Special-purpose vehicle with measuring function, and load cell

Abstract

To provide a special-purpose vehicle with a measuring function, which can accurately measure the weight of a load, and to provide a load cell.SOLUTION: A special-purpose vehicle with a measuring function includes: a loading portion; a vehicle portion on which the loading portion is superposed; and a load cell arranged between the loading portion and the vehicle portion. The vehicle portion has a support portion supporting the load cell. The loading portion has a transmission portion transmitting the weight of a loaded object. The support portion, the transmission portion, and the load cell constitute a measuring portion. The load cell includes: a load cell main body which strains when the weight of a load is applied to the load cell main body; and a strain gauge which is disposed on the load cell main body and detects strain of the load cell main body. The measuring portion includes: a circuit portion having an application portion applying prescribed voltage to the strain gauge; and a first wiring connecting the strain gauge and the application portion to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a specially equipped vehicle with a weighing function capable of measuring the weight of a load, and a load cell. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 10, a refuse collection vehicle (specially equipped vehicle) 100 equipped with a load cell 102 for measuring the weight of refuse contained in a shipping box (loading section) 101 has been known (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] This garbage collection vehicle 100 is equipped with four load cells 102 arranged at the four corners of the lower end of a loading box 101, and a weighing controller 103 capable of displaying the weight of garbage contained in the loading box 101, and the weighing controller 103 is arranged in the driver's seat 101a.

[0004] Each load cell 102 has a strain gauge 102a, and the weighing controller 103 has an application unit 103a for applying a predetermined voltage to each strain gauge 102a, a calculation unit 103b for deriving the weight applied to the load cell 102 from the change in voltage output from each strain gauge 102a, and a display 103c for displaying the weight derived by the calculation unit 103b.

[0005] The weighing controller 103 arranged in the driver's seat 101a and each of the load cells 102 arranged at the four corners of the lower end of the cargo box 101 are connected by connection wires 104, and the connection wires 104 include wiring that connects the application unit 103a and the input unit of the strain gauge 102a, and wiring that connects the calculation unit 103b and the output unit of the strain gauge 102a.

[0006] In this refuse collection vehicle 100, the calculation unit 103b derives the weight applied to each load cell 102 from the change in voltage output from the strain gauge 102a of each load cell 102 before and after the refuse is stored in the packing box 101, and displays the sum of the weights applied to each load cell 102 on the display 103c of the weighing controller 103 as the weight of the refuse stored in the packing box 101. This allows workers and others aboard the refuse collection vehicle 100 to know the weight of the refuse stored in the packing box 101. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4671870 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In the above-mentioned garbage collection vehicle 100, the weighing controller 103 is placed in the driver's seat 101a, and each load cell 102 is placed in the four corners of the lower end of the cargo box 101. Therefore, the connection wire 104 connecting them is long, and as a result, noise is easily generated in the connection wire 104 due to the influence of surrounding electromagnetic waves, etc.

[0009] For this reason, in the above-mentioned refuse collection vehicle 100, there are cases where the weighing accuracy is reduced when weighing the weight of the refuse contained in the packing box 101. This problem is not limited to refuse collection vehicles, but can occur in all specially equipped vehicles in which a loading section is stacked on a vehicle section and which are equipped with a load cell that can weigh the weight of the load loaded on the loading section.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a specially equipped vehicle with a weighing function and a load cell that can accurately measure the weight of a load. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The specially equipped vehicle with a weighing function according to the present invention is A loading section capable of loading an object; Vehicle department, A load cell is disposed between the loading section and the vehicle section, the vehicle portion has a support portion that supports the load cell, the loading unit has a transmission unit that transmits the weight of the load to the load cell in a state supported by the support unit, the support unit, the transmission unit, and the load cell constitute a weighing unit that measures the weight of the load, The load cell is A load cell body in which distortion occurs when the weight of the load is applied; a strain gauge disposed on the load cell body and configured to detect a strain on the load cell body; The measuring unit includes: a circuit section having an application section for applying a predetermined voltage to the strain gauge; and a first wiring that connects the strain gauge and the application unit.

[0012] In this way, since the weighing unit has a circuit section, the first wiring (input line of the strain gauge) connecting the application unit and the strain gauge is made sufficiently short, so that the generation of noise in this first wiring due to the influence of electromagnetic waves from the surroundings, etc. is suppressed, thereby enabling the weight of the loaded object to be measured with high accuracy.

[0013] In the specially equipped vehicle with weighing function, The load cell has a load cell body and a housing portion that houses the circuit portion, The housing portion is configured by a part of the load cell body or is disposed at a position adjacent to the load cell body, The circuit portion may be accommodated in the accommodation portion.

[0014] According to this configuration, the first wiring connecting the circuit portion and the strain gauge is made shorter, so that the generation of noise due to the influence of surrounding electromagnetic waves and the like is further suppressed.

[0015] In addition, in the specially equipped vehicle with weighing function, The circuit portion and the first wiring may be surrounded by a metal.

[0016] By surrounding the circuit section and the first wiring with metal in this manner, the influence of electromagnetic waves and the like from the surroundings is more effectively prevented, and the weight of the loaded object can be measured with greater accuracy.

[0017] In addition, in the specially equipped vehicle with weighing function, the circuit unit has a calculation unit that derives a weight applied to the load cell body from a voltage output from the strain gauge and outputs the derived weight as a weight signal, The load cell may have a second wiring that connects the strain gauge and the calculation unit.

[0018] With this configuration, the second wiring (output wire of the strain gauge) is also sufficiently short, so that the generation of noise caused by the influence of electromagnetic waves from the surroundings is also suppressed in this second wiring, thereby enabling the weight of the loaded object to be measured more accurately.

[0019] in this case, The circuit section, the arithmetic section, the first wiring, and the second wiring may be surrounded by a metal.

[0020] In this way, by surrounding the circuit section, the first wiring, and the second wiring with metal, the influence of electromagnetic waves and the like from the surroundings is more effectively prevented, thereby enabling the weight of the loaded object to be measured more accurately.

[0021] In addition, in the specially equipped vehicle with a weighing function, The strain gauge and the first wiring may be housed in the housing portion.

[0022] By accommodating the strain gauge and circuit section in this manner in the accommodation section, the length of the first wiring can be made shorter, thereby further reducing the generation of noise in the first wiring, thereby enabling the weight of the loaded object to be measured more accurately.

[0023] Moreover, the load cell according to the present invention is A load cell used in a specially equipped vehicle with a weighing function, The load cell body, which generates distortion when weight is applied, and a strain gauge disposed on the load cell body and detecting a strain of the load cell body; a circuit section having an application section for applying a predetermined voltage to the strain gauge; Wiring that connects the strain gauge and the circuit unit; a housing portion that houses the circuit portion, The housing portion is formed by a part of the load cell body or is adjacent to the load cell body, The circuit portion is accommodated in the accommodation portion.

[0024] In this way, by having the storage section be formed by part of the load cell main body or be adjacent to the load cell main body, the wiring connecting the circuit section and the strain gauge is made sufficiently short, thereby suppressing the generation of noise in the wiring due to the influence of electromagnetic waves from the surrounding area, etc., and thereby enabling the weight applied to the load cell to be measured with high accuracy.

[0025] In the load cell, The strain gauge and the wiring may be housed in the housing portion.

[0026] By housing the strain gauge and circuit section in the housing in this manner, the length of the wiring can be made shorter, which further reduces the generation of noise in the wiring, thereby enabling the weight of the loaded object to be measured more accurately. Effect of the Invention

[0027] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a specially equipped vehicle with a weighing function and a load cell that can accurately measure the weight of a load. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the dump truck according to this embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the dump truck. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of a weighing section provided in the dump truck. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of a load cell included in the measuring section. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view of the load cell as viewed from one side in the central axial direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the wiring connections between the battery, the indicator, and each load cell. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram for explaining the configuration of the circuit unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a load cell according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of a conventional garbage collection vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0030] The specially equipped vehicle with weighing function of this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "specially equipped vehicle") is a dump truck with a weighing function, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is equipped with a loading section 3 capable of carrying a load, a vehicle section 2 on which the loading section 3 is mounted, and a load cell 50 disposed between the loading section 3 and the vehicle section 2 (at the boundary section). The vehicle section 2 has a support section 27 that supports the load cell 50, and the loading section 3 has a transmission section 33 that transmits the weight of the load to the load cell 50 supported by the support section 27, and the support section 27, transmission section 33, and load cell 50 together constitute a weighing section 5 in the specially equipped vehicle 1 that weighs the weight of the load. That is, the specially equipped vehicle 1 is equipped with a weighing unit 5 that weighs the weight of the cargo loaded on the loading section 3, and this weighing unit 5 has a load cell 50, a support section 27 that supports the load cell 50 in the vehicle section 2, and a transmission section 33 that transmits the weight of the cargo to the load cell 50 in the loading section 3.

[0031] Here, the support part 27 and the transmission part 33 are parts that fix the load cell 50. The support part 27 and the transmission part 33 in this embodiment are parts (or members) that are added to an existing vehicle (a vehicle that does not have a load cell 50) in order to fix the load cell 50. Note that when a part of the vehicle that does not have the load cell 50, for example, the sub-deck frame 25, is also used to fix the load cell 50, the sub-deck frame 25 becomes the part that fixes the load cell 50.

[0032] The specially equipped vehicle 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of (four in this embodiment) weighing units 5. The specially equipped vehicle 1 of this embodiment also includes a battery 6 capable of supplying power to each load cell 50, and an indicator 7 that displays the weighing results output from each load cell 50. A specific description will be given below.

[0033] The vehicle section 2 has a vehicle body 20 and a rocking mechanism section 23 mounted on the vehicle body 20. The vehicle body 20 has a cabin section (driver's seat) 21 in which a driver sits, and a platform section 22 extending rearward (to the right in FIG. 1 ) from the cabin section 21. The platform section 22 has a chassis frame 221.

[0034] The swing mechanism 23 is a mechanism for swinging the loading unit 3 relative to the vehicle unit 2 (more specifically, the platform unit 22), and has a main frame 24 fixed to the chassis frame 221 of the platform unit 22, a deck frame 25 to which the loading unit 3 is fixed, and a hoist 26 for swinging the deck frame 25 relative to the main frame 24. The swing mechanism 23 also has a support unit 27 disposed on the deck frame 25. The swing mechanism 23 in this embodiment has multiple (e.g., four) support units 27.

[0035] The main frame 24 is a frame-like member fixed to the chassis frame 221. The main frame 24 is a rectangular frame of a size corresponding to that of the chassis frame 221, and is fixed to the chassis frame 221 in a state where it is stacked on the chassis frame 221. The main frame 24 in this embodiment has a hinge bracket 24a at its rear end, to which the deck frame 25 is connected.

[0036] The deck frame 25 is a rectangular frame-shaped member to which the loading section 3 is fixed. The rear end of the deck frame 25 is connected to the rear end of the main frame 24, and the connection portion between the main frame 24 and the deck frame 25 has a hinge structure. In this hinge structure, a rotation axis (pin) P extends in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the deck frame 25 is connected to the main frame 24 so as to be swingable about the connection portion (more specifically, the rotation axis P of the hinge structure), and the loading section 3 fixed to the deck frame 25 can change its position between a horizontal position (see FIG. 1) and an inclined position.

[0037] The four support parts 27 are respectively arranged at the four corners of the rectangular deck frame 25. Specifically, each support part 27 has a pair of support blocks 271 arranged on the upper surface of the deck frame 25 at a distance from each other (see FIG. 3). In the deck frame 25 of this embodiment, the pair of support blocks 271 are arranged at a distance in the vehicle width direction in the support part 27 on the front side in the vehicle length direction, and the pair of support blocks 271 are arranged at a distance in the vehicle length direction in the support part 27 on the rear side in the vehicle length direction.

[0038] The pair of support blocks 271 each have a load cell through hole 271a penetrating in the opposing directions. The inside diameter of the load cell through hole 271a is constant, and the load cell 50 is inserted through the load cell through hole 271a (see FIG. 3).

[0039] The above-described hinge bracket 25 a of deck frame 25 , hinge bracket 24 a of main frame 24 , and rotation axis P form a hinge structure at the connection portion between main frame 24 and deck frame 25 .

[0040] The vehicle section 2 configured as above mounts the loading section 3 by connecting the deck frame 25 and the sub-deck frame 31 of the loading section 3 so that the deck frame 25 and the sub-deck frame 31 overlap each other. At this time, a vertical gap is formed between the deck frame 25 and the sub-deck frame 31 so that the weight of the loading section 3 is transmitted to the load cells 50 of each weighing section 5.

[0041] The loading section 3 has a sub-deck frame 31 and a packing box 32. The loading section 3 also has a transmission section 33 arranged on the sub-deck frame 31. The loading section 3 of this embodiment has a number of transmission sections 33 corresponding to the number of support sections 27 (for example, four).

[0042] The cargo box 32 is a portion of the specially equipped vehicle 1 where cargo is loaded. The cargo box 32 in this embodiment is box-shaped with an open top. The cargo box 32 has an openable rear gate 321 at the rear.

[0043] The sub-deck frame 31 is a member that reinforces the packing box 32, and is welded to the bottom wall of the packing box 32. The sub-deck frame 31 in this embodiment has a rectangular frame shape.

[0044] Each of the four transmission parts 33 is disposed so as to be located between a corresponding pair of support blocks 271. Specifically, each transmission part 33 is a block-shaped part protruding (extending) toward the vehicle part 2 from a plate-shaped part provided on the sub-deck frame 31. More specifically, the transmission part 33 extends downward between the pair of support blocks 271. This transmission part 33 has a load cell through hole 33a that passes through in the direction in which the pair of support blocks 271 face each other. The load cell 50 that is inserted or passing through the load cell through hole 271a of the pair of support blocks 271 is inserted into this load cell through hole 33a.

[0045] The vehicle section 2 and loading section 3 configured as above are connected at multiple points (for example, four points) via load cells 50. Specifically, the two transmission sections 33 on the front side of the sub-deck frame 31 and the two support sections 27 on the front side of the deck frame 25 are connected via load cells 50, respectively, and the two transmission sections 33 on the rear side of the sub-deck frame 31 and the two support sections 27 on the rear side of the deck frame 25 are connected via load cells 50, respectively.

[0046] In the specially equipped vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the connection portion between the vehicle section 2 and the loading section 3 constitutes a weighing section 5 that weighs the weight of the load loaded on the cargo box 32 (loading section 3). That is, in the specially equipped vehicle 1 of this embodiment, four weighing sections 5 are arranged at the boundary between the vehicle section 2 and the loading section 3. Each of the multiple weighing sections 5 has a load cell 50 and measures the force applied to this load cell 50 (i.e., the weight of the load transmitted to the load cell 50). Below, the configuration of the load cell 50 will be described first, and then the configuration of the weighing section 5 will be described.

[0047] 4 to 7, the load cell 50 is a cylindrical member extending in a predetermined direction, and can measure the magnitude of the force (in this embodiment, the weight of the load) by detecting the distortion caused by the application of force to the load cell 50. The load cell 50 of this embodiment is a so-called shaft-type load cell.

[0048] Specifically, the load cell 50 includes a load cell body 51 in which strain occurs when the weight of a load is applied, a strain gauge 52 disposed on the load cell body 51 and detecting the strain of the load cell body 51, a circuit section 53, and wiring 56 connecting the strain gauge 52 and the circuit section 53. The load cell 50 of this embodiment includes a plurality of (for example, four) strain gauges 52. The load cell 50 also includes a connection wiring 57 extending from the circuit section 53 to the outside. A cable wire Cw extending from the battery 6 and the indicator 7 is connected to this connection wiring 57 (see FIG. 7). Specifically, the cable wire Cw is one of the wirings extending from the indicator 7, and the load cell 50 is connected to the end opposite the indicator 7 side, and the battery 6 and the three load cells 50 are connected in sequence along the way. In addition, an external display device or the like to be placed on the loading section 3 may be connected to the end of the cable wire Cw opposite the indicator 7 side, and the battery 6 and the four load cells 50 may be connected in sequence along the way.

[0049] The load cell body 51 is a cylindrical member made of metal. Specifically, the load cell body 51 has a small diameter portion 511 extending in the direction of the central axis C, and a plurality of large diameter portions 512 (specifically, the number of portions corresponds to the number of members to be inserted or passed through) that are spaced apart in the direction of the central axis C and have a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 511. The load cell body 51 of this embodiment has three large diameter portions 512. The load cell body 51 also has a strain gauge arrangement portion 513 in which the strain gauge 52 is arranged, a housing portion 514 that houses the circuit portion 53, and a wiring arrangement portion 515 that extends from the strain gauge arrangement portion 513 to the housing portion 514. Note that, in FIGS. 4 to 6, the end portion of the load cell body 51 on the housing portion 514 side (the end portion on the right side in FIGS. 4 and 5) is shown in a state in which it is open in the direction of the central axis C, but in reality, the opening is closed (covered) by a lid.

[0050] Each large diameter portion 512 has a diameter (outer diameter) corresponding to the inner diameter of the load cell through hole 271a, 33a into which the large diameter portion 512 is inserted. On the other hand, the small diameter portion 511 has a diameter (outer diameter) smaller than the inner diameter of each load cell through hole 271a, 33a.

[0051] The strain gauge arrangement portion 513 is a recess that is recessed in the radial direction in the small diameter portion 511. In the load cell body 51 of this embodiment, two pairs of strain gauge arrangement portions 513 are arranged at positions facing each other in a predetermined radial direction of the small diameter portion 511, and are arranged at an interval in the axial direction of the load cell body 51. Note that, although each strain gauge arrangement portion 513 is shown in a state in which it is open to the outside in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, in reality, the opening is blocked (covered) by a lid.

[0052] The accommodation section 514 is configured by a part of the load cell body 51, and has an accommodation space S that accommodates the circuit section 53. The accommodation section 514 in this embodiment is disposed at an end of the load cell body 51 in the direction of the central axis C.

[0053] The wiring arrangement portion 515 is a hole in which the wiring 56 that connects the strain gauges 52 and the circuit portion 53 is arranged. The wiring arrangement portion 515 in this embodiment is a hole extending in the direction of the central axis C of the load cell body 51, and connects the internal spaces of the strain gauge arrangement portions 513 adjacent to each other in the direction of the central axis C, or connects the internal spaces of the strain gauge arrangement portions 513 to the accommodation space S of the accommodation portion 514.

[0054] The wiring 56 connects the strain gauges 52 and the circuit section 53 through the wiring arrangement section 515. The wiring 56 includes an input line (first wiring) 561 for inputting (applying) a predetermined voltage (applied voltage) output from the circuit section 53 to the strain gauges 52, and an output line (second wiring) 562 for transmitting the voltage output from the strain gauges 52 to the circuit section 53 (see FIG. 8). In the load cell 50 of this embodiment, the same number of wirings 56 (input lines 561 and output lines 562) as the number of strain gauges 52 (for example, four) are arranged, and the lengths of the wirings 56 (more specifically, the length between the input lines 561 and the length between the output lines 562) are the same.

[0055] Each strain gauge 52 detects a change in resistance caused by expanding and contracting while integrated with the object to be measured (load cell body 51 in this embodiment), converts it into a voltage change, and outputs it. Specifically, when a predetermined voltage (10 V in this embodiment) is applied to the strain gauge 52, the strain gauge 52 expands and contracts while integrated with the load cell body 51, causing a change in the voltage output from the strain gauge 52. In the strain gauge 52 of this embodiment, the voltage change caused by the distortion of the load cell body 51 (each part expanding and contracting) is in the order of μV and is very small. The voltage output from the strain gauge 52 is an analog signal.

[0056] As also shown in FIG. 8, the circuit section 53 has an application section 542 that applies a predetermined voltage to the strain gauge 52, and a calculation section 552 that derives the weight applied to the load cell main body 51 from the voltage output from the strain gauge 52 and outputs the derived weight as a weight signal.

[0057] Specifically, the circuit section 53 has two substrates (a first substrate 54 and a second substrate 55) that are stacked with a predetermined gap between them (see FIG. 6).

[0058] The first substrate 54 has the above-mentioned application unit 542. In detail, the first substrate 54 has a plate-shaped first substrate main body 541 and the application unit 542 that applies a predetermined voltage to each of the components 52, 552 to 556. The application unit 542 of the present embodiment applies a voltage of 10 V to each of the strain gauges 52, and applies a voltage of 5 V to each of the components 552 to 556 of the second substrate 55.

[0059] The second substrate 55 has the above-mentioned calculation unit 552. In detail, the second substrate 55 has a plate-shaped second substrate main body 551 and the calculation unit 552 to which the voltages output from the four strain gauges 52 are input (see FIG. 8).

[0060] The second substrate 55 of this embodiment also has an input section 553 to which the voltage (analog signal) output from each strain gauge 52 is input, a memory section 554 to store the calculation results, etc., of the calculation section 552, a temperature sensor 555 to detect the ambient temperature, and an output section 556 to output a weight signal output from the calculation section 552 (a weight signal representing the weight calculated in the calculation section 552) to the outside.

[0061] The calculation unit 552 derives (calculates) the weight applied to the load cell body 51 based on the change in voltage output from each of the four strain gauges 52, and outputs the derived result as a weight signal. The calculation unit 552 can also correct the derived weight based on the ambient temperature detected by the temperature sensor 555. The calculation unit 552 in this embodiment is a microcomputer.

[0062] The memory unit 554 is a non-volatile memory, and in this embodiment, the memory unit 554 is a ferroelectric memory (FRAM (registered trademark)).

[0063] The output unit 556 is a part that outputs the weight derived by the calculation unit 552 to the indicator 7, etc. This output unit 556 converts the weight signal output from the calculation unit 552 into a digital signal and outputs it. The output unit 556 of this embodiment performs CAN (Controller Area Network) communication with the indicator 7, etc.

[0064] The connection wiring 57 is wiring that extends from the circuit section 53 (more specifically, the application section 542 of the first board 54 and the output section 556 of the second board 55) to the outside of the load cell main body 51, and the load cell 50 (circuit section 53) is connected to the battery 6 and the indicator 7 by connecting the cable wire Cw.

[0065] The battery 6 supplies power to each load cell 50 (specifically, the circuit section 53) and the indicator 7 via the cable wire Cw. The voltage of the battery 6 (battery voltage) in this embodiment is 24V.

[0066] The indicator 7 is arranged in the cabin section 21, and based on the weight signals output from each load cell 50 (circuit section 53), displays the weight of the cargo loaded on the loading section 3, the weight applied to each load cell 50, and the position of the center of gravity of the cargo (loading section 3) calculated based on the weight applied to each load cell 50.

[0067] The multiple weighing units 5 each having the above load cells 50 include a first weighing unit 5A in which the direction of the central axis C of the load cell 50 coincides with the vehicle width direction, and a second weighing unit 5B in which the direction of the central axis C of the load cell 50 coincides with the front-rear direction of the vehicle unit 2 (see FIG. 1). The first weighing unit 5A and the second weighing unit 5B are arranged at an interval in the vehicle length direction. The multiple weighing units 5 of this embodiment include two (multiple) first weighing units 5A and two (multiple) second weighing units 5B.

[0068] The two first weighing units 5A are disposed at the front end in the vehicle length direction and at both ends in the vehicle width direction of the stacked deck frame 25 and sub-deck frame 31. Each of these two first weighing units 5A has a pair of support blocks 271 disposed on the loading section 3 side of the vehicle section 2 (deck frame 25) and spaced apart in the vehicle width direction, a transmission unit 33 disposed on the vehicle section 2 side of the loading section 3 (sub-deck frame 31) and disposed between the pair of support blocks 271, and a load cell 50 extending in the vehicle width direction and inserted into a load cell through hole 271a of each support block 271 and a load cell through hole 33a of the transmission unit 33.

[0069] The two second weighing units 5B are disposed at the rear end in the vehicle length direction and at both ends in the vehicle width direction of the stacked deck frame 25 and sub-deck frame 31. Each of these two second weighing units 5B has a pair of support blocks 271 disposed on the loading section 3 side of the vehicle section 2 (deck frame 25) and spaced apart in the vehicle length direction, a transmission unit 33 disposed on the vehicle section 2 side of the loading section 3 (sub-deck frame 31) and disposed between the pair of support blocks 271, and a load cell 50 extending in the vehicle length direction and inserted into the load cell through hole 271a of each support block 271 and the load cell through hole 33a of the transmission unit 33.

[0070] In each first weighing section 5A and each second weighing section 5B configured as described above, the central portion (the portion between the pair of support blocks 271: more specifically, the central large diameter portion 512) of the load cell 50, whose both ends (more specifically, the large diameter portions 512 at both ends) are supported by a pair of support blocks 271, is pushed downward by the transmission section 33 to which the weight of the load loaded on the shipping box 32 (loading section 3) is transmitted (transmitted), and the load cell 50 measures the force pushed by this transmission section 33 (i.e., the weight of the load transmitted to the transmission section 33).

[0071] The specially equipped vehicle 1 includes a loading section 3 capable of carrying a load, a vehicle section 2, and a load cell 50 disposed between the loading section 3 and the vehicle section 2. The vehicle section 2 includes a support section 27 that supports the load cell 50, the loading section 3 includes a transmission section 33 that transmits the weight of the load to the load cell 50 supported by the support section 27, and the support section 27, the transmission section 33, and the load cell 50 constitute a weighing section 5 that weighs the weight of the load. The load cell 50 includes a load cell main body 51 that is distorted by the weight of the load, and a strain gauge 52 that is disposed on the load cell main body 51 and detects the distortion of the load cell main body 51. The weighing section 5 includes a circuit section 53 that includes an application section 542 that applies a predetermined voltage to the strain gauge 52, and an input line 561 that connects the strain gauge 52 and the application section 542.

[0072] Conventionally, the circuit unit was generally built into an indicator arranged in the cabin, and therefore the wiring connecting the circuit unit and the strain gauge of the load cell was long. In contrast, in the specially equipped vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the weighing unit 5 has the circuit unit 53, and therefore the wiring 56 connecting the circuit unit 53 and the strain gauge 52 is sufficiently short, so that the generation of noise due to the influence of electromagnetic waves from the surroundings in the wiring 56 is suppressed, and therefore the weight of the load can be measured with high accuracy. The details are as follows.

[0073] The weight signal transmitted from each load cell 50 to the indicator 7 is a signal regarding information (such as a numerical value) of the weight applied to the load cell 50, and therefore is less affected by noise generated in the cable wire Cw due to surrounding electromagnetic waves, etc. Also, the cable wire Cw from the battery 6 to the circuit unit 53 is an electric wiring, but since it is an electric wire for operating the application unit 542, it is less affected by noise. Also, when a voltage is input from the cable wire Cw, the application unit 542 generates a voltage different from the voltage of the cable wire Cw, specifically a voltage smaller than the voltage of the cable wire Cw, and applies (inputs) this voltage to each strain gauge 52, so that the influence of noise generated in the cable wire Cw is less likely to be mixed into the strain gauge 52. On the other hand, as for the voltage output from the strain gauge 52 before and after a force is applied to the load cell body 51 and the load cell body 51 is distorted or the distortion of the load cell body 51 becomes large, this voltage change itself must be detected in order to derive the weight applied to the load cell 50. Therefore, when noise due to ambient electromagnetic waves or the like occurs in the wiring 56 connecting the strain gauge 52 to the application unit 542 and the calculation unit 552, the effect of the noise on the calculation results in the calculation unit 552 is large.

[0074] For this reason, in the load cell 50 of this embodiment, the wiring 56 (the wiring connecting the strain gauge 52 with the application unit 542 and the calculation unit 552) which is greatly affected by noise caused by surrounding electromagnetic waves, etc., is shortened to suppress the above-mentioned influence, thereby improving the weight detection accuracy of the load cell 50.

[0075] In addition, in the specially equipped vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the load cell 50 has a load cell main body 51 and a storage section 514 that stores the circuit section 53, the storage section 514 is formed by a part of the load cell main body 51, and the circuit section 53 is stored in the storage section 514.

[0076] According to this configuration, the input line 561 connecting the circuit section 53 and the strain gauge 52 becomes shorter, so that the generation of noise due to the influence of surrounding electromagnetic waves and the like is further suppressed.

[0077] In the specially equipped vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the circuit section 53 and the input wires 561 are surrounded by metal. By surrounding the circuit section 53 and the input wires 561 with metal in this manner, the influence of electromagnetic waves and the like from the surroundings is more effectively prevented, and the weight of the load can be measured more accurately. If the lid that covers the end opening on the housing section 514 side of the load cell main body 51 and the lid that covers the openings of each gauge arrangement section 513 are made of a material other than metal (for example, resin), the circuit section 53 and part of the input wires 561 will be surrounded by metal.

[0078] In addition, in the specially equipped vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the circuit section 53 has a calculation section 552 that derives the weight applied to the load cell main body 51 from the voltage output from the strain gauge 52 and outputs the derived weight as a weight signal, and the load cell 50 has an output line 562 that connects the strain gauge 52 and the calculation section 552.

[0079] With this configuration, the output wiring (output line of strain gauge 52) 562 is also sufficiently short, so that the generation of noise caused by the influence of electromagnetic waves from the surroundings is also suppressed in this output line 562, thereby enabling the weight of the loaded object to be measured more accurately.

[0080] In the specially equipped vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the circuit section 53, the input line 561, and the output line 562 are surrounded by metal. By surrounding the circuit section 53, the input line 561, and the output line 562 with metal in this manner, the influence of electromagnetic waves and the like from the surroundings is more effectively prevented, and the weight of the load can be measured more accurately.

[0081] The load cell 50 according to this embodiment is used in a specially equipped vehicle 1 with a weighing function, and includes a load cell body 51 in which distortion occurs when weight is applied, a strain gauge 52 disposed on the load cell body 51 and detecting distortion of the load cell body 51, a circuit section 53 having an application section 542 that applies a predetermined voltage to the strain gauge 52, wiring 56 that connects the strain gauge 52 and the circuit section 53, and a housing section 514 that houses the circuit section 53. The housing section 514 is formed by a part of the load cell body 51, and the circuit section 53 is housed in the housing section 514.

[0082] In this way, since the storage section 514 is formed by a part of the load cell main body 51, the wiring 56 connecting the circuit section 53 and the strain gauge 52 is made sufficiently short, so that the generation of noise in the wiring 56 due to the influence of electromagnetic waves from the surroundings, etc. is suppressed, thereby making it possible to accurately measure the weight applied to the load cell 50.

[0083] The specially equipped vehicle with a weighing function of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the configuration of one embodiment can be added to the configuration of another embodiment, and part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. Furthermore, part of the configuration of one embodiment can be deleted.

[0084] The specially equipped vehicle 1 in the above embodiment is a dump truck, but may also be a garbage truck or a tank truck. That is, the specially equipped vehicle 1 may be any vehicle that includes a loading section 3 capable of carrying cargo, a vehicle section 2 on which the loading section 3 is stacked, and a weighing section 5 disposed at the boundary between the loading section 3 and the vehicle section 2.

[0085] In addition, in the specially equipped vehicle 1 of the above embodiment, four weighing units 5 are arranged, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. One to three weighing units 5, or five or more weighing units 5 may be arranged.

[0086] In the weighing section 5 of the specially equipped vehicle 1 in the above embodiment, the load cells 50 are arranged so that the direction of the central axis C is the vehicle length direction or the vehicle width direction, but this configuration is not limited to this. In the weighing section 5, the load cells 50 may be arranged so that the direction of the central axis C is a direction other than the vehicle length direction or the vehicle width direction.

[0087] In addition, in the weighing unit 5 of the specially equipped vehicle 1 in the above embodiment, the circuit unit 53 is disposed in the load cell main body 51, but is not limited to this configuration. The circuit unit 53 may be disposed in the support unit 27 of the vehicle unit 2 or the transmission unit 33 of the loading unit 3. In other words, the circuit unit 53 only needs to be disposed in the weighing unit 5. With this configuration, the length of the wiring 56 connecting the application unit 542 and the calculation unit 552 to the strain gauge 52 can be reduced. In this case, a portion of the wiring 56 is not surrounded by metal and the length of the wiring 56 is sufficiently reduced, thereby reducing the generation of noise caused by surrounding electromagnetic waves, etc.

[0088] In the load cell 50 of the above embodiment, the housing 514 housing the circuit unit 53 is configured as a part of the load cell body 51, that is, the housing 514 is included in the load cell body 51, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, in the load cell 50A, the housing 514 housing the circuit unit 53 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the load cell body 51.

[0089] In the load cell 50 of the above embodiment, the circuit section 53 has two substrates (the first substrate 54 and the second substrate 55), but is not limited to this configuration. The circuit section 53 may have one substrate, or may have three or more substrates.

[0090] In the circuit section 53 of the above embodiment, the first substrate 54 and the second substrate 55 are arranged in a stacked state, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The first substrate 54 and the second substrate 55 may be arranged separately.

[0091] In addition, in the measuring unit 5 of the above embodiment, the circuit unit 53 and the wiring 56 are surrounded by metal, but this is not limited to the configuration. The circuit unit 53 and the wiring 56 may be surrounded (covered) by resin or the like.

[0092] In addition, in the weighing unit 5 of the above embodiment, the circuit unit 53 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 514, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The circuit unit 53, the calculation unit 552, the wiring 56 (input line 561, output line 562), and the strain gauge 53 may be accommodated in the accommodation unit 514. By accommodating the strain gauge 52 and the circuit unit 53 in the accommodation unit 514 in this manner, the length of the wiring 56 can be further shortened, and therefore, the generation of noise in the wiring 56 can be further suppressed, thereby enabling the weight of the load to be measured with higher accuracy.

[0093] In the weighing unit 5 of the above embodiment, the strain gauges 52, the input lines (first wiring) 561, and the output lines (second wiring) 562 are housed in the load cell main body 51 and are not exposed to the outside, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In the weighing unit 5, a configuration in which some or all of the strain gauges 52, the input lines (first wiring) 561, and the output lines (second wiring) 562 are exposed to the outside may be used. In this case, the cover of the strain gauge arrangement portion 513 may be eliminated, or a plate-like member may be arranged in place of the accommodation portion 514, and the strain gauges 52, the input lines (first wiring) 561, the output lines (second wiring) 562, etc. may be fixed to the plate-like member.

[0094] Also, the strain gauge 52, the input line (first wiring) 561, and the output line (second wiring) 562 may all be covered by the load cell main body 50, that is, arranged without any portion exposed to the outside. In this case, the strain gauge 52, the input line (first wiring) 561, and the output line (second wiring) 562 may be arranged inside the load cell main body 50 without the recess (strain gauge arrangement portion) 513. According to this configuration, the strain gauge 52, the input line (first wiring) 561, and the output line (second wiring) 562 are covered by a single metal. That is, the load cell main body 50 may also serve as the accommodation portion 514.

[0095] In addition, in the specially equipped vehicle 1 of the above embodiment, the calculation unit 552 is disposed in the circuit unit 53, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The calculation unit 552 may be disposed, for example, near (or inside) the display of the cabin unit 21, as in conventional specially equipped vehicles with a weighing function. In this case, the output line (second wiring) 562 extends from the weighing unit 5 to the cabin unit 21 and becomes long, which makes noise more likely to occur, but since the input line (first wiring) 561 is short, the generation of noise in at least the input line 561 is suppressed.

[0096] In the specially equipped vehicle 1 of the above embodiment, the application unit 542 generates a voltage smaller than the voltage input from the cable line Cw and applies (inputs) the voltage to the strain gauge 52, but is not limited to this configuration. The application unit 542 may be configured to generate a voltage equal to or larger than the input voltage and apply (input) the generated voltage to the strain gauge 52. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1...Specially equipped vehicle with weighing function, 2...Vehicle section, 20...Vehicle body, 21...Cabin section, 22...Frame section, 221...Chassis frame, 23...Swing mechanism section, 24...Main frame, 24a...Hinge bracket, 25...Deck frame, 25a...Hinge bracket, 26...Hoist, 27...Support section, 271...Support block, 271a...Load cell through hole, 3...Loading section, 31...Sub-deck frame, 32...Packing box, 33...Transmission section, 33a...Load cell through hole, 5...Weighting section, 5A...First weighing section, 5B...Second weighing section, 50, 50A...Load cell, 51...Load cell body, 511...Small diameter section, 512...Large diameter section, 513...Strain gauge arrangement section, 514...Accommodation section, 515... Wiring arrangement section, 52... strain gauge, 53... circuit section, 54... first board, 541... first board main body, 542... application section, 55... second board, 551... second board main body, 552... calculation section, 553... input section, 554... memory section, 555... temperature sensor, 556... output section, 56... wiring, 561... input line (first wiring), 562... output line (second wiring), 57... connection wiring, 6... battery, 7... indicator, 100... garbage collection vehicle, 101... shipping box, 101a... driver's seat, 102... load cell, 102a... strain gauge, 103... weighing controller, 103a... application section, 103b... calculation section, 103c... display, 104... connection line, C... center axis, Cw... cable line, P... rotation axis, S... accommodation space

Claims

1. A loading section capable of loading an object; Vehicle department, A load cell is disposed between the loading section and the vehicle section, the vehicle portion has a support portion that supports the load cell, the loading unit has a transmission unit that transmits the weight of the load to the load cell in a state supported by the support unit, the support unit, the transmission unit, and the load cell constitute a weighing unit that measures the weight of the load, The load cell is A load cell body in which distortion occurs when the weight of the load is applied; a strain gauge disposed on the load cell body and configured to detect a strain on the load cell body; The measuring unit includes: a circuit section having an application section for applying a predetermined voltage to the strain gauge; A specially equipped vehicle with a weighing function, comprising: a first wiring that connects the strain gauge and the application unit.

2. The load cell has a load cell body and a housing portion that houses the circuit portion, The housing portion is configured by a part of the load cell body or is disposed at a position adjacent to the load cell body, The specially equipped vehicle with a weighing function according to claim 1 , wherein the circuit unit is accommodated in the accommodation unit.

3. 3. The specially equipped vehicle with a weighing function according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the circuit portion and the first wiring are surrounded by a metal.

4. the circuit unit has a calculation unit that derives a weight applied to the load cell body from a voltage output from the strain gauge and outputs the derived weight as a weight signal, 3. The specially equipped vehicle with a weighing function according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the weighing unit has a second wiring that connects the strain gauge and the calculation unit.

5. 5. The specially equipped vehicle with a weighing function according to claim 4, wherein the circuit unit, the calculation unit, the first wiring, and the second wiring are surrounded by a metal.

6. 3. The specially equipped vehicle with a weighing function according to claim 2, wherein the strain gauge and the first wiring are accommodated in the accommodation portion.

7. A load cell used in a specially equipped vehicle with a weighing function, The load cell body, which generates distortion when weight is applied, and a strain gauge disposed on the load cell body and detecting a strain of the load cell body; a circuit section having an application section for applying a predetermined voltage to the strain gauge; Wiring that connects the strain gauge and the circuit unit; a housing portion that houses the circuit portion, The housing portion is formed by a part of the load cell body or is adjacent to the load cell body, The circuit portion is accommodated in the accommodation portion.

8. The load cell according to claim 7 , wherein the strain gauge and the wiring are housed in the housing portion.

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