Measuring device

Abstract

This provides a new technology for detecting when an object has been placed. [Solution] A measuring device 100 is provided, comprising a top plate 150, a magnet 162 that moves in accordance with the vertical movement of the top plate, a main body 110 below the top plate, a magnetic force sensor 131 provided on the main body, and a microcontroller 135 that recognizes that an object has pushed the top plate when the magnetic force sensor detects a magnetic force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology of a measuring device capable of detecting that an object has been placed.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, measuring devices for measuring the weights of various objects have been known. For example, according to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-167501 (Patent Document 1), a measuring device attachable to a container is provided. The measuring device includes a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the container, a control unit for measuring the weight of the container with the weight sensor when the measuring device is lifted and then placed again together with the container, and a communication antenna for transmitting the measurement result.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a new technology for detecting that an object has been placed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to an aspect of this invention, there is provided a measuring device including a top plate, a magnet that moves in accordance with the vertical movement of the top plate, a main body portion below the top plate, a magnetic force sensor provided in the main body portion, and a microcomputer that recognizes that the top plate has been pushed by an object when the magnetic force sensor detects a magnetic force.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] As described above, according to the present invention, a new technology for detecting that an object has been placed is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a front-upper perspective view showing the measuring device in a state where no object is placed according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a right side view showing the measuring device in a state where no object is placed on it, according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a rear-upper perspective view of the measuring device with the top plate removed, according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a right side view showing the measuring device in which the object according to the first embodiment is placed. [Figure 5] This is a rear-upper perspective view of the measuring device in the first embodiment, with the top plate, base portion, and sheet metal removed. [Figure 6] This is a front-upper perspective view of the measuring device in which the side wall of the main body according to the first embodiment has been removed. [Figure 7] This is an illustrative diagram showing a configuration for detecting when an object is placed on the top plate according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a right-side cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the retaining member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a right cross-sectional view of the measuring device according to the first embodiment, in a state where no object is placed on the top plate. [Figure 10] This is a rear-upper perspective view showing the base portion of the first embodiment in a state where no object is placed on the top plate. [Figure 11] This is a right side view of the holding member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a right cross-sectional view of the measuring device according to the first embodiment, showing an object placed on the top plate. [Figure 13] This is a rear-upper perspective view showing the base portion with an object placed on the top plate according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15]It is a flowchart showing the processing of the microcomputer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a rear upper perspective view of the measuring device with the top plate and the base part according to the first embodiment removed. [Figure 17] It is a perspective view of the sheet metal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a front lower perspective view of the top plate according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a front upper perspective view of the base part according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a front lower perspective view showing the state before attaching the top plate to the base part according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a right side view showing the state where the front part of the top plate according to the first embodiment is inserted into the front part of the base part. [Figure 22] It is a bottom view showing the state where the front part of the top plate according to the first embodiment is inserted into the front part of the base part. [Figure 23] It is a bottom view showing the state where the top plate according to the first embodiment is brought close to the horizontal. [Figure 24] It is a right side view showing the state where the top plate according to the first embodiment is brought close to the horizontal. [Figure 25] It is a lower perspective view showing the state where the rear part of the top plate is assembled to the rear part of the base part with screws according to the first embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described while referring to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. <The First Embodiment>

[0009] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the measuring device 100 according to this embodiment mainly consists of a main body 110 and a top plate 150. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the top plate 150 is supported by the main body 110 via a base portion 160 below it.

[0010] The top plate 150 is rotatably supported at its front by the base 160. When no object is placed on it, the rear of the top plate 150 is held several millimeters above the base 160. On the other hand, when an object to be measured is placed on the top surface of the top plate 150, as shown in Figure 4, the top plate 150 rotates downward on its front axis, becoming horizontal and pushing the rear of the base 160 downward. In this embodiment, the main body 110 measures the weight of the top plate 150 and the object, along with the weight of the base 160, by utilizing a load cell, which will be described later.

[0011] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the main body 110 houses a load cell 120, a circuit board 130, a battery 140, and the like. More specifically, the load cell 120, the circuit board 130, and the battery 140 are housed inside the main body case 111, below the top plate 150 and the base portion 160. As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 9, the main body case 111 consists of a bottom surface 112, an outer wall surface 113, and an inner wall surface 114.

[0012] In this embodiment, one of the bottom surfaces of the load cell 120 is supported by the bottom surface 112 of the main body 110. On the other hand, the other top surface of the load cell 120 supports the bottom surface of the front of the base portion 160. By acquiring the voltage change due to the strain of the load cell 120, the total weight of the base portion 160, the top plate 150 supported by the base portion 160, and the object supported by the top plate 150 can be measured.

[0013] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 to 10, when no object is placed on it, the rear of the top plate 150 is held several millimeters above the base portion 160.

[0014] More specifically, a retaining member 161 is pivotally supported at the rear of the base portion 160 so as to be rotatable when viewed from the side. As shown in Figure 11, the retaining member 161 is formed in a roughly L-shape with the top and bottom facing in opposite directions. A pivot shaft 161X is provided at the top. In a side view, the distance L2 from the pivot shaft 161X to the lower end portion 161Z is longer than the distance L1 from the pivot shaft 161X to the rear upper end portion 161Y.

[0015] With this configuration, the distance (L2) between the point of application (magnet 162) and the rotation axis 161X is longer than the distance (L1) between the point of force application (contact point with the top plate 150) and the rotation axis 161X. This allows the magnet 162 to move a large distance with a small movement of the top plate 150, thereby increasing the accuracy of ON / OFF detection by the magnetic force sensor 131.

[0016] As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the retaining member 161 is biased by a torsion spring 163 in a direction that lifts its rear upper end 161Y upward. As a result, when no object is placed on it, the rear of the top plate 150 is held in a lifted position by the rear upper end 161Y of the retaining member 161.

[0017] On the other hand, when an object is placed on the top plate 150, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the rear of the top plate 150 pushes downward against the biasing force of the torsion spring 163, causing the rear of the top plate 150 to approach the upper surface of the base portion 160. In other words, the top plate 150 lowers to a position parallel to the base portion 160.

[0018] In particular, the measuring device according to this embodiment has the following configuration in order to detect when an object is placed on the top plate 150.

[0019] As shown in Figures 7 to 13, a magnet 162 is held at the lower part of the holding member 161. When the object is placed on the top plate 150, that is, when the rear upper end 161Y of the holding member 161 is pressed against the top plate 150, a magnetic force sensor 131 is positioned near the lower part of the lower end 161Z of the holding member 161.

[0020] More specifically, in this embodiment, the control board 130 is positioned below the holding member 161. The magnetic force sensor 131 is positioned near the lower end 161Z of the holding member 161 on the upper surface of the control board 130, when the lower end 161Z of the holding member 161 is rotated downwards. The control board 130 in this embodiment also incorporates a microcontroller, a wireless antenna, and LED lights.

[0021] Because of this configuration, when an object is placed on the top plate 150, that is, when the rear upper end 161Y of the holding member 161 is pressed against the top plate 150, that is, when the lower end 161Z of the holding member 161 is rotated downward, the magnetic force sensor 131 detects the magnetic force of the magnet 162 at the bottom of the holding member 161. Conversely, when an object is removed from the top plate 150, that is, when the rear upper end 161Y of the holding member 161 is no longer pressed against the top plate 150, that is, when the lower end 161Z of the holding member 161 is rotated forward and upward, the magnetic force sensor 131 can no longer detect the magnetic force of the magnet 162 at the bottom of the holding member 161.

[0022] Thus, in this embodiment, by positioning the holding member 161 at the rear of the base portion 160, the vertical movement of the top plate 150 can be shortened while detecting the placement of an object. In addition, by forming the distance L2 from the pivot axis 161X to the lower end portion 161Z to be longer than the distance L1 from the pivot axis 161X to the rear upper end portion 161Y, the vertical movement of the top plate 150 can be shortened while accurately detecting the placement of an object. Furthermore, although the direction of movement of the top plate 150 is vertical, the movement of the magnet 162 is configured to be in the front-to-back direction, so the vertical movement of the top plate 150 can be shortened while accurately detecting the placement of an object.

[0023] Here, the functional configuration of the measuring device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Referring to Figure 14, the measuring device 100 is equipped with a load cell 120, a microcontroller 135, a magnetic force sensor 131, an LED light 136, a wireless communication antenna 138, and a battery 140.

[0024] The load cell 120 is located inside the main body 110 and measures the weight of an object above the base 160, inputting the data to the microcontroller 135. More specifically, the load cell 120 inputs a voltage value corresponding to the strain to the microcontroller 135. Based on this voltage value, the microcontroller 135 determines the weight applied to the load cell 120.

[0025] The magnetic force sensor 131 is located on the control board 130 and inputs the magnetic force detection result to the microcontroller 135.

[0026] The LED light 136 is located on the control board 130 and emits light according to signals from the microcontroller 135. Alternatively, instead of the LED light 136, or in addition to the LED light 136, a speaker may be used to output various types of information.

[0027] The wireless communication antenna 138 transmits various types of data wirelessly according to instructions from the microcontroller 135.

[0028] The battery 140 supplies power to each part of the measuring device 100.

[0029] The microcontroller 135 controls various parts of the measuring device 100. More specifically, it performs the processing shown in Figure 15.

[0030] When the magnetic force sensor 131 stops detecting magnetic force (if the result is NO in step S104), the microcontroller 135 recognizes that the object to be measured has been removed from the top plate 150 (step S106).

[0031] The microcontroller 135 turns on the LED light 136 (step S108).

[0032] The microcontroller 135 obtains the voltage from the load cell 120 and calculates the weight (step S110).

[0033] The microcontroller 135 transmits the measured weight to the server via the wireless communication antenna 138 (step S112).

[0034] When the magnetic force sensor 131 detects a magnetic field again (if the answer is YES in step S114), the microcontroller 135 recognizes that an object to be measured has been placed on the top plate 150 (step S116).

[0035] The microcontroller 135 turns on the LED light 136 (step S117).

[0036] The microcontroller 135 obtains the voltage from the load cell 120 and calculates the weight (step S118).

[0037] The microcontroller 135 transmits the measured weight to the server via the wireless communication antenna 138 (step S120).

[0038] The following describes the other configurations of the measuring device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0039] As shown in Figure 16, the upper part of the load cell 120 is attached to the base portion 160 via a steel sheet metal 141. The lower part of the load cell 120 is also attached to the bottom surface of the main body 110 via a steel sheet metal 142, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In this embodiment in particular, the upper sheet metal 141 and the lower sheet metal 142 are formed to the same shape, as shown in Figure 17. This means that parts can be standardized, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0040] Next, the mounting configuration of the top plate 150 to the base portion 160 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 18, the top plate 150 has ribs 154L and 154R formed on the left and right sides of the front portion. Pivot holes 154X and 154X are formed in each of the ribs 154L and 154R.

[0041] Additionally, the top plate 150 has protrusions 155L and 155R formed on the left and right sides of the rear. Boss holes 155X and 155X are formed in the protrusions 155L and 155R.

[0042] Additionally, the top plate 150 has a long, narrow rib 156 formed in the central part in the front-to-back direction. The height of the rib 156 is approximately 2 mm.

[0043] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 19, the base portion 160 has holes 164L and 164R formed on the left and right sides of its front. Inside the holes 164L and 164R, pivot shafts 164X and 164X are erected from the side. The pivot holes 154X and 154X of the top plate 150 are pivotally supported on these pivot shafts 164X and 164X, so that the top plate 150 is held to rotate freely relative to the base portion 160 with its front as the axis.

[0044] Furthermore, the base portion 160 has holes 165L and 165R formed on the left and right sides of its rear. Pivot members 165X and 165X are formed inside each of these holes 165L and 165R. The pivot shaft 161X at the top of the holding member 161 is pivotally supported by these pivot members 165X.

[0045] Furthermore, the base portion 160 has an elongated hole 166 formed in the central part in the front-to-back direction.

[0046] When attaching the top plate 150 to the base portion 160, the worker brings the top plate 150 into contact with the rear of the base portion 160 while it is tilted, as shown in Figure 20. That is, the rear of the top plate 150 is raised higher than when it is horizontal, and the two are brought closer together. As a result, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, the ribs 154L and 154R of the top plate 150 fit into the holes 164L and 164R of the base portion 160.

[0047] Subsequently, the worker inserts the pivot shafts 164X, 164X of the base portion 160 into the pivot holes 154X, 154X of the top plate 150, as shown in Figure 23.

[0048] Then, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, the rear of the top plate 150 is brought closer to the rear of the base portion 160, and the central rib 156 of the top plate 150 is inserted into the elongated hole 166 in the center of the base portion 160. More specifically, in this embodiment, the rib 156 is configured to fit into the elongated hole 166 when the inclination of the top plate 150 is less than 3 degrees from a position parallel to the base portion 160.

[0049] In this state, the worker screws screws 167, 167 into the boss holes 155X, 155X of the top plate 150 from below the base portion 160, as shown in Figure 25. This prevents the rear of the top plate 150 from separating from the rear of the base portion 160.

[0050] More specifically, in this embodiment, when the screws 167, 167 are fully screwed into the boss holes 155X, 155X, the rear of the top plate 150, which is pressed by the retaining members 161, 161, is configured to lift up by only about 1 mm to 2 mm from the rear of the base portion 160. In other words, the top plate 150 is configured to tilt by only about 1.5 degrees. As a result, the rib 156 cannot come out of the elongated hole 166, and as a result, the top plate 150 is configured not to shift laterally relative to the base portion 160.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, an LED light 136 is mounted on the upper surface of the control board 130. The light from the LED light 136 is emitted to the outside through a light guide member 137 and an LED window 115 provided on the outer wall surface 113 of the main body.

[0052] In this embodiment, a vertical groove 114X is formed on the inner wall surface 114 of the main body case 111 at a position corresponding to the LED window 115. This configuration ensures that even if water enters through the gap between the LED window 115 and the outer wall surface 113, the water will be smoothly discharged to the outside through the groove 114X.

[0053] In this embodiment, as described above, the magnet 162 is pushed into the lower part of the holding member 161 from the left and fixed in place. Therefore, as shown in Figure 16, in this embodiment, a structure 118 is provided on the left side of the holding member 161. This prevents the magnet 162 from coming out of the holding member 161. <Second Embodiment>

[0054] In the above embodiment, the holding member 161 rotated in the front-rear direction around its upper axis. However, the holding member 161 may also rotate in the left-right direction.

[0055] Furthermore, the holding member 161 and the magnet 162 may slide vertically when pressed from above by the top plate 150.

[0056] Alternatively, the holding member 161 and the magnet 162 may be integrally formed with the top plate 150 and move integrally in a substantially vertical direction. <Third Embodiment>

[0057] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the magnetic force sensor 131 was arranged on the control board 130, but the magnetic force sensor 131 may be arranged in a location other than the top surface of the control board 130 and connected to the microcontroller 135 on the control board 130 by signal lines or the like. <Fourth Embodiment>

[0058] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the microcontroller 135 transmitted the weight measurement result from the load cell 120 to the server when the magnetic force sensor 131 stopped detecting the magnet 162, and transmitted the weight measurement result from the load cell 120 to the server again when the magnetic force sensor 131 detected the magnet 162. In other words, the server calculated the weight of the object. However, the microcontroller 135 may perform local zero-point correction when the magnetic force sensor 131 detects the magnet 162. That is, the microcontroller 135 may temporarily store the weight when the magnetic force sensor 131 stopped detecting the magnet 162, subtract this from the weight measurement result when the magnetic force sensor 131 detected the magnet 162, calculate the weight of the object, and transmit it to the server.

[0059] Alternatively, the weights of the base unit 160 and the top plate 150 may be stored in the memory of the microcontroller 135 at the time of product shipment. In this case, the microcontroller 135 may measure the weight using the load cell 120 when the magnetic force sensor 131 stops detecting the magnet 162 and then detects it again, and calculate the weight of the object by subtracting the weights of the base unit 160 and the top plate 150 that have been stored in advance from the measurement result. <Fifth Embodiment>

[0060] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the magnetic force sensor 131 detects the magnet 162, the load cell 120 measures the weight. However, when the magnetic force sensor 131 detects the magnet 162, the microcontroller 135 may perform a process different from weight measurement. Alternatively, the microcontroller 135 may simply recognize that an object has been pressed and output the recognition result to the outside. <Summary>

[0061] In the above embodiment, a measuring device is provided that includes a top plate, a magnet that moves in accordance with the vertical movement of the top plate, a main body below the top plate, a magnetic force sensor provided in the main body, and a microcontroller that recognizes that an object has pushed the top plate when the magnetic force sensor detects a magnetic force.

[0062] Preferably, the measuring device further includes a control board provided in the main body. A magnetic force sensor and a microcontroller are arranged on the control board.

[0063] Preferably, the measuring device further comprises a frame pivotally supported below the top plate and rotating in the front-rear direction by being pressed against the bottom surface of the top plate. The magnet is mounted on the bottom of the frame.

[0064] Preferably, the measuring device is positioned below the top plate and further comprises a base portion that rotatably supports the frame while rotatably supporting the rear of the top plate.

[0065] Preferably, the device further includes a load cell supported by the main body for measuring the weight including the top plate.

[0066] Preferably, the microcontroller performs a measurement using a load cell when the magnetic force sensor detects a magnetic field.

[0067] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 100: Measuring device 110: Main unit 111: Main unit case 112: Bottom 113:Outer wall surface 114: Inner wall surface 114X: Groove 115: LED window 118: Structure 120: Load cell 130: Control board 131: Magnetic force sensor 135: Microcontroller 136: LED light 137: Light guide member 138: Wireless communication antenna 140: Battery 141: Sheet metal 142: Sheet metal 150: Tabletop 154L: Rib 154R: Rib 154X: Pivot hole 155L: Protrusion 155R: Protrusion 155X: Boss hole 156: Rib 160: Base part 161: Retaining member 161T: Upper end 161X: Rotary shaft 161Y: Upper rear end 161Z: Bottom end 162: Magnet 163: Torsion spring 164L: Hole 164R: Hole 164X: Rotary shaft 165L: Hole 165R: Hole 165X: Pivotal material 166: Hole 167: Bis

Claims

1. The tabletop and A magnet that moves in accordance with the vertical movement of the top plate, The main body below the top panel, A magnetic force sensor provided in the main body, A measuring device comprising: a microcontroller that recognizes that an object has pressed against the top plate when the magnetic force sensor detects a magnetic force.

2. The main body further comprises a control board, The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic force sensor and the microcontroller are arranged on the control board.

3. The system further comprises a frame that is pivotally supported below the top plate and rotates in the front-rear direction when pressed against the bottom surface of the top plate, The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the magnet is attached to the lower part of the frame.

4. The measuring device according to claim 3, further comprising a base portion positioned below the top plate, which rotatably supports the rear portion of the top plate and rotatably supports the frame.

5. The measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a load cell supported by the main body for measuring the weight including the top plate.

6. The measuring device according to claim 5, wherein the microcontroller performs measurement using the load cell when the magnetic force sensor detects a magnetic force.

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