JP2020193810A - Load meter and product display shelf - Google Patents

Abstract

To increase the accuracy of detection of a load meter.SOLUTION: A load meter 200 includes: a first base material 101 having a first supporting unit 1 and a second supporting unit 2 separate from each other; a second base material 102 facing the first base material 101 and having a third supporting unit 3 and a fourth supporting unit 4 separate from each other located between the first supporting unit 1 and the second supporting unit 2; and a strain converter 100 having a strain body 103 sandwiched between the first supporting unit 1 and the second supporting unit 2, and, the third supporting unit 3 and the fourth supporting unit 4, and having a first strain sensor 130A provided between the third supporting unit 3 and the fourth supporting unit 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present disclosure relates to a load meter equipped with a strain transducer and a product display shelf equipped with a load meter.

A load cell converts a physical quantity of force or load into an electric signal, and a strain gauge is used as a force or load detection element. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration of a load meter. The load cell has at least one substrate arranged between the two pressure members. A strain detector is provided on the substrate. A member having a low compressibility is provided in a region between the pressure member and the substrate that overlaps with the strain detector. When a force is applied from above the load gauge, the strain detector is pressed by the low compression rate member, and the substrate is deformed into an S shape.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-229847

In the load meter described in Patent Document 1, two low compressibility members provided on the lower side of the substrate are used as fulcrums, and the low compressibility provided on the upper side of the substrate between the two low compressibility members. A load is applied to the members of. The low compressibility member provided on the upper side of the substrate is locally pressed against the strain detector. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the strain detector changes according to the position of the member having a low compressibility, so that the detection accuracy of the strain detector is lowered.

Therefore, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the purposes is to improve the detection accuracy of the load meter.

The load transducer according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is separated from the first base material having the first support portion and the second support portion provided apart from each other, and between the first support portion and the second support portion. A second base material, a first support part, a second support part, a third support part, and a second base material provided so as to have a third support part and a fourth support part, which are provided so as to face the first base material. It has a strain transducer having a strain-causing body sandwiched between the fourth support portions and a first strain sensor provided between the third support portion and the fourth support portion.

In the above configuration, the first support portion, the second support portion, the third support portion, and the fourth support portion may extend along the first direction of the first base material.

In the above configuration, the third support portion and the fourth support portion do not have to overlap with the first strain sensor.

In the above configuration, the first strain sensor may be provided so as to face the first base material.

In the above configuration, the first strain sensor may be provided facing the second base material.

In the above configuration, in the first strain sensor, a conductive material whose resistance value changes according to the applied strain may be formed on the strain generating body as a predetermined pattern.

In the above configuration, the first base material further has a fifth support portion and a sixth support portion adjacent to the first support portion, and the second base material is between the fifth support portion and the sixth support portion. It further has a seventh support portion and an eighth support portion provided apart from each other, and the strain generating body further has a second strain sensor provided between the seventh support portion and the eighth support portion. You may be doing it.

In the above configuration, the fifth support portion, the sixth support portion, the seventh support portion, and the eighth support portion may extend along the first direction of the first base material.

In the above configuration, the seventh support portion and the eighth support portion do not have to overlap with the second strain sensor.

In the above configuration, the strain-causing body further has a second strain sensor, and the second strain sensor may be provided between the third support portion and the fourth support portion adjacent to the first strain sensor. ..

In the above configuration, the second strain sensor may be provided so as to face the first base material.

In the above configuration, the second strain sensor may be provided so as to face the second base material.

In the above configuration, in the second strain sensor, a conductive material whose resistance value changes according to the applied strain may be formed on the strain generating body as a predetermined pattern.

In the above configuration, the first strain sensor and the second strain sensor may be connected in series.

In the above configuration, the first strain sensor and the second strain sensor may be connected in parallel.

In the above configuration, the strain-causing body may further have a detection circuit for detecting the detection signals of the first strain sensor and the second strain sensor.

A product display shelf in which a load meter according to the above configuration is provided on a shelf board.

According to the present disclosure, the detection accuracy of the load meter can be improved.

It is an external view of the load meter which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. (A) It is a figure which shows the state before applying a load to a load meter, and (B) is a figure which shows the state after applying a load to a load meter. It is an external view of the load meter which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is sectional drawing of the load meter which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is an enlarged view of the strain sensor provided in the strain-causing body. It is a layout figure of a plurality of strain sensors provided in a strain-causing body. It is an external view of the load meter which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a top view of the load meter which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a layout figure of a plurality of strain sensors provided in a strain-causing body. It is a layout figure of a plurality of strain sensors provided in a strain-causing body. (A) is an enlarged view of a strain sensor provided on a strain-causing body, and (B) is a bridge circuit of the strain sensor. It is a layout figure of a plurality of strain sensors provided in a strain-causing body. It is a layout figure of a plurality of strain sensors provided in a strain-causing body. It is a layout figure of a plurality of strain sensors provided in a strain-causing body. (A) It is sectional drawing of the load meter which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. (B) It is sectional drawing of the load meter which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. (A) It is sectional drawing of the load meter which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. (B) It is sectional drawing of the load meter which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. The layout diagram of a plurality of strain sensors and resistance measurement circuits provided in a strain-causing body. It is the schematic explaining the manufacturing method of a strain-causing body. It is an external view of the product display shelf which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is an external view of the product display shelf which concerns on one Embodiment of this disclosure.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown below are examples of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. In the drawings referred to in the present embodiment, the same part or a part having a similar function is given the same code or a similar code (a code in which A, B, etc. are simply added after the numbers), and the process is repeated. The description of may be omitted.

(First Embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the load meter 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18.

[Structure 1 of load meter]
First, an outline of the load meter 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a load meter 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The load meter 200 has a first base material 101, a second base material 102, and a strain transducer 100. The strain transducer 100 is provided between the first base material 101 and the second base material 102. The strain transducer 100 has a plurality of strain sensors 130A to 130C.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A2 of the load meter 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a state before applying a load to the load meter 200, and FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a state after applying a load to the load meter 200.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the first base material 101 has a structure 111, a structure 112, a side portion 113, and a side portion 114. Further, the second base material 102 has a structure 121, a structure 122, a structure 123, a side portion 124, and a side portion 125. The strain transducer 100 has a strain generating body 103 having a first surface 103A and a second surface 103B opposite to the first surface 103A, and a plurality of strain sensors 130.

The strain-causing body 103 is a member that causes strain by an external force. When an external force is applied to the strain generating body 103, strain is generated, and the strain sensors 130A to 130C provided on the strain generating body 103 expand and contract. The electrical resistance changes depending on the amount of expansion and contraction generated in the strain sensors 130A to 130C. The electric resistance is amplified by detecting the electric signal with a detector. Further, the weight can be calculated by A / D converting an electric signal by an A / D converter and performing digital processing.

The structure 111 has a support portion 1 and a support portion 5 in contact with the first surface 101A of the strain generating body 103. The structure 112 has a support portion 2 and a support portion 9 in contact with the first surface 101A of the strain generating body 103. The side portion 113 has a support portion 6 in contact with the first surface 101A of the strain generating body 103. The side portion 114 has a support portion 10 in contact with the first surface 101A of the strain generating body 103.

The structure 121 has a support portion 3 and a support portion 4 in contact with the second surface 101B of the strain generating body 103. The structure 122 has a support portion 7 and a support portion 8 in contact with the second surface 101B of the strain generating body 103. The structure 123 has a support portion 11 and a support portion 12 in contact with the second surface 101B of the strain generating body 103.

The strain sensor 130A is provided between the support portion 3 and the support portion 4. The strain sensor 130B is provided between the support portion 7 and the support portion 8. Further, the strain sensor 130C is provided between the support portion 11 and the support portion 12. The strain sensor 130A, the strain sensor 130B, and the strain sensor 130C are provided so as to face the first base material 101.

In the load meter 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the strain generating body 103 has a support portion 1 and a support portion 2 provided on the first base material 101, a support portion 3 provided on the second base material 102, and a support portion 3. It is provided between the support portion 4 and the support portion 4. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2B, when a load is applied to the load meter 200 from the second base material 102 side, the strain generating body 103 is pressed from above by the support portion 3 and the support portion 4, and the support portion 1 And is pressed from below by the support portion 2. In this way, the strain sensor 130A is not locally pressed, but the strain generating body 103 is pressed from above and below by the support portions 1 to 4, thereby causing strain in the strain generating body 103. As a result, strain is uniformly generated in the strain sensor 130A, so that the detection accuracy of the strain sensor 130 can be improved.

When the number of inflection points generated in the strain generating body 103 when a load is applied to the load meter 200 from the side of the second base material 102 is 0 or 1, the curvature of the portion where the strain generating body 103 is bent is It becomes smaller. In this case, the dynamic range of the strain sensor 130 becomes smaller. On the other hand, when a load is applied to the load meter 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure from the second base material 102 side, the strain generating body 103 bends so as to have two or more inflection points. The curvature of the bent portion of the strain generating body 103 can be increased. As a result, the dynamic range of the strain sensor 130 can be increased.

Next, the configurations of the first base material 101, the second base material 102, and the strain transducer 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4.

FIG. 3 is an external view of the load meter 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the load meter 200 shown in FIG. 1 cut along the lines A1-A2.

The first base material 101 is provided with a structure 111, a structure 112, a side portion 113, and a side portion 114. The structure 111, the structure 112, the side portion 113, and the side portion 114 extend along the first direction D1 of the first base material 101. The first base material 101, the structure 111, the structure 112, the side portion 113, and the side portion 114 are formed of, for example, an organic resin. The first base material 101, the structure 111, the structure 112, the side portion 113, and the side portion 114 may be integrally formed, or the structure 111, the structure 112, and the side portion may be integrally formed on the first base material 101. The 113 and the side 114 may be adhered to each other. Further, although not shown, the first base material 101 may be further provided with a side portion along the second direction D2.

The second base material 102 is provided with a structure 121, a structure 122, a structure 123, a side portion 124, and a side portion 125. The structure 121, the structure 122, the structure 123, the side portion 124, and the side portion 125 extend along the first direction D1 of the second base material 102. The second base material 102, the structure 121, the structure 122, the structure 123, the side portion 124, and the side portion 125 are formed of the same organic resin as the first base material 101. The second base material 102, the structure 121, the structure 122, the structure 123, the side portion 124, and the side portion 125 may be integrally formed, or the structure 121 and the structure may be integrally formed on the second base material 102. 122, the structure 123, the side portion 124, and the side portion 125 may be adhered to each other. Further, although not shown, the second base material 102 may be further provided with a side portion along the first direction D1.

The strain transducer 100 has a strain generating body 103 having a first surface 103A and a second surface 103B opposite to the first surface 103A, and strain sensors 130A to 130C. The strain sensors 130A to 130C are arranged along the second direction D2 which intersects the first direction D1. Further, the strain generating body 103 is formed of metal, glass, ceramics, organic resin or the like. In the strain sensor 130, an insulating base material on which a resistance wire is formed may be adhered to the strain generating body 103, or a resistance wire may be directly formed on the strain generating body 103. In the following description, when each of the strain sensors 130A to 130C is not distinguished, it is described as the strain sensor 130. The same applies to the respective components of the strain sensors 130A to 130C. The structure of the strain sensor 130 will be described in detail later.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first base material 101 has a support portion 1 and a support portion 2 provided apart from each other. The support portion 1 is included in the structure 111, and the support portion 2 is included in the structure 112. That is, the end portion of the structure 111 is the support portion 1, and the end portion of the structure 112 is the support portion 2. Here, the end portion refers to a corner portion where the upper surface of the structure 111 and the side surface extending along the first direction D1 are in contact with each other. The corner portion is illustrated for an example of being a right angle, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The corner portion where the upper surface and the side surface of the structure 111 contact may be an obtuse angle or an acute angle. Further, the corners may be rounded.

The second base material 102 is provided so as to face the first base material 101. The second base material 102 has a support portion 3 and a support portion 4 of the structure 121 between the support portion 1 of the structure 111 and the support portion 2 of the structure 112. Further, the support portion 3 and the support portion 4 are included in the structure 121. That is, the end portions of the structure 121 are the support portion 3 and the support portion 4.

The support portion 1 and the support portion 2 extend along the first direction D1 of the first base material 101, and the support portion 3 and the support portion 4 extend along the first direction D1 of the second base material 102. There is. Further, when viewed in a plan view, the support portion 3 and the support portion 4 do not overlap with the strain sensor 130A.

[Strain sensor configuration]
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the strain sensor 130 provided on the strain generating body 103. In the strain sensor 130, a conductive material 131 whose resistance value changes according to the applied strain is formed on the strain generating body 103 as a predetermined pattern. A predetermined pattern of the conductive material 131 is formed on at least one of the first surface 103A or the second surface 103B of the strain generating body 103 by a printing method, an inkjet method, a vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, and then pattern etching. To. The conductive material 131 is any of, for example, graphite, copper, gold, silver, nickel, iron, titanium, chromium, molybdenum, manganese, cobalt, zinc, ruthenium, palladium, tin, constantan, carbon nanotubes, carbon black and the like. Or it is composed of a mixture or oxide of these. Further, the predetermined pattern may be composed of a mixture of a conductive material and a binder resin such as polyester. The film thickness of the strain sensor 130 is preferably 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less, for example, 10 μm.

The predetermined pattern of the conductive material 131 constituting the strain sensor 130 is not particularly limited, but can be shaped according to the physical quantity to be detected. When the strain is detected, it may be linear or may be a meander. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the pattern is formed in a mianda shape as a predetermined pattern. In FIG. 5, when the strain sensor 130 is curved in the strain (bending) direction (second direction D2), the resistance value of the conductive material changes, so that the strain is detected and the direction intersecting the strain (bending) direction ( When curved in the first direction D1), the resistance value of the conductive material does not change, so strain is not detected.

The strain sensor 130 has at least two or more electrodes for detecting the resistance value of the entire predetermined pattern of the conductive material 131. In FIG. 5, the electrode 132 is connected to one of the conductive materials 131, and the electrode 134 is connected to the other. The wiring 133 electrically connected to the electrode 132 and the wiring 135 electrically connected to the electrode 134 extend to the end of the strain generating body 103.

[Strain sensor array 1]
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the arrangement of a plurality of strain sensors provided on the strain generating body 103. FIG. 6 shows a view of the strain generating body 103 when viewed from the first surface 103A side. The strain generating body 103 is provided with strain sensors 130A to 130C, each of which is arranged in parallel. When a load is applied to the load meter 200, the strain is measured from each of the strain sensor 130A to the strain sensor 130C. Since different values are output from the strain sensor 130A to the strain sensor 130C according to the position where the load is applied to the load meter 200, it becomes easy to grasp the position where the load is applied in the load meter 200. .. It is preferable that the ends of the wires 133A to 133C and 135A to 135C connected to the strain sensors 130A to 130C are gathered on one of the four sides of the strain generating body 103. Further, it is preferable that the ends of the wirings 133A to 133C and 135A to 135C are gathered on a part of one side of the strain generating body 103.

[Structure of load meter 2]
FIG. 7 is an external view of the load meter 200A according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the load meter 200A as viewed from the second member 120 side. In the load gauge 200A shown in FIG. 7, the configuration of the strain transducer 100A is partially different from the configuration of the strain transducer 100 of the load gauge 200 shown in FIG.

The strain sensor 130A and the strain sensor 130D are provided on the strain generating body 103 line-symmetrically with respect to the B1-B2 line. The strain sensor 130B and the strain sensor 130E are provided on the line with respect to the B1-B2 line. The strain sensor 130C and the strain sensor 130F are provided line-symmetrically with respect to the B1-B2 lines. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the strain sensor 130A is provided between the support portion 3 and the support portion 4 adjacent to the strain sensor 130D. Further, the strain sensor 130C is provided between the support portion 11 and the support portion 12 adjacent to the strain sensor 130E. Further, the strain sensor 130C is provided between the support portion 3 and the support portion 4 adjacent to the strain sensor 130E.

[Arrangement of strain sensors 2]
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the arrangement of a plurality of strain sensors 130 provided on the strain generating body 103. FIG. 9 shows a view of the strain generating body 103 when viewed from the first surface 103A side. The strain sensor 130A to strain sensor 130C and the strain sensor 130D to strain sensor 130F are provided in the strain generating body 103 line-symmetrically with respect to the B1-B2 line, and each is arranged in parallel. When a load is applied to the load meter 200, the strain is measured from each of the strain sensor 130A to the strain sensor 130C. Since different values are output from the strain sensor 130A to the strain sensor 130C according to the position where the load is applied to the load meter 200, it becomes easy to grasp the position where the load is applied on the load meter 200. Moreover, since the strain detection is averaged, the detection accuracy is improved. It is preferable that the ends of the respective wirings 133A to 133F and the wirings 135A to 135F connected to the strain sensor 130A to the strain sensor 130C are gathered on one of the four sides of the strain generating body 103. Further, it is preferable that the ends of the wiring 133A to 133F and the wiring 135A to 135F are gathered on a part of one side of the strain generating body 103.

[Arrangement of strain sensors 3]
Next, in the load meter 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the configuration of the strain transducer 100B which is partially different from the configuration of the strain transducer 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the arrangement of a plurality of strain sensors provided on the strain generating body 103. FIG. 10 shows a view of the strain generating body 103 when viewed from the first surface 103A side. In the strain converter 100B, strain sensors 140A to 140C are provided on the first surface 103A of the strain generating body 103, and the strain sensors 140A to 140C are arranged in parallel. The difference from the strain transducer 100 is that the strain sensor 140A is connected to four wires 143A, 145A, 147A, and 149A.

[Strain sensor configuration]
FIG. 11A is an enlarged view of the strain sensor 140 provided on the strain generating body 103, and FIG. 11B is a bridge circuit of the strain sensor 140. In the strain sensor 140, conductive materials 141A to 141D whose resistance value changes according to the applied strain are formed on the strain generating body 103 as a predetermined pattern.

In the strain sensor 140, the predetermined pattern of the conductive material 141A and the predetermined pattern of the conductive material 141C are arranged in the strain (bending) direction (second direction D2). Further, the predetermined pattern of the conductive material 141B and the predetermined pattern of the conductive material 141D are arranged in the direction intersecting the strain (bending) direction (first direction D1). A part of the conductive material 141A and the electrode 142 are connected, and the wiring 143 extends from the electrode 142. A part of the conductive material 141B and the electrode 144 are connected, and the wiring 145 extends from the electrode 144. A part of the conductive material 141C and the electrode 146 are connected to each other, and the wiring 147 extends from the electrode 146. A part of the conductive material 141D and the electrode 148 are connected, and the wiring 149 extends from the electrode 148.

When a load is applied to the load meter 200 from the second base material 102 side, strain is generated in the strain sensor 140 in the direction of the arrow. Therefore, in the bridge circuit shown in FIG. 11B, the resistance values of the conductive materials 141A and 141C increase, and the resistance values of the conductive materials 141B and 141D do not change. By using a strain sensor 140 in a bridge state, environmental noise such as temperature compensation can be reduced.

[Arrangement of strain sensors 4]
Next, in the load meter 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the configuration of the strain transducer 100C which is partially different from the configuration of the strain transducer 100B will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the arrangement of a plurality of strain sensors provided on the strain generating body 103. FIG. 12 shows a view of the strain generating body 103 when viewed from the first surface 103A side. In the strain converter 100C, strain sensors 140A to 140C are provided on the first surface 103A of the strain generating body 103, and the strain sensors 140A to 140C are arranged in parallel. Further, the strain sensor 140A is connected to four wirings 143A, 145A, 147A and 149A. The difference from the strain transducer 100B is that the conductive materials 141A to 141D whose resistance values change according to the applied strain are connected along the first direction D1.

In the strain sensor 140A, the predetermined pattern of the conductive material 141A and the predetermined pattern of the conductive material 141C are arranged in the strain (bending) direction (second direction D2). Further, the predetermined pattern of the conductive material 141B and the predetermined pattern of the conductive material 141D are arranged in the direction intersecting the strain (bending) direction (first direction D1). A part of the conductive material 141A and the electrode 142A are connected, and the wiring 143A extends from the electrode 142A. Further, a part of the conductive material 141A and the electrode 151A are connected, and the wiring 149A extends. A part of the conductive material 141B and the electrode 144A are connected, and the wiring 145A extends from the electrode 144A. A part of the conductive material 141C and the electrode 146A are connected, and the wiring 147A extends from the electrode 146A. A part of the conductive material 141D and the electrode 148A are connected, and the wiring 149A extends from the electrode 148A.

As shown in FIG. 12, by arranging the conductive materials 141A to 141D along the first direction D1, the resistance wiring region in the first direction D1 can be increased. That is, even if the wiring width is the same, high resistance can be achieved. In addition, the power consumption of the load meter 200 can be reduced.

[Arrangement of strain sensors 4]
Next, in the load meter 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the configuration of the strain transducer 100D which is partially different from the configuration of the strain transducer 100C will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the arrangement of a plurality of strain sensors 150 provided on the strain generating body 103. FIG. 13 shows a view of the strain generating body 103 when viewed from the first surface 103A side. In the strain transducer 100D, strain sensors 150A to 150L are provided on the first surface 103A of the strain generating body 103. Since the configurations of the strain sensor 150A to the strain sensor 150L are the same as those of the strain sensor 130, the description of FIG. 5 may be referred to for details. Strain sensors 150A to 150C are connected in series, strain sensors 150D to 150F are connected in series, strain sensors 150G to strain sensor 150I are connected in series, and strain sensors 150J to strain sensors. Each of the 150Ls is connected in series. Further, the strain sensor 150A to the strain sensor 150C and the strain sensor 150G to the strain sensor 150I are arranged so as to detect the strain when the strain generating body 103 is curved. The strain sensor 150D to the strain sensor 150F and the strain sensor 150J to the strain sensor 150L are arranged in a direction in which strain is not detected even if the strain generating body 103 is curved. The number of wires can be reduced by connecting a plurality of strain sensors 150 arranged along the second direction D2 of the strain generating body 103 in series.

[Strain sensor array 5]
Next, in the load meter 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the configuration of the strain transducer 100E which is partially different from the configuration of the strain transducer 100D will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the arrangement of a plurality of strain sensors 160 provided on the strain generating body 103. FIG. 14 shows a view of the strain generating body 103 when viewed from the first surface 103A side. In the strain converter 100E, strain sensors 160A to 160L are provided on the first surface 103A of the strain generating body 103. Since the configurations of the strain sensor 160A to the strain sensor 160L are the same as those of the strain sensor 130, the description of FIG. 5 may be referred to for details. The strain sensors 160A to 160C are connected in series, and the strain sensors 160D to 160F are connected in series, which is the same as the configuration of the strain transducer shown in FIG.

The difference from the strain converter 100D shown in FIG. 13 is that the strain sensors 160A to 160L have different directions for detecting strain. In the strain sensors 160A to 160L, adjacent strain sensors have different orientations for detecting strain. Specifically, the strain sensor 160A is arranged in a direction for detecting strain, and the strain sensors 160B and 160C are arranged in a direction for not detecting strain. Further, the strain sensor 160D is arranged in a direction in which strain is not detected, and the strain sensors 160E and 160F are arranged in a direction in which strain is detected. The strain sensor 160G is arranged in a direction that does not detect strain, and the strain sensors 160H and 160I are arranged in a direction that detects strain. Further, the strain sensor 160J is arranged in a direction for detecting strain, and the strain sensors 160K and 160L are arranged in a direction for not detecting strain.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view when the strain transducer 100E shown in FIG. 14 is applied to the load meter 200. FIG. 15 (A) is a cross-sectional view of the load meter 200 cut along the strain sensors 160A to 160C, and FIG. 15 (B) shows the load meter 200 cut along the strain sensors 160D to 160F. It is a cross-sectional view at the time of.

As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the first base material 101 has a structure 111, and the second base material 102 has a structure 121 and a structure 122. In the strain transducer 100E shown in FIG. 15, adjacent strain sensors 160 have different orientations for detecting strain. Therefore, in the cross-sectional view of the load meter shown in FIG. 15A, the strain sensor 160A detects the strain, but the strain sensors 160B and 160C do not detect the strain. Further, in the cross-sectional view of the load meter shown in FIG. 15B, the strain sensors 160E and 160F detect strain, but the strain sensor 160D does not detect strain.

As shown in FIG. 15B, the direction in which the strain of the strain sensor 160 is detected is changed according to the positions of the structure 111, the structure 121, and the structure 122. As a result, the strain transducer 100E can be made highly accurate and highly sensitive.

[Strain sensor array 7]
In the present embodiment, the case where the structures 111 and 112 and the structures 121 to 123 have a convex shape has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The structures 111 and 112 and the structures 121 to 123 provided on the first base material 101 and the second base material 102 may be configured to be in contact with the strain generating body 103 by the support portions 1 to 12. An example of the structures provided on the first base material 101 and the second base material 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 16A shows an example of the structures provided on the first base material 101 and the second base material 102. When viewed in a plan view, the structure 121 that overlaps with the strain sensor 130A has recesses in addition to the two support portions 3 and 4. For example, the structure 111 has a recess 21 in a region that overlaps with the strain sensor 130A. Further, the structure 122 has a recess 22 in a region overlapping with the strain sensor 130B. Further, the structure 123 has a recess 23 in a region overlapping with the strain sensor 130C. Further, the structure 111 has a recess 31 between the support portion 1 and the support portion 5, and the structure 112 has a recess 32 between the support portion 2 and the support portion 9.

[Arrangement of strain sensors 8]
FIG. 16B shows another example of the structures provided on the first base material 101 and the second base material 102. One support may have one structure. For example, the structure 171 has a support portion 1, and the structure 172 has a support portion 2. Further, the structure 171 has a support portion 3, and the structure 172 has a support portion 4.

[Provide a resistance measurement circuit on the strain generator]
FIG. 17 is a layout diagram of a plurality of strain sensors 130 and a resistance measuring circuit 104A provided on the strain generating body 103. In the strain generating body 103, not only a plurality of strain sensors 130 but also a resistance measuring circuit 104A may be arranged. Further, by arranging parts such as the battery 104B, the communication circuit 104C, and the antenna 104D in addition to the resistance measurement circuit 104A, it is not necessary to provide these parts outside the load meter 200, so that the configuration is simple. can do.

[Manufacturing method of load meter]
FIG. 18 is a schematic view illustrating a method of manufacturing the strain-causing body 103 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

First, wirings 136 to 139 are formed on the first surface 103A of the strain generating body 103. The wirings 136 to 139 may be formed by forming a conductive film on the strain generating body 103 and then processing it by photolithography, or by screen printing. Next, components such as a resistance measuring circuit 104A, a battery 104B, a communication circuit 104C, and an antenna 104D are formed on the first surface 103A of the strain generating body 103.

Next, a predetermined pattern made of the conductive material 131 serving as the strain sensor 130 connected to the wirings 136 to 139 is formed on the strain generating body 103. A predetermined pattern made of the conductive material 131 can be formed by screen printing using the screen plate 105. A plurality of predetermined patterns 105A to 105C are formed on the screen plate 105. Although the pattern for forming the conductive material 131 is omitted in FIG. 18 in the screen plate 105, the pattern in FIG. 5 or FIG. 11A may be referred to. The strain generating body 103 shown in FIG. 17 can be formed by forming a predetermined pattern made of the conductive material 131 serving as the strain sensor 130 connected to the wirings 136 to 139 on the strain generating body 103.

Alternatively, instead of screen printing, a strain sensor 130 having a predetermined pattern made of a conductive material 131 formed on the film may be attached to the strain generating body 103 with an adhesive. As a result, the wirings 136 to 139 and the strain sensor 130 are connected. As shown in FIG. 18, it is preferable to form a predetermined pattern made of the conductive material 131 by screen printing using the screen plate 105 because the manufacturing process can be simplified.

(Second Embodiment)
In the present embodiment, an example in which the load meter 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to the product display shelf 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.

FIG. 19 is an external view of a product display shelf 300 to which the load meter 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. The product display shelf 300 has a pair of columns 302, a plurality of shelf boards 304, a base shelf 305, and a back board 303. The plurality of shelves 304 are supported by a pair of columns 302 and a back plate 303.

In the product display shelf 300 of the present embodiment, a load meter 200 is provided on each of the plurality of shelf boards 304 and the base shelf 305. In FIG. 19, the strain sensor 130 and the structure 121 overlapping the strain sensor 130 are shown by broken lines, and the other configurations are not shown. The structure 121 is arranged along the first direction D1. A plurality of products are displayed on the load meter 200. Therefore, the load meter 200 is continuously applied with the load by a plurality of products. Therefore, when the customer picks up the product from the load meter 200 in order to purchase the product, the distortion of the load meter 200 fluctuates. By detecting the fluctuation of this strain, it is possible to detect a product shortage. Further, when a heavy product is displayed on the load meter 200, the product display shelf 300 may issue an alert. As a result, damage to the product display shelf 300 due to excessive load applied to the shelf board 304 can be suppressed.

FIG. 20 is an external view of the product display shelf 300A, which is partially different from the product display shelf 300 shown in FIG. The product display shelf 300A is different from the product display shelf 300 shown in FIG. 19 in that a plurality of load meters 200 are provided on the shelf board 304. In FIG. 20, the strain sensor 130 and the structure 121 overlapping the strain sensor 130 are shown by broken lines, and the other configurations are not shown. The structure 121 is arranged along the second direction D2. Adjacent load meters 200 provided on the shelf plate 304 are connected to each other by terminals. By providing a plurality of load meters 200 on one shelf board 304, it is possible to more accurately detect the position where the product arranged on the load meter 200 is out of stock.

As the load meter 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the product display shelf 300 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, weight scales, weight scales, vehicle weight scales, consumables inventory management / consumption management and waste storage management of offices / restaurants / factories, picking work check, flow line analysis system, food intake analysis system, rain gauge , Snow gauge, tools, etc. can be used for organizing systems.

1-12: Support, 100-100E: Strain converter, 101: First base material, 102: Second base material, 103: Strain-causing body, 103A: First surface, 103B: Second surface, 104A: Resistance Measurement circuit, 104B: Battery, 104C: Communication circuit, 104D: Antenna, 105: Screen plate, 105A to 105C: Pattern, 111, 112: Structure, 113, 114: Side, 121 to 123: Structure, 124, 125: Side, 130: Strain sensor, 130A to 130L: Strain sensor, 131: Conductive material, 132: Electrode, 133: Wiring, 133A to 133F: Wiring, 134: Electrode, 135: Wiring, 135A to 135F: Wiring , 136-139: Wiring, 140, 140A-140C: Strain sensor, 141A-141D: Conductive material, 143A: Wiring, 145A: Wiring, 147A: Wiring, 149A: Wiring, 150A-150L: Strain sensor, 160A-160L : Strain sensor, 200, 200A: Load meter 200, 300A: Product display shelf, 301, 302: Support, 303: Back plate, 304: Shelf plate, 305: Base shelf

Claims (17)

A first base material having a first support portion and a second support portion provided apart from each other,
A second base material having a third support portion and a fourth support portion provided apart from the first support portion and the second support portion, and provided so as to face the first base material. When,
It is provided between the first support portion and the second support portion, a strain-causing body sandwiched between the third support portion and the fourth support portion, and the third support portion and the fourth support portion. A load meter having a first strain sensor and a strain transducer. The load meter according to claim 1, wherein the first support portion, the second support portion, the third support portion, and the fourth support portion extend along the first direction of the first base material. .. The load meter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third support portion and the fourth support portion do not overlap with the first strain sensor. The load meter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first strain sensor is provided so as to face the first base material. The load meter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first strain sensor is provided so as to face the second base material. The first strain sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a conductive material whose resistance value changes according to the applied strain is formed in the strain-causing body as a predetermined pattern. Load meter. The first base material further has a fifth support portion and a sixth support portion adjacent to the first support portion.
The second base material further has a seventh support portion and an eighth support portion provided apart from each other between the fifth support portion and the sixth support portion.
The load meter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the strain-causing body further includes a second strain sensor provided between the seventh support portion and the eighth support portion. The load meter according to claim 7, wherein the fifth support portion, the sixth support portion, the seventh support portion, and the eighth support portion extend along the first direction of the first base material. .. The load meter according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the 7th support portion and the 8th support portion do not overlap with the second strain sensor. The strain-causing body further has a second strain sensor.
The load meter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second strain sensor is provided between the third support portion and the fourth support portion adjacent to the first strain sensor. The load meter according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the second strain sensor is provided so as to face the first base material. The load meter according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the second strain sensor is provided so as to face the second base material. The second strain sensor according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein a conductive material whose resistance value changes according to the applied strain is formed in the strain-causing body as a predetermined pattern. Load meter. The load meter according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the first strain sensor and the second strain sensor are connected in series. The load meter according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the first strain sensor and the second strain sensor are connected in parallel. The load meter according to any one of claims 7 to 15, further comprising a detection circuit for detecting the detection signals of the first strain sensor and the second strain sensor. A product display shelf in which the load meter according to any one of claims 1 to 16 is provided on a shelf board.

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