Notification device and notification method

Abstract

To achieve a technique which can easily add a function for notifying a user of the state of a projection device to the projection device.SOLUTION: A notification device (1) includes: a current sensor (11) which is provided in a projection device; and a processor (101) which executes determination processing (S12) for determining the state of the projection device by referring to current detected by the current sensor (11) without referring to a control signal for controlling the projection device and notification processing (S13) for notifying a result of the determination processing (S12).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification device and a notification method for notifying a user of the status of a projection device. [Background technology]

[0002] In projection devices such as shot blasting devices, it is important for the user to understand the status of the projection device in real time. For example, in projection devices that circulate projection material such as shot, it is important for the user to understand the amount of circulating projection material in real time. This is because if the projection device continues to operate with an insufficient amount of circulating projection material, there is a risk that the quality of the surface treatment will deteriorate. Such a risk can be avoided by quickly identifying a shortage of circulating projection material and replenishing it.

[0003] One example of a technology that may contribute to solving such problems is the flow rate control method described in Patent Document 1. In the flow rate control method described in Patent Document 1, the flow rate of shot particles is determined using an excitation coil that forms a magnetic field and a detection coil that generates an induced voltage that changes when shot particles pass through that magnetic field. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5857884 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, it is important for users to be aware of a shortage of circulating projection material in real time to avoid a deterioration in the quality of surface finishing. Some projection devices have a function for notifying users of a shortage of circulating projection material, while others do not. However, there is a need for a technology that allows such a function to be easily added to the latter projection devices. More generally, there is a need for a technology that allows users to easily add a function to notify them of the status of the projection device.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to realize a technology that makes it possible to easily add to a projection device a function for notifying the user of the status of the projection device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A notification device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a sensor provided in a projection device, a processor that executes a determination process to determine the state of the projection device by referring to the current, voltage, or power detected by the sensor without referring to a control signal that controls the projection device, and a notification process to notify the results of the determination process.

[0008] Furthermore, a notification method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a determination process in which a processor determines the state of the projection device by referring to the current, voltage, or power detected by a sensor provided in the projection device without referring to a control signal that controls the projection device, and a notification process in which the processor notifies the result of the determination process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a function for notifying a user of the status of the projection device can be easily added to the projection device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a notification device according to an aspect of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a flow chart showing the flow of a notification method implemented by the notification device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 10 is a graph showing an example of a change in impeller driving current over time. [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed on a display by a processor in the notification process shown in FIG. 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (Configuration of notification device) The configuration of a notification device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the notification device 1.

[0012] The notification device 1 is used in conjunction with a projection device (e.g., a shot blasting device) and notifies the status of the projection device. The projection device here is a device that performs surface processing on a projection object by projecting projection material supplied from an external device onto the projection object. Examples of the projection material include spherical metallic particles (so-called shot) and sharp-edged metallic particles (so-called grid), but they may also be non-metallic particles (e.g., glass, ceramics, sand, resin, or plant seeds). The projection object is, for example, an industrial product such as a casting. The projection device circulates the projection material. A decrease in the amount of circulating projection material causes the projection density to become unstable, resulting in a decrease in the quality of the surface processing. Therefore, the notification device 1 according to this embodiment determines whether the amount of circulating projection material in the projection device is insufficient and notifies the user of the determination result.

[0013] 1, the notification device 1 is composed of a main body 10 and a current sensor 11. The main body 10 is equipped with a processor 101, a primary memory 102, a secondary memory 103, communication interfaces 104 and 105, a display 106, and a signal light 107. The processor 101, primary memory 102, secondary memory 103, communication interfaces 104 and 105, display 106, and signal light 107 that constitute the main body 10 are connected by a bus (not shown) and are housed in a box-shaped housing.

[0014] A notification program P1 is stored in the secondary memory 103. The processor 101 loads the notification program P1 stored in the secondary memory 103 onto the primary memory 102. The processor 101 then executes each process included in a notification method S1 (described later) in accordance with instructions included in the notification program P1 loaded onto the primary memory 102. An example of a device that can be used as the processor 101 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). An example of a device that can be used as the primary memory 102 is a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). An example of a device that can be used as the secondary memory 103 is an SD memory card.

[0015] The communication interface 104 is an interface for communicating with the current sensor 11. An example of an interface that can be used as the communication interface 104 is I2C. The communication interface 105 is an interface for communicating with the server device 2. An example of the communication interface 105 is an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface. Note that the notification device 1 is connected to the server device 2 via a LAN (Local Area Network), a relay device 3, and the Internet, as shown in FIG. 1, for example.

[0016] The display 106 is configured to display setting screens σ1 to σ4, which will be described later, in a setting process S11, which will be described later. In this embodiment, a touch panel is used as the display 106. The signal light 107 is configured to notify the result of a determination process S12, which will be described later, in a notification process S13, which will be described later. In this embodiment, a stack of signal lights (signal tower) is used as the signal light 107.

[0017] The notification program P1 for causing the processor 101 to execute the notification method S1 may be recorded on a computer-readable, non-transitory, tangible recording medium. This recording medium may be the secondary memory 103 or another recording medium. For example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like may be used as the other recording medium.

[0018] The current sensor 11 is installed in the projection device. In this embodiment, it is placed on a current path for supplying current to a motor included in the projection device, in particular to an impeller motor. Here, the impeller motor refers to a motor that drives an impeller for projecting projection material. Hereinafter, the current supplied to the impeller motor, i.e., the current detected by the current sensor 11, will be referred to as the "impeller drive current."

[0019] (Notification method flow) The flow of the notification method S1 performed by the notification device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the notification method S1.

[0020] 2, the notification method S1 includes a setting process S11, a determination process S12, and a notification process S13. In this embodiment, the setting process S11, the determination process S12, and the notification process S13 are performed by the processor 101 of the notification device 1.

[0021] The setting process S11 is a process for setting thresholds Th1 to Th4 used in the determination process S12 in response to a user operation. The thresholds Th1 to Th2 are thresholds related to current, measured in amperes. The thresholds Th3 to Th4 are thresholds related to time, measured in seconds. The setting screens σ1 to σ4 presented to the user in the setting process S11 will be described later with reference to different drawings.

[0022] The judgment process S12 is a process for judging the state of the projection device without referring to the control signal that controls the projection device, by referring to the current value detected by the current sensor 11. In this embodiment, it is judged whether or not the amount of circulating projection material is insufficient.

[0023] When power supply is started, the projection device begins no-load operation. The first threshold value Th1 is set to the upper limit of the impeller drive current during this no-load operation. When projection material is fed into the impeller, the projection device begins normal operation. The second threshold value Th2 is set to the lower limit of the impeller drive current during this normal operation. When the amount of projection material circulating decreases, there are intermittent periods during which the impeller drive current falls below the second threshold value Th2. The more the amount of projection material circulating decreases, the longer the period during which the impeller drive current falls below the second threshold value Th2.

[0024] Therefore, in this embodiment, the following algorithm is used as the algorithm for determining whether or not the amount of circulating projection material is insufficient. That is, if the length of the period during which the impeller drive current is equal to or greater than the first threshold value Th1 and equal to or less than the second threshold value Th2 exceeds the third threshold value Th3, it is determined that the amount of circulating projection material is insufficient. However, this determination begins when the time elapsed since the time when the impeller drive current started to rise exceeds the threshold value Th4. This is a measure to prevent the no-load operation immediately after the start of power supply from being mistakenly recognized as a shortage of circulating projection material.

[0025] Notification process S13 is a process for notifying the user of the results of determination process S12. In this embodiment, if it is determined in determination process S12 that the amount of circulating projection material is insufficient, the signal light 107 is switched from normal lighting (for example, blue lighting) to abnormal lighting (for example, red lighting). Note that instead of notifying the user of the results of determination process S12 by the signal light 107, the results of determination process S12 may be transmitted to the server device 2. In this case, the user will be able to learn the results of determination process S12 by accessing the server device 2.

[0026] (Specific example of judgment process) A specific example of the determination process S12 included in the notification method S1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a graph showing an example of the change in impeller drive current over time. In this specific example, the first threshold value Th1 is set to 35 [A], the second threshold value Th2 is set to 55 [A], the third threshold value Th3 is set to 3 [seconds], and the fourth threshold value Th4 is set to 5 [seconds].

[0027] When power supply to the projection device starts, the impeller drive current rises. The processor 101 of the notification device 1 starts the determination process S12 when the elapsed time from the time when the impeller drive current rose exceeds the threshold value Th4.

[0028] In the determination process S12, the processor 101 of the notification device 1 determines that the amount of circulating projection material is insufficient if the duration of the state in which the impeller driving current is equal to or greater than the first threshold value Th1 and equal to or less than the second threshold value Th2 exceeds the third threshold value Th3. In the specific example shown in FIG. 3, the state in which the value of the impeller driving current is equal to or greater than the first threshold value Th1 and equal to or less than the second threshold value Th2 is realized in periods A, B, C, and D. However, the duration of this state does not exceed the threshold value Th3 in periods A, B, and D. Therefore, the processor 101 of the notification device 1 does not determine that the amount of circulating projection material is insufficient. On the other hand, the duration of this state exceeds the third threshold value Th3 in period C. Therefore, the processor 101 of the notification device 1 determines that the amount of circulating projection material is insufficient.

[0029] (Example of setting process) A specific example of the setting process S11 included in the notification method S1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of setting screens σ1 to σ4 that the processor 101 displays on the display 106 in the setting process S11.

[0030] The setting screen σ1 is a setting screen for setting a first threshold value Th1, which is the upper limit of the impeller drive current during no-load operation. The setting screen σ1 includes the text "Please set the no-load current value" as a message prompting the user to set the first threshold value Th1. By using the setting screen σ1, the user can set any value [A] as the first threshold value Th1. As shown in FIG. 4, the setting screen σ1 may be provided with a set button. In this case, the user can tap the set button during no-load operation to set the impeller drive current at that time to the first threshold value Th1.

[0031] The setting screen σ2 is a setting screen for setting the second threshold value Th2, which is the lower limit of the impeller driving current during normal operation. The setting screen σ2 includes the text "Please input the current lower limit value" as a message prompting the user to set the second threshold value Th2. By using the setting screen σ2, the user can set any value [A] as the second threshold value Th2. As shown in FIG. 4, the setting screen σ2 may be provided with a set button. In this case, the user can tap the set button during normal operation to set the impeller driving current at that time to the second threshold value Th2.

[0032] The setting screen σ3 is a setting screen for setting a third threshold value to be compared with the elapsed time from when the impeller drive current is equal to or greater than the first threshold value Th1 and equal to or less than the second threshold value Th2. The setting screen σ3 includes the text "Please input the current drop detection time" as a message prompting the user to set the third threshold value Th3. By using the setting screen σ3, the user can set any number [seconds] as the third threshold value Th3.

[0033] The setting screen σ4 is a setting screen for setting a fourth threshold value Th4 to be compared with the elapsed time from when the impeller drive current started up. The setting screen σ4 includes a message prompting the user to set the fourth threshold value Th4, saying, "Please input the time until current value monitoring starts." By using the setting screen σ4, the user can set any number [seconds] as the fourth threshold value Th4.

[0034] (Effect of notification device) As described above, the notification device 1 includes the current sensor 11 provided in the projection device, and the processor 101 that executes the determination process S12 to determine the state of the projection device by referring to the current detected by the current sensor 11 without referring to the control signal that controls the projection device, and the notification process S13 to notify the result of the determination process S12. The notification method S1 also includes the determination process S12 by the processor 101 to determine the state of the projection device by referring to the current detected by the current sensor 11 provided in the projection device without referring to the control signal that controls the projection device, and the notification process S13 by the processor 101 to notify the result of the determination process S12.

[0035] Therefore, by using the projection device and notification device 1 together, it is possible to add to the projection device a function for notifying the user of the status of the projection device without making a connection between the projection device and notification device 1 to send and receive control signals.

[0036] In particular, in the notification device 1 according to this embodiment, the current sensor 11 detects the impeller drive current supplied to the motor that drives the impeller, and the processor determines whether the amount of circulating projection material is insufficient by referring to the impeller drive current.

[0037] Therefore, it is possible to add to the projection device a function that notifies the user whether or not the amount of circulating projection material is insufficient.

[0038] Furthermore, in the notification device 1 according to this embodiment, if the duration of the state in which the impeller drive current is equal to or greater than the first threshold value Th1 and equal to or less than the second threshold value Th2 exceeds a third threshold value Th3, the processor 101 determines that the amount of circulating projection material is insufficient. Here, the first threshold value Th1 is set to the upper limit of the impeller drive current during no-load operation.

[0039] Therefore, the decrease in impeller drive current that occurs during no-load operation will not be mistaken for a decrease in impeller drive current due to a lack of the amount of circulating projection material.

[0040] In addition, in the notification device 1 of this embodiment, before the judgment process S12, the processor 101 further executes a setting process S11 in which a first threshold value Th1, a second threshold value Th2, a third threshold value Th3, and a fourth threshold value Th4 representing the time from when the impeller driving current rises to when the judgment process S12 starts are set in accordance with user operation.

[0041] Therefore, the user can flexibly customize when it is determined that the amount of circulating projection material is insufficient.

[0042] The notification device 1 according to this embodiment further includes a signal light 107 for notifying the user of the result of the determination process S12 in the notification process S13.

[0043] Therefore, the result of the determination process S12 can be made known to the user without adding a device for notifying the result of the determination process S12.

[0044] Although the present embodiment employs a configuration in which the state of the projection device is determined based on current, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration in which the state of the projection device is determined based on voltage may be employed. Alternatively, a configuration in which the state of the projection device is determined based on power may be employed. Alternatively, a configuration in which the state of the projection material is determined based on two or more physical quantities selected from current, voltage, and power may be employed. Note that the voltage may be detected by a voltage sensor. Furthermore, the power may be detected by a power sensor or may be calculated from the current detected by a current sensor and the voltage detected by a voltage sensor. Furthermore, the current compared with the threshold value in the determination process may be the detected current itself, or may be an amplified or attenuated version of the detected current. Similarly, the voltage compared with the threshold value in the determination process may be the detected voltage itself, or may be an amplified or attenuated version of the detected voltage. Similarly, the power compared with the threshold value in the determination process may be the detected or calculated power itself, or may be an amplified or attenuated version of the detected or calculated power.

[0045] For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the amount of circulating projection material is determined by comparing the impeller drive voltage, which is the voltage applied to the motor that drives the impeller, with a threshold value. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the amount of circulating projection material is determined by comparing the impeller drive power, which is the power supplied to the motor that drives the impeller, with a threshold value. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the amount of circulating projection material is determined by comparing two or more physical quantities selected from the impeller drive current, impeller drive voltage, and impeller drive power with a threshold value.

[0046] (Modification of notification device) In addition to (0) an impeller that projects the projection material onto the projection target, the projection device further includes (1) a conveyor that transports the projection target, (2) a distributor that supplies the projection material to the impeller, (3) a screw that stirs the inside of the projection device, (4) a bucket elevator that collects the projection material after it has been projected, and (5) a dust collector that collects unwanted material removed from the projection target by the projection material.

[0047] In response to this, the current sensor 11 may be configured to detect (1) the current supplied to the motor that drives the conveyor, (2) the current supplied to the motor that drives the distributor, (3) the current supplied to the motor that drives the screw, (4) the current supplied to the motor that drives the bucket elevator, or (5) the current supplied to the motor that drives the dust collector, instead of (0) the current supplied to the motor that drives the impeller.

[0048] Furthermore, instead of determining whether the amount of circulating projection material is insufficient, processor 101 may be configured to detect other conditions of the projection device. For example, processor 101 may be configured to determine whether the transport speed of the projection object is appropriate. In this case, current sensor 11 is installed on a current path that supplies current to the motor that drives the conveyor. By referencing the conveyor drive current detected by current sensor 11, processor 101 can determine whether the transport speed of the projection object is appropriate without referencing the control signal of the projection device.

[0049] (Additional notes) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1 Notification device 101 processors 102 Primary Memory 103 Secondary Memory 104 Communication interface (for sensors) 105 Communication interface (for network) 106 Display 107 Signal Light 11 Current Sensor

Claims

1. a sensor provided in the projection device; and a processor that executes a determination process for determining a state of the projection device by referring to the current, voltage, or power detected by the sensor without referring to a control signal for controlling the projection device, and a notification process for notifying the result of the determination process, wherein the sensor detects an impeller drive current that is a current supplied to a motor that drives an impeller, an impeller drive voltage that is a voltage applied to the motor, or an impeller drive power that is power supplied to the motor, In the determination process, the processor determines that the amount of circulating projection material is insufficient if the duration of the state in which the impeller drive current, the impeller drive voltage, or the impeller drive power is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and equal to or less than the second threshold value exceeds a third threshold value, The first threshold value is set to an upper limit value of the impeller drive current, the impeller drive voltage, or the impeller drive power during no-load operation. A notification device characterized by:

2. The processor further executes a setting process, before the determination process, to set the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, and a fourth threshold representing a time from when the impeller drive current, the impeller drive voltage, or the impeller drive power rises to when the determination process starts, in response to a user operation.

2. The notification device according to claim 1.

3. The notification process further includes a signal light for notifying a user of the result of the determination process.

3. The notification device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the sensor is a current sensor; In the determination process, the processor determines the state of the projection device by referring to the current detected by the current sensor without referring to a control signal that controls the projection device.

4. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the notification device is a device for receiving a notification from a remote control.

5. a determination process in which a processor determines the state of the projection device by referring to a current, voltage, or power detected by a sensor provided in the projection device without referring to a control signal for controlling the projection device; a notification process by the processor notifying a result of the determination process, the sensor detects an impeller drive current, which is a current supplied to a motor that drives an impeller, an impeller drive voltage, which is a voltage applied to the motor, or an impeller drive power, which is power supplied to the motor; In the determination process, the processor determines that the amount of circulating projection material is insufficient if the duration of the state in which the impeller drive current, the impeller drive voltage, or the impeller drive power is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and equal to or less than the second threshold value exceeds a third threshold value, The first threshold value is set to an upper limit value of the impeller drive current, the impeller drive voltage, or the impeller drive power during no-load operation. A notification method characterized by:

6. the sensor is a current sensor; In the determination process, the processor determines the state of the projection device by referring to the current detected by the current sensor without referring to a control signal that controls the projection device. The notification method according to claim 5 .

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