1 st electrode 4a and the 2 nd electrode 4b have their distal ends projected toward the inside of the case 2. In the embodiment of fig. 17, the tips of the 1 st electrode 4a and the 2 nd electrode 4b are arranged at the same height as the inner wall surface of the case 2, that is, on the same plane as the inner wall surface of the case 2. In the embodiment of fig. 18, the 1 st electrode 4a and the 2 nd electrode 4b have their distal ends disposed at positions retreated from the inner wall surface of the case 2.

In any of the embodiments of fig. 16 to 18, when the kneaded material is pressed against the electrode portion 4 by the rotation of the rotor 3 in a state where the voltage for measurement is applied to the electrode portion 4, the tips of the 1 st electrode 4a and the 2 nd electrode 4b come into contact with the kneaded material, and a current flows from one electrode to the other electrode through the kneaded material. The dispersion degree detector 10c measures the current to detect the degree of dispersion of the kneaded material.

In the embodiment of fig. 16 to 18, the pair of electrodes of the electrode portion 4 is preferably arranged along the rotation axis R of the rotor 3. That is, the 1 st electrode 4a and the 2 nd electrode 4b are preferably arranged such that a straight line connecting the tip of the 1 st electrode 4a and the tip of the 2 nd electrode 4b is parallel to the rotation axis R of the rotor 3. Since the dispersion medium to be kneaded rotates and moves inside the housing 2 together with the rotor 3, the possibility that the material simultaneously contacts a pair of electrodes arranged along the rotation axis R for a long time becomes high, and the current can be reliably measured.

In the embodiment of fig. 19, the 1 st electrode 4a is disposed on the side wall portion 2c of the case 2 such that the front end of the 1 st electrode 4a is flush with the inner surface of the side wall portion 2 c. The 2 nd electrode 4b is disposed in the cylindrical portion 2b of the housing 2 such that the tip of the 2 nd electrode 4b is flush with the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2 b. That is, in the embodiment of fig. 19, the electrode portion 4 is disposed at a connecting portion between the cylindrical portion 2b and the side wall portion 2c in the housing 2.

< modification example >

The configuration disclosed in embodiment 2 (including the modifications, the same below) can be combined with the configuration disclosed in the modifications unless any contradiction occurs, and the embodiments disclosed in the present specification are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and may be appropriately modified within a range not departing from the object of the present invention.

In embodiment 2, the dispersibility detection unit 10c measures the current flowing between the pair of electrodes (the 1 st electrode 4a and the 2 nd electrode 4b) of the electrode unit 4, and detects the dispersibility of the dispersoid in the polymer material based on the measured current. The conversion from the current value to the "dispersion degree" may be omitted, and the controller 10 may control the operation of the kneading apparatus 1 based on the measured current.

In embodiment 2, the operation control unit 10a is configured to control the rotor driving mechanism 20 to stop the rotor 3 and terminate the kneading operation after the degree of dispersion detected by the degree of dispersion detecting unit 10c reaches a predetermined threshold value or after the time rate of change of the degree of dispersion detected by the degree of dispersion detecting unit 10c becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. The operation control unit 10a may be configured to start the next kneading step without ending the kneading operation. The next mixing step is mixing in a step different from the conventional mixing, and for example, is a mixing step under different conditions (temperature, speed, etc.) or a mixing step performed after adding a material.

< 3 > in the above embodiment 2, the 1 st and 2 nd electrodes 4a and 4b of the electrode portion 4 are arranged along the rotation axis R of the rotor 3, and a predetermined voltage for measurement is applied between the 1 st and 2 nd electrodes 4a and 4 b. However, the structure of the electrode portion 4 is not limited to this.

As shown in fig. 20 and 21, the electrode portion 4 may be a ring-shaped electrode 45. The ring-shaped electrode 45 is attached to the cylindrical portion 2b so as to reach the inner surface 25 from the outside of the housing 2. The electrode 45 is annularly formed around the inner shaft electrode 45a in such a manner that the inter-electrode insulating portion 45b, the outer ring electrode 45c, and the leakage-preventing insulating portion 45D are directed outward. A measurement voltage is applied between the inner ring electrode 45a and the outer ring electrode 45 c. By annularly overlapping the inner electrode 45a and the outer electrode 45c in this manner, the current measurement position of the kneaded material can be set to substantially the same position, and more accurate dispersion can be measured.

As shown in fig. 22, the electrode portion 4 may be a plate-like electrode 47 exposed to the inner surface 25 of the housing 2. The rectangular parallelepiped electrode 47 is attached to the cylindrical portion 2b so as to reach the inner surface 25 from the outside of the housing 2. The electrode 47 is formed by surrounding the 1 st electrode 47a and the 2 nd electrode 47c with the anti-creeping insulating portion 47d on both sides of the inter-electrode insulating portion 47b so as to sandwich the inter-electrode insulating portion 47b and integrating them.

The rotor 3 is rotationally driven in a predetermined rotational direction D, and the kneaded material is kneaded in the predetermined rotational direction D. The longitudinal direction of the inter-electrode insulating portion 47b, the 1 st electrode 47a, and the 2 nd electrode 47c is along the rotation direction D of the kneaded material. Therefore, by forming the electrodes 47 along the flow of the kneaded material, resistance applied to the electrodes 47 can be reduced, and generation of a gap between the electrodes 47 and the housing 2 can be prevented, thereby suppressing discharge.

Description of the symbols

1-kneading device, 2-housing, 3-rotor, 4-electrode part, 4 a-1 st electrode, 4 b-2 nd electrode, 5-insulating part, 6-lamp, 7-camera, 8-transmission window, 9-through hole, 10-control device, 10 a-operation control part, 10 b-voltage application part, 10 c-dispersion degree detection part, 10 d-photography control part, 20-rotor drive mechanism, 30-cover part moving mechanism, 33-shaft part, 35-blade part, 37-temperature control flow path, 40-temperature control mechanism, 45-electrode, 47-electrode, 50-1 st protective part, 51-2 nd protective part, 53-plate, 111 alpha-peripheral end part, 111 beta-peripheral end part, d-rotation direction, P-electromagnetic wave irradiation part, Q-dispersion degree detection part, and R-rotation axis.