Food weight measurement apparatus and food weight measurement method

Abstract

To provide a food weight measurement apparatus that, despite having a simple structure, can continuously suspend a measurement target for a long period of time and accurately measure its weight while overcoming a creep issue.SOLUTION: A food weight measurement apparatus 1 includes: a "first stress transmission path" comprising a first suspension member 10, a coupling member 20, a movable element 32, a fixed element 34, a load cell 40, a relay node 80 and a second suspension member 60; and a "second stress transmission path" comprising the first suspension member 10, the coupling member 20, the movable element 34, a stress transmission body 50, the relay node 80, and the second suspension member 60. The food weight measurement apparatus 1 is configured such that: (i) in a measurement mode, the movable element 32 moves to the other side, a contact portion 33 separates from a receiving wall 52 and stress is transmitted through the first stress transmission path; and (ii) in a non-measurement mode, the movable element 32 moves to one side, the contact portion 33 comes into contact with the receiving wall 52, and stress is transmitted through the second stress transmission path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ingredient weight measuring device and an ingredient weight measuring method. [Background technology]

[0002] The drying process in making dried persimmons is an important step that determines the quality. In the drying process, the persimmons are hung to dry for a period of around three weeks to two months, slowly removing moisture from the surface and interior and allowing the inside to ripen. The drying process turns the water-soluble tannins in raw persimmons, which are the source of their astringency, into insoluble ones (removing astringency), concentrating the flavor and resulting in dried persimmons with chewy, high-quality flesh. However, if the drying speed is too fast, the astringency will remain, so when carrying out the drying process, it is important to regularly monitor the drying status and provide necessary feedback, as well as to determine when the drying process should be completed. Coming.

[0003] At production sites, in order to indirectly grasp the drying condition, the weight of the persimmons being dried is periodically measured and recorded, and the drying speed is controlled by understanding the changes in weight. Many producers measure the weight by hanging the persimmons from the "haza" on the hook of a spring scale (hanging scale) each time they measure the weight. Each set of persimmons tied to the hanging string weighs about 2 to 3 kg, and the task of lifting and lowering it each time the weight is measured is cumbersome and a heavy burden.

[0004] Patent Document 1 proposes that persimmons are suspended via a spring scale, and while they are usually dried in this state, when it is time to measure their weight, the scale on the spring scale is read and the measurement is performed (see claim 2 of Patent Document 1, etc.). With this method, it is not necessary to hang the persimmon between the "haza" and the hook of the spring scale every time the weight is measured, reducing the labor of the producer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-250686 A [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 63-14885 [Patent Document 3] JP 2007-212255 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the method described in Patent Document 1 uses a mechanical analog spring balance (see FIGS. 1 to 3 of Patent Document 1), and the scale is read by an operator visually.

[0007] To solve this problem, it is possible to use commercially available electronic scales. However, in general, in persimmon drying areas, a sulfur fumigation process is carried out in the same place immediately before the drying process is carried out, and often a sulfur fumigation process is also carried out temporarily in the middle of the drying process, and then the drying process is resumed. Thus, sulfur components remain in the drying area when the drying process is carried out. However, there is a risk that commercially available electronic scales will malfunction due to the influence of the sulfur components.

[0008] On the other hand, it is also possible to use a weight measuring device using a load cell (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3) to measure the weight of persimmons while they are hung to dry. This method makes it possible to electrically measure the weight of the persimmons, and also makes it possible to extract the weight data obtained by the measurement as digital data, making it easy to manage the drying process.

[0009] However, because the persimmon drying process takes a long time, applying the load of persimmons to the load cell continuously causes creep in the load cell, resulting in measurement errors and making it impossible to measure weight accurately (the creep problem). When the inventors conducted experiments using a prototype weight measuring device for drying persimmons, they confirmed that the creep phenomenon caused measurement errors of 10% or more.

[0010] In order to overcome this creep problem, automatic correction of creep is proposed in Patent Documents 2 and 3. However, it is not realistic for general producers (farmers) to introduce high-performance scales that perform such automatic correction.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a food ingredient weight measuring device that has a simple configuration but is capable of suspending an object to be measured for a long period of time and is capable of overcoming the creep problem to accurately measure the weight, as well as a food ingredient weight measuring method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] [1] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ingredient weight measuring device that measures the weight of a measurement object including an ingredient while the ingredient is hung to dry on the ingredient weight measuring device. The food ingredient weight measuring device comprises a first hanging member, a connecting member having one side connected to the first hanging member, a movable element having one side connected to the connecting member, a stator that pairs with the movable element to form an electromechanical device, a load cell having a load end connected to the stator, a relay node connected to a fixed end of the load cell, a second hanging member having one side connected to the relay node, and a stress transmission body. The stress transmission body is configured so that a through hole or notch is provided on one side at a position on a vertical line including the center of gravity of the object to be measured, on one side of the movable element, and a receiving wall facing the other side is provided at a position around the end portion that constitutes the through hole or notch, and the other side is connected to a relay node to transmit stress between the receiving wall and the relay node. The connecting member is inserted into the through hole or the notch of the stress transmitting body and is movable up and down. The movable member is provided with an abutment portion that can abut against the receiving wall. The food ingredient weight measuring device is configured so that (i) in a "measurement mode" in which the weight of the object to be measured is measured, power to the electromechanical device is turned on and the movable element moves to the other side so that the movable element's contact portion moves away from the receiving wall of the stress transmission body, and (ii) in a "non-measurement mode" in which no measurement is performed, power to the electromechanical device is turned off and the movable element moves to one side so that the movable element's contact portion contacts the receiving wall of the stress transmission body. Here, "one side" is defined as the side on which the first hanging member is arranged when the first hanging member and the second hanging member are viewed together, and "the other side" is defined as the side on which the second hanging member is arranged.

[0013] [2] According to another aspect, there is provided a food ingredient weight measuring method using a weight measuring device that measures weight by detecting distortion of a load cell, in which the weight of a measurement object including food ingredients is measured while the food ingredients are hung to dry on the food ingredient weight measuring device. The weight measuring device has a "first stress transmission path" including a first hanging member, a connecting member connected to the first hanging member, a movable member connected to the connecting member, a stator that constitutes an electric machine device by pairing with the movable member, a load cell having a load end connected to the stator, a relay node connected to a fixed end of the load cell, and a second hanging member connected to the relay node, and a "second stress transmission path" including the first hanging member, the connecting member, the movable member, the stress transmission body, the relay node, and the second hanging member. The stress transmission body has a through hole or a notch on one side at a position on a vertical line including the center of gravity of the object to be measured, which is on one side of the movable member, and a receiving wall facing the other side is provided at a position around the end portion constituting the through hole or the notch, and the other side is connected to the relay node to transmit stress between the receiving wall and the relay node. The connecting member is inserted through the through hole or the notch of the stress transmission body so as to be freely movable up and down, and the movable member has an abutting portion that can abut against the receiving wall. At this time, (i) in a "measurement mode" in which the weight of the measurement object is measured, the electromechanical device is energized to move the mover to the other side, and the abutting portion of the mover is separated from the receiving wall of the stress transmission body, and the stress based on the load of the measurement object is transmitted through the "first stress transmission path". (ii) in a "non-measurement mode" in which no measurement is performed, the electromechanical device is energized to move the mover to one side, and the abutting portion of the mover is abutted against the receiving wall of the stress transmission body, and the stress based on the load of the measurement object is transmitted through the "second stress transmission path". Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, even with a simple configuration, it is possible to continue suspending a measurement object for a long period of time, and the creep problem can be overcome to accurately measure the weight. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a food material weight measuring device 1 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is an electrical block diagram of a food ingredient weight measuring device 1 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a state transition diagram for explaining the food material weight measuring method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the state of the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 when it is assumed that the mode transitions from non-measurement mode ST0 via zero point setting mode ST1 to measurement mode ST2, weight measurement is performed, and then the mode returns to non-measurement mode ST0. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a voltage applied to the electromechanical device 30 when it is assumed that a transition is made from a zero point setting mode ST1 (or a non-measurement mode ST0) to a measurement mode ST2 to perform weight measurement, and then a return is made to the non-measurement mode ST0. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing an execution procedure corresponding to the voltage application waveform in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a food material weight measuring device 2 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a food material weight measuring device 3 according to a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of food material weight measuring devices 4 and 5 according to Modifications 2 and 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The heat sink according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the explanations of the symbols common to each drawing can be applied to the explanations of the other drawings, so the explanations of the symbols in the other drawings will be omitted. Each drawing is a schematic diagram showing an example, and does not necessarily strictly reflect the actual dimensions, ratios, etc.

[0017] [Embodiment 1] 1. Mechanical configuration of the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment (1) Basic functions and configuration FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a food material weight measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment is a device that measures the weight of a measurement target 100 including a food ingredient 110 while the food ingredient 110 is hung to dry on the food ingredient weight measuring device 1. "While hanging to dry" refers to the case where the persimmons are hung to dry throughout the drying process of making dried persimmons (approximately three weeks to two months), but it also includes the case where the persimmons are hung to dry only when their weight is measured, and any intermediate cases.

[0018] Examples of the food ingredient 110 include fruits and vegetables such as persimmons, potatoes, and mushrooms, seafood, somen noodles, and barley. The food ingredient 110 may be any material that can be hung to dry. In the description of each embodiment in this specification, the food ingredient 110 is assumed to be persimmon.

[0019] In the illustrated example, a plurality of persimmons (food material 110) and a hanging string 112 to which the plurality of persimmons are tied are weighed as the measurement target 100. The hanging string 112 is hung from a first hanging member 10, which will be described later.

[0020] In this specification, "one side" is defined as the side on which the first hanging member 10 is arranged when the first hanging member 10 and the second hanging member 60 (described later) are viewed together, and "the other side" is defined as the side on which the second hanging member 60 is arranged.

[0021] The food ingredient weight measuring device 1 includes a first hanging member 10, a connecting member 20, an electromechanical device 30 paired with a mover 32 and a stator 34, a load cell 40, a second hanging member 60, and a housing 50A (stress transmission body 50).

[0022] (2) First hanging member 10, second hanging member 60 The first hanging member 10 and the second hanging member 60 are members that are hung when suspending something that will be the measurement target 100, or when suspending the entire food ingredient weight measuring device 1 integrated with the first hanging member 10 or the second hanging member 60 from some other facility (such as the ceiling, eaves, or seam of a drying area). The first hanging member 10 and the second hanging member 60 are composed of, for example, a hook, a hanging ring, a clip, etc.

[0023] The measurement target object 100 is hung from one of the first hanging member 10 and the second hanging member 60, and the other is hung from the ceiling, eaves, or a rack of a drying area. In this case, the first hanging member 10 and the second hanging member 60 are usually arranged on the same vertical line PLM. In this specification, "bottom" refers to the side where the measurement target 100 is placed (the side to which the gravitational acceleration g faces) out of the above-mentioned "one side" or "other side," and "top" refers to the opposite side. In FIG. 1, "one side" is "bottom."

[0024] The other side of the first hanging member 10 is connected to a connecting member 20 (described later). One side of the second hanging member 60 is connected to a relay node 80 (described later). The second hanging member 60 may be a separate member from the housing 50A (described later), or may be formed integrally with the housing 50A.

[0025] (3) Connecting member 20 The connecting member 20 is a member that connects the first hanging member 10 and a mover 32 (described later). One side of the connecting member 20 is connected to the first hanging member 10, and the other side is connected to the mover 32. The connecting member 20 may be separate from the first hanging member 10, or may be formed integrally with the first hanging member 10. Similarly, on the other side, the connecting member 20 may be separate from the mover 32, or may be formed integrally with the mover 32.

[0026] (4) Electrical machinery and equipment 30 The electromechanical device 30 is a unit that is configured by pairing a stator 34 and a mover 32, and converts electrical energy into mechanical motion.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the stator 34 is made of an electromagnet 34A including a coil (not shown), and the mover 32 is made of an attraction plate 32A having an attraction surface 32Aa on the side opposite to the side where the connecting member 20 is arranged. The attraction plate 32A is configured to be attracted to the electromagnet 34A when the electromagnet 34A is energized.

[0028] When the electric current is applied to the electromechanical device 30, the stator 34 is excited, and the mover 32 moves to the other side where the stator 34 is disposed. Specifically, the attraction plate 32A is attracted to the electromagnet 34A as described above. Conversely, by turning off the current to the electromechanical device 30, the excitation of the stator 34 is cancelled, and the mover 32 moves to one side. Specifically, the attraction plate 32A is released from the attraction by the electromagnet 34A and moves under the influence of the gravitational acceleration g.

[0029] One side of the mover 32 is connected to the other side of the above-mentioned connecting member 20. The other side of the stator 34 is connected to the load end 40a of the load cell 40 via an L-shaped member 75.

[0030] (5) Load cell 40 The load cell 40 is a sensor that detects distortion caused by a load and contributes to weight measurement. In each drawing explaining each embodiment of this specification, a single-point type load cell similar to a cantilever type is used as an example. In the load cell 40, the side fixed to the fixed part side is called the fixed end 40b, and the side where a load is applied (load application) is called the load end 40a.

[0031] The load end 40a is connected to the stator 34 via an L-shaped member 75. On the other hand, the fixed end 40b is connected to a relay node 80 (described later) via an L-shaped member 77. The L-shaped member 77, the load cell 40, and the L-shaped member 75 together form an S-shaped unit.

[0032] (6) Relay node 80 The relay node 80 is a node that relays between a "first stress transmission path (described later)" including the load cell 40 including the second hanging member 60 and the L-shaped member 75, and a "second stress transmission path (described later)" including the stress transmission body 50 by the housing 50A. The relay node 80 may be said to be a connection point between them. 1, the relay node 80 is the area indicated by the reference symbol 80 surrounded by the dotted line, which is the area where the other side of the members constituting the housing 50A, some member connected to the fixed end 40b of the load cell 40 (here, L-shaped member 77, which may be the fixed end 40b itself), and the second hanging member 60 intersect. The relay node 80 is connected to the fixed end 40b of the load cell 40, and is also connected to the main body of the housing 50A.

[0033] In addition, in embodiment 1, the first hanging member 10, the movable member 32, the stator 34, the load cell 40 and the second hanging member 60 are arranged on a vertical line PLM, and the object to be measured 100 is further configured to be arranged on the vertical line PLM.

[0034] (7) 50A housing The housing 50A houses at least the electromechanical device 30 and the load cell 40. Although details will be described later, the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 includes at least the load cell 40 and a controller 90 for operating the electromechanical device 30. At least the controller 90, the stator 34, and the load cell 40 are housed inside a sealed housing 50A. In the first embodiment, in addition to the above, the L-shaped members 75, 77 and the battery BAT are also housed inside the housing 50A.

[0035] (8) Stress transmission body 50 / housing 50A The stress transmission body 50 transmits the stress based on the load of the measurement object 100 between the relay node 80 and the first hanging member 10 without passing through the load cell 40 .

[0036] A through hole or notch (through hole 54 in the figure) is provided on one side of the stress transmission body 50 at a position on one side of the mover 32 and on a vertical line PLM including the center of gravity of the measurement object 100. 1, a through hole 54 is provided at the position of the vertical line PLM, below the mover 32. Also, a receiving wall 52 facing the other side is provided at a position around an end 56 constituting the through hole or notch (see FIG. 4(c)). On the other hand, the other side of the stress transfer body 50 is connected to a relay node 80.

[0037] At this time, the connecting member 20 is inserted through a through hole or a notch (through hole 54 in the figure) of the stress transmission body 50 and can move up and down freely. In addition, the mover 32 is provided with an abutting portion 33 that can abut against the receiving wall 52. When the excitation of the stator 34 is turned off, the mover 32 is released from the stator 34 and moves to one side under the influence of the gravitational acceleration g, so that the abutting portion 33 of the mover 32 abuts against the receiving wall 52 of the stress transmission body 50. As a result, the stress transmission route is switched to a route via the stress transmission body 50 that transmits stress between the receiving wall 52 and the relay node 80.

[0038] Here, "the connecting member 20 can move up and down freely" is a relative term, and it may mean that the position of the through hole 54 or the notch is fixed and the absolute position of the connecting member 20 moves up and down, or that the position of the connecting member 20 is fixed and the absolute position of the through hole 54 or the notch moves up and down.

[0039] In the first embodiment, the housing 50A also serves as the stress transfer body 50. One side of the housing 50A is provided with a through hole 54. The inner wall of the housing 50A around the end 56 forming the through hole 54 constitutes the above-mentioned "receiving wall 52" (see FIG. 4(b)).

[0040] 2. Electrical configuration of the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment FIG. 2 is an electrical block diagram of the food material weight measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 2, the entire food ingredient weight measuring device 1 is controlled by an overall control unit 94. Although the figure is merely an example of the configuration, the power supply (3.3 VDC) used by the overall control unit 94 and the communication unit 98 and the power supply used for strain detection by the load cell 40 are generated by a power supply control unit 92 based on the power of a battery BAT. In addition, the power supply (12 VDC) for exciting the electromagnet 34A via the electromagnetic drive unit 96 is also generated by the power supply control unit 92 based on the power of the battery BAT. The power supply control unit 92 may perform DC / DC conversion, stabilization of the power supply, and monitoring of the state of the battery BAT.

[0042] The strain detection signal output by the load cell 40 is input to an ADC (Analog-Digital Converter), which outputs digital data based on the strain detection signal, and the digital data based on the strain detection signal is input to the overall control unit 94. The overall control unit 94 calculates the weight of the measurement object 100 based on the amount of strain calculated from the digital data.

[0043] The coil of the stator 34 (electromagnet 34A) is connected to an electromagnetic driver 96. The electromagnetic driver 96 outputs a predetermined applied voltage to the stator 34 (electromagnet 34A) at a predetermined timing instructed by the overall control unit 94.

[0044] The electromagnetic drive unit 96 may control the output of the excitation voltage, for example, as follows: That is, when the measurement target 100 is pulled up to measure the weight, the stator 34 is energized and excited with a first voltage (e.g., 12 V). Then, when the contact portion 33 separates from the receiving wall 52 and the strain of the load cell 40 is detected to actually measure the weight, the stator 34 is energized and excited with a second voltage (e.g., 4.5 V) lower than the first voltage (see also FIG. 4).

[0045] The communication unit 98 may be equipped with a wireless communication means such as BLE (Blutooth Low Energy). The communication unit 98 is connected to the overall control unit 94, and can appropriately output weight data calculated by the overall control unit 94 in the form of digital data through weight measurement to the outside.

[0046] The power supply control section 92 and the overall control section 94 may be configured as either a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose circuit, or may be a combination of both. The general-purpose circuit may be realized by an information processing device centered on a processor. In this case, the overall control unit 94 includes, as components that embody the overall control unit 94, (1) "hardware" implemented in a general information processing device, such as a processor, memory, and a communication I / F, and (2) "software (programs, setting data, etc.)" that is stored in the memory and that executes a series of processes related to the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 and the food ingredient weight measuring method according to the first embodiment on the processor. The overall control unit 94 can be realized by, for example, an information processing device centered on a microprocessor and a program installed therein.

[0047] 3. Operation of the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 and food ingredient weight measuring method according to the first embodiment (1) Operation mode Fig. 3 is a state transition diagram for explaining the operation of the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 and the food ingredient weight measuring method according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 has two operation modes, broadly classified as a non-measurement mode ST0 and a measurement mode ST2. When transitioning from the non-measurement mode ST0 to the measurement mode ST2, the zero point setting mode ST1 is temporarily passed through. The zero point setting mode ST1 will be described in detail later.

[0048] (2) Non-measurement mode ST0 and measurement mode ST2 Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the state of the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 when it is assumed that the device switches from non-measurement mode ST0 to measurement mode ST2 via zero point setting mode ST1 to measure weight, and then returns to non-measurement mode ST0 again. Fig. 4(a) shows the state in non-measurement mode ST0, Fig. 4(b) shows the state in suction step S10, Fig. 4(c) shows the state in adsorption step S20, and Fig. 4(d) shows the state in release step S40.

[0049] (2-1) Non-measurement mode ST0 The non-measurement mode ST0 is an operation mode in which weight measurement is not performed and food ingredients are only hung to dry. In the "non-measurement mode" in which no measurement is performed, in the food ingredient weight measuring device 1, the electricity supply to the electromechanical device 30 is turned off and the mover 32 moves to one side so that the contact portion 33 of the mover 32 comes into contact with the receiving wall 52 of the stress transfer body 50. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the excitation of the electromagnet 34A is turned off to release the attraction of the attraction plate 32A, and the contact portion 33, which is one surface of the attraction plate 31A of the attraction plate 32A, comes into contact with the receiving wall 52, which is the inner wall of the housing 50A (see FIG. 1). In this way, the stress based on the load of the object to be measured 100 is transmitted via a "second stress transmission path" that includes the first hanging member 10, the connecting member 20, the movable member 32, the stress transmission body 50, the relay node 80 and the second hanging member 60 (see the arrow in Figure 4(a)).

[0050] At this time, no stress is transmitted to the path including the load cell 40. Therefore, even if foodstuffs or the like serving as the measurement target 100 are hung from the foodstuff weight measuring device 1, a state in which no load is applied to the load cell 40 can be achieved, making it possible to hang-dry foodstuffs for a long period of time.

[0051] (2-2) Measurement mode ST2 The measurement mode ST2 is an operation mode in which the weight of the measurement object 100 is measured. In the "measurement mode" in which the weight of the measurement target 100 is measured, the electrical machinery device 30 of the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 is energized, the movable element 32 moves to the other side, and the contact portion 33 of the movable element 32 moves away from the receiving wall 52 of the stress transfer body 50. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the electromagnet 34A is energized, and the electromagnet 34A attracts the suction plate 32A. Then, the contact portion 33 of the suction plate 32A moves away from the receiving wall 52, which is the inner wall of the housing 50A (see FIG. 4(b)). When the excitation of the electromagnet 34A continues, the suction surface (the surface on the other side) 32Aa of the suction plate 32A is eventually attracted to the electromagnet 34A (see FIG. 4(c)). In this way, the stress based on the load of the object to be measured 100 is transmitted through a "first stress transmission path" that includes the first hanging member 10, the connecting member 20 connected to the first hanging member 10, the movable member 32 connected to the connecting member 20, the stator 34 that pairs with the movable member 32 to form the electromechanical device 30, the load cell 40 having its load end 40a connected to the stator 34, the relay node 80 connected to the fixed end 40b of the load cell 40, and the second hanging member 60 connected to the relay node 80.

[0052] At this time, the stress is transmitted to the load cell 40, making it possible to measure the weight of the measurement object 100.

[0053] (3) Zero point setting mode ST1 The zero-point setting mode ST1 is a preparation for removing the influence of the members from the load end 40a of the load cell 40 to the measurement object 100 on the weight measurement. First, the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 is placed in a state where stress is applied to the stress transmitter 50 but no load is applied to the load cell 40. Then, sensing is performed by the load cell 40 in this state, and the weight is calculated. Looking closely at this state, the load end 40a of the load cell 40 is still subjected to the load of the L-shaped member 75 and the stator 34 (see FIG. 4(a)). Therefore, the weight calculated in this state is the weight corresponding to the L-shaped member 75 and the stator 34 (this is provisionally referred to as the "weight between the L-shaped member and the stator").

[0054] Incidentally, when the state of the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 is in the measurement mode ST2, in addition to the above-mentioned L-shaped member 75 and stator 34, the mover 32, connecting member 20, and first hanging member 10 are interposed between the load end 40a of the load cell 40 and the measurement object 100 (see FIG. 4(c)). The weights of the mover 32, connecting member 20, and first hanging member 10 are known, so they are regarded as the "weight between the mover and the first hanging member." From the above, the influence on the weight measurement by the members from the load end 40a to the measurement object 100 can be regarded as the "weight between the L-shaped member and the stator" + the "weight between the mover and the first hanging member."

[0055] In the measurement mode ST2, the actual weight value of the object to be measured 100 can be obtained by subtracting the combined value of the "weight between the L-shaped member and the stator" and the "weight between the movable member and the first hanging member" from the actual measured weight value calculated by detecting the strain of the load cell 40.

[0056] (4) Details of excitation control of electromechanical device 30 The details of the excitation control of the electromechanical device 30 when the food materials are hung to dry and only the drying process is performed, and then the weight is temporarily measured, will be described below.

[0057] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a voltage application waveform to the electromechanical device 30 when it is assumed that the zero-point setting mode ST1 is switched to the measurement mode ST2 to perform weight measurement, and then the mode is returned to the non-measurement mode ST0 again. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an execution procedure corresponding to the voltage application waveform of Fig. 5.

[0058] In Figure 5, at time 0 (zero) on the time axis, the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 is in zero point setting mode ST1 (or non-measurement mode ST0), and the suction plate 32A is positioned on one side (below) and in contact with the stress transmission body 50 (see Figure 4 (a)).

[0059] When transitioning from this state to the measurement mode ST2 to carry out weight measurement, the procedure shown in FIG. 6 is carried out. First, the suction plate 32A is attracted and pulled up by the electromagnet 34A (attraction step S10, see FIG. 4(b)). Next, the suction plate 32A is attracted to the electromagnet 34A (attraction step S20, see FIG. 4(c)). While the suction plate 32A is attracted and the load of the measurement target 100 is being transmitted to the load cell 40, actual weight measurement is performed (measurement step S30). When the measurement is completed, the suction plate 32A attracted by the electromagnet 34A is released (release step S40, see FIG. 4(d)).

[0060] In the first embodiment, the excitation control is performed, for example, as shown in Fig. 5. In the attraction step S10, the electromagnet 34A is energized with a relatively large first voltage (for example, 12 VDC) to excite it. Then, when the attraction plate 32A comes into contact with the electromagnet 34A, the process proceeds to the attraction step S20. In the attraction step S20, when the state becomes stable after a predetermined margin has elapsed since the transition to the attraction step S20, the electromagnet 34A is energized with a second voltage (for example, 4.5 V) lower than the first voltage to continue excitation. During this time, the measurement step S30 can be performed in parallel. When the measurement is completed, the voltage applied to the electromagnet 34A is set to 0 (zero) to turn off the excitation.

[0061] In other words, in embodiment 1, when the object to be measured is pulled up to perform weight measurement, current is passed through the stator 34 at a first voltage to excite it, and when the contact portion 33 separates from the receiving wall 52 to perform weight measurement, excitation control is performed so that current is passed through the stator 34 at a second voltage lower than the first voltage to excite it.

[0062] 4. Effects of the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 and food ingredient weight measuring method according to the first embodiment (1) The food ingredient weight measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration, and is configured such that in the "measurement mode", the electric machine device 30 is energized, the mover 32 moves to the other side, and the contact portion 33 of the mover 32 moves away from the receiving wall 52 of the stress transmitter 50. At this time, the mover 32 is connected to a path including the load cell 40, and a "first stress transmission path" consisting of the first hanging member 10, the connecting member 20, the mover 32, the stator 34, the load cell 40, the relay node 80, and the second hanging member 60 is connected. The stress based on the load of the measurement object 100 is also transmitted to the load cell 40 through this first stress transmission path, and the load cell 40 can detect the strain and measure the weight of the measurement object 100.

[0063] On the other hand, in the "non-measurement mode", the electric machine device 30 is turned off, the movable element 32 moves to one side, and the contact portion 33 of the movable element 32 contacts the receiving wall 52 of the stress transmission body 50. At this time, the contact portion 33 of the movable element 32 is connected to the stress transmission body 50, and the "second stress transmission path" consisting of the first hanging member 10, the connecting member 20, the movable element 32, the stress transmission body 50, the relay node 80, and the second hanging member 60 is connected. The stress based on the load of the measurement object 100 is transmitted to the second stress transmission path including the stress transmission body 50 (the housing 50A), and the load of the foodstuff or the like is supported by this path. In other words, during this time, the stress that causes creep is not transmitted to the load cell 40.

[0064] In other words, according to the food ingredient weight measuring device 1, while the food ingredient 110 is being hung to dry only, the load cell 40 can be rested using the second stress transmission path in the "non-measurement mode ST0" to suppress the occurrence of creep. Therefore, even if the measurement object 100 is kept suspended for a long period of time, no creep problem occurs. Then, only when weight measurement is to be performed, the weight of the measurement object 100 can be measured using the first stress transmission path in the "measurement mode ST2". At this time, since the measurement is performed using the load cell 40 in which creep is not occurring, the creep problem can be overcome while ensuring a considerable degree of accuracy in weight measurement.

[0065] As described above, the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment has a simple configuration, yet is capable of suspending the object to be measured for a long period of time, and overcomes the creep problem to accurately measure the weight.

[0066] (2) The food ingredient weight measuring device 1 is provided with a housing 50A. At least the electromechanical device 30, the controller 90 for operating the electromechanical device, and the load cell 40 are housed inside the sealed housing. Note that the term "sealed" refers to a state in which the contact portion 33 of the mover 32 is in contact with the receiving wall 52 of the housing 50A. By introducing the sealed housing 50A into the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 in this way, the components disposed inside the housing can be protected from, for example, wind and rain and sulfur components caused by sulfur fumigation. In addition, since the housing 50A also serves as the stress transmitter 50, the device can be made smaller and more economical.

[0067] (3) In the food ingredient weight measuring device 1, the first hanging member 10, the movable member 32, the stator 34, the load cell 40 and the second hanging member 60 are arranged on a vertical line PLM, and the object to be measured 100 is further configured to be arranged on the vertical line PLM.

[0068] In sensing using the load cell 40, even slight tilt or uneven load can cause weight measurement errors. By configuring the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 as described above, the vector of the load applied to each component is less likely to deviate from the vertical line PLM, thereby improving the accuracy of weight measurement.

[0069] (4) In the food ingredient weight measuring device 1, the stator 34 is an electromagnet 34A, and the movable member 32 is an adsorption plate 32A having an adsorption surface 32Aa on the side opposite to the side on which the connecting member 20 is arranged, and is configured so that the adsorption plate 32A is attracted to the electromagnet 34A when the electromagnet 34A is energized.

[0070] Because of this configuration, magnetic lines of force can be generated from the electromagnet 34A so as to extend in a concentrated manner in a substantially vertical direction, and the attraction plate 32A can receive these magnetic lines of force over the entire attraction surface 32Aa. Because the attraction force can be exerted with high efficiency, even if the power supplied to the electromagnet 34A is relatively low, the attraction force required to lift the measurement object 100, the attraction plate 32A, etc. can be exerted.

[0071] (5) In the food ingredient weight measuring device 1, when the measurement object 100 is lifted up to perform weight measurement, a first voltage is passed through the stator 34 to excite it, and when the contact portion 33 separates from the receiving wall 52 to perform weight measurement, a second voltage lower than the first voltage is passed through the stator 34 to excite it.

[0072] In the attraction step S10, which requires power, a large attraction force is exerted with a relatively large first voltage, and in the adhesion step S20, which requires relatively little power to maintain the state, the voltage is reduced to a relatively small second voltage, so that power consumption can be reduced. Also, if a large power is continuously applied during the adhesion step S20, the coil of the stator 34 will heat up and the attraction force will decrease, but by reducing the power, such a problem can be suppressed.

[0073] (6) In the food material weight measuring device 1, the power source for exciting the stator 34 is based on the power obtained from a battery.

[0074] The power source for exciting the stator 34, sensing with the load cell 40, and controlling the entire food ingredient weight measuring device 1 may be electricity from any source, but is preferably electricity obtained from a battery. If these power sources are provided by a battery, a power cable is not required, and there is no need to wire cables inside the food ingredient drying area. In addition, it becomes easier to move the food ingredient weight measuring device 1. Furthermore, the excitation control technique shown in (4) above can be applied more preferably.

[0075] (7) It is preferable that the food ingredients 110 assumed in the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 include at least persimmon. When drying persimmons to produce dried persimmons, it is necessary to leave them hanging for a long period of time and measure their weight regularly and frequently. The food ingredient weight measuring device 1 can be hung directly on the device and a load can be applied to it continuously even during the normal drying process (non-measurement mode ST0), and accurate measurements can be made using a load cell that is not affected by creep even in measurement mode ST2. As described above, by using at least persimmons as the food ingredient 110 in a suitable manner, the action and effect of the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 according to embodiment 1 can be maximized.

[0076] (8) The main parts of the food ingredient weight measuring method according to the first embodiment are common to the main parts of the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment, so the effects of the food ingredient weight measuring method can be similar to those of the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that the technical features of the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 and the food ingredient weight measuring method described in this specification can be mutually adopted.

[0077] [Embodiment 2] 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a food material weight measuring device 2 according to embodiment 2. The same components as those in embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in embodiment 1, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] The food ingredient weight measuring device 2 according to the second embodiment basically has the same configuration as the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment, but differs from the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment in the way the device is used.

[0079] That is, as shown in FIG. 7, in the second embodiment, the object to be measured 100 is suspended from the second suspension member 60, and the entire food ingredient weight measuring device 2 is suspended from some other facility (such as the ceiling, eaves or brim of a drying area) by the first suspension member 10.

[0080] In this case, the magnitude of the stress applied to the load cell 40 is different from that of the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore there are differences from the first embodiment in the contents of the zero point setting in the zero point setting mode ST1 and the parameters related to the weight calculation by the load cell 40. Such differences can be realized by appropriately modifying the software in the overall control unit 94 of the controller 90.

[0081] Except for the way the food ingredient weight measuring device 2 according to the second embodiment is used, the food ingredient weight measuring device 2 according to the second embodiment has a basically similar configuration to the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore has the same effects as those of the food ingredient weight measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0082] Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. It can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and for example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0083] (1) In each embodiment, the electromechanical device 30 is configured with an electromagnet 34A and an attraction plate 32A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a linear electromagnetic solenoid 30B may be used as the electromechanical device (Modification 1).

[0084] Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a food ingredient weight measuring device 3 according to Modification 1. Fig. 8(a) shows the state in non-measurement mode ST0, and Fig. 8(b) shows the state in adsorption step S20 in measurement mode ST2. As shown in Fig. 8, the linear electromagnetic solenoid 30B is configured by pairing a stator made of a stator 34B with a movable core 32B. Note that in Modification 1, the brim-shaped portion including the contact portion 33B in the figure is also treated as being included in part of the movable core 32B.

[0085] (2) For example, as shown in Fig. 9, a rotary electromagnetic solenoid 30C may be used as the electromechanical device (Modification 2). Furthermore, a servo motor 30D may be used as the electromechanical device (Modification 3), although the appearance is substantially the same as that shown in Fig. 9.

[0086] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of food material weight measuring devices 4, 5 according to Modifications 2 and 3. Fig. 9(a) shows the state in non-measurement mode ST0, and Fig. 9(b) shows the state in measurement mode ST2.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 9, a rotary electromagnetic solenoid 30C of the second modification is configured by pairing a fixed element made up of a stator 34C with a movable element made up of a movable part 32C made up of a shaft, a lever, a hanging wire, and a flange-shaped portion (all reference numbers omitted). Similarly, as shown in FIG. 9, a servo motor 30D of the third modification is configured by pairing a fixed element made of a stator 34D with a movable element made of a movable part 32D including a shaft, a lever, a hanging wire, and a flange-shaped portion (all reference numbers omitted).

[0088] (3) In each embodiment, a single-point type load cell similar to a beam type load cell is used as the load cell 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a cylindrical type, a ring type, or other suitable type of load cell may be used.

[0089] (4) In each embodiment, the main measurement object 100 is food material 110 to be hung to dry. However, the use of the food material weight measuring device of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a potted houseplant may be hung on the food material weight measuring device of the present invention and its weight may be measured as needed to determine the degree of dryness of the soil and to determine when to water the plant. Also, laundry may be hung to dry on the food material weight measuring device of the present invention and its weight may be measured as needed to determine the degree of dryness of the laundry and to determine the timing of collecting the laundry. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1, 2, 3, 4...food ingredient weight measuring device, 10...first hanging member, 20...connecting member, 30...electromechanical device, 30B...linear electromagnetic solenoid, 30C...rotary electromagnetic solenoid, 30D...servo motor, 31A...adsorption plate, 32...movable element, 32A...adsorption plate, 32Aa...adsorption surface, 32B...movable core, 32C, 32D...movable part, 33, 33B...contact part, 34...stator, 34A...electromagnet, 34B, 34C...stator , 40...load cell, 40a...load end (of load cell), 40b...fixed end (of load cell), 50...stress transfer body, 50A...housing, 52...receiving wall, 54...through hole, 60...second hanging member, 75, 77...L-shaped member, 80...relay node, 90...controller, 92...power supply control unit, 94...overall control unit, 96...electromagnetic drive unit, 98...communication unit, 100...measurement object, 110...food material, 112...hanging cord, BAT...battery, PLM...vertical line

Claims

1. A food weight measuring device that measures the weight of an object to be measured, including the food, while the food is being hung and dried on the food weight measuring device, First suspension member and A connecting member, one end of which is connected to the first suspension member, A movable element, one side of which is connected to the aforementioned connecting member, A stator, which, in conjunction with the aforementioned movable element, constitutes an electromechanical device, A load cell with a load end connected to the stator, A relay node connected to the fixed end of the load cell, A second suspension member, one end of which is connected to the aforementioned relay node, On one side, a through hole or notch is provided at a position to one side of the movable element and on a vertical line including the center of gravity of the object to be measured, and a receiving wall facing the other side is provided at a position around the end constituting the through hole or notch, and the other side is connected to the relay node, and a stress transmitting body is provided that transmits stress between the receiving wall and the relay node, The connecting member is able to move up and down by being inserted through the through hole or notch of the stress transmission body. The movable element is provided with a contact portion that can come into contact with the receiving wall. (i) In "measurement mode" for measuring the weight of the object to be measured, the electromechanical device is powered on and the movable element moves to the other side so that the contact portion of the movable element moves away from the receiving wall of the stress transmission body; (ii) In "non-measurement mode" for which no measurement is performed, the electromechanical device is powered off and the movable element moves to one side so that the contact portion of the movable element contacts the receiving wall of the stress transmission body. A food ingredient weight measuring device characterized by the following features.

2. In the food weight measuring device according to claim 1, The device comprises a housing that accommodates at least the electromechanical device and the load cell, and has a through hole on one side. The aforementioned housing also serves as the stress transmission body. The receiving wall is formed by the inner wall of the housing, The relay node is composed of the other side of the member constituting the housing, the member connected to the fixed end of the load cell, and the portion where the second suspension member intersects. A food ingredient weight measuring device characterized by the following features.

3. In the food weight measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, A food weight measuring device configured such that the first suspension member, the movable element, the stator, the load cell, and the second suspension member are arranged on a single vertical line, and the object to be measured is further positioned on the said vertical line.

4. In the food weight measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, A food weight measuring device configured such that the stator is an electromagnet, the movable element is a suction plate having a suction surface on the side opposite to the side where the connecting member is located, and the suction plate is attracted to the electromagnet when the electromagnet is energized.

5. In the food weight measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, When lifting the object to be measured in order to measure its weight, the stator is energized with a first voltage, A food weight measuring device that energizes the stator by supplying a second voltage lower than the first voltage when the contact portion is separated from the receiving wall to perform weight measurement.

6. A food weight measuring device according to claim 5, characterized in that the power source for exciting the stator is based on power obtained from a battery.

7. The food ingredient weight measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the aforementioned food ingredient includes at least persimmon.

8. In the food weight measuring device according to claim 7, The food weight measuring device comprises at least the load cell and the controller for operating the electromechanical device, A food weight measuring device characterized in that at least the controller, the stator, and the load cell are housed inside a sealed enclosure.

9. A method for measuring the weight of an object containing food ingredients, using a weight measuring device that measures weight by detecting strain in a load cell, while the food ingredients are suspended and dried in the food ingredient weight measuring device, The weight measuring device has a "first stress transmission path" including a first suspension member, a connecting member connected to the first suspension member, a movable element connected to the connecting member, a stator that, together with the movable element, constitutes an electromechanical device, a load cell whose load end is connected to the stator, a relay node connected to the fixed end of the load cell, and a second suspension member connected to the relay node, and a "second stress transmission path" including the first suspension member, the connecting member, the movable element, the stress transmission body, the relay node, and the second suspension member. The stress transmission body has a through hole or notch on one side at a position to the side of the movable element and on a vertical line including the center of gravity of the object to be measured, and a receiving wall facing the other side is provided around the end of the through hole or notch, and the other side is connected to the relay node to transmit stress between the receiving wall and the relay node. The connecting member is able to move up and down by being inserted through the through hole or notch of the stress transmission body. The movable element is provided with a contact portion that can come into contact with the receiving wall. (i) In "measurement mode" for measuring the weight of the object to be measured, the power to the electromechanical device is turned on and the movable element is moved to the other side, the contact portion of the movable element is moved away from the receiving wall of the stress transmission body, and the stress based on the load of the object to be measured is transmitted through the "first stress transmission path," (ii) In "non-measurement mode" for not performing measurement, the power to the electromechanical device is turned off and the movable element is moved to one side, the contact portion of the movable element is brought into contact with the receiving wall of the stress transmission body, and the stress based on the load of the object to be measured is transmitted through the "second stress transmission path," A method for measuring the weight of food ingredients, characterized by the following features.

10. In the method for measuring the weight of food ingredients according to claim 9, A method for measuring the weight of food ingredients, characterized in that when the object to be measured is lifted up for weight measurement, the stator is energized with a first voltage, and when the contact portion is separated from the receiving wall and weight measurement is performed, the stator is energized with a second voltage lower than the first voltage.

Images