JP5944075B2 - Sorting and combining device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sorting and combining apparatus suitable for producing, for example, packed products.

  Conventionally, there are various methods for producing packed products such as agricultural and marine products. For example, there is a method in which goods sorted into a plurality of weight ranks by a weight sorter or the like are manually packed into one pack of goods to produce a packed product. There is a problem that is bad.

  Also, using a weight sorter and a semi-automatic combination weigher, the weight sorter sorts into a plurality of weight ranks, and then the articles sorted into the plurality of weight ranks are divided into semi-automatic combination scales for each weight rank. There is also a method of discharging one pack of articles in sequence, but in this case, in addition to a weight sorter and a semi-automatic combination weigher, in order to install a container for storing articles sorted in a plurality of weight ranks Space is required, and there is a problem that equipment costs are increased.

  In order to solve this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a weighing hopper for weighing an article, a transfer conveyor for transferring an article that has been weighed by the weighing hopper, and a metered hopper that has been transferred by the transfer conveyor. A plurality of memory hoppers for storing articles, a take-in flipper provided corresponding to each memory hopper for taking in a weighed article transferred by a transfer conveyor into a predetermined memory hopper, and a memory hopper selected by combination calculation An apparatus is described which comprises a conveyor for transferring articles discharged from the machine. In addition, the articles discharged from the conveyor are further conveyed to a subsequent packaging machine via the conveyor. In this device, articles that are weighed by a weighing hopper and whose weight rank is determined based on the weighing value are transferred to a memory hopper, and a combination operation is performed for each weight rank to combine articles of the same weight rank. An article for one pack is selected, the selected article is discharged from the memory hopper to the transport conveyor, and transported from the transport conveyor to the subsequent packaging machine via the transport conveyor.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a plurality of weighing trays that are configured to be tilted so as to be tilted in a horizontal state, and a transport conveyor that transports the weighing objects discharged by tilting the weighing tray. A device comprising: is described. In this apparatus, the weight of an object to be weighed is weighed on a weighing tray, a weight rank is determined based on the measured value, and a combination of objects to be weighed with different weight ranks is obtained and discharged.

JP-A-8-247831 JP 2011-209132 A

  In the case of the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a memory hopper that determines a memory hopper that accommodates an article until the article is weighed and selected as a combination, and is determined from the weighing hopper via a transfer conveyor. It is configured to transfer articles to each other, and the configuration and control therebetween are complicated.

  In addition, in the case of the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is configured such that a combination of articles of the same weight rank is discharged in order from the one with the highest priority weight rank, and recently, a product is produced. There is an increasing demand for commodities composed of combinations of articles of various weights, for example, combinations of commodities of different weight ranks, not limited to commodities composed of combinations of articles of the same weight rank.

  Further, in the case of the apparatus described in Patent Document 2, a combination of objects to be weighed with different weight ranks is obtained and discharged, but this is a single type of product, and a combination of multiple types of products (multiple items) It cannot be discharged in search of a combination of types).

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and simplifies the configuration and control until an object (article) to be weighed is selected as a combination (discharge group) that becomes a product. An object of the present invention is to provide a sorting / combining device that enables efficient production of a plurality of types of products.

In order to achieve the above object, a sorting and combining apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of weighing and holding means for temporarily holding a supplied object to be weighed and discharging the held object to be weighed. provided corresponding to said metering holding means, a plurality of weight sensors for measuring the weight of the objects to be weighed held in the weighing holding means, predetermined in correspondence with each of the multiple discharge group based on the plurality of combinations conditions that are, and combining means for performing repeatedly the combination process, each determining a plurality of the discharge group comprising a combination of the objects to be weighed which satisfies the combined condition, it is selected in each said discharge group Control means for discharging the weighing and holding means so that the objects to be weighed are discharged, and objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing and holding means are determined in advance for each of the discharge groups. And a discharge means for discharging and transferring the respective discharge positions are, the combination means, in the combination process, and is capable of changing the order of obtaining a plurality of the discharge groups.
Further, the combination means performs the combination processing so as to change the order of obtaining the plurality of discharge groups each time, and the control means is the weighing target selected for the discharge group previously obtained in the combination processing. The weighing and holding means may be configured to be discharged according to the order of the discharge groups obtained in the combination process so that the objects are discharged first.
In addition, a post-stage device that receives the objects to be weighed from the discharge positions is disposed at each of the discharge positions, and the combination means prepares for receiving the objects to be weighed when the combination process is performed each time. Determining the order of obtaining a plurality of the discharge groups so that the discharge group corresponding to the discharge position in which the latter apparatus is arranged earlier is determined, and performing the combination processing, the control means, The weighing holding means is discharged according to the order of the discharge groups determined in the combination process so that the objects selected in the discharge groups determined in the combination process are discharged first. It may be configured as follows.
Further, based on the weight of the weighing object held by the weighing holding means and the weight range corresponding to each of the plurality of weight ranks, the weighing object held by the weighing holding means is the plurality of weights. Weight rank determining means for determining which weight rank of the ranks corresponds to the object to be weighed, wherein the combination means is based on the plurality of combination conditions and the determination result of the weight rank determining means. The combination processing for obtaining a plurality of the emission groups may be performed.

According to the arrangement, until it is selected in the group out exhaust et or is supplied objects to be weighed, since the objects to be weighed are remains held in the metering holding means, simple to during construction and control Become. In addition, multiple discharge groups with different combination conditions are required, and the objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing holding means are discharged to the discharge position of each discharge group by the discharge means. It becomes possible to produce.

  Further, the weighing and holding means may be composed of a weighing conveyor that is supplied with an object to be weighed when the conveyance is stopped, temporarily holds the object to be fed, and conveys and discharges the held object to be weighed. . In this case, the discharging operation of the weighing holding means corresponds to the conveying operation of the weighing conveyor.

According to this arrangement, until it is selected in the group out exhaust et or is supplied objects to be weighed, since the objects to be weighed are remains held in the weighing conveyor, it becomes easier during construction and control. In addition, multiple discharge groups with different combination conditions are required, and the objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor are discharged to the discharge position of each discharge group by the discharge means, so multiple types of products can be produced efficiently. It becomes possible to do.

  In addition, by using a weighing conveyor that transports the objects to be weighed as the weighing holding means, the level difference between the weighing conveyor and the conveyor can be reduced, and the impact when the objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor are transferred onto the conveyor is reduced. Get smaller. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the object to be weighed from being damaged even if it is an object to be weighed easily by an impact at the time of dropping. Moreover, it becomes possible to discharge | emit the to-be-measured item to the discharge | emission means reliably. For example, the weighing holding means can be constituted by a weighing tray configured to be tiltable or a weighing hopper having a discharge gate. However, in the case of a weighing tray, the object to be weighed slides down due to the inclination of the weighing tray, so that the object to be weighed may be damaged in the case of an object to be weighed easily. In the case of a weighing hopper, the discharge gate is opened to drop the object to be weighed, so that the object to be weighed may be damaged if it is easily damaged. Further, in both cases of the weighing tray and the weighing hopper, in the case of an object to be weighed, it is considered that the object to be weighed may adhere to the weighing tray and the weighing hopper and not be discharged. These problems can be prevented by using a weighing conveyor.

  The present invention has the above-described configuration, simplifies the configuration and control until an object to be weighed is selected as a combination (discharge group) that becomes a product, and allows efficient use of multiple types of products. There is an effect that it is possible to provide a sorting and combining device that enables production.

(A) is the schematic plan view which looked at the selection combination apparatus of the 1st structural example of embodiment of this invention from the top, (b) is the schematic schematic diagram which looked at the principal part of the selection combination apparatus from the side. is there. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the selection combination apparatus of the 1st structural example of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the selection combination apparatus of the 1st structural example of embodiment of this invention. (A) is the schematic plan view which looked at the selection combination apparatus of the 2nd example of composition of an embodiment of the present invention from the top, and (b) is the schematic schematic diagram which looked at the selection combination apparatus from the side.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout all the drawings, and redundant description thereof is omitted. Further, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. Moreover, the numerical value illustrated below (for example, the number of the measurement parts Cw etc.) is an example, and is not limited to the numerical value.

(Embodiment)
[First configuration example]
FIG. 1 (a) is a schematic plan view of the first combination example of the embodiment of the present invention as seen from above, and FIG. 1 (b) is a side view of the main part of the same combination device. It is a schematic diagram. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the sorting / combining device of the first configuration example according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The sorting / combination device of the first configuration example includes a plurality of (for example, twelve) weighing units Cw, a transfer conveyor 3, a sorting device 10, an operation display 4, a control unit 5, and the like.

  Here, in FIG. 1A, the conveyor 3 is disposed between the six weighing units Cw on the right side and the six weighing units Cw on the left side in the drawing. The weighing conveyors 1 of the six weighing units Cw on the right side are arranged in parallel on one side of the conveyor 3, and the respective conveying directions (directions of arrows a) are the conveying directions of the conveyor 3 (indicated by arrows c). Direction) and intersect (in this example, orthogonal). Further, the weighing conveyors 1 of the six weighing units Cw on the left side are arranged in parallel on the other side of the conveyance conveyor 3, and their respective conveyance directions (directions of arrows b) intersect with the conveyance direction of the conveyance conveyor 3. (It is orthogonal in this example).

  Each weighing unit Cw includes a weighing conveyor 1 and a weight sensor 2 that measures the weight of the object P to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1. The weight sensor 2 includes a load cell that supports the weighing conveyor 1. The weighing conveyor 1 is constituted by a belt conveyor.

  The conveyor 3 is a belt conveyor, and is arranged between the weighing conveyors 1 arranged in two rows. The transport conveyor 3 operates with the direction indicated by the arrow c as the transport direction.

  The conveyor 3 and the plurality of weighing units Cw (weight sensor 2 that supports the weighing conveyor 1) are installed on the gantry 11.

  The distribution device 10 is arranged at the conveyance end portion of the conveyance conveyor 3 and is configured to convey and discharge the objects to be weighed conveyed by the conveyance conveyor 3 to each of the plurality of discharge positions 21 to 23. As the distribution device 10, a known device such as a channelizer (for example, “distribution supply device 3” shown in FIG. 1 of Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-36428) can be used.

  In the first configuration example, the transporting conveyor 3 and the sorting device 10 constitute discharging means for discharging the objects to be weighed carried out from the weighing conveyor 1 to the outside.

  And although not shown in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 2, it has the conveyor drive circuit parts 8a and 8b, the A / D conversion part 9, etc. As shown in FIG.

  Each weight sensor 2 measures the weight of the object P to be weighed on each weighing conveyor 1 supported by the weight sensor 2, and the measured value (analog weight signal) is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 9. It is sent to the control unit 5.

  The control unit 5 is configured by, for example, a microcontroller, and includes an arithmetic control unit 6 including a CPU and a storage unit 7 including a memory such as a RAM and a ROM. The storage unit 7 stores an operation program, operation parameter data, measurement data, and the like. The control unit 5 functions as weight rank determination means, combination means, control means, transport conveyor control means, and the like. The control unit 5 may be configured by a single control device that performs centralized control, or may be configured by a plurality of control devices that perform distributed control in cooperation with each other.

  The control unit 5 performs overall control of the sorting / combining device by causing the arithmetic control unit 6 to execute the operation program stored in the storage unit 7. For example, the measurement value measured by the weight sensor 2 to which each weighing conveyor 1 is attached is acquired as a digital value via the A / D conversion unit 9 as needed. Further, the driving operation of each weighing conveyor 1 is controlled via the conveyor driving circuit unit 8a, and the driving operation of the transport conveyor 3 is controlled via the conveyor driving circuit unit 8b. Moreover, the distribution apparatus 10 is controlled, and the to-be-measured object conveyed by the conveyance conveyor 3 is distributed to one of the discharge positions 21-23, and is discharged. In addition, a signal is input from the operation display 4 and a signal such as data to be displayed on the operation display 4 is output.

  The operation indicator 4 includes, for example, a touch screen type display (display device). On the screen of this display, an operation for starting and stopping the operation of the sorting / combining device, an operation parameter setting, and the like can be performed. It also functions as a means.

  Next, an example of operation | movement of the selection combination apparatus of this 1st structural example is demonstrated. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the sorting / combination device of the first configuration example of the present embodiment. The operation of this sorting / combining device is realized by the processing of the control unit 5. Note that all information necessary for controlling the operation of the sorting / combining device is stored in the storage unit 7. The objects to be weighed P are, for example, agricultural and marine products, and the shape thereof is not limited to the shape shown in the figure, and may be an elongated shape such as a carrot. In the following description, the symbol P indicating the object to be weighed may be omitted.

  The operator performs an operation of supplying (loading), for example, the objects to be weighed P one by one to the weighing conveyor 1 on which the objects to be weighed are not loaded in the conveyance stopped state. That is, the objects to be weighed P are manually supplied to each weighing conveyor 1. Further, the control unit 5 acquires the weight value of each weight sensor 2 from the A / D conversion unit 9 at a constant time (for example, 10 ms) interval.

  In step S1, it is determined whether or not an object to be weighed is newly supplied to the weighing conveyor 1 based on the measurement value of the weight sensor 2. This determination is made by comparing the measured value when the measured value of the weight sensor 2 increases with a preset load detection reference value, and when the measured value is equal to or greater than the load detection reference value, It is determined that the object to be weighed is supplied, and if it is less than the loading detection reference value, it is determined that no new object to be weighed is supplied. The loading detection reference value is set in advance in the control unit 5 and stored in the storage unit 7.

  When the controller 5 determines in step S1 that an object to be weighed is newly supplied to any of the weighing conveyors 1 as described above, the controller 5 newly supplies the object to be supplied based on the measured value of the weight sensor 2. The weight value of the weighing object P is acquired, and the weight value is stored in the storage unit 7 (step S2).

  Next, when the control unit 5 obtains the weight value of the weighing object P measured by the weight sensor 2, the weighing object P immediately becomes any weight of a plurality of weight ranks set in advance. A weight rank determination process for determining whether the weight belongs to the rank is performed, and the weight rank is stored in the storage unit 7 in association with the weight value of the object P (step S3). In this weight rank determination process, for example, a plurality of objects to be weighed P are based on the weight of the object to be weighed P held on the weighing conveyor 1 and a weight range predetermined for each of the plurality of weight ranks. It is determined which of the weight ranks corresponds to the object to be weighed.

  Next, the control part 5 performs a combination process (step S4). In this combination process, a discharge group comprising a combination of the objects to be weighed P based on a plurality of combination conditions set in advance corresponding to each of the plurality of discharge groups and the weight rank of each object to be weighed P. Ask for. Details of this combination processing will be described later.

  Then, in the combination process of step S4, when the discharge group is not obtained, the process returns to step S1, and when the discharge group is obtained, the process proceeds to the discharge process of step S6 (step S5).

  In the discharge process of step S6, the objects to be weighed selected for the discharge group are carried out from the weighing conveyor 1 to the transfer conveyor 3, and are transferred to the distribution device 10 by the transfer conveyor 3, and correspond to the discharge group by the distribution device 10. Discharge to discharge positions 21-23.

  The above operation is repeated. In addition, containers such as external rear-stage devices or trays are disposed at the discharge positions 21 to 23, respectively, and the objects to be weighed discharged to the discharge positions 21 to 23 are supplied to containers such as the rear-stage apparatuses or trays, respectively. The As this latter stage apparatus, for example, a packaging machine for bagging the objects to be weighed selected for each discharge group. In addition, the objects to be weighed supplied to a container such as the tray may be packed in a bag or the like by an operator, for example.

  Next, the processes in steps S3, S4, and S6 will be described in more detail.

  First, the weight rank determination process in step S3 will be described. Here, an example in which, for example, first to third three weight ranks R1, R2, and R3 are set as the plurality of weight ranks will be described. In this case, for example, the boundary values that define the weight ranges of the respective weight ranks (boundary weight values) are set to W1 and W2 in order from the smallest, so that the weight range of the first weight rank R1 is less than W1. The weight range of the second weight rank R2 is set to a range of W1 or more and less than W2, and the weight range of the third weight rank R3 is set to a range of W2 or more. The number of these weight ranks and the weight range of each weight rank are set by the user using the operation indicator 4. The control unit 5 determines the weight rank of the weighing object P by determining which weight rank the weight of the weighing object P is included in.

  Next, the combination process of step S4 will be described. In this combination process, a plurality of discharge groups are obtained based on a plurality of combination conditions. That is, a plurality of combination conditions are set corresponding to the plurality of discharge groups. Further, a plurality of discharge positions (21 to 23) are determined corresponding to the plurality of discharge groups.

  In the case of this first configuration example, the first to third types of emission groups are obtained, and the first to third combination conditions corresponding to the first to third emission groups, respectively. Is set. Further, a discharge position 21 is determined corresponding to the first discharge group, a discharge position 22 is determined corresponding to the second discharge group, and a discharge position 23 is determined corresponding to the third discharge group. .

  In step S4, the controller 5 obtains the first emission group based on the first combination condition, obtains the second emission group based on the second combination condition, and determines the second emission group based on the third combination condition. Find 3 emission groups. Here, for example, each discharge group is determined in advance in the order of the first discharge group, the second discharge group, and the third discharge group.

  Next, some examples of combination processing when different combination conditions are set will be described.

<First combination processing>
First, in the first combination process, each discharge group obtained in the combination process is a combination of only objects to be weighed in the same weight rank, and the weight ranks of objects to be weighed selected in different discharge groups are different. It is an example.

For example, when the first to third weight ranks R1, R2, and R3 are set, the nth (n is 1, 2, 3) combination condition is selected for the nth emission group. The object to be weighed has only the nth weight rank Rn, and the number of objects to be weighed is determined to be _mn . Here, m _n , that is, m ₁ , m ₂ , and m ₃ are each a predetermined number (plurality) of 2 or more, for example, m ₁ = 5, m ₂ = 4, m ₃ = 3 is set. In this case, in the combination process, the control unit 5 obtains a first discharge group including five objects to be weighed having a first weight rank R1 having a small weight, and a second weight rank having a medium weight. A process for obtaining a second discharge group having four R2 objects to be weighed and a process for obtaining a third discharge group having three weight objects having a third weight rank R3 having a large weight are performed. .

<Second combination processing>
Next, the second combination process is an example in a case where at least one discharge group among a plurality of discharge groups obtained by the combination process is composed of a combination of objects to be weighed having a plurality of different weight ranks. In this case, each of all the discharge groups may consist of a combination of a plurality of objects having different weight ranks. In addition, the plurality of discharge groups obtained in the combination process include one or more discharge groups composed of a combination of a plurality of objects having different weight ranks and one or more combinations composed of a combination of the objects of one weight rank. You may make it consist of discharge groups.

For example, when the first to third weight ranks R1, R2, and R3 are set, the nth (n is 1, 2, 3) combination condition is selected for the nth emission group. the objects to be weighed, and i _n pieces of the objects to be weighed of the first weight classes R1, and j _n-number of objects to be weighed of the second weight classes R2, k _n pieces of the objects to be weighed of the third weight classes R3 It is determined to be a combination with things. Note that i _n , j _n , and k _n are predetermined numbers of 0 or more, respectively, and are set so that all of i _n , j _n , and k _n do not become zero. ing. That is, i ₁ = j ₁ = k ₁ = 0, not i ₂ = j ₂ = k ₂ = 0, and i ₃ = j ₃ = k ₃ = 0.

For example, the first combination condition is that the weighing objects selected for the first discharge group are two weighing objects of the first weight rank R1 and one weighing object of the second weight rank R2. And a single object to be weighed of the third weight rank R3 (when i ₁ = 2 and j ₁ = 2 and k ₁ = 1). In addition, the second combination condition is that the objects to be weighed selected for the second discharge group are three objects to be weighed of the first weight rank R1 and three objects to be weighed of the second weight rank R2. It is determined to be a combination with an object (when i ₂ = 3, j ₂ = 3, k ₂ = 0). In addition, the third combination condition is determined so that the objects to be selected for the third discharge group are a combination of only three objects to be measured having the third weight rank R3 (i ₃ = J ₃ = 0, k ₃ = 3).

  In the above description, the case where the object to be weighed is discriminated into three weight ranks in the weight rank discrimination processing has been described, but it may be discriminated into two or four or more weight ranks.

<Third combination processing>
In the third combination process, for example, a case where the first to ninth nine weight ranks R1 to R9 are set as a plurality of weight ranks will be described. In this case, for example, the boundary values (boundary weight values) defining the weight ranges of the respective weight ranks are set to W11, W12,..., W18 in order from the smallest, and the weight ranges of the first weight rank R1. Is set to a range of less than W11, the weight range of the second weight rank R2 is set to a range of W11 or more and less than W12, ..., the weight range of the eighth weight rank R8 is of W17 or more and less than W18 The weight range of the ninth weight rank R9 is set to a range of W18 or more.

  An example of a combination condition in the third combination process in this case will be described. For example, the first combination condition is that the weighing objects selected for the first discharge group are e weighing objects of the first weight rank R1 and f weighing objects of the fourth weight rank R4. And a combination of g objects to be weighed of the seventh weight rank R7. The second combination condition is that the weighing objects selected for the second discharge group are e weighing objects of the second weight rank R2, and f weighing objects of the fifth weight rank R5. And a combination with g objects to be weighed of the eighth weight rank R8. The third combination condition is that the weighing objects selected for the third discharge group are e weighing objects of the third weight rank R3 and f weighing objects of the sixth weight rank R6. And a combination with g objects to be weighed of the ninth weight rank R9. Note that e, f, and g are each a predetermined number of one or more. This can be said to be an example of the above-described second combination process, in which each of all the discharge groups is composed of a combination of a plurality of objects having different weight ranks. In the third combination process, the weight ranks of the weighing objects selected in all the respective discharge groups are different, and the selected number of weighing objects selected from the respective weight ranks (e, f, g Is set equally in all emission groups.

  Here, for example, when e = f = g = 1 is set, the first to third discharge groups obtained based on the first to third combination conditions have large, medium, and small weights, respectively. It consists of a combination of three objects to be weighed. The first discharge group consists of three large, medium and small objects to be weighed, and the second discharge group has three medium, large, medium and small objects with a medium total weight. It consists of objects to be weighed, and the third discharge group is composed of three objects to be weighed of large, medium and small with large total weight.

  In the first to third combination processes, a target weight is set for each of a plurality of types of discharge groups obtained in the combination process, and the absolute value of the difference between the total weight of the objects to be weighed and the target weight is It is also possible to select one combination that is the smallest and determine the emission group. As a result, when there are multiple combinations that satisfy the combination conditions other than the conditions related to the target weight described above, the combination whose total weight is equal to or closest to the target weight can be determined as the discharge group, and selected for each discharge group. The total weight of the objects to be weighed can be made uniform. Note that the target weights of all the emission groups may be set to the same value.

  Further, for each of the discharge groups obtained by the combination processing, a predetermined weight range including the target weight is set as the target weight range, and the total weight of the objects to be selected selected by the discharge group falls within the target weight range. This may be included in the emission group combination conditions.

  In the first combination process, when the target weight and the target weight range are set for each discharge group, the selected number of each discharge group may not be determined.

<Fourth combination process>
Next, in the fourth combination process, an allowable weight range is set for each discharge group, and each discharge group is composed of a combination of objects to be weighed in all weight ranks. Each combination condition stipulates that the total weight of the objects to be weighed selected for each discharge group falls within the allowable weight range set for each discharge group.

  For example, the boundary value (boundary weight value) that defines the allowable weight range of each discharge group is set to W21 and W22 in order from the smallest, and the allowable weight range (PW1) of the first discharge group is less than W21. The allowable weight range (PW2) of the second discharge group is set to a range of W21 or more and less than W22, and the allowable weight range (PW3) of the third discharge group is set to a range of W22 or more. Yes. The allowable weight range (PW1) of the first discharge group and the allowable weight range (PW2) of the second discharge group may be separated, or the allowable weight range (PW2) of the second discharge group and the first The allowable weight range (PW3) of the three discharge groups may be separated.

  When the first to third three weight ranks R1, R2, and R3 are set, the nth (n is 1, 2, 3) combination condition is selected for the nth emission group. The weighing objects include p weighing objects of the first weight rank R1, q weighing objects of the second weight rank R2, and r weighing objects of the third weight rank R3. The total weight of the objects to be weighed selected by the combination is determined to be within the allowable weight range (PWn) of the nth discharge group. Note that p, q, and r are each a predetermined number of one or more.

  Here, for example, when p = q = r = 1 is set, the first to third discharge groups obtained based on the first to third combination conditions have large, medium, and small weights, respectively. It consists of a combination of three objects to be weighed. The first discharge group consists of three large, medium and small objects to be weighed, and the second discharge group has three medium, large, medium and small objects with a medium total weight. It consists of objects to be weighed, and the third discharge group is composed of three objects to be weighed of large, medium and small with large total weight.

  In this case, for example, a combination of objects to be weighed whose total weight is within the allowable weight range is selected in the order of the first discharge group, the second discharge group, and the third discharge group. If there is more than one combination that satisfies other combination conditions other than the target weight, the absolute difference between the total weight of the objects to be weighed and the target weight is selected. One combination that minimizes the value may be selected and determined as the emission group. As a result, a combination having the total weight equal to or close to the target weight can be determined as the discharge group, and the total weight of the objects to be weighed selected for each discharge group can be made uniform.

  In addition, the weighing object selected from the adjacent weight ranks such as the first weight rank R1 and the second weight rank R2 and the second weight rank R2 and the third weight rank R3. The combination condition may include that the weight difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (G). In this case, the weight difference between the objects to be weighed selected from adjacent weight ranks does not become less than the predetermined value (G), and by setting the predetermined value (G) to an appropriate value, The difference in the size (weight) of the large, medium and small objects to be selected can be made clear.

  In the first to fourth combination processes described above, each combination condition and the value used for it (selected number of objects to be weighed, target weight, target weight range, allowable weight range, etc.) are all displayed on the operation display 4. Can be set by the user.

  As described above, the combination processing of step S4 is performed based on each combination condition set in advance. For example, when the number of weighing conveyors 1 to which the objects to be weighed are supplied is small, any discharge is performed. Groups may not be required. In that case, when the object to be weighed is supplied to the weighing conveyor 1 to which the object to be weighed is not supplied, the processing from step S1 is repeated.

  Next, the discharge process in step S6 will be described. In the combination process of step S4, for example, emission groups are obtained in the order of the first emission group, the second emission group, and the third emission group. In the discharge process of step S6, for example, the objects to be weighed selected in the discharge group are discharged in order from the previously determined discharge group.

  In this step S6, the control unit 5 causes the objects to be weighed selected for the first, second, and third discharge groups to be carried out from the weighing conveyor 1 to the transfer conveyor 3 for each discharge group, and transferred. The sheet is conveyed from the conveyor 3 to the distribution device 10, and is distributed to the discharge positions 21, 22, and 23 corresponding to the respective discharge groups by the distribution device 10 and discharged.

  For example, when discharging the objects to be weighed in the first discharge group, the control unit 5 drives the weighing conveyor 1 on which the objects to be weighed in the first discharge group are placed for a predetermined time, The object to be weighed is carried out to the conveyor 3. The objects to be weighed carried out to the conveyor 3 are conveyed to the distribution device 10 by the conveyor 3 and discharged to the discharge position 21 of the first discharge group by the distribution device 10. In addition, when discharging the objects to be weighed in the second and third discharge groups, the distribution device 10 controls to discharge the objects to be discharged to the discharge positions 22 and 23 in the second and third discharge groups. Is the same as when discharging the objects to be weighed in the first discharge group. The conveyor 3 may be driven at all times, or may be driven according to the timing at which the objects to be weighed in the discharge group are carried out from the weighing conveyor 1.

  In steps S4 and S6, the order for obtaining each of the plurality of discharge groups and the discharge order may be changed every time. For example, when rear-stage devices such as packaging machines are disposed at the respective discharge positions 21 to 23, the order for obtaining the discharge group and the discharge order may be the order in which preparation for receiving the rear-stage devices is early.

<Other examples of weight rank discrimination processing>
Another example of the weight rank determination process will be described. Here, the user can set the price per unit weight of the object to be weighed (hereinafter referred to as “unit price by weight”) and the amount range for each weight rank using the operation display 4.

  For example, when setting the first to third three weight ranks R1, R2, and R3, the unit price of the object to be weighed is set to m using the operation display 4, and the first weight rank R1 is set. The amount range is set to a range less than M1, the amount range for the second weight rank R2 is set to a range of M1 or more and less than M2, and the amount range for the third weight rank R3 is set to a range of M2 or more In this case, the control unit 5 stores the set values and calculates and stores the weight ranges of the weight ranks R1, R2, and R3 using the set values. And a weight rank discrimination | determination process is performed based on those weight ranges and the weight of the to-be-measured object P. FIG. For example, in the above case, the weight range of the first weight rank R1 is less than (M1 / m), and the weight range of the second weight rank R2 is (M1 / m) or more, (M2 / m) ) And the weight range of the third weight rank R3 is (M2 / m) or more.

  In this case, for example, when performing the first to third combination processes described above, the operation indicator 4 is used to set a target amount for each discharge group instead of the target weight, and the target weight range. Instead of this, a target amount range may be set. In this case, using the unit price m, the control unit 5 converts the target amount of each emission group into the target weight, converts the target amount range of each emission group into the target weight range, and performs the combination process. do it.

  Further, as described above, when setting the unit price m of the object to be measured and the amount range for each of the weight ranks R1 to R3, the control unit 5 calculates the weight ranges of the respective weight ranks R1, R2, and R3. Instead, the weight of the weighed object P is converted into an amount using the unit price m, and the weight amount (price) of the converted object P is determined to be included in the amount range of the weight rank. Thus, the weight rank determination process may be performed by determining the weight rank of the object P to be weighed. In any case, there is no substitute for performing the weight rank discrimination process based on the weight of the object P to be weighed.

  Furthermore, in this case, when the operation indicator 4 is used to set a target amount of money for each discharge group instead of the target weight, and to set a target amount range instead of the target weight range, The unit 5 may perform the combination process using the converted price of the weighing object P without converting the target amount and the target amount range into weight. In this case, when a target amount is set for each emission group, one combination that minimizes the absolute value of the difference between the total price of the objects to be weighed and the target amount is selected and determined as the emission group. As a result, when there are multiple combinations that satisfy the combination conditions other than the conditions related to the target amount, the combination with the total price equal to or closest to the target amount can be determined as the emission group, and selected for each emission group. The total price of the objects to be weighed can be made uniform. This is equivalent to aligning the total weight of the objects to be weighed in each discharge group. In addition, when the target price range is set for each emission group, the combination condition of the emission group includes that the total price of the objects to be weighed selected for the emission group falls within the target price range. .

  In the above description, the case where the unit price of the object to be weighed P is the same regardless of the weight rank of the object to be weighed P is described. You may make it perform the 5th combination process described below.

<Fifth combination process>
When performing the fifth combination process, the user sets the unit price of the object to be weighed in each weight rank using the operation display 4, and sets the target amount for each discharge group instead of the target weight. And a target amount range is set instead of the target weight range.

  For example, the weight unit price of the object to be weighed is set so as to increase as the weight rank increases. When setting the three weight ranks of the first weight ranks R1 to R3 described above, the unit price of the object to be weighed of the first weight rank R1 is set to m1, and the object to be weighed of the second weight rank R2 is set. The weight unit price of the object is set to m2 larger than m1, and the weight unit price of the object to be weighed in the third weight rank R3 is set to m3 larger than m2. In addition, a target amount (Mt1) for the first emission group is set, a target amount (Mt2) for the second emission group is set, and a target amount (Mt3) for the third emission group is set.

  The fifth combination process is a combination process for obtaining an emission group including combinations of objects to be weighed having different weight ranks, for example, a condition related to the target amount in the second and third combination processes described above. The condition regarding the target amount is to select one combination that minimizes the absolute value of the difference between the total price of the objects to be weighed and the target amount.

  In this case, for example, in the second or third combination process, the control unit 5 calculates the price of each weighing object P based on the weight rank of each weighing object P and its weight unit price. For each of a plurality of types of emission groups obtained by the combination process, a combination that satisfies the combination condition other than the condition related to the target amount and that minimizes the absolute value of the difference between the total price of the objects to be weighed and the target amount Select one and decide on the emission group. As a result, when there are multiple combinations that satisfy the combination conditions other than the conditions related to the target amount, the combination whose total price is equal to or closest to the target amount can be determined as the emission group, and selected as the same emission group. The total price of the objects to be weighed can be made uniform. Note that the target amounts Mt1, Mt2, and Mt3 of all emission groups may be set to the same value.

  Furthermore, for each emission group determined by the combination process, a predetermined amount range including the target amount is set as the target amount range, and the total price of the objects to be selected selected by the emission group is within the target amount range. This may be included in the emission group combination conditions.

  This combination process is particularly useful when each discharge group is composed of a combination of a plurality of objects having different weight ranks, and the unit price of the objects to be weighed differs according to the weight rank.

  In the first configuration example described above, the object to be weighed is held on the weighing conveyor 1 until the object to be weighed is weighed to determine the weight rank and selected as a discharge group. As such, the configuration and control in between are simplified. Further, a plurality of types of discharge groups having different combination conditions are obtained, and the objects to be weighed in the respective discharge groups are discharged to the discharge positions 21 to 23 of the respective discharge groups via the transport conveyor 3 and the distribution device 10. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently produce a plurality of types of products.

  In the first configuration example, the objects to be weighed in all weight ranks are selected as one of the discharge groups, but the objects to be weighed in at least one weight rank are not selected as any of the discharge groups. It is good. For example, as a plurality of weight ranks, there are five weight ranks of first weight rank R1, second weight rank R2,..., Fifth weight rank R5 in order from the smallest weight range of each weight rank. When set, for example, an object to be weighed corresponding to the first weight rank R1 and the fifth weight rank R5 is selected as one that is not selected by any discharge group (non-standard product that does not become a product). In this case, when the control unit 5 performs the weight rank determination process, if there is a nonstandard product corresponding to the first and fifth weight ranks R1 and R5, for example, the measurement on which the nonstandard product is placed. The conveyor 1 may be configured to be transported in a direction opposite to the normal transport direction indicated by the arrow a or b to exclude nonstandard products from the weighing conveyor 1. In this case, a chute or a container for receiving a nonstandard product discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 on the conveying end side of the weighing conveyor 1 opposite to the conveying conveyor 3, that is, on both ends of the weighing conveyor 1 arranged in two rows. Etc. may be provided. Alternatively, for example, when performing the discharge process in step S6, nonstandard products may be transported and discharged along the same route as the objects to be weighed selected in the discharge group. In this case, the non-standard product discharge position is set in advance in the sorting device 10, and the non-standard product is discharged by the sorting device 10 to the discharge position.

  Further, in the first configuration example, the objects to be weighed for each discharge group are discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 to the transport conveyor 3, but each weighing object to which the distribution device 10 is transported from the transport conveyor 3. Are arranged so that they can be discharged to the respective discharge positions 21 to 23, the objects to be weighed in other discharge groups are placed on the conveyor 3 between the objects to be weighed in one discharge group. It may be in the state. That is, the objects to be weighed may be discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 so that the objects to be weighed in a plurality of discharge groups are simultaneously conveyed on the conveyor 3 with an interval between the objects to be weighed. .

  Further, in the first configuration example, three types of discharge groups (first to third discharge groups) are obtained and discharged to each discharge position. However, two types or more than four types of discharge groups are obtained and each discharge is performed. You may comprise so that it may discharge to a position. In the first configuration example, the objects to be weighed conveyed from the conveyor 3 are distributed to the discharge position corresponding to the discharge group in which the objects to be weighed are selected by the distribution device 10 and discharged. Regardless of the number of discharge groups, the discharge configuration to the corresponding discharge position is simplified.

  Further, in the first configuration example, the weighing conveyors 1 are arranged in two rows on both sides of the conveyance conveyor 3, but a configuration in which the weighing conveyors 1 are arranged in one row only on one side of the conveyance conveyor 3 is also possible. . As in the first configuration example, by disposing the plurality of weighing conveyors 1 on both sides of the conveyor 3, the length of the conveyor 3 can be shortened and the apparatus can be made compact.

[Second configuration example]
FIG. 4A is a schematic plan view of the second combination example of the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above, and FIG. 4B is a schematic schematic view of the selection combination device as viewed from the side. It is.

  In the sorting and combining apparatus of the second configuration example, two first and second transfer conveyors 3a and 3b that can switch the transfer direction between two directions indicated by arrows c and d are arranged in parallel, and a plurality of weighings are provided therebetween. A plurality of weighing units Cw are arranged so that the conveyors 1 are parallel to and adjacent to each other. Each weighing unit Cw is constituted by a weighing conveyor 1 and a weight sensor 2 that supports the weighing conveyor 1 as in the case of the first configuration example. However, here, each weighing conveyor 1 can switch the conveyance direction to two directions indicated by arrows a and b. Each weighing conveyor 1 is arranged such that its conveyance direction (directions of arrows a and b) is orthogonal to the conveyance direction of conveyance conveyors 3a and 3b (directions of arrows c and d). A first transport conveyor 3 a is disposed on one end side of each weighing conveyor 1, and a second transport conveyor 3 b is disposed on the other end side of each weighing conveyor 1. In this second configuration example, the two conveying conveyors 3a and 3b constitute discharging means, and the conveying ends on both sides of the two conveying conveyors 3a and 3b are the discharging positions 21 to 24, respectively. The operations of the two conveyors 3a and 3b and each weighing conveyor 1 are controlled by the control unit 5.

  An example of the operation of the sorting / combining device of the second configuration example will be described. The operation of this sorting / combining device is roughly the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, for example, and will be described here with reference to FIG.

  Steps S1 and S2 are the same as those in the first configuration example. The processing of steps S3 to S5 is basically the same as in the case of the first configuration example. In the second configuration example, for example, four weight ranks R1 to R4 are set as the plurality of weight ranks. In the weight rank determination process in step S3, for example, the weight of the object P to be measured on the weighing conveyor 1 is set. It is determined which of the four weight ranks R1 to R4 is included in the weight range, and the weight rank of the object P is determined.

  Further, in the combination process of step S4, four types of emission groups (first to fourth emission groups) are obtained based on the four combination conditions. The discharge positions 21 to 24 are determined corresponding to the first to fourth discharge groups. Here, for example, the emission groups are obtained in the order of the first, second, third, and fourth emission groups.

  In the discharge process of step S6, the weighing conveyor 1 and the weighing object 1 selected so that the objects to be weighed selected for the first to fourth discharge groups are discharged to the discharge positions 21 to 24 corresponding to the respective discharge groups. The operations of the conveyors 3a and 3b are controlled.

  Specifically, in the combination process of step S4, when the first and second discharge groups are required, the first transfer conveyor 3a is moved in the direction of arrow c, and first the first discharge group The object to be weighed is carried out from the weighing conveyor 1 to the first conveying conveyor 3a, conveyed to the discharge position 21 by the first conveying conveyor 3a, and discharged. Thereafter, the first transport conveyor 3a is transported in the direction of the arrow d, the objects to be weighed in the second discharge group are transported from the weighing conveyor 1 to the first transport conveyor 3a, and transported to the discharge position 22 by the first transport conveyor 3a. And let it drain. When a discharge group of only one of the first and second discharge groups is required, the objects to be weighed in the discharge group are discharged to the corresponding discharge positions (21, 22). The weighing conveyor 1 and the first conveyor 3a are conveyed.

  Further, in the combination process of step S4, when the third and fourth discharge groups are obtained, the second transfer conveyor 3b is moved in the direction of the arrow c, and first, the third discharge group is weighed. The product is carried out from the weighing conveyor 1 to the second transport conveyor 3b, and is transported to the discharge position 23 by the second transport conveyor 3b and discharged. Thereafter, the second transport conveyor 3b is transported in the direction of arrow d, the objects to be weighed in the fourth discharge group are transported from the weighing conveyor 1 to the second transport conveyor 3b, and transported to the discharge position 24 by the second transport conveyor 3b. And let it drain. When a discharge group of only one of the third and fourth discharge groups is required, the object to be weighed in the discharge group is discharged to the corresponding discharge position (23, 24). The weighing conveyor 1 and the second conveyor 3b are transported.

  In the second configuration example, the weight rank determination process and the combination process can use various methods described in the first configuration example. For example, in the combination process, four combination conditions for obtaining the first to fourth emission groups can be variously set as described in the first to fifth combination processes in the first configuration example.

  In this second configuration example, since the object to be weighed is held on the weighing conveyor 1 from when the object to be weighed is measured until it is selected as the discharge group, the structure and control during that time are simplified. . In addition, since a plurality of discharge groups having different combination conditions are obtained and discharged to the discharge positions 21 to 24 via the conveyors 3a and 3b, it is possible to efficiently produce a plurality of types of products.

  In the second configuration example, since the conveyors 3a and 3b are disposed on both sides of the plurality of weighing conveyors 1, the objects to be weighed in two different discharge groups can be discharged simultaneously to the conveyors 3a and 3b. .

  Moreover, in the 2nd structural example, the 1st conveyance conveyor 3a and the 2nd conveyance conveyor 3b are arrange | positioned in parallel, and all the some measurement conveyors 1 are placed between the 1st conveyance conveyor 3a and the 2nd conveyance conveyor 3b. The apparatus can be made compact by arranging the first and second conveyors 3a and 3b perpendicularly to the conveying direction and in parallel and adjacent to each other.

  In the second configuration example, the plurality of weighing conveyors 1 are arranged in parallel and arranged in one row, but a configuration in which the plurality of weighing conveyors 1 are arranged in a plurality of rows (for example, two rows) is also possible. For example, a third transport conveyor is provided on the left side of the second transport conveyor 3b in parallel with the second transport conveyor 3b, and a plurality of weighing conveyors 1 may be disposed between the third transport conveyor and the second transport conveyor 3b. Good. In this case, for example, the third conveyor conveys the objects to be weighed in the first discharge group in one direction (for example, the same direction as the arrow c), and the objects to be weighed in the second discharge group, like the first conveyor 3a. May be conveyed in the other direction (for example, in the same direction as the arrow d).

  In the second configuration example, four types of emission groups are obtained in the combination process, but two types or three types of emission groups may be obtained. For example, in the case of obtaining two types of discharge groups, any one discharge position among the two discharge positions 21 and 22 and any one discharge position among the two discharge positions 23 and 24, If the discharge positions corresponding to each of the two types of discharge groups are used, the objects to be weighed in both discharge groups can be discharged simultaneously from the weighing conveyor 1 even when both types of discharge groups are required. When three types of discharge groups are obtained, any three discharge positions among the four discharge positions 21 to 24 may be set as discharge positions corresponding to the three types of discharge groups.

  Further, it is possible to arrange the distribution device 10 as shown in FIG. 1 at any one of the four discharge positions 21 to 24 so as to obtain five or more types of discharge groups. In this case, what is necessary is just to comprise so that the to-be-measured object of two or more discharge groups may be conveyed to the distribution apparatus 10, and it may discharge to a respectively different discharge position.

  In the second configuration example, the objects to be weighed in all weight ranks are selected as one of the discharge groups, but the objects to be weighed in at least one weight rank are not selected as any of the discharge groups. It is good. For example, as a plurality of weight ranks, there are five weight ranks of first weight rank R1, second weight rank R2,..., Fifth weight rank R5 in order from the smallest weight range of each weight rank. When set, it is assumed that the objects to be weighed corresponding to the first weight rank R1 and the fifth weight rank are not selected by any discharge group (non-standard product which is not a product). In this case, for example, in the combination processing, when the first to third types of discharge groups corresponding to the discharge positions 21 to 23 are obtained, the remaining discharge positions 24 are set to the discharge positions of non-standard products. It is good. In this case, for example, when the discharge process of step S6 is performed, the control unit 5 causes the non-standard product to be discharged to the discharge position 24 so that the non-standard product is placed on the weighing conveyor 1 and the second transport conveyor 3b. To control. For example, if a third discharge group is required in the combination process, the non-standard product is discharged after discharging the objects to be weighed selected in the third discharge group to the discharge position 23. You may do it.

  Note that, in the present embodiment described using the first configuration example and the second configuration example, the control unit 5 performs either combination processing, and as a result, when all the emission groups are not obtained, either one is selected. Items to be weighed that become part of the one discharge group when the first process for obtaining the first quasi-emission group consisting of the objects to be weighed that become part of the discharge group is performed A second process for obtaining a second quasi-emission group consisting of: a first quasi-emission group object to be weighed and all second quasi-emission group objects to be weighed together You may be comprised so that a 1st process and a 2nd process may be performed so that it may become a to-be-measured object. Further, in this case, the control unit 5 conveys the weighing conveyor 1 so that the objects to be weighed selected in the first quasi-discharge group are discharged in the discharge process immediately after obtaining the first quasi-discharge group. A discharge means (operating and discharging to the discharge position of the one discharge group (any one of the discharge positions 21 to 23 in FIG. 1 or any of the discharge positions 21 to 24 in FIG. 4)) The conveyor 3 and the sorting device 10 in FIG. 1 or the conveyors 3a and 3b) in FIG. 4 are controlled. Further, in the discharge process immediately after obtaining the second semi-discharge group, the weighing conveyor 1 is transported so that the objects to be weighed selected in the second semi-discharge group are discharged, and the one discharge The discharging means is controlled so as to be transferred to the discharging position of the group and discharged.

  In this case, for example, when determining the first and second quasi-emission groups before the second quasi-emission group that is obtained last, the control unit 5 determines the objects to be weighed that can be a part of the one emission group. All may be selected as the first and second quasi-emission groups.

  As described above, when all the discharge groups are not required, the weighing conveyor discharges the objects to be weighed by discharging the objects to be weighed in the first semi-discharge group that is a part of a certain discharge group. Since 1 becomes empty and the next object to be weighed can be supplied, the operation (operation) can be continued without replacing the object to be weighed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 5 may obtain a certain discharge group by dividing it into a plurality of quasi-discharge groups from the beginning when the number of objects to be weighed selected for a certain discharge group is large. Good. That is, the control unit 5 performs a process for obtaining a semi-emission group consisting of the objects to be weighed that are a part of any one emission group a plurality of times, and the measurement target selected for the plurality of semi-emission groups obtained thereby. The one discharge group may be configured by an object, and the combination process for the one discharge group may be performed. In this case, whenever the semi-discharge group is obtained, the control unit 5 moves the weighing conveyor 1 so that the objects to be weighed selected in the semi-discharge group are discharged, and is discharged from the weighing conveyor 1. The object to be weighed selected as the semi-discharge group is transferred to the discharge position of the one discharge group (any of the discharge positions 21 to 23 in FIG. 1 or any of the discharge positions 21 to 24 in FIG. 4). Then, the discharging means (the conveyor 3 and the sorting device 10 in FIG. 1 or the conveyors 3a and 3b in FIG. 4) is controlled so as to be discharged.

  In this case, for example, when obtaining the semi-emission group before the last obtained semi-emission group, the control unit 5 selects all the objects to be weighed that can be a part of the one emission group as the semi-emission group. It may be. In addition, for example, when the one discharge group consists of a combination of objects to be weighed in only one weight rank, the maximum selectable number of objects to be selected for the semi-discharge group to be obtained at one time is set. You may keep it. The one emission group for which the semi-emission group is obtained is not limited to one emission group, and may be a plurality of emission groups.

  As described above, when there are a large number of items to be selected for a certain discharge group, it is easy to find a certain discharge group by dividing a certain discharge group into multiple semi-discharge groups. .

  In this embodiment, belt conveyors are used for the weighing conveyor 1 and the transfer conveyors 3, 3a, and 3b. However, a roller conveyor or the like may be used depending on the type of objects to be weighed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, supply of the objects to be weighed to the weighing conveyor 1 is performed manually, but a supply device to the weighing conveyor 1 may be provided so as to be performed automatically.

  In the present embodiment, the weighing and holding means is configured by the weighing conveyor 1, but is not limited thereto. For example, as another example of the weighing and holding means, the object to be weighed supplied in a horizontal state as described in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-209132) described above is held and can be tilted. Can be mentioned. Another example of the weighing and holding means is a weighing hopper having a discharge gate. However, in the case of a weighing tray, the object to be weighed slides down due to the inclination of the weighing tray, so that the object to be weighed may be damaged in the case of an object to be weighed easily. In the case of a weighing hopper, the discharge gate is opened to drop the object to be weighed, so that the object to be weighed may be damaged if it is easily damaged. Further, in both cases of the weighing tray and the weighing hopper, in the case of an object to be weighed, it is considered that the object to be weighed may adhere to the weighing tray and the weighing hopper and not be discharged. These problems can be prevented by using a conveyor such as the weighing conveyor 1.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful as a sorting / combining device that enables efficient production of a plurality of types of products.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Weighing conveyor 2 Weight sensor 3, 3a, 3b Conveyor 4 Operation indicator 5 Control part 10 Sorting devices 21-24 Discharge position

Claims (5)

A plurality of weighing and holding means for temporarily holding the supplied weighing object and discharging the held weighing object;
A plurality of weight sensors, each of which is provided corresponding to the weighing and holding means and measures the weight of an object to be weighed held by the weighing and holding means;
Based on the plurality of combinations conditions are predetermined corresponding to each of the multiple discharge group, repeating the combination process, each determining a plurality of the discharge group comprising a combination of the objects to be weighed which satisfies the combined condition Combination means to perform;
Control means for discharging the weighing holding means so that the objects to be weighed selected for each of the discharge groups are discharged;
Discharging means for transferring the objects to be weighed discharged from the measuring and holding means to each discharging position determined in advance corresponding to each of the discharging groups ;
The combination means includes
In the combination process, the order for obtaining a plurality of the discharge groups can be changed,
Sorting and combining device.   The combination means includes
  The combination process is performed so as to change the order of obtaining a plurality of the emission groups each time.
  The control means includes
  The weighing holding means is discharged according to the order of the discharge groups determined in the combination process so that the objects selected in the discharge groups determined in the combination process are discharged first. Configured as
  The sorting and combining apparatus according to claim 1.   Each of the discharge positions is provided with a rear device for receiving an object to be measured discharged from the discharge position,
  The combination means includes
  When performing the combination process every time, the order of obtaining a plurality of the discharge groups so that the discharge group corresponding to the discharge position in which the subsequent apparatus is arranged to be ready for receiving the object to be weighed quickly is obtained. And perform the combination process,
  The control means includes
  The weighing holding means is discharged according to the order of the discharge groups determined in the combination process so that the objects selected in the discharge groups determined in the combination process are discharged first. Configured as
  The sorting and combining apparatus according to claim 1. Based on the weight of the weighing object held by the weighing holding means and the weight range corresponding to each of the plurality of weight ranks, the weighing object held by the weighing holding means has the plurality of weight ranks. It further comprises weight rank discriminating means for discriminating which of the weight ranks corresponds to an object to be weighed,
  The combination means includes
  Based on the plurality of combination conditions and the determination result of the weight rank determination means, configured to perform the combination processing to determine a plurality of the discharge groups,
  The sorting and combining device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The measuring and holding means includes
The weighing object is supplied when the conveyance is stopped, the weighing object is temporarily held, and the weighing object is conveyed and discharged.
The sorting and combining device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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