Measuring device

Abstract

To reduce the time it takes for weight measurement.SOLUTION: A measurement device (100) provided herein comprises a support (4) for supporting a measurement target object, a furnace (1) for heating the measurement target object, a lifting mechanism (2) for moving the furnace (1), and an electronic scale (3) for measuring weight of the measurement target object. The lifting mechanism (2) moves the furnace (1) in such a way that the measurement target object supported by the support (4) is accommodated in the furnace.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a measuring device for measuring the weight of an object to be measured.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques of thermal analysis are variously known, and many furnaces and measuring devices used for thermal analysis have also been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a thermal analysis device provided with a heat treatment furnace.

[0003] Among thermal analyses, there are those including a step of cooling the object to be measured after heating. For example, as a kind of thermal analysis, a parameter called loss on ignition (LOI) is widely known. Loss on ignition is a value indicating the mass ratio of a sample before and after heating. More specifically, loss on ignition is calculated based on, for example, the following formula.

[0004] Loss on ignition (%) = [((weight of the sample before heating) - (weight of the sample after heating)) / (weight of the sample before heating)] × 100 Loss on ignition is performed, for example, to specify the ratio or amount of impurities contained in foundry sand or cement, etc., or to specify the ratio or amount of organic substances contained in soil.

[0005] For example, from the value of the loss on ignition of foundry sand, the amount of resin remaining in the foundry sand used for casting can be specified. When calculating the loss on ignition of foundry sand, for example, after drying the foundry sand, the foundry sand is heated at 1000 ° C for 60 minutes.

[0006] The calculation formula for the loss on ignition of foundry sand is represented by {(W0 - W60) / W0} × 100. Here, W0 is the weight of the foundry sand after drying and before heating, and W60 is the weight of the foundry sand after heating.

[0007] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the procedure for calculating the loss on ignition of foundry sand using a conventional weight measurement method. As preparation for this measurement, the measurer dries the foundry sand. Also, at an arbitrary timing before the heat treatment described later, the furnace is preheated to a specified temperature (for example, 1000°C).

[0008] First, the measurer measures the weight of an empty sample dish. This sample dish is a container for putting foundry sand. Next, the measurer puts foundry sand in the sample dish and performs a weight measurement before heating. Thereby, the "weight of the sample dish with foundry sand before heating" can be measured. Subsequently, the measurer puts the sample dish with foundry sand into the preheated furnace and heats it for a specified time (for example, 60 minutes).

[0009] When the heating is completed, the measurer cools the sample dish with foundry sand in a desiccator to cool the sample dish with foundry sand to approximately room temperature. When the sample dish with foundry sand has cooled to approximately room temperature, the measurer performs a weight measurement after heating. Thereby, the "weight of the sample dish with foundry sand after heating" can be measured. When the weights of the sample dish with foundry sand before and after heating can be measured, the measurer calculates the loss on ignition from these weights.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0010]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] In order to calculate the loss on ignition, it is necessary to measure the weight of the sample before and after heating. And, as shown in FIG. 10, in order to measure the weight of the sample after heating, it is necessary to have a time for cooling the sample after heating to substantially the same temperature as before heating (for example, room temperature). Also, a sample dish such as ceramic can withstand the high temperature of the furnace, but it may crack when rapidly cooled. Therefore, in the conventional weight measurement method, it took time to cool the sample (and the sample dish). And this cooling time became the rate-determining factor, resulting in a problem that the time required for weight measurement could not be reduced.

[0012] One aspect of the present disclosure is in view of the above problems and aims to reduce the time required for weight measurement.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] A measuring device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a measuring device that heats a measurement object and measures the weight of the measurement object before and after heating. The measuring device includes a support that supports the measurement object, a furnace that heats the measurement object, a moving mechanism that moves the furnace, and a measuring unit that measures the weight of the measurement object. And the moving mechanism moves the furnace so that the measurement object supported by the support is accommodated in the furnace.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the time required for weight measurement can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] The measurement device according to the present disclosure is a measurement device having a function of heating a measurement object and a function of measuring the weight of the measurement object. The measurement device according to the present disclosure can be used, for example, when measuring the weight of a measurement object before and after heating.

[0017] Further, the measurement device according to the present disclosure may have a function of calculating various parameters from the measured weight of the measurement object. "Various parameters" are, for example, loss on ignition, moisture, or moisture content. Hereinafter, the measurement device according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10.

[0018] 〔Embodiment 1〕 ≪Overview≫ The measurement device according to the present embodiment is a device that measures the weight of a sample (or sample + sample dish) before and after heating and calculates the loss on ignition of the sample from the weight. Here, the "sample" is, for example, foundry sand, cement, soil, fiber products, etc. Further, the "loss on ignition" indicates the mass ratio of the sample before and after heating.

[0019] Hereinafter, in this embodiment, an example in which the sample is foundry sand will be described. However, the measuring device according to this embodiment is applicable not only to foundry sand but also to the measurement of loss on ignition of materials other than foundry sand, such as cement, soil, and fiber products.

[0020] Foundry sand (hereinafter also simply referred to as "sand") is a raw material for molds. Foundry sand is kneaded with additives such as resin, water glass, and / or surfactant and then molded to form a mold. In addition, used molds may be crushed to remove additives and the foundry sand may be recycled and reused.

[0021] In order to maintain the quality of the foundry sand used in casting, it is necessary to appropriately set various conditions related to new sand input, kneading, and recycling. The loss on ignition of foundry sand is a parameter that is referred to for appropriately determining the conditions related to the recycling of foundry sand among these.

[0022] ≪Main Component Configuration of Measuring Device≫ FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the main component configuration of the measuring device 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the measuring device 100 includes at least a support 4, a furnace 1, a lifting mechanism 2, and an electronic scale 3. In the structural diagrams of the measuring device 100 in FIG. 1 and subsequent figures, the direction of the arrow on the z-axis of the figure is referred to as "up", and the direction opposite to the arrow on the z-axis is referred to as "down". Also, in the structural diagrams of the measuring device 100 in FIG. 1 and subsequent figures, the direction of the arrow on the x-axis is referred to as "front", and the direction opposite to the arrow on the x-axis is referred to as "rear". Further, in the structural diagrams of the measuring device 100 in FIG. 1 and subsequent figures, when the measuring device 100 is viewed from the front side to the rear side, the right direction (i.e., the direction of the arrow on the y-axis) is referred to as "right", and the left direction (i.e., the direction opposite to the arrow on the y-axis) is referred to as "left".

[0023] Also, in FIG. 1, together with the measuring device 100, a sample 91 and a sample dish 90 that are the measurement objects of the measuring device 100 are also shown. Note that the shape of the sample dish 90 is not particularly limited, but it is desirable that the sample 91 is exposed as much as possible in the furnace 1 so that the heat conduction to the sample 91 is good. For example, the sample dish 90 may be a shallow ceramic dish.

[0024] The support 4 is configured to support the object to be measured. As shown in FIG. 1, the support 4 includes a support portion 41 and a sample stage 42. The support portion 41 is a member that supports the sample stage 42. For example, the support portion 41 may have a cylindrical or prismatic shape. As shown in FIG. 1, the lower part of the support portion 41 is fixed to the electronic scale 3, and the sample stage 42 is fixed above the support portion 41. Note that the shape and structure of the support portion 41 are not particularly limited. For example, the support portion 41 may be a frame with only a framework, or a member filled with a heat insulating material or the like.

[0025] The furnace 1 has a function of preheating the furnace interior space to a set temperature and a function of heating the furnace interior space at the set temperature. Here, "preheating" means heating the furnace interior space (inside the heating portion 12 described later) to a specified temperature (for example, 1000°C) with the object to be measured not placed inside the furnace 1. Also, "heating" means placing the object to be measured in the furnace interior space preheated to the above-mentioned specified temperature and baking it at the specified temperature. In the present embodiment, the furnace 1 heats the sample 91 and / or the sample dish 90 which are the objects to be measured. The furnace 1 is physically connected to the elevating mechanism 2.

[0026] Note that the type of the furnace 1 is not particularly limited as long as it can heat the foundry sand at the temperature and for the time required for "weight measurement for calculating the loss on ignition".

[0027] Also, the furnace 1 may have an opening in at least one direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the furnace 1 may be arranged such that the opening faces downward. And as shown in FIG. 1, the support 4 may be installed below the furnace.

[0028] When accommodating the object to be measured from the opening of furnace 1, it is possible to prevent the temperature inside furnace 1 from decreasing due to outside air during accommodation, as compared with the case of opening the furnace door and accommodating the object to be measured inside the furnace. That is, it can be said that by adopting a configuration in which the object to be measured is accommodated from the opening of furnace 1, the temperature loss inside the furnace can be reduced. Therefore, the loss on ignition can be measured more accurately. Note that this opening preferably has a size and shape that allows the support portion 41, the sample stage 42, and the object to be measured to pass through. Note that furnace 1 may have a thermostat function that can maintain the internal space of the furnace at a preset temperature regardless of the presence or absence of the opening.

[0029] The sample stage 42 is a pedestal for placing the sample 91 and / or the sample dish 90. The shape and size of the sample stage 42 are not particularly limited. However, the sample stage 42 preferably has a size and shape that can be accommodated inside furnace 1 from the opening of furnace 1.

[0030] The elevating mechanism 2 is an example of a moving mechanism for moving furnace 1. The elevating mechanism 2 adjusts the position of furnace 1 by moving furnace 1 in the vertical direction so that the object to be measured is accommodated inside the furnace. The power of the elevating mechanism 2 and the mechanical and electrical configurations related to the drive are not particularly limited.

[0031] The elevating mechanism 2 can take the object to be measured in and out of furnace 1 by raising and lowering furnace 1. Therefore, according to the configuration of FIG. 1, it is possible to prevent temperature loss inside the furnace and accommodate the object to be measured inside the furnace with a minimum movement of furnace 1. Note that the elevating mechanism 2 may have a frame for supporting furnace 1 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0032] The electronic scale 3 is an example of a measuring unit for measuring the weight of the object to be measured. Note that in this embodiment, the electronic scale 3 is cited as an example of the measuring unit, but the measuring unit can also be realized by a scale other than an electronic scale.

[0033] The measuring device 100 may include a movable frame 24 that is slidable in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the furnace 1 (i.e., the upward and downward directions) (i.e., the front-back direction, the front-rear direction, and the left-right direction). Further, the measuring device 100 may include a plate 23 on which an object to be measured is placed and that moves in the orthogonal direction as the movable frame 24 slides.

[0034] In the example of FIG. 1, a movable frame 24 is provided as part of the elevating mechanism 2. Further, in the example of FIG. 1, a mounting portion 22 is attached to the movable frame 24, and a drawer portion 25 is further attached to the mounting portion 22. Further, a plate 23 is detachably fitted into the mounting portion 22.

[0035] Note that the mounting portion 22 and the drawer portion 25 do not necessarily have to move downward as the elevating mechanism 2 moves. When the drawer portion 25 does not move downward, the attachment state between the mounting portion 22 and the movable frame 24 is released when the elevating mechanism 2 moves the movable frame 24 downward.

[0036] The mounting portion 22 is a member for holding the plate 23 when the drawer portion 25 is pulled out. The detailed shape of the mounting portion 22 will be described later. The plate 23 is a structure on which the user places the sample dish 90, and is a structure for holding the sample dish 90 and transporting it to the sample stage 42. In the example of FIG. 1, the plate 23 is a single plate shape. Further, in the example of FIG. 1, the plate 23 has a structure with a hole that is larger than the sample stage 42 and smaller than the sample dish 90.

[0037] The drawer portion 25 is a mechanism that assists the user in placing the sample dish 90 on the plate 23. The drawer portion 25 has a structure that allows the user to pull it out in the front-back direction or push it in the front-rear direction. The movable frame 24 is a frame that slides in the front-back direction in response to the force in the front-back direction applied to the drawer portion 25 and the mounting portion 22. Further, the movable frame 24 is a frame that slides in the front-rear direction in response to the force in the front-rear direction applied to the drawer portion 25 and the mounting portion 22.

[0038] In addition to this, the measuring device 100 may include at least one of a control unit (control unit 10 described later) for comprehensively controlling the measuring device 100, a storage unit that stores various data necessary for the operation of the control unit 10, an input interface (input I / F) for receiving user instruction operations, and an output interface (output I / F) for presenting measurement results and the like to the user. Note that the input I / F and the output I / F, such as a touch panel display (touch panel display 6 described later), may be integrally configured. Also, the above-described control unit and storage unit may be internal components of the measuring device 100 or may be external devices different from the measuring device 100. When the control unit and / or the storage unit is an external device, the measuring device 100 is electrically connected to the control unit and / or the storage unit.

[0039] ≪Outline of the operation of the measuring device≫ FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the operation of the measuring device 100. In FIG. 2, the operation sequence of the measuring device 100 is indicated by white arrows. In actuality, as shown in FIG. 3 later, the measuring device 100 may be covered with a housing (housing 7 described later), but in FIG. 2, for the purpose of showing the operation of the measuring device 100, the housing is not shown. Also, the movement of each part of the measuring device 100 is indicated by dotted and gray arrows. For ease of viewing, the numbers of the respective members in FIG. 2 are attached only to the drawing on the left side (the first) of the figure. However, the numbers of the respective members of the measuring device 100 are the same for the drawings in the center (the second) and on the right side (the third).

[0040] In the measuring device 100, the drawer unit 25 is initially in a state where it is pushed in to the back side (i.e., a state of being housed in the housing). When the user pulls the drawer unit 25 in the pushed-in state to the front side, a force toward the front side is applied to the drawer unit 25. This force is transmitted to the movable frame 24 via the placement unit 22. When receiving the force toward the front side, the movable frame 24 slides to the front side. When the movable frame 24 slides to the front side, the plate 23 is placed on the movable frame 24 and moves to the front side as the movable frame 24 slides. And when the drawer unit 25 is in the pulled-out state, the plate 23 is in a state of being fitted and held in the placement unit 22.

[0041] The first drawing in FIG. 2 shows the positions and operations of each part when the user pushes the drawer unit 25 in the pulled-out state to the back side. As shown in the first drawing, when the drawer unit 25 is pushed in to the back side, the plate 23 separates from the placement unit 22. The plate 23 that has separated from the placement unit 22 is placed on the movable frame 24. Also, the movable frame 24 receives a force in the back direction via the placement unit 22. The movable frame 24 that has received the force in the back direction slides in the back direction. Therefore, the plate 23 placed on the movable frame 24 also moves in the back direction as the movable frame 24 slides. In parallel with or after the slide of the movable frame 24, the elevating mechanism 2 starts to lower the furnace 1.

[0042] The second drawing in FIG. 2 shows the positions and operations of each part when the drawer unit 25 is in the pushed-in state to the back side and the furnace 1 is in the process of descending. As shown in the second drawing, when the drawer unit 25 is in the completely pushed-in state, the plate 23 is placed at a position such that the hole portion of the plate 23 is exactly above the sample stage 42. The elevating mechanism 2 continues to lower the furnace 1. As a result, the sample dish 90 is housed inside the furnace 1.

[0043] The third drawing of FIG. 2 is a view showing the measuring device 100 when the sample dish 90 is housed in the furnace 1. As shown in the third drawing, when the furnace 1 descends, the plate 23 moves downward so as to be pushed by the furnace 1. At this time, the movable frame 24 may also move to the lower part of the furnace 1 as the furnace 1 descends, as shown in the figure. In this case, the drawer part 25 and the placement part 22 may be supported by a part of a housing (not shown).

[0044] As the furnace 1 descends, the sample stage 42 enters the inside of the furnace 1. At this time, the sample stage 42 enters the inside of the furnace 1 so as to push up the sample dish 90 placed on the hole part of the plate 23 through the hole part of the plate 23. Thereby, the sample dish 90 is transferred from the plate 23 to the sample stage 42, and the sample stage 42 (and at least a part of the support part 41) is housed inside the furnace 1 together.

[0045] According to the above operation, the user can move the plate 23, which is the place to set the sample dish 90, to the front side by simply pulling the drawer part 25 forward. Therefore, the user can set the sample dish 90 more easily and accurately.

[0046] Also, according to the above operation, the user can move the plate 23 on which the sample dish 90 is placed to the back side, that is, the side where the furnace 1 is located, by simply pushing the drawer part 25 with the sample dish 90 set in it to the back side. Therefore, the user can set the sample dish 90 on the sample stage 42 with a simple operation. Also, even when the sample stage 42 is in a position where it is difficult to directly set the sample dish 90, the user can place the sample dish 90 on the sample stage 42.

[0047] In addition, the movable frame 24 may be configured to be foldable or separable in the vertical direction in addition to sliding in the front and rear directions. For example, when the drawer portion 25 is pushed into the back side, the movable frame 24 may be folded or separated into two parts in the vertical direction. Then, when the drawer portion 25 is pulled forward, the folded part may be extended, and the separated parts may be reconnected to form a single frame. And when the movable frame 24 becomes a single frame, a sliding movement occurs on at least a part of the movable frame 24 toward the front side, and accordingly, the plate 23 may move from the lower part of the furnace 1 together with the drawer portion 25.

[0048] <<Specific Examples of Measuring Devices>> Figs. 3 to 6 are diagrams showing specific examples of the external appearance and internal structure of the measuring device 100 whose main part configuration and operation were described in Figs. 1 and 2. Note that the measuring device 100 shown in Figs. 3 to 6 shows the measuring device 100 when the furnace 1 is lowered to the lowest limit. Also, the measuring device 100 shown in Figs. 3 to 6 shows the measuring device 100 in a state where the drawer portion 25 is housed in the housing 7. Further, the movable frame 24 of the measuring device 100 shown in Figs. 3 to 6 is assumed to be separated in the vertical direction when the drawer portion 25 is housed in the housing 7.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 3, the measuring device 100 may include a housing 7 that covers the support portion 41, the furnace 1, the lifting mechanism 2, and the electronic scale 3. The size, shape, and material of the housing 7 are not particularly limited. However, it is desirable that the housing 7 (particularly, the portion close to the furnace 1) has a size, shape, and material that are not easily deformed or deteriorated by the exhaust heat of the furnace 1. Also, a touch panel display 6 may be provided on the surface of the housing 7. Further, a handle or the like for pulling out the drawer portion 25 described later may be provided on the surface of the housing 7.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, the measuring device 100 may have a partition plate 8 that divides the internal space of the housing 7 into a space (first space) where the furnace 1 and the lifting mechanism 2 are arranged and a space (second space) where the electronic scale 3 is arranged. In this case, the support 4 is provided so as to pass through both the first space and the second space. That is, the support 4 is provided so as to straddle both the first space and the second space. By partitioning the first space and the second space with the partition plate 8, the electronic scale 3 can be protected from the heat generated by the furnace 1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electronic scale 3 from malfunctioning due to the heat of the furnace 1. The thickness and material of the partition plate 8 are not particularly limited, but for its intended use, it is preferably highly heat-insulating. The partition plate 8 may be integrally formed with the housing 7 as shown in FIG. 3. Also, the partition plate 8 may be provided so as to protrude from the housing 7. Further, the partition plate 8 may be provided along the inner wall of the housing 7.

[0051] In addition, a fan 5 for discharging the air inside the housing 7 may be provided in the first space of the housing 7. Also, an intake port 9 for taking air from the outside to the inside of the housing 7 may be provided in the first space of the housing 7. By providing the fan 5 and the intake port 9 in the housing 7 in this way, outside air can be taken in from the intake port 9 and exhausted from the fan 5. Therefore, the heat generated by the furnace can be efficiently exhausted.

[0052] The size, shape, type, and arrangement position of the fan 5 in the first space are not particularly limited. Also, the size, shape, type, and arrangement position of the intake port 9 in the first space are not particularly limited.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a perspective view through the housing 7 of the measuring device 100 shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, in the measuring device 100, a frame 31 may be installed or fixed above the electronic scale 3. And the support 4 may be supported by the frame 31.

[0054] In addition, the measuring device 100 may include a light-shielding plate that blocks the light and / or heat emitted from the furnace 1. The light-shielding plate is provided, for example, at a position sandwiched between the furnace 1 and the partition plate 8 when the furnace 1 shown in FIG. 4 descends to the lower limit position. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the light and / or heat leaking from the furnace 1 from being transmitted to the electronic scale 3. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the failure of the electronic scale 3.

[0055] If it is possible to prevent the light and / or heat of the furnace 1 from leaking out from the partition plate 8 (particularly, the hole portion through which the support 4 of the partition plate 8 penetrates) into the second space, the size and shape of the light-shielding plate are not particularly limited. For example, instead of the light-shielding plate, a material having a light-shielding function and / or a heat-insulating function may be arranged in the aforementioned hole portion to block the light and / or heat from the furnace 1. Note that the light-shielding plate is preferably made of a heat-resistant and / or heat-insulating material. For example, the light-shielding plate may be ceramic, which is a heat-resistant material on the side facing the furnace 1, and glass wool, which is a heat-insulating material on the side facing the partition plate 8.

[0056] In addition, the light-shielding plate may be provided between the partition plate 8 and the frame 31. Alternatively, when the frame 31 has a hollow structure as shown in FIG. 4, instead of the light-shielding plate, a light-shielding material may be arranged inside the frame 31 to block the light and / or heat leaking out from the aforementioned hole portion into the second space.

[0057] In the example of FIG. 4, a mounting portion 22 is connected to the drawer portion 25. As described above, the mounting portion 22 is a member for holding the plate 23 that has moved to the front side. The mounting portion 22 has a cavity that opens in the depth direction. In addition, the mounting portion 22 has a hole smaller than the sample dish 90 and a notch toward the back side through which the sample dish 90 can pass in the depth direction.

[0058] When the measuring device 100 has the mounting portion 22 as in the example of FIG. 4, when the drawer portion 25 is pulled out, the plate 23 fits into the hollow portion of the mounting portion 22. Then, the user can set the sample dish 90 on the plate 23 from above the hole (or notch) of the mounting portion 22. Thereby, the user can set the sample dish 90 while suppressing the wobbling of the plate 23. Therefore, the user can set the sample dish 90 more safely.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a transmission view through the housing 7 of the measuring device 100 shown in FIG. 4, the heat insulating material of the furnace 1, and the frame supporting the heat insulating material. As shown in FIG. 5, an inner wall 11 is provided inside the heat insulating material of the furnace 1. The inner wall 11 supports the central portion of the furnace 1, that is, the heating portion 12 (heating portion described later) of the furnace 1, and is a configuration for blocking the exhaust heat of the heating portion 12.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a transmission view through a part of the inner wall 11 of the furnace 1 of the measuring device 100 shown in FIG. 5. Inside the inner wall 11 of the furnace 1, as described above, the heating portion 12 of the furnace 1 is provided. In the example of FIG. 5, the heating portion 12 is a hollow cylindrical shape, but the shape of the heating portion 12 is not particularly limited. Note that the heating portion 12 may be formed small within a range capable of heating the sample dish 90. By miniaturizing the heating portion 12, the time until the heating portion 12 reaches the set temperature can be shortened. A furnace bottom surface 13 is provided below the heating portion 12. The furnace bottom surface 13 is provided with a support portion 41, a sample stage 42, and an opening 13A for accommodating the measurement object in the furnace.

[0061] Further, FIG. 6 also shows the internal structure of the heating portion 12. As shown in FIG. 6, at least a part of the support portion 41 and the sample stage 42 are accommodated in the furnace together with the measurement object. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, a temperature sensor 14 is provided inside the heating portion 12. The temperature sensor 14 is a sensor for measuring the temperature of the heating portion 12. When the measuring device 100 is provided with the temperature sensor 14, the temperature sensor 14 is connected to the control unit 10 and transmits the detected information to the control unit 10.

[0062] In addition to the structures described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, the measuring device 100 may include at least one of various switches, buttons, lamps, and timers. As an example of a switch, a key switch for switching on and off the power supply of the measuring device 100 may be mentioned. As an example of a button, a power button for turning on the power supply of the measuring device 100 and a furnace power button for starting the heating of the furnace 1 may be mentioned.

[0063] The lamp is an output device for indicating the state of the furnace 1, the elevating mechanism 2, or the electronic scale 3 to the user of the measuring device 100. For example, the measuring device 100 may have a home position lamp indicating that the furnace 1 is installed in the home position. Further, the measuring device 100 may include a measurement enable lamp indicating that weight measurement has become possible in the measuring device 100.

[0064] The timer is a device for measuring time in the measuring device 100. For example, the measuring device 100 may include a timer for measuring the heating time of the furnace 1.

[0065] Further, the measuring device 100 may include a sensor for detecting the pulling out and housing of the drawer portion 25 (hereinafter referred to as a drawer sensor). The installation position of the drawer sensor is not particularly limited. For example, the drawer sensor may be provided on the movable frame 24, the mounting portion 22, the drawer portion 25, or the housing 7. When the measuring device 100 includes a drawer sensor, the drawer sensor is connected to the control unit 10 and transmits the detected information to the control unit 10.

[0066] Further, the measuring device 100 may also have a temperature sensor (hereinafter referred to as a wall temperature sensor) on the wall surface of the outer wall portion of the furnace 1 shown in FIG. 4 on the side where the elevating mechanism 2 is installed. The wall temperature sensor is a sensor for measuring the temperature of the outer wall of the furnace 1. Similar to other sensors, the wall temperature sensor is connected to the control unit 10 and transmits the detected information to the control unit 10.

[0067] <<Software Configuration of Measuring Device>> FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an overview of the software configuration of the measuring device 100. As shown in FIG. 7, the furnace 1, the elevating mechanism 2, the electronic scale 3, the fan 5, the touch panel display 6, and the temperature sensor 14 of the measuring device 100 are each electrically connected to the control unit 10 via the bus 19.

[0068] In addition, the measuring device 100 may have a storage unit. When the measuring device 100 has a storage unit, the storage unit is also electrically connected to the control unit 10 via the bus 19. Further, the measuring device 100 may be connected to an external device such as a data logger by wire or wirelessly. In this case, the control unit 10 of the measuring device 100 may transmit the measurement result of the electronic scale 3 and the value of the loss on ignition obtained by the control unit 10 to the external device. Further, when the measuring device 100 is provided with the aforementioned extraction sensor and / or the wall surface temperature sensor, the control unit 10 may be connected to these sensors by wire or wirelessly.

[0069] The control unit 10 comprehensively controls the measuring device 100. The control unit 10 receives an instruction operation of the user on the measuring device 100 via the input I / F of the touch panel display 6. The control unit 10 controls the furnace 1, the elevating mechanism 2, the electronic scale 3, the fan 5, and the touch panel display 6 according to the received instruction operation.

[0070] For example, the control unit 10 sets the heating temperature and heating time of the furnace 1 and heats the furnace 1. Also, for example, the control unit 10 controls the driving of the elevating mechanism 2. More specifically, the control unit 10 controls the timing, the elevating distance, and the elevating speed at which the elevating mechanism 2 raises and lowers the furnace 1.

[0071] Also, for example, the control unit 10 controls the on / off of the electronic scale 3. Further, the control unit 10 acquires the measurement result from the electronic scale 3. Note that the control unit 10 may store the measurement result in the storage unit. Also, for example, the control unit 10 may control the on / off and the rotation speed of the fan 5. Also, for example, the control unit 10 may control the screen display on the touch panel display 6.

[0072] Further, the control unit 10 may control the operations of each part of the measuring device 100 based on the information obtained from various sensors. For example, the control unit 10 may adjust the output of the furnace 1 so that the heating part 12 of the furnace 1 reaches a preset temperature based on the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 14.

[0073] Also, the control unit 10 may detect from the detection information of the drawer sensor that the drawer part 25 has been pulled out from the housing 7 or has been housed in the housing 7. Then, the control unit 10 may operate the lifting mechanism 2 using the fact that the drawer part 25 has been housed in the housing 7 as a trigger.

[0074] Further, the control unit 10 may adjust the output of the furnace 1 based on the measured temperature of the wall temperature sensor. For example, when the measured temperature of the wall temperature sensor becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the output of the furnace 1 may be stopped for the protection of the measuring device 100. In addition, when the output of the furnace 1 is stopped in this way, the control unit 10 may notify the user of an error via the touch panel display 6 or the like.

[0075] In addition, when the measuring device 100 is provided with various switches and / or buttons, the control unit 10 may detect the on and off states of the various switches and / or buttons. Then, the control unit 10 may control each part of the measuring device 100 according to the on or off state of the switch and / or button. When the measuring device 100 is provided with various lamps, the control unit 10 may control the lighting and extinguishing of the various lamps. Also, when the measuring device 100 is provided with various timers, the control unit 10 may control the start, stop, and reset of the various timers. Alternatively, the control unit 10 may function as a software timer itself.

[0076] ≪Flow of processing≫ FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow of the measuring device 100. Note that the measuring device in FIG. 8 is assumed to be the same as the measuring device 100 shown in FIGS. 3 to 7. The start trigger for the series of operations shown in FIG. 8 is not particularly limited. For example, the series of operations shown in FIG. 8 may be started when the power of the measuring device 100 is turned on.

[0077] First, the control unit 10 of the measuring device 100 preheats the furnace 1 to a predetermined temperature (S1). For example, in the case of weight measurement for calculating the loss on ignition of molding sand, the furnace 1 is preheated to about 1000°C. The control unit 10 may detect that the preheating has ended based on the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 14 or the like. When the preheating is completed, the control unit 10 may notify the user of the completion of preheating via the touch panel display 6 or the like.

[0078] The user places the sample dish 90 on the measuring device 100 in which the preheating of the furnace 1 has been completed. Specifically, the user pulls out the drawer unit 25 and sets the sample dish 90 on the plate 23 through the hole of the placement unit 22. Then, the user houses the drawer unit 25 in the housing 7 again.

[0079] When the drawer unit 25 is housed in the housing 7 after being pulled out, the movable frame 24 slides to the back side. Along with this, the plate 23 also moves to the back side and moves to a position above the sample stage 42. The elevating mechanism 2 lowers the furnace 1. At this time, the sample stage 42 (and the support part 41) pushes up the sample dish 90 through the hole of the plate 23. As a result, the sample dish 90, the sample stage 42 (and at least a part of the support part 41) are housed in the furnace 1. On the other hand, the plate 23 descends as the furnace 1 descends. Thereafter, inside the furnace 1, the sample dish 90 is heated to a temperature substantially the same as the internal temperature of the furnace 1.

[0080] When a predetermined time has elapsed after the sample dish 90 is accommodated in the furnace 1, or when the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 14 has risen to a specified temperature after the sample dish 90 is accommodated in the furnace 1, the control unit 10 determines that the sample dish 90 has been heated to a temperature substantially the same as the internal temperature of the furnace 1. When the control unit 10 makes such a determination, it causes the electronic scale 3 to measure the weight of the sample dish 90 (S2). The weight measured here is the weight of the empty sample dish 90. The control unit 10 acquires the measured weight value.

[0081] When the weight measurement is completed, the elevating mechanism 2 raises the furnace 1 and takes the sample dish 90 out of the furnace 1. At this time, as the furnace 1 rises, the plate 23 (and a part of the movable frame 24) rises. Then, the empty sample dish 90 is lifted from the sample table 42 and placed on the plate 23 in such a manner as to be fitted into the hole portion of the plate 23. Note that the control unit 10 may notify the user of the completion of the measurement when the weight measurement is completed or when the sample dish 90 is lifted from the sample table 42 (that is, when the sample dish 90 is separated from the sample table 42).

[0082] When the user pulls out the drawer portion 25 in this state, the movable frame 24 slides forward. Along with this, the plate 23 moves together with the drawer portion 25 while the sample dish 90 is placed thereon. The user puts the sample 91 (that is, foundry sand) into the sample dish 90 placed on the plate 23. After putting in the foundry sand, the user pushes the drawer portion 25 as before to accommodate the drawer portion 25 in the housing 7. As a result, the plate 23 moves back to the rear side again and moves to a position above the sample table 42. When the elevating mechanism 2 lowers the furnace 1, the sample table 42 passes through the hole of the plate 23 and pushes up the sample dish 90. Thereby, the sample dish 90 is again accommodated inside the furnace 1 together with the sample table 42 (and a part of the support portion 41). Thereafter, the sample dish 90 containing the foundry sand is heated to a temperature substantially the same as the internal temperature of the furnace 1 inside the furnace 1.

[0083] When a predetermined time has elapsed after the sample dish 90 containing casting sand is accommodated in the furnace 1, the control unit 10 determines that the casting sand and the sample dish 90 have been heated to substantially the same temperature as the internal temperature of the furnace 1. Alternatively, after the sample dish 90 containing casting sand is accommodated in the furnace 1, when the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 14 has risen to a specified temperature, the control unit 10 determines that the casting sand and the sample dish 90 have been heated to substantially the same temperature as the internal temperature of the furnace 1. When the control unit 10 makes such a determination, it causes the electronic scale 3 to measure the weight of the sample dish 90 containing casting sand (S3, measurement control step). The weight measured here is the temperature of the casting sand + sample dish 90 when the casting sand and the sample dish 90 have reached the internal temperature of the heating part 12. That is, the weight measured here is the weight of the casting sand + sample dish 90 before the casting sand is to be heated from now on. Hereinafter, the weight measurement in S3 is also referred to as "weight measurement before heating". The control unit 10 acquires the value of the measured weight (first measurement result acquisition step).

[0084] When the weight measurement before heating is completed, the control unit 10 heats the sample dish 90 containing casting sand for a specified time while controlling the temperature of the heating part 12 of the furnace 1 to a constant temperature (S4). When the heating is completed, the control unit 10 determines that the heating of the sample dish 90 containing casting sand has been completed. When the control unit 10 makes such a determination, it causes the electronic scale 3 to measure the weight of the sample dish 90 containing casting sand (S5, measurement control step). The weight measured here is the weight of the casting sand + sample dish 90 after the casting sand has been heated. Hereinafter, the weight measurement in S5 is also referred to as "weight measurement after heating". The control unit 10 acquires the value of the measured weight (second measurement result acquisition step).

[0085] When the weight measurement is completed, the control unit 10 calculates the loss on ignition (%) (S6, calculation step). The loss on ignition can be obtained, for example, by the following calculation formula 1. [Calculation formula 1] Loss on ignition (%) = [{(Measured weight in S3) - (Measured weight in S5)} / {(Measured weight in S3) - (Measured weight in S2)}] * 100 When the calculation of the loss on ignition is completed, the control unit 10 causes the calculated loss on ignition to be displayed on the touch panel display 6. Further, the control unit 10 may store the calculated loss on ignition in the storage unit. Further, the control unit 10 may transmit the calculated loss on ignition to an external device such as a PLC, a personal computer, and a data logger.

[0086] When the calculation of the loss on ignition is completed, the elevating mechanism 2 raises the furnace 1. Along with this, the plate 23 (and a part of the movable frame 24) rises. Then, the sample dish 90 containing casting sand is lifted from the sample table 42 and placed on the plate 23 in such a manner as to be fitted into the hole portion of the plate 23. When the drawer portion 25 is pulled out by the user in this state, the movable frame 24 slides forward. Along with this, the plate 23 moves together with the drawer portion 25 while the sample dish 90 is placed thereon. The user can take out the sample dish 90 containing casting sand placed on the plate 23.

[0087] According to the above processing, it is possible to measure the weight of the sample dish containing casting sand before heating and the weight after heating while the sample dish is accommodated in the furnace 1. As a result, the step of cooling the casting sand and the sample dish after heating can be omitted. Therefore, the time required for weight measurement can be reduced. Also, the time required to calculate the loss on ignition can be reduced.

[0088] Also, according to the above processing, the object to be measured is accommodated in the furnace 1 together with at least a part of the support 4. As a result, the support 4 can support the object to be measured even inside the furnace. Therefore, since the position of the object to be measured inside the furnace can be stabilized, the loss on ignition can be measured more accurately.

[0089] Note that the parameter calculated in S6 is not limited to the loss on ignition. The measuring device 100 may calculate at least the weight loss of the casting sand due to heating or a parameter that can be calculated based on the weight loss in S6.

[0090] 〔Embodiment 2〕 Before calculating the loss on ignition, the measuring device according to the present disclosure may correct at least one of the weight before heating and the weight after heating according to the zero point (correction step). Thereby, the measuring device 100 can calculate the loss on ignition more accurately.

[0091] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 9. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, for the same processes as those described in the first embodiment, the same step numbers are denoted, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0092] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow of the measuring device 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the measuring device 100 according to the present embodiment is different from the measuring device 100 according to the first embodiment in that it executes the operations of S11 and S12. Further, the measuring device 100 according to the present embodiment is different from the measuring device 100 according to the first embodiment in that it executes the operation of S13 instead of the operation of S6. Further, when using the measuring device 100 according to the present embodiment, the user shall take out the sample dish 90 containing foundry sand between S5 and S12.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 9, the measuring device 100 according to the present embodiment measures the first zero point (S11). As shown in FIG. 9, the first zero point is the value of the weight measurement of the electronic balance 3 after the preheating of the furnace 1 (S1) and before the placement of the sample dish 90.

[0094] Thereafter, after the user sets the sample dish 90, the processing flow up to S5 is the same as that in Embodiment 1. After the operation of S5, when the user takes out the sample dish 90, the measuring device 100 according to this embodiment measures the second zero point (S12). The second zero point is the value of the weight measurement of the electronic scale 3 after the heating of the sample dish 90 in S4 is completed and after the sample dish 90 is removed from the furnace. The control unit 10 acquires the measured weight value. More specifically, the second zero point in this embodiment is the value of the weight measurement of the electronic scale 3 in a state where the sample stage 42 in a state where the sample dish 90 has been removed is accommodated in the furnace after the heating of the sample dish 90 in S4 is completed.

[0095] When the weight measurement is completed, the control unit 10 corrects the measured values at the first zero point and the second zero point to calculate the loss on ignition (S13). For example, the control unit 10 can correct the loss on ignition at the first zero point (the measurement result in S11) and the zero point after heating (the zero point in S12) by changing the aforementioned calculation formula 1 to the following calculation formula 2. [Calculation formula 2] Loss on ignition (%) = [{(Measured weight at S3 - First zero point) - (Measured weight at S5 - Second zero point)} / {(Measured weight at S3 - First zero point) - (Measured weight at S2 - First zero point)}]*100 According to the above processing, when the first zero point and the second zero point show values other than 0 (that is, when a measurement error occurs in the electronic scale 3), the error can be eliminated by correction. Therefore, the loss on ignition can be measured more accurately.

[0096] Note that the parameter calculated in S13 is not limited to the loss on ignition, similar to the parameter calculated in S6. The measuring device 100 may calculate at least the weight loss of the casting sand due to heating or a parameter that can be calculated based on the weight loss in S13.

[0097] 〔Modification example〕 The measuring device 100 according to each embodiment may be used for purposes other than calculating the loss on ignition. For example, the measuring device 100 described in each embodiment may measure or calculate other parameters instead of, or together with, measuring the loss on ignition. The "other parameters" referred to herein indicate parameters calculated based on the weight of the sample before and after heating, such as moisture or moisture content.

[0098] In each of the above embodiments, when the control unit 10 heats the furnace 1 at a specified temperature for a specified time, it is considered that the operation in S4 (heating of the sample dish 90 with foundry sand) has been completed. However, the measuring device according to the present disclosure may determine that the heating of the sample dish 90 with foundry sand has been completed by other methods. For example, the control unit 10 may continue to measure the weight of the sample dish 90 with foundry sand at predetermined time intervals after starting the heating of the sample dish 90 with foundry sand in S4. Then, when the weight change of the sample dish 90 with foundry sand falls within a predetermined threshold range, it may be determined that the heating of the sample dish 90 with foundry sand has been completed.

[0099] The measuring device 100 according to each of the above embodiments may be configured such that the object to be measured (i.e., the sample 91 and / or the sample dish 90) approaches and / or separates from the furnace 1, in addition to raising and lowering the furnace 1. Also, the furnace 1 and the object to be measured may be configured to approach and / or separate from each other.

[0100] 〔Example of implementation by software〕 The functions of the control unit 10 can be realized by a program for causing a computer to function as the device, and by programs for causing a computer to function as each control block of the control unit 10.

[0101] In this case, the control unit 10 includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the above program. By executing the above program with this control device and storage device, each function described in each of the above embodiments is realized.

[0102] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, rather than temporarily. This recording medium may or may not be provided in the control unit 10. In the latter case, the above program may be supplied to the control unit 10 via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0103] Also, part or all of the functions of each of the above control blocks can also be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit functioning as each of the above control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0104] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0105] 100 Measuring device 2 Lifting mechanism 3 Electronic scale 4 Support 5 Fan 6 Touch panel display 7 Housing 10 Control unit 11 Inner wall 12 Heating part 13 Furnace bottom surface 13A Opening 14 Temperature sensor 19 Bus 22 Mounting part 23 Plate 24 Movable frame 25 Drawer part 31 Frame 41 Support part 42 Specimen stage 90 Specimen dish 91 Specimen

Claims

1. A measuring device that heats a measurement object and measures the weight of the measurement object before and after heating, comprising: A furnace for heating the measurement object; A moving mechanism for moving the furnace; A plate on which the measurement object is placed and that moves in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the furnace; A support for supporting the measurement object; A measuring unit for measuring the weight of the measurement object, and wherein: The moving mechanism moves the furnace so that the measurement object supported by the support is accommodated in the furnace; The plate is movable in the moving direction of the furnace as the furnace moves while the plate is positioned at a replacement position for replacing the measurement object onto the support; A measuring device, wherein by moving the plate in the orthogonal direction and positioning the plate at the replacement position and then moving the furnace, the measurement object is replaced from the plate onto the support.

2. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the moving mechanism moves the furnace so that the measurement object supported by the support is accommodated in the furnace together with at least a part of the support.

3. The furnace has a structure with an opening in at least one direction and has a function of heating the furnace interior space to a set temperature, and The measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving mechanism moves the furnace so that the measurement object is accommodated in the furnace through the opening.

4. The furnace is arranged such that the opening faces downward, The support is installed below the furnace, and The measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the moving mechanism accommodates the measurement object supported by the support in the furnace by lowering the furnace.

5. The measuring device includes a control unit, and The control unit: A measurement control step of causing the measuring unit to measure the weight of the measurement object before heating and the weight after heating; A first measurement result acquisition step of acquiring the weight before heating from the measuring unit; A second measurement result acquisition step of acquiring the weight after heating from the measuring unit; and A calculation step of calculating a weight loss due to the heating or a parameter based on the weight loss based on the weight before heating and the weight after heating, and wherein the measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is characterized by executing the steps.

6. The control unit causes the measuring unit to measure the weight before heating when the object to be measured is accommodated in the furnace, and causes the measuring unit to measure the weight after heating after the heating of the object to be measured is completed. The measuring device according to claim 5.

7. In the calculating step, the control unit corrects at least one of the weight before heating and the weight after heating based on at least one of a first zero point after preheating of the furnace and before placing the object to be measured and a second zero point after heating the object to be measured and removing the object to be measured. The measuring device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that

8. The measuring device further includes a movable frame slidable in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the furnace, wherein the plate moves in the orthogonal direction as the movable frame slides. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The measuring device includes a housing that covers the support, the furnace, the moving mechanism, and the measuring unit, wherein the housing is provided with a partition plate that partitions a first space in which the furnace and the moving mechanism are arranged and a second space in which the measuring unit is arranged, and the support is provided so as to pass through both the first space and the second space. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A fan for discharging the air inside the housing is provided in the first space of the housing, and an intake port for taking air from the outside to the inside of the housing is provided in the first space of the housing. The measuring device according to claim 9.

11. The object to be measured contains foundry sand, and the weights of the object to be measured before and after heating measured by the measuring unit are used for calculating the loss on ignition. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. ​

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