DK201870004A1

DK201870004A1 - Combination weighing device

Info

Publication number: DK201870004A1
Application number: DKPA201870004A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Takao Eto; Mikio Kishikawa; Yoshiki Horitani; Hiroki Otoshi
Original assignee: Ishida Seisakusho
Priority date: 2015-06-11
Filing date: 2018-01-04
Publication date: 2018-01-15
Also published as: JPWO2016199870A1; WO2016199870A1

Abstract

A combination weighing apparatus (1) includes: a distrihuting table (3) configured to convey articles by rotating around a rotating shaft (A) provided in a substantially vertical direction, the articles being supplied from above; a plurality of conveying mernbers (5) radially arranged along an outer edge portion (3e) of the distributing member and configured to convey articles supplied from the distributing table; a plurality of guide blocks 90 arranged between the adjacent conveying members; and a scraper 100 configured to rotate around the rotating shaft along a substantially horizontal plane. The scraper 100 moves over at least a part of an area between an imaginary circle and the outer edge portion while rotating, in planar view as viewed from above in the vertical direction, the imaginary circle being a circle in contact with end portions on the outer edge portion side of the respective guide blocks and centered on the rotating shaft.

Description

DESCRIPTION ride of Invention

COMBINATION WEIGHING DEVICE

Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to a combination weighing apparatus.

Background Art [0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses a combination weighing apparatus provided with a scraper or the like configured to forcibly slide articles down so that no goods adhere on a sliding surface of a distributing table through a lateral surface of the distributing table and radial troughs. An article removal member such as a scraper circles around the circumferential surface of a cone of the distributing table, peels away the goods adhering on the sliding surface, and scraps and drops it off toward a guide pocket direction on tire lower side, [0003] Patent Literature 2 discloses a combination weighing apparatus including an annular guide ring surrounding a distributing table. The guide ring includes a plurality of guide blocks (guide units) that are formed being spaced at regular intervals tn the circumferential direction centered on the central axis and correspond to the number of troughs, A. comer portion formed on this guide block has a smooth cylindrical surface. By the action thereof, the articles (objects to he weighed) are sorted to the right and left without being caught on the corner portion and stagnating there.

Citation List

DK 2018 70004 A1

Patent Literature [0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Utility Model

Publication No. S64-863S

Patent Literature 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem [ÖÖ05] As in the foregoing, even if the comer portion is formed on the guide block, the muscular substance is caught on the corner portion when two chunks of meat are connected by a muscular substance such as a muscle fiber, for example. When the meat chunks are caught on the comer portion in such a manner, it is difficult to remove the caught meat chunks no matter how many times the distributing table or a coil unit is rotated.

>1 In order to eliminate the catch inu of meat chunks as described 'm-’ ve, it is conceivable to attach a dispersion device such as a scraper circling around the circumferential surface of the distributing table, as disclosed in Patent Literature I.

[0ÖÖ7] However, in. general, in order to reduce catching ofthe articles, as illustrated in FIG 1 in. Patent Literature 2, the distance between the distributing table and the corner portion of the guide ring is designed to be as narrow as possible. In such a case, it is not possible to attach the article removal member such as a scraper circling around the circumferential surface of the distributing table as described in Patent Literature I as is.

[0008] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a

DK 2018 70004 A1 combination weighing apparatus capable of preventing a state in which a meat chunk is caught on the partition member as compared with a conventional combination weighing apparatus provided with partition members.

Solution to Problem [0009] A combination weighing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a distributing member configured to convey articles by rotating around a. rotating shaft provided in a vertical direction, the articles being supplied from above; a plurality of conveying members radially arranged along an outer edge portion of the distributing member and configured to convey articles supplied from the distributing member; a plurality of partition members arranged between the adjacent conveying members; and an article removal member configured to rotate around the rotating shaft along a horizontal plane. The article removal member moves over at least a part of an area between an imaginary circle and the outer edge portion while rotating, in planar view as viewed from above in the vertical direction, the imaginary circle being a circle in contact with end portions on the outer edge portion side of the respective partition members and centered on the rotating shaft, [0010] A combination weighing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a distributing member configured io convey articles outward by rotating around a rotating shaft provided in a vertical direction, the articles being externally supplied; a plurality of conveying members arranged along an outer edge portion of the distributing member and configured to receive and further convey

DK 2018 70004 A1 articles conveyed by the distributing member; a partition member arranged between the conveying members; and a scraper arranged between, an end portion on the outer edge portion side of the partition member and the outer edge portion and configured to rotate around the rotating shaft on a horizontal plane. The scraper passes through an area in which a distance from the outer edge portion to the end portion on the outer edge portion side of the partition member is rotated once about the rotating shaft, [0011] Note that the term ’’horizontal includes being substantially horizontal, and the term vertical includes being substantially vertical.

Advantageous Effects of invention [0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, as compared with a conventional combination weighing apparatus provided with partition members, a state Io which a meat chunk, is caught on the partition member can be prevented.

Brief Description of Drawings [0013] FIG I is a schematic perspective view of a combination weighing apparatus according to one embodiment,

FIG 2 is a schemati c diagram for explaining the detail of a guide ring in the embodiment,

FIG 3 is a plan view of the combination weighing apparatus illustrated in FIG 1 as viewed trom. above in a substantially vertical direction,

FIG 4 is a diagram illustrating a sectional configuration of a distributing table, a scraper, and a guide block.

FIG 5 is a diagram for explaining an area through which the

DK 2018 70004 A1 scraper passes.

FIG 6 is a plan view of a combination weighing apparatus according to a second modification as viewed from above in a substantially vertical direction.

FiG 7 is a front view of a scraper of a combination weighing apparatus according to a third modi fication as viewed from die front.

FIG 8 is a perspective view of the scraper of the combination weighing apparatus in one of the third modification different from the scraper in FIG 7.

Description of Embodiment [ÖÖ14] An exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with reference to file accompanying drawings as appropriate, .However, the explanation detailed more than necessary may he omitted. For example, the detailed explanation on. an item that is well known, already and a redundant explanation for a substantively identical configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy of the following explanation and to faci litate understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0015] The inventors provide the accompanying drawings and the following explanation for the purpose of making those skilled in the art sufficiently understand the embodiment but not for the purpose of intending to limit the subject matter recited in claims, [0016] FIG. 1. is a schematic perspective view of a combination weighing apparatus 1 according to one embodiment FIG 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the detail of a guide ring 9 in the embodiment, FIG 3 is a diagram of the combination weighing

DK 2018 70004 A1 apparatus i in the embodiment as viewed downward Ironi above in a substantially vertical direction.

[0017] With reference to FIGS, 1 to 5, the configuration of the combination weighing apparatus I tn the embodiment will be described. The combination weighing apparatus 1 is an apparatus for weighing and sorting articles (objects to be weighed) having variance in individual weight such that the total weight is within a tolerable range. Examples of the articles include raw meat such as beef pork,, and chicken. In particular, the combination weighing apparatus 1 of the embodiment can suitably weigh articles that have viscosity and in which two or more meat chunks are connected by muscular substances and not completely separated, [0018] As illustrated in FIG 1, the combination weighing apparatus 1 includes a distributing table (distributing member) 3» a plurality of conveying members 5, a plurality of hoppers 7, and the guide ring 9, The distributing table 3, the conveying members 5, the hoppers 7, and the guide ring 9 arc supported by a frame 10.

[0019] The distributing table 3 is a circular member in planar view. The distributing table 3 includes a first dispersion portion 30 and a second dispersion portion 32. The first dispersion portion 30 is a cone-shaped member centered on a central axis A, The first dispersion portion 30 has a conveying surface 30a. The first dispersion portion 30 is connected to the second dispersion portion 32 at its bottom portion, [0020] The second dispersion portion 32 assumes a shape that is obtained by cutting off an apex portion from a cone shape having a

DK 2018 70004 A1 larger vertex angle than the vertex angle ofthe first dispersion portion 30, The second dispersion portion 32 is connected to the lirsf dispersion portion. 30 at the location corresponding to the ent apex portion. A. conveying surface 32a of the second dispersion portion 32 is different in incline from the conveying surface 30a of the first dispersion portion 30. Thus, the incline of a conveying surface 3a of the distributing table 3 changes at the connecting portion between the first dispersion portion 30 and the second dispersion portion 32.

[0021] The distributing table 3 is fitted to a rotating shaft supported by

a. supporting portion 4 (see FIG 4) arranged on the lower side in a substantially vertical direction of the distributing table 3, The distributing table 3 is detachable with respect to the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is driven by a motor. The distributing table 3 rotates around the central axis A by the motor. At this time, the distributing table 3 rotates while .repeating alternately the clockwise rotation and the counter-clockwise rotation as viewed from above in a substantially vertical direction.

[0022] The distributing table 3 conveys (distribute), by rotating around the central axis A, the articles supplied onto the distributing table 3 in a direction toward an outer edge portion 3e of the conveying surface 3 a of the distributing table 3.

[0023] As illustrated in FIG 3, the respective surfaces of the first dispersion, portion 30 and the second dispersion portion 32 of the distributing table 3 (the conveying surface 30a and the conveying surface 32a, that is, the conveying surface 3a) include a projecting portion 33 that is bulged outward in a direction orthogonal to the

DK 2018 70004 A1 surfaces- In short- the projecting portion 33 assumes an upwardly bulged shape with respect to the conveying surface 3a. The projecting portion. 33 is formed extending over the outer edge portion 3e of die distributing table 3 from fhe central axis A of the distributing table 3,

The projecting portion 33 in die embodiment has an intersection point at the rotational center of the distributing table 3 and is arranged in a cross shape in planar view. In the foregoing, the example in which the projecting portion 33 is arranged in a cross shape has been described. However, as long as it is configured to be in an upwardly bulged shape with respect to the conveying surface 3a, any arrangement and any member may be used, [0024] The distributing table 3 includes a scraper (article removal member) 100 near the outer edge portion 3e. The scraper 100 is arranged between the outer edge portion 3e and an end portion 92 of each of guide blocks (partition member) 90 which will be described in detail later. The scraper 100 rotates in conjunction with the rotational operation of the distributing table 3. That is, the scraper 100 rotates at the same rotation -speed as fhe rotation speed per unit time of the distributing table 3 and rotates in the same direction as that of the distributing table 3, The rotation plane of the scraper 100 rotating along with the rotational operation of the distributing table 3 is substantially horizontal. As the scraper 100 rotates along a substantially horizontal plane in conjunction with the rotational operation of the distributing table 3, the articles stagnating between the outer edge portion 3e and the end portion 92 are scraped out.

[ÖÖ25] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, each ofthe conveying members

DK 2018 70004 A1 includes a trough 52, and a screw 54 that is arranged in the trough. 52. A plurality of troughs 52 are formed on a trough plate 50. 'fhe trough plate 50 assumes an annular shape in planar view. The inner diameter of the trough plate 50 is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the supporting portion 4, and is smaller than the outer diameter of the distributing table 3. That is, when, viewed from above along the central axis A, the inner circumferential end of the trough plate 50 is located further inside than the outer edge portion 3e of the distributing [0026] The trough 52 is a semi-circular cylindrical recessed portion (recessed groove). The trough 52 is radially arranged from the center (central axis A) of the trough plate. The trough 52 extends over the outer edge from the center side (inner edge) ofthe trough plate.

[0027] The screw 54 is arranged in each ofthe troughs 52. The screw 54 is driven by a motor (not depicted) arranged on. the inner side of the supporting portion 4. The screw 54 rotates by receiving the drive force of the motor. The conveying member 5 mainly constituted by the trough 52 and the screw 54 is radially arranged along the outer edge portion 3e of fhe distributing table 3. The conveying member 5 conveys by the rotating screw 54 an article ejected from the distributing table 3 along the trough 52. The end portion on the distributing table 3 side of the conveying member 5 functions as an introduction portion 59 for the article.

[0028] As illustrated in FIG h the hopper 7 is provided corresponding to each of the conveying member 5. The hopper 7 then receives the article ejected from the conveying member 5. More specifically, the

DK 2018 70004 A1 hopper 7 includes a pool hopper 70, a weighing hopper 72, and a booster hopper 74. The pool hopper 70, the weighing hopper 72, and the booster hopper 74 are arrayed in juxtaposition downward from above in the foregoing order.

[0029] The pool hopper 70 temporarily holds the article ejected from the conveying member 5. The weighing hopper 72 temporarily holds the article ejected from the pool hopper 70. In the weighing hopper 72, by a weighing apparatus not depleted, the weight of the article is measured. The booster hopper 74 temporarily holds the article ejected from the weighing hopper 72. In the present embodiment, a set including the pool hopper 70* the weighing hopper 72; and the booster hopper 74 is provided corresponding to each of the conveying members 5, [0()3()] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the guide ring 9 includes the guide blocks 90 radially arrayed along the outer edge portion 3e of the distributing table 3. Each of the guide blocks 90 has, in planar view, a trapezoidal shape having an end portion 92 (apex portion) on the outer edge portion 3e side of the distributing table 3. The guide blocks 90 adjacent in the circumferential direction of the distributing table 3 are coupled by a coupling portion 93. The end face (wall) 92a of the end portion 92 Is a fiat surface. On the lower portion, of the end portion 92 of the guide block 90, provided is a protruding portion 94 protruding toward the central axis A side (the distributing table 3 side) from the end face 92a. An upper surface 94a of the protruding portion 94 is a fiat surface. In the case of the present embodiment, a part of the article supplied to the conveying member 5 from the distributing table 3

DK 2018 70004 A1 stagnates temporarily (until scraped out by the scraper 100) on the upper surface 94a.

(0031J In a state in which the distributing table 3 and the guide ring 9 are attached to the protruding portions 94, in planar view as viewed from above in a substantially vertical direction, the protruding portions 94 are located further inside than the outer edge portion 3e of the distributing table 3. As illustrated in FIG 3, between the end face 92a of the guide block 90 and the outer edge portion 3e of the distributing table 3, a gap G is formed.

[0032] In the gap G, the article stagnates. In the present embodiment, the scraper 100 rotates in conjunction with the rotational operation of the distributing table 3. Thus, the article is scraped out from the gap G and supplied to any one of the screws 54.

[0033] The following describes in detail the relation, among the distributing table 3, the scraper 100, and the guide block 90 with reference to the drawings.

[0034] FIG 4 is a diagram illustrating a sectional configuration of the distributing table 3> the scraper 100, and the guide block 90. FIG 5 is a diagram for explaining a passing area RA through which the scraper 100 passes.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG 4, the distributing table 3 includes a first extending portion (extension portion) 42 extending downward in a substantially vertical direction from the conveying surface 30a with the outer edge portion 3e as a starting point The distributing table 3 further includes a second extending portion 43 extending in the inner direction of the distributing table 3 front the lower end of the first

DK 2018 70004 A1 extending portion 42 as a start point.

[0036] The lower end ofthe first extending portion 42 may extend to such an extent that the second extending portion 43 and the upper surface 94a come into contact with each other, .Furthermore, a spacer made of resin or the like may be arranged between the second extending portion 43 and the upper surface 94a, In this case, when the distributing table 3 rotates, the spacer attached to the second extending portion 43 rotates while sliding on the upper surface 94a, for example. When the spacer is of a resin and the upper surface 94a is a member made of stainless steel, the spacer rotates while changing its shape by sliding on the upper surface 94a, for example.

[0037] The scraper 100 is provided to the first extending portion 42. In this case, the scraper 100 may be welded to the first extending portion 42. The scraper 100 may be detachably provided to the first extending portion 42 by bolts or the like. Moreover, it does not matter even if the scraper 100 is detachably attached to the projecting portion 33 by bolts or the like.

[0038] The scraper 100 is a member configured to scrape out the article stagnating on the upper surface 94a that is the gap G between the first extending portion 42 and the end face 92a of the guide block 90, and to supply It to any one of the screws 54.

[0039] hi addition, along with the rotation of the distributing table 3, file scraper 100 passes through a part of an area of the passing area RA as illustrated in FIG 5. The passing area RA is an annular area in planar view that is formed when a distance from the outer edge portion 3e to the end face 92a is rotated once about the rotating shaft of the

DK 2018 70004 A1 distributing table 3. In other words, passing area RÄ is an area between an imaginary circle and the outer edge portion 3e, in planar view as viewed from above in the vertical direction, the imaginary circle being a circle in contact with the end faces 92a of the respective guide blocks 90 and centered on the central axis A, [0040] The scraper 100 may he attached so as to project in the same direction as the extending direction of the projecting portion 33 that is attached to the surface of the distributing table 3. Specifically the scraper 100 may be attached near the end portion on the outer edge portion 3e side of the projecting portion 33 so as to project in the same direction as the extending direction of the projecting portion 33. By attaching it this way, the article that slides down the conveying surface 3a of the distributing table 3 along the projecting portion 33 drops as is to the location at which the scraper 100 comes into contact.

.Accordingly, the article drops Into the gap G between the first extending portion 42 and the end face 92a, and at the same time, the article is scraped out by the rotation of the scraper 100 and is supplied to the screw 54, Thus, in the present embodiment, the phenomenon in which the article stagnates in the gap G between, the first extending portion 42 and the end face 92a can fee suppressed while suppressing damage to the article at the time of scraping it out, [0041] The scraper 100 includes a first, portion 101 and a second portion 102. The first portion 101 is a member attached to the first extending portion 42. Furthermore, the first portion 101 extends toward the end face 92a side from the surface that feces the end face 92a of the guide block 90 of the first extending portion 42 as a starting

DK 2018 70004 A1 point. The first portion 101 is formed of a member that is less likely to undergo shape change by external force, as compared with the second portion 102. The first portion 101 is formed of metal such as stainless steel, for example. When the first portion 101 is formed of a metal member, the first portion 101 may he welded to the first extending portion 42 or may be detachably provided to the first extending portion 42, [0042] The second portion 102 is a member attached to the first portion 101. The second portion 102- extends toward the end face 92a side from the outer end lace on the end face 92a side ofthe first portion 101 as a starting point. The second portion 102 is formed of a member that is more likely to undergo shape change by the external force, as compared with the first portion 101. The second portion 102 is formed of material such as resin, for example. The second portion 102 may be detachably provided to the first portion 101,

10043] The operation, of the scraper 100 will now he described. When the distributing table 3 rotates about the above-described. central axis A, the scraper 100 provided on the first extending portion 42 rotates along a substantially horizontal plane in conjunction with the rotation of the distributing table 3.

[0044] By the rotational operation ofthe distributing table 3, the articles externally supplied to the distributing table 3 slide down the conveying surface 3 a of the distributing table 3 by the centrifugal force attributable to the rotational operation. At this time, due to the action of the projecting portion 33 provided on the surface (the conveying surface 3a) of the distributing table 3, a part of the articles slides down along the

DK 2018 70004 A1 projecting portion 33 toward the outer edge portion 3e.

[0045] A part of the articles that slid down from the outer edge portion 3e of the distributing table 3 is directly supplied to the screw 54. Another part of the above-described articles is supplied onto the upper surface 94a that is the gap G between the first extending portion 42 and the end face 92a of the guide block 90, The articles directly supplied to the screw' 54 are conveyed as is by the conveying force of the conveying member 5. Meanwhile, because the articles supplied onto the upper surface 94a that is the gap G between the first extending portion 42 and the end face 92a of the guide block 90 (hereinafter simply referred to as ’’articles supplied to the gap G also) are not subjected to the conveying force of the screw 54» the articles stagnate on the upper surface 94a of the guide block 90 as is.

[0046] The distributing table 3 rotates continuously, and In conjunction with the rotation thereof, the scraper 100 also rotates. Thus, even when the articles supplied to the gap G stagnate on the upper surface 94a, they are scraped out from the upper surface 94a by the scraper 100 and supplied to the screw 54. As a result» the articles are conveyed by the conveying force of the screw 54, [0047] Furthermore, in the case that the scraper 100 is attached near the end portion on the outer edge portion 3e side of the projecting portion. 33, when being dropped on the upper surface 94a, the article slid down along the projecting portion 33 is located at the scraper 100. In this state, when the scraper 100 rotates, the speed at which the article is scraped out becomes slower than the speed for the articles not located near the scraper 100. Thus, damage to the article at the time of

DK 2018 70004 A1 scraping it out can be reduced, [0048] Moreover, when the second portion 102 and the end face 92a are in contact with each other, the second portion 102 rotates while sliding on the end lace 92a. Thus, the articles stagnating in the gap G between the second portion 102 and the end face 92a are reliably scraped out and supplied to the screw 54.

[0049] The operation and effect of the combination weighing apparatus I in the present embodiment will be described. The combination weighing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment includes: the distributing table 3 configured to convey articles outward by rotation, the articles being externally supplied; the conveying members 5 arranged along the outer edge portion 3e of the distributing table 3 and configured to receive and further convey the articles conveyed by the distributing table 3; the guide blocks 90 arranged between the conveying members 5; and the scraper 100 arranged in the gap G between the end portions 92 on the outer edge portion 3e side of the guide blocks 90 and the outer edge portion 3e and configured to rotate around die central axis A ofthe distributing fable 3 along a substantially horizontal plane. The scraper 100 then passes through the area in which the distance from the outer edge portion 3e to the end portion 92 is rotated once about the central axis A of the distributing table 3.

[0050] In other words, the combination weighing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment includes: the distributing table 3 configured to convey articles by rotating around the central axis A provided In a substantially vertical direction, the articles being supplied from above; the plurality of conveying members 5 radially arranged along the outer

DK 2018 70004 A1 edge portion Se ofthe distributing table 3 and configured to convey the articles supplied from the distributing table 3; the plurality of guide blocks 90 arranged between the adjacent conveying members 5; and the scraper 100 configured to rotate around the central axis A along a substantially horizontal plane. The scraper 100 moves over a part of the passing area RA between an imaginary circle and the outer edge portion 3e while rotating, in planar view as viewed from above in the vertical direction, the imaginary circle being a circle in contact with, the end portions 92 on the outer edge portion 3e side of the respective guide blocks 90 and centered on the central axis A.

[0051] As the distributing table 3 rotates, the articles slide down the surface of the distributing table 3,. The articles sliding down the surface of the distributing table 3 stagnate on the upper surface 94a that is between the outer edge portion 3e or the first extending portion 42 and the end portion 92. In the present embodiment, the scraper 1ÖÖ is arranged between the outer edge portion 3e or the first extending portion 42 and the end portion 92 of the guide block 99. The scraper 100 passes through the passing area RA in which the distance from the outer edge portion 3e to the end portion 92 of the guide block: 90 is rotated once about the central axis A of the distributing table 3. That is, the scraper 100 moves, in planar view as viewed from above in a substantially vertical direction, over the passing area RA between the above-described imaginary circle and the outer edge portion 3e. Thus, even when the articles stagnate in the gap G between the outer edge portion 3e or the first extending portion 42 and the end portion 92 of the guide block 90, the articl es are scraped out by the rotation of the scraper

DK 2018 70004 A1

100 and are supplied to the conveying member 5, [0052j That is, although the articles temporarily stagnate in the gap G between the outer edge portion 3e or the first extending portion 42 and the end portion 92 of the guide block 90, because the articles are scraped out by the rotation of the scraper 100, the stagnation of the articles can be suppressed as a result.

[0053] The scraper 1ÖÖ may rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the distributing table 3. With this configuration, there is no need to separately provide a mechanism to control the scraper 100, and thus the configuration can be simplified. The scraper 100 may be rotated at the same rotation speed as the rotation speed per unit time of the distributing table 3 and rotated in the same direction as that of the distributing table 3 .

[0054] Furthermore, the end portion 92 of the guide block: 90 includes the end face 92a extending in a substantially vertical direction, and the second portion 102 formed at the end portion on the guide block 90 side of the scraper 100 may be rotated while being in contact with the end face 92a. With this configuration, the articles dropped on the upper surface 94a can be scraped out more reliably.

[0055] The distributing table 3 includes the first extending portion 42 extending downward m a substantially vertical direction from the outer edge portion 3e of the distributing table 3, and the scraper 100 may be provided on the first extending portion 42, [ÖÖ56J The distributing table 3 further includes one projecting portion of an upwardly bulged shape projecting upward in a substantially verti cal direction front the surface of the distributing table 3 and formed

DK 2018 70004 A1 extending over the outer edge portion. 3e of the distributing table 3 from the rotational center ofthe distributing table 3, and the scraper .100 may be provided near the projecting portion 33 in the first extending portion 42, With this configuration, a part of the articles out of the articles sliding down the distributing table 3 along the projecting portion 33 drops near the scraper 100. Thus, the speed at which the scraper 100 comes into contact with the article can be decreased. Accordingly, damage to the article can be reduced, [0057] The first portion 101 located on the distributing table 3 side of the scraper 100 may be formed of a member less likely to undergo shape change by external force, as compared with the second portion 102 located, further on the guide block 90 side than the first portion 1ÖT [0058] As In tire foregoing, one embodiment, has been explained as an example of the technique in the present invention. To that end, the accompanying drawings and the detailed explanation have been provided. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

[ÖÖ59] First Modification in the above-described embodiment, the operation that the scraper 100 rotates while being in contact with the end face 92a has been explained. However, it is not limited to such a configuration, and the scraper 100 may be configured to slide and rotate while touching both of the end face 92a and the upper surface 94a. In this case, it may be configured such that the second portion 102 of the scraper 100 touches the upper surface 94a. The first portion 101 may be made up

DK 2018 70004 A1 ofa material harder than that of the second portion 102, Thus, when the first portion 101 rotates while sliding on the tipper surface 94a, the upper surface 94a is likely to be marred.

[0060] It may further be configured such that a part of a plurality of scrapers 100 rotates while sliding in a state of being in contact with only the end face 92a, and such that a part of the other scrapers 100 rotates while sliding in a state of being in contact with only the upper surface 94 a.

[0061] In short, when the plurality of scrapers 100 are available, the combination of the scraper that touches the end face 92a and the scraper that touches the upper surface 94a can be freely designed. For example, it may have two scrapers 100 touching the end face 92a and have two scrapers 100 touching the upper surface 94a. Moreover, it may have two scrapers 100 touching the end face 92a and have four scrapers 100 touching the upper surface 94a. In. short, the number of scrapers 100 can be freely designed (may be one or may be three or more), and the allocation of the number of scrapers 100 can also be freely designed.

[0062] Furthemiore, the end portion on the end face 92a side of the second portion 102 may be in a comb-like shape, in short, it may be in any shape as long as it is capable of scraping out stagnant articles.

[0063] Second Modification

In the above-described embodiment or the above-described modification, as an example ofthe article removal member, the scraper

100 including the first portion 101 and the second portion 102 .has been exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

DK 2018 70004 A1

For example, as illustrated in FIG 6, the article removal member may be configured as a protruding member 200 protruding toward the end portion 92 of the guide block 90 from the first extending portion. 42 (sec FIG 4). The protruding member 200 is formed in a triangular shape such that one vertex faces the end portion 92 in planar view as viewed from above in a substantially vertical direction. Furthermore, four protruding members 200 may be arranged as illustrated in FIG 6, or a number of protruding members 200 except four may be arranged. The protruding member 200 is formed of a metal, member such as stainless steefr for example. The protruding member 200 is fixed onto the first extending portion 42 with bolts or the like.

[0064] With such a protruding member 200, generated is the force not pushing out the article in the tangential direction of a circle like the scraper 100 of the above-described embodiment but moving the article in the outward direction regardless of the rotation direction (normal rotation or reverse rotation), Thus, even when the gap G between the first extending portion 42 and the end face 92a is made to be a substantially horizontal plane, the article can be moved in a direction desired to move. Moreover, when the position of the distributing table 3 at the time of rotation is controlled, the article can also he prevented from entering the gap G at the time of putting the article in, [0065] Third Modification

In addition to the configuration of the above-described embodiment or the above-described .modifications, the scraper 100 or the protruding member 200 may be provided so as to be movable along the outer edge portion 3e (circumferential direction of the distributing

DK 2018 70004 A1 table 3), with respect to the projecting portion 33, With, reference to FIG, 7, one example of a configuration in which the scraper 100 is provided so as to be movable along the outer edge portion 3c with respect to the projecting portion 33 will be described, [0066] The scraper 100 is fixed onto the first extending portion 42 of the distributing table 3 with a bolt 213, More specifically, in the first extending portion 42, an insertion hole 214 extending in a circumferential direction DI along the outer edge portion 3e is formed. The scraper 100 is fixed with the bolt 213 inserted to the insertion hole

214, Because the insertion hole 214 is long in the circumferential direction DI along the outer edge portion 3e, the position at which the bolt 213 is inserted can be moved along the above-described circumferential direction DI, Accordingly, the position at which the scraper 100 is fixed to the first extending portion 42 can also be changed along the circumferential direction D I, [0067] By employing the configuration of the above-described third modification, the scraper 100 is slidable along the circumferential direction DI with, respect to the projecting portion 33 of an outwardly bulged shape attached on the distributing table 3. That is, a user can adjust the mounting position of the scraper 100 with respect to the projecting portion 33 of an outwardly bulged shape.

[0068] Furthermore, the scraper 100 or the protruding member 200 may be provided so as to be movable, with respect to the projecting portion 33, in the direction in which the outer edge portion 3e of the distributing .25 table 3 is located as viewed from the rotational center of the distributing table 3, in other words, in the direction radially expanding from the op

DK 2018 70004 A1 rotational center of die distributing tabic 3. or in other words, in the radial direction of the distributing table 3 (hereinafter referred to as radial direction D2”). Because the projecting portion 33 extends in. the radial direction of the distributing table 3, if can also be said that the scraper .1.00 is provided so as to be movable in the extending direction of the projecting portion 33 with, respect to the projecting portion 33. With reference to FIG 8, one example of a configuration in which the scraper 100 is provided so as to be movable in the radial direction D2 with respect to the projecting portion 33 will be described.

[0069] As illustrated in FIG 8, on the projecting portion 33, two elongated holes 33 A. and 33 A extending along the radial direction ofthe distributing table 3 are formed. The scraper 100 is fixed to the projecting portion 33 via an adjustment plate 320. The adjustment plate 320 is fixed to the projecting portion 33 with bolts 311 and nuts 313. Specifically, the bolts 311. inserted through through-holes (not depicted), which are formed on the adjustment plate 320, and. the elongated holes 33Å of the projecting portion. 33 from the adjustment plate 320 side are fixed with the nuts 313 front the projecting portion 33 [0070] The bolts 311 become movable in the radial direction f)2 in the range ofthe length ofthe elongated holes 33 A in the radial direction D2. That is, the adjustment plate 320 is movable in the radial direction D2 with respect to the projecting portion 33 In the range of the length of the elongated holes 33A in the radial direction D2. The scraper 100 fixed onto the adjustment plate 320 can also adjust the position in the radial direction D2 with respect to the projecting portion 33. By employing

DK 2018 70004 A1 the above-described configuration, the scraper 100 becomes slidable along the radial direction 1)2 with respect to the projecting portion 33 of an outwardly bulged shape attached on the distributing table 3, That is, the user can adjust the mounting position of the scraper 100 with respect to the projecting portion 33 of an outwardly bulged shape.

[0071] The constituent elements described in the accompanying drawings and the detailed description can include not only indispensable constituent elements for solving the problem but also constituent elements that are not indispensable for solving the problem in order to exemplify the above-described technologies. For this reason, those constituent elements not indispensable should not be .recognized as being indispensable immediately if and when those constituent elements not indispensable are described in the accompanying drawings and the detailed description.

[0072] The above-described one embodiment is intended to exemplify the technology in the present disclosure, and thus it is possible to make various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and others within the scope of claims or the equivalents thereof

Industrial Applicability [0073] One embodiment of the present disclosure is applicable to a combination weighing apparatus in which articles stagnate between the distributing member and the partition member. Specifically, one embodiment of the present disclosure is applicable to a weighing apparatus or the like that weighs articles having viscosity and containing much moisture, such as raw liver.

Reference Signs List

DK 2018 70004 A1 [0074] L.. COMBINATION WEIGHING APPARATUS, 3.., DISTRIBUTING TABUE, 3a,.. CONVEYING SURFACE, 3e... OUTER EDGE PORTION, 4.,, SUPPORTING PORTION, 5... CONVEYING MEMBER 7.,, HOPPER, 9... GUIDE RING, 10...

FRAME, 30... FIRST DISPERSION PORTION, 32... SECOND DISPERSION PORTION, 33.,. PROJECTING PORTION, 42.,, FIRST

EXTENDING PORTION (EXTENSION PORTION), 43..... SECOND

EXTENDING PORTION, 50... TROUGH PLATE, 52... TROUGH, 54... SCREW, 59... INTRODUCTION PORTION, 70... POOL

HOPPER, 72... WEIGHING HOPPER, 74... BOOSTER HOPPER, 90...

GUIDE BLOCK (PARTITION MEMBER), 92... END PORTION, 92a... END FACE (WALL), 94... PROTRUDING PORTION, 94a... UPPER. SURFACE OF PROTRUDING PORTION, 100... SCRAPER (ARTICLE REMOVAL MEMBER), 101.., FIRST PORTION, 102..,

SECOND PORTION, 200... PROTRUDING MEMBER (ARTICLE REMOVAL MEMBER), 320... ADJUSTMENT PLATE, A... CENTRAL AXIS, G.. GAR RA... PASSING AREA

DK 2018 70004 A1

Claims

i. A combination weighing apparatus comprising;

a distributing member configured to convey articles by rotating around a rotating shaft provided in a vertical direction, the articles being

5 supplied from above;

a plurality of conveying members radially arranged along an outer edge portion of the distributing member and configured to convey articles supplied from the distributing member;

a plurality of partition members arranged between the adjacent 10 conveying members; and an article removal member configured to rotate around the rotating shaft along a horizontal plane, wherein, the article removal member moves over at least a part of an area between an imaginary circle and the outer edge portion while rotating, .15 in planar view as viewed from above In the vertical direction, the imaginary circle being a circle in contact with end portions on the outer edge portion side of the respective partition members and centered on the rotating shaft.

20 2. The combination weighing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the article removal member rotates in conjunction with rotation ofthe distributing member.

3. The combination weighing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

25 wherein the article removal member rotates at a same rotation speed as a rotation speed per unit time of the distributing member and in a same

DK 2018 70004 A1 direction as that ofthe distributing member.

4, The combination weighing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein

5 an end portion on the outer edge portion side of the partition member includes at least a wall extending hi the vertical direction, and an end portion on the partition member side of the article removal member rotates while being in contact with the wall.

10 5. 'the combination weighing apparatus according to any one of claims I to 4, wherein the distributing member includes an extension portion extending downward in the vertical direction from the outer edge portion of the distributing member, and

15 the article removal member is provided on the extension portion.

6. The combination weighing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the distributing member includes a projecting portion projecting 20 upward in the vertical direction from a surface of the distributing member and formed extending over the outer edge portion from a rotational center ofthe distributing member, and the article removal member is provided near the projecting portion.

7. The combination weighing apparatus according to claim 6,

DK 2018 70004 A1 wherein the article removal member is provided so as to be movable with respect to the projecting portion.

8. The combination weighing apparatus according to any one of clainrs I to 7, wherein a first portion located on the distributing member side of the article removal member is formed of a member less likely to undergo shape change by external force as compared with a second portion located Iurther on the partition member side than, the first portion,

9, The combination weighing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the article removal member protrudes toward an end portion of the partition member from the extension portion.

15 10. Λ combination weighing apparatus, comprising:

a distributing member configured to convey articles outward by rotating around a rotating shaft provided in a vertical direction, the articles being externally supplied;

a plurality of conveying members arranged along an outer edge 20 portion of the distributing member and configured to receive and further convey articles conveyed by the distributing member, a partition member arranged between the conveying members;

and a scraper arranged between an end portion on the outer edge 25 portion side of the partition member and the outer edge portion and configured to rotate around the rotating shaft on a horizontal plane,

DK 2018 70004 A1 wherein the scraper passes through an area in which a distance from the outer edge portion to the end portion on the outer edge portion side of the partition member is rotated once about the rotating shaft.

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