DE102019118246B3 - Electronic scales and procedures for their operation - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic balance, comprising- a weighing space which is surrounded by a draft shield with a door (10) that can be operated by means of a motor drive (12), and one with the motor drive (12) and with a marker Memory (32) operatively connected control unit (18), which is set up to control the motor drive (12) for opening the door (10) after receiving a predetermined opening command. The invention is characterized in that the control unit (10) is set up further - to set a corresponding locking mark in the marker memory (32) upon receipt of a predetermined locking command, - to check the marker memory (32) for the presence of the locking mark before processing each opening command and - the processing of the opening command if the presence of the locking mark is detected cancel and control the motorized drive (12) for applying force to the door (10) in the closing direction.

Description

Field of invention

• - einen Wägeraum, der von einem Windschutz mit einer mittels eines motorischen Antriebs betätigbaren Tür umgeben ist, und
• - eine mit dem motorischen Antrieb sowie mit einem Marker-Speicher wirkverbundene Steuereinheit, die eingerichtet ist, nach Erhalt eines vorgegebenen Öffnungsbefehls den motorischen Antrieb zum Öffnen der Tür anzusteuern.

The invention relates to an electronic balance comprising

• - A weighing space which is surrounded by a draft shield with a door that can be operated by means of a motor drive, and
• - A control unit which is operatively connected to the motor drive and to a marker memory and is set up to control the motor drive to open the door after receiving a predetermined opening command.

The invention further relates to a method for operating an electronic balance which has a weighing space which is surrounded by a draft shield with a door that can be operated by means of a motor drive, and a control unit equipped with a marker memory and operatively connected to the motor drive, which is set up to control the motor drive for opening the door after receiving a predetermined opening command.

State of the art

Such a balance and such a method for their operation are known from DE 39 19 870 C1 .

From the DE 10 2013 113 006 A1 and the US 8 198 553 B2 Manually operated draft shields for precision scales are known whose side panels can be removed without tools.

The DE 42 35 250 C1 describes an electronic scale with control and evaluation electronics and a display for the weighing result and with a motor-driven, lockable weight circuit.

The weighing room of electronic scales is usually surrounded by a so-called draft shield, which is intended to ensure constant climatic conditions within the weighing room. To load the weighing chamber, in particular the load receiver, with a sample to be weighed, it is necessary to open the draft shield at least partially. A door is usually provided for this purpose. The concept of the door is to be understood here purely functional in the sense of an open and lockable access and in no way limited to a special structural embodiment. Often a side wall of the draft shield is designed as a door, completely or partially as a slidable plate. Also known are rotatably movable, hollow-cylindrical windshields. With modern scales, the door can be opened or closed by a motor. This is usually done by entering an opening command. This can be done manually, for example, by pressing a specific (physical or virtual) key, or automatically as part of a preprogrammed functional sequence.

In the case of the scales disclosed in the generic publications mentioned above, the opening command is not issued directly from an input unit to the motor drive. Rather, a digital control unit receives the opening command and then in turn sets in motion a corresponding control of the motorized drive. This detour allows the control command to be specified algorithmically. In particular, the cited document discloses the possibility of defining and storing certain opening states of the door in advance in a learning process, so that the control unit, after receiving the general opening command, activates the motorized drive to open the door (only) up to a previously learned and stored opening state undertakes. For the purpose of the learning process, the door can be operated manually, with a manually set opening state being saved as a learned target state for a subsequent opening process by entering a corresponding control command. The known scales are equipped with suitable sensors to detect the opening state.

In practice, there are a number of situations in which it is essential not to open the draft shield. This can be the case, for example, in the context of special, lengthy calibration processes. It is also conceivable that a user of the scales who takes a possibly longer break from work wants to ensure that no unauthorized access to the weighing room, ie. H. the door is not opened by unauthorized persons. A mechanical locking is of course conceivable here, but this is structurally complex and expensive. The use of a self-locking gear between the door and its motorized drive in combination with an electronic lock of the input unit for the opening command is also fundamentally conceivable. However, such a technology cannot be used with the adaptive scales described above, since the door must be able to be operated manually, which would be destroyed by a self-locking gear.

Task

It is the object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive and reliable Provide locking for electronic scales.

Statement of the invention

• - bei Erhalt eines vorgegebenen Verriegelungsbefehls eine entsprechende Verriegelungsmarke im Marker-Speicher zu setzen,
• - vor Abarbeitung jedes Öffnungsbefehls den Marker-Speicher auf das Vorhandensein der Verriegelungsmarke zu überprüfen und
• - die Abarbeitung des Öffnungsbefehls bei festgestelltem Vorhandensein der Verriegelungsmarke abzubrechen und den motorischen Antrieb zur Kraftbeaufschlagung der Tür in Schließrichtung anzusteuern.

This object is achieved in connection with the features of the preamble of claim 1 in that the control unit is further set up,

• - to set a corresponding locking mark in the marker memory upon receipt of a specified locking command,
• - Before processing each opening command, check the marker memory for the presence of the locking mark and
• - cancel the processing of the opening command if the locking mark is detected and control the motorized drive for applying force to the door in the closing direction.

• - bei Erhalt eines vorgegebenen Verriegelungsbefehls eine entsprechende Verriegelungsmarke im Marker-Speicher gesetzt,
• - vor Abarbeitung jedes Öffnungsbefehls der Marker-Speicher auf das Vorhandensein der Verriegelungsmarke überprüft und
• - die Abarbeitung des Öffnungsbefehls bei festgestelltem Vorhandensein der Verriegelungsmarke abgebrochen und der motorische Antrieb zur Kraftbeaufschlagung der Tür in Schließrichtung angesteuert

wird.The object is also achieved in connection with the features of the preamble of claim 7 in that the control unit

• - on receipt of a specified locking command, a corresponding locking mark is set in the marker memory,
• - Before each opening command is processed, the marker memory is checked for the presence of the locking mark and
• - The processing of the opening command is aborted if the locking mark was detected and the motorized drive for applying force to the door is activated in the closing direction

becomes.

Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The basic idea of the invention is to precede the processing of the opening command in the control unit with an algorithmic locking test. If this locking test shows that opening the door is generally prohibited, the opening process is aborted. Only in the event that no fundamental block has been established will the opening process, if necessary, take into account further details, e.g. Target state, time delay etc., also actually carried out.

As explained above, it is particularly necessary in the case of adaptive scales that the door can also be operated manually. However, the explained upstream connection of an algorithmic locking test as such cannot counteract manual opening. It is therefore further provided according to the invention that the control unit is further set up to control the motor drive for applying force to the door in the closing direction when the processing of the opening command is aborted. In terms of process technology, this means that if the processing of the opening command is aborted, the motor drive for applying force to the door is actuated in the closing direction. Manual opening of the door is thus prevented by the opposing force of the motor. The force does not necessarily have to be applied continuously, as provided in one embodiment. Also conceivable, encompassed by the invention and actually provided in another embodiment, are cases in which a force acting on the door in the opening direction is detected by sensors and the motor drive is (only) actuated in a compensatory manner if necessary.

The locking command can be entered or entered manually via an input unit that is operatively connected to the control unit. This form of input is particularly useful in cases such as the example described above of a longer work break during which the draft shield should not be opened. As an alternative or in addition, it can be provided that the control unit is further set up to automatically generate the locking command within the scope of processing a predetermined functional sequence. In terms of process technology, this means that the locking command is automatically generated by the control unit itself in the course of processing a predetermined functional sequence. A typical application would be a complex calibration process which is only initiated by the user and then carried out automatically by the balance. Opening commands given manually during the calibration process can be specifically ignored.

To return to normal operation, it is necessary to delete the locking mark set as a result of the locking command at a suitable point in time from the marker memory. Finding this appropriate point in time can be done in different ways. In a particularly simple embodiment, it is provided that the control unit is further set up to automatically delete the locking mark after a predetermined period of time. In terms of process technology, this means that the locking mark is automatically deleted by the control unit after a predetermined period of time. The time lapse can be specified explicitly by a user, for example by inputting it on a keyboard. However, a preset time period or one based on external criteria is also conceivable (e.g. working hours in a laboratory).

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the control unit is further set up to delete the locking mark from the marker memory upon receipt of a predetermined unlocking command. In terms of process technology, this means that the locking mark in the marker memory is deleted by the control unit when it receives a predetermined unlocking command. The unlocking command can be given manually by a user, for example via a (physical or virtual) keyboard, or in an automated manner, for example by the control unit itself, as part of the processing of a preprogrammed functional sequence.

In particular, but not exclusively in the case of manual input, it can be provided that the input of the unlocking command requires prior authentication. For example, it can be provided that only the user who entered the locking command is also authorized to enter the unlocking command. Other authorization hierarchies can of course also be established. However, the special access authorizations are not the subject of the present invention. Such authentications are technically feasible, for example, through manual code entry and / or through a special optical, magnetic or electronic authentication interface in which a scale-based sensor receives and evaluates a signal sent by the command transmitter.

Further details and advantages of the invention emerge from the following specific description and the drawings.

Figure list

• 1: eine schematische Darstellung des Steuerungsaufbaus einer erfindungsgemäßen Waage.

It shows:

• 1 : a schematic representation of the control structure of a scale according to the invention.

Description of preferred embodiments

1 shows the control structure in a balance according to the invention in a highly schematic representation and neglecting a number of functionally but not inventive elements. Only the door is off the scale 10 their windbreak, otherwise not shown. By means of a motor drive designed as an electric motor 12th is the door 10 according to the movement arrow 14th displaceable so that access to a weighing space not shown in detail can be opened and closed as required. The mechanical connection between the electric motor is purely exemplary and for reasons of clarity 12th and the door 10 as a gear 16 , in particular as a bevel gear with subsequent rack and pinion ratio shown. With modern scales, however, other types of drive or connection are selected, for example linear motors, piezo motors, etc.

The electric motor 12th is via a control line (dashed arrow lines) with a control unit 18th connected. One of the tasks of the control unit 18th is the electric motor 12th as required to open and close the door 10 head for.

In the illustrated embodiment, the door is 10 with a sensor 20th provided, which is also connected to the control unit via a control line 18th is effectively connected. In this way the control unit receives 18th always up-to-date information about the opening status of the door 10 . For example, it is possible to open the door 10 manually in different opening positions and corresponding, by means of the sensor 20th to identify recorded positions as target opening positions and in a learning memory 22nd save.

In a program memory 24 In the embodiment shown, various functional sequences for operating the scale are stored, which are carried out by the control unit 18th retrieved and - among other things by controlling the electric motor 12th - be implemented.

In the embodiment shown, there is also an input unit 26th provided by the in 1 only two input elements are shown. It is an opening button 28 , marked by "O", and a lock button 30th , marked by "R". Pressing the opening button 28 is from the control unit 18th interpreted as an opening command and with a corresponding, the door 10 opening control of the electric motor 12th answered. Pressing the lock button 30th is from the control unit 18th interpreted as a locking command. In response to this, it puts it in a marker memory 32 a corresponding locking mark. The control unit checks the next time the opening command is entered 18th first the marker memory 32 whether said locking mark is set. If this is the case, the control unit will issue the opening command 18th not processed further, but canceled. In particular, the electric motor 12th not to open the door 10 controlled. Rather, the electric motor is preferred 12th controlled to apply a torque in the opposite direction, which is then via the transmission 16 to a force application on the door 10 is translated in the closing direction. This way the door is not only actively opened 10 prevented, but manual opening is also prevented.

Only when the locking mark is out of the marker memory 32 is deleted what z. B. via input means (not shown) or automated or can be done, a subsequent opening command is processed in a conventional manner, ie the door 10 will be opened.

Of course, the embodiments discussed in the specific description and shown in the figures represent only illustrative embodiments of the present invention. In the light of the disclosure here, a person skilled in the art is provided with a broad spectrum of possible variations. For example, it is irrelevant to the invention whether program, learning and marker memories are designed as separate memory units or merely as different areas of one and the same memory. Of course, the balance according to the invention can be equipped with all known additional functions that are still to be developed.

List of reference symbols

10

door

12

motor drive / electric motor

14th

Movement arrow

16

transmission

18th

Control unit

20th

sensor

22nd

Learning memory

24

Program memory

26th

Input unit

28

Opening button

30th

Lock button

32

Marker memory

Claims (7)

Electronic scales, comprising - a weighing space which is surrounded by a draft shield with a door (10) which can be operated by means of a motor drive (12), and - a control unit which is operatively connected to the motor drive (12) and to a marker memory (32) (18), which is set up to control the motorized drive (12) for opening the door (10) after receiving a predetermined opening command, characterized in that the control unit (10) is further set up, a corresponding locking mark on receipt of a predetermined locking command in the marker memory (32), - before processing each opening command, check the marker memory (32) for the presence of the locking mark and - cancel the processing of the opening command if the presence of the locking mark is detected and the motorized drive (12) for applying force of the door (10) in the closing direction. Electronic balance after Claim 1 , characterized in that the locking command can be entered manually via an input unit (26) which is operatively connected to the control unit (18). Electronic scales according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (18) is further set up to automatically generate the locking command within the framework of processing a predetermined functional sequence. Electronic scales according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (18) is further set up to automatically delete the locking mark after a predetermined period of time. Electronic scales according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (18) is further set up to delete the locking mark in the marker memory (32) on receipt of a predetermined unlocking command. Electronic balance after Claim 5 , characterized in that an input of the unlocking command requires prior authentication. A method for operating an electronic balance which has a weighing chamber surrounded by a draft shield with a door (10) that can be operated by means of a motor drive (12), as well as one equipped with a marker memory (32) and with the motor drive ( 12) has an operatively connected control unit (18) which is set up to control the motor drive (12) for opening the door (10) after receiving a predetermined opening command, characterized in that the control unit (18) - upon receipt of a predetermined locking command a corresponding locking mark is set in the marker memory (32), - the marker memory (32) is checked for the presence of the locking mark before each opening command is processed, and - the processing of the opening command when the presence of the locking mark is detected canceled and the motorized drive for applying force to the door in the closing direction is activated.

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