JPH076889U - Moisture detector inside the weighing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] When water enters the electric box, it should be possible to immediately search for the entry point and notify the operator of the entry point. [Structure] A main body frame accommodating electric parts or electronic parts for operating a weighing machine, and a plurality of humidity sensors distributed in the main body frame to measure humidity and output a humidity signal, respectively. Humidity sensor No. 1-No.
Determination means the total value of the humidity signal value H ₁ to H ₈ eight outputs is a greater or not than the first threshold value alpha (S10
2) and when the judging means judges that the total value of the humidity signal values is larger than the first threshold value α, it enters into the main body frame based on the distribution of the magnitudes of the humidity signal values output by the respective humidity sensors. Search means (S10) for searching for the invaded portion of the moisture thus obtained and outputting a signal indicating the invaded portion found by the search.
6 to S130).

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

 The present invention relates to a humidity detection device in a weighing machine, which can search for a location where moisture has entered and notify the operator, for example, when moisture enters the electric box of the electronic weighing machine.

[0002]

[Prior art]

 Generally, weighing machines are precision instruments, so if they are used in a place where they are wet with water or in a place with high humidity, a weighing error may occur or a failure may occur. In particular, electronic weighing machines that use electronic components require careful attention to water and moisture.

However, for example, in a food factory, an electronic weighing machine is used to weigh food, but in terms of food hygiene, washing of the weighing machine that comes into direct contact with food is particularly carefully performed. .

Therefore, the electric box inside the weighing machine, which is a place particularly disliked by water, has a waterproof structure, or a dehumidifier is provided in the electric box to prevent a failure of the electric parts and electronic parts housed in the electric box. We are trying to prevent it. Also, if important electronic parts are installed in the electric box, connect an air purging device to the electric box and always operate this air purging device to constantly send dry air into the electric box. At the same time, there is also a device in which the air in the electric box is discharged.

[0005]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 However, if the electric box is made waterproof, it is very difficult to make it completely waterproof. Moreover, the electric box is provided with a door for inspecting the electronic components and the like housed inside. Then, there is a problem that water may enter through the gap of the door, and the water may damage electronic parts and the like.

[0006] The dehumidifier can effectively remove water when a small amount of water enters or when high-humidity air enters, but when a large amount of water enters. Has a problem that it takes a long time to completely remove it, and during that time, electronic parts and the like fail.

Further, since the air in the air purging device constantly replaces the air in the electric box with dry air, even if a large amount of water intrudes, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the electronic parts and the like due to moisture. However, since the air purging device is composed of an air supply device and an electric circuit for controlling the air supply device, there is a problem in that the equipment becomes large in size, the cost is high, and an installation site is required. Since this air purge device needs to be constantly operated both when the weighing machine is used and when it is not used, there is a problem that a large amount of operating energy, that is, electricity bill is required.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a moisture detecting device in a weighing machine, which can immediately search for an invading portion and notify an operator when moisture enters the electric box.

[0009]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 A humidity detecting device in a weighing machine according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided with an electric box for accommodating electrical or electronic parts for operating the weighing machine, and an electric box dispersed in the electric box to measure humidity. And a plurality of humidity sensors for outputting a humidity signal, and a judging means for judging whether or not the humidity in the electric box is abnormally increased based on the humidity signal output by the humidity sensor, and the judging means. When it is determined that the humidity inside the electric box has risen abnormally, based on the distribution of the magnitude of the humidity signal value output by each humidity sensor, the location where the water that has entered the electric box has entered And a search means for outputting a signal indicating the invaded portion found by the search.

The moisture detecting device in the weighing machine according to the second invention is provided with an electric box for housing the electric-related parts or the electronic-related parts for operating the weighing machine, and the electric box dispersedly provided in the electric box. The total value of the humidity signal values measured by a plurality of humidity sensors that measure humidity and output a humidity signal and a predetermined specified humidity sensor or a specified number of humidity sensors is less than the specified first threshold value. And a magnitude of the humidity signal value output by each of the humidity sensors when the determination means determines that the total value of the humidity signal values is greater than the first threshold value. And a search means for outputting a signal indicating the invasion point found by the search based on the distribution of the above.

The moisture detecting device in the weighing machine according to the third aspect of the invention is provided with an electric box for accommodating the electrical-related parts or electronic-related parts for operating the weighing machine, and the electric box dispersedly provided in the electric box. The humidity signal values output from a plurality of humidity sensors that measure humidity and output a humidity signal and a predetermined predetermined humidity sensor or a predetermined number or more of arbitrary humidity sensors are higher than a predetermined second threshold value. And the humidity sensor outputs a humidity signal value larger than the second threshold value when the judgment means judges that the number of the humidity sensors is larger than the predetermined number. And a search means for outputting a signal indicating the intrusion point found by the search for an intrusion point of moisture that has entered the electric box based on the distribution of the magnitude of the humidity signal value output by It is characterized by that.

A moisture detecting device in a weighing machine according to a fourth aspect of the invention is the moisture detecting device according to the first, second or third aspect, further comprising display means for displaying a water intrusion portion found by the search by the search means. It is a feature.

[0013]

[Action]

 According to the present invention, when the determination means determines that the humidity in the electric box is abnormally increased based on the humidity signal output by the humidity sensor, the search means causes the humidity signal value output by each humidity sensor to be output. Based on the distribution of the size of the water, it searches for the invading point of water that has entered the electric box and outputs a signal indicating the invading point of the water found by this search. In this way, when the humidity inside the electric box rises abnormally, the search means outputs a signal indicating the place where water enters, so that the operator recognizes that there is an abnormality inside the electric box. can do. Then, the intrusion location of water can be recognized by the signal indicating the intrusion location.

According to a second aspect, the determination means determines that the total value of the humidity signal values output by a predetermined humidity sensor or a predetermined number of arbitrary humidity sensors is larger than a predetermined first threshold value. When it does, it is determined that the humidity in the electric box is abnormally increased.

In a third aspect of the invention, the determining means determines that each humidity signal value output by a predetermined humidity sensor or a predetermined number or more of arbitrary humidity sensors is larger than a predetermined second threshold value. When it does, it is determined that the humidity in the electric box is abnormally increased.

Further, according to the present invention, since it is possible to determine whether or not the humidity in the electric box is abnormally increased as described above, only when the determination means determines that the humidity is abnormal. The air in the electric box can be replaced with dry air by operating the air purging device described in the conventional example.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the display means displays the water intrusion portion searched for and found by the search means, so that the operator can visually confirm the water intrusion portion. .

[0018]

【Example】

 An example of a moisture detecting device (hereinafter referred to as a moisture detecting device) in a weighing machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This moisture detecting device is provided in the main body frame 2 of the combination scale 1 shown in FIG. 7, for example. The main body frame 2 corresponds to the electric box described in claim 1 and claim 2. This combination weigher 1 is a conventionally known one and is provided with a plurality of weighing hoppers 3 and various weights of articles weighed by each weighing hopper 3 are combined so that the total weight is equal to or close to the target weight. The articles that make up the selected set are selected and discharged from the corresponding weighing hoppers 3. This makes it possible to successively create combinations of articles whose total weight is equal to or close to the target weight. The articles discharged from the weighing hopper 3 are conveyed to the packaging machine 6 through the dividing chute 4 and the collecting chute 5 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the main body frame 2 is a hollow annular body provided along the outer periphery of the collecting chute 5 and has a rectangular cross section. As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 4, the main body frame 2 has a square outer peripheral shape and a central through hole 7 in a square shape. The length of one side of this square is about 1 m50 cm, the length of one side of the through hole is about 70 cm, and the height of the body frame 2 is about 25 cm. Doors 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, 8-4 are provided on the outer side surfaces of the four body frames 2, respectively. Inside the main body frame 2, a board (a printed board on which electronic components and the like are provided), a power supply device, a transformer, an air device, an electromagnetic wave, which are not shown in the figure, are used to operate the combination scale 1. Electrical equipment including electronic components such as valve units and terminals (terminal blocks) and electrical components are included. Therefore, the main body frame 2 is provided with a waterproof structure in order to prevent water from coming into contact with these substrates and the power supply device, or from contact with outside air having high humidity.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, an air supply port 9 and an air discharge port 10 are provided on the lower surfaces of the two corners of the main body frame 2 that face each other. The air outlet 10 is connected to an air purging device (not shown) via a supply connection pipe (not shown). This air purging device supplies dry air into the main body frame 2 through the supply connection pipe and the air supply port 9, and at the same time, damp air inside the main body frame 2 through the air discharge port 10 and the discharge connection pipe to the outside air. It will be released.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the humidity sensor No. 3 is provided inside each of the eight corners formed on the outer periphery of the main body frame 2. 1 to humidity sensor No. 8 is provided. These humidity sensors measure humidity and output a humidity signal.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit of the humidity detecting device. 8 humidity sensors No. 1 to humidity sensor No. 8 is connected to the central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) of the microcomputer through the A / D converter 11, and the analog humidity signal output by each humidity sensor is the A / D converter 11 Is converted into a digital humidity signal by and input to the CPU 12. An alarm circuit 13, a display circuit 14, and a storage unit 15 are connected to the CPU 12. The alarm circuit 13 is a circuit that supplies an operation signal and a stop signal to the air purge device according to a command from the CPU 12. The display circuit 14 is a circuit that supplies a signal indicating a water entry point to a display unit (not shown) according to a command from the CPU 12. The display unit displays the water intrusion location based on this signal. The storage unit 15 includes storage elements such as a ROM and a RAM, and stores a program for executing the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

Further, the CPU 12 fulfills the functions of the determination means and the search means described in claim 1. The determination means is all eight humidity sensor No. 1-No. 8 is provided with a function of determining whether or not the total value of the humidity signal values output by 8 is larger than a predetermined first threshold value α.

The search means is a humidity sensor No. 1-No. When the determining unit determines that the total value of the humidity signal values output by the controller 8 is larger than the first threshold value α, the humidity sensor No. 1-N o. Based on the distribution of the magnitudes of the humidity signal values output by 8, the water invasion location that has entered the body frame 2 is searched for, and a signal indicating the water intrusion location found by this search is output to the display circuit 14.

The operation of the moisture detection device having the above configuration will be described. The combination scale 1 provided with this moisture detection device is used, for example, for weighing food, and is washed with water before and after use. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the water used to wash the weighing hopper 3 and the like hangs on the body frame 2, and the body frame 2 itself is also washed with water. Therefore, it is desirable that this humidity detecting device should detect the moisture in the main body frame 2 not only when the combination weigher 1 is washed but also during the time period other than the time of washing.

Next, a procedure in which the determining means determines whether or not water has entered the body frame 2, and a procedure in which the searching means searches for and finds a location where water has entered are shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. It will be described according to the flowchart shown.

First, the procedure of the determination means for determining whether or not moisture has entered the body frame 2 will be described. When the operator turns on the power of this humidity detection device, the humidity sensor No. 1-No. 8 to measure the humidity, the humidity signal value H ₁ ~ H ₈ obtained in this measurement is input to the CPU 12 (S100). Then, CPU 12 calculates the total value of the eight humidity signal value H ₁ to H _8, the judging means whether this total value is greater than the first threshold value α set in advance is determined ( S102). Then, the determination means determines that the total value is larger than the first threshold value α (that is, it is determined that abnormal water has entered the main body frame 2), and when YES. Sends an air purge command signal (operation command signal) for operating the air purge device to the air purge device via the alarm circuit 13 (S104). When the air purging device is activated, dry air is supplied into the main body frame 2 through the supply port 9 and moist air in the main body frame 2 is discharged through the exhaust port 10 to the outside air, whereby the main body frame 2 is discharged. It is possible to prevent electronic components inside from being damaged by moist air.

However, in step 102, the determination unit determines that the total value is smaller than the first threshold value α (that is, it is determined that abnormal water has not entered the main body frame 2). .) And NO, the air purging device is not operated and is kept in a stopped state. In this way, the air purge device is activated only when the determination means determines that the humidity inside the main body frame 2 is abnormally increased (that is, only when the air purge device needs to be activated). Therefore, the energy cost for operating the air purging device can be reduced.

Next, a procedure for the search means to search for an invasion location of water that has entered the body frame 2 will be described. First, the humidity sensor No. 1-No. Among the humidity signal values output by 8, the humidity sensor that outputs the largest humidity signal value is searched for (S106). Details of the search procedure for the temperature sensor will be described later. The search procedure is stored in the storage unit 15 in correspondence with the number of the humidity sensor that has output the highest humidity signal value. No. 1 shows only the flow chart when the humidity signal value having the largest value is output. Two are shown. Humidity sensor No. 3 to No. The flow chart when 8 outputs the highest humidity signal value is omitted.

First, the humidity sensor No. If 1 outputs the humidity signal value having the largest value, that is, if YES is determined (S108), the humidity sensor No. It can be judged that 1 is the closest to the invasion point of water. Next, by searching for a humidity sensor that outputs a humidity signal value larger than the predetermined value a, which side of the three sides 16, 17, and 18 shown in FIG. Can be determined. That is, the humidity sensor No. 2, No. 4, No. Humidity signal value H of 5₂, H_Four, H_Five Is greater than a (S110, S112, S114), H₂, H _Four , H_FiveWhen it is determined that all of the humidity sensors are smaller than or equal to a, the moisture intrusion location is the humidity sensor No. It is determined that this is a gap in the vicinity of the location where 1 is provided (S116). Then, the entry point is the humidity sensor No. A display signal indicating that the position is in the vicinity of 1 is transmitted to the display unit (not shown) via the display circuit 14 and displayed (S132).

When it is determined that H ₄ and H ₅ are smaller than “a” but H ₂ is larger than “a” (S110, S118, S120), the location where moisture enters is the humidity sensor No. 1 and No. 2 is determined (S122), and that effect is displayed on the display unit.

Although it is determined that H ₂ and H ₅ are smaller than a, etc., but when H ₄ is determined to be larger than a (S110, S112, S124), the location where moisture enters is the humidity sensor No. 1 and No. 4 is determined (S126), and that effect is displayed on the display unit.

Although it is determined that H ₂ and H ₄ are smaller than a, but H ₅ is determined to be larger than a (S110, S112, S114), the location where moisture enters is the humidity sensor No. 1 and No. 5 is determined (S128), and that effect is displayed on the display unit.

However, when it is determined that two or more of H ₂ , H ₄ and H ₅ are larger than a, it is determined that there are many places where water enters (S 130), and that effect is displayed on the display unit. Display it. In this way, the location where the moisture enters is determined by the humidity sensor No. It is possible to search around the place where 1 is provided, and display the invaded part found by the search on the display. The operator can confirm the entry place by looking at the display on the display unit, and when water enters the place, it can be quickly and surely removed, and the body frame 2 If the waterproof structure at the place where water has entered has deteriorated, it can be repaired.

Next, the humidity sensor No. 2 outputs the humidity signal value having the largest value, that is, when YES is determined (S200), the humidity sensor No. It can be judged that 2 is the closest to the place where water enters. Then, the humidity sensor No. 1, No. 3 and No. By searching for a humidity signal value larger than a predetermined value a among the humidity signal values H ₁ , H ₃ and H ₆ of FIG. 6, the water content of any one of the three sides 19, 20, 16 shown in FIG. It is possible to determine whether the intrusion has occurred through the side gap. However, the procedure for searching the location where moisture has entered and displaying the location where moisture has entered on the display section shown in steps 208, 220, 218, 214, and 222 shown in FIG. 2 is the steps 116 and 128 shown in FIG. , 126, 122, and 130 are the same as the above procedure for displaying them on the display unit, and the description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the humidity sensor No. 3, No. 4, ... Or No. The procedure for searching for a water intrusion portion when 8 outputs the largest humidity signal value is also the same as the above-mentioned procedure, and therefore its description is omitted. Then, similarly to the above, the operator can confirm the entry point by looking at the display on the display section, and when water has entered the location, it can be removed quickly and reliably. However, if the waterproof structure of the main body frame 2 where water has entered has deteriorated, it can be repaired. In addition, since the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 1 and 2 is executed about every 10 ms, even if the humidity inside the main body frame 2 rapidly rises to an abnormal humidity, the main body The humidity in the frame 2 can be quickly measured to display the water intrusion portion on the display unit.

Next, in step 106 of FIG. 1, the humidity sensor No. 1-No. A procedure for searching for the humidity sensor that outputs the largest humidity signal value out of the humidity signal values output by 8 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the humidity sensor No. Humidity signal value 1 ₁ "1" is stored in the flag MAX of the storage unit 15, and the flag H_MAXIts humidity signal value H₁Is stored (S300). Next, flag H_{MA X} Humidity signal value H stored in₁And humidity signal value H₂Of the higher humidity signal value instead of the smaller humidity signal value_MAXThe number of the humidity sensor that outputs the larger humidity signal value is stored in the flag MAX instead of the number of the humidity sensor that outputs the smaller humidity signal value (S302, 304). Thus, the flag H_MAXHumidity signal value and humidity signal value H stored in₂~ H₈And humidity sensor No. 1-N o. It is possible to search for the humidity sensor that outputs the largest humidity signal value among the humidity signal values output by 8 (S300 to S312). Therefore, it is possible to determine that the location where the humidity sensor is found, which is found by this search, is the closest to the location where the moisture enters.

However, when the determination means of the above embodiment compares the total value of the humidity signal values H _{1 to} H ₈ with the first threshold value α and determines that this total value is larger than the threshold value α. Although it is considered that water has entered the body frame 2, a predetermined humidity signal value out of the _eight humidity signal values H _{1 to} H ₈ , for example, the total value of H _{1 to} H ₄ and the threshold value α ′. When it is determined that this total value is larger than the threshold value α ′, it may be considered that moisture has entered the body frame 2, or a predetermined number of humidity signal values, for example, the humidity signal value H _When it is determined that the total value of any four humidity signal values of _{1 to} H ₈ is larger than the threshold value α ′, it may be considered that moisture has entered the body frame 2. .

When the determination means of the above-described embodiment compares the total value of the humidity signal values H _{1 to} H ₈ with the first threshold value α and determines that this total value is larger than the threshold value α. In addition, although it is considered that water has entered the main body frame 2, a predetermined humidity signal value, for example, the humidity signal values H _{1 to} H ₄ or H _{1 to} H ₈ is set to a second threshold value β which is predetermined. When it is determined that the water content has entered the main body frame 2, it may be considered that water has entered the main body frame 2, or a predetermined number of humidity signal values, for example, any four signals of the humidity signal values H _{1 to} H _8. When it is determined that each of the values is larger than the predetermined threshold β ′, it may be considered that water has entered the main body frame 2.

Further, in the above embodiment, the humidity sensor No. 1 that outputs an analog humidity signal. 1 to No. 8 was used, but the humidity sensor No. 8 that outputs a digital signal was used. 1-No. You may use 8. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1-No. 8 and the CPU 12 are connected via an interface circuit (I / F circuit) 21.

Further, in the above embodiment, the air purging device is connected to the alarm circuit 13 of the humidity detecting device. However, as shown in FIG. 6, the alarm circuit 13 outputs an alarm sound without connecting the air purging device. An alarm device (not shown) that is generated can be connected. That is, when the humidity in the main body frame 2 becomes abnormal, an alarm sound is generated instead of operating the air purge device.

The body frame 2 of the above-described embodiment has an annular shape as shown in FIG. 4, but other shapes, for example, a body frame 2 having an outer diameter of a rectangular parallelepiped, a cylinder, etc., can be used for moisture detection of the present invention. The device can be applied.

Further, in the above embodiment, the number of humidity sensors is eight, but other numbers may be used depending on the size and shape of the main body frame 2.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, when the humidity inside the main body frame 2 becomes abnormal, the moisture intrusion portion is displayed on the display unit. However, the moisture intrusion portion is displayed on the display unit and the abnormality is detected. An alarm sound may be generated to notify the operator of the occurrence.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the humidity detecting device is applied to the combination weigher 1, but it can be applied to a weight weighing machine other than the combination weigher 1.

[0045]

[Effect of device]

 According to the present invention, when the humidity inside the electric box rises abnormally, the search means outputs a signal indicating the place where water enters, so that the operator can use the signal indicating the abnormality to detect the humidity inside the electric box. Can be recognized to have risen abnormally. Therefore, the operator can remove the moisture that has entered the electric box before damaging the electronic components or the electric components in the electric box, thereby preventing damage to the electronic components and the like. There is.

Further, since it is possible to recognize the moisture intrusion portion by the signal indicating the intrusion portion outputted by the search means, it is possible to quickly and surely remove the moisture invaded into the electric box. There is.

Further, since it is possible to determine whether or not the humidity inside the electric box is abnormally increased, it is possible to determine whether or not the humidity is abnormally increased. Therefore, only when the determination means determines that the air is abnormal, the air purging device described in the conventional example. If the air in the electric box is replaced with dry air by operating the air conditioner, the energy cost for operating the air purging device can be reduced.

Further, by having a configuration in which the display unit displays the invasion point of water found by the search unit, the operator can confirm the intrusion point of water at a glance.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing an operation of a moisture detecting device in a weighing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of the humidity detection apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing details of step 106 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a main body frame and a humidity sensor of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit of the humidity detection apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another example of the electric circuit of the humidity detection apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a combination scale to which the same moisture detection device of the same embodiment is applied and a body frame thereof.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Combination scale 2 Main body frame 12 CPU 13 Alarm circuit 14 Display circuit 15 Storage unit

Claims (4)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. An electric box for accommodating electric-related parts or electronic-related parts for operating a weighing machine, and a plurality of electric boxes distributed in the electric box for measuring humidity and outputting a humidity signal. A humidity sensor, and a determination means for determining whether or not the humidity in the electric box is abnormally increased based on the humidity signal output by the humidity sensor,
When the determination means determines that the humidity in the electric box is abnormally increased, the amount of moisture that has entered the electric box based on the distribution of the magnitudes of the humidity signal values output by the respective humidity sensors. Searching means for searching the invading part and outputting a signal indicating the invading part found by the searching,
A moisture detecting device in a weighing machine, comprising: 2. An electric box for accommodating electric-related parts or electronic-related parts for operating a weighing machine, and a plurality of electric boxes distributed in the electric box for measuring humidity and outputting a humidity signal. A humidity sensor, and a determination means for determining whether or not the total value of the humidity signal values output by a predetermined humidity sensor or a predetermined number of arbitrary humidity sensors is larger than a predetermined first threshold value, When the determination means determines that the total value of the humidity signal values is larger than the first threshold value, the humidity signal value has entered the electric box based on the distribution of the magnitudes of the humidity signal values output by the respective humidity sensors. A moisture detection device in a weighing machine, comprising: a search unit that searches for an intrusion location of moisture and outputs a signal indicating the intrusion location found by the search. 3. An electric box for accommodating an electric-related component or an electronic-related component for operating a weighing machine, and a plurality of electric boxes distributed in the electric box, each measuring humidity and outputting a humidity signal. And a determination unit that determines whether or not each humidity signal value output by the predetermined humidity sensor or a predetermined number or more of arbitrary humidity sensors is greater than a predetermined second threshold value, When the determining means determines that the number of the humidity sensors that output the humidity signal value larger than the second threshold value is larger than the predetermined number, based on the distribution of the magnitudes of the humidity signal values output by the humidity sensors. And a search means for outputting a signal indicating the invasion point found by the search, the moisture detecting apparatus in the weighing machine. 4. The moisture detecting device in the weighing machine according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying an invasion location of water found by the search means.