JP6675940B2 - Combination scale - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a combination weigher that combines and discharges objects to be weighed whose total weight is within a predetermined weight range.

  Conventionally, a combination weigher is provided with a plurality of weighing object holders for temporarily holding weighing objects, and a combination of weighing object holders holding weighing objects having a total weight within a predetermined weight range. Is weighed, and the weighing object is discharged from the weighing object holding unit selected for this combination to a conveyor (hereinafter, referred to as a “discharge conveyor”), conveyed in one direction by the discharge conveyor, and discharged to a subsequent device or the like. Some are configured so that: Patent Literature 1 describes an example in which a weighing conveyor is used as the above-described weighing object holding unit, and Patent Literature 2 describes an example in which a weighing hopper is used.

JP 2012-154905 A JP 2006-214784 A

  In the combination weigher as described above, the weighing object is discharged from the weighing object holding unit selected as the combination to the discharge conveyor, conveyed in one direction by the discharge conveyor, and discharged from the discharge end. Will be At this time, after all the objects to be weighed in the weighing object holding unit of the previous combination are always unloaded from the discharge conveyor, the objects to be weighed in the weighing object holding unit of the current combination are discharged from the weighing object holding unit. It discharges to the conveyor. For this reason, the production capacity of the combination weigher depends on the length and transport speed of the discharge conveyor, and there is room for improvement in improving the productivity.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide a combination weigher capable of improving productivity.

  In order to achieve the above object, a combination weigher according to an aspect of the present invention includes a discharge conveyor that conveys and discharges an object to be supplied at a predetermined speed and temporarily holds the object to be supplied. Thereafter, the objects to be weighed are supplied to the discharge conveyor in the transport operation state by discharging from the discharge port, and a plurality of the discharge ports are arranged at predetermined positions with respect to the transport direction of the discharge conveyor. A weighing object holding unit, and combination means for repeatedly performing a combination process of obtaining one discharge combination including a combination of the weighing object holding units in which the total weight of the held weighing objects is within a predetermined weight range; Each time the discharge combination is determined by the combination process, the discharge combination is determined based on the position of the discharge port of the object-to-be-weighed holding unit selected for the discharge combination and the transport speed of the discharge conveyor. The start timing of the discharging operation of the object-to-be-weighed holding part selected in the step (a) is obtained. At this time, the object discharged to the discharge conveyor from the object-to-be-weighed holding part selected as the discharge combination by the previous combination process is obtained. A previous weighing object group consisting of weighing objects and a current weighing object group consisting of weighing objects discharged to the discharge conveyor from the weighing object holding unit selected as the discharge combination by the current combination process. And the distance on the discharge conveyor is greater than or equal to a target distance and the difference from the target distance is minimized, and the weighing object holding unit selected as the discharge combination by the current combination process. Calculating means for determining the start timing of the discharging operation of the apparatus, and discharging control for causing the object-to-be-weighed object holding section to start the discharging operation based on the start timing obtained by the calculating means. And a stage.

  According to this configuration, the distance between the previous weighing object group and the current weighing object group on the discharge conveyor is equal to or longer than the target distance, and the difference between the current weighing object group and the target distance is minimized. The weighed object group is discharged from the weighed object holding unit to the discharge conveyor. Therefore, by setting the target distance to be an appropriate distance equal to or less than the distance between the discharge ports of the weighing object holding units disposed at both ends in the transport direction of the discharge conveyor, for example, Depending on the weighing object holding unit (the position of the discharge port) selected for the combination, all of the weighing object groups of the current weighing object group are discharged before all the weighing objects of the previous weighing object group are discharged from the discharge conveyor. Alternatively, a part of the objects to be weighed can be discharged to the discharge conveyor, and the discharge cycle of the group of objects to be weighed discharged from the discharge conveyor can be shortened as a whole, and the productivity can be improved.

  Each time the discharge combination is determined, the calculation means may be configured such that the discharge port is closer to the upstream end of the discharge conveyor in the transport direction of the discharge conveyor in each of the object holding units selected as the discharge combination. A configuration may be adopted in which the start timing of the discharge operation of each of the weighing object holding units is determined so that each of the weighing objects is discharged sequentially from the object holding unit.

  According to this configuration, the length from the beginning to the end of each weighing object group on the discharge conveyor can be reduced, and the weighing object can be reduced if the discharge cycle of the weighing object group discharged from the discharge conveyor is constant. The discharge time interval between groups can be lengthened.

  Each time the discharge combination is determined, the calculation means may be configured such that the discharge port is closer to the upstream end of the discharge conveyor in the transport direction of the discharge conveyor in each of the object holding units selected as the discharge combination. Each of the objects to be weighed is sequentially discharged from the object holding unit, and when the respective objects to be weighed are conveyed by the discharge conveyor, the distance between the centers of the objects to be weighed is a plurality of the objects to be weighed holding units. The start timing of the discharging operation of each of the object-to-be-weighed holding portions may be determined so as to have a smaller interval than the arrangement pitch of the discharging ports.

  According to this configuration, the length from the head to the tail of each object group on the discharge conveyor can be further reduced. Therefore, if the discharge cycle of the object group discharged from the discharge conveyor is fixed, the discharge time interval between the object groups can be made longer. Alternatively, by shortening the target distance, it is possible to further shorten the discharge cycle of the object group discharged from the discharge conveyor.

  The calculating means may be configured such that the weighing object discharged from the weighing object holder closer to the upstream end of the discharge conveyor in the transport direction of the weighing object in each of the weighing object holders selected for the discharge combination is more than the weighing object. The discharge operation of each of the weighing object holding units is performed such that the weighing object discharged from the weighing object holding unit far from the upstream end is transported forward in the transport direction. It may be configured to determine the start timing.

  According to this configuration, each of the objects to be weighed is discharged in order from the weighing object holding unit closer to the upstream end in the transport direction of the discharge conveyor, and the weighing object holding unit closer to the upstream end is discharged. The objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing object holding part far from the upstream end are positioned in front of the conveying direction and are conveyed by the discharge conveyor, thereby discharging each weighing object group from the discharge conveyor. Can be completed at the time when the weighed object discharged from the weighing object holding unit closest to the upstream end in the discharge combination is discharged from the discharge conveyor.

  Each time the discharge combination is determined, the calculation means may be configured such that the discharge port is closer to the upstream end of the discharge conveyor in the transport direction of the discharge conveyor in each of the object holding units selected as the discharge combination. Each of the objects to be weighed is discharged from the object holding unit in order, and each of the objects to be weighed is discharged so as to be located at the same position when the respective objects to be weighed are conveyed by the discharge conveyor. It may be configured to determine the start timing of the operation.

  According to this configuration, each group of objects to be weighed can be discharged from the discharge conveyor in a bundled state. Therefore, if the discharge cycle of the object group discharged from the discharge conveyor is fixed, the discharge time interval between the object groups can be made longer. Alternatively, by shortening the target distance, it is possible to further shorten the discharge cycle of the object group discharged from the discharge conveyor. In addition, a subsequent device (such as a packaging machine) that receives the group of objects to be weighed discharged from the discharge conveyor can easily perform the cooperative operation.

  The calculating means is configured to discharge the object to be weighed so that the objects to be weighed are simultaneously discharged from all the objects to be weighed selected in the discharge combination each time the discharge combination is obtained. May be configured to determine the start timing of the program.

  The target distance may be calculated as a product of a predetermined target time interval and a transport speed of the discharge conveyor.

  According to this configuration, the target distance can be determined by setting the value of the target time interval. In this way, setting the value of the target time interval makes it easier to determine the set value in performing the linked operation with the subsequent device.

  The apparatus may further include target time interval changing means for changing a value of the target time interval by an operation performed by an operator.

  According to this configuration, by making it possible to change (adjust) the value of the target time interval, it becomes possible to more appropriately perform the link operation with the subsequent device.

  The weighing object holding unit is supplied with the weighing object when the conveyance is stopped, temporarily weighs the supplied weighing object, weighs the weighing object, and discharges the held weighing object by conveying the object for a predetermined time. It may be constituted by a weighing conveyor.

  A collecting hopper that discharges the object to be weighed, which is discharged from the weighing object holding unit selected in the discharge combination to the discharge conveyor, discharged from the discharge end of the discharge conveyor, temporarily holds, and then discharges downward. May be further provided.

  According to this configuration, the respective weighing object groups can be discharged from the collecting hopper in a collective state, and the subsequent device that receives the weighing object groups discharged from the collecting hopper can easily perform the cooperative operation.

  The present invention has an effect that it is possible to provide a combination weigher having the above-described configuration and capable of improving productivity.

FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view of an example of a combination weigher according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of the combination weigher viewed from a side. . FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the combination weigher shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the combination weigher shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of a weighing conveyor and a discharge conveyor used for explaining the operation of the combination weigher shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of a weighing conveyor and a discharge conveyor used for explaining the operation of the combination weigher shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of a weighing conveyor and a discharge conveyor used for explaining the operation of the combination weigher shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of a weighing conveyor and a discharge conveyor used for explaining the operation of the combination weigher shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view of an example of a combination weigher according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of the combination weigher viewed from a side. . FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the combination weigher shown in FIG.

  The combination weigher includes a plurality (for example, 10) of weighing units Cw, a discharge conveyor 3, an operation display 4, a control device 5, and the like.

  Each of the plurality of weighing units Cw includes a weighing conveyor 1 configured by, for example, a belt conveyor, and a weight sensor 2 that weighs an object to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1. Each of the weighing conveyors 1 is arranged in parallel on one side of the discharge conveyor 3, conveys the objects to be weighed in the direction of arrow a, and discharges the objects from the discharge end 1 a to the discharge conveyor 3. Each weighing conveyor 1 is provided with a pair of guide plates 11 so that an object to be weighed does not fall from both sides thereof. The weight sensor 2 is configured by, for example, a load cell that supports the weighing conveyor 1 including the drive motor 1M.

  The discharge conveyor 3 is formed of, for example, a belt conveyor, and conveys the objects to be weighed discharged from each weighing conveyor 1 in, for example, the direction of arrow b. The discharge conveyor 3 is also provided with a pair of guide plates 12 so that the objects to be weighed do not fall from both sides. In the vicinity of the discharge end 3a of the discharge conveyor 3, for example, a downstream device (not shown) is installed, and the objects to be weighed conveyed by the discharge conveyor 3 are supplied to the downstream device. In the case of FIG. 1, a funnel 21 having a funnel shape is provided near the discharge end 3 a of the discharge conveyor 3, and the objects to be weighed discharged from the discharge conveyor 3 are supplied to the subsequent device via the funnel 21. You.

  A work table 13 on which the objects to be weighed are placed is disposed upstream of the plurality of weighing conveyors 1 in the transport direction. The worktable 13 is provided with a small chute 13S for facilitating the supply of the objects to be weighed to each weighing conveyor 1. The worker stands, for example, in a region H beside the work table 13 and performs an operation of supplying the objects to be weighed on the work table 13 to the weighing conveyor 1. When the objects to be weighed to be supplied to each weighing conveyor 1 at one time are composed of, for example, a plurality of small items (shrimp and the like), the operator pushes the objects to be weighed on the worktable 13 onto the chute 13S, Since the object to be weighed can be supplied to the weighing conveyor 1 by sliding down on the chute 13S, the supply is facilitated by the chute 13S.

  In addition, a notification lamp 14 is provided corresponding to each weighing unit Cw. The notification lamp 14 may be turned on, for example, when the weighing conveyor 1 of the corresponding weighing unit Cw is selected as a discharge combination to be described later, or turned on to notify the weighing unit Cw having an abnormality. You may do so.

  The above-described measuring units Cw, the discharge conveyor 3, the work table 13, the notification lamp 14, and the like are appropriately attached to the apparatus main body 20 including a frame, an exterior plate, and the like.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 2, it has conveyor drive circuit units 8a and 8b, an A / D conversion unit 9, an I / O circuit unit 10, and the like. Note that each notification lamp 14 is controlled by the control device 5, but is omitted in FIG.

  The weight of the object on the weighing conveyor 1 is weighed by the weight sensor 2 supporting each weighing conveyor 1, and the weighed value (analog weight signal) is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 9, It is sent to the control device 5.

  The control device 5 includes, for example, a microcontroller or the like, and includes an arithmetic control unit 6 including a CPU and the like, 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, weighing data, and the like. The control device 5 functions as a combination unit, a calculation unit, a discharge control unit, and the like. Note that the control device 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 device 5 controls the entire combination weigher by executing the operation program stored in the storage unit 7 by the arithmetic and control unit 6, and performs a combination process and the like described later. For example, a weighing value measured by the weight sensor 2 to which each weighing conveyor 1 is attached is obtained as a digital value via the A / D converter 9 as needed, and stored in the storage unit 7 if necessary. In addition, the controller controls the driving operation of each weighing conveyor 1 via the conveyor driving circuit 8a, and controls the driving operation of the discharge conveyor 3 via the conveyor driving circuit 8b. Further, it is possible to exchange signals with a subsequent device (not shown) via the I / O circuit unit 10. In this example, a discharge signal is output to the subsequent device. Further, 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 display 4 is mounted at a position higher than the workbench 13 and includes, for example, a touch screen display (display device). It is possible to set parameters and the like, and to display the result (combination weight and the like) of the combination processing by the control device 5 on a display screen.

  An operation of the example combination weigher according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the combination weigher shown in FIG. The operation of the combination weigher is realized by the processing of the control device 5. Note that all information and the like necessary for controlling the operation of the combination weigher are stored in the storage unit 7. The objects to be weighed are agricultural and marine products.

  The worker supplies (loads) the object to be weighed to the weighing conveyor 1 on which the object to be weighed is not placed in the transport stopped state. Here, the object to be weighed supplied to each weighing conveyor 1 at one time may be constituted by one article or may be constituted by a plurality of articles. Although not shown, the control device 5 acquires the weighing values of the respective weight sensors 2 from the A / D converter 9 at fixed time intervals, and the weighing object is supplied based on the weighing values of the weight sensors 2. Recognizing the weighing conveyor 1 and recognizing the weight value of the object to be weighed. Here, when recognizing the weighing conveyor 1 to which the weighing object is supplied, the weighed value is compared with a preset load detection reference value (for example, 6 g), and if the weighed value is equal to or greater than the load detection reference value. It is determined that the object to be weighed is being supplied, and if it is less than the load detection reference value, it is determined that the object to be weighed is not being supplied. The above-described load detection reference value is set in the control device 5 in advance and stored in the storage unit 7.

  Here, the combination process by the control device 5 will be described. In this combination process, a combination calculation is performed based on the weight of the objects to be weighed on each weighing conveyor 1 obtained from the weighing values of the respective weight sensors 2, and the total weight (combined weight) of the supplied objects to be weighed is determined by a predetermined value. All combinations of the weighing conveyors 1 that fall within the weight range (allowable range with respect to the target weight) are obtained, and one combination is determined as a discharge combination. Here, when there are a plurality of combinations that fall within the predetermined weight range, for example, a combination having the smallest absolute value of the difference between the combination weight and the target weight among the plurality of combinations is determined as the discharge combination. The objects to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1 selected as the discharge combination are conveyed by the weighing conveyor 1 in the direction of arrow a, and are discharged onto the discharge conveyor 3 from the discharge end 1a. In the present embodiment, each weighing conveyor 1 is a weighing object holding unit, and its discharge end 1a is a discharge port of the weighing object holding unit.

  In this embodiment, during operation of the combination weigher, the control device 5 constantly operates the discharge conveyor 3 in a predetermined direction (in this example, the direction of the arrow b) at a predetermined transfer speed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the condition for executing the combination process is satisfied in step S1, the control device 5 proceeds to step S2 to perform the above-described combination process and obtain one discharge combination. The execution condition of the combination process in step S1 is, for example, that the objects to be weighed have been supplied to a predetermined number (for example, seven) of the weighing conveyors 1 and the weight thereof has been measured.

  Next, in step S3, the start timing (start timing) of the transport operation of each weighing conveyor 1 selected as the discharge combination and the output timing of the discharge signal (the timing of outputting the discharge signal) are determined. In step S4, the weighing conveyor 1 is activated based on the activation timing determined in step S3, and is driven for a predetermined time. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the discharge signal is output to the subsequent device based on the output timing determined in step S3.

  The above operation is repeatedly performed. When the weighing conveyor 1 is driven, the objects to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1 are discharged onto the discharge conveyor 3, conveyed by the discharge conveyor 3 in the direction of the arrow b, and sent from the discharge end 3 a to the subsequent device via the funnel 21. Supplied.

  The downstream device is configured to start a predetermined operation based on the input timing each time a discharge signal is input from the combination weigher. For example, a bag-supply type packaging machine for bagging an object to be weighed may be disposed as the downstream device. In some cases, as a subsequent device, for example, a conveyor device that intermittently horizontally moves a plurality of trays (shallow boxes) by connecting them in a ring shape may be arranged. In this case, the objects to be weighed discharged from the discharge conveyor 3 are supplied to each tray, and the worker in charge of the conveyor device packs the objects to be weighed placed on each tray into one pack. In this case, for example, the conveyor device is in a standby state in which an empty tray is first moved to the discharge port of the discharge conveyor 3 (here, immediately below the lower outlet 21a of the funnel 21), and a discharge signal is input from the combination weigher. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time from the input, the tray is moved, and the next empty tray is moved to the discharge port of the discharge conveyor 3 to be on standby. Each time a discharge signal is input from the combination weigher, the above operation is repeated.

  The funnel 21 is provided so that the objects to be weighed discharged from the discharge end 3a of the discharge conveyor 3 can accurately enter the bags (in the case of the packaging machine) or the trays (in the case of the conveyor device) of these subsequent devices. Have been. The object to be weighed discharged from the discharge conveyor 3 passes through the lower outlet 21a of the funnel 21 and is put into a bag or a tray. Note that, instead of the funnel 21, a hopper (collective hopper) that can store the objects to be weighed discharged from the discharge end 3a of the discharge conveyor 3 and temporarily hold and discharge the objects downward may be provided. .

  Next, a detailed operation of the combination weigher of the present embodiment will be described. FIGS. 4 to 7 are schematic diagrams showing the arrangement of the weighing conveyor 1 and the discharge conveyor 3 used for explaining the operation of the combination weigher shown in FIG.

  For example, as shown in parentheses in FIG. 4, each weighing conveyor 1 is provided with a conveyor number sequentially from a side closer to the discharge end 3 a of the discharge conveyor 3, and the conveyor number for each weighing conveyor 1 is stored in a storage unit. 7 is stored. The plurality of weighing conveyors 1 are arranged at equal intervals in the machine length direction of the discharge conveyor 3, and the distance between centers (arrangement pitch) between the adjacent weighing conveyors 1 is Lp. Further, the “transport position” in FIG. 4 indicates the position in the machine length direction (transport direction) of the discharge conveyor 3 with the center position of the discharge end 1a of the weighing conveyor 1 having the conveyor number (1) as 0. . The same applies to FIGS.

  In the present embodiment, in the combination process that is repeatedly performed as described above, the control device 5 performs the last measurement to be performed including the objects to be weighed discharged from the plurality of weighing conveyors 1 in the discharge combination determined in the previous combination process. The distance Lx on the discharge conveyor 3 between the object group and the current weighing target group including the weighing objects discharged from the plurality of weighing conveyors 1 in the discharge combination determined in the current combination process is the target distance Lw. In order to minimize the difference from the target distance Lw, the start timing of the transport operation (start timing of the discharge operation) of the weighing conveyor 1 selected for the discharge combination determined in the current combination process is set. Calculated and the transport operation of each weighing conveyor 1 is started based on the start timing.

  The control device 5 calculates the target distance Lw by multiplying a preset target time interval Tw by the transport speed Vt of the discharge conveyor 3, and stores the calculated target distance Lw in the storage unit 7. As the target time interval Tw, a desired value is input to the control device 5 by the operator operating the operation display 4 in advance, and is stored in the storage unit 7. The value of the target time interval Tw can be changed by operating the operation display 4 by the operator. Further, the value of the transport speed Vt of the discharge conveyor 3 is also stored in the storage unit 7. Further, the control device 5 has a timekeeping function, grasps the time when the weighing conveyor 1 of the obtained discharge combination starts the discharging operation (transport operation), and determines the start time of the weighing conveyor 1 of the next discharging combination. In order to determine the start timing of the discharge operation (transport operation) of No. 1, the storage unit 7 stores the start timing.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a position where an operator places an object to be weighed on each of the weighing conveyors 1 is determined, for example, in a work manual or the like such that the weighing conveyor 1 is positioned at the center in the machine length direction. The transport speeds of all the weighing conveyors 1 are set to be the same, and the objects to be weighed on the weighing conveyors 1 are discharged onto the discharge conveyor 3 from the start of the transport operation of each weighing conveyor 1 (at the time of starting). It is assumed that the time it takes to complete is the same. Therefore, the relationship between the discharge timing (discharge order and discharge time interval) at which the objects to be weighed are discharged from the discharge end 1a of each weighing conveyor 1 to the discharge conveyor 3 and the relationship between the start timing of the transport operation of each weighing conveyor 1 (transportation) (Operation start order and transport operation start time interval).

  The first operation example, the second operation example, and the like described below are examples of detailed operations relating to the weighing conveyor 1 in steps S3 and S4, respectively.

  In the following operation examples, the previous and current discharge groups of the weighing object groups discharged from the discharge end 3a of the discharge conveyor 3 are always such that all the previous weighing object groups are first discharged from the discharge end 3a. The order is such that the objects to be weighed this time are discharged from the discharge end 3a.

  In FIGS. 4 to 7, two discharge conveyors 3, which are actually one, are illustrated in order to make the following description of the operation easier to understand, and one of the discharge conveyors 3 shown in FIG. The other discharge conveyor 3 shows the current weighing object group. The objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 with the conveyor number (k) are denoted by Mk (k = 1 to 10). For example, M5 is an object to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 with the conveyor number (5). 4 to 6 are diagrams relating to the first operation example, and FIG. 7 is a diagram relating to the second operation example.

[First operation example]
First, in the first operation example, every time a discharge combination is obtained, the weighing is performed in order from the weighing conveyor 1 closer to the upstream end 3b in the transport direction of the discharge conveyor 3 in each of the weighing conveyors 1 selected as the discharge combination. The control device 5 controls each weighing unit selected in the discharging combination so that the objects are discharged and the objects to be weighed discharged from each weighing conveyor 1 are conveyed at the same position on the discharging conveyor 3. The start timing of the transport operation of the conveyor 1 is obtained, and each weighing conveyor 1 starts the transport operation based on the start timing.

  In FIG. 4, for the discharge conveyor 3 indicating the previous weighing object group (M1, M3, M5), the conveyor number (1) is added to the previous discharge combination (the discharge combination obtained in the previous combination process). ), (3), and (5) are selected, and the transfer states of the objects M1, M3, and M5 discharged from these weighing conveyors 1 on the discharge conveyor 3 are shown. In the drawing of the discharge conveyor 3, first, the weighing object M5 is discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 having the conveyor number (5), the weighing object M5 is conveyed, and the weighing conveyor 1 having the conveyor number (3) is transferred. When passing the front, the weighing object M3 is discharged from the weighing conveyor 1. Then, when the two objects to be weighed M3 and M5 are conveyed together and pass in front of the weighing conveyor 1 with the conveyor number (1), the weighing object M1 is discharged from the weighing conveyor 1. Further, it is shown that the three objects M1, M3, and M5 are conveyed together and discharged from the discharge end 3a of the discharge conveyor 3. Similarly, the discharge conveyor 3 indicating the current weighing object group (M2, M4, M6) also has the conveyor number selected as the current discharge combination (the discharge combination obtained in the current combination process). 3 shows the transfer states of the objects M2, M4, and M6 discharged from the three weighing conveyors 1 (2), (4), and (6) on the discharge conveyor 3. 5 and 6, similarly to the case of FIG. 4, the transfer state of the previous weighing object group and the current weighing object group is shown.

  First, the start timing of the transport operation between the plurality of weighing conveyors 1 selected for each discharge combination will be described.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that three weighing conveyors 1 are selected for one discharge combination. For example, when three weighing conveyors 1 having conveyor numbers (1), (3), and (5) shown in FIG. 4 are selected as the discharge combination, the weighing conveyor 1 near the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 The weighing conveyors 1 are caused to start the transport operation in the order of the conveyor numbers, that is, in the order of the larger conveyor numbers, in this example, the conveyor numbers (5), (3), and (1).

  Furthermore, in order to transport the objects to be weighed discharged from each weighing conveyor 1 at the same position on the discharge conveyor 3, for example, the weighing conveyor 1 whose conveyor number for starting the transport operation first is (5) With respect to the start time of the transfer operation, delay times D1 and D2 of the start time of the transfer operation of the weighing conveyor 1 with the remaining conveyor numbers (3) and (1) are calculated. The delay time D1 of the weighing conveyor 1 with the conveyor number (3) is the distance (2 × Lp) between the centers of the discharge ends 1a of the weighing conveyors 1 with the conveyor numbers (5) and (3), and It can be calculated based on the transport speed Vt. Similarly, the delay time D2 of the weighing conveyor 1 with the conveyor number (1) is the distance (4 × Lp) between the centers of the unloading ends 1a of the weighing conveyors 1 with the conveyor numbers (5) and (1), and It can be calculated based on the conveyor speed Vt of the conveyor 3. That is, the delay times D1 and D2 can be calculated by the following equations.

D1 = 2 × Lp / Vt
D2 = 4 × Lp / Vt
If the three weighing conveyors 1 having the above-mentioned conveyor numbers (1), (3), and (5) are discharge combinations obtained in the first combination process from the start of operation of the combination weigher, the transport operation is performed first. May immediately start the transport operation of the weighing conveyor 1 whose conveyor number is (5).

  If the three weighing conveyors 1 having the above-mentioned conveyor numbers (1), (3) and (5) are discharge combinations obtained in the second and subsequent combination processes, the previous weighing object group and the current The discharge combination determined in the current combination process is selected so that the distance Lx between the target object group and the discharge conveyor 3 on the discharge conveyor 3 is equal to or longer than the target distance Lw and the difference from the target distance Lw is minimized. The start timing of the transport operation of the weighing conveyor 1 is calculated.

  In the case of this example, the objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 of the discharge combination obtained in each combination process are sequentially discharged from each weighing conveyor 1 in order from the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 and discharged. It is transported at the same position on the conveyor 3.

  Therefore, the distance Lx between the previous weighing object group and the current weighing object group on the discharge conveyor 3 is closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 among the weighing conveyors 1 selected for the previous discharge combination. Discharge of the objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 and the objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 among the weighing conveyors 1 selected for the current discharge combination. It is equal to the distance on the conveyor 3 (the distance between the centers of the two objects to be weighed). The distance Lx is a distance ignoring the size of the object to be weighed.

  Accordingly, the start timing of the transfer operation of the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharging conveyor 3 among the weighing conveyors 1 selected for the current discharge combination is calculated as follows.

  In the following, the distance that the objects to be weighed discharged from each weighing conveyor 1 are transported on the discharge conveyor 3 until they reach the discharge end 3a of the discharge conveyor 3 is referred to as the distance of the discharge conveyor 3 for the weighing objects. Is called the transport distance. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the transport distance of the object M5 discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 having the conveyor number (5) on the discharge conveyor 3 is L1.

  First, the transport distance L1 of the object to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the previous discharge combination and the upstream of the discharge conveyor 3 in the current discharge combination. The difference Ly between the object to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the end 3b and the transport distance L2 at the discharge conveyor 3 is calculated.

Here, for example, Ly = L2−L1.
In the method of calculating Ly, for example, with respect to all the weighing conveyors 1, the transport distances of the objects to be weighed discharged from the respective weighing conveyors 1 in the discharge conveyor 3 are stored in the storage unit 7 in advance, and the corresponding 2 Ly may be obtained by reading the transport distance corresponding to one of the weighing conveyors 1 from the storage unit 7 and calculating the difference. Alternatively, as shown in the “transport position” of FIG. 4, the position (transport position) of each weighing conveyor 1 based on an arbitrary position in the transport direction of the discharge conveyor 3 as a reference (0) is stored in the storage unit 7 in advance. In addition, Ly may be obtained by converting the difference between the transfer positions of the two corresponding weighing conveyors 1 into the difference in distance. When all the weighing conveyors 1 are arranged at an equal pitch Lp as in this example, Ly is obtained by multiplying the difference between the conveyor numbers of the two corresponding weighing conveyors 1 by the pitch Lp. You can also. The distance between the centers of the unloading ends 1a of the two weighing conveyors 1 used in calculating the delay times D1 and D2 described above may be obtained in the same manner, or all the center distances may be determined in advance. It may be stored in the storage unit 7.

Then, the calculated value of Ly is compared with the target distance Lw, and when Ly <Lw, the delay time Td1 is calculated by the following equation.
Td1 = (Lw−Ly) / Vt (Formula of Td1)
Then, a time tx at which a delay time Td1 has elapsed from the time at which the transport operation of the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 is started is calculated from the previous discharge combinations, and this time tx is calculated as the current discharge combination Of the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 is started. Further, the obtained time tx is stored in the storage unit 7. At the time when the time tx is calculated, if the time tx has already passed, the transfer operation is immediately performed to the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the current discharge combination. Let it start.

  The delay time Td1 is a delay time for setting the distance Lx between the previous and current weighing object groups to the target distance Lw when Ly <Lw, and using the delay time Td1 as described above. At the calculated time tx, if the transfer operation of the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the current discharge combination can be started, the distance Lx between the previous and current weighing object groups is set as the target. The distance Lw can be used.

  When the Ly value is Ly ≧ Lw, the transfer operation is immediately started to the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the current discharge combination.

Next, a specific example will be described.
The target distance Lw is Lw = Tw × Vt. Here, in this example, the target time interval is set so that the target distance Lw is, for example, four times (4 Lp) the center-to-center distance (the arrangement pitch Lp of the weighing conveyors 1) of the unloading ends 1a of the adjacent weighing conveyors 1. It is assumed that Tw has been set. Here, for the sake of simplicity, the target distance Lw is set to four times the arrangement pitch Lp of the weighing conveyor 1, but the target distance Lw is not always an integral multiple of the arrangement pitch Lp of the weighing conveyor 1. Also, not all the weighing conveyors 1 are arranged at the same pitch.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, three weighing conveyors 1 having conveyor numbers (1), (3), and (5) are selected for the previous discharge combination, and the conveyor number is (2) for the current discharge combination. ), (4), and (6), if the three weighing conveyors 1 are selected, the weighing conveyor 1 whose conveyor number closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the previous discharge combination is (5) And the transfer position (5Lp) of the weighing conveyor 1 with the conveyor number (6) closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the current discharge combination,
Ly = L2-L1 = 5Lp-4Lp = Lp
Becomes Since Lw = 4Lp, Ly <Lw, and the delay time Td1 is
Td1 = (Lw-Ly) / Vt = (4Lp-Lp) / Vt = 3Lp / Vt
Is calculated as

  In this case, the object to be weighed on the discharge conveyor 3 is transported by a distance of 3 Lp during a time (3 Lp / Vt) corresponding to the delay time Td1. Accordingly, when the delay time Td1 (= 3 Lp / Vt) has elapsed since the transfer operation was started by the weighing conveyor 1 having the conveyor number of the previous discharge combination (5), the conveyor number of the current discharge combination is (6). By causing the conveyor 1 to start the transport operation, when the previous group of objects to be weighed (M3, M5) passes in front of the weighing conveyor 1 with the conveyor number (2), it is selected as the current discharge combination. The object M6 is discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 having the conveyor number (6) to the discharge conveyor 3, and the distance Lx between the previous and current weighing object groups is 4Lp, which is equal to the target distance Lw.

Also, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, three weighing conveyors 1 having conveyor numbers (2), (4), and (6) are selected as the previous discharge combination, and the conveyor number is assigned to the current discharge combination. When the three weighing conveyors 1 of (1), (3) and (5) are selected, the weighing of the weighing of (6) in which the conveyor number closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharging conveyor 3 among the previous discharging combinations is (6). By using the transport position (5Lp) of the conveyor 1 and the transport position (4Lp) of the weighing conveyor 1 having the conveyor number (5) closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the current discharge combination,
Ly = L2-L1 = 4Lp-5Lp = -Lp
Becomes Since Lw = 4Lp, Ly <Lw, and the delay time Td1 is
Td1 = (Lw−Ly) / Vt = {4Lp − (− Lp)} / Vt = 5Lp / Vt
Is calculated as

  In this case, the object to be weighed on the discharge conveyor 3 is transported by a distance of 5 Lp during a time (5 Lp / Vt) corresponding to the delay time Td1. Therefore, when the delay time Td1 (= 5Lp / Vt) has elapsed since the transfer operation was started by the weighing conveyor 1 having the conveyor number of the previous discharge combination (6), the conveyor number of the current discharge combination is (5). By causing the conveyor 1 to start the transport operation, when the previous group of objects to be weighed (M2, M4, M6) passes in front of the weighing conveyor 1 with the conveyor number (1), it is selected as the current discharge combination. The weighing object M5 is discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 having the conveyor number (5) to the discharge conveyor 3, and the distance Lx between the previous and current weighing object groups is 4Lp, which is equal to the target distance Lw.

  As in the example of FIG. 5, when Ly <0, that is, when L2 <L1, the object to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the previous discharge combination (see FIG. 5). In the example of No. 5, the object to be weighed M6) passes through at least the front of the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 of the current discharge combination, and then the discharge conveyor 3 of the current discharge combination. The object to be weighed (the object to be weighed M5 in the example of FIG. 5) is discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b.

As shown in FIG. 6, for example, three weighing conveyors 1 having conveyor numbers (1), (3), and (5) are selected as the previous discharge combination, and the conveyor number is assigned to the current discharge combination. When the three weighing conveyors 1 of (7), (8), and (9) are selected, the weighing of which the conveyor number closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the previous discharge combination is (5) If the transfer position of the conveyor 1 (4Lp) and the transfer position (8Lp) of the weighing conveyor 1 with the conveyor number (9) closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the current discharge combination are used,
Ly = L2-L1 = 8Lp-4Lp = 4Lp
Becomes Since Lw = 4Lp, Ly = Lw.

  That is, since Ly ≧ Lw, the transfer operation is immediately started to the weighing conveyor 1 with the conveyor number (9) closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the current discharge combination.

Further, if Lw = 4Lp and Ly = 4Lp are substituted into the above-described equation for calculating the delay time Td1,
Td1 = (Lw−Ly) / Vt = (4Lp−4Lp) / Vt = 0
Becomes

  That is, the delay time Td1 becomes 0. However, since the weighing conveyor 1 with the conveyor number (5) started first among the previous discharge combinations has already been started, it is immediately closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 among the current discharge combinations. Even when the weighing conveyor 1 with the conveyor number (9) starts the transport operation, the distance Lx between the previous and current weighing object groups becomes larger than the target distance Lw of 4Lp.

  As described above, when Ly ≧ Lw, that is, when (L2−L1) ≧ Lw, the distance Lx between the previous and current weighing object groups is inevitably larger than the target distance Lw. By starting the transport operation on the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the current discharge combination, the distance Lx between the previous and current weighing object groups is made as close as possible to the target distance Lw. ing.

  Also, regardless of the magnitude relationship between Ly and Lw, the delay time Td1 is calculated by the above-described calculation formula, and the delay time Td1 and the last discharge combination of the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 are calculated. Based on the start time of the transport operation, a time (timing) at which the transport operation of the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the current discharge combination is started is calculated. If the time has already passed, the transfer operation may be immediately started to the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the current discharge combination.

  As described above, depending on the position of the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 selected for each of the previous discharge combination and the current discharge combination, the distance between the previous and current weighing object groups may be changed. Although the distance Lx may be larger than the target distance Lw, the distance Lx can be made as equal to the target distance Lw as possible.

[Second operation example]
Next, in the second operation example, the control device 5 selects the discharge combination so that the objects to be weighed are simultaneously discharged from the plurality of weighing conveyors 1 selected as the discharge combination to the discharge conveyor 3. All the plurality of weighing conveyors 1 start a transfer operation at the same time.

  In FIG. 7, as an example, three weighing conveyors 1 having conveyor numbers (1), (2), and (3) are selected for the previous discharge combination, and the objects M1, M2, and M2 of the weighing conveyor 1 are selected. Three weighing conveyors 1 with conveyor numbers (4), (5), and (6) are selected for the state when M3 is simultaneously discharged to the discharge conveyor 3 and this discharge combination, and the weighing conveyors 1 The states when the objects to be weighed M4, M5, and M6 are simultaneously discharged to the discharge conveyor 3 are shown separately.

  In the case of the second operation example, the distance Lx between the previous weighing object group and the current weighing object group on the discharge conveyor 3 is the discharge conveyor 3 of the weighing conveyors 1 selected for the previous discharge combination. The object to be weighed (object M3 in the example of FIG. 7) discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b of the weighing conveyor 3 and the upstream end of the discharging conveyor 3 of the weighing conveyor 1 selected for the current discharge combination. The distance on the discharge conveyor 3 from the weighing object (the weighing object M4 in the example of FIG. 7) discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 farthest from the weighing conveyor 1 (closest to the discharge end 3a) (the two weighing objects) The distance between the centers).

  Therefore, the start timing of the transport operation of the weighing conveyor 1 selected for the current discharge combination is calculated as follows.

  First, the transport distance L1 of the object to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the previous discharge combination and the upstream of the discharge conveyor 3 in the current discharge combination. The difference Lz from the transport distance L3 of the object to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 furthest from the end 3b on the discharge conveyor 3 is calculated.

  Here, for example, Lz = L3−L1. The method of calculating Lz is the same as the method of calculating Ly in the first operation example.

Then, the obtained value of Lz is compared with the target distance Lw, and when Lz <Lw, the delay time Td2 is calculated by the following equation.
Td2 = (Lw−Lz) / Vt (Formula of Td2)
The calculation formula of the delay time Td2 is simply that Ly is replaced by Lz in the calculation formula of the delay time Td1 in the first operation example.

  Then, a time ty at which the delay time Td2 has elapsed from the time at which the transport operation of the weighing conveyor 1 of the previous discharge combination was started is calculated, and this time ty is a time at which the transport operation of the weighing conveyor 1 of the current discharge combination is started. (Timing). Further, the obtained time ty is stored in the storage unit 7. At the time when the time ty is calculated, if the time ty has already passed, the weighing conveyor 1 of the current discharge combination is caused to immediately start the transport operation.

  The delay time Td2 is a delay time for setting the distance Lx between the previous and current weighing object groups to the target distance Lw when Lz <Lw, and using the delay time Td2 as described above. If the transport operation of the weighing conveyor 1 selected for the current discharge combination can be started at the calculated time ty, the distance Lx between the previous and current weighing object groups can be set as the target distance Lw. .

  When the value of Lz is Lz ≧ Lw, the weighing conveyor 1 of the current discharge combination immediately starts the transport operation.

Next, a specific example will be described.
Also in the case of the second operation example, it is assumed that the target time interval Tw is set such that the target distance Lw (= Tw × Vt) is, for example, 4 Lp, as in the case of the first operation example.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, three weighing conveyors 1 having conveyor numbers (1), (2), and (3) are selected for the previous discharge combination, and the conveyor number is (4) for the current discharge combination. ), (5) and (6), when the three conveyors are selected, the conveyor number closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 among the previous discharge combinations is the measurement conveyor 1 of (3). And the transfer position (3Lp) of the weighing conveyor 1 with the conveyor number (4) farthest from the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the current discharge combination,
Lz = L3-L1 = 3Lp-2Lp = Lp
And Lz <Lw. And
Td2 = (Lw-Lz) / Vt = (4Lp-Lp) / Vt = 3Lp / Vt
Becomes

  In this case, the object to be weighed on the discharge conveyor 3 is transported by a distance of 3 Lp during a time (3 Lp / Vt) corresponding to the delay time Td2. Therefore, when the delay operation Td2 (= 3Lp / Vt) has elapsed since the start of the transport operation of the three weighing conveyors 1 of the previous discharge combination, the transport operation of the three weighing conveyors 1 of the current discharge combination is started. When the weighing object M3 discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 with the conveyor number (3) of the previous discharge combination starts being discharged from the discharge end 3a of the discharge conveyor 3, the conveyor number of the current discharge combination becomes ( The objects M4, M5, M6 to be weighed are simultaneously discharged from the three weighing conveyors 1), (5), and (6) to the discharge conveyor 3, and the distance Lx between the previous and current weighing object groups is 4Lp. , The target distance Lw.

  Although not shown, for example, three weighing conveyors 1 having conveyor numbers (5), (6), and (7) are selected for the previous discharge combination, and the conveyor number is (8) for the current discharge combination. When the three weighing conveyors 1 of (9) and (10) are selected, the objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 whose conveyor number of the previous discharge combination is (7) are the conveyor numbers. When passing through the discharge conveyor 3 before the measurement conveyor 1 of (4), the objects to be weighed are discharged from the measurement conveyor 1 of the current discharge combination to the discharge conveyor 3. As described above, the previous weighing object group and the current weighing object group may be simultaneously conveyed on the discharge conveyor 3.

Although not shown, for example, three weighing conveyors 1 having conveyor numbers (7), (8), and (9) are selected for the previous discharge combination, and the conveyor number is (4) for the current discharge combination. If the three weighing conveyors 1 of (5) and (6) are selected, the conveyor number closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the previous discharge combination is the weighing conveyor 1 of (9). If the transfer position (8Lp) and the transfer position (3Lp) of the weighing conveyor 1 with the conveyor number (4) farthest from the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the current discharge combination are used,
Lz = L3-L1 = 3Lp-8Lp = -5Lp
And Lz <Lw. And
Td2 = (Lw−Lz) / Vt = {4Lp − (− 5Lp)} / Vt = 9Lp / Vt
Becomes

  In this case, the object to be weighed on the discharge conveyor 3 is transported by a distance of 9 Lp during a time (9 Lp / Vt) corresponding to the delay time Td2. Therefore, when the delay operation Td2 (= 9 Lp / Vt) has elapsed since the start of the transport operation of the weighing conveyor 1 of the previous discharge combination, the transport operation of the weighing conveyor 1 of the current discharge combination is started, whereby the previous transfer operation is started. When the last weighing object (M9) of the weighing object group starts to be discharged from the discharge end 3a of the discharge conveyor 3, the weighing objects (M4, M5, M5, M5, M5, M5, M6) are simultaneously discharged, and the distance Lx between the previous and current weighing object groups becomes 4Lp, which is equal to the target distance Lw.

  As in this example, when Lz <0, that is, when L3 <L1, the object to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 in the previous discharge combination (in the above example, After the objects to be weighed M9) have passed in front of all the weighing conveyors 1 selected for the current discharge combination, the objects to be weighed are discharged from the weighing conveyors 1 of the current discharge combination.

  On the other hand, when Lz ≧ Lw, the weighing conveyor 1 of the current discharge combination immediately starts the transport operation. Even in such a case, the distance Lx between the previous and current weighing object groups is longer than the target distance Lw. growing.

For example, three weighing conveyors 1 with conveyor numbers (1), (2), and (3) are selected for the previous discharge combination, and the conveyor numbers (8), (9), and (9) for the current discharge combination. If the three weighing conveyors 1 of 10) are selected, the transfer position (2Lp) of the weighing conveyor 1 with the conveyor number (3) and the transfer position (7Lp) of the weighing conveyor 1 with the conveyor number (8) are selected. ) And
Lz = L3-L1 = 7Lp-2Lp = 5Lp
And Lz ≧ Lw.

  Here, the previous weighing object group and the current weighing object group are not discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 at the same time. The distance Lx is 5Lp (= Lz), which is larger than the target distance Lw.

  As described above, when Lz ≧ Lw, that is, when (L3−L1) ≧ Lw, it is inevitable that the distance Lx between the previous and current weighing object groups becomes larger than the target distance Lw. By causing the weighing conveyor 1 of the current discharge combination to start the transport operation, the distance Lx between the previous and current weighing object groups is made as close as possible to the target distance Lw.

  Regardless of the magnitude relation between Lz and Lw, the delay time Td2 is calculated by the above-described formula, and based on this delay time Td2 and the start time of the previous transport operation of the weighing conveyor 1 of the discharge combination, the current time is calculated. The time (timing) at which the transfer operation of the weighing conveyor 1 of the discharge combination is started is calculated. If the calculated time has already passed at this calculation time, the weighing conveyor of the current discharge combination is immediately calculated. 1 may start the transport operation.

  In the case of this second operation example, instead of the funnel 21, it is better to arrange a collecting hopper that temporarily holds the group of objects to be weighed discharged from the discharge conveyor 3 for each group of objects to be weighed before discharging. preferable. That is, since the group of objects to be weighed is discharged from the collecting hopper in a bundled state, it is easy to link the operation with the subsequent device.

  In the first and second operation examples, the time from the start of the transport operation of the weighing conveyor 1 to the transfer of the object to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1 to the discharge conveyor 3 is the same in all the weighing conveyors 1. However, the delay times Td1 and Td2 calculated in the first and second operation examples may include a value α that takes into account variations in the positions of the objects to be weighed placed on the weighing conveyor 1. In this case, for example, α = (machine length of the weighing conveyor 1) ÷ (conveyance speed of the weighing conveyor 1), and the value of α is added to the right side of the above-described equation for calculating Td1 and Td2, and each delay time Td1 , Td2.

  As is clear from the description of the first and second operation examples, in the present embodiment, the distance on the discharge conveyor 3 between the previous weighing object group and the current weighing object group is equal to or more than the target distance Lw. So that the difference from the target distance Lw is minimized based on the position in the transport direction of the discharge conveyor 3 of the discharge end 1a of the weighing conveyor 1 selected for the discharge combination and the transport speed of the discharge conveyor 3. Then, the start timing of the discharge operation of the weighing conveyor 1 selected for the current discharge combination is obtained, and the current weighed object group is discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 to the discharge conveyor 3. Therefore, the target time interval Tw is set such that the target distance Lw is, for example, an appropriate distance equal to or less than the distance between the discharge ends 1a of the two weighing conveyors 1 arranged at both ends in the transport direction of the discharge conveyor 3. By doing so, depending on the weighing conveyor 1 (the position of the unloading end 1a) selected for the previous and current discharge combinations, all the weighing objects of the previous weighing object group are discharged from the discharging conveyor 3 before being discharged. In addition, it is possible to discharge all or a part of the weighing object group of the current weighing object group to the discharge conveyor 3, thereby shortening the discharge cycle of the weighing object group discharged from the discharge conveyor 3 as a whole, and improving productivity. Improvement can be achieved.

  Furthermore, in the case of the first operation example, each group of objects to be weighed can be discharged from the discharge conveyor 3 in a bundled state. Therefore, if the discharge cycle of the object group discharged from the discharge conveyor 3 is constant, the discharge time interval between the object groups can be made longer. Alternatively, by shortening the target time interval Tw (target distance Lw), the discharge cycle of the group of objects to be weighed discharged from the discharge conveyor 3 can be further shortened. In addition, a subsequent device (such as a packaging machine) that receives the group of objects to be weighed discharged from the discharge conveyor 3 can easily perform the cooperative operation.

[Other operation examples]
In the first operation example, the objects to be weighed discharged from the respective weighing conveyors 1 selected for the same discharge combination are conveyed at the same position on the discharge conveyor 3, but are selected for the discharge combination. Without constantly discharging the objects to be weighed from all the weighing conveyors 1 (that is, different from the second operation example), and the positions of the objects to be weighed discharged from each weighing conveyor 1 on the discharge conveyor 3. May be discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 so as to shift.

  As an operation example in this case, each of the objects to be weighed is sequentially discharged to the discharge conveyor 3 from the weighing conveyor 1 which is closer to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3 and close to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3. The object to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 farther from the upstream end 3b than the object to be weighed discharged from the other weighing conveyor 1 is transported in a position forward of the discharge conveyor 3 in the transport direction. As described above, the start timing of the discharging operation of each weighing conveyor 1 may be obtained, and each weighing conveyor 1 may be driven based on the start timing.

  In this case, the discharge of each weighing object group from the discharge conveyor 3 can be completed at the time when the weighing object discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 closest to the upstream end in the discharge combination is discharged from the discharge conveyor 3. it can. In addition, the length from the top to the end of each weighing object group on the discharge conveyor 3 can be reduced as compared with the case of the second operation example. Therefore, if the discharge cycle of the object group discharged from the discharge conveyor 3 is fixed, the discharge time interval between the object groups can be lengthened. Alternatively, it is possible to shorten the target time interval Tw (target distance Lw) and shorten the discharge cycle of the group of objects to be weighed discharged from the discharge conveyor 3.

  Further, when each of the objects to be weighed discharged from each of the weighing conveyors 1 is conveyed by the discharge conveyor 3, the center distance between the weighing objects is smaller than the arrangement pitch (Lp) of the weighing conveyors 1. The start timing of the discharge operation of each weighing conveyor 1 may be determined so that Further, the start timing of the discharging operation of each of the weighing conveyors 1 is set so that the objects to be weighed are conveyed by the discharging conveyor 3 at the same interval whose center interval is smaller than the arrangement pitch (Lp). You may ask for it.

  In these cases, the length from the head to the tail of each object group on the discharge conveyor 3 can be further reduced. Therefore, if the discharge cycle of the object group discharged from the discharge conveyor 3 is constant, the discharge time interval between the object groups can be made longer. Alternatively, by shortening the target time interval Tw (target distance Lw), the discharge cycle of the group of objects to be weighed discharged from the discharge conveyor 3 can be further reduced.

  Further, as another operation example, when each of the objects to be weighed discharged from each of the weighing conveyors 1 is conveyed by the discharge conveyor 3, the center interval between the objects to be weighed is determined by the arrangement pitch (Lp ) And at the same distance as that of the weighing conveyor 1 discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 farther from the upstream end 3b than the weighing conveyor 1 discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 closer to the upstream end 3b of the discharge conveyor 3. In this case, the start timing of the discharge operation of each weighing conveyor 1 is determined such that the weighing conveyor 1 is transported in front of the discharge conveyor 3 in the conveying direction, and each weighing conveyor 1 is driven based on the start timing. You may.

  In this case, the length from the beginning to the end of each weighing object group on the discharge conveyor 3 can be always reduced as compared with the case of the second operation example. Therefore, if the discharge cycle of the object group discharged from the discharge conveyor 3 is fixed, the discharge time interval between the object groups can be lengthened. Alternatively, it is possible to shorten the target time interval Tw (target distance Lw) and shorten the discharge cycle of the group of objects to be weighed discharged from the discharge conveyor 3.

  In the present embodiment, the execution condition of the combination processing in step S1 may be, for example, a condition that a predetermined time set in advance from the previous combination processing has elapsed. In this case, the combination processing of step S2 can be performed at predetermined time intervals.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the weighing unit Cw is arranged only on one side of the discharge conveyor 3, but the weighing unit Cw may be arranged on both sides of the discharge conveyor 3.

  In the present embodiment, the supply of the objects to be weighed to the weighing conveyor 1 is performed manually by an operator. However, the supply may be automatically performed by a separately provided supply device.

  In the present embodiment, the objects to be weighed are directly discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 for weighing the objects to be weighed to the discharge conveyor 3, but between each weighing conveyor 1 and the discharge conveyor 3, A separate conveyor (hereinafter, referred to as a “standby conveyor”) is provided, the objects to be weighed by the respective weighing conveyors 1 are transported to the respective standby conveyors, and a combination process is performed based on the weight of the objects to be weighed held by the standby conveyor. May be performed, and the objects to be weighed may be discharged to the discharge conveyor 3 from the standby conveyor selected as the discharge combination. Here, the weight of the object to be weighed held by the standby conveyor is the weight weighed while being held by the weighing conveyor 1. In this case, the standby conveyor serves as the object holding section.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the value of the target time interval Tw is set in advance by operating the operation display 4, and the target distance Lw is calculated by multiplying the value of the target time interval Tw by the transport speed Vt of the discharge conveyor 3. However, instead of the target time interval Tw, the operation display 4 may be operated to set and change the value of the target distance Lw in advance. However, setting the value (time) of the target time interval Tw makes it easier to determine the set value in performing the linked operation with the subsequent device. In addition, by making it possible to change (adjust) the value of the target time interval Tw or the value of the target distance Lw, it becomes possible to more appropriately perform the link operation with the subsequent device.

  In the present embodiment, if the object to be weighed is easily rolled, the conveyor belts of the weighing conveyor 1 and the discharge conveyor 3 may be provided with rolling bars or the like for preventing rolling. When the objects to be weighed roll on the discharge conveyor 3, the aforementioned collecting hopper is provided at the discharge end 3a of the discharging conveyor 3, and the time interval between the objects to be weighed discharged from the collecting hopper is set to the target time interval. It is preferable that Tw be satisfied.

  In this embodiment, a belt conveyor is used for the weighing conveyor 1 and the discharge conveyor 3, but a roller conveyor or the like may be used depending on the type of the object to be weighed.

  Note that the method of calculating the start timing (start timing) of the transport operation of the weighing conveyor 1 in the present embodiment is based on the discharge operation of the hopper (discharge gate) in a combination weigher using a hopper having a discharge gate as the object to be weighed. Opening / closing operation). For example, instead of the plurality of weighing conveyors 1 and the weight sensors 2, a plurality of hoppers are arranged at predetermined positions above the discharge conveyor 3 in a line or in a line in the transport direction (the direction of arrow b). One combination of hoppers (discharge combination) in which the total weight of the supplied objects to be weighed is within a predetermined weight range is obtained, and the object to be weighed is discharged from the hopper selected for the discharge combination. The invention can also be applied to a combination weigher configured so that the discharged object to be weighed is conveyed by the discharge conveyor 3. The hopper has a discharge gate, temporarily holds the object to be weighed supplied from above, and discharges the object to be weighed by opening and closing a discharge gate serving as a discharge port. In this case, the start timing of the discharge operation of the hopper, that is, the start timing of the opening / closing operation of the discharge gate can be obtained in the same manner as in the case of obtaining the start timing of the weighing conveyor 1. The supply of the objects to be weighed to the hopper may be configured to be performed automatically, or may be configured to be performed manually by an operator. The hopper may be supported by a weight sensor to measure the weight of the object, or a second hopper that supplies the object to the hopper above the hopper And the second hopper is supported by a weight sensor, and the weight of the object to be weighed supplied to the hopper may be measured. When the second hopper is provided, the weighing object may be automatically supplied to the second hopper, or may be manually supplied by an operator. You may have been.

  From the above description, many modifications and other embodiments of the present invention are obvious to one skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description should be construed as illustrative only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. Details of its structure and / or function may be substantially changed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention is useful as a combination weigher etc. which can aim at the improvement of productivity.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Weighing conveyor 1a Discharge end of weighing conveyor 2 Weight sensor 3 Discharge conveyor 3a Discharge end of discharge conveyor 3b Upstream end of discharge conveyor 4 Operation display 5 Control device

Claims (11)

A discharge conveyor for conveying and discharging the supplied weighing object at a predetermined speed,
After temporarily holding the supplied objects to be weighed, the objects to be weighed are supplied to the discharge conveyor in the transport operation state by discharging from the discharge port, and each of the discharge ports is in the transport direction of the discharge conveyor. A plurality of weighing object holders each arranged at a predetermined position,
Combination means for repeatedly performing a combination process of obtaining one discharge combination composed of a combination of the object-to-be-weighed holding units in which the total weight of the objects to be weighed held is within a predetermined weight range;
Each time the discharge combination is obtained by the combination process, the discharge combination is selected based on the position of the discharge port of the object-to-be-weighed holding unit selected as the discharge combination and the transport speed of the discharge conveyor. The start timing of the discharging operation of the weighing object holding unit is obtained, and at that time, from the weighing object discharged to the discharge conveyor from the weighing object holding unit selected as the discharging combination by the previous combination process. Of the previous weighing object group and the current weighing object group consisting of the weighing objects discharged to the discharge conveyor from the weighing object holding unit selected as the discharge combination by the current combination process, The distance on the discharge conveyor is equal to or longer than the target distance, and the discharge combination is performed by the current combination process so that the difference from the target distance is minimized. -Option has been said arithmetic means for determining the start timing of the operation of discharging the objects to be weighed holder,
Discharge control means for starting the discharge operation of the object-to-be-weighed based on the start timing obtained by the arithmetic means,
Equipped with a,
The arithmetic means is
Every time the discharge combination is obtained, the start timing of the discharge operation of the weighing object holding unit is determined so that the weighing object is discharged simultaneously from all the weighing object holding units selected in the discharging combination. Configured as
Combination scale. A discharge conveyor for conveying and discharging the supplied weighing object at a predetermined speed,
  After temporarily holding the supplied objects to be weighed, the objects to be weighed are supplied to the discharge conveyor in the transport operation state by discharging from the discharge port, and each of the discharge ports is in the transport direction of the discharge conveyor. A plurality of weighing object holders each arranged at a predetermined position,
  Combination means for repeatedly performing a combination process of obtaining one discharge combination including a combination of the object-to-be-weighed holding units in which the total weight of the objects to be weighed held is within a predetermined weight range;
  Each time the discharge combination is obtained by the combination process, the discharge combination is selected based on the position of the discharge port of the object-to-be-weighed holding unit selected as the discharge combination and the transport speed of the discharge conveyor. The start timing of the discharging operation of the weighing object holding unit is obtained, and at this time, from the weighing object discharged to the discharge conveyor from the weighing object holding unit selected as the discharge combination by the previous combination process. And the current weighing object group consisting of the weighing objects discharged to the discharge conveyor from the weighing object holding unit selected as the discharge combination by the current combination process, The distance on the discharge conveyor is equal to or greater than the target distance, and the discharge combination is performed by the current combination process so that the difference from the target distance is minimized. -Option has been said arithmetic means for determining the start timing of the operation of discharging the objects to be weighed holder,
  Discharge control means for starting the discharge operation of the object-to-be-weighed based on the start timing obtained by the arithmetic means,
  With
  The target distance is to be calculated as a product of a predetermined target time interval and the transport speed of the discharge conveyor,
  Further comprising a target time interval changing means for changing the value of the target time interval by operating by the operator,
  Combination scale. A discharge conveyor for conveying and discharging the supplied weighing object at a predetermined speed,
  After temporarily holding the supplied objects to be weighed, the objects to be weighed are supplied to the discharge conveyor in the transport operation state by discharging from the discharge port, and each of the discharge ports is in the transport direction of the discharge conveyor. A plurality of weighing object holders each arranged at a predetermined position,
  Combination means for repeatedly performing a combination process of obtaining one discharge combination including a combination of the object-to-be-weighed holding units in which the total weight of the objects to be weighed held is within a predetermined weight range;
  Each time the discharge combination is obtained by the combination process, the discharge combination is selected based on the position of the discharge port of the object-to-be-weighed holding unit selected as the discharge combination and the transport speed of the discharge conveyor. The start timing of the discharging operation of the weighing object holding unit is obtained, and at this time, from the weighing object discharged to the discharge conveyor from the weighing object holding unit selected as the discharge combination by the previous combination process. And the current weighing object group consisting of the weighing objects discharged to the discharge conveyor from the weighing object holding unit selected as the discharge combination by the current combination process, The distance on the discharge conveyor is equal to or greater than the target distance, and the discharge combination is performed by the current combination process so that the difference from the target distance is minimized. -Option has been said arithmetic means for determining the start timing of the operation of discharging the objects to be weighed holder,
  Discharge control means for starting the discharge operation of the object-to-be-weighed based on the start timing obtained by the arithmetic means,
  With
  The weighing object holding unit,
  The object to be weighed is supplied when the conveyance is stopped, the weighing conveyor performs a discharging operation of temporarily holding and weighing the supplied object to be weighed, and discharging the held object by conveying the object for a predetermined time. Composed,
  The arithmetic means is
It is configured to calculate the delay time by adding a value considering the variation of the position of the object to be weighed supplied to the weighing conveyor, to determine the start timing,
  Combination scale. A discharge conveyor for conveying and discharging the supplied weighing object at a predetermined speed,
  After temporarily holding the supplied objects to be weighed, the objects to be weighed are supplied to the discharge conveyor in the transport operation state by discharging from the discharge port, and each of the discharge ports is in the transport direction of the discharge conveyor. A plurality of weighing object holders each arranged at a predetermined position,
  Combination means for repeatedly performing a combination process of obtaining one discharge combination including a combination of the object-to-be-weighed holding units in which the total weight of the objects to be weighed held is within a predetermined weight range;
  Each time the discharge combination is obtained by the combination process, the discharge combination is selected based on the position of the discharge port of the object-to-be-weighed holding unit selected as the discharge combination and the transport speed of the discharge conveyor. The start timing of the discharging operation of the weighing object holding unit is obtained, and at this time, from the weighing object discharged to the discharge conveyor from the weighing object holding unit selected as the discharge combination by the previous combination process. And the current weighing object group consisting of the weighing objects discharged to the discharge conveyor from the weighing object holding unit selected as the discharge combination by the current combination process, The discharge movement of the object-to-be-weighed holding unit selected as the discharge combination by the current combination process so that the distance on the discharge conveyor is equal to or longer than a target distance. A calculating means for calculating a start timing,
  Discharge control means for starting the discharge operation of the object-to-be-weighed based on the start timing obtained by the arithmetic means,
  With
  The arithmetic means is
  When the distance calculated for obtaining the start timing of the discharging operation of the weighing object holding unit selected as the discharging combination by the current combination process is shorter than the target distance, the previous weighing object group and the current Determine the start timing of the discharge operation of the weighing object holding unit selected as the discharge combination by the current combination process so that the distance on the discharge conveyor with the weighing object group becomes the target distance,
  When the calculated distance is equal to or longer than the target distance, the weighing object holding unit closest to the upstream end in the transport direction of the discharge conveyor among the weighing object holding units selected as the discharge combination by the current combination process. The discharging operation of the unit is immediately started, and the start timing of the discharging operation of the object-to-be-weighed holding unit selected as the discharging combination by the current combination process is obtained.
  Combination scale. The arithmetic means is
Each time the discharge combination is determined, the discharge port is sequentially arranged from the weighing object holding unit closer to the upstream end of the discharging conveyor in the transport direction of the weighing object holding unit selected for the discharging combination. As each of the objects to be weighed is discharged, configured to determine the start timing of the discharging operation of each of the weighing object holding unit,
The combination weigher according to claim 2 . The arithmetic means is
Each time the discharge combination is determined, the discharge port is sequentially arranged from the weighing object holding unit closer to the upstream end of the discharging conveyor in the transport direction of the weighing object holding unit selected for the discharging combination. When each of the objects to be weighed is discharged, and the respective objects to be weighed are conveyed by the discharge conveyor, the arrangement of the outlets of the plurality of weighing object holders is such that the center interval between the respective objects to be weighed is plural. It is configured to determine the start timing of the discharge operation of each of the weighing object holding units so that the interval is smaller than the pitch,
The combination weigher according to claim 2 . The arithmetic means is
In each of the weighing object holding units selected in the discharge combination, the distant object farther from the upstream end than the weighing object discharged from the weighing object holding unit closer to the upstream end in the transport direction of the discharge conveyor. The start timing of the discharging operation of each of the weighing object holding units is determined so that the weighing object discharged from the weighing object holding unit is transported forward in the transport direction. Composed,
A combination weigher according to claim 5 . The arithmetic means is
Each time the discharge combination is determined, the discharge port is sequentially arranged from the weighing object holding unit closer to the upstream end of the discharging conveyor in the transport direction of the weighing object holding unit selected for the discharging combination. Each weighing object is discharged, and the start timing of the discharging operation of each of the weighing object holding units is set so that each of the weighing objects is located at the same position when the respective weighing objects are conveyed by the discharge conveyor. Configured to seek,
The combination weigher according to claim 2 . The arithmetic means is
Every time the discharge combination is obtained, the start timing of the discharge operation of the weighing object holding unit is determined so that the weighing object is discharged simultaneously from all the weighing object holding units selected in the discharging combination. Configured as
The combination weigher according to claim 2 . The weighing object holding unit,
The object to be weighed is supplied when the conveyance is stopped, and the weighing conveyor configured to temporarily hold and measure the supplied object to be weighed and discharge the object to be weighed held by being conveyed for a predetermined time,
A combination weigher according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 to 9 . A collecting hopper that discharges the object to be weighed, which is discharged from the weighing object holding unit selected in the discharge combination to the discharge conveyor, discharged from the discharge end of the discharge conveyor, temporarily holds, and then discharges downward. Further equipped with
The combination weigher according to claim 1.

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