Weighing device and method for adjusting the weighing device

Abstract

The weighing device can be easily adjusted to prevent overload from being applied to the weighing mechanism. [Solution] The weighing device 1 comprises a weighing pan 2 on which an object to be weighed is placed, a pan support portion 3 that supports the weighing pan 2, a weighing mechanism 4 connected to the pan support portion 3 for weighing the mass of the object placed on the weighing pan 2, and an inner housing 5 that defines a housing space V in which the weighing mechanism 4 is housed. The pan support portion 3 has a first protrusion 71 and a second protrusion 72 that project downward, and the inner housing 5 has a first opposing portion 91 that faces the first protrusion 71 and a second opposing portion 92 that faces the second protrusion 72 on the outside of the housing space V.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a weighing device and a method for adjusting the weighing device.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, an elastic member is interposed between a mass sensor and a case containing the mass sensor, and while pressing and holding the mass sensor against the case, when a load of a certain level or more is applied, the mass sensor is separated from the case to release it from the load; a guide member erected between the mass sensor and the case; and a guide receiving seat that engages with the guide member provided on the mass sensor or the case are disclosed as an overload prevention mechanism.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An overload prevention mechanism as disclosed in Patent Document 1 protects a weighing mechanism so that a load (overload) exceeding a predetermined load does not act on the weighing mechanism. Each member constituting such an overload prevention mechanism may be disposed inside a case containing a mass sensor. In this case, when adjusting the overload prevention mechanism so that an overload does not act on the weighing mechanism, it is necessary to remove the case and access each member constituting the overload prevention mechanism, which is troublesome for an operator.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a weighing device and a method for adjusting the weighing device that can be easily adjusted so that an overload does not act on the weighing mechanism.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This disclosure includes the following weighing devices [1] to

[10] and a method for adjusting the weighing device

[11] .

[0007] [1] A weighing pan on which the object to be weighed is placed, A plate support portion that supports the aforementioned measuring pan, A weighing mechanism connected to the pan holder, which weighs the mass of the object to be weighed placed on the weighing pan, The system comprises a housing that defines a housing space in which the weighing mechanism is housed, The aforementioned pan holder portion has at least one projection that protrudes downward, A weighing device wherein the housing has at least one opposing portion that faces the at least one protruding portion on the outside of the housing space.

[0008] The weighing device described in [1] above comprises a housing that defines a housing space in which a weighing mechanism is housed. The pan support portion has at least one projection that protrudes downward, and the housing has at least one opposing portion that faces the at least one projection on the outside of the housing space. When a load exceeding a predetermined load (overload) is applied to the pan support portion, causing the pan support portion to move downward, at least one projection moves downward and comes into contact with at least one opposing portion. This prevents the overload from being applied to the weighing mechanism. Furthermore, in the weighing device described in [1] above, the housing has at least one opposing portion that faces the at least one projection on the outside of the housing space. This allows the distance between the at least one projection and the at least one opposing portion (the magnitude of a predetermined load to prevent it from being applied to the weighing mechanism) to be adjusted without accessing the inside of the housing (on the outside of the housing). Therefore, according to the weighing device described in [1] above, the weighing device can be easily adjusted so that the overload is not applied to the weighing mechanism.

[0009] [2] The weighing device according to [1], wherein the pan support portion overlaps with the at least one opposing portion when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0010] According to the weighing device described in [2] above, when the protruding portion moves downward and comes into contact with the opposing portion, the load applied to the pan support portion can be transmitted straight to the opposing portion along the vertical direction. This effectively prevents overload from being applied to the weighing mechanism.

[0011] [3] The at least one projection is a plurality of projections, The aforementioned at least one opposing part is a plurality of opposing parts, The housing has four corners when viewed from the vertical direction. The plurality of opposing parts each have four first opposing parts arranged at the four corners, The weighing device according to [1] or [2], wherein the plurality of protrusions each have four first protrusions that are opposite to the four first opposing portions.

[0012] According to the weighing device described in [3] above, when an overload is applied to the pan support, the four first protrusions move downward and come into contact with the four first opposing parts. This allows the load to be evenly distributed across the four first opposing parts, making it more effective to prevent the overload from being applied to the weighing mechanism.

[0013] [4] The housing has a first side portion that connects two adjacent corner portions, The plurality of opposing portions each have a second opposing portion arranged on the first side, The weighing device according to [3], wherein the plurality of protrusions each have a second protrusion facing the second opposing portion.

[0014] According to the weighing device described in [4] above, in addition to the four first opposing parts, the load can be received by the second opposing part, which makes it possible to more effectively prevent overload from being applied to the weighing mechanism.

[0015] [5] The housing has a second side that connects two adjacent corners and faces the first side in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, The plurality of opposing portions each have a third opposing portion arranged on the second side, The weighing device according to [4], wherein the plurality of protruding portions includes a third protruding portion that faces the third facing portion.

[0016] According to the weighing device of [5] above, in addition to the four first facing portions, the load can be received by the second facing portion and the third facing portion, so that it is possible to more preferably prevent an overload from being applied to the weighing mechanism.

[0017] [6] The weighing mechanism has a fixed end fixed to the housing and a free end arranged to be aligned with the fixed end in the predetermined direction and connected to the dish receiving portion. The weighing device according to [5], wherein the second facing portion, the third facing portion, the second protruding portion, and the third protruding portion extend parallel to the predetermined direction and are located on a straight line connecting the fixed end and the free end when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0018] According to the weighing device of [6] above, the load can be evenly received by the four first facing portions, and the load can also be evenly received by the second facing portion and the third facing portion, so that it is possible to more preferably prevent an overload from being applied to the weighing mechanism.

[0019] [7] The weighing device according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the distance between the at least one protruding portion and the at least one facing portion is adjustable.

[0020] According to the weighing device of [7] above, since the protruding portion faces the facing portion outside the accommodation space, the distance between the protruding portion and the facing portion can be easily adjusted without accessing the inside of the housing.

[0021] [8] The housing has a facing surface provided with the at least one facing portion. The weighing device according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the at least one facing portion protrudes toward the at least one protruding portion side with respect to the facing surface.

[0022] According to the weighing device described in [8] above, for example, when adjusting the distance between the opposing part and the protruding part by placing a gap gauge on the opposing part, it is possible to prevent the gap gauge from coming into contact with the part of the opposing surface where the opposing part is not provided (i.e., the part that is one level lower than the opposing part). This prevents the gap gauge from coming into contact with parts of the housing other than the opposing part when inserting the gap gauge between the opposing part and the protruding part to adjust the distance between the opposing part and the protruding part, and makes it possible to easily adjust the distance between the opposing part and the protruding part.

[0023] [9] The weighing device according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the at least one projection is harder than the at least one opposing portion.

[0024] According to the weighing device described in [9] above, when an overload is applied to the pan support and the protrusion comes into contact with the opposing part, marks (impact marks, scratches caused by impact, etc.) are likely to be left on the opposing part. This makes it easy to visually confirm whether or not an overload has been applied to the pan support. Therefore, maintenance of the weighing device becomes easier.

[0025]

[10] The at least one projection is a plurality of projections, The aforementioned at least one opposing part is a plurality of opposing parts, The weighing mechanism has a free end that is connected to the pan holder, The weighing device according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the distance between the protruding portion and the opposing portion corresponding to the protruding portion is set to increase as the distance between the set of the protruding portion and the opposing portion and the free end increases when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0026] Normally, the further away the pan support is from the part connected to the free end of the weighing mechanism (the fixed end of the pan support), the greater the deflection of the pan support due to the load applied to it. Therefore, even when a load less than a predetermined load is applied, the deflection of the pan support may cause the protruding part to come into contact with the opposing part. According to the weighing device described in

[10] above, the distance between the opposing part and the protruding part in a pair of protruding and opposing parts that is relatively far from the free end of the weighing mechanism (the fixed end of the pan support) is relatively long, so the deflection of the pan support can be absorbed. As a result, for example, when an overload is applied to the pan support, the opposing part and the protruding part located on the side far from the free end of the weighing mechanism can be prevented from coming into contact with each other before the opposing part and the protruding part located on the side near the free end of the weighing mechanism come into contact with each other. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately prevent an overload from being applied to the weighing mechanism.

[0027] A method for adjusting a weighing device as described in any one of

[11] [1] to

[10] , A method for adjusting a weighing device, comprising the step of adjusting the distance between the at least one protruding part and the at least one opposing part outside the storage space, while the object to be weighed is not placed on the weighing pan.

[0028] According to the adjustment method for the weighing device described in

[11] above, the weighing device can be easily adjusted so that an overload does not affect the weighing mechanism by adjusting the distance between the protruding part and the opposing part outside the housing space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to this disclosure, the weighing device can be easily adjusted so that an overload is not applied to the weighing mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a weighing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the weighing device. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a top view of the weighing device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the internal layout of the weighing device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the weighing device along the VV line in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the weighing device along the line VI-VI in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the dish holder. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a magnified perspective view showing a part of the weighing device. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the weighing device along the line IX-IX in Figure 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for the same or equivalent elements, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, in the drawings, some parts are exaggerated in order to clearly illustrate the characteristic parts of the embodiment. For this reason, the dimensional ratios of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensional ratios. [Overall configuration of the weighing device]

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the weighing device 1 comprises a weighing pan 2, a pan support 3, a weighing mechanism 4, an inner housing 5, an outer housing 6, and an intervening member 7. Four support legs 8 are provided at the four corners of the bottom wall 61 of the outer housing 6 to support the outer housing 6. The weighing device 1 is an electronic scale configured to measure the weight of an item placed on the weighing pan 2. Note that the weighing pan 2 is not shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0033] The weighing pan 2 has a weighing surface 2a on which the object to be weighed is placed. The weighing surface 2a extends along the horizontal direction and has, for example, a square or rectangular shape. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the weighing surface 2a is called the Z-axis direction (vertical direction), one direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction is called the Y-axis direction (predetermined direction), and the direction perpendicular to both the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is called the X-axis direction. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively, are parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0034] The pan support portion 3 is a member (pan base) that supports the weighing pan 2 from below. As shown in Figures 2, 3, 5, and 6, the pan support portion 3 is positioned above the weighing mechanism 4, the inner housing 5, and the outer housing 6. The pan support portion 3 has a first portion 31 that occupies the central part of the pan support portion 3, four second portions 32 that protrude outward from the four corners of the first portion 31, and two third portions 33. Each of the two third portions 33 is positioned between two adjacent second portions 32 in the X-axis direction and protrudes outward from the first portion 31. The first portion 31 is fixed to the weighing mechanism 4 (the upper surface 41d of the free end 41b of the first strain-generating body 41, which will be described later) by a plurality (four, for example) of screws 21. As an example, one fixed end 31a of the first part 31 in the Y-axis direction (the lower side in Figure 3) is fixed to the free end 41b of the first strain body 41. A heat shield member 13, which will be described later, is placed between the first part 31 and the free end 41b of the first strain body 41. A through hole 31b is provided in the central part of the first part 31.

[0035] The dish support portion 3 further includes a plurality (four in this embodiment) of first protrusions 71, a plurality (two in this embodiment) of second protrusions 72, a plurality (six in this embodiment) of first elastic members 81, a plurality (four in this embodiment) of second elastic members 82, and a plurality (four in this embodiment) of third elastic members 83. The four first protrusions 71 are provided on each of the four second portions 32. The two second protrusions 72 are provided on each of the two third portions 33. Details of the first protrusions 71 and the second protrusions 72 will be described later.

[0036] Six first elastic members 81 are provided on the upper surface of the first portion 31 and protrude upward. Four second elastic members 82 are provided on each of the four second portions 32 and protrude upward. Four third elastic members 83 are provided on each of the four second portions 32 and protrude upward. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the object to be weighed is not placed on the weighing pan 2, the second elastic members 82 are in contact with the inner surface of the weighing pan 2. As a result, the pan support portion 3 supports the weighing pan 2 from below.

[0037] The weighing mechanism 4 is a mechanism for weighing the mass of an object placed on the weighing pan 2. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the weighing mechanism 4 has a first strain body 41, a second strain body 42, and a weight placement section 43. Each of the first strain body 41 and the second strain body 42 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped (rectangular block) shape. Each of the first strain body 41 and the second strain body 42 has a so-called Roberval mechanism. Each of the first strain body 41 and the second strain body 42 is an elastic body made of a metal such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel.

[0038] The first strain-generating body 41 extends along the Y-axis direction in the central part of the inner housing 5 in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The first strain-generating body 41 has a fixed end 41a and a free end 41b. The fixed end 41a is fixed to the bottom wall 51 of the inner housing 5, which will be described later, via a support member 9. In other words, the fixed end 41a is fixed to the inner housing 5. The free end 41b is positioned parallel to the fixed end 41a in the Y-axis direction. The free end 41b has a projection 41c that protrudes upward, and the upper surface 41d of the projection 41c is connected to the first part 31 via a heat shield member 13. In other words, the free end 41b is connected to the pan support part 3. The free end 41b is connected to the weighing pan 2 via the pan support part 3 and is the part to which the load from the weighing pan 2 is applied. The first strain-generating body 41 has a lever mechanism (not shown) for reducing the load from the weighing pan 2.

[0039] The weighing mechanism 4 further includes a tuning fork sensor (vibration-type load sensor, not shown) incorporated (fixed) into the first strain body 41. As an example, when an object to be weighed is placed on the weighing pan 2, a load corresponding to the weight of the object to be weighed is applied to the free end 41b of the first strain body 41, causing the first strain body 41 to deform. Then, a load corresponding to the deformation of the first strain body 41 is applied to the tuning fork sensor, and the vibration frequency of the tuning fork vibrator in the tuning fork sensor changes according to the magnitude of the load. A weight sensor (not shown) configured to measure the weight of the object to be weighed based on the vibration (vibration frequency) of the tuning fork vibrator is connected to the tuning fork sensor. The configuration of the weighing mechanism 4 is not limited to the tuning fork type described above, and other configurations such as a strain gauge type may be used.

[0040] The second strain body 42 is fixed to the first strain body 41. For example, the second strain body 42 is smaller than the first strain body 41. The weight placement section 43 is fixed to the second strain body 42. The weight W is placed on the weight placement section 43 by a weight moving mechanism (not shown) configured to grip and move the weight W. When the weight W is placed on the weight placement section 43, the second strain body 42 deforms. Then, a load corresponding to the deformation of the second strain body 42 is applied to the tuning fork sensor. This allows the weighing mechanism 4 (tuning fork sensor) to be calibrated. Note that when weighing an object, the weight W is not placed on the weight placement section 43, but is held, for example, by the weight moving mechanism.

[0041] The inner housing 5 is a component that houses the weighing mechanism 4. As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the inner housing 5 is located below the pan holder 3. The inner housing 5 has a bottom wall 51, side walls 52, a top wall 53, and a lid 54. The bottom wall 51, side walls 52, and lid 54 define the housing space V in which the weighing mechanism 4 is housed. The bottom wall 51 is located below the weighing mechanism 4. The fixed end 41a of the first strain-generating body 41 is fixed to the bottom wall 51 via a support member 9. The side wall 52 is positioned to cover the sides of the weighing mechanism 4. The side wall 52 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape that extends upward, connected to the edge of the bottom wall 51, so as to surround the weighing mechanism 4 (housing space V) when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0042] The top wall 53 is connected to the upper end 52a of the side wall 52 (the end opposite to the end of the side wall 52 that is connected to the bottom wall 51). The top wall 53 extends horizontally so as to project outward from the upper end 52a and is formed in a substantially rectangular ring shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The lid 54 is fixed to the upper end 52a of the side wall 52, for example by screws (not shown), so as to close the opening defined by the upper end 52a of the side wall 52 (close the storage space V). The lid 54 is located below the pan head 3 and extends horizontally. The lid 54 is provided with a through hole 54a for the projection 41c of the first strain body 41 to pass through. In other words, the free end 41b is connected to the pan head 3 located above the lid 54 by passing through the lid 54 via the through hole 54a.

[0043] The inner housing 5 has an upper surface 5a (the opposing surface on which the first opposing portion 91 and the second opposing portion 92, described later, are provided) that faces the dish receiving portion 3. For example, the upper surface 5a is composed of the upper surface of the side wall 52, the upper surface of the top wall 53, and the upper surface of the lid portion 54. The upper surface 5a is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The inner housing 5 has four corners 55 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. For example, the four corners 55 are the parts that correspond to the four corners of the upper surface 5a when viewed from the Z-axis direction (parts included in the vicinity of the four corners). The inner housing 5 has four edges 56 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. Each of the four edges 56 is the part that connects two adjacent corners 55 and is the part that corresponds to the four sides of the upper surface 5a when viewed from the Z-axis direction (parts included in the vicinity of the four sides).

[0044] The inner housing 5 further has a plurality (four in this embodiment) of first opposing portions 91 and a plurality (two in this embodiment) of second opposing portions 92. The four first opposing portions 91 are each provided at the corner portions 55. The two second opposing portions 92 are each provided at two sides 56 that face each other in the Y-axis direction. Details of the first opposing portions 91 and the second opposing portions 92 will be described later.

[0045] The outer housing 6 is a component that houses the inner housing 5. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the outer housing 6 is positioned below the pan head 3. The outer housing 6 has a bottom wall 61 and side walls 62. The bottom wall 61 is positioned below the bottom wall 51 of the inner housing 5. The bottom wall 61 is fixed to the bottom wall 51, for example, by screws (not shown). The side walls 62 are positioned to cover the sides of the side walls 52 of the inner housing 5. The side walls 62 are formed in a rectangular tubular shape that extends upward and is connected to the edge of the bottom wall 61, so as to surround the side walls 52 when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0046] The intervening member 7 is a member positioned between the inner housing 5 and the outer housing 6, and is, for example, an elastic member. As shown in Figure 2, the intervening member 7 is formed in a substantially rectangular annular shape. The intervening member 7 is positioned between the top wall 53 of the inner housing 5 and the side wall 62 of the outer housing 6. As an example, the intervening member 7 is positioned in a groove 53a formed on the lower surface of the top wall 53 and is in contact with the upper end 62a of the side wall 62 (the end opposite to the end of the side wall 62 connected to the bottom wall 61) (see Figure 9). In other words, the top wall 53 of the inner housing 5 and the side wall 62 of the outer housing 6 are connected to each other via the intervening member 7. Note that the intervening member 7 is not shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0047] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the weighing device 1 further comprises a porous membrane 10, a diaphragm 11, a pressing plate 12, and a heat shielding member 13.

[0048] The porous membrane 10 is, for example, 1 cm 2 The porous membrane is made of tetrafluoroethylene resin having hundreds of millions of micropores per unit area. The porous membrane 10 is waterproof, dustproof, and breathable. The porous membrane 10 is attached to the bottom wall 51 of the inner housing 5 so as to block the through-holes 51a provided in the bottom wall 51. For example, the through-holes 51a are provided in a stepped portion 57 of the bottom wall 51. The stepped portion 57 is a portion where the inner surface of the bottom wall 51 is recessed toward the housing space V compared to the portion of the bottom wall 51 other than the stepped portion 57.

[0049] The diaphragm 11 is an annular member formed, for example, from silicone rubber. The outer edge of the diaphragm 11 is positioned on the lid 54 so as to follow the outer edge of the through hole 54a of the lid 54. The retaining plate 12 is positioned on the outer edge of the diaphragm 11 and is fixed to the lid 54 by screws 22 (see Figure 3). This prevents water and dust from entering the inside of the inner housing 5 through the through hole 54a.

[0050] The heat shield member 13 is a member that prevents heat transfer from the outside of the inner housing 5 to the metering mechanism 4. The heat shield member 13 is a disc-shaped member made of, for example, stainless steel. The heat shield member 13 is positioned on the upper surface 41d of the protrusion 41c and is fixed to the free end 41b by a screw 23. [Details of the protruding part and opposing part]

[0051] The details of the first protrusion 71, the second protrusion 72, the first opposing portion 91, and the second opposing portion 92 will be further explained with reference to Figures 7 to 9. In the following explanation, the first protrusion 71 and the second protrusion 72 will be collectively referred to as the "protrusion," and the first opposing portion 91 and the second opposing portion 92 will be collectively referred to as the "opposing portion."

[0052] When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the dish support portion 3 overlaps with the first opposing portion 91 and the second opposing portion 92. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first protrusion 71 faces the corresponding first opposing portion 91 outside the housing space V of the inner housing 5. The second protrusion 72 faces the corresponding second opposing portion 92 outside the housing space V of the inner housing 5. In other words, the first protrusion 71, the second protrusion 72, the first opposing portion 91, and the second opposing portion 92 are all located outside the housing space V. A gap is formed between the first protrusion 71 and the first opposing portion 91, which are corresponding to each other (i.e., positioned to overlap each other in the Z-axis direction). Similarly, a gap is formed between the second protrusion 72 and the second opposing portion 92, which are corresponding to each other (i.e., positioned to overlap each other in the Z-axis direction).

[0053] The first projection 71 protrudes downward from the second portion 32 (towards the foreground in Figure 7), and the second projection 72 protrudes downward from the third portion 33 (towards the foreground in Figure 7). As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the first projection 71 has a threaded portion 71a and a nut 71b. The threaded portion 71a is screwed into a threaded hole 32a formed in the second portion 32 from below. The nut 71b is screwed onto the shaft of the threaded portion 71a from above the second portion 32. This firmly fixes the first projection 71 to the second portion 32. By adjusting the amount of screwing between the threaded portion 71a and the threaded hole 32a, the amount of protrusion of the threaded portion 71a (first projection 71) downward from the second portion 32 can be adjusted.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, the second projection 72 has a threaded portion 72a and a nut 72b. The threaded portion 72a is screwed into a threaded hole 33a formed in the third portion 33 from below. The nut 72b is screwed onto the shaft of the threaded portion 72a from above the third portion 33. This firmly fixes the second projection 72 to the third portion 33. By adjusting the amount of screwing between the threaded portion 72a and the threaded hole 33a, the amount of protrusion of the threaded portion 72a (second projection 72) downward from the third portion 33 can be adjusted.

[0055] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first opposing portion 91 protrudes toward the first projection 71 relative to the upper surface 5a. The second opposing portion 92 protrudes toward the second projection 72 relative to the upper surface 5a. The first opposing portion 91 and the second opposing portion 92 are raised relative to the portion of the upper surface 5a where the first opposing portion 91 and the second opposing portion 92 are not formed. Each of the first opposing portion 91 and the second opposing portion 92 is provided on the upper surface of the side wall 52 or the upper surface of the top wall 53.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, two of the four first opposing portions 91A are located on the fixed end 41a side of the first strain body 41 in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the two first opposing portions 91A are located on the opposite side of the fixed end 41b relative to the fixed end 41a in the Y-axis direction. For example, the two first opposing portions 91A are provided at the two corners 55A of the four corners 55 that are located on the fixed end 41a side of the first strain body 41. The other two first opposing portions 91B are located on the free end 41b side of the first strain body 41 in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the two first opposing portions 91B are located on the opposite side of the fixed end 41a relative to the free end 41b in the Y-axis direction. As an example, the two first opposing portions 91B are provided at the two corner portions 55B located on the free end 41b side of the first strain body 41, out of the four corner portions 55.

[0057] One of the two second opposing portions 92, the second opposing portion 92A, is located on the fixed end 41a side of the first strain body 41 in the Y-axis direction. For example, the second opposing portion 92A is provided on the side 56A (first side) of two sides 56 that face each other in the Y-axis direction, which is located on the fixed end 41a side of the first strain body 41. The other of the two second opposing portions 92, the second opposing portion 92B (third opposing portion), is located on the free end 41b side of the first strain body 41 in the Y-axis direction. For example, the second opposing portion 92B is provided on the side 56B (second side) of two sides 56 that face each other in the Y-axis direction, which is located on the free end 41b side of the first strain body 41.

[0058] Of the four first protrusions 71 shown in Figure 7, two first protrusions 71A are opposite to two first opposing portions 91A, respectively. Of the four first protrusions 71B, the other two first protrusions 71B are opposite to two first opposing portions 91B, respectively. In other words, the first protrusions 71A are located on the fixed end 41a side in the Y-axis direction, and the first protrusions 71B are located on the free end 41b side in the Y-axis direction. Of the two second protrusions 72, one second protrusion 72A is opposite to a second opposing portion 92A. Of the two second protrusions 72, the other second protrusion 72B (third protrusion) is opposite to a second opposing portion 92B. In other words, the second protrusion 72A is located on the fixed end 41a side in the Y-axis direction, and the second protrusion 72B is located on the free end 41b side in the Y-axis direction.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, the second opposing portion 92A is positioned between the two first opposing portions 91A in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the second opposing portion 92A is positioned in the central part of the side portion 56A in the X-axis direction. The second opposing portion 92B is positioned between the two first opposing portions 91B in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the second opposing portion 92B is positioned in the central part of the side portion 56B in the X-axis direction. As an example, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the second opposing portions 92A, 92B and the second protrusions 72A, 72B are located on a straight line L that extends parallel to the Y-axis direction and connects the fixed end 41a and the free end 41b.

[0060] As an example, the distance from the free end 41b (the fixed end 31a of the first portion 31) to the protrusion is increasing in the order of the second protrusion 72B, the first protrusion 71B, the second protrusion 72A, and the first protrusion 71A, when viewed from the Z-axis direction. That is, the distance from the free end 41b to the opposing part is increasing in the order of the second opposing part 92B, the first opposing part 91B, the second opposing part 92A, and the first opposing part 91A, when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The distance between the protrusion and the opposing part corresponding to the protrusion is set to increase as the distance between the pair of protrusion and opposing part and the free end 41b increases when viewed from the Z-axis direction. In Figure 9, the distance D between the first protrusion 71 and the first opposing part 91 is shown as an example.

[0061] In other words, the distance between the first protrusion 71A and the first opposing portion 91A is longer than the distance between the second protrusion 72A and the second opposing portion 92A. The distance between the second protrusion 72A and the second opposing portion 92A is longer than the distance between the first protrusion 71B and the first opposing portion 91B. The distance between the first protrusion 71B and the first opposing portion 91B is longer than the distance between the second protrusion 72B and the second opposing portion 92B.

[0062] For example, the first protrusion 71 is harder than the first opposing portion 91, and the second protrusion 72 is harder than the second opposing portion 92. The first opposing portion 91 and the second opposing portion 92 are formed integrally with, for example, the side wall 52 or the top wall 53. The first opposing portion 91 and the second opposing portion 92 are formed from, for example, aluminum die-casting. The first protrusion 71 and the second protrusion 72 are formed from, for example, stainless steel. [Method for adjusting the weighing device]

[0063] Next, the adjustment method for the weighing device 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 5, 6, 8, and 9. The user adjusts the distance between the protruding part and the opposing part on the outside of the inner housing 5 (storage space V) while the object to be weighed is not placed on the weighing pan 2. Note that "user" refers to any user who needs to adjust the distance between the protruding part and the opposing part as described above. For example, the user may be a measurement implementer who measures objects using the weighing device 1, or a contractor who performs maintenance and adjustments on the weighing device 1. As an example, the user places a gap gauge (not shown) on the first opposing part 91. Next, the user adjusts the amount of threading between the threaded portion 71a of the first protruding part 71 and the threaded hole 32a of the pan receiving part 3. This adjusts the distance between the first protruding part 71 and the first opposing part 91. Similarly, by adjusting the amount of threading between the threaded portion 72a of the second protruding part 72 and the threaded hole 33a of the pan receiving part 3, the distance between the second protruding part 72 and the second opposing part 92 is adjusted. This allows for easy adjustment of the distance between the protruding part and the opposing part without removing the lid 54 of the inner housing 5 (without accessing the inside of the inner housing 5). [Mechanism of Action and Effects]

[0064] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the weighing device 1, the first protrusion 71 faces the first opposing part 91 outside the housing space V. Also, in the weighing device 1, the second protrusion 72 faces the second opposing part 92 outside the housing space V. In the weighing device 1, when a load exceeding a predetermined load (overload) is applied to the pan support part 3, causing the pan support part 3 to move downward, the first protrusion 71 moves downward and contacts the first opposing part 91, and the second protrusion 72 moves downward and contacts the second opposing part 92. This prevents the overload from being applied to the weighing mechanism 4. Furthermore, the distance between the first protrusion 71 and the first opposing part 91 (the distance between the second protrusion 72 and the second opposing part 92) can be adjusted without accessing the inside of the inner housing 5 (without removing the lid 54 of the inner housing 5). In other words, the magnitude of a predetermined load that does not affect the weighing mechanism 4 can be adjusted. For example, the distance can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of threading between the threaded portion 71a and the threaded hole 32a (the amount of threading between the threaded portion 72a and the threaded hole 33a). Therefore, with the weighing device 1, it is possible to easily adjust the weighing device 1 so that an overload is not applied to the weighing mechanism.

[0065] As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 9, the pan support portion 3 overlaps with the first opposing portion 91 and the second opposing portion 92 when viewed from the Z-axis direction (vertical direction). This allows the load on the pan support portion 3 to be transmitted straight along the Z-axis direction to the first opposing portion 91 when the first protrusion 71 moves downward and contacts the first opposing portion 91. Similarly, when the second protrusion 72 moves downward and contacts the second opposing portion 92, the load on the pan support portion 3 can be transmitted straight along the Z-axis direction to the second opposing portion 92. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent overload from being applied to the weighing mechanism 4.

[0066] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 7, the four first opposing portions 91 are positioned at the four corner portions 55, and the four first protrusions 71 face the four first opposing portions 91. As a result, when an overload is applied to the pan support portion 3, the four first protrusions 71 move downward and come into contact with the four first opposing portions 91. Therefore, the load can be evenly distributed across the four first opposing portions 91, and the overload can be more effectively prevented from being applied to the weighing mechanism 4.

[0067] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the second opposing portion 92A is positioned on the side portion 56A, and the second protrusion 72A faces the second opposing portion 92A. This allows the load to be borne by the second opposing portion 92A in addition to the four first opposing portions 91, thereby more effectively preventing overload from being applied to the weighing mechanism 4.

[0068] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the second opposing portion 92B is positioned on the side portion 56B (the side portion opposite to the side portion 56A in the Y-axis direction), and the second protrusion 72B faces the second opposing portion 92B. As a result, in addition to the four first opposing portions 91, the load can be received by the second opposing portions 92A and 92B, thus more effectively preventing overload from being applied to the weighing mechanism 4.

[0069] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 7, the second opposing portions 92A, 92B and the second protruding portions 72A, 72B are positioned on a straight line L that extends parallel to the Y-axis direction and connects the fixed end 41a and the free end 41b when viewed from the Z-axis direction. This allows the load to be evenly distributed between the four first opposing portions 91 and the second opposing portions 92A, 92B, thus more effectively preventing overload from being applied to the weighing mechanism 4.

[0070] As shown in Figures 5, 6, 8, and 9, the distance between the protrusion and the opposing part is adjustable. In this embodiment, the distance between the first protrusion 71 and the first opposing part 91 can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of threading between the threaded portion 71a of the first protrusion 71 and the threaded hole 32a of the countersunk part 3. Similarly, the distance between the second protrusion 72 and the second opposing part 92 can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of threading between the threaded portion 72a of the second protrusion 72 and the threaded hole 33a of the countersunk part 3. Since the protrusion faces the opposing part on the outside of the housing space V, the distance between the protrusion and the opposing part can be easily adjusted without removing the lid 54 of the inner housing 5 (without accessing the inside of the inner housing 5).

[0071] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, 8, and 9, the first opposing portion 91 protrudes from the upper surface 5a of the inner housing 5 toward the first protruding portion 71, and the second opposing portion 92 protrudes from the upper surface 5a of the inner housing 5 toward the second protruding portion 72. For example, when adjusting the distance between the first opposing portion 91 and the first protruding portion 71 by placing a gap gauge on the first opposing portion 91, it is possible to prevent the gap gauge from contacting the portion of the upper surface 5a where the first opposing portion 91 is not provided (i.e., the portion located at a lower position than the first opposing portion 91). This prevents the gap gauge from contacting any portion of the inner housing 5 other than the first opposing portion 91 when inserting the gap gauge between the first opposing portion 91 and the first protruding portion 71 to adjust the distance between them, and makes it easy to adjust the distance between the first opposing portion 91 and the first protruding portion 71. Similarly, the distance between the second opposing portion 92 and the second protruding portion 72 can be easily adjusted.

[0072] As described above, in this embodiment, the first protrusion 71 is made harder than the first opposing portion 91. Therefore, when an overload is applied to the pan support portion 3 and the first protrusion 71 comes into contact with the first opposing portion 91, marks (impact marks, scratches caused by impact, etc.) from the contact between the first protrusion 71 and the first opposing portion 91 are more likely to be left on the first opposing portion 91. Similarly, in this embodiment, because the second protrusion 72 is made harder than the second opposing portion 92, marks from the contact between the second protrusion 72 and the second opposing portion 92 are more likely to be left on the second opposing portion 92. This makes it easy to visually confirm whether an overload has been applied to the pan support portion 3. Therefore, maintenance of the weighing device 1 is made easier.

[0073] In the weighing device 1, the distance between the protruding portion and the corresponding opposing portion is set to increase as the distance between the pair of the protruding portion and the opposing portion and the free end 41b increases when viewed from the Z-axis direction. Normally, the further away the pan support portion 3 is from the portion connected to the free end 41b of the weighing mechanism 4 (the fixed end 31a of the pan support portion 3), the greater the deflection of the pan support portion 3 due to the load applied to it. Therefore, even when a load less than a predetermined load is applied, the deflection of the pan support portion 3 may cause the protruding portion to come into contact with the opposing portion. In the weighing device 1, the distance between the opposing portion and the protruding portion is relatively long in pairs of protruding portions and opposing portions that are relatively far from the free end 41b of the weighing mechanism 4 (the fixed end 31a of the pan support portion 3), so the deflection of the pan support portion 3 can be absorbed. This prevents, for example, when an overload is applied to the pan support portion 3, the opposing portion and the protruding portion located on the side away from the free end 41b of the weighing mechanism 4 from coming into contact with each other before the opposing portion and the protruding portion located on the free end 41b side of the weighing mechanism 4 come into contact with each other. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately prevent an overload from being applied to the weighing mechanism 4.

[0074] The adjustment method for the weighing device 1 includes a step of adjusting the distance between the protruding part and the opposing part on the outside of the inner housing 5 (storage space V) while the object to be weighed is not placed on the weighing pan 2. By adjusting the distance between the protruding part and the opposing part on the outside of the inner housing 5 (storage space V), the weighing device 1 can be easily adjusted so that an overload is not applied to the weighing mechanism 4. [Differentiation]

[0075] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. The materials and shapes of each of the above-described components are not limited to those described above, and various materials and shapes can be used. In addition, some of the components included in the above embodiments may be omitted or modified as appropriate. For example, although some characteristic components included in the above embodiments and some effects exhibited by each component have been described, the weighing device according to this disclosure does not necessarily have to be configured to exhibit all of the effects described in the above embodiments, and may be configured to exhibit only some of the effects described in the above embodiments. In the latter case, the weighing device only needs to have components that are essential to exhibit at least those components, and components that are not essential to exhibit those components may be omitted or modified as appropriate. Hereinafter, some specific modifications of the weighing device of this disclosure will be illustrated.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the first opposing portion 91 protrudes from the upper surface 5a toward the first protruding portion 71, and the second opposing portion 92 protrudes from the upper surface 5a toward the second protruding portion 72. However, the first opposing portion 91 and the second opposing portion 92 do not necessarily have to protrude from the upper surface 5a, and may be flush with the upper surface 5a. In other words, the first opposing portion 91 and the second opposing portion 92 may be parts of the flat upper surface 5a.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the dish receiving portion 3 had four first protrusions 71 and two second protrusions 72, and the inner housing 5 had four first opposing portions 91 and two second opposing portions 92. However, the number of opposing portions may be one, and the number of protrusions may be one.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the first opposing portion 91 and the second opposing portion 92 were provided on the upper surface 5a (the upper surface of the side wall 52 or the upper surface of the top wall 53), but the first opposing portion 91 and the second opposing portion 92 may be located outside the storage space V. For example, the first opposing portion 91 and the second opposing portion 92 may be provided on the upper surface of the lid portion 54.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the distance between the protruding portion and the opposing portion corresponding to the protruding portion is set to increase as the distance between the pair of protruding portion and opposing portion and the free end 41b, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, increases. However, the distances between multiple protruding portions and multiple opposing portions may be the same. For example, if the distances between each of the multiple protruding portions and the free end 41b of the weighing mechanism 4 (the fixed end 31a of the pan holder portion 3) are the same, the effect of the deflection of the pan holder portion 3 will be similar for each of the multiple protruding portions. In this case, if the distances between multiple protruding portions and multiple opposing portions are the same, it is possible to suppress the timing difference in which the multiple protruding portions and multiple opposing portions come into contact with each other. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately prevent overload from being applied to the weighing mechanism 4.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the first protrusion 71 had a threaded portion 71a and the second protrusion 72 had a threaded portion 72a. However, the first protrusion 71 and the second protrusion 72 only need to protrude downward from the countersunk portion 3 and do not need to be made of threads. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1... Weighing device, 2... Weighing pan, 3... Pan holder, 4... Weighing mechanism, 41a... Fixed end, 41b... Free end, 5... Inner housing, 5a... Top surface, 55, 55A, 55B... Corner, 56... Side, 56A... Side (first side), 56B... Side (second side), 71 , 71A, 71B...first protrusion, 72,72A...second protrusion, 72B...second protrusion (third protrusion), 91,91A,91B...first opposing part, 92,92A...second opposing part, 92B...second opposing part (third opposing part), D...distance, V...accommodation space.

Claims

1. A weighing pan on which the object to be weighed is placed, A plate support portion that supports the aforementioned measuring pan, A weighing mechanism connected to the pan holder, which weighs the mass of the object to be weighed placed on the weighing pan, The system comprises a housing that defines a housing space in which the weighing mechanism is housed, The aforementioned dish holder portion has at least one protruding portion that projects downward, A weighing device wherein the housing has at least one opposing portion that faces the at least one protruding portion on the outside of the housing space.

2. The weighing device according to claim 1, wherein the pan support portion overlaps with the at least one opposing portion when viewed from the vertical direction.

3. The aforementioned at least one protrusion is a plurality of protrusions, The aforementioned at least one opposing part is a plurality of opposing parts, The housing has four corners when viewed from the vertical direction, The plurality of opposing parts each have four first opposing parts arranged at the four corners, The weighing device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions each have four first protrusions that are opposite to the four first opposing portions.

4. The housing has a first side portion that connects two adjacent corner portions, The plurality of opposing portions each have a second opposing portion arranged on the first side, The weighing device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of protrusions each have a second protrusion facing the second opposing portion.

5. The housing has two adjacent corners connected and a second side facing the first side in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, The plurality of opposing portions each have a third opposing portion arranged on the second side, The weighing device according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of protrusions each have a third protrusion facing the third opposing portion.

6. The weighing mechanism has a fixed end that is fixed to the housing and a free end that is arranged to be parallel to the fixed end in the predetermined direction and connected to the pan holder. The weighing device according to claim 5, wherein the second opposing portion, the third opposing portion, the second protruding portion, and the third protruding portion extend parallel to the predetermined direction and are located on a straight line connecting the fixed end and the free end when viewed from the vertical direction.

7. The weighing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the distance between the at least one protruding portion and the at least one opposing portion is adjustable.

8. The housing has opposing surfaces on which the at least one opposing portion is provided, The weighing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one opposing portion protrudes toward the at least one protruding portion relative to the opposing surface.

9. The weighing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one protruding portion is harder than the at least one opposing portion.

10. The aforementioned at least one protrusion is a plurality of protrusions, The aforementioned at least one opposing part is a plurality of opposing parts, The weighing mechanism has a free end that is connected to the pan holder, The weighing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the distance between the protruding portion and the opposing portion corresponding to the protruding portion is set to increase as the distance between the set of the protruding portion and the opposing portion and the free end increases when viewed from the vertical direction.

11. A method for adjusting a weighing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A method for adjusting a weighing device, comprising the step of adjusting the distance between the at least one protruding portion and the at least one opposing portion outside the storage space, while the object to be weighed is not placed on the weighing pan.

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