JPH0781905B2 - Electronic scales - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial field of use] The present invention relates to an electronic scale in which a weighing operation is controlled by a computer.

[Conventional technology and its problems]

A conventional electronic scale adapted to control the weighing operation is disclosed, for example, in Swiss Patent No. 612,503.

In this scale, when there is no air movement that affects the weighing pan or the object to be weighed, in order to weigh and display the result,
A switch for opening the door of the weighing chamber is connected to an electronic circuit provided on the scale to detect opening / closing of the weighing chamber.

A method has also been known for some time, in which a sensor detects that the door of the weighing chamber is closed to prevent the movement of air from acting on the object to be weighed during the weighing process.

Certainly, by using such means, it is possible to sufficiently prevent the movement of air from affecting the measurement result.

Further, it is a known technique to open and close the weighing chamber by using a proximity switch, by a voice command, or by using a robot computer for placing an object to be weighed on the scale. In the case of using the above computer, the door of the weighing chamber is opened at a proper timing before the robot inserts the arm into the weighing chamber, and the door is closed after the robot finishes loading the object to be weighed. (EP-A1
−0216 035).

However, the above method cannot prevent erroneous operation that occurs when an immature operator manually performs individual operations during weighing, particularly when a large number of objects to be weighed are sequentially weighed. .

An object of the present invention is not only to simplify the operation of the scale by reliably and fully automatically executing a sequence or a sequence group to be repeatedly executed, but also to cause a decrease in attention due to monotonous repetitive work. An object is to provide an electronic scale capable of preventing such an erroneous operation.

[Means for Solving the Problems]

The present invention relates to a weighing chamber capable of closing a whole or a part by a movable part of a housing, at least one for storing a program, weighing a placed object to be weighed, and analyzing and displaying a weighing result. In the execution scale for executing the weighing process, which is provided with a computer, the weighing chamber is closed, the zero point adjustment is performed after the pointer is stationary, and then at least one door is opened to open the weighing chamber. Open for placement and after a predetermined time, or
The operator closes the door by key input, waits until the pointer comes to rest, displays the weighing result, prints out this weighing result or transmits it to another, and then, to remove the object to be weighed, Was stored in the computer by a program immediately or immediately after a lapse of a predetermined time, and the electronic scale was configured so that the weighing start means automatically starts and executes the weighing sequence.

[Action]

In this electronic scale, a series of operations required from the start to the end of the weighing work are accurately executed one after another by computer control.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As an example, a scale equipped with an electromagnetic load compensator is used. A balance having such a structure is described in Swiss Patent Specification 521575.
No. Therefore, illustration of the structure of the scale is omitted. Further, since its performance is also known, its explanation is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic scale 1 is incorporated in a case 3 having a weighing chamber with a weighing pan 11. The weighing chamber is opened and closed by electrically driven slidable doors 5 and 7. Of course, a lid may be provided on the upper side or the front side to open the weighing chamber.

Control of sequential operations such as weighing, calculation and door opening / closing operations is performed by the scale 1
This can be effectively performed by a microprocessor provided inside or a computer connected to the balance through the interface 17.

When the manual work is completed, a key such as "PRINT" can be pressed to automatically continue the weighing work.

A properly programmed computer or the like is used to understand and memorize the weighing process performed manually first, and the subsequent weighing is used for automatic execution.

When weighing or placing a container, it is automatically confirmed by a computer or the like whether the weight of the object to be weighed falls within a predetermined range. If it falls within the predetermined range, the balance automatically continues the programmed weighing process.
If the weight is out of the range, the fact is notified to the worker, and the weighing process is temporarily interrupted.

As described above, in the balance 1, the internal microprocessor and the computer connected through the interface 17 perform the arithmetic operation and activate and monitor the opening and closing of the door, so that the weighing result is affected by the movement of the air. It is possible to prevent such a situation. Moreover, a microprocessor provided in the scale 1 or a computer connected to the scale 1 gives a command given through the key 19 or the interface 17 or manually executed once or more and stored. Memorize the weighing process by means of the weighing process or "sensor" signal (micro switch), call this stored weighing process and automatically repeat it, and consider the stored limit conditions and allowable values at the same time. You can

Hereinafter, some weighing processes will be described in detail with reference to examples.

Example 1 (Weighing of an article when a container is not used) The weighing machine is initially in a weighing waiting state, and the slidable door is open. In order to perform accurate weighing, zero adjustment must be performed in advance, but zero adjustment is not effective unless the weighing chamber is closed.

Therefore, in the first sequence, the microprocessor confirms the position of the door by the detector arranged corresponding to the door and closes one or more doors if they are open. As the detector, a member for optically or mechanically confirming the position of the door or a sensor for monitoring the position of the electric drive device of the door may be used.

When this first sequence ends, zero adjustment is started and executed as the second sequence. Before zero adjustment,
Electronically check if the hand is stationary or wait for the time to elapse before the zero can be adjusted.

At this stage, the scale is ready for use, i.e. ready for weighing.

At the end of the second sequence, the third sequence unlocks the interlocks to automatically or manually open one or more doors. Next, in the fourth sequence, the object to be weighed is placed. At this time, the door is opened for weighing for a predetermined time by the timer provided in the computer. In the fifth sequence in which the weighing is done, it is driven via the data interface by the sensor (eg proximity switch). Alternatively, the door is closed by a switch activated by manually pressing a key signaling the end of weighing. This key function may optionally be performed by a transmission key (eg the "PRINT" key) which transmits the weighing result via the data interface. of course,
The function of the "PRINT" key may be executed by the "end of weighing" key.

When the fifth sequence is completed, the display reaches a stationary state and the weighing result is automatically grasped. After this, the weighing result is transmitted in various ways (selection or accumulation).
There is. For example, read like this,
For example, there is a printout or transfer, and at the time of weighing, the weighing result can be accepted and transmitted before the display is stopped (timeout or certified non-stationary). Such a method is sufficient if the final result (that is, the result obtained by waiting for the display to stand still) can be determined from "weighing mechanics theory", for example, by extrapolation, or if an approximate weighing result is obtained. It is especially effective in such cases.

The door is opened immediately after receiving the weighing result. It is convenient for the worker to move the door when reading. Or at least for a predetermined time (for example, a few seconds),
Keep displaying weighing results until the door is opened.

In the case of individual weighing, the door may be left open after the object to be weighed is taken out, or it may be automatically closed after a predetermined time has elapsed.

In either sequence, if no work is done on the balance within the time allowed for initialization, the door will automatically close.

Example 2 (When Weighing an Object to Be Weighed in a Container Placed in a Weighing Plate) This example is the same as that of Example 1 regarding the zero adjustment and the weighing process, but the exact weight is not known. Alternatively, it differs from the first embodiment in that a container whose weight may change is weighed in a weighing pan.

After opening the weighing quality door, which is normally closed, instead of first adjusting the zero point as in Example 1, the container is first placed on the weighing pan. Next, after closing the door and confirming that the balance is stationary by the computer, the container is weighed.
Then, the object to be weighed is weighed according to the procedure described in the first embodiment.

Also, after performing the weighing process of Examples 1 and 2, before performing the next weighing, the tare weight (when the container is used).
Alternatively, the allowable range imposed on the load to be weighed may be entered in the computer in advance. By doing so, it is possible to check whether the container placed on the weighing pan or the load is within the predetermined limit. Storing the limit values in the memory of the computer in this way can significantly accelerate the weighing process. This is because such a device can immediately inform the worker by sound or light whether each load falls within a predetermined allowable range or whether the next weighing of the object to be weighed can be started.

Example 3 (Automatic intermediate zero adjustment when the allowable load is reached) Also in this example, the weighing process is performed in the same manner as in Example 1 or 2. Before starting weighing, the tare weight (container) and / or the allowable range of weighing load are input to the computer. In addition, the order of loads placed on the balance when the work is executed is registered in advance. That is, when a plurality of objects to be weighed are continuously weighed, the allowable limit value allowable for each object to be weighed is input as described at the beginning.

During weighing, after placing the container on the balance and performing tare weighing, if it is within a predetermined allowable range, the worker must perform weighing in a predetermined order. The operation according to the sequence is performed by a computer of the balance or an apparatus such as a personal computer connected to the balance.

If the above allowable limit is exceeded, an acoustic notification will be sent or the door will be left open.
The progress of the weighing process can be stopped.

After adding or removing the items to be weighed, if desired or necessary, the door can be closed until the display is stationary.

In this third embodiment, the computer processes the weighing signal by applying various filterings to individual sequences or groups of sequences. The computer performs fine filtering during zero adjustment or tare weighing, and generally performs coarse filtering when the door is opened for weighing. By appropriately adjusting the filtering, it is possible to reduce, for example, the vibration effect of the base of the scale, which affects the weighing accuracy, and other influences exerted from the periphery of the scale. After the door is closed, fine filtering is performed until the weighing result is output or displayed, so that highly accurate measurement can be realized.

The computer can store not only the sequence but also an interlock function for stopping the scale in case of malfunction. In addition, the door can be force-locked during zeroing and weighing to prevent human intervention.

The second sequence allows automatic linearization and calibration of the balance before and after zeroing or tare weighing. The start of this operation is carried out after a preset number of weighings, at fixed time steps, or at other criteria required by the weighing machine itself. For both processes, the same boundary conditions as zero adjustment or tare weighing are applied: door closure and balance rest.

The following manual operation may be performed when executing weighing.

-Start the weighing sequence, i.e. enter the activation key.

-Read the weighing result and press the "print" key to continue. "Continue" means to put another weighing object and can be repeated any number of times.

-Add a new sample to be weighed and press the "print" key to continue.

-Remove the item to be weighed.

If a certain waiting time is stored for placing the object to be weighed, reading the weighing result, and taking out the object to be weighed, it is not necessary to press a key to continue weighing. When transmitting to a printer or memory,
There is no waiting time for the weighing result display.

Since all intermediate sequences or sequences are automatically executed, as shown in FIG.
The process (left figure) was required, but it is shortened to 5 steps (right diagram).

〔effect〕

In the present invention, since a series of operations required for weighing work are controlled by a computer or the like, the weighing work, calculation and display proceed without any trouble, and the total weighing time including operation time and standby time That is, the time required for opening the door, placing the object to be weighed on the weighing pan, closing the door, inputting the weighing result, etc. can be shortened without impairing the weighing accuracy, and further improving the weighing accuracy. You can also

In addition, the present invention should be performed by a worker as compared with a conventional electronic scale that requires manual operations for all operations specific to the scale, such as placing the object to be weighed, zero adjustment, and waiting for the display to stand still. Since the number of operations can be reduced to a fraction, human error can be suppressed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of the scale of the present invention.
The figure is a comparative diagram showing a flow chart of a weighing process by a conventional weighing method and a flowchart of a weighing process by the weighing method of the present invention. 1 ... Electronic scale, 3 ... Case.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A weighing chamber which can be closed entirely or partially by a movable part of a housing, a program is stored, an object to be weighed is weighed, and a weighing result is analyzed and displayed. With two computers,
In an electronic scale that executes a weighing process, the weighing chamber is closed,
After the pointer becomes stationary, zero adjustment is performed, and then at least one door is opened to open the weighing chamber for placing the object to be weighed, and after a predetermined time has passed, or Close the door by key input, wait until the pointer comes to rest, display the weighing result, print out this result or transmit it to another, and then immediately open the door to take out the object to be weighed. Alternatively, an electronic scale characterized in that a weighing sequence that opens after a predetermined time has elapsed is stored in a computer by a program and is automatically started and executed by a weighing starting means during weighing. 2. The electronic scale according to claim 1, wherein a computer is built in. 3. The electronic scale according to claim 1, wherein the weighing starting means is a signal issued by a key input by an operator or a lapse of a preset time. 4. A weighing sequence which is manually executed,
Alternatively, the electronic scale according to claim 2, wherein a computer capable of understanding and storing a weighing sequence input from the outside through an interface is used. 5. One or more drive devices for driving one or more doors (5, 7) of the weighing chamber (9) and at least one sensor for detecting the position of the doors (5, 7). 2. An automatic zero-point adjusting device is incorporated, and a pointer stationary confirmation means for confirming that the pointer is stationary is provided, which can be executed by a computer and controlled according to a sequence stored in the computer. The electronic scale according to any one of 4 above. 6. The electronic scale according to claim 1, wherein the weighing starting means is a door closed. 7. The electronic scale according to claim 1, wherein one or more doors are first opened and the container is placed on the weighing pan. 8. The electronic scale according to claim 1, wherein after taking out the object to be weighed, at least one door is closed after waiting a preset time. 9. The electronic scale according to claim 7, wherein before the tare weighing, it is confirmed by a computer whether or not the weight of the container is within the range of the stored allowable limit value. 10. The electronic scale according to claim 1, wherein the door is not closed by the sensor while the object to be weighed is being loaded.