JP2008175718A - Metering/packaging system, and metering machine and packaging machine used therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a metering/packaging system capable of operating both a metering machine and a packaging machine at the same operational speed. <P>SOLUTION: A combination balance control section 10 sets a discharge signal output schedule time coming at an interval of a first period according to a first speed, outputs a discharge signal (a) at this time, sets a reference time coming at the interval of the first period as ideal time when a discharge requirement signal (b) output from a packaging machine control section 20 is to be recognized, and controls the timing of operation of combination balance body 2 based on this reference time. The packaging machine control section 20 outputs the discharge requirement signal (b) with a predetermined timing in the period of the operation of the packaging machine body 2 according to the first speed, and controls the timing of the operation of the packaging machine body 2 based on the discharge signal (a). The combination balance control section 10 performs adjusting processing of resetting one of the discharge signal output schedule time and the reference time so that the time difference occurring between the discharge requirement signal input recognizing time and the reference time becomes small. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a weighing and packaging system for weighing and packaging an object to be weighed, and a weighing machine and a packaging machine used therefor.

  Generally, objects to be weighed such as confectionery weighed by a weighing machine such as a combination weigher are packaged by a packaging machine. In such a weighing and packaging system, for example, a packaging machine is installed below the combination weigher, and an object to be weighed and discharged by the combination weigher is packaged by the packaging machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

  In a conventional weighing and packaging system, for example, an object to be weighed with a combination weigher is supplied to a packaging machine, and is packaged with a packaging machine and packed into a bag so that the combination weighing machine and the packaging machine can be linked. Therefore, one of the combination weigher and the packaging machine is used as a slave side, and the other is used as a master side device, and signals are exchanged between the combination weigher and the packaging machine. For example, a packaging machine outputs a discharge request signal for requesting discharge of an object to be measured to a combination weigher at a predetermined timing, and the combination weigher notifies the packaging machine of discharge of an object to be measured at a predetermined timing. A discharge signal is output. These discharge signals and discharge request signals are exchanged between the control units of the combination weigher and the packaging machine, for example, by communication using a LAN.

  Here, in the configuration in which the packaging machine is a master side device and the combination weigher is a slave side device, for example, the operation speed of the combination weigher (the number of discharges of the weighed objects to be weighed per minute) is 110 times / minute, The packaging machine is set to an operation speed slower than that of the combination weigher so that the operation speed of the packaging machine (the number of times of packaging per minute) is 100 times / minute. In this case, in the combination weigher, before the discharge request signal is input from the packaging machine, the preparation for discharging the object to be weighed is completed and is in a standby state, and responds to the discharge request signal input from the packaging machine. And immediately discharge the object to be weighed and output a discharge signal to the packaging machine. In the packaging machine, the discharge signal inputted from the combination weigher is confirmed, and the weighing object discharged from the combination weigher is packed.

  As described above, in the configuration in which the packaging machine is the master side and the combination scale is the slave side apparatus, the combination scale discharging operation is started based on the discharge request signal from the packaging machine. In this case, for example, in the combination weigher, fluctuation occurs in the timing when the discharge request signal from the packaging machine is recognized. Here, for example, when the combination weigher and the packaging machine are operated at the same operating speed, the combination weigher discharges when the timing fluctuation when the discharge request signal from the packaging machine is recognized is large. The start of operation is delayed and a waiting time is generated in the combination weigher. In addition, the output timing of the discharge signal from the combination weigher is delayed, and fluctuations occur in the timing when the discharge signal is recognized also in the packaging machine, so that the start of the packaging operation of the packaging machine is delayed and the waiting time also in the packaging machine. appear. Accordingly, a waiting time occurs in both, and the substantial speed is greatly reduced. Therefore, for example, when the longest fluctuation time is predicted in advance on the combination weigher, and the timing at which the discharge request signal from the packaging machine should be recognized based on this, the combination weigher recognizes the discharge request signal. When the fluctuation time is short, the preparation for discharging the combination weigher may not be completed. In order to prevent such a case from occurring, the packaging machine on the master side is set to a slower operating speed than the combination weigher on the slave side.

  Further, in the configuration in which the combination weigher is a master side device and the packaging machine is a slave side device, for example, the operation speed of the combination weigher is 100 times / minute, the operation speed of the packaging machine is 110 times / minute, Set the combination scale to a slower operating speed than the packaging machine. In this case, in the packaging machine, before the preparation for discharging the combination weigher is completed, the discharge request signal is output to the combination weigher and is in a standby state. After confirming that the discharge request signal has been input, the object to be weighed is discharged and a discharge signal is output to the packaging machine. In the packaging machine, in response to the discharge signal input from the combination weigher, the packaging object discharged from the combination weigher is packed.

  As described above, in the configuration in which the combination weigher is the master side and the packaging machine is the slave side device, the packaging operation of the packaging machine is started based on the discharge signal from the combination weigher. In this case, for example, in the packaging machine, fluctuation occurs in the timing when the discharge signal from the combination weigher is recognized. Here, for example, when the combination weigher and the packaging machine are operated at the same operating speed, the packaging operation of the packaging machine is performed when the timing fluctuation when the discharge signal from the combination weigher is recognized is large. The start of is delayed and a waiting time occurs in the packaging machine. In addition, the output timing of the discharge request signal from the next packaging machine is delayed, and the combination weigher also fluctuates in the timing when the discharge request signal is recognized. Even waiting time occurs. Accordingly, a waiting time occurs in both, and the substantial speed is greatly reduced. So, for example, if the packaging machine has previously predicted the longest fluctuation time and set the timing for the discharge signal from the combination weigher to be recognized based on that, the packaging machine will recognize the discharge signal. When the fluctuation time is short, there is a case where the packaging operation of the packaging machine is started before the object to be weighed from the combination weigher is completely contained in the bag of the packaging machine and the packaging operation is hindered. In order to prevent such a case from occurring, the combination weigher on the master side is set to a slower operating speed than the packaging machine on the slave side.

The fluctuations in the timing of signals exchanged between the combination weigher and the packaging machine are caused by internal processing in the control unit that inputs and outputs each signal in the combination weigher and the packaging machine, noise, and the like.
JP 61-7423 A

  As described above, in a weighing and packaging system including a weighing machine such as a combination weigher and a packaging machine, signals (discharge signal and discharge request signal) exchanged between the two in each control unit of the weighing machine and the packaging machine As the timing for recognizing the fluctuation occurs, it is difficult to operate the weighing machine and the packaging machine at the same speed. Therefore, even if the weighing machine and the packaging machine have the same maximum speed, the master side device cannot be operated at the maximum speed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and allows both the weighing machine and the packaging machine to be operated at the same operation speed without causing a substantial decrease in the substantial speed. An object of the present invention is to provide a weighing and packaging system that can be used, and a weighing machine and a packaging machine that are used in the weighing and packaging system.

  In order to achieve the above object, a weighing and packaging system according to the present invention includes an apparatus main body that repeatedly performs a series of operations for measuring and discharging the weight of an object to be weighed, and the apparatus main body according to a set operation speed. A weighing machine having a control unit for controlling the operation of the apparatus, an apparatus main body that repeats a series of operations for packaging an object to be weighed discharged from the weighing machine, and the apparatus main body according to a set operation speed A packaging machine having a control unit that controls the operation of the weighing machine, wherein one of the weighing machine and the packaging machine is a first device, the other is a second device, and the control unit of the first device; When the first speed, which is the same operating speed, is set in the control unit of the second device, the control unit of the first device is a device of the first device corresponding to the first speed. A first cycle which is a cycle of the series of operations of the main body; Is set at the first signal output scheduled time, and at the first signal output scheduled time, the first signal is output to the control unit of the second device and output from the control unit of the second device. Corresponding to the second signal input recognition time that is the time when the input of the second signal is recognized, the reference time that arrives at the interval of the first period is set as the ideal time to recognize the second signal The control unit of the second device is configured to control the timing of the series of operations to be performed by the device body of the first device based on the reference time. The second signal is output to the control unit of the first device at a predetermined timing set within the cycle of the series of operations of the device body of the second device, and is input from the control unit of the first device The first signal based on the first signal; The control unit of the first device is configured to control the timing of the series of operations performed by the device main body of the device, and the control unit of the first device further includes the second signal input recognition time and the reference time corresponding to the time. An adjustment process for resetting any one of the first signal output scheduled time and the reference time is performed so that a time difference between them is reduced.

  According to this configuration, in the control unit of the first device, the first signal output scheduled time and the reference time are calculated so that the time difference between the second signal input recognition time and the corresponding reference time is obtained and the time difference is reduced. By resetting (updating) any one of the above, it is possible to adjust the timing of the operations of the first device, the second device, the weighing machine, and the packaging machine. By adjusting the timing of the operation of the weighing machine and the packaging machine in this way, the waiting time that occurs between them can be reduced, and the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be reduced without causing a substantial reduction in the actual speed. Both can be operated at the same set speed. Therefore, if the weighing machine and the packaging machine have the same maximum speed, the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be operated at the maximum speed.

  The control unit of the first device controls the timing of the series of operations of the device main body of the first device based on the reference time, and sets the start time of one operation of the series of operations. The control unit of the second device is configured to perform control based on a reference time, and the control unit of the second device controls timing of the series of operations of the device body of the second device performed based on the first signal. The start time of one operation in the series of operations may be configured to be controlled by controlling based on the time when the input of the first signal is recognized.

  Further, the control unit of the first device sets the second signal input recognition time when the second signal input first is recognized as the first reference time among the reference times arriving at the first period. You may be comprised so that it may be decided at time.

  In this way, the operation timings of the weighing machine and the packaging machine at the start of operation (operation) can be matched.

  The adjustment process performed by the control unit of the first device obtains the time difference between the second signal input recognition time and the reference time corresponding to this time each time the input of the second signal is recognized. When the time difference is outside the range of the first range which is a predetermined range, and the second signal input recognition time is earlier than the reference time, the time difference obtained next is The first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted backward so as to be within the first range, and when the second signal input recognition time is later than the reference time, it is obtained next. The reference time may be updated to a time shifted backward so that the time difference falls within the first range.

  According to this configuration, the control unit of the first device obtains a time difference between the second signal input recognition time and the corresponding reference time, and if the time difference is outside the first range, the second signal input When the recognition time is earlier than the reference time, the first device and the second device without causing a waiting time in the first device by updating the first signal output scheduled time to a time shifted backward. That is, the operation timing of the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be adjusted. In addition, when the second signal input recognition time is later than the reference time, the reference time is updated to a time shifted backward, thereby causing the first device and the first device without causing a waiting time in the second device. It is possible to adjust the timing of the operation of the two devices, that is, the weighing machine and the packaging machine.

  In this case, in the adjustment process, when the first signal output scheduled time is updated, the time difference is updated to a time shifted by the time of the absolute value of the time difference, and when the reference time is updated, the time of the absolute value of the time difference is updated. You may make it update at the time shifted to minutes.

  In addition, the adjustment process performed by the control unit of the first device subtracts the reference time corresponding to this time from the second signal input recognition time each time the input of the second signal is recognized. The time difference is obtained, and every time the time difference is obtained by recognizing the input of the second signal a times (a is a predetermined integer equal to or greater than 1), b pieces (b is a predetermined number) obtained most recently. When the average value of the time difference is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted to the time of the absolute value of the average value of the time difference, When the average value of the time difference is a positive value, the reference time may be updated to a time shifted by the time of the average value of the time difference.

  This is the first adjustment process. The adjustment process is as follows: “Each time the input of the second signal is recognized, the time difference is obtained by subtracting the second signal input recognition time from the reference time corresponding to the second signal input recognition time, Each time the second signal input is recognized a times (a is a predetermined integer equal to or greater than 1) and a time difference is obtained, the average of the b time differences (b is a predetermined plurality) obtained most recently. When the average value of the time difference is a positive value, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted by the time of the average value of the time difference, and the average value of the time difference is negative. When the value is a value, it is equivalent to updating the reference time to a time shifted by the time of the absolute value of the average value of the time differences.

  According to this configuration, in the control unit of the first device, the time difference between the second signal input recognition time and the corresponding reference time is obtained, and the average value of the time differences obtained sequentially is obtained, and based on this average value, When the second signal input recognition time averages is earlier than the reference time, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted to the time of the absolute value of the average value of the time difference. The operation of the first device and the second device, that is, the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be adjusted without causing a waiting time for one device. Further, when the second signal input recognition time is an average time later than the reference time, the second device is updated by updating the reference time to a time shifted to the absolute value of the average value of the time difference. It is possible to adjust the operation timing of the first device and the second device, that is, the weighing machine and the packaging machine, without causing any waiting time.

  In addition, the adjustment process performed by the control unit of the first device subtracts the reference time corresponding to this time from the second signal input recognition time each time the input of the second signal is recognized. Each time the second signal is recognized n times (where n is a predetermined number) and the n time differences are determined, an average value of the n time differences is obtained. When it is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted to the time after the absolute value of the average value of the time difference, and when the average value of the time difference is a positive value, The time may be updated to a time shifted to the time after the average value of the time difference.

  This is the second adjustment process. The adjustment process is as follows: “Each time the input of the second signal is recognized, the time difference is obtained by subtracting the second signal input recognition time from the reference time corresponding to the second signal input recognition time, Each time n times difference is obtained by recognizing the input of the second signal n times (n is a predetermined number), an average value of the n time differences is obtained, and the average value of the time differences is a positive value. In some cases, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted by the time of the average value of the time difference, and when the average value of the time difference is a negative value, the reference time is set to the average value of the time difference. It is equivalent to “update at a time shifted to the absolute time”.

  This second adjustment process corresponds to the case where a = b = n in the first adjustment process.

  In addition, the adjustment process performed by the control unit of the first device subtracts the reference time corresponding to this time from the second signal input recognition time each time the input of the second signal is recognized. Each time the time difference is obtained by recognizing the input of the second signal and obtaining the time difference, the average value of the m time differences (m is a predetermined number) obtained most recently is obtained. When it is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted to the time after the absolute value of the average value of the time difference, and when the average value of the time difference is a positive value, The time may be updated to a time shifted to the time after the average value of the time difference.

  This is the third adjustment process. The adjustment process is as follows: “Each time the input of the second signal is recognized, the time difference is obtained by subtracting the second signal input recognition time from the reference time corresponding to the second signal input recognition time, Each time the time difference is determined by recognizing the input of the second signal, an average value of m (m is a predetermined number) of the most recently obtained time differences is obtained, and the average value of the time differences is a positive value. In some cases, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted by the time of the average value of the time difference, and when the average value of the time difference is a negative value, the reference time is set to the average value of the time difference. It is equivalent to “update at a time shifted to the absolute time”.

  This second adjustment process corresponds to the case where a = 1 and b = m in the first adjustment process.

  In addition, the adjustment process performed by the control unit of the first device subtracts the reference time corresponding to this time from the second signal input recognition time each time the input of the second signal is recognized. When the time difference is outside the range of the first range which is a predetermined range and the time difference is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is Updating at a time shifted to the absolute value of the time difference, and when the time difference is a positive value, updating the reference time to a time shifted to the time difference by the time difference; and When the time difference is within the range of the first range, the input of the second signal is recognized a times (a is a predetermined integer equal to or greater than 1), and each time a time difference is obtained, B pieces (b is a predetermined number) When the average value of the time difference is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted to the time of the absolute value of the average value of the time difference, When the average value of the time difference is a positive value, a second process of updating the reference time to a time shifted to the time after the average value of the time difference is performed, and the first process is performed. In some cases, the number of times of recognition of the input of the second signal by the second process may be set to zero, and only the time difference obtained after the first process may be the target of the second process.

  According to this configuration, the control unit of the first device obtains a time difference between the second signal input recognition time and the corresponding reference time, and if the time difference is outside the first range, the second signal input When the recognition time is earlier than the reference time, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted by the absolute value of the time difference without causing a waiting time in the first device. The timing adjustment of operation | movement with a 1st apparatus and a 2nd apparatus, ie, a weighing machine, and a packaging machine can be performed. In addition, when the second signal input recognition time is later than the reference time, the reference time is updated to a time shifted to the absolute value of the time difference, thereby causing the second device to have a waiting time. The timing adjustment of the operation of the first device and the second device, that is, the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be performed without any problem.

  Further, when the case where the time difference is within the range of the first range is continuous, an average value of the time differences sequentially obtained is obtained, and based on this average value, the second signal input recognition time is averaged as a reference When the time is earlier than the time, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted to the time after the absolute value of the average value of the time difference, so that the first device does not cause a waiting time. It is possible to finely adjust the operation timing of the first device and the second device, that is, the weighing machine and the packaging machine. Further, when the second signal input recognition time is an average time later than the reference time, the second device is updated by updating the reference time to a time shifted to the absolute value of the average value of the time difference. It is possible to finely adjust the operation timing of the first device and the second device, that is, the weighing machine and the packaging machine, without causing a waiting time.

  In addition, the first device is the weighing machine, the second device is the packaging machine, and the first signal is a discharge signal that informs the packaging machine that the weighing object is discharged from the weighing machine, The second signal may be configured to be a discharge request signal for requesting discharge of an object to be weighed from the packaging machine to the weighing machine.

  The first device is the packaging machine, the second device is the weighing machine, and the first signal is a discharge request signal for requesting the weighing machine to discharge the object to be weighed from the packaging machine. The second signal may be a discharge signal that informs the packaging machine of the discharge of the object to be weighed from the weighing machine.

  The weighing machine of the present invention controls the operation of the apparatus main body according to a set operation speed, and an apparatus main body that repeatedly performs a series of operations for measuring the weight of the object to be weighed and discharging it to the packaging machine. A first speed that is the same operating speed as the packaging machine is set in the control unit, the packaging machine is based on a first signal output from the control unit, The timing of a series of operations performed to wrap the objects to be weighed discharged from the apparatus main body is controlled, and is set within a cycle of the series of operations according to the first speed. When the second signal is output to the control unit at a predetermined timing, the control unit is a cycle of the series of operations of the apparatus main body according to the first speed. The first to arrive at intervals of one period Is a time when the first signal is output to the packaging machine at the first signal output scheduled time and the input of the second signal output from the packaging machine is recognized. A reference time corresponding to each of the signal input recognition times and an ideal time for recognizing the second signal is set as the reference time that arrives at the interval of the first period, and the apparatus main body performs the operation based on the reference time. The control unit is configured to control a timing of a series of operations, and the control unit further reduces the time difference generated between the second signal input recognition time and the reference time corresponding to the second signal input recognition time. An adjustment process is performed to reset one of the scheduled output time of one signal and the reference time.

  According to this configuration, the control unit obtains the time difference between the second signal input recognition time and the corresponding reference time, and the time difference between the first signal output scheduled time and the reference time is reduced. By re-setting (updating) the timing of the operation of the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be adjusted. By adjusting the timing of the operation of the weighing machine and the packaging machine in this way, the waiting time that occurs between them can be reduced, and the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be reduced without causing a substantial reduction in the actual speed. Both can be operated at the same set speed. Therefore, if the weighing machine and the packaging machine have the same maximum speed, the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be operated at the maximum speed.

  The adjustment process performed by the control unit obtains the time difference between the second signal input recognition time and the reference time corresponding to the time every time the input of the second signal is recognized. When the second signal input recognition time is a time earlier than the reference time when the second signal input recognition time is outside the first range which is a predetermined range, the time difference obtained next is the first time difference. When the second signal input recognition time is later than the reference time when the first signal output scheduled time is updated so as to fall within the range and the second signal input recognition time is later than the reference time, the time difference obtained next is The reference time may be updated to a time shifted backward so as to be within the first range.

  According to this configuration, the control unit obtains a time difference between the second signal input recognition time and the corresponding reference time, and when the time difference is out of the first range, the second signal input recognition time is the reference time. When the time is earlier than the time, the timing of the operation of the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be adjusted without causing a waiting time in the weighing machine by updating the first signal output scheduled time to a time shifted backward. It can be carried out. In addition, when the second signal input recognition time is later than the reference time, the reference time is updated to a time shifted backward so that the weighing machine and the packaging machine do not cause a waiting time in the packaging machine. The timing of the operation can be adjusted.

  In this case, in the adjustment process, when the first signal output scheduled time is updated, the time difference is updated to a time shifted by the time of the absolute value of the time difference, and when the reference time is updated, the time of the absolute value of the time difference is updated. You may make it update at the time shifted to minutes.

  The adjustment process performed by the control unit obtains the time difference by subtracting the reference time corresponding to this time from the second signal input recognition time each time the input of the second signal is recognized. Each time the input of the second signal is recognized a times (a is a predetermined integer equal to or greater than 1) and a time difference is obtained, b of the most recently obtained time differences (b is a predetermined plurality). An average value is obtained, and when the average value of the time difference is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted to an absolute value of the average value of the time difference, and the average of the time difference is updated. When the value is a positive value, the reference time may be updated to a time shifted by the time of the average value of the time differences.

  According to this configuration, the control unit obtains a time difference between the second signal input recognition time and the corresponding reference time, further obtains an average value of the time differences obtained sequentially, and based on the average value, the second signal input When the recognition time averages earlier than the reference time, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted by the absolute value of the average value of the time difference to wait for the weighing machine. It is possible to adjust the timing of the operation of the weighing machine and the packaging machine without causing any problems. In addition, when the second signal input recognition time is an average time later than the reference time, the reference time is updated to a time shifted to the absolute time of the average value of the time difference, thereby allowing the packaging machine to The timing adjustment of the operation of the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be performed without causing a waiting time.

  Further, the adjustment process performed by the control unit is a time difference for obtaining the time difference by subtracting the reference time corresponding to this time from the second signal input recognition time every time the input of the second signal is recognized. When the calculation process and the time difference are outside the first range which is a predetermined range, and the time difference is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is set to the absolute value of the time difference. And when the time difference is a positive value, the reference time is updated to a time shifted to the time difference of the time difference, and the time difference is the first time difference. In the case of being within the range of 1, every time when the second signal is recognized a times (a is a predetermined integer equal to or greater than 1) and a time difference is obtained, b is obtained most recently. Times (b is a predetermined number) An average value of the difference is obtained, and when the average value of the time difference is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted to the time of the absolute value of the average value of the time difference, and the time difference And the second process of updating the reference time to a time shifted by the time of the average value of the time difference when the first process is performed. The number of times of recognition of the input of the second signal by the second process may be set to zero, and only the time difference obtained after the first process may be the target of the second process.

  According to this configuration, the control unit obtains a time difference between the second signal input recognition time and the corresponding reference time, and when the time difference is out of the first range, the second signal input recognition time is the reference time. When the time is earlier than the time, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted to the time after the absolute value of the time difference, so that the weighing machine and the packaging machine do not cause a waiting time in the weighing machine. The timing of the operation can be adjusted. In addition, when the second signal input recognition time is later than the reference time, the reference time is updated to a time shifted to the time of the absolute value of the time difference, thereby causing a waiting time in the packaging machine. The operation timing of the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be adjusted.

  Further, when the case where the time difference is within the range of the first range is continuous, an average value of the time differences sequentially obtained is obtained, and based on this average value, the second signal input recognition time is averaged as a reference When the time is earlier than the time, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted to the time after the absolute value of the average value of the time difference, so that the weighing machine does not cause a waiting time. And the timing of the operation of the packaging machine can be finely adjusted. In addition, when the second signal input recognition time is an average time later than the reference time, the reference time is updated to a time shifted to the absolute time of the average value of the time difference, thereby allowing the packaging machine to Fine adjustment of the operation timing of the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be performed without causing a waiting time.

  The first signal is a discharge signal for notifying the packaging machine of discharge of the object to be weighed from the control unit, and the second signal requests the control unit to discharge the object to be weighed from the packaging machine. You may comprise so that it may be a discharge request signal.

  Further, the control unit controls the timing of the series of operations of the apparatus main body performed based on the reference time, and sets the start time of the operation of discharging the objects to be weighed to the packaging machine in the series of operations. You may comprise so that it may perform by controlling based on the said reference time.

  The apparatus main body includes a plurality of hoppers for temporarily holding and discharging the objects to be weighed, and the control unit combines the weights of the objects to be weighed supplied to the hoppers. The apparatus main body is configured to perform a combination process for obtaining a combination of the hoppers having a combined weight value within a predetermined weight range, and to discharge the objects to be weighed in the hopper thus obtained to the packaging machine. It may be configured to control.

  In this case, the weighing machine is a combination weigher.

  In addition, the packaging machine of the present invention includes an apparatus body that repeatedly performs a series of operations for packaging an object to be weighed discharged from the weighing machine, and a control that controls the operation of the apparatus body in accordance with a set operation speed. A first speed which is the same operating speed as the weighing machine is set in the control unit, and the weighing machine is to be weighed based on a first signal output from the control unit. It is configured to control the timing of a series of operations performed to measure the weight of an object and discharge it to the apparatus main body, and is set within a cycle of the series of operations according to the first speed. When the second signal is output to the control unit at a predetermined timing, the control unit is a cycle of the series of operations of the apparatus main body according to the first speed. The first to arrive at intervals of one period Is the time when the first signal is output to the weighing machine at the first signal output scheduled time and the input of the second signal output from the weighing machine is recognized. A reference time corresponding to each of the signal input recognition times and an ideal time for recognizing the second signal is set as the reference time that arrives at the interval of the first period, and the apparatus main body performs the operation based on the reference time. The control unit is configured to control a timing of a series of operations, and the control unit further reduces the time difference generated between the second signal input recognition time and the reference time corresponding to the second signal input recognition time. An adjustment process is performed to reset one of the scheduled output time of one signal and the reference time.

  According to this configuration, the control unit obtains the time difference between the second signal input recognition time and the corresponding reference time, and the time difference between the first signal output scheduled time and the reference time is reduced. By re-setting (updating) the timing of the operation of the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be adjusted. By adjusting the timing of the operation of the weighing machine and the packaging machine in this way, the waiting time that occurs between them can be reduced, and the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be reduced without causing a substantial reduction in the actual speed. Both can be operated at the same set speed. Therefore, if the weighing machine and the packaging machine have the same maximum speed, the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be operated at the maximum speed.

  The adjustment process performed by the control unit obtains the time difference between the second signal input recognition time and the reference time corresponding to the time every time the input of the second signal is recognized. When the second signal input recognition time is a time earlier than the reference time when the second signal input recognition time is outside the first range which is a predetermined range, the time difference obtained next is the first time difference. When the second signal input recognition time is later than the reference time when the first signal output scheduled time is updated so as to fall within the range and the second signal input recognition time is later than the reference time, the time difference obtained next is The reference time may be updated to a time shifted backward so as to be within the first range.

  According to this configuration, the control unit obtains a time difference between the second signal input recognition time and the corresponding reference time, and when the time difference is out of the first range, the second signal input recognition time is the reference time. When the time is earlier than the time, the timing of the operation of the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be adjusted without causing a waiting time in the packaging machine by updating the first signal output scheduled time to a time shifted backward. It can be carried out. In addition, when the second signal input recognition time is later than the reference time, the reference time is updated to a time shifted backward so that the weighing machine and the packaging machine do not cause a waiting time in the weighing machine. The timing of the operation can be adjusted.

  In this case, in the adjustment process, when the first signal output scheduled time is updated, the time difference is updated to a time shifted by the time of the absolute value of the time difference, and when the reference time is updated, the time of the absolute value of the time difference is updated. You may make it update at the time shifted to minutes.

  The adjustment process performed by the control unit obtains the time difference by subtracting the reference time corresponding to this time from the second signal input recognition time each time the input of the second signal is recognized. Each time the input of the second signal is recognized a times (a is a predetermined integer equal to or greater than 1) and a time difference is obtained, b of the most recently obtained time differences (b is a predetermined plurality). An average value is obtained, and when the average value of the time difference is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted to an absolute value of the average value of the time difference, and the average of the time difference is updated. When the value is a positive value, the reference time may be updated to a time shifted by the time of the average value of the time differences.

  According to this configuration, the control unit obtains a time difference between the second signal input recognition time and the corresponding reference time, further obtains an average value of the time differences obtained sequentially, and based on the average value, the second signal input When the recognition time is earlier than the reference time on average, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted to the absolute time of the average value of the time difference to wait for the packaging machine. It is possible to adjust the timing of the operation of the weighing machine and the packaging machine without causing any problems. In addition, when the second signal input recognition time is an average later than the reference time, the reference time is updated to a time shifted to the absolute time of the average value of the time difference, thereby allowing the weighing machine to The timing adjustment of the operation of the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be performed without causing a waiting time.

  Further, the adjustment process performed by the control unit is a time difference for obtaining the time difference by subtracting the reference time corresponding to this time from the second signal input recognition time every time the input of the second signal is recognized. When the calculation process and the time difference are outside the first range which is a predetermined range, and the time difference is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is set to the absolute value of the time difference. And when the time difference is a positive value, the reference time is updated to a time shifted to the time difference of the time difference, and the time difference is the first time difference. In the case of being within the range of 1, every time when the second signal is recognized a times (a is a predetermined integer equal to or greater than 1) and a time difference is obtained, b is obtained most recently. Times (b is a predetermined number) An average value of the difference is obtained, and when the average value of the time difference is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted to the time of the absolute value of the average value of the time difference, and the time difference And the second process of updating the reference time to a time shifted by the time of the average value of the time difference when the first process is performed. The number of times of recognition of the input of the second signal by the second process may be set to zero, and only the time difference obtained after the first process may be the target of the second process.

  According to this configuration, the control unit obtains a time difference between the second signal input recognition time and the corresponding reference time, and when the time difference is out of the first range, the second signal input recognition time is the reference time. When the time is earlier than the time, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted to an absolute value of the time difference so that the weighing machine and the packaging machine do not cause a waiting time in the packaging machine. The timing of the operation can be adjusted. In addition, when the second signal input recognition time is later than the reference time, the reference time is updated to a time shifted to the absolute value of the time difference, thereby causing a waiting time in the weighing machine. The operation timing of the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be adjusted.

  Further, when the case where the time difference is within the range of the first range is continuous, an average value of the time differences sequentially obtained is obtained, and based on this average value, the second signal input recognition time is averaged as a reference When the time is earlier than the time, the first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted to the time of the absolute value of the average value of the time difference, so that the weighing machine does not cause a waiting time. And the timing of the operation of the packaging machine can be finely adjusted. In addition, when the second signal input recognition time is an average later than the reference time, the reference time is updated to a time shifted to the absolute time of the average value of the time difference, thereby allowing the weighing machine to Fine adjustment of the operation timing of the weighing machine and the packaging machine can be performed without causing a waiting time.

  The first signal is a discharge request signal for requesting the weighing machine to discharge the object to be weighed from the control unit, and the second signal is for discharging the object to be weighed from the weighing machine to the control unit. You may comprise so that it may be the discharge | release signal to notify.

  The present invention has a configuration as described above, and a weighing and packaging system capable of setting and operating both the weighing machine and the packaging machine at the same operation speed without causing a substantial decrease in the substantial speed. There exists an effect that the measuring machine and packaging machine used for it can be provided.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a weighing and packaging system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The weighing and packaging system of the present embodiment includes a combination weigher having a combination weigher body 1, a combination weigher controller 10 and a combination weigher operation input unit 18, a packaging machine body 2, a packaging machine controller 20 and a packaging machine operation input unit 28. And a packaging machine.

  The combination weigher body 1 is provided with a conical dispersion feeder 11 in the center of the upper part of the apparatus, which disperses the objects to be weighed supplied from an external supply device radially by vibration. Around the dispersion feeder 11, linear feeders 12 are provided for feeding the objects to be weighed sent from the dispersion feeder 11 to the respective supply hoppers 13 by vibration. A plurality of supply hoppers 13 and weighing hoppers 14 are respectively provided below the linear feeder 12 and arranged in a circle. The supply hopper 13 receives the object to be weighed sent from the linear feeder 12, and when the weighing hopper 14 disposed below it is empty, the gate is opened and the object to be weighed is put into the weighing hopper 14. A weight sensor 15 such as a load cell is attached to the weighing hopper 14, and the weight sensor 15 measures the weight of the object to be weighed in the weighing hopper 14. The measurement value of each weight sensor 15 is output to the combination scale control unit 10. A collecting chute 16 having a substantially inverted truncated cone shape is disposed below the weighing hoppers 14 arranged in a circle, and the objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing hopper 14 slide down on the collecting chute 16 and collect chute. After being temporarily held by the collection hopper 17 provided at the discharge port at the lower part of the figure 16, it is discharged from the collection hopper 17 to the packaging machine.

  The combination weigher control unit 10 includes a CPU and a microcomputer including a ROM, a RAM memory, a timer, and the like in which an operation program and operation parameters of the CPU are stored, and the CPU is stored in the ROM. By executing the operation program, the overall operation of the combination weigher body 1 is controlled and a combination operation (combination process) is performed. The combination weigher controller 10 outputs a discharge signal a to the packaging machine controller 20 when discharging the objects to be weighed from the combination weigher to the packaging machine.

  In the combination calculation, based on the weight values of the objects to be weighed measured by the respective weight sensors 15, the sum of the weight values of the objects to be weighed from the plurality of weighing hoppers 14 is determined in a predetermined weight range ( One combination (discharge combination) of the weighing hoppers 14 within an allowable range for the target weight) is obtained. When there are a plurality of combinations within the predetermined weight range, one combination of the weighing hoppers 14 having the smallest absolute value of the difference between the total weight value of the objects to be weighed and the target weight is obtained and determined as the discharge combination.

  The combination weigher operation input unit 18 includes, for example, a touch screen type display screen, and is an input means for operating the combination weigher and setting operation parameters thereof. Further, the operation status of the combination weigher (for example, the operation speed, the weight value of the article, the total data, etc.) can be displayed on the display screen.

  When the operator inputs the operation speed of the combination weigher from the combination weigher operation input unit 18, the operation speed is set in the combination weigher control unit 10. In the combination weigher control unit 10, for example, different operation parameters are stored according to different operation speeds, and set by the CPU executing the operation program using the operation parameters according to the set operation speed. The operation of the combination weigher body 1 is controlled so as to operate at the operation speed, and the combination calculation is performed.

  A series of operations performed to discharge an object to be weighed within a predetermined weight range to the packaging machine by the combination weigher is a feed operation by the dispersion feeder 11 for supplying the object to be weighed to the linear feeder 12, to the supply hopper 13. Feeding operation by the linear feeder 12 for supplying an object to be weighed, gate opening / closing operation of the supply hopper 13 for supplying an object to be weighed to the weighing hopper 14, and from the weighing hopper 14 selected as a discharge combination by combination calculation This includes a gate opening / closing operation of the weighing hopper 14 for discharging the weighing object, a gate opening / closing operation of the collecting hopper 17 for discharging the object to be weighed from the collecting hopper 17 to the packaging machine, and the like.

  Here, the operation cycle of the combination weigher is a cycle for discharging the objects to be weighed to the packaging machine according to the operation speed, that is, a discharge cycle. The time of the operating cycle of this combination weigher is, for example, equal to the time of the weighing cycle. The weighing cycle includes a discharge period for opening and closing the gate of the weighing hopper 14 selected as a discharge combination, and a supply hopper in order to supply the objects to be discharged next to the collecting hopper 17 from which the objects to be weighed have been discharged. A measurement period from when the gate 13 is opened and the weighing object is started to be supplied to the empty weighing hopper 14 until a predetermined time elapses and the weight measurement value of the weighing object in the weighing hopper 14 is determined by the weight sensor 15. And a combination period for obtaining a discharge combination by performing a combination calculation using the measured value.

  In this combination weigher, for example, the weighing selected as the discharge combination after a predetermined time (this time may be zero) has elapsed since the gate of the collecting hopper 17 started to be discharged to the packaging machine. An object to be weighed for opening the gate of the hopper 14 and then discharging it to the packaging machine is supplied to the collecting hopper 17. When the predetermined time is zero, the gate of the collecting hopper 14 is opened simultaneously with the opening of the collecting hopper 17.

  Further, in order to operate the combination weigher at high speed, the operation cycle (discharge cycle) may be set to 1 / k time (k is a predetermined plural number such as 2, 3) of the above-described weighing cycle. In this case, the weighing hopper 14 (the weight value of the object to be weighed in the weighing hopper) for which the above-described weighing period has not passed is not subjected to the combination calculation.

  Moreover, in the packaging machine main body 2, while manufacturing a bag, it fills and packs the to-be-measured object discharged | emitted from the combination scale main body 1 in this bag. In this packaging machine body 2, a sheet-like packaging material 26 drawn out from a packaging material roll (not shown) is wound around a tube 21 by a former 22 to be formed into a cylindrical shape, and is adsorbed by a pull-down belt machine 23. As a result, the vertical sealing machine 24 seals the vertical edges of the cylindrical packaging material 26 (vertical sealing). Then, horizontal sealing (horizontal sealing) is performed across the upper end of the preceding bag and the lower end of the subsequent bag by a horizontal sealing machine (a pair of sealing jaws) 25 disposed below the tube 21. By performing this horizontal sealing, the preceding bag becomes a complete bag whose upper and lower sides are sealed because the lower end is sealed by the previous horizontal sealing. After the horizontal sealing is performed, the objects to be weighed discharged from the collection hopper 17 of the combination weigher are filled into the cylindrical bag 26a through the tube 21. Thereafter, the above operation is repeated.

  The packaging machine control unit 20 includes a CPU and a microcomputer including a ROM, a RAM memory, a timer and the like in which an operation program and operation parameters of the CPU are stored, and the CPU is stored in the ROM. By executing the operation program, the entire operation of the packaging machine is controlled. Further, the packaging machine control unit 20 outputs a discharge request signal b for requesting discharge of the object to be weighed to the combination weigher to the combination weigh control unit 10.

  The packaging machine operation input unit 28 includes, for example, a touch screen type display screen, and is an input means for operating the packaging machine and setting operation parameters thereof. In addition, the operation state (for example, operation speed) of the packaging machine can be displayed on the display screen.

  When the operator inputs the operation speed of the packaging machine from the packaging machine operation input unit 28, the operation speed is set in the packaging machine control unit 20. In the packaging machine control unit 20, for example, different operation parameters are stored according to different operation speeds, and set by the CPU executing the operation program using the operation parameters according to the set operation speed. The operation of the packaging machine body 2 is controlled so as to operate at the operation speed.

  A series of operations performed to wrap the objects to be weighed supplied from the combination weigher by the packaging machine include a bag feeding operation for sending the packaging material 26 downward by the pull-down belt machine 23, and a vertical seal by the vertical sealing machine 24. It consists of a vertical sealing operation to be performed and a horizontal sealing operation to perform horizontal sealing by the horizontal sealing machine 25. Here, as described above, the bag feeding operation and the vertical sealing operation are performed simultaneously. Therefore, the operation cycle of the packaging machine includes a vertical sealing period for performing a bag feeding operation and a vertical sealing operation, a horizontal sealing period for performing a horizontal sealing operation, and a bag filling period for supplying an object to be weighed from the combination weigher to the bag 26a. It consists of.

  The operation of the weighing packaging system configured as described above will be described below. The operation of the combination weigher body 1 is controlled by the combination weigher control unit 10, and the operation of the packaging machine body 2 is controlled by the packaging machine control unit 20.

  Here, a case will be described in which the combination weigher and the packaging machine are set at the same speed. Therefore, the operation cycle of the combination weigher and the operation cycle of the packaging machine are basically the same cycle.

  Moreover, in the packaging machine, after confirming that the discharge signal a discharged from the combination weigher has been input, the bag feeding operation and the vertical sealing operation are started each time.

  2 to 4 are flowcharts showing the operation of the combination weigher in the present embodiment. 5 and 6 are timing charts showing the operations of the combination weigher and the packaging machine, respectively. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the operation cycle of the combination weigher and the time when the combination weigher controller 10 recognizes that the discharge request signal b from the packaging machine controller 20 has been input are indicated by an upward arrow. The discharge request signal recognition timing, the discharge signal output timing in which the time when the discharge signal a is output from the combination weigher control unit 10 to the packaging machine control unit 20 is indicated by a downward arrow, and the combination machine control unit 20 to the combination balance control unit 10 The time when the discharge request signal b is output is indicated by the discharge request signal output timing indicated by the upward arrow, and the time when the packaging machine control unit 20 recognizes that the discharge signal a from the combination scale control unit 10 is input is indicated by the downward arrow. The discharge signal recognition timing shown in Fig. 5 and the operation cycle of the packaging machine are shown.

  In this weighing and packaging system, at the start of operation, for example, the timing of the operation with the packaging machine is adjusted with a combination weigher.

  At the start of operation, the combination weigher first prepares for discharge in step S1 to discharge the first object to be measured to the packaging machine. By this discharge preparation, a first discharge combination is obtained, the objects to be weighed are discharged from the weighing hopper 14 selected as the discharge combination, and the objects to be weighed for discharge to the packaging machine are held in the collecting hopper 17. . Also in the packaging machine, the packaging machine control unit 20 discharges to the combination weigher control unit 10 at a predetermined timing in order to start the operation of packaging the first object to be weighed from the combination weigher. The request signal b is output (time t11 in FIG. 5, time t31 in FIG. 6).

  Next, when the combination weigher control unit 10 recognizes that the discharge request signal b is input from the packaging machine control unit 20 in step S2, it arrives at a constant cycle Tw based on the recognized time in step S3. Ideal recognition times ts (ts1, ts2, ts3,...) And discharge signal output scheduled times arriving at a constant cycle Tw (times t1, t3 in FIG. 5, times t21, t22, t23 in FIG. 6). Set. Here, the time when the discharge request signal b is recognized is set as the first ideal recognition time ts1 among the ideal recognition times ts that arrive at a constant cycle Tw, and the desired recognition period Tr is set based on each ideal recognition time. . This desired recognition period Tr is composed of a first half period T1 and a second half period T2 across each ideal recognition time ts (ts1, ts2, ts3,...). In this embodiment, T1 = T2, but it is not necessarily equal. Here, the first ideal recognition time ts1 or the time after the time Tb from the time when the discharge request signal b is recognized (time t1 in FIG. 5, time t21 in FIG. 6) is the first discharge signal output scheduled time. Is set.

  For example, when the operation speed of the combination weigher (the number of discharges of the weighed objects to be weighed per minute) is set to 100 times / minute, the operation cycle (Tw) of the combination weigher is 600 ms, and the desired recognition period Tr is For example, 60 ms (T1 = T2 = 30 ms). When the operation speed of the combination weigher is set to 200 times / minute, the operation cycle (Tw) of the combination weigher is 300 ms, and the desired recognition period Tr is, for example, 20 ms (T1 = T2 = 10 ms). As described above, the time such as the desired recognition period Tr is determined in advance according to the operation speed of the combination weigher.

  In step S4, when the initial ideal recognition time ts1 is determined, continuous operation of the combination weigher is started after time Ta from the ideal recognition time ts1.

  Here, in the combination weigher, when the ideal recognition time ts is determined, the basic operation timing is determined as follows. That is, the combination weigher control unit 10 opens the gate of the collecting hopper 17 after the time Ta from each ideal recognition time ts to discharge the objects to be weighed to the packaging machine, and then operates at a constant cycle Tw according to the operation speed. The combination weigher body 1 is controlled so as to perform the following. Further, the first discharge signal a is output to the packaging machine control unit 20 at the discharge signal output scheduled time after the time Tb from the first ideal recognition time ts1. Further, the packaging machine control unit 20 starts the bag feeding operation and the vertical sealing operation for the packaging machine body 2 after a time Tc from the time when the input of the discharge signal a output from the combination scale control unit 10 is recognized, Thereafter, the packaging machine body 2 is controlled so as to perform the packaging operation at a constant period Tp according to the operation speed. Here, since the combination weigher and the packaging machine are set to the same operation speed, the operation cycle (Tw) of the combination weigher and the operation cycle (Tp) of the packaging machine are equal.

  Next, in step S5, 0 is set to the counter value N.

  Thereafter, when the combination weigher control unit 10 recognizes the input of the discharge request signal b (step S6), the combination scale control unit 10 proceeds to step S7 and corresponds to the time when the input of the discharge request signal b is recognized (this time is tp). The time difference Td from the ideal recognition time ts is obtained as, for example, Td = tp−ts.

  Next, in step S8, it is determined whether or not the time difference Td is within a desired range, that is, whether or not −T1 ≦ Td ≦ T2. That is, it is determined whether or not the input recognition time tp of the discharge request signal b is within the desired recognition period Tr. Here, even if the input recognition time tp of the discharge request signal b slightly deviates from the desired recognition period Tr, the desired recognition period Tr is set so as not to hinder the operation of the weighing packaging system.

  If the time difference Td does not satisfy −T1 ≦ Td ≦ T2, it is further determined in step S9 whether Td <−T1.

  When Td <−T1, that is, when the input recognition time tp of the discharge request signal b is earlier than the desired recognition period Tr, the next discharge signal output scheduled time is expressed by the absolute value of the time difference Td. The time is shifted backward by a certain | Td | (step S10). As a result, the timing of outputting the next discharge signal a is delayed by | Td |.

  For example, in FIG. 5, initially, the timing at which the discharge signal a is output is the time t1 when the time Tb has elapsed from the ideal recognition time ts1, but the next discharge request signal b output from the packaging machine at the time t13. Input recognition time t2 is earlier than the desired recognition period Tr. For this reason, the timing for outputting the next discharge signal a is shifted backward by | Td |. For example, the time t4 shifted backward by the amount of | Td | from the scheduled time t3 before the shift is when the time Tbb (= Tb + | Td |) has elapsed from the ideal recognition time ts2.

  When the discharge signal a is output from the combination weigher at the updated discharge signal output scheduled time t4, the packaging machine is later than the recognition time t14 of the discharge signal a when the output timing of the discharge signal a is not shifted. At time t15, the input of the discharge signal a is recognized. Then, after the time Tc from the recognition of the discharge signal a, the operation of the next operation cycle is started. In this case, a waiting time of about | Td | minutes Tpd occurs after the previous operation cycle. Then, the discharge request signal b is output at time t16 after time Te from the start of the next operation cycle. In the combination weigher, the input recognition time of the discharge request signal b is within the desired recognition period Tr, and the next operation cycle is started after the time Ta from the ideal recognition time ts3 at this time, and the time Tbb from the ideal recognition time ts3. The discharge signal a is output at time t5 after elapse. In the packaging machine, the next operation cycle is started after a time Tc after the discharge signal a is recognized at time t17.

  In step S9, when Td <−T1 is not satisfied (this corresponds to a case where T2 <Td), that is, when the input recognition time tp of the discharge request signal b is later than the desired recognition period Tr. Includes the ideal recognition time ts, which is the reference for the desired recognition period Tr at that time, and the subsequent ideal recognition time ts by | Td | (= Td), which is the absolute value of the time difference Td. The time is changed to the shifted time (step S11).

  For example, in FIG. 6, at the initial stage, the output timing of the discharge signal a is the time t21 when the time Tb has elapsed from the ideal recognition time ts1, but the discharge request signal b output from the packaging machine at the time t33 is input. The recognition time is later than the desired recognition period Tr based on the ideal recognition time ts2. Therefore, instead of the ideal recognition times ts2, ts3,..., New ideal recognition times ts2 ′, ts3 ′,... Shifted backward by the amount of | Td |, which is the absolute value of the time difference Td, are set. .

  In this case, in the combination weigher, the operation of the next operation cycle is started after time Ta from the new ideal recognition time ts2 '. Here, a waiting time of approximately | Td | minutes Twd occurs after the previous operation cycle. Then, the discharge signal a is output at the discharge signal output scheduled time t22. This time t22 is a time that arrives at a constant cycle Tw from the previous output time t21 of the discharge signal a. Therefore, although the start of the operation cycle of the combination weigher is delayed, the output timing of the discharge signal a is not delayed. In the packaging machine, the next operation cycle is started after a time Tc after the discharge signal a is recognized at time t34. In the case of FIG. 6, since the cycle of the discharge signal a from the combination weigher does not fluctuate, no waiting time occurs in the packaging machine that operates in response to the discharge signal a. Then, the discharge request signal b is output at time t35 after time Te from the start of the next operation cycle. In the combination weigher, the input recognition time of the discharge request signal b falls within the desired recognition period Tr, and the next operation cycle is started after time Ta from the ideal recognition time ts3 'at this time.

  Next, in steps S12 and S13, it is increased by step S21, S22 (FIG. 3) or steps S41, S42 (FIG. 4), which will be described later, which is performed when −T1 ≦ Td ≦ T2 is satisfied in step S8. The counter value N is cleared to 0 and the stored time difference Td is deleted.

  In step S8, if -T1≤Td≤T2 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S21 shown in FIG. 3, the counter value N is incremented by 1, and the time difference Td is stored (step S22).

  Next, in step S23, it is determined whether or not the counter value N is equal to n (n is a predetermined plurality). If it is equal to n, the process proceeds to step S24, and if not equal to n (if less than n). Return to step S6 (FIG. 2).

  In step S24, an average value (α) of the n stored time differences Td is calculated.

  Next, in step S25, if the average value α is 0, the process proceeds to step S29, and if not 0, the process proceeds to step S26 to determine whether the average value α is less than 0.

  In step S26, when the average value α is less than 0, that is, when the input recognition time tp of the discharge request signal b is an average earlier time than the ideal recognition time ts, the process proceeds to step S27. The scheduled discharge signal output time is changed to a time shifted backward by the amount of | α |, which is the absolute value of the average value α (step S10). As a result, the timing for outputting the next discharge signal a is delayed by | α |. In step S27, the time to shift the discharge signal output scheduled time backward is | α |, whereas in step S10, the time to shift backward is | Td |, and the shifting time is different, but step S27 is different from step S10. The same may be done.

  Further, when the average value α is not less than 0 (this corresponds to a case where the average value α is greater than 0), that is, the input recognition time tp of the discharge request signal b is an average later time than the ideal recognition time ts. If it is, the process proceeds to step S28, and the ideal recognition time ts after that including the ideal recognition time ts which is the reference of the desired recognition period Tr at that time is the absolute value of the average value α. Change to a time shifted backward by α | (= α). In step S28, the time for shifting the ideal recognition time ts is | α |, whereas in step S11, the time for shifting the ideal recognition time ts is | Td |, and the time for shifting is different, but step S28 is different from step S11. The same may be done.

  Next, in step S29, the counter value N is cleared and returned to 0. In step S30, the n time differences Td stored so far are deleted, and the process returns to step S6 (FIG. 2).

  In step S25, instead of determining whether or not the average value α is 0, it may be determined whether or not the average value α is within the adjustment unnecessary range. For example, the adjustment unnecessary range may be set to a range of −T3 or more and T4 or less (T3 and T4 are positive values), and it may be determined whether or not −T3 ≦ α ≦ T4. Here, the adjustment unnecessary range is set to be a range narrower than the desired recognition period Tr, and −T1 <−T3 <T4 <T2. In this case, if the average value α is within the adjustment unnecessary range, the process proceeds to step S29, and if the average value α is not within the adjustment unnecessary range, the process proceeds to step S26.

  In step S24, an average value of n time differences is calculated every n times, but b time differences (b is a predetermined plurality less than n) obtained every n times. The average value may be calculated.

  Further, instead of the process shown in FIG. 3, the process shown in FIG. 4 may be performed.

  In this case, when −T1 ≦ Td ≦ T2 is satisfied in step S8 of FIG. 2, the process proceeds to step S41 shown in FIG. 4, the counter value N is incremented by 1, and the time difference Td is stored (step S42). ).

  Next, in step S43, it is determined whether or not the counter value N is greater than or equal to m (m is a predetermined number). If it is greater than or equal to m, the process proceeds to step S44, and if not (if less than m). Then, the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S44, an average value (β) of the most recent m time differences Td stored is calculated.

  In step S45, an average value (β) of the stored N time differences Td is calculated.

  Next, in step S46, if the average value β obtained in step S44 or step S45 is 0, the process returns to step S6 (FIG. 2). If not, the process proceeds to step S47, where the average value β is 0. It is determined whether or not it is less.

  In step S47, if the average value β is less than 0, that is, if the input recognition time tp of the discharge request signal b is an average earlier time than the ideal recognition time ts, the process proceeds to step S48, and The discharge signal output scheduled time is changed to a time shifted backward by | β |, which is the absolute value of the average value β. As a result, the timing for outputting the next discharge signal a is delayed by | β |. Then, the process returns to step S6 (FIG. 2). In step S48, the time to shift the discharge signal output scheduled time backward is | β |, whereas in step S10, the time to shift backward is | Td |, and the shifting time is different, but step S48 is the same as step S10. You can go to

  Further, when the average value β is not less than 0 (this corresponds to a case where the average value β is greater than 0), that is, the input recognition time tp of the discharge request signal b is an average later time than the ideal recognition time ts. If it is, the process proceeds to step S49, and the subsequent ideal recognition time ts including the ideal recognition time ts which is the reference of the desired recognition period Tr at that time is the absolute value of the average value β. Change to a time shifted backward by β | (= β). Then, the process returns to step S6 (FIG. 2). In step S49, the time for shifting the ideal recognition time ts is | β |, whereas in step S11, the time for shifting the ideal recognition time ts is | Td |, and the time for shifting is different, but step S49 is the same as step S11. You can go to

  In step S43, if the counter value N is not greater than or equal to m (less than m), the process may return to step S6 (FIG. 2) without performing the processes in and after step S45.

  In step S46, instead of determining whether or not the average value β is 0, it may be determined whether or not the average value β is within the adjustment unnecessary range. For example, the adjustment unnecessary range may be set to a range of −T3 or more and T4 or less (T3 and T4 are positive values), and it may be determined whether or not −T3 ≦ β ≦ T4. Here, the adjustment unnecessary range is set to be a range narrower than the desired recognition period Tr, and −T1 <−T3 <T4 <T2. In this case, if the average value β is within the adjustment unnecessary range, the process returns to step S6 (FIG. 2), and if the average value β is not within the adjustment unnecessary range, the process proceeds to step S47.

  In step S44, if the counter value N is equal to or greater than m, the average value of the m time differences most recently obtained is calculated every time, but every a times (a is a predetermined value less than m). The average value of m time differences obtained most recently may be calculated.

  In FIG. 3, the average value α is calculated every n times, and in FIG. 4, the average value β is calculated by the moving average method, and either the discharge signal output scheduled time or the ideal recognition time is updated.

  Further, when the process returns from step S23 in FIG. 3 to step S6 in FIG. 2, or when the process returns from step S46, S48, or S49 in FIG. 4 to step S6 in FIG. 2, the process of step S10 or step S11 is performed. Then, the counter value N and the time difference Td stored so far are cleared in steps S12 and S13. Thereby, when the processing of FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 is performed thereafter, the data after the processing of step S10 or step S11 is performed as the data of the time difference Td for obtaining the average value (α or β). Data of the time difference Td obtained in step S7 is used.

  In the present embodiment, the combination weigher controller 10 obtains a time difference Td between the input recognition time of the discharge request signal b and the corresponding ideal recognition time ts, and this time difference Td is within a desired range (−T1 ≦ When Td ≦ T2) is not satisfied and the input recognition time of the discharge request signal b is earlier than the ideal recognition time ts, the discharge signal output scheduled time is shifted backward by | Td | By updating to, it is possible to adjust the operation timing of the combination weigher and the packaging machine without causing a waiting time for the combination weigher (in the case of FIG. 5). When the input recognition time of the discharge request signal b is later than the ideal recognition time ts, the waiting time is set in the packaging machine by updating the ideal recognition time ts to a time shifted backward by | Td |. It is possible to adjust the timing of the operation of the combination weigher and the packaging machine without causing (in the case of FIG. 6). By adjusting the timing of the operation of the combination weigher and the packaging machine in this way, the waiting time that occurs between them can be reduced, and the combination weigher and the packaging machine can be reduced without incurring a substantial decrease in speed. Both can be operated at the same set speed.

  Further, by performing the processing shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the average value (α or β) of the plurality of time differences Td is obtained, and the discharge signal output scheduled time is calculated by the amount | α | or | β | Alternatively, the timing of operation of the combination weigher and the packaging machine can be finely adjusted by updating the ideal recognition time ts to a time shifted backward.

  In the present embodiment, when the time difference Td between the input recognition time of the discharge request signal b and the ideal recognition time ts does not satisfy the desired range (−T1 ≦ Td ≦ T2), the discharge signal Although the time for shifting the scheduled output time or the ideal recognition time ts backward is set to | Td |, it is not always necessary to set | Td |. For example, it may be shifted backward by the time of | Td | × 0.9 or the time of | Td | × 0.8 so as not to adjust too much. Further, the present invention is not limited to this, so that the input recognition time of the next discharge request signal b falls within the desired recognition period Tr, or the time difference Td between the input recognition time of the next discharge request signal b and the ideal recognition time ts is You may make it set the time which shifts discharge signal output scheduled time or ideal recognition time ts back so that it may become smaller than the present time difference Td.

  It is also possible not to perform the processing shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. In this case, if -T1 ≦ Td ≦ T2 is satisfied in step S8 in FIG. 2, the process returns to step S6. In this case, steps S5 and S12 for setting the counter value N and the steps in FIG. It is not necessary to delete the data of the time difference Td stored in S22 or step S42 of FIG.

  In the case where the processing shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 is not performed, it is also possible to set T1 = T2 = 0 in step S8. In this case, only when the time difference Td is 0, the process returns to step S6, and when it is not 0, either the discharge signal output scheduled time or the ideal recognition time is updated each time.

  It is also possible not to perform the processing of step S8 to step S13. In this case, after step S7, the process may proceed to step S21 in FIG. 3 or step S41 in FIG.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the combination weigher and the packaging machine are set to the same operation speed has been described, but it is also possible to operate them at different operation speeds. However, when the operation speed set for the combination weigher is faster than the operation speed of the packaging machine, the combination weigher control unit 10 sets, for example, the cycle of the ideal recognition time ts and the cycle of the scheduled discharge signal output time to the packaging. It is necessary to configure so as to set the cycle equal to the cycle (Tp) according to the operating speed of the machine.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a weighing and packaging system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.

  An example of the configuration of the weighing and packaging system of the second embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 as in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the control by the combination weigher control unit 10 and the packaging machine control unit 20 is different from the first embodiment, and other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The operation of the weighing packaging system of the present embodiment will be described below. The operation of the combination weigher body 1 is controlled by the combination weigher control unit 10, and the operation of the packaging machine body 2 is controlled by the packaging machine control unit 20.

  Here, a case will be described in which the combination weigher and the packaging machine are set at the same speed. Therefore, the operation cycle of the combination weigher and the operation cycle of the packaging machine are basically the same cycle.

  Further, in the combination weigher, after confirming that the discharge request signal b discharged from the packaging machine has been input, the discharge operation (the gate of the collecting hopper 17 is opened in order to discharge the objects to be weighed to the packaging machine). Operation).

  7-9 is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the packaging machine in this Embodiment. 10 and 11 are timing charts showing the operations of the packaging machine and the combination weigher, respectively. 10 and 11, the operation cycle of the packaging machine and the time when the packaging machine control unit 20 recognizes that the discharge signal a from the combination weigher control unit 10 has been input are indicated by the upward arrows. The signal recognition timing, the discharge request signal output timing indicated by the downward arrow from the time when the discharge request signal b is output from the packaging machine control unit 20 to the combination scale control unit 10, and the combination scale control unit 10 to the packaging machine control unit 20 The time when the discharge signal a is output is indicated by the discharge signal output timing indicated by the upward arrow, and the time when the combination scale control unit 10 recognizes that the discharge request signal b from the packaging machine control unit 20 is input is indicated by the downward arrow. The discharge request signal recognition timing shown and the operation cycle of the combination weigher are shown.

  In this weighing and packaging system, at the start of operation, for example, the operation timing of the combination weigher is adjusted by a packaging machine.

  At the start of operation, the combination weigher first prepares for discharge to discharge the first object to be weighed from the packaging machine. By this discharge preparation, a first discharge combination is obtained, the objects to be weighed are discharged from the weighing hopper 14 selected as the discharge combination, and the objects to be weighed for discharge to the packaging machine are held in the collecting hopper 17. .

  In the packaging machine, in step S51, preparation for packaging for performing the first packaging is performed. By this packaging preparation, the first bag 26a in which the vertical seal and the horizontal seal at the lower end are performed is formed. Then, the packaging machine control unit 20 outputs a discharge request signal b to the combination weigher control unit 10 at a predetermined timing. The combination weigher controller 10 controls the combination weigher body 1 so as to perform the first discharge operation of the objects to be weighed (opening the gate of the collecting hopper 17) to the packaging machine in response to the discharge request signal b. A discharge signal a is output to the packaging machine controller 20 at a predetermined timing (time t51 in FIG. 10, time t71 in FIG. 11).

  Next, in step S52, when the packaging machine control unit 20 recognizes that the discharge signal a is input from the combination weigher control unit 10, in step S53, it arrives at a constant period Tp based on the recognized time. The ideal recognition time ts (ts1, ts2, ts3,...) And the discharge request signal output scheduled time that arrives at a constant period Tp (time t41, t43 in FIG. 10, time t61, t62, t63 in FIG. 11). Set. Here, the time at which the discharge signal a is recognized is set as the first ideal recognition time ts1 among the ideal recognition times ts that arrive at a constant period Tp, and the desired recognition period Tr is set with reference to each ideal recognition time. This desired recognition period Tr is composed of a first half period T1 and a second half period T2 across each ideal recognition time ts (ts1, ts2, ts3,...). In this embodiment, T1 = T2, but it is not necessarily equal. In addition, here, the first ideal recognition time ts1 or the time after the time Tg from the time when the discharge signal a is recognized (time t41 in FIG. 10, time t61 in FIG. 11) is the first discharge request signal output scheduled time. Is set.

  For example, when the operation speed of the packaging machine (the number of packagings per minute) is set to 100 times / minute, the operation cycle (Tp) of the packaging machine is 600 ms, and the desired recognition period Tr is, for example, 60 ms (T1 = T2 = 30 ms). When the operation speed of the packaging machine is set to 200 times / minute, the operation cycle (Tp) of the packaging machine is 300 ms, and the desired recognition period Tr is, for example, 20 ms (T1 = T2 = 10 ms). As described above, the time such as the desired recognition period Tr is determined in advance according to the operation speed of the packaging machine.

  In step S54, when the initial ideal recognition time ts1 is determined, for example, the continuous operation of the packaging machine is started after a time Tf from the ideal recognition time ts.

  Here, in the packaging machine, when the ideal recognition time ts is determined, the basic operation timing is determined as follows. That is, the packaging machine control unit 20 starts the bag feeding operation and the vertical sealing operation with respect to the packaging machine body 2 after time Tf from each ideal recognition time ts, and thereafter operates at a constant cycle Tp according to the operation speed. The packaging machine body 2 is controlled to perform Furthermore, the first discharge request signal b is output to the combination weigher control unit 10 at the discharge request signal output scheduled time after the time Tg from the first ideal recognition time ts1. Further, the combination weigher control unit 10 performs a discharging operation (opens the gate of the collecting hopper 17 on the combination weigher main body 1 after a time Th from the time when the input of the discharge request signal b output from the packaging machine control unit 20 is recognized. The combination weigher body 1 is controlled so as to operate at a constant cycle Tw corresponding to the operation speed. Here, since the packaging machine and the combination weigher are set to the same operation speed, the operation cycle (Tp) of the packaging machine and the operation cycle (Tw) of the combination weigher are equal.

  Next, in step S55, 0 is set to the counter value N.

  Thereafter, when the packaging machine control unit 20 recognizes the input of the discharge signal a (step S56), the process proceeds to step S57, the time when the input of the discharge signal a is recognized (this time is referred to as tp) and the ideal recognition time corresponding thereto. The time difference Td with respect to ts is obtained, for example, as Td = tp−ts.

  Next, in step S58, it is determined whether or not the time difference Td is within a desired range, that is, whether or not −T1 ≦ Td ≦ T2. That is, it is determined whether or not the input recognition time tp of the discharge signal a is within the desired recognition period Tr. Here, even if the input recognition time tp of the discharge signal a slightly deviates from the desired recognition period Tr, the desired recognition period Tr is set so as not to hinder the operation of the weighing packaging system.

  If the time difference Td does not satisfy −T1 ≦ Td ≦ T2, it is further determined in step S59 whether Td <−T1.

  When Td <−T1, that is, when the input recognition time tp of the discharge signal a is earlier than the desired recognition period Tr, the next discharge request signal output scheduled time is expressed by the absolute value of the time difference Td. The time is shifted backward by a certain | Td | (step S60). As a result, the timing for outputting the next discharge request signal b is delayed by | Td |.

  For example, in FIG. 10, at the initial stage, the output timing of the discharge request signal b is time t41 when the time Tg has elapsed from the ideal recognition time ts1, but the next discharge signal a output from the combination weigher at time t53. Input recognition time t42 is earlier than the desired recognition period Tr. For this reason, the timing for outputting the next discharge request signal b is shifted backward by | Td |. For example, the time t44 shifted backward by the amount of | Td | from the scheduled time t43 before the shift is when the time Tgg (= Tg + | Td |) has elapsed from the ideal recognition time ts2.

  When the discharge request signal b is output from the packaging machine at the updated discharge request signal output scheduled time t44, the combination weigher recognizes the discharge request signal b when the output timing of the discharge request signal b is not shifted. At time t55 later than t54, the input of the discharge request signal b is recognized. Then, after the discharge request signal b is recognized, the operation of the next operation cycle is started after time Th. In this case, after the previous operation cycle, a waiting time of time Twd of approximately | Td | is generated. Then, the discharge signal a is output at time t56 after time Ti from the start of the next operation cycle. In the packaging machine, the input recognition time of the discharge signal a is within the desired recognition period Tr, and after the time Tf from the ideal recognition time ts3 at this time, the next operation cycle is started, and the time Tgg is started from the ideal recognition time ts3. The discharge request signal b is output at the elapsed time t45. In the combination weigher, the next operation cycle is started a time Th after the discharge request signal b is recognized at time t57.

  In step S59, when Td <−T1 is not satisfied (this corresponds to a case where T2 <Td), that is, when the input recognition time tp of the discharge signal a is later than the desired recognition period Tr. Then, including the ideal recognition time ts which is the reference of the desired recognition period Tr at that time, the subsequent ideal recognition time ts is moved backward by the amount of | Td | (= Td) which is the absolute value of the time difference Td. The shifted time is changed (step S61).

  For example, in FIG. 11, initially, the timing at which the discharge request signal b is output is the time t61 when the time Tg has elapsed from the ideal recognition time ts1, but the discharge signal a output from the combination weigher at the time t73 is input. The recognition time is later than the desired recognition period Tr based on the ideal recognition time ts2. Therefore, instead of the ideal recognition times ts2, ts3,..., New ideal recognition times ts2 ′, ts3 ′,... Shifted backward by the amount of | Td |, which is the absolute value of the time difference Td, are set. .

  In this case, in the packaging machine, the operation of the next operation cycle is started after time Tf from the new ideal recognition time ts2 '. Here, after the previous operation cycle, a waiting time of time Tpd of approximately | Td | is generated. Then, the discharge request signal b is output at the discharge request signal output scheduled time t62. This time t62 is a time that arrives at a constant cycle Tp from the previous output time t61 of the discharge request signal b. Therefore, although the start of the operation cycle of the packaging machine is delayed, the output timing of the discharge request signal b is not delayed. In the combination weigher, after the discharge request signal b is recognized at time t74, the next operation cycle is started after time Th. In the case of FIG. 11, since the cycle of the discharge request signal b from the packaging machine does not fluctuate, no waiting time occurs in the combination weigher that operates in response to the discharge request signal b. Then, the discharge signal a is output at time t75 after time Ti from the start of the next operation cycle. In the packaging machine, the input recognition time of the discharge signal a falls within the desired recognition period Tr, and the next operation cycle is started after time Tf from the ideal recognition time ts3 'at this time.

  Next, in steps S62 and S63, the value is increased by the later-described steps S71 and S72 (FIG. 8) or steps S91 and S92 (FIG. 9) performed when -T1 ≦ Td ≦ T2 is satisfied in step S58. The counter value N is cleared to 0 and the stored time difference Td is deleted.

  In step S58, if −T1 ≦ Td ≦ T2 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S71 shown in FIG. 8, the counter value N is incremented by 1, and the time difference Td is stored (step S72).

  Next, in step S73, it is determined whether or not the counter value N is equal to n (n is a predetermined plural number). If it is equal to n, the process proceeds to step S74, and if not equal to n (if less than n). Then, the process returns to step S56 (FIG. 7).

  In step S74, an average value (α) of the n stored time differences Td is calculated.

  Next, in step S75, if the average value α is 0, the process proceeds to step S79, and if not 0, the process proceeds to step S76 to determine whether the average value α is less than 0.

  In step S76, if the average value α is less than 0, that is, if the input recognition time tp of the discharge signal a is an average earlier time than the ideal recognition time ts, the process proceeds to step S77 and the next discharge is performed. The request signal scheduled output time is changed to a time shifted backward by the amount of | α |, which is the absolute value of the average value α. As a result, the timing for outputting the next discharge request signal b is delayed by | α |. In step S77, the time to shift the discharge request signal output scheduled time backward is | α |, whereas in step S60, the time to shift backward is | Td |, and the shifting time is different, but step S77 is step S60. You can do it as well.

  Further, when the average value α is not less than 0 (this corresponds to the case where the average value α is greater than 0), that is, the input recognition time tp of the discharge signal a is an average later time than the ideal recognition time ts. If there is, the process proceeds to step S78, and the subsequent ideal recognition time ts including the ideal recognition time ts which is the reference of the desired recognition period Tr at that time is the absolute value of the average value α | α Change to a time shifted backward by | (= α). In step S78, the time for shifting the ideal recognition time ts is | α |, whereas in step S61, the time for shifting the ideal recognition time ts is | Td |, and the time for shifting is different, but step S78 is different from step S61. The same may be done.

  Next, in step S79, the counter value N is cleared and returned to 0. In step S80, the n time differences Td stored so far are deleted, and the process returns to step S56 (FIG. 7).

  In step S75, instead of determining whether or not the average value α is 0, it may be determined whether or not the average value α is within the adjustment unnecessary range. For example, the adjustment unnecessary range may be set to a range of −T3 or more and T4 or less (T3 and T4 are positive values), and it may be determined whether or not −T3 ≦ α ≦ T4. Here, the adjustment unnecessary range is set to be a range narrower than the desired recognition period Tr, and −T1 <−T3 <T4 <T2. In this case, if the average value α is within the adjustment unnecessary range, the process proceeds to step S79, and if the average value α is not within the adjustment unnecessary range, the process proceeds to step S76.

  Further, in step S74, an average value of n time differences is calculated every n times, but b time differences (b is a predetermined plurality less than n) obtained every n times. The average value may be calculated.

  Further, instead of the process shown in FIG. 8, the process shown in FIG. 9 may be performed.

  In this case, if −T1 ≦ Td ≦ T2 is satisfied in step S58 of FIG. 7, the process proceeds to step S91 shown in FIG. 9, the counter value N is incremented by 1, and the time difference Td is stored (step S92). ).

  Next, in step S93, it is determined whether or not the counter value N is greater than or equal to m (m is a predetermined number). If it is greater than or equal to m, the process proceeds to step S94, otherwise (less than m). Then, the process proceeds to step S95.

  In step S94, an average value (β) of the most recent m time differences Td stored is calculated.

  In step S95, the average value (β) of the stored N time differences Td is calculated.

  Next, in step S96, if the average value β obtained in step S94 or step S95 is 0, the process returns to step S56 (FIG. 7). If not, the process proceeds to step S97, where the average value β is 0. It is determined whether it is less than or not.

  In step S97, when the average value β is less than 0, that is, when the input recognition time tp of the discharge signal a is an average earlier time than the ideal recognition time ts, the process proceeds to step S98 and the next discharge is performed. The request signal output scheduled time is changed to a time shifted backward by | β |, which is the absolute value of the average value β. As a result, the timing for outputting the next discharge request signal b is delayed by | β |. Then, the process returns to step S56 (FIG. 7). In step S98, the time to shift the discharge request signal output scheduled time backward is | β |, whereas in step S60, the time to shift backward is | Td |, and the shifting time is different, but step S98 is different from step S60. The same may be done.

  When the average value β is not less than 0 (this corresponds to the case where the average value β is greater than 0), that is, the input recognition time tp of the discharge signal a is an average later time than the ideal recognition time ts. If there is, the process proceeds to step S99, and the ideal recognition time ts after that including the ideal recognition time ts which is the reference of the desired recognition period Tr at that time is the absolute value of the average value β | β Change to a time shifted backward by | (= β). Then, the process returns to step S56 (FIG. 7). In step S99, the time for shifting the ideal recognition time ts is | β |, whereas in step S61, the time for shifting the ideal recognition time ts is | Td |, and the time for shifting is different, but step S99 is the same as step S61. You can go to

  In step S93, when the counter value N is not greater than or equal to m (less than m), the process may return to step S56 (FIG. 7) without performing the processing after step S95.

  In step S96, instead of determining whether or not the average value β is 0, it may be determined whether or not the average value β is within the adjustment unnecessary range. For example, the adjustment unnecessary range may be set to a range of −T3 or more and T4 or less (T3 and T4 are positive values), and it may be determined whether or not −T3 ≦ β ≦ T4. Here, the adjustment unnecessary range is set to be a range narrower than the desired recognition period Tr, and −T1 <−T3 <T4 <T2. In this case, if the average value β is within the adjustment unnecessary range, the process returns to step S56 (FIG. 7), and if the average value β is not within the adjustment unnecessary range, the process proceeds to step S97.

  In step S94, if the counter value N is greater than or equal to m, the average value of the most recently obtained m time differences is calculated every time, but every a times (a is a predetermined value less than m). The average value of m time differences obtained most recently may be calculated.

  In FIG. 8, the average value α is calculated every n times, and in FIG. 9, the average value β is calculated by the moving average method, and either the discharge request signal output scheduled time or the ideal recognition time is updated. .

  Further, when the process returns from step S73 in FIG. 8 to step S56 in FIG. 7, or when the process returns from step S96, S98, S99 in FIG. 9 to step S56 in FIG. 7, the process of step S60 or step S61 is performed. Then, the counter value N and the time difference Td stored so far are cleared in steps S62 and S63. Accordingly, when the process of FIG. 8 or FIG. 9 is performed thereafter, the data after the process of step S60 or step S61 is performed as the data of the time difference Td for obtaining the average value (α or β). Data of the time difference Td obtained in step S57 is used.

  In the present embodiment, the packaging machine control unit 20 obtains a time difference Td between the input recognition time of the discharge signal a and the ideal recognition time ts corresponding thereto, and the time difference Td is within a desired range (−T1 ≦ Td). ≦ T2) is not satisfied, and when the input recognition time of the discharge signal a is earlier than the ideal recognition time ts, the discharge request signal output scheduled time is shifted backward by | Td | By updating, it is possible to adjust the operation timing of the combination weigher and the packaging machine without causing a waiting time in the packaging machine (in the case of FIG. 10). When the input recognition time of the discharge signal a is later than the ideal recognition time ts, the ideal recognition time ts is updated to a time shifted backward by | Td |, so that the waiting time is set in the combination weigher. The operation timing of the combination weigher and the packaging machine can be adjusted without causing it (in the case of FIG. 11). By adjusting the timing of the operation of the combination weigher and the packaging machine in this way, the waiting time that occurs between them can be reduced, and the combination weigher and the packaging machine can be reduced without incurring a substantial decrease in speed. Both can be operated at the same set speed.

  Further, by performing the processing shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 9, an average value (α or β) of a plurality of time differences Td is obtained, and the discharge request signal is scheduled to be output by the amount of | α | or | β | By updating the time or the ideal recognition time ts to a time shifted backward, the timing of the operation of the combination weigher and the packaging machine can be finely adjusted.

  In the present embodiment, the discharge request signal when the time difference Td between the input recognition time of the discharge signal a and the ideal recognition time ts does not satisfy the desired range (−T1 ≦ Td ≦ T2). Although the time for shifting the scheduled output time or the ideal recognition time ts backward is set to | Td |, it is not always necessary to set | Td |. For example, it may be shifted backward by the time of | Td | × 0.9 or the time of | Td | × 0.8 so as not to adjust too much. Further, the present invention is not limited to this, so that the input recognition time of the next discharge signal a is within the desired recognition period Tr, or the time difference Td between the input recognition time of the next discharge signal a and the ideal recognition time ts is the current time. You may make it set the time which shifts discharge request signal output scheduled time or ideal recognition time ts back so that it may become smaller than the time difference Td.

  It is also possible not to perform the processing shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. In this case, if -T1 ≦ Td ≦ T2 is satisfied in step S58 of FIG. 7, the process returns to step S56, and in this case, steps S55 and S62 for setting the counter value N, and the step of FIG. It is not necessary to delete the data of the time difference Td stored in step S72 or step S92 of FIG.

  In the case where the processing shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 9 is not performed, it is also possible to set T1 = T2 = 0 in step S58. In this case, only when the time difference Td is 0, the process returns to step S56, and when it is not 0, either the discharge request signal output scheduled time or the ideal recognition time is updated each time.

  It is also possible not to perform the processing of step S58 to step S63. In this case, after step S57, the process may proceed to step S71 in FIG. 8 or step S91 in FIG.

  In the second embodiment, the case where the combination weigher and the packaging machine are set to the same operation speed has been described, but it is also possible to operate them at different operation speeds. However, when the operation speed set in the packaging machine is faster than the operation speed of the combination weigher, in the packaging machine control unit 20, for example, the cycle of the ideal recognition time ts and the cycle of the discharge request signal output scheduled time are: It is necessary to configure to set the cycle equal to the cycle (Tw) according to the operation speed of the combination weigher.

  In addition, about the structure of the combination scale in said Embodiment 1, 2, and a packaging machine, a various change is possible. An example is given below.

  For example, the combination weigher may have a configuration in which the collect hopper 17 at the lower discharge port of the collect chute 16 is not provided. In this case, the objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing hopper 14 selected as the discharge combination slide down on the collecting chute 16 and are directly fed into the packaging machine.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the combination weigher is configured to have only the weighing hopper 14 as a hopper (combination hopper) to be subjected to the combination calculation, but an object to be weighed whose total weight value is within a predetermined weight range. As long as it is configured to be discharged, various changes can be made to the configuration of the hopper to be subjected to the combination calculation. As an example, memory hoppers into which objects to be weighed from the corresponding weighing hoppers 14 are placed are arranged below the weighing hoppers 14 corresponding to the respective weighing hoppers 14. A configuration may be adopted in which the objects to be weighed can be selectively discharged to the corresponding memory hopper and the collecting chute 16. In this case, the combination weigher control unit 10 performs a combination calculation based on the weight value of the objects to be weighed in each weighing hopper 14 and the weight value of the objects to be weighed in each memory hopper. Thus, the combination of the weighing hopper 14 and / or the memory hopper that the total weight value of the objects to be weighed is within the predetermined weight range may be obtained and determined as the discharge combination.

  In the combination weigher, the combination hoppers used for the combination are arranged in a circle, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the combination hoppers may be arranged in an elliptical shape, a square shape, a polygonal shape such as a rectangular shape, or a linear shape. The collecting chute is configured so that, for example, the upper opening shape is a shape corresponding to the arrangement shape of the combination hoppers, and the objects to be weighed discharged from each combination hopper can be collected and discharged from the lower discharge port. If there is.

  Furthermore, instead of the combination weigher, a weighing machine that measures the objects to be weighed and puts the objects to be weighed into the packaging machine may be used.

  Further, the packaging machine is not limited to the vertical pillow packaging machine as shown in FIG. 1, and any packaging machine that wraps an object to be weighed from a weighing machine such as a combination weigher may be used. For example, a bag-feeding type packaging machine may be used.

  In addition, the packaging machine has a plurality of inlets for the objects to be weighed and is configured to wrap each object to be weighed in each inlet, and a weighing machine such as a combination weigher is provided for each of the packaging machines. You may be comprised so that a to-be-measured object may be thrown into a slot. In this case, the weighing machine may have a plurality of outlets corresponding to the plurality of inlets of the packaging machine, and the objects to be weighed may be discharged sequentially from the plurality of outlets. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the objects to be weighed are discharged simultaneously from a plurality of discharge ports.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful for a weighing and packaging system that performs weighing and packaging operations of objects to be weighed at high speed.

It is the schematic which shows an example of a structure of the measurement packaging system in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the combination weigher in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the combination weigher in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the combination weigher in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of the combination weigher and packaging machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of the combination weigher and packaging machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the packaging machine in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the packaging machine in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the packaging machine in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of the combination weigher and packaging machine in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of the combination weigher and packaging machine in Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Combination weigher body 2 Packaging machine body 10 Combination weigher control part 18 Combination weigher operation input part 20 Packaging machine control part 28 Packaging machine operation input part

Claims (25)

An apparatus body that repeatedly performs a series of operations for measuring and discharging the weight of an object to be weighed, and a weighing machine having a control unit that controls the operation of the apparatus body according to a set operation speed;
An apparatus main body that repeatedly performs a series of operations for packaging an object to be weighed discharged from the weighing machine, and a packaging machine having a control unit that controls the operation of the apparatus main body according to a set operation speed. Prepared,
One of the weighing machine and the packaging machine is the first device, the other is the second device, and the control unit of the first device and the control unit of the second device have the same operating speed. If the first speed is set,
The control unit of the first device sets a first signal output scheduled time that arrives at an interval of a first cycle that is a cycle of the series of operations of the device body of the first device according to the first speed. The time when the first signal is output to the control unit of the second device at the first signal output scheduled time and the input of the second signal output from the control unit of the second device is recognized. A reference time that arrives at an interval of the first period is set as an ideal time for recognizing the second signal, corresponding to each second signal input recognition time, and based on this reference time, Configured to control the timing of the series of operations to be performed by the apparatus main body,
The control unit of the second device sends the second signal of the first device at a predetermined timing set within a cycle of the series of operations of the device main body of the second device according to the first speed. Configured to control the timing of the series of operations to be performed by the apparatus main body of the second device based on the first signal input to the control unit and input from the control unit of the first device;
Further, the control unit of the first device may cause the first signal output scheduled time and the reference time so that a time difference generated between the second signal input recognition time and the reference time corresponding to this time becomes small. And a measuring and packaging system configured to perform an adjustment process for resetting any of the above. The control unit of the first device controls the timing of the series of operations of the device main body of the first device based on the reference time, and sets the start time of one of the series of operations as the reference time. Configured to perform control based on
The control unit of the second device controls the timing of the series of operations of the device main body of the second device based on the first signal, and sets the start time of one of the series of operations as the first time. The weighing and packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the measurement and packaging system is configured to perform control based on time when an input of one signal is recognized.   The control unit of the first device sets the second signal input recognition time when the second signal input first is recognized as the first reference time of the reference times arriving at the first period. The weighing and packaging system of claim 1, configured to determine. The adjustment process performed by the control unit of the first device is:
Each time the input of the second signal is recognized, the time difference between the second signal input recognition time and the reference time corresponding to the time is obtained, and the time difference is a predetermined range. If the second signal input recognition time is earlier than the reference time when the second signal input recognition time is out of the range, the first signal output schedule is set so that the time difference obtained next falls within the first range. When the second signal input recognition time is later than the reference time, the reference time is set so that the next time difference obtained is within the first range. The weighing and packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the weighing and packaging system is updated at a time shifted to a later time.   In the adjustment process, when the first signal output scheduled time is updated, the time is updated to a time shifted by the time of the absolute value of the time difference, and when the reference time is updated, the time is shifted to the time of the absolute value of the time difference. The weighing packaging system according to claim 4, wherein the weighing packaging system is updated at a shifted time. The adjustment process performed by the control unit of the first device is:
Each time the input of the second signal is recognized, the time difference is obtained by subtracting the reference time corresponding to this time from the second signal input recognition time, and the second signal is input a times (a is Every time a predetermined time integer is recognized and a time difference is obtained, an average value of b time differences (b is a predetermined number) obtained most recently is obtained, and the average time difference is negative. The first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted by the absolute value of the average value of the time difference, and when the average value of the time difference is a positive value, the reference time The weighing and packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the system is updated at a time shifted to the time after the average value of the time difference. The adjustment process performed by the control unit of the first device is:
Each time the input of the second signal is recognized, the time difference is obtained by subtracting the reference time corresponding to this time from the second signal input recognition time, and the input of the second signal is performed n times (n is Each time the n time differences are determined by recognition, the average value of the n time differences is obtained. When the average value of the time differences is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is Updated to the time shifted to the absolute value of the average value of the time difference, and when the average value of the time difference is a positive value, the reference time is set to the time shifted to the time of the average value of the time difference. The weighing packaging system according to claim 1 to be updated. The adjustment process performed by the control unit of the first device is:
Each time the input of the second signal is recognized, the time difference is obtained by subtracting the reference time corresponding to this time from the second signal input recognition time, and the time difference is recognized by recognizing the input of the second signal. Each time m is obtained, an average value of the m time differences (m is a predetermined plurality) obtained most recently is obtained, and when the average value of the time differences is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is Updated to the time shifted to the absolute value of the average value of the time difference, and when the average value of the time difference is a positive value, the reference time is set to the time shifted to the time of the average value of the time difference. The weighing packaging system according to claim 1 to be updated. The adjustment process performed by the control unit of the first device is:
A time difference calculation process for obtaining the time difference by subtracting the reference time corresponding to this time from the second signal input recognition time each time an input of the second signal is recognized;
When the time difference is outside the first range, which is a predetermined range, and the time difference is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is determined by the absolute value of the time difference. Updating to a time shifted to a time, and when the time difference is a positive value, a first process to update the reference time to a time shifted to the time difference by the time difference;
When the time difference is within the range of the first range, the input of the second signal is recognized a times (a is a predetermined integer equal to or greater than 1), and every time a time difference is obtained, The average value of the b time differences (b is a predetermined number) obtained in step (b) is obtained, and when the average time difference value is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is determined as the absolute value of the average time difference value. A second process of updating the reference time to a time shifted to the time after the average value of the time difference when the average value of the time difference is a positive value. And
When the first process is performed, the number of times of recognition of the input of the second signal by the second process is set to zero, and only the time difference obtained after the first process is subject to the second process. The weighing and packaging system according to claim 1. The first device is the weighing machine, and the second device is the packaging machine;
The first signal is a discharge signal that informs the packaging machine that the weighing object is discharged from the weighing machine, and the second signal is a discharge request that requests the weighing machine to discharge the weighing object from the packaging machine. The weighing and packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the weighing and packaging system is a signal. The first device is the packaging machine, and the second device is the weighing machine;
The first signal is a discharge request signal for requesting discharge of the object to be weighed from the packaging machine to the weighing machine, and the second signal is a discharge for informing the discharge of the object to be weighed from the weighing machine to the packaging machine. The weighing and packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the weighing and packaging system is a signal. An apparatus main body that repeatedly performs a series of operations for measuring the weight of an object to be weighed and discharging it to the packaging machine; and a control unit that controls the operation of the apparatus main body according to a set operation speed.
A first speed that is the same operating speed as the packaging machine is set in the control unit, and the packaging machine is discharged from the apparatus main body based on a first signal output from the control unit. The timing of a series of operations to be performed for packaging the objects to be weighed is controlled, and the first timing is set at a predetermined timing set within the cycle of the series of operations according to the first speed. When configured to output two signals to the control unit,
The control unit sets a first signal output scheduled time that arrives at an interval of a first period that is a period of the series of operations of the apparatus main body according to the first speed, and this first signal output scheduled A first signal is output to the packaging machine at a time, and the second signal is associated with a second signal input recognition time, which is a time when an input of the second signal output from the packaging machine is recognized. A reference time that arrives at the interval of the first cycle is set as an ideal time to be recognized, and the timing of the series of operations to be performed by the apparatus body is controlled based on the reference time.
Further, the control unit is configured to reduce a time difference generated between the second signal input recognition time and the reference time corresponding to the second signal input recognition time from the first signal output scheduled time and the reference time. Weighing machine configured to perform adjustment processing to set either one again. The adjustment process performed by the control unit is:
Each time the input of the second signal is recognized, the time difference between the second signal input recognition time and the reference time corresponding to the time is obtained, and the time difference is a predetermined range. If the second signal input recognition time is earlier than the reference time when the second signal input recognition time is out of the range, the first signal output schedule is set so that the time difference obtained next falls within the first range. When the second signal input recognition time is later than the reference time, the reference time is set so that the next time difference obtained is within the first range. The weighing machine according to claim 12, wherein the weighing machine is updated at a time shifted to a later time.   In the adjustment process, when the first signal output scheduled time is updated, the time is updated to a time shifted by the time of the absolute value of the time difference, and when the reference time is updated, the time is shifted to the time of the absolute value of the time difference. The weighing machine according to claim 13, wherein the weighing machine is updated at a shifted time. The adjustment process performed by the control unit is:
Each time the input of the second signal is recognized, the time difference is obtained by subtracting the reference time corresponding to this time from the second signal input recognition time, and the second signal is input a times (a is Every time a predetermined time integer is recognized and a time difference is obtained, an average value of b time differences (b is a predetermined number) obtained most recently is obtained, and the average time difference is negative. The first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted by the absolute value of the average value of the time difference, and when the average value of the time difference is a positive value, the reference time The weighing machine according to claim 12, wherein the weighing machine is updated at a time shifted to the time after the average value of the time difference. The adjustment process performed by the control unit is:
A time difference calculation process for obtaining the time difference by subtracting the reference time corresponding to this time from the second signal input recognition time each time an input of the second signal is recognized;
When the time difference is outside the first range, which is a predetermined range, and the time difference is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is determined by the absolute value of the time difference. Updating to a time shifted to a time, and when the time difference is a positive value, a first process to update the reference time to a time shifted to the time difference by the time difference;
When the time difference is within the range of the first range, the input of the second signal is recognized a times (a is a predetermined integer equal to or greater than 1), and every time a time difference is obtained, The average value of the b time differences (b is a predetermined number) obtained in step (b) is obtained, and when the average time difference value is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is determined as the absolute value of the average time difference value. A second process of updating the reference time to a time shifted to the time after the average value of the time difference when the average value of the time difference is a positive value. And
When the first process is performed, the number of times of recognition of the input of the second signal by the second process is set to zero, and only the time difference obtained after the first process is subject to the second process. The weighing machine according to claim 12.   The first signal is a discharge signal for notifying the packaging machine of the discharge of the object to be weighed from the control unit, and the second signal is a discharge request for requesting the control unit to discharge the object to be weighed from the packaging machine. The weighing machine according to claim 12, which is a signal.   The control unit controls the timing of the series of operations of the apparatus main body performed based on the reference time, and sets the start time of the operation of discharging the objects to be weighed to the packaging machine in the series of operations. The weighing machine according to claim 12, wherein the weighing machine is configured to perform control based on time. The apparatus main body has a plurality of hoppers for temporarily holding and discharging the supplied objects to be weighed,
The control unit performs a combination process for obtaining a combination of the hoppers in which a combined weight value that is a sum of the weights of the objects to be weighed supplied to the hopper is within a predetermined weight range, and the combination obtained thereby 13. The weighing machine according to claim 12, wherein the weighing machine is configured to control the apparatus main body so that an object to be weighed of the hopper is discharged to the packaging machine. An apparatus main body that repeatedly performs a series of operations for packaging an object to be weighed discharged from the weighing machine, and a control unit that controls the operation of the apparatus main body according to a set operation speed;
The control unit is set with a first speed that is the same operating speed as the weighing machine, and the weighing machine weighs an object to be weighed based on a first signal output from the control unit. In addition, the timing of a series of operations performed for discharging to the apparatus main body is controlled, and at a predetermined timing set within the cycle of the series of operations according to the first speed. When configured to output the second signal to the control unit,
The control unit sets a first signal output scheduled time that arrives at an interval of a first period that is a period of the series of operations of the apparatus main body according to the first speed, and this first signal output scheduled A first signal is output to the weighing machine at a time, and a second signal input recognition time corresponding to a time when the input of the second signal output from the weighing machine is recognized. A reference time that arrives at the interval of the first cycle is set as an ideal time to be recognized, and the timing of the series of operations to be performed by the apparatus body is controlled based on the reference time.
Further, the control unit is configured to reduce a time difference generated between the second signal input recognition time and the reference time corresponding to the second signal input recognition time from the first signal output scheduled time and the reference time. A packaging machine configured to perform an adjustment process for resetting one of them. The adjustment process performed by the control unit is:
Each time the input of the second signal is recognized, the time difference between the second signal input recognition time and the reference time corresponding to the time is obtained, and the time difference is a predetermined range. If the second signal input recognition time is earlier than the reference time when the second signal input recognition time is out of the range, the first signal output schedule is set so that the time difference obtained next falls within the first range. When the second signal input recognition time is later than the reference time, the reference time is set so that the next time difference obtained is within the first range. 21. The packaging machine according to claim 20, wherein the packaging machine is updated at a time shifted to a later time.   In the adjustment process, when the first signal output scheduled time is updated, the time is updated to a time shifted by the time of the absolute value of the time difference, and when the reference time is updated, the time is shifted to the time of the absolute value of the time difference. The packaging machine according to claim 20, wherein the packaging machine is updated at a shifted time. The adjustment process performed by the control unit is:
Each time the input of the second signal is recognized, the time difference is obtained by subtracting the reference time corresponding to this time from the second signal input recognition time, and the second signal is input a times (a is Every time a predetermined time integer is recognized and a time difference is obtained, an average value of b time differences (b is a predetermined number) obtained most recently is obtained, and the average time difference is negative. The first signal output scheduled time is updated to a time shifted by the absolute value of the average value of the time difference, and when the average value of the time difference is a positive value, the reference time 21. The packaging machine according to claim 20, wherein the packaging machine is updated at a time shifted by an amount equal to the average time difference. The adjustment process performed by the control unit is:
A time difference calculation process for obtaining the time difference by subtracting the reference time corresponding to this time from the second signal input recognition time each time an input of the second signal is recognized;
When the time difference is outside the first range, which is a predetermined range, and the time difference is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is determined by the absolute value of the time difference. Updating to a time shifted to a time, and when the time difference is a positive value, a first process to update the reference time to a time shifted to the time difference by the time difference;
When the time difference is within the range of the first range, the input of the second signal is recognized a times (a is a predetermined integer equal to or greater than 1), and every time a time difference is obtained, The average value of the b time differences (b is a predetermined number) obtained in step (b) is obtained, and when the average time difference value is a negative value, the first signal output scheduled time is determined as the absolute value of the average time difference value. A second process of updating the reference time to a time shifted to the time after the average value of the time difference when the average value of the time difference is a positive value. And
When the first process is performed, the number of times of recognition of the input of the second signal by the second process is set to zero, and only the time difference obtained after the first process is subject to the second process. The packaging machine according to claim 20.   The first signal is a discharge request signal for requesting discharge of the object to be weighed from the control unit to the weighing machine, and the second signal is a discharge for notifying the control unit of discharge of the object to be measured from the weighing machine. The packaging machine according to claim 20, wherein the packaging machine is a signal.

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