JP7179552B2 - Processing equipment and processing method - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a processing apparatus and a processing method for executing a process of identifying a mixture state of a plurality of types of mixture objects having different electrical characteristics.

A “mixing degree” is known as an index indicating the degree of mixing of two types of mixture objects. In this case, the method disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 below is known as a method for measuring the degree of mixing. This method includes a cylindrical container containing the object to be mixed, an optical sensor (for example, a reflective optical sensor) attached to the container while being inserted into a hole formed in the side surface of the container, and an optical sensor attached to the container. An apparatus equipped with a stirrer (for example, a screw type stirrer) or the like is used for stirring and mixing the object to be mixed contained in the container. According to this method, for example, white powder and black powder to be mixed are mixed, and when measuring the degree of mixing of the mixture, the white powder and black powder are placed in a container. . The agitator is then activated. At this time, as the screw of the stirrer rotates, the white powder and the black powder are gradually mixed while fluidizing so as to rotate in the container.

On the other hand, the optical sensor attached to the container outputs detection light, receives the light reflected by the mixture (white powder and black powder), and determines the amount of reflected light. Outputs a detection signal with a corresponding level. In this case, the white powder has a high light reflectance, and the black powder has a low light reflectance (that is, the reflectances are greatly different from each other), so the mixing degree (uniformity) of the mixture is low. In this case, when the part of the mixture that is rotating in the container and contains a large proportion of white powder passes near the optical sensor, the level of the detection signal is high and the part containing a large proportion of black powder is illuminated. When passing near the sensor, the level of the detection signal becomes low. Further, the level difference of the detection signal becomes smaller as the degree of mixing (uniformity) becomes higher. That is, when the change in the level of the detection signal over time is graphed, an attenuation curve is drawn, and the amplitude of the attenuation curve (difference in level of the detection signal) represents the degree of mixing.

"Principle of mixing degree measurement by photometer", MSE Co., Ltd. Powder Division homepage, https://www.mse.jp/j_powder/j_kongo/genri.html

However, the above method has the following problems to be solved. Specifically, in the above method, the degree of mixture is measured based on the level of the detection signal corresponding to the amount of light reflected by the mixture in the vicinity of the optical sensor. In other words, the above method measures the mixing degree of only a portion of the mixture based on the level of the detection signal detected at one location in the container by the optical sensor. Therefore, the above method has a problem that it is difficult to accurately evaluate the mixing degree of the mixture as a whole. In addition, in the above method, since the optical sensor is used, only mixed objects with greatly different light reflectances are the measurement objects. Therefore, this method also has the problem that it is difficult to measure the degree of mixing of mixed objects having the same light reflectance (or a small difference in reflectance between them).

The present invention has been made in view of this problem, and the main object of the present invention is to provide a processing apparatus and a processing method that can accurately specify the overall mixing condition of a plurality of types of mixed objects having the same reflectance. .

In order to achieve the above object, a processing apparatus according to claim 1 comprises a cylindrical storage container for storing a plurality of types of mixing targets having mutually different electrical characteristics, and a plurality of electrodes disposed in the storage container. a current supply unit for supplying current between the electrodes for current supply, a voltage detection unit for detecting voltage between the electrodes for voltage detection, each electrode for current supply and the current supply unit a connection switching unit that connects and connects each electrode for voltage detection and the voltage detection unit; each of the electrodes is arranged in three or more regions that are equally spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the container, and the connection switching unit includes a plurality of a first connection process of connecting the electrodes respectively arranged in the areas of to the current supply unit as the current supply electrodes once or a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the areas. In addition, a process of connecting the electrodes respectively arranged in the pair of regions to the voltage detection unit as the electrodes for voltage detection is executed a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of regions. processing is executed each time the first connection processing is executed, and the voltage detection unit detects the voltage value each time the electrodes connected to the voltage detection unit are changed in each of the second connection processing. and the processing unit divides a virtual plane defined to be orthogonal to the center axis of the container into a plurality of divided regions having a predetermined planar shape in each of the mixing objects contained in the container. Then, the conductivity based on the impedance calculated from the detected voltage value is calculated for each of the divided regions, and the conductivity of all the divided regions in the virtual plane is used as a population. Calculate the standard deviation of and subtract the standard deviation in the state after starting mixing of each of the mixing targets by the standard deviation in the state before starting mixing of each of the mixing targets from the value 1 The processing device for specifying the degree of mixing based on the subtracted value, wherein each of the electrodes is positioned on the high position side where heights from the bottom surface of the container in each of the regions are equal to each other, and on the high position side a plurality of first electrodes spaced from each position along the height direction of the container toward the bottom surface side and arranged at each position on the low position side having the same height from the bottom surface; of the area a plurality of second electrodes arranged at respective positions between the first electrodes having equal heights from the bottom surface; Each of the first electrodes arranged on one side is connected to one output terminal of the current supply section as one of the electrodes for current supply, and each of the first electrodes arranged on the other of the pair of regions. is connected to the other output terminal of the current supply unit as the other electrode for current supply, and in the second connection process, the second electrode arranged in one of the pair of regions is connected to the voltage detection electrode The second electrode, which is connected to one input terminal of the voltage detection section as one electrode of the voltage detection section and is arranged in the other of the pair of regions, is used as the other electrode for voltage detection of the voltage detection section. The process of connecting to the input terminal is executed a plurality of times while sequentially changing all combinations of the pair of regions.

In addition, the processing apparatus according to claim 2 includes a cylindrical storage container that stores a plurality of types of mixing objects having different electrical characteristics, a plurality of electrodes arranged in the storage container, and a current supply a current supply unit for supplying a current between the electrodes of the voltage detection unit for detecting a voltage between the electrodes for voltage detection; A connection switching unit that connects each electrode for detection and the voltage detection unit, and a processing unit that executes a process of specifying the mixing state of the plurality of types of mixture objects based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit. wherein each of the electrodes is arranged in three or more regions that are equally spaced from each other along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the container, and the connection switching unit is provided in each of the plurality of regions A first connection process for connecting each of the arranged electrodes to the current supply unit as the current supply electrode is performed once or a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the regions, and the pair of the A second connection process of executing a process of connecting the electrodes arranged in the respective areas to the voltage detection unit as the voltage detection electrodes a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of areas is performed by the second connection process. Each time one connection process is executed, the voltage detection unit detects the voltage value each time the electrodes connected to the voltage detection unit are changed in each second connection process, and the processing unit divides a virtual plane defined to be orthogonal to the center axis of the container in each of the mixing objects contained in the container into a plurality of divided regions having a predetermined planar shape, and the detection Calculate the conductivity based on the impedance calculated from the voltage value calculated for each of the divided regions, and calculate the standard deviation of the population with each conductivity as a population for all the divided regions in the virtual plane. and based on the subtraction value obtained by subtracting from the value 1 the standard deviation in the state after starting mixing of each of the mixing targets by the standard deviation in the state before starting mixing of each of the mixing targets In the processing apparatus for specifying the degree of mixing by means of a In the treatment, the electrode arranged in one of the pair of regions is connected as one of the electrodes for current supply to one output terminal of the current supply unit, and the pair of regions is connected The electrode arranged on the other side is connected to the other output terminal of the current supply section as the other electrode for current supply, and in the second connection process, the electrode where the electrode for current supply is arranged is connected to the other output terminal of the current supply section. connecting the electrode arranged in one of the other pair of the regions other than the pair of regions as the one electrode for voltage detection to one input terminal of the voltage detection unit; The process of connecting the electrode arranged in the other of the other pair of regions to the other input terminal of the voltage detection unit as the other electrode for voltage detection is performed for all combinations of the other pair of regions. is executed multiple times while changing sequentially.

In addition, the processing apparatus according to claim 3 includes a cylindrical storage container that stores a plurality of types of mixing objects having different electrical characteristics, a plurality of electrodes arranged in the storage container, and a current supply a current supply unit for supplying a current between the electrodes of the voltage detection unit for detecting a voltage between the electrodes for voltage detection; A connection switching unit that connects each electrode for detection and the voltage detection unit, and a processing unit that executes a process of specifying the mixing state of the plurality of types of mixture objects based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit. wherein each of the electrodes is arranged in three or more regions that are equally spaced from each other along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the container, and the connection switching unit is provided in each of the plurality of regions A first connection process of connecting each of the arranged electrodes to the current supply unit as the current supply electrode is executed once or a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the regions, and the pair of the A second connection process of executing a process of connecting the electrodes arranged in the respective areas to the voltage detection unit as the voltage detection electrodes a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of areas is performed by the second connection process. Each time one connection process is executed, the voltage detection unit detects the voltage value each time the electrodes connected to the voltage detection unit are changed in each second connection process, and the processing unit divides a virtual plane defined to be orthogonal to the center axis of the container in each of the mixing objects contained in the container into a plurality of divided regions having a predetermined planar shape, and the detection Calculate the conductivity based on the impedance calculated from the voltage value calculated for each of the divided regions, and calculate the standard deviation of the population with each conductivity as a population for all the divided regions in the virtual plane. and based on the subtraction value obtained by subtracting from the value 1 the standard deviation in the state after starting mixing of each of the mixing targets by the standard deviation in the state before starting mixing of each of the mixing targets wherein the electrodes are arranged at equal heights from the bottom surface of the container in four or more even-numbered regions, and the connection switching unit In the first connection process, the electrode arranged in one of the pair of regions facing each other across the central axis of the container is used as one electrode for current supply. and connecting the electrode arranged in the other of the pair of opposing regions to the other output terminal of the current supply unit as the other electrode for current supply, In the 2-connection process, the electrodes arranged in one of the pair of regions other than the pair of opposing regions where the electrodes for current supply are arranged are connected to the electrodes for voltage detection. One electrode is connected to one input terminal of the voltage detection section and the electrode arranged in the other of the pair of regions is connected to the other input terminal of the voltage detection section as the other electrode for voltage detection. The connecting process is executed a plurality of times while sequentially changing all combinations of the pair of areas.

Further, the processing apparatus according to claim 4 comprises a cylindrical storage container that stores a plurality of types of mixing objects having different electrical characteristics, a plurality of electrodes arranged in the storage container, and a current supply a current supply unit for supplying a current between the electrodes of the voltage detection unit for detecting a voltage between the electrodes for voltage detection; A connection switching unit that connects each electrode for detection and the voltage detection unit, and a processing unit that executes a process of specifying the mixing state of the plurality of types of mixture objects based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit. wherein each of the electrodes is arranged in three or more regions that are equally spaced from each other along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the container, and the connection switching unit is provided in each of the plurality of regions A first connection process for connecting each of the arranged electrodes to the current supply unit as the current supply electrode is performed once or a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the regions, and the pair of the A second connection process of executing a process of connecting the electrodes arranged in the respective areas to the voltage detection unit as the voltage detection electrodes a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of areas is performed by the second connection process. Each time one connection process is executed, the voltage detection unit detects the voltage value each time the electrodes connected to the voltage detection unit are changed in each second connection process, and the processing unit divides a virtual plane defined to be orthogonal to the center axis of the container in each of the mixing objects contained in the container into a plurality of divided regions having a predetermined planar shape, and the detection Calculate the conductivity based on the impedance calculated from the voltage value calculated for each of the divided regions, and calculate the standard deviation of the population with each conductivity as a population for all the divided regions in the virtual plane. and based on the subtraction value obtained by subtracting from the value 1 the standard deviation in the state after starting mixing of each of the mixing targets by the standard deviation in the state before starting mixing of each of the mixing targets In the processing apparatus for specifying the degree of mixing by means of a In the process, each of the electrodes arranged in one or more of the regions is connected to one output terminal of the current supply unit as one of the electrodes for current supply, and the each of the electrodes arranged in the plurality of regions other than the plurality of regions is connected to the other output terminal of the current supply unit as the other electrode for current supply, and in the second connection process, Any one of the electrodes for current supply is connected to one input terminal of the voltage detection section as one electrode for voltage detection, and the one electrode for voltage detection is arranged. a process of connecting the electrode arranged in any one of the other regions excluding the region to the other input terminal of the voltage detection unit as the other electrode for voltage detection; Execute multiple times while sequentially changing one area.

In addition, in the processing method according to claim 5 , three or more equidistantly spaced apart along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical storage container in which a plurality of types of mixing objects having different electrical characteristics are stored. In a state in which each of the objects to be mixed is housed in the container in which a plurality of electrodes are respectively arranged in the regions, each of the electrodes arranged in the plurality of regions is connected to a current supply unit as an electrode for current supply. the first connection process to be performed once or a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the regions, and the electrodes respectively arranged in the pair of regions are connected to the voltage detection unit as electrodes for voltage detection. A second connection process is executed each time the first connection process is executed, and a connection is made to the voltage detection unit in each of the second connection processes. Each time the electrodes are changed, the voltage value between the electrodes is detected by the voltage detection unit, and the mixing object contained in the container is defined to be orthogonal to the central axis of the container. The virtual plane is divided into a plurality of divided regions having a predetermined planar shape, and the conductivity based on the impedance calculated from the detected voltage value is calculated for each of the divided regions, and all the regions in the virtual plane Calculate the standard deviation of the population with each conductivity as the population for the divided areas, and calculate the standard deviation in the state after starting the mixing of each mixing target Start mixing of each mixing target A processing method for identifying the degree of mixing of the plurality of types of mixture objects based on a subtraction value obtained by subtracting a division value obtained by dividing by the standard deviation in the previous state from the value 1, wherein the plurality of first electrodes as the electrodes and using a plurality of second electrodes, along the height direction of the container from each position on the high position side where the height from the bottom surface of the container in each region is equal to each other and from each position on the high position side and disposing the plurality of first electrodes at respective positions on the low position side that are spaced apart from the bottom surface side and are equal in height from the bottom surface, and the distance from the bottom surface between the first electrodes in each of the regions is The plurality of second electrodes are arranged at respective positions having the same height, and in the first connection process, each of the first electrodes arranged in one of the pair of regions is connected to one of the regions for current supply. Each of the first electrodes connected as an electrode to one output terminal of the current supply section and arranged in the other of the pair of regions is used as the other electrode for current supply. The second electrode connected to the other output terminal of the current supply unit and arranged in one of the pair of regions in the second connection process is used as one electrode for voltage detection and used as one of the voltage detection units. and connecting the second electrode arranged in the other of the pair of regions to the other input terminal of the voltage detection unit as the other electrode for voltage detection. It is executed multiple times while sequentially changing all combinations of .
In addition, in the processing method according to claim 6, three or more equidistantly spaced apart along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical storage container in which a plurality of types of mixing objects having different electrical characteristics are stored. In a state in which each of the objects to be mixed is housed in the container in which a plurality of electrodes are respectively arranged in the regions, each of the electrodes arranged in the plurality of regions is connected to a current supply unit as an electrode for current supply. the first connection process to be performed once or a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the regions, and the electrodes respectively arranged in the pair of regions are connected to the voltage detection unit as electrodes for voltage detection. A second connection process is executed each time the first connection process is executed, and a connection is made to the voltage detection unit in each of the second connection processes. Each time the electrodes are changed, the voltage value between the electrodes is detected by the voltage detection unit, and the mixing object contained in the container is defined to be orthogonal to the central axis of the container. The virtual plane is divided into a plurality of divided regions having a predetermined planar shape, and the conductivity based on the impedance calculated from the detected voltage value is calculated for each of the divided regions, and all the regions in the virtual plane Calculate the standard deviation of the population with each conductivity as the population for the divided areas, and calculate the standard deviation in the state after starting the mixing of each mixing target Start mixing of each mixing target A processing method for identifying the degree of mixing of the plurality of types of mixture objects based on a subtraction value obtained by subtracting a value obtained by subtracting a value obtained by dividing the standard deviation in the previous state from 1, wherein from the bottom surface of the container in the region and the electrodes arranged in one of the pair of regions are used as one of the electrodes for current supply in the first connection process. The electrode arranged in the other of the pair of regions is connected to the other output terminal of the current supply unit as the other electrode for current supply, and the second connection In the processing, the electrodes arranged in one of the other pair of regions out of the pair of regions other than the pair of regions where the electrodes for current supply are arranged are treated as one of the electrodes for voltage detection. The electrode connected to one input terminal of the voltage detection section as an electrode and arranged in the other of the other pair of regions is used as the other voltage detection unit. The process of connecting the electrode to the other input terminal of the voltage detection unit is executed a plurality of times while sequentially changing all combinations of the other pair of regions.
Further, in the processing method according to claim 7, three or more equidistantly spaced apart along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical storage container in which a plurality of types of mixing targets having mutually different electrical characteristics are stored. In a state in which each of the objects to be mixed is housed in the container in which a plurality of electrodes are respectively arranged in the regions, each of the electrodes arranged in the plurality of regions is connected to a current supply unit as an electrode for current supply. the first connection process to be performed once or a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the regions, and the electrodes respectively arranged in the pair of regions are connected to the voltage detection unit as electrodes for voltage detection. A second connection process is executed each time the first connection process is executed, and a connection is made to the voltage detection unit in each of the second connection processes. Each time the electrodes are changed, the voltage value between the electrodes is detected by the voltage detection unit, and the mixing object contained in the container is defined to be orthogonal to the central axis of the container. The virtual plane is divided into a plurality of divided regions having a predetermined planar shape, and the conductivity based on the impedance calculated from the detected voltage value is calculated for each of the divided regions, and all the regions in the virtual plane Calculate the standard deviation of the population with each conductivity as the population for the divided areas, and calculate the standard deviation in the state after starting the mixing of each mixing target Start mixing of each mixing target A processing method for identifying the degree of mixing of the plurality of types of mixture targets based on a subtraction value obtained by subtracting the value obtained by dividing the standard deviation in the previous state from the value 1, wherein the even number of four or more regions The electrodes are arranged at respective positions having equal heights from the bottom surface of the container, and in the first connection process, the electrodes are arranged in one of the pair of regions facing each other across the central axis of the container. one of the electrodes for current supply is connected to one output terminal of the current supply unit, and the electrode arranged in the other of the pair of opposing regions is connected to the other electrode for current supply. connected to the other output terminal of the current supply unit as an electrode, and in the second connection process, a pair of the regions other than the pair of opposing regions where the electrodes for current supply are arranged; The electrode arranged in one of the regions is connected to one input terminal of the voltage detection unit as one electrode for voltage detection, and the pair of A process of connecting the electrode arranged in the other region as the other electrode for voltage detection to the other input terminal of the voltage detection unit is executed a plurality of times while sequentially changing all combinations of the pair of regions. do .
In addition, in the processing method according to claim 8, three or more equidistantly spaced apart along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical storage container in which a plurality of types of mixing targets having different electrical characteristics are stored. In a state in which each of the objects to be mixed is housed in the container in which a plurality of electrodes are respectively arranged in the regions, each of the electrodes arranged in the plurality of regions is connected to a current supply unit as an electrode for current supply. the first connection process to be performed once or a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the regions, and the electrodes respectively arranged in the pair of regions are connected to the voltage detection unit as electrodes for voltage detection. A second connection process is executed each time the first connection process is executed, and a connection is made to the voltage detection unit in each of the second connection processes. Each time the electrodes are changed, the voltage value between the electrodes is detected by the voltage detection unit, and the mixing object contained in the container is defined to be orthogonal to the central axis of the container. The virtual plane is divided into a plurality of divided regions having a predetermined planar shape, and the conductivity based on the impedance calculated from the detected voltage value is calculated for each of the divided regions, and all the regions in the virtual plane Calculate the standard deviation of the population with each conductivity as the population for the divided areas, and calculate the standard deviation in the state after starting the mixing of each mixing target Start mixing of each mixing target A processing method for specifying the mixing state of the plurality of types of mixture objects based on a subtraction value obtained by subtracting a value obtained by subtracting a division value obtained by dividing by the standard deviation in the previous state from a value of 1, wherein from the bottom surface of the container in the region each of the electrodes is arranged at each position of the same height, and in the first connection process, each of the electrodes arranged in one or more of the regions is used as one of the electrodes for current supply. Each of the electrodes connected to one output terminal of the current supply unit and arranged in the plurality of regions other than the plurality of regions is used as the other electrode for supplying current, and the other electrode of the current supply unit is used. and connecting one of the current supply electrodes to one input terminal of the voltage detection unit as one of the voltage detection electrodes in the second connection process. The front electrode is arranged in any one of the regions other than the region where the one electrode for voltage detection is arranged. A process of connecting the electrode as the other electrode for voltage detection to the other input terminal of the voltage detection unit is performed a plurality of times while sequentially changing any one region.

In the processing apparatus according to claims 1 to 4 and the processing method according to claims 5 to 8 , the first electrode for connecting each electrode arranged in each of the plurality of regions on the inner peripheral surface of the container to the current supply unit The connection process is executed a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the regions, and the process of connecting the electrodes respectively arranged in the pair of regions to the voltage detection unit is executed a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of regions. every time the first connection process is executed, and each time the pair of electrodes connected to the voltage detection unit is changed in each second connection process, the voltage between the electrodes detected by the voltage detection unit Based on the value, a process of specifying the degree of mixture of a plurality of types of mixture objects having different electrical characteristics is executed. Therefore, according to this processing apparatus and processing method, unlike the conventional configuration and method of measuring the mixing degree of only a part of the object to be mixed based on the level of the detection signal detected at one point in the container by the optical sensor. , it is possible to accurately specify the degree of mixing of the entire object to be mixed based on the voltage values detected at a plurality of locations in the container. Further, in this processing apparatus and processing method, the degree of mixing is specified based on the voltage value between the electrodes for voltage detection when current is supplied to each electrode for current supply. For this reason, according to this processing apparatus and processing method, unlike the configuration and method of measuring the degree of mixing of a plurality of objects to be mixed using an optical sensor using the difference in the reflectance of the light of a plurality of objects to be mixed, Even if the reflectances are the same, when the electrical characteristics of each mixed object are different, the mixing degree of the mixed objects can be specified accurately.

Further, in the processing apparatus according to claim 1 and the processing method according to claim 5 , each position on the high position side in each area and each position on the low position side separated from each position on the high position side to the bottom side are arranged, respectively. and a plurality of second electrodes arranged at positions between the first electrode electrodes in each region, and arranged in the pair of regions in the first connection process Each first electrode is connected to the current supply unit, and in the second connection process, each second electrode arranged in the pair of regions is connected to the voltage detection unit, and all combinations of the pair of regions are sequentially connected. Run multiple times with changes. In this case, for example, in a configuration in which each electrode for current supply and each electrode for voltage detection are arranged at positions with the same height from the bottom surface, the distance from the arrangement position of each electrode to the top surface of the mixing target, That is, the distribution of the current flowing through the object to be mixed changes depending on the size of the volume of the object to be mixed contained in the container. The condition is also affected by the volume of the object to be mixed. On the other hand, in this processing apparatus and processing method , since the current can be supplied to the region between the high position side first electrode pole and the low position side first electrode pole in the object to be mixed, Regardless of the distance from the arrangement position of the first electrode on the position side to the upper surface of the object to be mixed, that is, regardless of the size of the volume of the object to be mixed contained in the container, the first electrode on the high position in the object to be mixed The distribution of current flowing between the arrangement position and the arrangement position of the first electrode on the low position side can be maintained constant (or substantially constant). Further, in this processing apparatus and processing method , the voltage value is detected via the second electrode arranged between the first electrode on the high position side and the first electrode on the low position side. Therefore, according to this processing device and processing method , it is possible to sufficiently reduce the influence of the change in the distribution of the current flowing through the object to be mixed due to the size of the volume of the object to be mixed when the voltage detection unit detects the voltage value. As a result, the degree of mixing can be specified more accurately.

Further, in the processing apparatus according to claim 2 and the processing method according to claim 6 , the first connection processing for connecting the electrodes respectively arranged in the pair of regions to the current supply unit as electrodes for current supply is performed on the pair of regions. A plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the regions, and the electrodes arranged in the other pair of regions out of the pair of regions where the electrodes for current supply are arranged are used for voltage detection. Each time the first connection process is executed, the second connection process is executed for a plurality of times while sequentially changing all the combinations of the other pair of areas. Therefore, according to this processing apparatus and processing method , voltage values can be detected at all positions defined at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the container. Therefore, according to this processing apparatus and processing method , it is possible to reduce the bias in the position where the voltage value is detected, and as a result, it is possible to more accurately identify the degree of mixture.

Further, in the processing apparatus according to claim 3 and the processing method according to claim 7 , each electrode arranged in a pair of regions facing each other across the center axis of the container is used as an electrode for current supply. a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of regions that face each other, and the pair of regions other than the pair of regions where the electrodes for current supply are arranged. The first connection process is executed as the second connection process in which the process of connecting the electrodes arranged in the respective areas to the voltage detection unit as electrodes for voltage detection is executed a plurality of times while sequentially changing all the combinations of the pair of areas. Execute each time. Therefore, according to this processing apparatus and processing method , current is supplied to the object to be mixed contained in the container through the respective electrodes arranged in a pair of regions facing each other across the central axis. As a result of being able to pass an electric current through the central portion of the container, it is possible to specify the mixing state that accurately reflects the mixing state of the central portion of the object to be mixed contained in the container. Further, according to this processing apparatus and processing method , in order to connect the electrodes arranged in the pair of regions facing each other across the central axis in the first connection processing to the current supply unit, for example, the first connection processing While changing the supply position over the circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the container, compared to the configuration in which each electrode arranged in a pair of adjacent regions is connected to the current supply unit as an electrode for current supply in Since the number of executions of the first connection process when supplying the current can be reduced (halved), the efficiency of the detection process for detecting the voltage value can be sufficiently improved.

Further, in the processing apparatus according to claim 4 and the processing method according to claim 8 , the first connection processing for connecting each electrode arranged in each of the plurality of regions as an electrode for current supply to the current supply unit is performed in each region. is executed a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the current supply electrodes, and any one of the electrodes for current supply is arranged in one of the other regions excluding the region in which the electrode is arranged. Each time the first connection process is executed, the second connection process is executed for a plurality of times while sequentially changing one of the regions to connect the electrodes to the voltage detection unit. Therefore, according to this processing apparatus and processing method , compared to a configuration in which a current is supplied between a pair of electrodes, a current can be uniformly passed through the object to be mixed contained in the container. Therefore, according to this processing apparatus and processing method , it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit is inaccurate due to the non-uniformity of the current flowing through the object to be mixed, and the degree of mixture can be further improved. can be precisely identified.

1 is a configuration diagram showing configurations of processing apparatuses 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a container 2, electrodes E, and a stirrer 7. FIG. FIG. 10 is a first explanatory diagram for explaining arrangement positions of electrodes E; FIG. 11 is a second explanatory diagram for explaining the arrangement position of the electrode E; FIG. 4 is a state diagram schematically showing a state in which objects to be mixed 100a and 100b are separated; FIG. 4 is a state diagram showing a state in which objects to be mixed 100a and 100b are mixed; 4 is a first explanatory diagram for explaining connection processing executed by a connection switching unit 6; FIG. FIG. 10 is a second explanatory diagram for explaining connection processing executed by the connection switching unit 6; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining division processing executed by the processing unit 9; It is an explanatory view explaining the arrangement position of electrode E in processing equipment 1A. FIG. 11 is a first explanatory diagram for explaining connection processing executed by the connection switching unit 6A; FIG. 11 is a second explanatory diagram for explaining connection processing executed by the connection switching unit 6A; FIG. 4 is a first explanatory diagram for explaining connection processing executed by a connection switching unit 6B; FIG. 11 is a second explanatory diagram for explaining connection processing executed by the connection switching unit 6B; FIG. 11 is a first explanatory diagram for explaining connection processing executed by the connection switching unit 6C; FIG. 11 is a second explanatory diagram illustrating connection processing executed by the connection switching unit 6C;

Embodiments of a processing apparatus and a processing method will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, the configuration of the processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The processing device 1 is an example of a “processing device”, and performs a process of specifying a “mixing degree M” as an index indicating the degree of mixing of a plurality of types of mixing objects having different electrical characteristics according to a processing method described later. configured to run.

Here, the "mixing degree M" in the processing apparatus 1 and the processing method is an index indicating the degree of mixing when mixing a plurality of types of mixed objects, and is a state in which each mixed object is completely separated ( hereinafter also referred to as "completely separated state") and the value when each mixing target is completely mixed (hereinafter also referred to as "completely mixed state"), the degree of mixing is shown. As an example, the value of the degree of mixing M in the completely separated state is defined as "0", and the value of the degree of mixing M in the completely mixed state is defined as "1", a value between 0 and 1 indicates the degree of mixing. In this example, the closer the mixing degree M is to 0, the lower the mixing degree (not mixed), and the closer the mixing degree M is to 1, the higher the mixing degree (mixed). there is

On the other hand, the processing apparatus 1 includes a container 2, a plurality of electrodes E, a current supply section 4, a detection section 5, a connection switching section 6, a stirrer 7, a storage section 8, and a processing section 9, as shown in FIG. configured as follows.

As shown in FIG. 2, the storage container 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape including a main body 2a and a lid (not shown). (also referred to as "mixed object 100") can be accommodated.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the electrodes E are 16 (an example of three or more; the same applies to each example described later) that are spaced apart from each other at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface 22 of the container 2. ) in the areas A1 to A16 (for example, areas elongated in the height direction of the container 2: hereinafter also referred to as "area A" when the areas A1 to A16 are not distinguished) are separated in the height direction of the container 2 Positions between 32 electrodes Ef (corresponding to first electrodes) respectively arranged at a pair of positions and positions between the electrodes Ef in each region A (for example, a line segment connecting the electrodes Ef in each region A) 16 electrodes Es (corresponding to the second electrodes) respectively arranged at the center positions of the . In this case, each electrode Ef arranged on the high position side in the height direction of the container 2 (hereinafter, the electrode Ef on the high position side is also referred to as “electrode Efh”) is positioned above the bottom surface 23 of the container 2 . are arranged at the same position (position on the high position side), and each electrode Ef arranged on the low position side in the height direction of the container 2 (hereinafter, the electrode Ef on the low position side is referred to as "electrode Efl"). ) are arranged at positions (positions on the low position side) at equal heights from the bottom surface 23 of the container 2 . Moreover, each electrode Es is arranged at a position where the height from the bottom surface 23 of the container 2 is equal to each other. The heights from the bottom surface 23 to each electrode Efh are slightly different from each other, the heights from the bottom surface 23 to each electrode Efl are slightly different from each other, and the heights from the bottom surface 23 to each electrode Es are slightly different from each other. Configurations can also be employed.

In this case, each electrode Ef arranged in a pair of adjacent regions A is connected to the current supply unit 4 by the connection switching unit 6 (hereinafter also simply referred to as “connection”), and is output from the current supply unit 4. It functions as an electrode E (a pair of electrodes E for current supply) for supplying the current I to the mixing objects 100 a and 100 b housed in the housing container 2 .

Further, each electrode Es arranged in a pair of adjacent regions A is connected to the detection unit 5 by the connection switching unit 6 (hereinafter also simply referred to as “connection”), and the connection between the electrodes Es (the electrodes Es are It functions as an electrode E (a pair of electrodes E for voltage detection) for detecting the voltage between the arranged positions).

The current supply unit 4 outputs a current I (e.g., constant alternating current) according to an instruction from the processing unit 9, and supplies the current I between the electrodes Ef connected by the connection switching unit 6 (between the pair of electrodes E for current supply). supplies a current I.

The detection unit 5 functions as a voltage detection unit, and detects the voltage value V of the voltage (AC voltage) between the pair of electrodes Es connected by the connection switching unit 6 (between the pair of electrodes E for voltage detection). At the same time, the phase difference θ between the voltage and the current I between the electrodes Es is detected. In this case, in the second connection process described later, the combination of the pair of electrodes Es connected to the detection unit 5 is changed multiple times, and each time the combination of the pair of electrodes Es to be connected is changed, the detection unit 5 A voltage value V and a phase difference θ are detected.

The connection switching unit 6 includes a plurality of switches (not shown), connects each electrode E for current supply to the current supply unit 4 according to instructions from the processing unit 9, and detects voltage according to instructions from the processing unit 9. Each electrode E and the detection unit 5 are connected.

In this case, the connection switching unit 6 uses each electrode Ef arranged in one of the pair of adjacent regions A as one electrode E for current supply, and one output terminal of the current supply unit 4 (for example, in FIG. 41a), and each electrode Ef arranged in the other of a pair of adjacent regions A is used as the other electrode E for current supply, and is connected to the other output terminal of the current supply unit 4 (for example, in the same figure). 2) is executed a plurality of times (16 times in this example) while changing the combination of a pair of adjacent regions A. FIG.

In addition, the connection switching unit 6 uses the electrode Es arranged in one of the pair of adjacent regions A as one electrode E for voltage detection, and switches one input terminal of the detection unit 5 (for example, the input terminal shown in FIG. 7). 51a), and the electrode Es arranged in the other of a pair of adjacent regions A is used as the other electrode E for voltage detection, and the other input terminal of the detection unit 5 (for example, the input terminal 51b shown in the same figure). ) is executed a plurality of times (16 times in this example) while sequentially changing the combination of a pair of adjacent areas A, each time the first connection process is executed. In the following description, the first connection process and the second connection process are collectively referred to as "connection process".

As shown in FIG. 2 , the stirrer 7 is arranged on the bottom surface 23 side of the main body 2 a of the container 2 and stirs the mixing objects 100 a and 100 b contained in the container 2 .

The storage unit 8 stores the voltage value V and the phase difference θ detected by the detection unit 5 under the control of the processing unit 9 . The storage unit 8 also stores various values calculated in detection processing, standard deviation calculation processing, and mixture degree calculation processing executed by the processing unit 9, which will be described later.

The processing unit 9 controls each unit that configures the processing device 1 . Further, the processing unit 9 executes a detection process, a division process, a standard deviation calculation process, and a mixture degree calculation process, which will be described later, and the mixture target 100 based on the voltage value V and phase difference θ detected by the detection unit 5 Identify the degree of mixing M.

Next, a processing method for identifying the degree of mixture M of the object to be mixed 100 using the processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, as shown in FIG. 5, two types of objects to be mixed 100a and 100b having different electrical characteristics are accommodated in the container 2. As shown in FIG. It should be noted that the illustration of the electrode E and the stirrer 7 is omitted in the figure and FIG. 6 . In this case, for example, an organic solvent with low electrical conductivity as an example of electrical properties is mixed 100a, and conductive particles with high electrical conductivity (such as carbon black) are mixed 100b. In addition, the upper surfaces of the objects to be mixed 100a and 100b housed in the container 2 are positioned above the arrangement positions of the electrodes E (electrodes Efh) (so that the electrodes E are immersed in the objects to be mixed 100a and 100b). d) Adjust the amount of the mixed object 100a, 100b.

Subsequently, in the state before the mixing of the objects to be mixed 100a and 100b is started (as shown in FIG. 5, in the completely separated state in which the objects to be mixed 100a and 100b are separated, the operation unit (not shown) is operated to detect In this detection process, the processing unit 9 first causes the connection switching unit 6 to perform connection processing.

In the connection process, the connection switching unit 6 executes the first connection process for connecting the pair of electrodes E for current supply to the current supply unit 4 for the first time. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the connection switching unit 6 connects each electrode Ef arranged in one (for example, region A1) of a pair of adjacent regions A (for example, regions A1 and A2). (electrodes Efh, Efl) are connected to one output terminal 41a of the current supply unit 4 as one electrode E for current supply, and each electrode Ef arranged in the other of the areas A1, A2 (area A2) is connected to The other electrode E for current supply is connected to the other output terminal 41b of the current supply unit 4 .

Next, the connection switching unit 6 executes the second connection process for the first time. In this first second connection process, the connection switching unit 6, as shown in FIGS. The electrode Es arranged in (for example, area A1) is connected to one input terminal 51a of the detection unit 5 as one electrode E for voltage detection, and is arranged in the other of areas A1 and A2 (area A2). The other electrode Es for voltage detection is connected to the other input terminal 51b of the detector 5 as the other electrode E for voltage detection.

Subsequently, the processing unit 9 instructs the current supply unit 4 to output the current I, and the current supply unit 4 outputs the current I. At this time, the current I is supplied between the electrodes Ef as the current supply electrodes E arranged in the regions A1 and A2. Next, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V of the voltage between the electrodes Ef as the electrodes E for voltage detection arranged in the respective regions A1 and A2, and the phase difference θ between the voltage and the current I. To detect. Subsequently, the processing unit 9 causes the storage unit 8 to store the voltage value V and the phase difference θ detected by the detection unit 5 .

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the connection switching unit 6 is arranged in one (eg, region A2) of the second set (eg, regions A2 and A3) of each combination of a pair of adjacent regions A. and the electrode Es arranged in the other of the areas A2 and A3 (area A3) are connected to the input terminals 51a and 51b of the detection section 5 as electrodes E for voltage detection. Subsequently, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V of the voltage between the electrodes Ef of the regions A2 and A3 and the phase difference θ between the voltage and the current I, and the processing unit 9 detects the detected voltage value V and the phase difference θ are stored in the storage unit 8 .

Thereafter, in the same way, the connection switching unit 6 sets the electrodes Es arranged in the pair of regions A of the 3rd to 16th pairs shown in FIG. The process of connecting to each of the input terminals 51a and 51b is executed while sequentially changing the combination of a pair of adjacent areas A. FIG. That is, in this example, the connection switching unit 6 performs this process 16 times in total while sequentially changing all combinations of the pairs of adjacent areas A. FIG. Further, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V and the phase difference θ each time the combination of the pair of electrodes Es connected to the detection unit 5 is changed in the second connection process, and the processing unit 9 detects The storage unit 8 is caused to store the voltage value V and the phase difference θ. This completes the first second connection process.

Next, the connection switching unit 6 executes the first connection process for the second time. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the connection switching unit 6 selects adjacent electrodes of a combination different from the regions A1 and A2 in which the electrodes Ef connected to the current supply unit 4 are arranged in the first connection process of the first time. The electrodes Ef arranged in a pair of regions A (for example, regions A2 and A3) are connected to the output terminals 41a and 41b of the current supply section 4 as the electrodes E for current supply.

Subsequently, the connection switching unit 6 executes the second connection process for the second time. In this case, in the second connection processing of the second time, the connection switching unit 6 switches the pair of regions A of the first to sixteenth pairs shown in FIG. The process of connecting each electrode Es arranged respectively to each input terminal 51a, 51b of the detection unit 5 as each electrode E for voltage detection is performed for all combinations of a pair of adjacent regions A (in this example, the total 16 combinations) are sequentially changed and executed a plurality of times (16 times in total in this example). Further, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V and the phase difference θ each time the combination of the pair of electrodes Es connected to the detection unit 5 is changed in the second connection process, and the processing unit 9 detects The storage unit 8 is caused to store the voltage value V and the phase difference θ. This completes the second connection process for the second time.

Next, the connection switching unit 6 executes the third to sixteenth first connection processes shown in FIG. 8 while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of regions A. As shown in FIG. That is, in this example, the connection switching unit 6 executes the first connection process 16 times in total while sequentially changing all combinations of the pair of adjacent regions A. FIG. In addition, the connection switching unit 6 executes the above-described second connection processing every time the first connection processing is executed (that is, 16 times), and in each second connection processing, the first to sixteenth adjacent pairs of The process of connecting the electrodes Es arranged in the pair of regions A respectively to the input terminals 51a and 51b of the detection unit 5 as the electrodes E for voltage detection is performed by connecting all the combinations of the pair of adjacent regions A. It is executed 16 times in total while being changed sequentially. That is, in this example, the connection switching unit 6 performs the process of connecting the pair of electrodes Es to the input terminals 51a and 51b of the detection unit 5 as the electrodes E for voltage detection a total of 256 times (16 times). 2 connection processing×1 second connection processing (16 times for each second connection processing). Further, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V and the phase difference θ each time the pair of electrodes Es connected to the detection unit 5 is changed in each second connection process, and the processing unit 9 detects each detected The voltage value V and each phase difference θ (256 types of voltage values V and phase differences θ) are stored in the storage unit 8 . Thus, the detection processing in the completely separated state is completed.

Subsequently, the operation part is operated to operate the stirrer 7 to start stirring. Thereby, mixing of the mixing objects 100a and 100b is started. Next, the processing unit 9 controls the stirrer 7 to continue the stirring (mixing) for a predetermined time, and then stops the stirring.

Subsequently, in a state in which the objects to be mixed 100a and 100b are mixed (the state shown in FIG. 6: hereinafter also referred to as a “mixed state”), the operation unit is operated to instruct execution of the detection process. The processing unit 9 executes the above-described detection processing, causes the detection unit 5 to detect the voltage value V and the phase difference θ between the electrodes E, and causes the storage unit 8 to store the voltage value V and the phase difference θ.

Next, the operation unit is operated to instruct the execution of the calculation of the mixture degree M. In response to this, the processing unit 9 executes division processing. In this division process, the processing unit 9 defines a virtual plane B orthogonal to the central axis 21 of the container 2 in the object to be mixed 100 contained in the container 2, as shown in FIG. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9, the processing unit 9 divides the above-described virtual plane B with a plurality of meshes D (divided regions) having a predetermined plane shape (for example, triangles) according to a predetermined algorithm. To divide.

Next, the processing unit 9 executes standard deviation calculation processing. In this standard deviation calculation process, the processing unit 9 first reads from the storage unit 8 each voltage value V and each phase difference θ detected in the above-described detection process in the completely separated state. Subsequently, the processing unit 9 identifies the impedance distribution state in the virtual plane B by a predetermined algorithm based on the read voltage values V, the phase differences θ, and the current values of the current I. , the impedance of each mesh D is calculated. Next, the processing unit 9 calculates the electrical conductivity σ of each mesh D based on the calculated impedance.

Subsequently, based on the conductivity σ of each mesh D, the processing unit 9 calculates the parameter value ζ _i from the following equation (1), and calculates the parameter value ζ ₀ from the following equation (2).
ζ _i =( _Si ·σ _i )/S) Equation (1)
ζ ₀ = (Σ[i=1, N]( _Si ·σ _i ))/S Equation (2)
In formulas (1) and (2), _Si means the area of each mesh D, σ _i means the conductivity of each mesh D, and S means the total area of the virtual plane B. and N means the total number of meshes D in the virtual plane B. In this case, the parameter value _.zeta.i represents the electrical conductivity .sigma. that reflects the ratio of the area of each mesh D to the entire area of the virtual plane B, as is apparent from Equation (1). Further, as is clear from the formula (2), the parameter value ζ ₀ represents the average value of the conductivity σ of each mesh D reflecting the ratio of the area of each mesh D to the entire area of the virtual plane B. there is

Next, based on the calculated parameter values ζ _{i and ζ 0} , the processing unit 9 uses the following formula (3) to calculate the standard Calculate the deviation η.
η=√(Σ[i=1, N](ζ _i −ζ ₀ ) ² /N) Equation (3)
Subsequently, the processing unit 9 causes the storage unit 8 to store the calculated standard deviation η as the standard deviation η ₀ in the completely separated state. This completes the calculation of the standard deviation η ₀ in the completely separated state.

Next, the processing unit 9 reads out from the storage unit 8 the voltage value V and the phase difference θ detected in the mixed state detection process described above. Subsequently, the processing unit 9 calculates the standard deviation η in the mixed state from the above formulas (1), (2), and (3) in the same manner as in the calculation of the standard deviation η in the completely separated state. Next, the processing unit 9 causes the storage unit 8 to store the calculated standard deviation η. This completes the calculation of the standard deviation η in the mixed state.

Subsequently, the processing unit 9 executes a mixture degree calculation process. In this mixture degree calculation process, the processing unit 9 calculates the mixture degree M from the following formula (4) (formula expressing the mixture degree) based on the standard deviations η and η ₀ calculated in the standard deviation calculation process.
M = 1-η/η ₀ Expression (4)
Next, the processing unit 9 stores the calculated mixture degree M in the storage unit 8 . This completes the mixture degree calculation process. Subsequently, the processing unit 9 displays the calculated mixture degree M on a display unit (not shown).

Here, since the standard deviation η=standard deviation η ₀ in the completely separated state, η/η ₀ =1, and the degree of mixture M=1−1=0 from the equation (4). On the other hand, in a completely mixed state in which the objects to be mixed 100a and 100b are completely mixed, theoretically, the standard deviation η= ₀ . Become. That is, the degree of mixing M varies between 0 and 1 according to the degree of mixing of the objects to be mixed 100a and 100b. Specifically, when the degree of mixing is low (not mixed), the degree of mixing M is close to 0, and when the degree of mixing is high (mixed), the degree of mixing M is close to 1. Become. Therefore, the degree of mixing can be grasped from the degree of mixing M.

Note that when it is determined from the mixing degree M displayed on the display that the mixing degree M of the mixing objects 100a and 100b is smaller than the target value, that is, the degree of mixing is lower than the target value , the agitator 7 is operated to further stir (mix) the mixing objects 100a and 100b, each process (detection process, division process, standard deviation calculation process and mixture degree calculation process) is executed by the processing unit 9, and the mixture degree M is displayed. The mixing objects 100a and 100b can be mixed so that the degree of mixing M becomes the target value by repeating the step of making the mixture.

As described above, in the processing apparatus 1 and the processing method, the first connection processing for connecting each electrode E arranged in each of the plurality of regions A on the inner peripheral surface 22 of the container 2 to the current supply section 4 is performed by: A plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the regions A, and a process of connecting the electrodes E respectively arranged in the pair of regions A to the detection unit 5 is executed a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of regions A. Each time the first connection processing is executed, the second connection processing is executed, and each time the pair of electrodes E connected to the detection unit 5 is changed in each second connection processing, the detection unit 5 detects the connection between the electrodes E. Based on the voltage value V of , a process of specifying the mixing state of a plurality of types of mixture objects 100 having different electrical characteristics is executed. For this reason, according to this processing apparatus 1 and processing method, it is different from the conventional configuration and method for measuring the degree of mixing of only a portion of the object to be mixed 100 based on the level of the detection signal detected at one location in the container by the optical sensor. Unlike , it is possible to accurately identify the overall mixing degree M (indicator indicating the degree of mixing) of the mixed object 100 based on the voltage values V detected at a plurality of locations in the container 2 . Further, in the processing apparatus 1 and the processing method, the mixing degree M is specified based on the voltage value V between the electrodes E for voltage detection when current is supplied to each electrode E for current supply. Therefore, according to the processing apparatus 1 and the processing method, unlike the configuration and method of measuring the mixing degree of the mixing target 100 by the optical sensor using the difference in light reflectance of the plurality of mixing targets 100, each Even if the mixed objects 100 have the same reflectance, when the electrical characteristics of the mixed objects 100 are different from each other, the mixing degree M of the mixed objects 100 can be specified accurately.

In addition, in the processing apparatus 1 and the processing method, the plurality of electrodes Ef arranged at the respective positions on the high position side in each region A and the respective positions on the low position side separated from the respective positions on the high position side toward the bottom surface side; , and a plurality of electrodes Es arranged at positions between the electrodes Ef in the regions A, and connecting the electrodes Ef arranged in the pair of regions A to the current supply unit 4 in the first connection process. In the second connection process, the process of connecting each electrode Es arranged in the pair of regions A to the detection unit 5 is executed a plurality of times while sequentially changing all combinations of the pair of regions A. In this case, for example, in a configuration in which each electrode E for current supply and each electrode E for voltage detection are arranged at positions with the same height from the bottom surface 23, the mixing target 100 is separated from the arrangement position of each electrode E. Since the distribution of the current I flowing through the object to be mixed 100 changes depending on the distance to the upper surface, that is, the size of the volume of the object to be mixed 100 contained in the container 2, the voltage value V detected by the detection unit 5 and the degree of mixing M specified based on the voltage value V is also affected by the volume of the object 100 to be mixed. On the other hand, in the processing apparatus 1 and the processing method, since the current I can be supplied to the region between the high position side electrode Ef and the low position side electrode Ef in the mixed object 100, Arrangement of the electrode Ef on the high side in the mixing object 100 regardless of the distance from the arrangement position of the side electrode Ef to the upper surface of the mixing object 100, that is, the volume of the mixing object 100 housed in the container 2 The distribution of the current I flowing between the position and the arrangement position of the electrode Ef on the low position side can be maintained constant (or substantially constant). Further, in the processing apparatus 1 and the processing method, the voltage value V is detected via the electrode Es arranged between the high position side electrode Ef and the low position side electrode Ef. Therefore, according to the processing device 1 and the processing method, when the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V, the effect of the change in the distribution of the current I flowing through the object to be mixed 100 due to the size of the volume of the object to be mixed 100 can be sufficiently suppressed. As a result, the degree of mixing M can be specified more accurately.

Next, the processing apparatus 1A shown in FIG. 1 as another example of the "processing apparatus" and the processing method using the processing apparatus 1A will be described. In the following description, the same components and operations as those of the processing apparatus 1 and the processing method described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

In the processing apparatus 1A, as shown in FIG. 10, one electrode E is arranged in each area A at the same height from the bottom surface 23. As shown in FIG. A configuration in which the heights from the bottom surface 23 to each electrode E are slightly different from each other can also be adopted. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the processing device 1A includes a connection switching section 6A in place of the connection switching section 6 and a processing section 9A in place of the processing section 9 described above. In the processing device 1A, the connection switching unit 6A connects each electrode E for current supply to the current supply unit 4 according to an instruction from the processing unit 9A, and connects each electrode for voltage detection according to an instruction from the processing unit 9A. E and the detector 5 are connected.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the connection switching unit 6A uses the electrode E arranged in one of the pair of adjacent regions A as one electrode E for current supply, and switches one output of the current supply unit 4. A first connection process is performed to connect to the terminal 41a and to connect the electrode E arranged in the other of the pair of adjacent regions A as the other electrode E for current supply to the other output terminal 41b of the current supply section 4. , is executed a plurality of times (16 times in this example) while changing the combination of a pair of adjacent regions A.

11 and 12, the connection switching unit 6A is connected to the pair of adjacent regions A other than the pair of regions A in which the electrodes E for current supply are arranged. The electrode E arranged on one side is connected to one input terminal 51a of the detection section 5 as one electrode E for voltage detection, and the electrode E arranged on the other side of the other pair of adjacent regions A is connected to The process of connecting the other electrode E for voltage detection to the other input terminal 51b of the detection unit 5 is executed a plurality of times (13 times in this example) while sequentially changing all combinations of the pair of adjacent regions A. The second connection process is executed each time the first connection process is executed.

Further, in the processing device 1A, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V and the phase difference θ each time the combination of the pair of electrodes E connected in each second connection process is changed.

When using this processing apparatus 1A to specify the mixing degree M of the mixing objects 100a and 100b, the mixing objects 100a and 100b are stored in the main body 2a of the storage container 2 (see FIG. 5), and then In the completely separated state before starting the mixing of the objects to be mixed 100a and 100b, an operation unit (not shown) is operated to instruct execution of detection processing. In the detection process, the processing unit 9A first causes the connection switching unit 6A to perform connection processing.

In the connection process, the connection switching unit 6A executes the first connection process for connecting the pair of electrodes E for current supply to the current supply unit 4 for the first time. Specifically, the connection switching unit 6A, as shown in FIGS. One electrode E for current supply is connected to one output terminal 41a of the current supply unit 4, and the electrode E arranged in the other (area A2) of the pair of adjacent areas A is used as the other electrode for current supply. The electrode E is connected to the other output terminal 41 b of the current supply section 4 .

Subsequently, the connection switching unit 6A executes the second connection process for the first time. In this first second connection process, the connection switching unit 6A, as shown in FIGS. , regions A3 to A16), the voltage of the electrode E arranged in one (eg, region A3) of the first pair (eg, regions A3 and A4) of each combination of a pair of adjacent regions A is detected. is connected to one input terminal 51a of the detection unit 5 as one electrode E for voltage detection, and the electrode E arranged in the other of the regions A3 and A4 (region A4) is used as the other electrode E for voltage detection in the detection unit 5 is connected to the other input terminal 51b.

Next, the processing unit 9A instructs the current supply unit 4 to output the current I, and the current supply unit 4 outputs the current I. At this time, a current I is supplied between the electrodes E arranged in the regions A1 and A2. Subsequently, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V of the voltage between the electrodes E arranged in the regions A3 and A4 and the phase difference θ between the voltage and the current I, and the processing unit 9A detects The storage unit 8 stores the voltage value V and the phase difference .theta.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the connection switching unit 6A is arranged in one (eg, region A4) of the second set (eg, regions A4 and A5) of each combination of a pair of adjacent regions A. and the electrode E arranged in the other of the regions A4 and A5 (region A5) are connected to the input terminals 51a and 51b of the detection section 5 as the electrodes E for voltage detection. Subsequently, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V of the voltage between the electrodes E in the regions A4 and A5 and the phase difference θ between the voltage and the current I, and the processing unit 9A detects the detected voltage value V and the phase difference θ are stored in the storage unit 8 .

Thereafter, in the same way, the connection switching unit 6A uses the electrodes E arranged in the pairs of adjacent regions A of the third to thirteenth pairs shown in FIG. 5 are connected to the respective input terminals 51a and 51b of No. 5 while changing the combination of a pair of adjacent areas A sequentially. That is, in this example, the connection switching unit 6A performs this process 13 times in total while sequentially changing all combinations of the pair of adjacent regions A in one second connection process. Further, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V and the phase difference θ each time the combination of the pair of electrodes E connected to the detection unit 5 is changed in the second connection process, and the processing unit 9A detects The storage unit 8 is caused to store the voltage value V and the phase difference θ. This completes the first second connection process.

Next, the connection switching unit 6A executes the first connection process for the second time. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, the connection switching unit 6A uses adjacent electrodes of a combination different from the regions A1 and A2 in which the electrodes E connected to the current supply unit 4 are arranged in the first connection process of the first time. The electrodes E respectively arranged in the pair of regions A (for example, regions A2 and A3) are connected to the output terminals 41a and 41b of the current supply section 4 as the electrodes E for current supply.

Subsequently, the connection switching unit 6A executes the second connection process for the second time. In this case, in the second connection processing of the second time, the connection switching unit 6A performs the pair of adjacent regions of the first to thirteenth pairs shown in FIG. 12 in the same manner as the first second connection processing. The process of connecting the electrodes E arranged in A respectively to the input terminals 51a and 51b of the detection unit 5 as the electrodes E for voltage detection is applied to all combinations of a pair of adjacent areas A (in this example, , 13 combinations in total) are sequentially changed and executed a plurality of times (13 times in total in this example). Further, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V and the phase difference θ each time the combination of the pair of electrodes E connected to the detection unit 5 is changed in the second connection process, and the processing unit 9A detects The storage unit 8 is caused to store the voltage value V and the phase difference θ. This completes the second connection process for the second time.

Next, the connection switching unit 6A executes the third to sixteenth first connection processes shown in FIG. 12 while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of adjacent regions A. As shown in FIG. In other words, in this example, the connection switching unit 6A executes the first connection process 16 times in total while sequentially changing all combinations of the pairs of adjacent regions A. FIG. Further, the connection switching unit 6A executes the above-described second connection processing each time the first connection processing is executed (that is, 16 times), and in each second connection processing, the first to thirteenth adjacent pairs of The process of connecting the electrodes E arranged in the pair of regions A respectively to the input terminals 51a and 51b of the detection unit 5 as the electrodes E for voltage detection is performed by connecting all combinations of the pair of adjacent regions A. It is executed 13 times in total while being changed sequentially. That is, in this example, the connection switching unit 6A performs the process of connecting the pair of electrodes E to the input terminals 51a and 51b of the detection unit 5 as the electrodes E for voltage detection a total of 208 times (16 times). 2 connection processing×1 second connection processing (13 times for each second connection processing). Further, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V and the phase difference θ each time the pair of electrodes E connected to the detection unit 5 is changed in each second connection process, and the processing unit 9A detects each detected The voltage value V and each phase difference θ (208 types of voltage values V and phase differences θ) are stored in the storage unit 8 . Thus, the detection processing in the completely separated state is completed.

Next, the operation part is operated to operate the stirrer 7 to start stirring. Next, the processing section 9A controls the stirrer 7 to continue the stirring (mixing) for a predetermined time, and then stops the stirring.

Subsequently, in the mixed state (see FIG. 6) in which the objects to be mixed 100a and 100b are mixed, the operation unit is operated to instruct the execution of detection processing, and in response to this, the processing unit 9A executes the detection processing described above. Then, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V and the phase difference θ between the electrodes E, and stores the voltage value V and the phase difference θ in the storage unit 8 .

Next, the operation unit is operated to instruct the execution of the calculation of the mixture degree M. In response to this, the processing unit 9 executes the division processing described above, and then executes the standard deviation calculation processing described above to calculate the standard deviations η and _η0 . Next, the processing unit 9 executes the mixing degree calculation process described above, calculates the mixing degree M, and stores the calculated mixing degree M in the storage unit 8 . Subsequently, the processing unit 9 displays the calculated mixture degree M on a display unit (not shown).

As described above, in the processing apparatus 1A and the processing method, the first connection processing is performed to connect the electrodes E arranged in the pair of regions A to the current supply section 4 as the electrodes E for current supply. are executed a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the electrodes E respectively arranged in the other pair of regions A out of the pair of regions A other than the pair of regions A where the electrodes E for current supply are arranged are connected to the detection unit 5 as electrodes E for voltage detection. do. Therefore, according to the processing apparatus 1A and the processing method, the voltage value V can be detected at all positions on the inner peripheral surface 22 of the container 2 which are defined at regular intervals along the circumferential direction. Therefore, according to the processing apparatus 1A and the processing method, it is possible to reduce the bias in the position where the voltage value V is detected, and as a result, the mixture degree M can be specified more accurately.

Next, the processing apparatus 1B shown in FIG. 1 as another example of the "processing apparatus" and the processing method using the processing apparatus 1B will be described.

In this processing apparatus 1B, as shown in FIG. 10, one electrode E is arranged in each of 16 regions A (an example of an even number of four or more) at positions having the same height from the bottom surface 23. there is A configuration in which the heights from the bottom surface 23 to each electrode E are slightly different from each other can also be adopted. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the processing device 1B includes a connection switching section 6B in place of the connection switching section 6 and a processing section 9B in place of the processing section 9 described above. In the processing device 1B, the connection switching unit 6B connects each electrode E for current supply to the current supply unit 4 according to an instruction from the processing unit 9B, and connects each electrode for voltage detection according to an instruction from the processing unit 9B. E and the detector 5 are connected.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the connection switching unit 6B switches the electrode E arranged in one of a pair of regions A facing each other across the central axis 21 of the container 2 to one electrode for current supply. E is connected to one output terminal 41a of the current supply unit 4, and the electrode E arranged in the other of the pair of opposing regions A is used as the other electrode E for current supply, and is used as the other output of the current supply unit 4. The first connection processing for connecting to the terminal 41b is executed a plurality of times (eight times in this example) while changing the combination of the pair of regions A facing each other.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the connection switching unit 6B is connected to a pair of adjacent regions A other than the pair of opposing regions A in which the electrodes E for current supply are arranged. The electrode E arranged on one side is connected to one input terminal 51a of the detection section 5 as one electrode E for voltage detection, and the electrode E arranged on the other side of the pair of adjacent regions A is used for voltage detection. The second electrode E is connected to the other input terminal 51b of the detection unit 5 a plurality of times (12 times in this example) while sequentially changing all the combinations of the pair of adjacent regions A. A connection process is executed each time the first connection process is executed.

Further, in the processing device 1B, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V and the phase difference θ each time the combination of the pair of electrodes E to be connected is changed in each second connection process.

When using this processing apparatus 1B to specify the mixing degree M of the above-described mixed objects 100a and 100b, the mixed objects 100a and 100b are accommodated in the main body portion 2a of the container 2 (see FIG. 5), and then In the completely separated state before starting the mixing of the objects to be mixed 100a and 100b, an operation unit (not shown) is operated to instruct execution of detection processing. In the detection process, the processing unit 9B first causes the connection switching unit 6B to perform connection processing.

In the connection process, the connection switching unit 6B executes the first connection process for connecting the pair of electrodes E for current supply to the current supply unit 4 for the first time. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the connection switching unit 6B is one of a pair of areas A (for example, areas A1 and A9) facing each other across the central axis 21 of the container 2 (for example, area A1). A1) is connected to one output terminal 41a of the current supply unit 4 as one electrode E for current supply, and is arranged in the other of the pair of opposing regions A (region A9). The other electrode E for current supply is connected to the other output terminal 41b of the current supply unit 4 as the other electrode E for current supply.

Subsequently, the connection switching unit 6B executes the second connection process for the first time. In this first second connection process, the connection switching unit 6B, as shown in FIGS. One of the first pairs (for example, areas A2 and A3) of each combination of a pair of adjacent areas A among other areas A (in this example, areas A2 to A8 and A10 to A16) excluding A9) The electrode E arranged in (for example, area A2) is connected to one input terminal 51a of the detection unit 5 as one electrode E for voltage detection, and is arranged in the other of areas A2 and A3 (area A3). The other electrode E for voltage detection is connected to the other input terminal 51b of the detector 5 as the other electrode E for voltage detection.

Next, the processing unit 9B instructs the current supply unit 4 to output the current I, and the current supply unit 4 outputs the current I. At this time, a current I is supplied between the electrodes E arranged in the regions A1 and A9. Subsequently, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V of the voltage between the electrodes E arranged in the regions A2 and A3 and the phase difference θ between the voltage and the current I, and the processing unit 9B detects The storage unit 8 stores the voltage value V and the phase difference .theta.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the connection switching unit 6B is arranged in one (for example, area A3) of the second set (for example, areas A3 and A4) of each combination of a pair of adjacent areas A. and the electrode E arranged in the other of the regions A3 and A4 (region A4) are connected to the input terminals 51a and 51b of the detection section 5 as the electrodes E for voltage detection. Subsequently, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V of the voltage between the electrodes E in the regions A3 and A4 and the phase difference θ between the voltage and the current I, and the processing unit 9B detects the detected voltage value V and the phase difference θ are stored in the storage unit 8 .

In the same manner, the connection switching unit 6B sets the electrodes E arranged in the pair of adjacent regions A up to the 12th pair shown in FIG. The process of connecting to the input terminals 51a and 51b is executed while sequentially changing the combination of a pair of adjacent areas A. FIG. That is, in this example, the connection switching unit 6B performs this process 12 times in total while sequentially changing all combinations of the pair of adjacent regions A in one second connection process. Further, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V and the phase difference θ each time the combination of the pair of electrodes E connected to the detection unit 5 is changed in the second connection process, and the processing unit 9B detects The storage unit 8 is caused to store the voltage value V and the phase difference θ. This completes the first second connection process.

Next, the connection switching unit 6B executes the first connection process for the second time. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, the connection switching unit 6B has a combination of opposing electrodes that is different from the regions A1 and A9 where the electrodes E connected to the current supply unit 4 are arranged in the first connection process of the first time. The electrodes E arranged in a pair of regions A (for example, regions A2 and A10) are connected to the output terminals 41a and 41b of the current supply section 4 as the electrodes E for current supply.

Subsequently, the connection switching unit 6B executes the second connection process for the second time. In this case, in the second connection process of the second time, the connection switching unit 6B, in the same manner as in the second connection process of the first time, sets the first to twelfth pairs of adjacent regions shown in FIG. The process of connecting the electrodes E arranged in A respectively to the input terminals 51a and 51b of the detection unit 5 as the electrodes E for voltage detection is applied to all combinations of a pair of adjacent areas A (in this example, , a total of 12 combinations) are sequentially changed and executed a plurality of times (in this example, a total of 12 combinations). Further, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V and the phase difference θ each time the combination of the pair of electrodes E connected to the detection unit 5 is changed in the second connection process, and the processing unit 9B detects The storage unit 8 is caused to store the voltage value V and the phase difference θ. This completes the second connection process for the second time.

Next, the connection switching unit 6B executes the third to eighth first connection processes shown in FIG. 14 while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of opposing regions A. As shown in FIG. That is, in this example, the connection switching unit 6B executes the first connection process eight times in total while sequentially changing all combinations of the pair of opposing regions A. FIG. In addition, the connection switching unit 6B executes the above-described second connection processing each time the first connection processing is executed (that is, eight times), and in each second connection processing, the first to twelfth adjacent pairs of The process of connecting the electrodes E arranged in the pair of regions A respectively to the input terminals 51a and 51b of the detection unit 5 as the electrodes E for voltage detection is performed by connecting all combinations of the pair of adjacent regions A. It is executed 12 times in total while being changed sequentially. That is, in this example, the connection switching unit 6B performs the process of connecting the pair of electrodes E to the input terminals 51a and 51b of the detection unit 5 as the electrodes E for voltage detection, a total of 96 times (8 times). 2 connection processes×1 second connection process (12 times for each second connection process). Further, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V and the phase difference θ each time the pair of electrodes E connected to the detection unit 5 is changed in each second connection process, and the processing unit 9B detects each detected The voltage value V and each phase difference θ (96 types of voltage values V and phase differences θ) are stored in the storage unit 8 . Thus, the detection processing in the completely separated state is completed.

Next, the operation part is operated to operate the stirrer 7 to start stirring. Next, the processing section 9B controls the stirrer 7 to continue the stirring (mixing) for a predetermined time, and then stop the stirring.

Subsequently, in the mixed state (see FIG. 6) in which the objects to be mixed 100a and 100b are mixed, the operation unit is operated to instruct execution of detection processing, and in response to this, the processing unit 9B executes the detection processing described above. Then, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V and the phase difference θ between the electrodes E, and stores the voltage value V and the phase difference θ in the storage unit 8 .

Next, the operation unit is operated to instruct the execution of the calculation of the mixture degree M. In response to this, the processing unit 9 executes the division processing described above, and then executes the standard deviation calculation processing described above to calculate the standard deviations η and _η0 . Next, the processing unit 9 executes the mixing degree calculation process described above, calculates the mixing degree M, and stores the calculated mixing degree M in the storage unit 8 . Subsequently, the processing unit 9 displays the calculated mixture degree M on a display unit (not shown).

As described above, in the processing apparatus 1B and the processing method, the current supply unit 4 uses the electrodes E arranged in the pair of regions A facing each other across the central axis 21 of the container 2 as the electrodes E for current supply. are executed a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of regions A facing each other, and the first connection processing of the regions A other than the pair of regions A facing each other in which the electrodes E for current supply are arranged. A second connection in which the process of connecting the electrodes E respectively arranged in the pair of regions A to the detection unit 5 as the electrodes E for voltage detection is executed a plurality of times while sequentially changing all the combinations of the pair of regions A. The process is executed each time the first connection process is executed. Therefore, according to the processing apparatus 1B and the processing method, the mixture target 100 contained in the container 2 is fed through the electrodes E respectively arranged in the pair of regions A facing each other with the central axis 21 interposed therebetween. By supplying the current I, the current I can be passed through the central portion of the container 2. As a result, the mixing degree M accurately reflects the mixed state of the central portion of the object 100 to be mixed contained in the container 2. can be specified. Further, according to the processing apparatus 1B and the processing method, in order to connect the electrodes E arranged in the pair of regions A facing each other across the central axis 21 to the current supply section 4 in the first connection processing, for example , in the first connection process, each electrode arranged in a pair of adjacent regions A is connected to the current supply unit 4 as the current supply electrode E, the inner peripheral surface of the container 2 22, the number of executions of the first connection process when supplying the current I while changing the supply position over one round can be reduced (halved). efficiency can be sufficiently improved.

Next, a processing method using the processing device 1C shown in FIG. 1 as another example of the “processing device” and the processing device 1C will be described.

In this processing apparatus 1C, as shown in FIG. 10, one electrode E is arranged in each area A at the same height from the bottom surface 23. As shown in FIG. A configuration in which the heights from the bottom surface 23 to each electrode E are slightly different from each other can also be adopted. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the processing device 1C includes a connection switching section 6C in place of the connection switching section 6 and a processing section 9C in place of the processing section 9 described above. In the processing device 1C, the connection switching unit 6C connects each electrode E for current supply to the current supply unit 4 according to an instruction from the processing unit 9C, and connects each electrode for voltage detection according to an instruction from the processing unit 9C. E and the detector 5 are connected.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the connection switching unit 6C uses each electrode E arranged in each of a plurality of (for example, five) regions A as one electrode E for current supply. 4, and each electrode E arranged in each of a plurality of (for example, five) regions A is used as the other electrode E for current supply. The first connection process for connecting to the output terminal 41b of is executed a plurality of times (16 times in this example) while sequentially changing the combination of each area A.

15 and 16, the connection switching unit 6C uses one of the electrodes E for current supply as one electrode E for voltage detection and switches one input terminal of the detection unit 5. 51a, and the electrode E arranged in any one of the regions A other than the region A where one electrode E for voltage detection is arranged is connected to the other electrode E for voltage detection. The first connection process is the second connection process in which the process of connecting the electrode E to the other input terminal 51b of the detection unit 5 is executed a plurality of times (15 times in this example) while sequentially changing one of the areas A. Run every time you run

Further, in the processing device 1C, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V and the phase difference θ each time the combination of the pair of electrodes E to be connected is changed in each second connection process.

When using this processing apparatus 1C to specify the degree of mixing M of the above-described mixed objects 100a and 100b, the mixed objects 100a and 100b are accommodated in the main body 2a of the container 2 (see FIG. 5), and then In the completely separated state before starting the mixing of the objects to be mixed 100a and 100b, an operation unit (not shown) is operated to instruct execution of detection processing. In the detection process, the processing unit 9C first causes the connection switching unit 6C to perform connection processing.

In the connection process, the connection switching unit 6</b>C executes the first connection process for the first time to connect the current supply electrodes E to the current supply unit 4 . Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the connection switching unit 6C switches each electrode E arranged in five areas A (for example, areas A1 to A5) to one electrode E for current supply. are connected to one output terminal 41a of the current supply unit 4, and each electrode E arranged in each of the other five areas A (for example, areas A9 to A13) excluding the areas A1 to A5 is connected to one output terminal 41a for current supply. is connected to the other output terminal 41b of the current supply unit 4 as the electrode E of the current supply unit 4. As shown in FIG.

Subsequently, the connection switching unit 6C executes the second connection process for the first time. In this first second connection process, the connection switching unit 6C selects one of the electrodes E for current supply, as shown in the first set of combinations in the region A in FIGS. 15 and 16 . E (for example, the electrode E arranged in the area A1) is connected to one input terminal 51a of the detection unit 5 as one electrode E for voltage detection, and one electrode E for voltage detection is arranged. The detection unit 5 uses the electrode E arranged in one of the regions A (for example, the region A16) as the other electrode E for voltage detection, out of the regions A (regions A2 to A16) other than the region A1 where the is connected to the other input terminal 51b.

Next, the processing unit 9C instructs the current supply unit 4 to output the current I, and the current supply unit 4 outputs the current I. At this time, the current I is supplied between each electrode E arranged in each of the regions A1 to A5 and each electrode E arranged in each of the regions A9 to A13. Subsequently, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V of the voltage between the electrodes E in the regions A1 and A16 and the phase difference θ between the voltage and the current I, and the processing unit 9C detects the detected voltage value V and the phase difference θ are stored in the storage unit 8 .

Next, the connection switching unit 6C uses the electrode E in the same area A1 as the first set as one electrode E for voltage detection, as shown in the second set of combinations in the area A in FIG. In addition to being connected to the terminal 51a, any one of the areas A2 to A16 excluding the area A1 except for the area A16 (the area A16 where the electrode E, which is the other for voltage detection in the first set) is arranged The electrode E arranged in the area A (for example, the area A15) is connected to the input terminal 51b of the detection section 5 as the other electrode E for voltage detection. Subsequently, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V of the voltage between the electrodes E in the regions A1 and A15 and the phase difference θ between the voltage and the current I, and the processing unit 9C detects the detected voltage value V and the phase difference θ are stored in the storage unit 8 .

Similarly, the connection switching unit 6C sets the electrode E in the area A1 as one electrode E for voltage detection, as shown in the third to fifteenth combinations of the area A in FIG. and connect the electrode E arranged in one of the regions A2 to A16 to the input terminal 51b of the detection unit 5 as the other electrode E for voltage detection. are executed while one of the areas A is sequentially changed. That is, in this example, the connection switching unit 6C executes this process 15 times in total while sequentially changing any one of the areas A in one second connection process. Further, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V and the phase difference θ each time the combination of the pair of electrodes E connected to the detection unit 5 is changed in the second connection process, and the processing unit 9C detects The storage unit 8 is caused to store the voltage value V and the phase difference θ. This completes the first second connection process.

Next, the connection switching unit 6C executes the first connection process for the second time. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the connection switching unit 6C selects a combination of the areas A1 to A5 and the areas A9 to A13 where the electrodes E connected to the current supply unit 4 are arranged in the first connection processing of the first time. Each of the electrodes E arranged in a plurality of regions A (for example, regions A2 to A6 and regions A10 to A14) of different combinations is used as each electrode E for current supply, and each output terminal 41a of the current supply unit 4, 41b respectively.

Subsequently, the connection switching unit 6C executes the second connection process for the second time. In this case, in the second connection processing of the second time, the connection switching unit 6C performs the first to fifteenth combinations of the region A in FIG. 16 in the same manner as the first second connection processing. , one of the electrodes E for current supply (for example, the electrode E arranged in the area A2) is connected to the input terminal 51a of the detection unit 5 as one electrode E for voltage detection. In addition, the electrode E arranged in any one of the regions A (regions A1, A3 to A16) other than the region A2 is used as the other electrode E for voltage detection, and is input to the detection unit 5. The process of connecting to the terminal 51b is executed a plurality of times (in this example, 15 times in total) while sequentially changing one of the areas A. FIG. Further, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V and the phase difference θ each time the combination of the pair of electrodes E connected to the detection unit 5 is changed in the second connection process, and the processing unit 9C detects The storage unit 8 is caused to store the voltage value V and the phase difference θ. This completes the second connection process for the second time.

Next, the connection switching unit 6C executes the third to sixteenth first connection processes shown in FIG. 16 while sequentially changing the combination of the plurality of areas A. FIG. That is, in this example, the connection switching unit 6C executes the first connection process 16 times in total while sequentially changing the combination of the plurality of areas A. FIG. In addition, the connection switching unit 6C executes the above-described second connection processing each time the first connection processing is executed (that is, 16 times), and in each second connection processing, one of the electrodes E for current supply is or one electrode E is connected to the input terminal 51a of the detection unit 5 as one electrode E for voltage detection, and one of the regions A excluding the region A in which the one electrode E for voltage detection is arranged The process of connecting the electrode E arranged in one of the areas A to the input terminal 51b of the detection unit 5 as the other electrode E for voltage detection is repeated a plurality of times while sequentially changing one of the areas A ( In this example, 15 times in total). That is, in this example, the connection switching unit 6C performs the process of connecting the pair of electrodes E to the input terminals 51a and 51b of the detection unit 5 as the electrodes E for voltage detection a total of 240 times (16 times). 2 connection processing×1 second connection processing (15 times for each second connection processing). Further, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V and the phase difference θ each time the pair of electrodes E connected to the detection unit 5 is changed in each second connection process, and the processing unit 9C detects each detected The voltage value V and each phase difference θ (240 types of voltage values V and phase differences θ) are stored in the storage unit 8 . Thus, the detection processing in the completely separated state is completed.

Next, the operation part is operated to operate the stirrer 7 to start stirring. Next, the processing section 9C controls the stirrer 7 to continue the stirring (mixing) for a predetermined time, and then stops the stirring.

Subsequently, in the mixed state (see FIG. 6) in which the objects to be mixed 100a and 100b are mixed, the operation unit is operated to instruct the execution of detection processing, and in response to this, the processing unit 9C executes the detection processing described above. Then, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V and the phase difference θ between the electrodes E, and stores the voltage value V and the phase difference θ in the storage unit 8 .

Next, the operation unit is operated to instruct the execution of the calculation of the mixture degree M. In response to this, the processing unit 9 executes the division processing described above, and then executes the standard deviation calculation processing described above to calculate the standard deviations η and _η0 . Next, the processing unit 9 executes the mixing degree calculation process described above, calculates the mixing degree M, and stores the calculated mixing degree M in the storage unit 8 . Subsequently, the processing unit 9 displays the calculated mixture degree M on a display unit (not shown).

As described above, in the processing apparatus 1C and the processing method, the first connection processing for connecting the electrodes E arranged in the plurality of regions A to the current supply unit 4 as the electrodes E for current supply is performed in each region A. The combination is sequentially changed and executed a plurality of times, and any one of the electrodes E for current supply and any one of the other regions A excluding the region A in which the electrode E is arranged Each time the first connection process is executed, the second connection process is executed a plurality of times while sequentially changing one of the areas A to connect the electrodes E arranged in the area A to the detection unit 5. . For this reason, according to the processing apparatus 1C and the processing method, compared to the configuration and method of supplying the current I between the pair of electrodes E, the current I is uniformly distributed in the mixed object 100 housed in the container 2. can flow to Therefore, according to the processing apparatus 1C and the processing method, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the voltage value V detected by the detection unit 5 becomes inaccurate due to non-uniformity of the current I flowing through the object to be mixed 100. The degree of mixing M can be specified more accurately.

The processing apparatus and processing method are not limited to the above configurations and methods. For example, the examples applied to the processing devices 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C that specify the degree of mixing M (index indicating the degree of mixing) as the degree of mixing have been described above, but the processing devices that specify other indices indicating the degree of mixing and It can also be applied to processing methods. For example, it can be applied to a processing apparatus and a processing method that specify the degree of dispersion or uniformity (uniformity index) as an index indicating the degree of mixing.

Further, the example in which the current supply unit 4 outputs a constant alternating current as the current I and the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V of the alternating voltage and the phase difference θ between the alternating voltage and the current I has been described above. Adopting a configuration and method in which the supply unit 4 outputs a DC current, the detection unit 5 detects the voltage value V of the DC voltage, and the degree of mixture (index indicating the degree of mixture) is specified based on the voltage value V. can also

Also, the example of executing the first connection process multiple times by changing the combination of the pair of areas A has been described above, but the configuration is such that the first connection process is executed only once (the second connection process is also executed only once). and methods can also be employed.

In addition, two types of mixed objects 100a and 100b having different electrical characteristics are processed using the processing methods executed by the processing apparatuses 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C and the processing apparatuses 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C. Although the example of specifying the mixing degree M has been described above, these processing apparatuses 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C and the processing method can be used when specifying the mixing degree M of three or more types of mixing objects having different electrical characteristics. Also in this case, the same effects as those described above can be realized.

In addition, although an example in which an organic solvent and conductive particles (carbon black) are mixed is described above, the mixed object is not limited to this, and a plurality of types of arbitrary substances having different electrical properties may be mixed. can be done. For example, a solvent and a solute that dissolves in the solvent, such as water and salt, can be mixed. In addition, a plurality of types of objects which are made of the same material but have different particle sizes (different electrical characteristics) can be mixed. Furthermore, a plurality of types of objects that are made of the same material but have different crystal structures (different electrical characteristics) can be mixed. Moreover, the state of each object to be mixed may be any of solid, liquid, and gas.

In addition, in the first connection processing in the processing apparatuses 1 and 1A and the processing method executed by the processing apparatuses 1 and 1A, each electrode E arranged in a pair of regions A adjacent to each other is connected to each electrode for current supply. The example of connecting each of the output terminals 41a and 41b of the current supply unit 4 as E is described above. can be connected to the output terminals 41a and 41b of the current supply unit 4 as the electrodes E for voltage detection.

In addition, in the second connection process in the processing method executed by the processing apparatuses 1, 1A, 1B and the processing apparatuses 1, 1A, 1B, voltage detection is performed on the electrodes E arranged in the pair of regions A adjacent to each other. Although the example in which each electrode E is connected to each input terminal 51a, 51b of the detection unit 5 as each electrode E is described above, in the second connection process, a pair of electrodes E that are not adjacent to each other (for example, every other one or every two) It is also possible to connect the electrodes E respectively arranged in the regions A to the input terminals 51a and 51b of the detection section 5 as the electrodes E for voltage detection.

In addition, in the first connection process in the processing device 1C and the processing method executed by the processing device 1C, the electrodes E arranged in the five regions A (that is, the five electrodes E) are connected to the current supply unit 4. The example of connecting to one output terminal 41a and connecting each electrode E (that is, five electrodes E) arranged in each of the five regions A to the other output terminal 41b of the current supply unit 4 has been described above. , the number of electrodes E to be connected to the output terminals 41a and 41b of the current supply unit 4 is not limited to five, and an arbitrary number (plurality) of two to four and six or more electrodes E may be connected to the current supply unit. 4 output terminals 41a and 41b. In this case, the number of electrodes E connected to the output terminal 41a of the current supply section 4 and the number of electrodes E connected to the output terminal 41b of the current supply section 4 may be different. In the first connection process, only one electrode E is connected to one of the output terminals 41a and 41b of the current supply unit 4 (the output terminal 41a in the above example), and the other of the output terminals 41a and 41b is connected. A configuration and method for connecting a plurality of electrodes E can also be adopted.

In addition, in the processing device 1C and the second connection processing in the processing method executed by the processing device 1C, any one electrode E for current supply is used as one electrode E for voltage detection, and the input terminal 51a of the detection unit 5 and other regions A (in the above example, 15 regions A: hereinafter simply referred to as “other regions A”) excluding the region A where one electrode E for voltage detection is arranged The process of connecting the electrode E arranged in one of the areas A to the input terminal 51b of the detection unit 5 as the other electrode E for voltage detection (hereinafter also referred to as "target process") is performed in the other area. Although the example in which all the electrodes E in A are sequentially changed and executed (that is, executed 15 times in total) has been described above, it is not always necessary to execute the target process for all electrodes E in other regions A. . For example, a configuration and method for executing the target process only on the electrodes E excluding the electrodes E connected to one output terminal 41a of the current supply unit 4 among all the electrodes E in the other area A are adopted. You can also In addition, a configuration and method are adopted in which target processing is performed on only the electrodes E excluding the electrodes E connected to the other output terminal 41b of the current supply unit 4 among all the electrodes E in the other area A. You can also Furthermore, the configuration and method for executing the target process only on the electrodes E excluding the electrodes E connected to both the output terminals 41a and 41b of the current supply unit 4 among all the electrodes E in the other area A. can also be adopted.

Further, although the example in which the connection switching units 6, 6A, 6B, and 6C execute both the first connection process and the second connection process has been described above, the first connection process and the second connection process are executed by separate connection switching units. A configuration can also be adopted.

In addition, although the configuration example in which the current supply unit 4 outputs the current I (for example, alternating current constant current) has been described above, the current I is supplied by the current supply unit 4 outputting a constant voltage (the current supply unit 4 is a constant voltage). (using a voltage source) can also be employed. In this case, when the impedance of the objects to be mixed 100a and 100b is high, voltage control can be performed more easily than current control. Therefore, by adopting a configuration using a constant voltage source as the current supply unit 4, the current I can be stably supplied from the current supply unit 4 to the mixed objects 100a and 100b having high impedance.

Reference Signs List 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Processing device 2 Storage container 4 Current supply unit 5 Detection unit 6, 6A, 6B, 6C Connection switching unit 9, 9A, 9B, 9C Processing unit 41a, 41b Output terminals 51a, 51b Input terminals 100a, 100b Mixing target A1 to A16 Area E, Ef, Efh, Efl, Es Electrode M Mixing degree V Voltage value

Claims (8)

A cylindrical storage container that stores a plurality of types of mixing targets having different electrical characteristics, a plurality of electrodes arranged in the storage container, and a current that supplies current between the electrodes for current supply. a supply unit, a voltage detection unit for detecting a voltage between the electrodes for voltage detection, each electrode for current supply and the current supply unit are connected, and each electrode for voltage detection and the voltage detection unit are connected. and a processing unit that executes a process of specifying the mixing state of the plurality of types of mixture objects based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit,
each of the electrodes is arranged in three or more regions spaced apart from each other at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the container,
The connection switching unit performs a first connection process of connecting each of the electrodes arranged in each of the plurality of regions to the current supply unit as the current supply electrode once or sequentially in combination with each of the regions. While changing and executing a plurality of times, the process of connecting the electrodes respectively arranged in the pair of regions to the voltage detection unit as the electrodes for voltage detection while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of regions executing a second connection process that is executed a plurality of times each time the first connection process is executed;
The voltage detection unit detects the voltage value each time the electrodes connected to the voltage detection unit are changed in each second connection process ,
The processing unit divides a virtual plane defined to be orthogonal to the center axis of the container into a plurality of divided regions having a predetermined planar shape in each of the mixing objects contained in the container, and , the conductivity based on the impedance calculated from the detected voltage value is calculated for each of the divided regions, and the conductivity of all the divided regions in the virtual plane is the population standard of the population Calculate the deviation, and subtract the division value obtained by dividing the standard deviation in the state after starting mixing of each of the mixing targets by the standard deviation in the state before starting mixing of each of the mixing targets from the value 1. Subtraction A processing device that identifies the degree of mixing based on a value,
Each of the electrodes extends from each position on the high position side of each area to the same height from the bottom surface of the container and from each position on the high position side along the height direction of the container toward the bottom surface side. A plurality of first electrodes spaced apart from each other and having equal heights from the bottom surface, respectively, and arranged at respective positions on the low position side, and the heights from the bottom surface between the first electrodes in each region being equal to each other. A plurality of second electrodes arranged at respective positions,
The connection switching unit connects each of the first electrodes arranged in one of the pair of regions to one output terminal of the current supply unit as one electrode for current supply in the first connection process. and connecting each of the first electrodes arranged in the other of the pair of regions to the other output terminal of the current supply unit as the other electrode for current supply, and in the second connection process, the pair of The second electrode arranged in one of the regions is connected to one input terminal of the voltage detection section as one electrode for voltage detection, and the second electrode arranged in the other of the pair of regions is connected to one input terminal of the voltage detection unit. A processing device for executing a process of connecting the electrode as the other electrode for voltage detection to the other input terminal of the voltage detection unit a plurality of times while sequentially changing all combinations of the pair of regions. A cylindrical storage container that stores a plurality of types of mixing targets having different electrical characteristics, a plurality of electrodes arranged in the storage container, and a current that supplies current between the electrodes for current supply. a supply unit, a voltage detection unit for detecting a voltage between the electrodes for voltage detection, each electrode for current supply and the current supply unit are connected, and each electrode for voltage detection and the voltage detection unit are connected. and a processing unit that executes a process of specifying the mixing state of the plurality of types of mixture objects based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit,
each of the electrodes is arranged in three or more regions spaced apart from each other at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the container,
The connection switching unit performs a first connection process of connecting each of the electrodes arranged in each of the plurality of regions to the current supply unit as the current supply electrode once or sequentially in combination with each of the regions. While changing and executing a plurality of times, the process of connecting the electrodes respectively arranged in the pair of regions to the voltage detection unit as the electrodes for voltage detection while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of regions executing a second connection process that is executed a plurality of times each time the first connection process is executed;
The voltage detection unit detects the voltage value each time the electrodes connected to the voltage detection unit are changed in each second connection process ,
The processing unit divides a virtual plane defined to be orthogonal to the center axis of the container into a plurality of divided regions having a predetermined planar shape in each of the mixing objects contained in the container, and , the conductivity based on the impedance calculated from the detected voltage value is calculated for each of the divided regions, and the conductivity of all the divided regions in the virtual plane is the population standard of the population Calculate the deviation, and subtract the division value obtained by dividing the standard deviation in the state after starting mixing of each of the mixing targets by the standard deviation in the state before starting mixing of each of the mixing targets from the value 1. Subtraction A processing device that identifies the degree of mixing based on a value,
Each of the electrodes is arranged at each position in the region with the same height from the bottom surface of the container,
In the first connection process, the connection switching unit connects the electrode arranged in one of the pair of regions as one of the electrodes for current supply to one output terminal of the current supply unit. The electrode arranged in the other of the pair of regions is connected as the other electrode for current supply to the other output terminal of the current supply unit, and in the second connection process, the electrode for current supply is arranged. one input terminal of the voltage detection unit, with the electrode arranged in one of the other pair of regions as the one electrode for voltage detection, of the other regions excluding the pair of regions where the and connecting the electrode arranged in the other of the other pair of regions to the other input terminal of the voltage detection unit as the other electrode for voltage detection. A processing device that executes multiple times while sequentially changing all combinations of A cylindrical storage container that stores a plurality of types of mixing targets having different electrical characteristics, a plurality of electrodes arranged in the storage container, and a current that supplies current between the electrodes for current supply. a supply unit, a voltage detection unit for detecting a voltage between the electrodes for voltage detection, each electrode for current supply and the current supply unit are connected, and each electrode for voltage detection and the voltage detection unit are connected. and a processing unit that executes a process of specifying the mixing state of the plurality of types of mixture objects based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit,
each of the electrodes is arranged in three or more regions spaced apart from each other at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the container,
The connection switching unit performs a first connection process of connecting each of the electrodes arranged in each of the plurality of regions to the current supply unit as the current supply electrode once or sequentially in combination with each of the regions. While changing and executing a plurality of times, the process of connecting the electrodes respectively arranged in the pair of regions to the voltage detection unit as the electrodes for voltage detection while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of regions executing a second connection process that is executed a plurality of times each time the first connection process is executed;
The voltage detection unit detects the voltage value each time the electrodes connected to the voltage detection unit are changed in each second connection process ,
The processing unit divides a virtual plane defined to be orthogonal to the center axis of the container into a plurality of divided regions having a predetermined planar shape in each of the mixing objects contained in the container, and , the conductivity based on the impedance calculated from the detected voltage value is calculated for each of the divided regions, and the conductivity of all the divided regions in the virtual plane is the population standard of the population Calculate the deviation, and subtract the division value obtained by dividing the standard deviation in the state after starting mixing of each of the mixing targets by the standard deviation in the state before starting mixing of each of the mixing targets from the value 1. Subtraction A processing device that identifies the degree of mixing based on a value,
Each of the electrodes is arranged at each position where the height from the bottom surface of the container is equal to each other in the four or more even-numbered regions,
In the first connection process, the connection switching unit uses the electrode arranged in one of the pair of regions facing each other across the central axis of the container as one electrode for current supply. and connecting the electrode arranged in the other of the pair of opposing regions to the other output terminal of the current supply unit as the other electrode for current supply, In the 2-connection process, the electrodes arranged in one of the pair of regions other than the pair of opposing regions where the electrodes for current supply are arranged are connected to the electrodes for voltage detection. One electrode is connected to one input terminal of the voltage detection section and the electrode arranged in the other of the pair of regions is connected to the other input terminal of the voltage detection section as the other electrode for voltage detection. A processing device that executes a process of connecting a plurality of times while sequentially changing all combinations of the pair of areas . A cylindrical storage container that stores a plurality of types of mixing targets having different electrical characteristics, a plurality of electrodes arranged in the storage container, and a current that supplies current between the electrodes for current supply. a supply unit, a voltage detection unit for detecting a voltage between the electrodes for voltage detection, each electrode for current supply and the current supply unit are connected, and each electrode for voltage detection and the voltage detection unit are connected. and a processing unit that executes a process of specifying the mixing state of the plurality of types of mixture objects based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit,
each of the electrodes is arranged in three or more regions spaced apart from each other at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the container,
The connection switching unit performs a first connection process of connecting each of the electrodes arranged in each of the plurality of regions to the current supply unit as the current supply electrode once or sequentially in combination with each of the regions. While changing and executing a plurality of times, the process of connecting the electrodes respectively arranged in the pair of regions to the voltage detection unit as the electrodes for voltage detection while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of regions executing a second connection process that is executed a plurality of times each time the first connection process is executed;
The voltage detection unit detects the voltage value each time the electrodes connected to the voltage detection unit are changed in each second connection process ,
The processing unit divides a virtual plane defined to be orthogonal to the center axis of the container into a plurality of divided regions having a predetermined planar shape in each of the mixing objects contained in the container, and , the conductivity based on the impedance calculated from the detected voltage value is calculated for each of the divided regions, and the conductivity of all the divided regions in the virtual plane is the population standard of the population Calculate the deviation, and subtract the division value obtained by dividing the standard deviation in the state after starting mixing of each of the mixing targets by the standard deviation in the state before starting mixing of each of the mixing targets from the value 1. Subtraction A processing device that identifies the degree of mixing based on a value,
Each of the electrodes is arranged at each position in the region with the same height from the bottom surface of the container,
In the first connection process, the connection switching unit connects each of the electrodes arranged in one or more of the regions as one electrode for supplying current to one output terminal of the current supply unit. connecting each of the electrodes arranged in the plurality of regions other than the plurality of regions together with the other electrode to the other output terminal of the current supply unit as the other electrode for supplying the current, and performing the second connection processing any one of the electrodes for current supply is connected to one input terminal of the voltage detection section as one electrode for voltage detection, and the one electrode for voltage detection is arranged. The process of connecting the electrode arranged in any one of the other areas excluding the area where the voltage is detected to the other input terminal of the voltage detection unit as the other electrode for voltage detection. A processing device that executes a plurality of times while sequentially changing any one area . A plurality of electrodes are respectively arranged in three or more regions spaced apart from each other at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical storage container in which a plurality of types of mixing objects having different electrical characteristics are stored. In a state in which each of the objects to be mixed is accommodated in the container,
performing a first connection process of connecting each of the electrodes arranged in each of the plurality of regions to a current supply unit as an electrode for current supply once or a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the regions;
A second connection process is performed a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of areas to connect the electrodes respectively arranged in the pair of areas to the voltage detection unit as electrodes for voltage detection. 1 Executed each time connection processing is executed,
causing the voltage detection unit to detect a voltage value between the electrodes each time the electrodes connected to the voltage detection unit are changed in each of the second connection processes;
A virtual plane defined to be orthogonal to the central axis of the container is divided into a plurality of divided regions having a predetermined planar shape in each of the mixed objects contained in the container, and the detected Calculate the conductivity based on the impedance calculated from the voltage value for each of the divided regions, and calculate the standard deviation of the population with the conductivity for all the divided regions in the virtual plane as a population, Based on the subtraction value obtained by subtracting the divided value obtained by dividing the standard deviation in the state after starting mixing of each of the mixing targets by the standard deviation in the state before starting mixing of each of the mixing targets from the value 1 A processing method for identifying the degree of mixture of multiple types of mixture objects,
Using a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes as the electrodes, each position on the high position side having the same height from the bottom surface of the container in each region and each position on the high position side Along the height direction of the container, the plurality of first electrodes are spaced apart from the bottom surface side and arranged at respective positions on the low position side that are equal to each other in height from the bottom surface, and arranging the plurality of second electrodes at respective positions between the first electrodes having equal heights from the bottom surface;
In the first connection process, each of the first electrodes arranged in one of the pair of regions is connected as one electrode for current supply to one output terminal of the current supply unit, and the pair of regions is connected to one output terminal of the current supply unit. connecting each of the first electrodes arranged on the other side to the other output terminal of the current supply section as the other electrode for current supply,
In the second connection process, the second electrode arranged in one of the pair of regions is connected as one electrode for voltage detection to one input terminal of the voltage detection unit, A process of connecting the second electrode arranged on the other side to the other input terminal of the voltage detection section as the other electrode for voltage detection is executed a plurality of times while sequentially changing all combinations of the pair of regions. processing method. A plurality of electrodes are respectively arranged in three or more regions spaced apart from each other at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical storage container in which a plurality of types of mixing objects having different electrical characteristics are stored. In a state in which each of the objects to be mixed is accommodated in the container,
performing a first connection process of connecting each of the electrodes arranged in each of the plurality of regions to a current supply unit as an electrode for current supply once or a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the regions;
A second connection process is performed a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of areas to connect the electrodes respectively arranged in the pair of areas to the voltage detection unit as electrodes for voltage detection. 1 Executed each time connection processing is executed,
causing the voltage detection unit to detect a voltage value between the electrodes each time the electrodes connected to the voltage detection unit are changed in each of the second connection processes;
A virtual plane defined to be orthogonal to the central axis of the container is divided into a plurality of divided regions having a predetermined planar shape in each of the mixed objects contained in the container, and the detected Calculate the conductivity based on the impedance calculated from the voltage value for each of the divided regions, and calculate the standard deviation of the population with the conductivity for all the divided regions in the virtual plane as a population, Based on the subtraction value obtained by subtracting the divided value obtained by dividing the standard deviation in the state after starting mixing of each of the mixing targets by the standard deviation in the state before starting mixing of each of the mixing targets from the value 1 A processing method for identifying the degree of mixture of multiple types of mixture objects,
arranging each of the electrodes in each position in the area having the same height from the bottom surface of the container;
In the first connection process, the electrode arranged in one of the pair of regions is connected as one of the electrodes for current supply to one output terminal of the current supply unit and connected to the other of the pair of regions. connecting the arranged electrode to the other output terminal of the current supply unit as the other electrode for current supply;
In the second connection processing, the electrodes arranged in one of the other pair of regions out of the pair of regions other than the pair of regions where the electrodes for current supply are arranged are subjected to the voltage detection. The electrode connected to one input terminal of the voltage detection section as one electrode for voltage detection and arranged in the other of the other pair of regions is used as the other electrode for voltage detection of the other voltage detection section. A processing method for executing the processing of connecting to the input terminal of the other pair of regions a plurality of times while sequentially changing all combinations of the other pair of regions . A plurality of electrodes are respectively arranged in three or more regions spaced apart from each other at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical storage container in which a plurality of types of mixing objects having different electrical characteristics are stored. In a state in which each of the objects to be mixed is accommodated in the container,
performing a first connection process of connecting each of the electrodes arranged in each of the plurality of regions to a current supply unit as an electrode for current supply once or a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the regions;
A second connection process is performed a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of areas to connect the electrodes respectively arranged in the pair of areas to the voltage detection unit as electrodes for voltage detection. 1 Executed each time connection processing is executed,
causing the voltage detection unit to detect a voltage value between the electrodes each time the electrodes connected to the voltage detection unit are changed in each of the second connection processes;
A virtual plane defined to be orthogonal to the central axis of the container is divided into a plurality of divided regions having a predetermined planar shape in each of the mixed objects contained in the container, and the detected Calculate the conductivity based on the impedance calculated from the voltage value for each of the divided regions, and calculate the standard deviation of the population with the conductivity for all the divided regions in the virtual plane as a population, Based on the subtraction value obtained by subtracting the divided value obtained by dividing the standard deviation in the state after starting mixing of each of the mixing targets by the standard deviation in the state before starting mixing of each of the mixing targets from the value 1 A processing method for identifying the degree of mixture of multiple types of mixture objects,
Each electrode is arranged at each position where the height from the bottom surface of the container in the four or more even-numbered regions is equal to each other,
In the first connection process, the electrode disposed in one of the pair of regions facing each other across the center axis of the container is used as one electrode for supplying current, and one output terminal of the current supply unit. and connecting the electrode arranged in the other of the pair of opposing regions to the other output terminal of the current supply unit as the other electrode for current supply,
In the second connection processing, the voltage detection is performed on the electrode arranged in one of the pair of regions other than the pair of opposing regions where the electrodes for current supply are arranged. The electrode connected to one input terminal of the voltage detection section as one electrode for voltage detection and arranged in the other of the pair of regions is used as the other electrode for voltage detection and connected to the other input terminal of the voltage detection section. A processing method for executing a process of connecting to a terminal a plurality of times while sequentially changing all combinations of the pair of areas . A plurality of electrodes are respectively arranged in three or more regions spaced apart from each other at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical storage container in which a plurality of types of mixing objects having different electrical characteristics are stored. In a state in which each of the objects to be mixed is accommodated in the container,
performing a first connection process of connecting each of the electrodes arranged in each of the plurality of regions to a current supply unit as an electrode for current supply once or a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the regions;
A second connection process is performed a plurality of times while sequentially changing the combination of the pair of areas to connect the electrodes respectively arranged in the pair of areas to the voltage detection unit as electrodes for voltage detection. 1 Executed each time connection processing is executed,
causing the voltage detection unit to detect a voltage value between the electrodes each time the electrodes connected to the voltage detection unit are changed in each of the second connection processes;
A virtual plane defined to be orthogonal to the central axis of the container is divided into a plurality of divided regions having a predetermined planar shape in each of the mixed objects contained in the container, and the detected Calculate the conductivity based on the impedance calculated from the voltage value for each of the divided regions, and calculate the standard deviation of the population with the conductivity for all the divided regions in the virtual plane as a population, Based on the subtraction value obtained by subtracting the divided value obtained by dividing the standard deviation in the state after starting mixing of each of the mixing targets by the standard deviation in the state before starting mixing of each of the mixing targets from the value 1 A processing method for identifying the degree of mixture of multiple types of mixture objects,
arranging each of the electrodes in each position in the area having the same height from the bottom surface of the container;
In the first connection process, each of the electrodes arranged in one or more of the regions is connected to one output terminal of the current supply unit as one of the electrodes for current supply, and the plurality of regions are connected to each other. connecting each of the electrodes arranged in each of the plurality of regions except for the other electrode to the other output terminal of the current supply unit as the other electrode for current supply,
In the second connection process, any one of the electrodes for current supply is connected to one input terminal of the voltage detection unit as one electrode for voltage detection, and one of the electrodes for voltage detection is connected to one input terminal of the voltage detection unit. The electrode arranged in one of the other regions excluding the region where the electrode of is arranged is connected to the other input terminal of the voltage detection unit as the other electrode for voltage detection A processing method in which connection processing is executed multiple times while sequentially changing any one of the regions .

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