JP2010054427A - Combinational balance - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display at least information relating to actions of a linear feeder so as to enable an operator to ascertain it more easily in order to improve accuracy in combining and a weighing speed of a combinational balance. <P>SOLUTION: A displaying screen of an operational setting displaying section which a combinational balance is equipped with comprises an integrated head information displaying area 32 for displaying head information, and an individual head information displaying area 32b is displayed corresponding to each of a plurality of heads. If the combinational balance performs an automatic feeder control (AFC), in an area corresponding to a liner feeder the vibration strength of which is varied by the control, its displayed color is displayed with variation (for example, in reverse) from a color for another area. Since this makes a status of actions of the linear feeder to be manifest on the displaying screen, for example, by additionally displaying operation result information in a weighing information displaying area 33, an operator can adjust AFC more suitably. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a combination weigher, and in particular, in order to improve weighing accuracy and weighing speed in combination weighing, the control state of a linear feeder that transports an object to be weighed to a weighing hopper can be displayed more effectively. It relates to a combination scale.

  The combination weigher measures the objects to be weighed having variations in individual weights so that the weights are within an allowable range by performing combination weighing. The outline of the combination weighing will be described. Through the following process, the object to be weighed is weighed to a predetermined weight. First, the supplied objects to be weighed are weighed by a plurality of weighing hoppers. Next, a calculation is performed to combine the weights weighed by the respective weighing hoppers. Next, a combination of weighing hoppers whose total weight is within an allowable range is selected. Then, the objects to be weighed to a predetermined weight are collected by discharging the objects to be weighed from the selected weighing hoppers to the collecting chute.

  In such a combination weigher, in order to improve the weighing accuracy (combination accuracy) and weighing speed by the combination of each weighing hopper, it is preferable that the operator can recognize the operation state. Therefore, various techniques for displaying the operating state of the combination weigher have been proposed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a display device used for industrial machines in general. The display device includes a storage unit that stores a background color or a background display method according to the operating state of the machine, detects the operating state of the machine, and detects the background color or the background color from the storage unit according to the detected operating state. A background display method is selected, the background color on the display screen is switched to the selected background color, or the display method is selected. In this configuration, the operator is informed of the operating state of the machine depending on the background color of the display screen and the display method, so that the operator can be notified of the operating state of the machine without providing a dedicated lighting display means.

  Patent document 2 is disclosing the measuring device provided with the color display apparatus which displays the driving | running state. The weighing device includes color display means for displaying a plurality of driving states, and display control means for displaying characters representing predetermined ones of the driving states in different colors on the color display means. ing. A display control means (CPU) causes a color display means (for example, a color TFT panel) to display characters representing predetermined ones of the respective driving states in different colors. Examples of characters include letters, numbers, symbols, and the like. In this configuration, even if the display means is small, the display item can be recognized from a remote position.

  Patent Document 3 includes a plurality of heads that have a transport unit and a weighing hopper for transporting an object to be weighed, and are arranged in an annular shape, and information on operation parameters of the plurality of heads corresponds to the arrangement of the plurality of heads. And a combination weighing device including a display unit that graphically displays the lines in a line. On the display unit (for example, a touch panel), a moving image that shows the operation state of the head in real time and a radar graph that shows information on the operation parameter of the head are displayed. In the radar graph, information regarding the operation parameters of a plurality of heads is displayed graphically in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of the heads. In this configuration, information about the operation parameters of multiple heads is displayed graphically in an arrangement corresponding to the head arrangement, so that information about the operation parameters of all the heads and the correspondence between the information about the operation parameters and the heads can be visualized. It becomes easy to recognize. Therefore, it becomes easy to adjust the head by referring to the information about the operation parameter of the head.

Patent Document 4 displays an input weight variation calculation unit that calculates a variation in the entire input weight of the object to be weighed obtained by inputting an object to be measured a plurality of times in each of a plurality of heads having a hopper, and displays the variation. A combination weighing device including a display unit (for example, a touch panel display) is disclosed. In this configuration, it is possible to adjust the amount of the objects to be weighed into the plurality of heads in consideration of the variation in the entire weight of the objects to be weighed. In order to improve the operating rate and combination accuracy in the combination weighing device, it is important to balance the variation in the input weight of a single head and the variation in the input weight among multiple heads. By adjusting the input amount of the object to be weighed into the head in consideration of the input weight variation affected by both the weight variation and the input weight variation among multiple heads, Even if it exists, an operation rate and a combination precision can be improved easily.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-141539 JP 2003-28708 A JP 2005-121512 A JP 2007-248199 A

  The techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 display changes in the driving state as more easily understandable information. The technique disclosed in Patent Document 3 assumes that the head operation is adjusted. The focus is on displaying information about operating parameters as more easily understood information. In other words, both technologies are common in that they provide information necessary for an operator in an industrial machine or a combination weigher so that the operator can easily grasp the information.

  On the other hand, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 4 is characterized in that it displays variation in the entire input weight of an object to be weighed obtained by inserting an object to be weighed multiple times in each of a plurality of heads. This is because, as described above, in order to improve the operation rate and the combination accuracy, it is important to provide information on the variation in the input weight.

  Here, according to the inventor's study, in order to improve the combination accuracy and the measurement speed in the combination weigher, it is not sufficient to simply provide information on the variation in the input weight so that it can be easily grasped. Became clear. That is, in combination weighing, the weight of an object to be weighed in a weighing hopper is greatly affected by operations of a dispersion unit and a linear feeder that convey the object to be weighed into the weighing hopper. Therefore, it is important to provide not only “result information” of variation in input weight but also information regarding the operation of the linear feeder so that the operator can easily understand it. However, conventionally, there has been no known combination weigher that displays information such as operating conditions and control conditions in an easy-to-understand manner.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems. In order to improve the combination accuracy and the measurement speed in the combination weigher, at least information related to the operation of the linear feeder is grasped by the operator. The purpose is to provide technology that can be easily displayed.

  As a result of intensive studies in view of the above problems, the present inventor can display the vibration strength and driving time of the linear feeder in an easy-to-understand manner for the operator, so that the operator can adjust the operation control of the linear feeder more appropriately. As a result, it has been found uniquely that the combination accuracy and the measurement speed of the combination weigher are further improved, and the present invention has been completed.

  That is, in order to solve the above-described problem, the combination weigher according to the present invention includes a plurality of linear feeders that convey an object to be weighed by a vibration operation, and a plurality of objects that accommodate the objects to be weighed conveyed by the respective linear feeders. A weighing hopper, a weight detector for detecting the weight of the weighing object accommodated in each weighing hopper, and a weight of the weighing object of the plurality of weighing hoppers detected by the weight detector, A controller configured to perform at least combination weighing control for selecting a suitable combination of the predetermined number of weighing hoppers by summing up each predetermined number of weighing hoppers and comparing with a set weight, and a display capable of color display An indicator having a screen, and the controller is conveyed to each weighing hopper by changing at least one of vibration intensity and driving time of the linear feeder. Automatic feeder control is performed to adjust the amount of the object to be weighed, and the display unit displays at least one of the vibration intensity and the driving time for each of the plurality of linear feeders. The display area color corresponding to the target linear feeder is configured to be displayed differently from the color of the display area corresponding to another linear feeder.

  Automatic Feeder Control (Auto Feeder Control, AFC) is a control technology developed by the present applicant. By setting various parameters for the plurality of linear feeders, the vibration strength and / or driving time thereof is set. It is a control method to change. According to this method, basically, the combination accuracy and the measurement speed can be improved. However, when AFC, which was effective in the combination weighing of an object to be weighed, is applied to the combination weighing of another object to be weighed, the combination accuracy and the measurement speed may be lowered. That is, it can be said that there is “compatibility” between the object to be weighed and the type of AFC. Therefore, in order for the operator to grasp this “compatibility” when adjusting the AFC, it is desirable that the combination weigher clearly displays the effect of the AFC on the display.

  So, according to the said structure, when AFC is performed by the said controller, the said display displays the corresponding display about the linear feeder used as the object of the change of vibration intensity or drive time on a display screen. The color of the area on the screen is displayed differently from the color of the area corresponding to other linear feeders. By adopting such a display method, the operation states of the plurality of linear feeders become obvious at a glance on the display screen. Therefore, if it is displayed in combination with other information on the display screen, the display device can clearly display the effect of AFC, and the operator can adjust AFC more appropriately.

  In the combination weigher, at least the linear feeder, the weighing hopper corresponding to the linear feeder, and the weight detector corresponding to the weighing hopper constitute one head, and the controller performs combination weighing control. After performing, at least head information, the vibration intensity and driving time of each linear feeder, and the hopper average weight which is the average value of the weight detected by the weight detector in the weighing hopper corresponding to the linear feeder It is preferable that the display unit is configured to display at least one of the head information.

  According to the said structure, the operator can confirm collectively the operation state of the linear feeder by AFC, and the average weight of the to-be-measured object accommodated in each measurement hopper as head information. Therefore, the display unit is not only information related to the variation in the weight of the object to be weighed into the weighing hopper (the weight of the object to be weighed accommodated in the weighing hopper and weighed by the weight detector) as in the past. Information relating to the operation of the linear feeder that transports the object to be weighed to the weighing hopper can also be provided to the operator. As a result, the display can display the effect of AFC more clearly, so that the operator can adjust the AFC more appropriately.

  More preferably, the display of the combination weigher is configured to include a head information display area for displaying the head information for each head on a display screen.

  Further, the combination weigher further includes an operation device, and the operation device is configured to output an operation command to change a display area of the display device according to an operation to the controller. Is more preferably configured to change a plurality of types of the head information to be displayed in the head information display area based on the operation command.

  In the combination weigher, the controller is configured to generate a combination weight, which is a total weight of the selected number of combinations of the predetermined number of weighing hoppers, as operation result information and to display it on the display. Preferably, the controller further generates at least one of an average value of the combination weight, a standard deviation of the combination weight, and a weighing speed of the combination weight as the operation result information, and displays it on the display It is more preferable that it is configured.

  According to the above configuration, since the display unit displays an overall image of combination weighing as operation result information, information on individual weighing hoppers, information on linear feeders corresponding to each weighing hopper, and information on overall combination weighing To the operator. Therefore, since the display device can display the effect of AFC more clearly, the operator can adjust the AFC more appropriately.

  In the combination weigher, the combination weigher further includes a storage unit, and the controller stores the change in the head information and the change in the operation result information in the storage unit, and at least increases or decreases the change, More preferably, the display is displayed as a change in display color or image information on the display. The image information includes an arrow-like character indicating the increase or decrease in the change in a direction on a display screen, and the change of the change. The increase / decrease can be at least one of the graphs showing the change with time.

  In the combination weigher, the controller is configured to set a plurality of different control types as the automatic feeder control, and the controller controls an operation command for switching the plurality of control types according to an operation. It is preferable that it is comprised so that it may output to a device.

  According to the said structure, the said indicator displays clearly what kind of control type AFC is applied with a combination scale. Therefore, the operator can more clearly grasp the “compatibility” between the control type of the AFC and the object to be measured, and can adjust the AFC more appropriately.

  More preferably, the controller of the combination weigher is configured to display the type of the control type being executed on the display.

  In the combination weigher, the following configurations can be cited as control types of the automatic feeder control.

  In the first control type, the controller sets at least a target value for the number of participation of the weighing hoppers participating in the combination in the automatic feeder control, and participates in the combination together with execution of the combination weighing control. The number of participation of the weighing hopper is acquired, and at least one of the vibration intensity and the driving time is changed for the plurality of linear feeders so that the number of participation approaches the target value, and the operation The device is configured to output an operation command for changing the target value to the controller according to an operation.

  In the second control type, in the automatic feeder control, the controller sets at least a target value for the weight of the object to be weighed in the weighing hopper, and executes the combination weighing control together with the plurality of weights. The weights are obtained from all of the weight detectors corresponding to the weighing hoppers of the plurality of linear feeders, and at least one of the vibration intensity and the driving time is changed so that the weights approach the target value. The operation device is configured to output an operation command for changing the target value to the controller according to an operation.

  In the first and second control types, the controller further sets an allowable range based on the target value of the number of participations or the weight, and when the number of participations or the weight falls within the allowable range Preferably, the vibration intensity and the driving time are maintained, and the operation device is configured to output an operation command for changing the allowable range to the controller according to an operation.

  Further, in the third control type, the controller sets a reference value for the driving time of the linear feeder and a deviation time that is shorter than the driving time in the automatic feeder control, and the reference value The deviation time is added to or subtracted from when the combination weighing control is performed, so that the drive time of the plurality of linear feeders is intentionally varied, and the controller is operated according to the operation. Is configured to output an operation designation for changing at least one of the reference value and the deviation time.

  In the combination weigher, the controller uses the ratio of the average hopper weight with respect to at least one of the vibration intensity and the driving time as the conveyance rate in each linear feeder and each corresponding weighing hopper. The linear feeder that is generated and deviated from the preset allowable range of the conveyance rate is selected and displayed on the display unit, and the display unit is configured to select the selected linear feeder in the head information display area. The color of the area corresponding to the feeder may be displayed differently from the color of other areas.

  According to the above configuration, since the linear feeder having an abnormality in the conveyance rate is clearly displayed, it is possible to notify even when an abnormality or poor adjustment occurs in a specific head.

  As described above, in the present invention, in the combination weigher, in order to improve the combination accuracy and the measurement speed, at least information related to the operation of the linear feeder can be displayed more easily for the operator. .

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings, and redundant description thereof is omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
[Basic structure of combination weigher]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a combination weigher according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system provided in the combination weigher shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the combination weigher according to the present embodiment includes a supply device 11 that supplies an object to be weighed, and a top cone that distributes the object to be weighed supplied from the supply device 11 and supplies it downstream. 12, a main feeder 13 that vibrates the top cone 12, a plurality of linear feeder pans 14 that receive an object to be weighed from the top cone 12 and supplies it downstream, a plurality of linear feeders 15 that vibrate the linear feeder pan 14, and a linear feeder pan 14, a plurality of supply hoppers 16 that collectively supply the objects to be weighed at a predetermined timing, a plurality of weighing hoppers 17 that accommodate and measure the objects to be weighed supplied from the supply hoppers 16, A plurality of collective chutes 18 that receive and collect the weighing objects and supply them downstream, and are supplied from the collective chutes 18 And a discharge chute 19 to discharge into unillustrated attracted weighed packaging machine.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the combination weigher according to the present embodiment includes, as a control system, a control unit 20 and a level detector 21 that detects the amount of an object to be weighed supplied from the supply device 11 to the top cone 12. And a weight sensor 22 for detecting the weight of the object to be weighed accommodated in the weighing hopper 17 and an operation setting display unit 23.

  The combination weigher according to the present embodiment includes the linear feeder pan 14, the linear feeder 15, the supply hopper 16, the weighing hopper 17, and the weight sensor 22 as a set of heads 10. Although not shown, a plurality of heads 10 are arranged in a ring shape around the top cone 12. FIG. 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional configuration of the combination weigher according to the present embodiment, and thus shows two sets of heads 10 facing each other with the supply device 11, the top cone 12 and the main feeder 13 interposed therebetween. Further, FIG. 2 shows only one set of heads 10 for convenience of explaining the control system.

  As the supply device 11, for example, a belt conveyor in which a plurality of containers are arranged in a row on an endless belt, a trough attached with a vibration device, or the like is used. The supply hopper 16 and the weighing hopper 17 include a gate that is selectively opened and closed under the control of the control unit 20, and supplies an object to be measured downstream by opening the gate. The main feeder 13 and the linear feeder 15 include, for example, an electromagnet as a vibrating portion, and vibrate when the electromagnet is turned on and off.

  For example, an optical sensor is used as the level detector 21. For example, a load cell is used as the weight sensor 22. The configuration of the control device 20 will be described later.

  The operation setting display unit 23 includes a color liquid crystal display panel as a display, and a touch panel integrated with the color liquid crystal display panel as an operation unit. As the touch panel, for example, a resistive film type can be cited, and the touch panel is integrated by being attached to the surface of the color liquid crystal display panel. In the present invention, a display device other than a liquid crystal display panel can be used as the display, but a display device having a display screen capable of at least color display is preferable.

  In addition to the operation setting display unit 23, an input device used as an input device of a personal computer, such as a keyboard or a mouse, may be provided as an operation device. Similarly, an output device such as a known printer may be provided. As described above, the present embodiment includes the operation setting display unit 23 in which the operation device and the display device are integrated. However, the configuration of the operation device and the display device used in the present invention is not limited to this.

[Control structure of combination weigher]
Next, the configuration of the control unit 20 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the control unit 20.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 20 includes a calculation unit 20a, a storage unit 20b, an I / O circuit 20c, an A / D conversion circuit 20d, a gate drive circuit 20e, a linear feeder vibration control circuit 20f, and a main feeder vibration control circuit. 20g, and a supply device control circuit 20h.

  The arithmetic unit 20a, the storage unit 20b, and the I / O circuit 20c are each configured by, for example, a microcomputer CPU, an internal memory, and an I / O input / output circuit. The computing unit 20a is connected to the storage unit 20b and the I / O circuit 20c. Further, an A / D conversion circuit 20d, a gate drive circuit 20e, a linear feeder vibration control circuit 20f, a main feeder vibration control circuit 20g, and a supply device control circuit 20h are connected to the arithmetic unit 20a. Further, the calculation unit 20 a is also connected to the operation setting display unit 23.

  The I / O circuit 20c is connected to the level detector 21, and inputs a detection signal from the level detector 21 to the arithmetic unit 20a. The A / D conversion circuit 20d is connected to the weight sensor 22, and converts an analog signal from the weight sensor 22 into a digital signal.

  The gate drive circuit 20 e is connected to the gates of the supply hopper 16 and the weighing hopper 17 and drives the gates of the supply hopper 16 and the weighing hopper 17.

  The linear feeder vibration control circuit 20 f is connected to the linear feeder 15 and controls the operation of the linear feeder 15. The main feeder vibration control circuit 20 g is connected to the main feeder 13 and controls the operation of the main feeder 13. The supply device control circuit 20 h is connected to the supply device 11 and controls the operation of the supply device 11. In addition, the arrow in a figure shows the direction where a signal is transmitted.

  Next, the operation of the control unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG. Operation information such as commands for performing various operations and conditions for setting or changing the control type of automatic feeder control (AFC) described later are input from the operation setting display unit 23 to the arithmetic unit 20a.

  The computing unit 20a stores the input operation information in the storage unit 20b. The stored operation information is read out by the calculation unit 20a, output to the operation setting display unit 23 as necessary, and displayed on the display screen. The storage unit 20b also stores a program for performing a combination calculation.

  A detection signal from the level detector 21 is output to the arithmetic unit 20a via the I / O circuit 20c. The detection signal from the weight sensor 22 is converted into a detection value by the A / D conversion circuit 20d and output to the calculation unit 20a. The calculation unit 20a processes the input detection signal and the like using a program stored in the storage unit 20b. Furthermore, the arithmetic unit 20a outputs a control signal to the gate drive circuit 20e, the linear feeder vibration control circuit 20f, the main feeder vibration control circuit 20g, and the supply device control circuit 20h based on the processing result. Thereby, the calculating part 20a controls operation | movement of the supply apparatus 11, the main feeder 13, the linear feeder 15, the supply hopper 16, and the measurement hopper 17. FIG.

  The opening and closing of the gate of the supply hopper 16 is controlled via the gate drive circuit 20e by a control signal from the arithmetic unit 20a, and thereby the operation of supplying the object to be weighed to the weighing hopper 17 is controlled. The opening and closing of the gate of the weighing hopper 17 is also controlled via the gate drive circuit 20e by a control signal from the arithmetic unit 20a, thereby controlling combination weighing.

  The operation of the main feeder 13 is controlled based on a control signal from the calculation unit 20a, and thereby the dispersion amount of the object to be weighed in the top cone 12 is adjusted. The operation of the linear feeder 15 is also controlled based on a control signal from the calculation unit 20a, and thereby the amount of the object to be weighed in the linear feeder pan 14 is adjusted.

  The calculation unit 20a outputs the processing result to the operation setting display unit 23 as necessary. The arithmetic unit 20a stores the predetermined processing result in the storage unit 20b when a predetermined processing result is generated.

  In this way, the control unit 20 controls the operations of the supply device 11, the main feeder 13, the linear feeder 15, the supply hopper 16, and the weighing hopper 17, thereby adjusting the supply amount and the discharge amount of the objects to be weighed. Run the combination weigher.

  In the present embodiment, the number of the control units 20 and the calculation units 20a included in the combination weigher is one. However, the structure of the control part 20 and the calculating part 20a is not limited to this, You may provide the some arithmetic device and control apparatus. That is, the control unit 20 in the present embodiment means both a single control device and a control device group, and the control by the arithmetic unit 20a and the control unit 20 is distributed control even if it is centralized control. Also good. The storage unit 20b does not have to be single, and may include a plurality of storage devices (for example, an internal memory and an external hard disk drive).

  The combination weigher according to the present embodiment is used in combination with a packaging machine (not shown). A discharge signal is output from the packaging machine in accordance with the timing of packaging of the objects to be weighed by the packaging machine. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the computing unit 20a is also communicably connected to the packaging machine so as to receive this discharge signal.

[Operation of combination weigher]
Next, in the combination weigher according to the present embodiment, an outline of the operation of combination weighing will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.

  The object to be weighed is supplied from the supply device 11 to the top cone 12. Here, the layer thickness of the object to be weighed supplied on the top cone 12 is detected by the level detector 21, and the detection result is output to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 controls the supply operation by the supply device 11 based on the obtained detection value, and adjusts the amount of the weighing object supplied to the top cone 12.

  Moreover, the control part 20 vibrates the main feeder 13 with predetermined time and intensity | strength. Thereby, the objects to be weighed on the top cone 12 are dispersed and supplied to the linear feeder pan 14 arranged around. The top cone 12 and the main feeder 13 are also a dispersion unit that distributes the supplied objects to be weighed to the surrounding head 10. Furthermore, the control unit 20 vibrates the linear feeder 15 at a predetermined time and intensity. The object to be weighed on the linear feeder pan 14 is conveyed by the vibration operation of the linear feeder 15, and thereby the object to be weighed is supplied to the supply hopper 16.

  Next, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the weighing hopper 17 is empty based on a signal from the weight sensor 22. If it is empty, the gate of the corresponding supply hopper 16 is opened, and the object to be weighed is supplied to the weighing hopper 17. When an object to be weighed is supplied to the weighing hopper 17, the weight of the object weighed by the weighing hopper 17 is detected by the weight sensor 22 provided so as to correspond to the weighing hopper 17. The weight detection result is output to the control unit 20. Based on the detection result, the control unit 20 calculates and stores the weight (measurement value) of the weighing object accommodated in each weighing hopper 17.

  Next, the control unit 20 performs a combination calculation using the obtained measurement value, and selects an optimal combination based on a preset combination target weight (set weight). The conditions for selecting the optimum combination are not particularly limited, and known conditions can be used. In the present embodiment, for example, the total weight of the objects to be weighed is compared with the combination target weight, and the combination whose total weight is equal to or greater than the combination target weight and is closest to the combination target weight is selected as the optimum combination. In the present embodiment, the control performed by the control unit 20 is referred to as combination weighing control.

  Thereafter, the control unit 20 instructs the gate corresponding to the weighing hopper 17 participating in the optimum combination to open the gate, and discharges the object to be weighed. The discharged objects to be weighed are collected by the collecting chute 18 and discharged from the discharging chute 19 to a packaging machine (not shown).

  Then, by repeating the above-described operation, an amount of an object to be weighed that satisfies a predetermined condition is discharged to the packaging machine. A series of operations starting from the supply of the object to be weighed from the supply hopper 16 to the discharge from the discharge chute 19 is referred to as one weighing cycle.

[Configuration of display screen]
Next, a display function in the operation setting display unit 23 in the combination weigher according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the operation setting display unit 23 provided in the combination weigher according to the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the operation setting display unit 23 includes the color liquid crystal display panel integrated with the touch panel. Therefore, the operator can operate the combination weigher and input information by touching a specific display area on the display screen.

  As shown in FIG. 4, display areas of the product name display area 31, the general head information display area 32, the weighing information display area 33, and the AFC status display area 34 are displayed on the display screen of the operation setting display unit 23. In the example of FIG. 4, the product name display area 31 is displayed at the upper left of the display screen, the general head information display area 32 is displayed at the lower left of the display screen, the weighing information display area 33 is displayed at the upper right of the display screen, and the display screen An AFC state display area 34 is displayed at the lower right of. In addition, a start / stop key 35, a graph display key 36, and a return key 37 are displayed in order from the left below the display screen.

[Composition of product name display area]
The product name display area 31 is a display area for displaying the type of an object to be weighed by the combination weigher. In the example shown in FIG. 4, “candy” is displayed as the type of the object to be weighed, and “100 g” which is the combination target weight is also displayed. In this display area, at least what the object to be weighed can be displayed to the operator, but the combination target weight which is important information for operation is also displayed. Preferably it is. Further, additional information such as a product number may be displayed. In FIG. 4, “variety No. 1 candy 100 g” is displayed. The specific display configuration of the product name display area 31 is not limited to the above configuration.

[Composition of general head information display area]
The general head information display area 32 is a display area for displaying at least information obtained from the dispersing unit and the head 10 in the operation of the combination weigher, and includes a plurality of lower display areas. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of circular display areas are included concentrically so as to correspond to the actual arrangement position of the head 10.

  Specifically, the lower display area includes a dispersion part information display area 32a arranged as a small circular area at the center and an individual head information display area 32b arranged around the area. These display areas are displayed corresponding to the actual arrangement of the head 10 provided in the combination weigher, and a dispersion part information display area 32a is displayed at a position corresponding to the top cone 12 (dispersion part) in the center. A fan-shaped individual head information display area 32b is displayed at a position corresponding to the heads 10 that are radially positioned around the fan.

  In the dispersion unit information display area 32a, information on the dispersion operation by the top cone 12 is displayed. Since the top cone 12 exhibits a dispersion function by the vibration of the main feeder 13, the information displayed in the dispersion part information display area 32 a is also operation information of the main feeder 13. Specifically, the weight level of the dispersion operation by the main feeder 13 is displayed, and “weight level 120” is displayed in FIG.

  The plurality of individual head information display areas 32b arranged around the distribution unit information display area 32a may be a single sector area, but may be divided into a plurality of areas. In FIG. 4, the individual head information display area 32 b is divided into three areas, ie, first to third areas 32 b-1 to 32 b-3 from the center side toward the outer peripheral side. In this configuration, when viewed as the entire circular display area, the first to third areas 32b-1 to 32b-3 are displayed so as to be concentric with the dispersed portion information display area 32a as the center.

  In the first area 32b-1 adjacent to the dispersion unit information display area 32a, the management number (head number) of the head 10 is displayed. That is, the first area 32b-1 becomes a “head number display area”. In FIG. 4, the head numbers “1 to 10” are displayed in the head number display areas 32b-1. That is, the combination weigher according to the present embodiment includes ten sets of heads 10.

  In the second area 32b-2 adjacent to the outer peripheral side of the head number display area 32b-1, the vibration strength of the linear feeder 15 is displayed. That is, the second area 32-b is a “vibration intensity display area”. In the third area 32b-3 which is adjacent to the vibration intensity display area 32b-2 and which is the outermost peripheral side, the average weight of the objects weighed by the weighing hopper 17 is displayed. That is, the third area 32b-3 becomes an “average weight display area”. Information displayed in the vibration intensity display area 32b-2 and the average weight display area 32b-3 is linked. For example, the individual head information display area 32b of the head 10 (head 10-1) with the head number 1 is positioned on the lowermost side of the left semicircle of the general head information display area 32, but here, the vibration intensity display area 32b. -45 is displayed, and "23.6" is displayed in the average weight display area 32b-3. Therefore, in the combination weigher in operation, the linear feeder 15-1 of the head 10-1 is driven with the vibration intensity 45, and the average weight of the objects to be weighed (candy) measured by the weighing hopper 17-1 at this time is 23. It turns out that it is 6g.

  In the present embodiment, the general head information display area 32 further includes a plurality of head information display switching keys 32c as lower display areas. In the display screen shown in FIG. 4, the entire general head information display area 32 is a square display area, and a circular display area (distributed portion information display area 32a and individual head information display area 32b) is arranged at the center thereof. . Then, another independent display area is arranged in the peripheral area between the square side that is the outer periphery of the general head information display area 32 and the circular display area. This display area becomes a plurality of head information display switching keys 32c.

  By operating the head information display switching key 32c, the type of information displayed in the individual head information display area 32b can be switched. Note that switching of the type of information to be displayed will be described later.

  In FIG. 4, a drive time display key, vibration intensity display key, average weight display key, combination participation rate display key, combination display key, and effective hopper display key are displayed as the head information display switching key 32c. In FIG. 4, the peripheral area is radially divided into eight around the dispersion portion display area 32 a, and each of the areas on the upper right side, upper right, upper left, upper left side, lower left side, and lower left side of the display screen. In this case, each head information display switching key 32c is paid out. The head information display switching key 32c is not paid out in the remaining lower right and lower right side, and is displayed as a blank. Therefore, according to the application and type of the combination weigher, another type of head information display switching key 32c can be set in the blank portion.

  The drive time display key displays the drive time of the linear feeder 15 included in each head 10 in the individual head information display area 32b. The vibration intensity display key displays the vibration intensity of the linear feeder 15. The average weight display key displays an average weight (hopper average weight) of an object to be weighed by the weighing hopper 17 included in each head 10. The combination participation rate display key displays the participation rate of the weighing hopper 17 in the combination weighing. The combination display key displays the combination participation state of the weighing hopper 17. The effective hopper display key displays whether the weighing hopper 17 is weighing a weight effective for participation in the combination weighing (whether the weighing hopper 17 is valid).

  In FIG. 4, in the individual head information display area 32b of the head 10-4, the display in the vibration intensity display area 32b-2 and the average weight display area 32b-3 is reversed. In the reverse display, in the head 10-4, the vibration intensity of the linear feeder 15 is as large as 61, whereas the average weight of the weighing hopper 17 is as small as 18.0 g. This means that the display warns that it is lower than that of the head 10. This warning display will be described later.

  Further, the specific display configuration of the total head information display area 32 is not limited to the above configuration. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, a configuration including a circular display area corresponding to the actual arrangement of the head 10 is used. However, the configuration may be a tabular configuration or other configuration instead of a circular configuration.

[Configuration of weighing information display area]
The weighing information display area 33 is a display area for displaying information on the result of the combination weighing, that is, information on the operation result of the combination weigher. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, each operation result information of “combination weight”, “speed”, “average combination weight”, and “standard deviation” is displayed from the top of the display screen. .

  The “combination weight” is the total weight of the selected combination of the plurality of weighing hoppers 17 generated by the combination weighing control performed by the control unit 20. In the present embodiment, the combination target weight is 100.0 g. In the example shown in FIG. 4, “100.0 g” that is the same value as the combination target weight is displayed as the generated combination weight. As a result of the combination weighing control, if the generated combination weight is 100.1 g, this numerical value is displayed.

  “Speed” refers to the weighing speed of the combination weight, and is the speed required from the start of combination weighing to the generation of the combination weight in the combination weighing control. Although what kind of numerical value the weighing speed is set is not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the number of objects to be weighed packaged by the packaging machine within a predetermined unit time is adopted. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, it is displayed as “81.0 p / m” that 81 packages are packed per minute. In this display, “p” is an abbreviation for package, and “m” is an abbreviation for “minute” as a unit of time. Under combination weighing control, it is also possible to measure the time from when the objects to be weighed are put into all the weighing hoppers 17 until the combined weight is generated. However, considering that the combination weigher according to the present embodiment is used in combination with a packaging machine as described above, the number of packages to be packaged per unit time is set as the measurement speed, so that the efficiency of combination weighing and the packaging can be achieved. Since both efficiency can be evaluated, it is preferable.

  The “average combination weight” is an average value of a plurality of generated combination weights. Although the setting of the parameter for calculating the average value is not particularly limited, for example, the latest 10 generations can be set as the parameter. This is because, when the generation of the combination weight is traced back in the past, the number of parameters increases, and the importance of the latest combination weight decreases. In the example shown in FIG. 4, “100.0 g” that is the same as the combined target weight is displayed.

  “Standard deviation” is a standard deviation of a plurality of generated combined weights. By calculating the standard deviation of the combination weight, the dispersion degree (degree of variation) of the combination weight is evaluated. The average combined weight is used as the average value for calculating the standard deviation. That is, if the average combination weight is an average value of the latest 10 combination weights, the standard deviation is also the degree of variation of the latest 10 combination weights. In the example shown in FIG. 4, “0.4 g” is displayed as the standard deviation.

  The specific display configuration of each operation result information is not particularly limited. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the weighing information display area 33 is a rectangular display area that displays operation result information of “combination weight”, “speed”, “average combination weight”, and “standard deviation” as a lower display area. Although the display configuration includes a display area, other display configurations may be used.

[Configuration of AFC status display area]
The AFC status display area 34 is a display area for displaying the type of AFC control type currently being executed. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a lower display area for displaying three types of control types “AFC (1)”, “AFC (2)”, and “AFC (3)” is included. For the control type being executed, the color of the corresponding area is changed from the color of the other area and displayed. FIG. 4 shows that AFC (1) is being executed.

  The specific display configuration of the AFC state display area 34 is not particularly limited. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the display configuration includes a lower display area that displays three types of control. For example, the display configuration includes only a display area that displays only the control type being executed. Alternatively, a display configuration that displays information on the control type together may be used.

[Other display area configurations]
In the present embodiment, a start / stop key 35, a graph display key 36, and a return key 37 are displayed as display areas other than the display areas. These display areas are key-shaped display areas surrounded by a rectangular frame. As will be described later, when a fingertip or the like is brought into contact with this display area, an operation command such as a specific operation of the combination weigher or display switching is output by the function of the touch panel. That is, these display areas function as operating devices.

  The start / stop key 35 outputs a command to start or stop the operation of the combination weigher (combination weighing and packaging) by the operation thereof. The graph display key 36 and the return key 37 are keys for switching the display screen. The functions of these keys 36 and 37 will be described later together with the change of the display screen.

  The display shape of these keys is not particularly limited. Since these keys not only display information but also function as an operating device, it is preferable that the keys clearly display that they are operating keys. Note that these keys may be combined in one display area as necessary. Further, display areas other than these keys can be provided as necessary.

[Function as operating device of touch panel display screen]
Next, the function of the display screen as an operating device will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In this embodiment, as described above, the color liquid crystal display panel integrated with the touch panel is used as the display screen. Therefore, the operation setting display unit 23 serves as both a display device and an operation device. In the present embodiment, as described above, on the display screen, the product name display area 31, the general head information display area 32, the weighing information display area 33, the AFC status display area 34, the start / stop key 35, the graph display key 36, and A return key 37 is included. Among these display areas, the area that functions as an operating device using the touch panel includes a head information display switching key 32c in the general head information display area 32, an AFC state display area 34, a start / stop key 35, A graph display key 36 and a return key 37. Further, the head information display switching key 32c, the graph display key 36, and the return key 37 are display switching operation keys, whereas the AFC state display area 34 and the start / stop key 35 are the operation operations of the combination weigher body. This is an operation key for driving operation that generates an operation command for.

  The head information display switching key 32 c is an operation key for instructing the control unit 20 to switch information displayed in the general head information display area 32.

  In the present embodiment, six types of head information display switching keys 32c are displayed. Therefore, in the general head information display area 32, the vibration intensity, the driving time, the average weight, the participation rate, the participation state, and the effectiveness of the weighing hopper 17 are displayed as head information. Among these, vibration intensity, driving time and average weight are particularly important head information for confirming the effect of AFC.

  In the present embodiment, six types of head information display switching keys 32c are displayed. Therefore, in the general head information display area 32, the vibration intensity, the driving time, the average weight, the participation rate, the participation state, and the effectiveness of the weighing hopper 17 are displayed as head information. Among these, vibration intensity, driving time and average weight are particularly important head information for confirming the effect of AFC.

  When the operator tries to switch the display of the head information, the operator's fingertip is brought into contact with the display area of the head information display switching key 32c. Since the display unit has an integrated touch panel, the display of each head information is switched ON (valid) or OFF (invalid) by the touch of the fingertip. On the display screen, the display color changes so that ON or OFF is clear.

  For example, in FIG. 4, since the vibration intensity display key and the average weight display key are valid, the display area of these display keys has a display color different from the display area of the invalid display key. Specifically, inversion display that inverts the background color is used, but a technique such as change of hue (color itself), change of color density, display of a pattern, or the like may be used.

  By turning the head information display switching key 32c ON or OFF, the operation setting display unit 23 outputs an operation command to change the display area to the control unit 20 (see FIG. 3). For example, when the vibration intensity display key of the head information display switching key 32c is turned ON, an operation command is output from the operation setting display unit 23 to the control unit 20 to display the vibration intensity. Based on this operation command, the control unit 20 acquires necessary information from the linear feeder vibration control circuit 20f, the storage unit 20b, and the like with the execution of the combination weighing control, and generates display information. The generated display information is a control signal for changing the display from a state where the vibration intensity is not displayed to a state where the vibration intensity is displayed, and this control signal is output from the control unit 20 to the operation setting display unit 23. The operation setting display unit 23 switches the display screen based on the display information from the control unit 20, and displays the vibration intensity of each linear feeder 15 on the individual head information display key 32b. Thus, at least one of the head information is displayed by operating the head information display switching key 32c. A specific example of the switched display screen will be described later.

  As described above, the AFC status display area 34 displays three types of AFC control types, AFC (1), AFC (2), and AFC (3), and indicates which control type is effective. Display by changing the display color. Here, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the display areas of the control types AFC (1) to AFC (3) are displayed as AFC switching keys surrounded by a frame.

  When the operator wants to switch the AFC control type, the operator's fingertip is brought into contact with the display area of one of the AFC switching keys. Since the touch panel is integrated on the display surface of the operation setting display unit 23, an operation command for switching the AFC control type is output from the operation setting display unit 23 to the control unit 20 by the touch of the fingertip. Based on this operation command, the control unit 20 switches the AFC control type, executes AFC with the new control type, generates display information for changing the display in the AFC state display area 34, and displays the information in the operation setting display unit 23. Output. The operation setting display unit 23 changes the display color of the AFC switching key based on the display information so that any currently valid control type can be known.

  The start / stop key 35 is displayed as an operation key for driving operation in the same manner as the AFC switching key in the AFC state display area 34. By touching the display area of the start / stop key 35 with the fingertip, an operation command for starting or stopping the operation is output from the operation setting display unit 23 to the control unit 20. Based on this operation command, the control unit 20 starts or stops the combination weighing control (and the operation operation control of the packaging machine).

  Similar to the head information display switching key 32c, the graph display key 36 and the return key 37 are displayed as display switching operation keys. Since the control related to the display switching is the same as the control of the head information display switching key 32c, the description thereof is omitted. A specific display switching example will be described later with reference to FIG.

[Switch display screen]
Next, a state in which the display screen is switched by the operation of the display switching key will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams respectively showing examples of switching the display screen shown in FIG. In particular, FIG. 5 illustrates a case where the head information display switching key 32c included in the total head information display area 32 is switched, and FIG. 6 illustrates a case where the graph display key 36 is enabled.

  In the display screen shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the operator switches, for example, the average weight display key to invalid. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5, only the vibration intensity is displayed in the individual head information display area 32b. That is, the individual head information display area 32b is divided into three display areas of the first area 32b-1, the second area 32b-2, and the third area 32b-3 on the display screen shown in FIG. Are “head number display area”, “vibration intensity display area” and “average weight display area”. Then, by switching the display screen, as shown in FIG. 5, the individual head information display area 32b is divided into a first area 32b-1 and a second area 32-b, each of which is a “head number display area”. And “vibration intensity display area”. Although not shown in the figure, if the drive time display key is enabled on the display screen shown in FIG. 4, for example, the individual head information display area 32b is divided into four parts, which are “head number display area” and “drive time display area”, respectively. , “Vibration intensity display area” and “average weight display area”.

  Thus, by operating the head information display switching key 32c, the head information displayed in the individual head information display area 32b can be switched and displayed. Note that an upper limit of division of the individual head information display area 32b may be provided according to the size of the display screen, the type of head information, and the like. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, six types of head information are listed. However, if all six types of head information are displayed, the individual head information display area 32b includes the “head number display area”. There is a possibility that the lower display area for displaying each head information becomes too small and information cannot be displayed sufficiently. Alternatively, the display configuration itself of the general head information display area 32 may be changed so that all information is displayed if the head information is displayed exceeding the upper limit.

  Further, in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the AFC control type described later is switched, the degree of change in the operation result information before and after the switching is also displayed.

  For example, in FIG. 5, by switching the AFC control type, the measurement information display area 33 displays how the operation result information has changed before and after the switching with arrows.

  Specifically, with regard to “combination weight”, since the direction of the arrow is on the upper right side of the display screen, it indicates that the accuracy of the combination weight in the combination weighing is improved. Regarding “speed”, since the direction of the arrow is on the right side of the display screen, it indicates that the weighing speed of the combined weight has not changed. In addition, for both “average combination weight” and “standard deviation”, the direction of the arrow is on the upper right side of the display screen, so the average value of the combination weight is close to the target combination weight and the variation is small. It shows that. From this result, it becomes clear that the combination accuracy is improved by switching the control type of AFC, excluding the measurement speed.

  Further, in FIG. 5, the degree of change in vibration intensity by switching the AFC control type is also displayed in the general head information display area 32. First, in the individual head information display area 32b corresponding to the head 10 whose vibration intensity has been changed among the 10 sets of heads 10, in the “vibration intensity display area”, the magnitude of the vibration intensity is plus or minus in the “vibration intensity display area”. Is displayed. For example, in the individual head information display area 32 b corresponding to the head 10-1, “45” is displayed as the vibration intensity and nothing is displayed below the vibration intensity. Therefore, even if the AFC control type is switched, the vibration intensity is not changed. You can see that it has not changed. Next, in the individual head information display area 32b corresponding to the head 10-2, "42" is displayed as the vibration intensity, and "-1" is displayed below the vibration intensity. Therefore, in the head 10-2, it can be seen that the vibration intensity is weakened by −1 by switching the AFC control type.

  Similarly, in the example shown in FIG. 5, in the heads 10-3 and 10-4, the vibration intensity is decreased (-1), whereas the heads 10-5, 10-9, and 10-10. In both cases, the vibration intensity is improved (+1). In addition, in the individual head information display area 32b corresponding to the head 10 whose vibration intensity has changed, the color of the corresponding region is changed from the color of the other region and displayed (for example, reverse display, change of hue, change of color). Concentration change etc.). Thereby, since the change of the vibration intensity by switching the control type of AFC becomes clearer, the operator can grasp the effect of AFC more clearly.

  In the display described above, the control unit 20 causes the storage unit 20b to store the change in head information and the change in operation result information, and the operation setting display unit 23 increases and decreases the change in each information, and changes the display color. Or displayed on the display screen as image information. In the present embodiment, an arrow indicating the change increase / decrease in the direction on the display screen is displayed as the icon information, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a character similar to the arrow may be used. Further, as will be described below, a graph showing the increase / decrease in change over time can be displayed as the icon information.

  Specifically, it is assumed that the operator performs an operation to validate the graph display key 36 on the display screens shown in FIGS. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, the display of the comprehensive head information display area 32 is stopped, and the measurement information graph display area 38 is displayed. In FIG. 6, the graph to be displayed is a line graph (line graph), but may be displayed as a bar graph (histogram) according to the purpose of display.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, values of “average combined weight”, “speed”, and “standard deviation” are displayed as changes over time together with the AFC control type. Thus, a line graph is suitable when looking at the transition of operation result information when the AFC control type is switched. In FIG. 6, when the AFC (2) is switched to AFC (1), the change in the operation result information is displayed with time. Although not shown in FIG. 6, if the background color of the line graph is changed for each AFC control type, the effect of AFC for each control type becomes clearer.

  In FIG. 6, not only the display of the total head information display area 32 is stopped with the display of the measurement information graph display area 38 but also the measurement information display area 33 and the AFC status display area 34 are displayed on the display screen. Moved from the right side to the left side. This is a convenience that makes the comparison between the display type of the AFC and the operation result information clearer. Therefore, the change of the display screen by the operation of the graph display key 36 is not limited to the example of FIG.

  Further, when it is desired to stop the display of the weighing information graph display area 38 and restart the display of the general head information display area 32, the return key 37 may be operated.

[Outline of automatic feeder control]
Next, AFC executed in the combination weigher according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the combination weighing control performed by the control unit 20, the AFC adjusts the weight of an object to be weighed by the weighing hopper 17, so that the total weight is selected when the combination of the plurality of weighing hoppers 17 is selected. This control makes it easy to obtain a combination that is equal to or closer to the weight.

  As described above, the linear feeder 15 increases the conveyance amount of the object to be weighed by increasing the vibration intensity or extending the driving time. Therefore, in AFC, basically, at least one of the vibration intensity and driving time of each linear feeder 15 is changed. As a result, the amount of the object to be weighed to each weighing hopper 17 changes, so that the amount of the object to be weighed into each weighing hopper 17 is adjusted.

  The specific methods of AFC are various, but typically, (1) AFC-T (Auto Feeder Control Total) that changes the vibration strength of the linear feeder 15 all at once, (2) Vibration strength of the linear feeder 15 There are three types of control: AFC-I (Auto Feeder Control Individual) that changes the feed rate individually, and (3) AFC-R (Auto Feeder Control Random) that changes the drive time of the linear feeder 15 at random. . In the present embodiment, a case where AFC-T is executed will be described.

[AFC-T]
AFC-T is a control type that changes the vibration intensity of the linear feeder 15 at the same time by monitoring the number of weighing hoppers 17 participating in the combination weighing. This control type will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the weight distribution of the objects to be weighed by all the weighing hoppers 17.

  If the combination weighing is ideally performed, the supply amount of the objects to be supplied to the dispersion unit is uniform, and the supply amount of the objects to be weighed from the linear feeder 15 to the weighing hopper 17 is also uniform. The number of weighing hoppers 17 participating in the weighing (number of participating hoppers) is always a target value. In this ideal state, if the weight distribution of the object to be weighed by the weighing hopper 17 is shown by a graph, the target value (target) of the weight to be weighed by one weighing hopper 17 as shown by the solid line L0 in FIG. It becomes a normal distribution with a single maximum hopper weight.

  Here, if the number of participating hoppers is too large, the supply amount to each weighing hopper 17 is small. For example, in a combination weigher including 10 sets of heads 10, it is assumed that the objects to be weighed are weighed equally by each weighing hopper 17. If the combined target weight is 100.0 g and the target value of the number of participating hoppers is five, the weights measured by all the weighing hoppers 17 are all 20.0 g of the target hopper weight.

  However, if the number of participating hoppers is 8, for example, the weight weighed by each weighing hopper 17 is 12.5 g. The weight distribution in the state where the number of participating hoppers is excessive is biased toward the lighter side from the weight distribution in the ideal state (solid line L0), as indicated by a broken line L1 in FIG. Conversely, if the number of participating hoppers is too small, the amount supplied to each weighing hopper 17 is too large. The weight distribution in such a state where the number of participating hoppers is too small is biased toward a side that becomes heavier than the weight distribution in the ideal state, as indicated by a broken line L2 in FIG.

  Therefore, in AFC-T, control is performed to move the weight distribution of the objects to be weighed put into the weighing hopper 17 as a whole by simultaneously increasing or decreasing the vibration intensity of all the linear feeders 15. As shown in FIG. 7, if the weight distribution L1 in the excessive participation hopper state or the weight distribution L2 in the low state is moved to the weight distribution L0 in the ideal state, the number of participating hoppers approaches the desired number.

  In order to improve the combination accuracy, it is preferable that the number of participating hoppers is large. Therefore, it is preferable not only to adjust the vibration intensity of the linear feeder 15 so as to simply move the weight distribution, but also to change the number of participating hoppers to a desired value according to the type of the object to be weighed. Therefore, in AFC-T, the target hopper number, the hopper limit number, and the reset interval are used as parameters that can be changed.

  The target number of hoppers represents a desirable average value of the number of participating hoppers, and is the optimum number of weighing hoppers 17 (ideal value of the number of participating hoppers) to be selected at the time of combination weighing. The hopper limit number represents an allowable range for the average value of deviations between the average value of the actual number of participating hoppers (the average number of participating hoppers) and the target hopper number. The reset interval represents the number of combination weighings sampled to calculate the average number of participating hoppers.

  In AFC-T, the control unit 20 compares the average number of participating hoppers with the target hopper number, calculates an average value by accumulating the deviation until the reset interval is reached, and this average value is calculated as the hopper limit. When the number exceeds or falls below, the vibration intensity is adjusted for all the linear feeders 15. When the reset interval is reached, if the vibration intensity is adjusted, the accumulated value of the deviation is reset.

[Specific examples of AFC-T]
Hereinafter, AFC-T will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a specific example of AFC-T executed by the combination weigher according to the present embodiment.

  First, known combination weighing control is performed by the control unit 20 (step S101).

  In the combination weighing control, the control unit 20 controls the opening and closing of the gate of the weighing hopper 17 via the gate drive circuit 20e. Therefore, based on the gate opening / closing information, the arithmetic unit 20a obtains the number of weighing hoppers 17 selected for the combination (the number of selected hoppers Hc) and compares it with the target hopper number (Hd) by a comparator, for example, and the difference (Dh = | Hd−Hc |) is accumulated in the accumulator of the arithmetic unit 20a (step S102).

  Next, the calculation unit 20a counts the number of combination metrics accumulated in the accumulator as a sampling number (Ns) for calculating the average number of participating hoppers with the counter of the calculation unit 20a (step S103). At this time, if the number of selected hoppers is the same as the target hopper number (Hc = Hd), the difference is 0 (Dh = 0), so the accumulated value to the accumulator does not increase. Therefore, sampling is not performed when the number of selected hoppers and the number of target hoppers are the same. In other words, in the combination weighing, only when the selected hopper number is larger or smaller than the target hopper number (Hc ≠ Hd), the calculation unit 20a counts the number of samplings (Ns) with the counter, assuming that sampling is performed.

  Next, the computing unit 20a determines whether the number of samplings has reached the reset interval (Nr) (Ns = Nr) (step S104). The reset interval is set to avoid unnecessary adjustment of vibration intensity. When the reset interval has been reached (YES in the figure), the process proceeds to step S105. However, when the reset interval has not been reached (NO in the figure), the arithmetic unit 20a returns to step S101 and performs AFC-T. Repeat from the beginning.

  Next, the computing unit 20a calculates the average number of participating hoppers (Ha) from the number of selected hoppers (step S105). In the accumulator of the arithmetic unit 20a, when the difference between the selected hopper number and the target hopper number is not zero (Dh ≠ 0), the difference is accumulated. Therefore, the accumulated value (Dp = {Dh (1) +... + Dh (Nr)}) of the difference in each sampling from the first sampling number to the reset interval (Ns: 1 to Nr) is stored in the accumulator. It is remembered. Based on this accumulated value, the arithmetic unit 20a calculates the total number (Ht) of the number of selected hoppers, and calculates the average number of participating hoppers by dividing the total by the reset interval (Ha = Ht / Nr).

  Next, the computing unit 20a compares the calculated participation hopper average number with the target hopper number (step S106). In this step, these numerical values are not simply compared, but the absolute value (Da = | Ha−Hd |) of the difference between the average number of participating hoppers and the target hopper number is set as the allowable hopper limit number ( Lh) and determine whether the absolute value of the difference is equal to or less than the hopper limit number (within an allowable range) (Da <Lh). If it is within the allowable range (YES in the figure), the process proceeds to step S110. If it is not within the allowable range (NO in the figure), the process proceeds to step S106.

  If NO in step S106, either the number of selected hoppers selected in each combination weighing is either too large or too small. Therefore, the calculation unit 20a determines whether the average number of participating hoppers is larger than the target number of hoppers (Ha> Hd), for example, using a comparator (Step S107). If the participating hopper average number is larger than the target hopper number (YES in the figure), the process proceeds to step S108. If the participating hopper average number is smaller than the target hopper number (NO in the figure), the process proceeds to step S109.

  If YES in step S107, it means that the number of selected hoppers is too large. Therefore, the arithmetic unit 20a instructs the linear feeder vibration control circuit 20f to notch the vibration strengths of all the linear feeders 15 to +1 in order to increase the weight of the objects to be weighed into each weighing hopper 17. (Step S108). Thereby, in all the heads 10, since the weight of the to-be-measured object supplied to the supply hopper 16 from the linear feeder pan 14 increases, the weight of the to-be-measured object thrown into the measurement hopper 17 from the supply hopper 16 also increases. . That is, the weight distribution of the objects to be weighed input to all the weighing hoppers 17 moves to the side that becomes heavier as a whole. As a result, the number of selected hoppers can be reduced to approach the target hopper number.

  On the other hand, if NO in step S107, it means that the number of selected hoppers is too small. Therefore, the arithmetic unit 20a causes the linear feeder vibration control circuit 20f to notch the vibration intensity of all the linear feeders 15 to −1 in order to reduce the weight of the objects to be weighed into each weighing hopper 17. Command (step S109). Thereby, in all the heads 10, the weight of the objects to be weighed supplied from the linear feeder pan 14 to the supply hopper 16 is reduced, so that the weight of the objects to be weighed supplied from the supply hopper 16 to the weighing hopper 17 is also reduced. . That is, the weight distribution of the objects to be weighed put into all the weighing hoppers 17 moves to the side where it becomes light as a whole. As a result, the number of selected hoppers can be increased to approach the target hopper number.

  When the vibration intensity is adjusted for the linear feeder 15 in any of step S108 and step S109, or in the case of YES in step S106, the arithmetic unit 20a determines that AFC-T is completed or unnecessary. The accumulated value (Dp) of the accumulator and the number of times of sampling (Ns) are reset (step S110). When step S110 is completed, the arithmetic unit 20a returns to step S101 and repeats AFC-T from the beginning. In steps S108 and S109, not the vibration intensity but the driving time may be adjusted, or both the vibration intensity and the driving time may be adjusted.

  Thus, in AFC-T, the control unit 20 sets at least a target value for the number of participation of the weighing hoppers 17 participating in the combination, and the participation number of the weighing hoppers 17 that participated in the combination as the combination weighing control is executed. And the linear feeder 15 is controlled to change the vibration intensity and the like so that the number of participation approaches the target value. At this time, an allowable range based on the target value can be set, and the target value and the allowable range can be changed by an operation command from the operation setting display unit 23 to the control unit 20.

  In this control type, an appropriate number of participating hoppers can be realized by correcting an excessive state or an excessive state of the participating hopper numbers. As a result, the combination accuracy and the measurement speed can be improved. However, depending on the type of the object to be weighed, AFC-T may be switched to another control type described later, or parameters such as the target hopper number and the hopper limit number may be changed. This is because there is “compatibility” between the object to be weighed and the control type of AFC.

  Here, in the present invention, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the AFC is performed by the control unit 20 (calculation unit 20 a), the operation setting display unit 23 displays the display screen under the control of the control unit 20. In the general head information display area 32, the vibration intensity of each linear feeder 15 is displayed, and for the linear feeder 15 whose vibration intensity is to be changed, the color of the area on the corresponding display screen is changed to other The color of the area corresponding to the linear feeder 15 is displayed differently. By adopting such a display method, the driving state of the plurality of linear feeders 15 becomes obvious at a glance on the display screen.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, in the measurement information display area 33, an overall image of combination weighing is displayed as operation result information. Thereby, in addition to the information regarding each linear feeder 15, the information regarding the whole combination weighing is also provided to the operator. In addition, in the display method shown in FIG. 5, how the operation result information has changed before and after switching is displayed by an arrow. Therefore, the effect of AFC is clearly displayed on the display screen.

  In addition, the AFC status display area 34 displays the control type of the AFC currently being executed. Therefore, on the display screen, the driving state and operation result information of the linear feeder 15 corresponding to the effect of AFC, and information on the control type of the AFC being executed are presented to the operator. Therefore, the operator changes parameters such as the number of target hoppers, the number of hopper limits, the reset interval and the like based on the information from the operation setting display unit 23, and sets the AFC so that a more preferable effect can be obtained. Can try. That is, since the operator can more clearly grasp the “compatibility” between the AFC control type and the object to be weighed based on these pieces of information, the AFC can be adjusted more appropriately. In addition, if a favorable result is not obtained even by changing the parameter, it is possible to consider changing the control type of the AFC.

  In the present invention, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, when AFC is performed by the control unit 20 (calculation unit 20a), the operation setting display unit 23 displays the total head information display area 32 on the display screen. Among them, in the individual head information display area 32b corresponding to the head 10-4, the display in the vibration intensity display area 32b-2 and the average weight display area 32b-3 can be displayed in reverse video to warn the operator.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the AFC is executed, and the vibration intensity and average weight of the head 10-4 are the same as those of the other heads 10, although preferable vibration intensity and average weight are obtained in the other heads 10. Obviously low compared to In this case, it is considered that some abnormality has occurred in the head 10-4. Therefore, by displaying a warning in the individual head information display area 32b corresponding to the head 10-4 that may be abnormal, it is obvious that the operator should check the head 10-4. Become.

  As described above, according to the present invention, not only the effect of AFC can be seen at a glance on the display screen, but also the weighing hopper 17 that does not improve the average weight even if the supply of objects to be weighed is increased by AFC. can do. Therefore, it is possible to notify when an abnormality or adjustment failure occurs in a specific head.

  The method for determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the head 10 is not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, the control unit 20 generates the conveyance rate of the object to be weighed based on the vibration intensity or the driving time. The head 10 or the linear feeder 15 that deviates from the preset allowable range of the conveyance rate may be specified, and a warning may be displayed on the display screen. The allowable range of the conveyance rate may be set as appropriate, and may be set on the operation setting display unit 23 according to the type of the object to be weighed, as with the AFC parameters.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the present invention has been described with respect to the case where AFC-T for changing the vibration intensity of the linear feeder 15 at once as an AFC control type. However, in the present embodiment, the vibration of the linear feeder 15 is performed. The case where AFC-I which changes an intensity | strength separately is performed is demonstrated.

[AFC-I]
The AFC-I is a control type that individually changes the vibration strength of the linear feeder 15 by monitoring the weight of an object to be weighed by each weighing hopper 17. This control type will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a graph showing the weight distribution of the objects to be weighed by all the weighing hoppers 17, and shows a comparison between a state in which a bias occurs so that two local maxima occur and a state in a normal distribution.

  As described in the first embodiment, if the combination weighing is ideally performed, the weight distribution of the object to be weighed by the weighing hopper 17 is a normal distribution having an ideal weight as a peak (see FIG. 7 (see solid line L0). However, in an actual combination weigher, the ideal state as described above hardly occurs. This is because the weight distribution tends to be biased due to variations in the supply of the objects to be weighed due to the position of the supply device 11 with respect to the top cone 12, variations in the objects to be weighed due to individual differences in the linear feeder 15, etc. .

  Therefore, in an actual combination weigher, in the weight distribution, the vicinity of the target hopper weight is not maximized but is minimized, and a maximum value may occur in a weight value larger or smaller than the target hopper weight. For example, if the combination target weight is 100.0 g and the target value of the number of participating hoppers is 4, the target hopper weight is 25.0 g. However, due to the above-described variation or the like, there may be a bias that causes two weight distribution maxima. Specifically, as shown by a solid line L3 in FIG. 9, there is an example in which it becomes a minimum in the vicinity of a weight value of 25 g, which is the target hopper weight, and becomes a maximum in two places of a weight value of 15 to 20 g and a weight value of 35 to 40 g. .

  Therefore, in AFC-I, the vibration intensity of the linear feeder 15 is individually increased or decreased to increase the distribution in the vicinity of the target hopper weight and decrease the distribution in the vicinity of the two local maxima (both shown by arrows in the figure). )), Control to approximate the normal distribution shown by the one-dot chain line L0 in FIG. However, in AFC-I, the target hopper weight is set as a single value common to all the weighing hoppers 17 and is not set for each individual weighing hopper 17. That is, in AFC-I, the AFC target weight, the AFC limit weight, and the reset interval are used as parameters that can be changed.

  The AFC target weight represents a target weight to be maintained for the control of each weighing hopper 17, and is different from the target hopper weight. Usually, the appropriate value of the AFC target weight is set within a range of 1/5 to 1/3 of the target hopper weight. The AFC limit weight represents an allowable range in which the weight of the object to be weighed supplied to each weighing hopper 17 can deviate vertically from the AFC target weight. Usually, the appropriate range of the AFC limit weight is set by dividing the target hopper weight by the target value of the number of participating hoppers. The reset interval represents the number of combination weighings sampled for calculating an average deviation weight described later.

  In AFC-I, the control unit 20 monitors the weight of the object to be weighed supplied to each weighing hopper 17 and compares it with the AFC target weight, and accumulates the deviation for each weighing hopper 17 until the reset interval is reached. Then, an average value is calculated, and for the weighing hopper 17 whose average value exceeds or falls below the AFC limit number, the corresponding linear feeder 15 is caused to adjust the vibration intensity.

[Specific examples of AFC-I]
Hereinafter, AFC-I will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a specific example of AFC-I executed by the combination weigher according to the present embodiment.

  First, a known combination weighing control is performed by the control unit 20 (step S201).

  Next, the control unit 20 selects the i-th weighing hopper 17 (i-th hopper) among all weighing hoppers 17 as a control target (step S202). Basically, selection is started from i = 1, that is, from the first weighing hopper 17 (first hopper). The management number i of the weighing hopper 17 at this time may be the management number (head number) of the head 10 described above.

  Next, the control unit 20 determines whether the selected i-th hopper has participated in the combination weighing (step S203). In the combination weighing control, the control unit 20 controls the opening and closing of the gate of the weighing hopper 17 via the gate drive circuit 20e. Therefore, based on the gate opening / closing information, the arithmetic unit 20a determines whether or not the i-th hopper is selected as a combination. When participating (YES in the figure), the process proceeds to step S204, and when not participating (NO in the figure), the arithmetic unit 20a proceeds to step S213.

  If YES in step S203, the control unit 20 compares the weight (measured weight Wi) of the object weighed by the i-th hopper with the AFC target weight (W0) each time, and accumulates the difference (step S204). That is, in the combination weighing control, the weight of the object weighed by each weighing hopper 17 is detected by the weight sensor 22 and output to the arithmetic unit 20a via the A / D conversion circuit 20d of the control unit 20. The calculation unit 20a stores the acquired weight in the storage unit 20b, and acquires the weight from the storage unit 20b again to select a combination, and calculates the total weight. Therefore, the calculation unit 20a acquires the weighing weight of the i-th hopper 17 from the storage unit 20b, compares it with the AFC target weight by, for example, a comparator, and uses the difference (Dw = | Wi−W0 |) as the accumulator of the calculation unit 20a. Accumulate.

  Next, the calculation unit 20a counts the number S of times that the i-th hopper participated in the combination weighing accumulated in the accumulator as a sampling number (Ns) by the counter of the calculation unit 20a (step S205). At this time, if the weighed weight is the same as the AFC target weight (Wi = W0), the difference is 0 (Dw = 0), so the accumulated value to the accumulator does not increase. Accordingly, sampling is not performed when the weighing weight and the AFC target weight are the same. In other words, in the i-th hopper, the arithmetic unit 20a counts the number of times of sampling (Ns) with the counter, assuming that the sampling is performed only when the weighing weight is larger or smaller than the AFC target weight (Wi ≠ W0).

  Next, the computing unit 20a determines whether the number of samplings has reached the reset interval (Nr) (Ns = Nr) (step S206). The reset interval is set to avoid unnecessary adjustment of vibration intensity. If the reset interval has been reached (YES in the figure), the process proceeds to step S207. If the reset interval has not been reached (NO in the figure), the arithmetic unit 20a proceeds to step S213.

Next, the arithmetic unit 20a calculates an average deviation weight (Wa) that is an average of deviations of the sampled weights (Wi) sampled in the i-th hopper (Step S207). In the accumulator of the calculation unit 20a, the difference is accumulated when the difference between the measured weight (Wi) and the AFC target weight (W0) is not 0 (Dw ≠ 0). Therefore, the accumulator stores the accumulated value (Dq = {Dw (1) +... + Dw (Nr)}) of the difference in each sampling from the number of samplings to the reset interval (Ns: 1 to Nr). . Based on this accumulated value, the calculation unit 20a calculates the total difference (Wt) of the differences in the sampled weights Wi sampled in the i-th hopper, and calculates the average deviation weight by dividing this total by the reset interval. (Wa = Wt / Nr)
Next, the computing unit 20a compares the calculated average deviation weight with the AFC target weight (step S208). In this step, these numerical values are not simply compared, but the absolute value (Di = | Wa−W0 |) of the difference between the average deviation weight and the AFC target weight is set as the allowable range, and the AFC limit weight (Lw ) To determine whether the absolute value of the difference is equal to or less than the AFC limit weight (within an allowable range) (Di <Lw). If it is within the allowable range (YES in the figure), the process proceeds to step S212. If it is not within the allowable range (NO in the figure), the process proceeds to step S209.

  If “NO” in the step S208, the weighing object to be weighed each time by the i-th hopper is either too much or too little. Therefore, the calculation unit 20a determines whether the average deviation weight is smaller than the AFC target weight (Wa <W0) by using, for example, a comparator (Step S209). If the average deviation weight is smaller than the AFC target weight (YES in the figure), the process proceeds to step S210. If the average deviation weight is larger than the AFC target weight (NO in the figure), the process proceeds to step S211.

  If “YES” in the step S208, it means that the weighing weight weighed by the i-th hopper is too small. Therefore, the arithmetic unit 20a causes the linear feeder vibration control circuit 20f to vibrate the i-th linear feeder 15 corresponding to the i-th hopper in order to increase the weight of an object to be weighed into the i-th hopper. A command is given to notch the intensity to +1 (step S210). Accordingly, in the head 10-i including the i-th hopper, the weight of the object to be weighed supplied from the linear feeder pan 14 to the supply hopper 16 increases, so that the object to be weighed put into the i-th hopper from the supply hopper 16 is increased. The weight of the will also increase. That is, the weighing weight of the i-th hopper is brought close to the target hopper weight.

  On the other hand, if NO in step S208, it means that the weighing weight weighed each time by the i-th hopper is too large. Therefore, the arithmetic unit 20a causes the linear feeder vibration control circuit 20f to vibrate the i-th linear feeder 15 corresponding to the i-th hopper in order to reduce the weight of the object to be weighed into the i-th hopper. A command is given to notch the intensity to -1 (step S211). Thereby, in the head 10-i including the i-th hopper, the weight of the object to be weighed supplied from the linear feeder pan 14 to the supply hopper 16 is reduced, so that the object to be weighed put into the i-th hopper from the supply hopper 16 is reduced. The weight of is also reduced. That is, the weighing weight of the i-th hopper is brought close to the target hopper weight.

  When the vibration intensity is adjusted for the i-th linear feeder 15 in both step S210 and step S211, or when NO in step S206, the arithmetic unit 20a completes or does not require AFC-I. The accumulated value (Dq) and the number of sampling times (Ns) of the accumulator are reset (step S212).

  As the next step after step S212 or NO in step S203 or NO in step S206, the arithmetic unit 20a performs the next weighing hopper 17, that is, the (i + 1) -th weighing hopper 17 (I + 1th hopper) is selected as the next control target (step S213). The selection at this time may be made based on the management number of the weighing hopper 17. For example, if the processing unit 20a performs the process of setting i + 1 to i, the weighing hopper 17 having the next management number can be selected.

  Here, it is determined whether or not selection of all the weighing hoppers 17 has been completed (step S214). For example, if the number of all the weighing hoppers 17 is n, the arithmetic unit 20a may determine whether or not the management number i of the weighing hopper 17 exceeds n + 1 (i> n + 1). If it has not been completed (NO in the figure), since the weighing hopper 17 to be controlled remains, the process returns to step S203. If completed (YES in the figure), the arithmetic unit 20a returns to step S201 and repeats AFC-I from the beginning. In step S210 and step S211, not the vibration intensity but the driving time may be adjusted, or both the vibration intensity and the driving time may be adjusted.

  As described above, in AFC-I, the control unit 20 sets at least the target value of the weighing weight of the weighing hopper 17 and acquires the weight from the weight sensor 22 corresponding to each weighing hopper 17 along with the execution of the combination weighing control. Then, the linear feeder 15 is controlled to change the vibration intensity or the like so that the measured weight approaches the target value. At this time, an allowable range based on the target value can be set, and the target value and the allowable range can be changed by an operation command from the operation setting display unit 23 to the control unit 20.

  In this control type, an appropriate weighing weight can be realized in each weighing hopper 17 by correcting the state in which the weighing weight value of each weighing hopper 17 deviates from the target hopper weight value. Therefore, even if there is a bias that causes a plurality of maximums in the weight distribution of the object to be weighed, the weight distribution can be brought close to an ideal normal distribution. As a result, the combination accuracy and the measurement speed can be improved. Here, as described above, there are cases where the control type itself or the parameters (AFC target weight, AFC limit weight, etc.) should be changed based on the compatibility between the object to be weighed and the AFC control type.

  In the present invention, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the AFC is being executed by the control unit 20 (calculation unit 20a), the operation setting display unit 23 displays the AFC in the measurement information graph display area 38 on the display screen. In addition to the control type, the values of “average combined weight”, “speed”, and “standard deviation” are displayed as changes over time. Therefore, the operator can consider switching the AFC control type to AFC-I or changing the parameter with reference to this information.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first embodiment, the present invention will be described with respect to the case where AFC-T that changes the vibration strength of the linear feeder 15 at once is executed as the AFC control type. In the second embodiment, the vibration of the linear feeder 15 is described. Although the present invention has been described with respect to the case where AFC-I that individually changes the strength is executed, the present embodiment describes the case that AFC-R that randomly changes the vibration strength of the linear feeder 15 is executed.

[AFC-R]
The AFC-R is a control type suitable for a case where it is difficult to find a combination of the weighing hoppers 17 for obtaining a combination target weight because the conveyance amount of the object to be weighed is too uniform.

  If the combination weighing is ideally performed, as described above, the weight distribution of the objects to be weighed by the weighing hopper 17 becomes a normal distribution with the target hopper weight being maximized. Here, in the combination weigher, since the objects to be weighed by the plurality of weighing hoppers 17 are combined to approach the combination target weight, any combination of the weighing weights in the respective weighing hoppers 17 is not excessive. Even if is selected, it becomes impossible to approach the combination target weight.

  For example, when weighing an object to be weighed (for example, candy, especially chocolate balls) whose supply state is uniform compared to other objects to be weighed and whose unit weight is almost the same, the target hopper weight or the target hopper When the number is set, an object to be weighed with a weight only on the plus side close to the target hopper weight may be thrown into the weighing hopper 17.

  For example, when the target hopper weight is 25.0 g, the weighing weight of each weighing hopper 17 is 25.1 g, 25.2 g, 25.0 g, etc., and the weighing hopper 17 weighing a lighter weight than 25.0 g is obtained. As a result, the combination accuracy decreases. Further, when the setting of the upper limit value of the target hopper weight is reduced and the appropriate amount range is narrowed, the combination of the weighing hoppers 17 having the total weight within the allowable range may not be possible.

  Therefore, in the AFC-R, the driving time (operating time) of each linear feeder is randomly changed to forcibly vary the input amount of the object to be weighed into the weighing hopper 17 so that the weighing hopper 17 can be appropriately used. Make easy combinations. The parameters that can be changed by the AFC-R are the linear feeder reference driving time and the AFC deviation time. That is, AFC-R is different from the above-described AFC-T or AFC-I in control method, and does not use parameters related to the weighing hopper 17.

  The linear feeder reference drive time is a reference drive time set in order to randomly change the drive time of the linear feeder. The AFC deviation time is an intentional driving time bias set in order to randomly change the driving time of the linear feeder. By adding or subtracting the AFC deviation time with respect to the linear feeder reference drive time, a random change in drive time is generated.

[Specific examples of AFC-R]
Hereinafter, AFC-R will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 11, and 12. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a specific example of AFC-R executed by the combination weigher according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a graph for explaining a variation in driving time generated in the AFC-R executed by the combination weigher according to the present embodiment.

  First, a known combination weighing control is performed by the control unit 20 (step S301).

  Next, the control unit 20 selects the i-th linear feeder 15 (i-th linear feeder) among all the linear feeders 15 as a control target (step S302). Basically, i = 1, that is, selection starts from the first linear feeder 15 (first linear feeder). The management number i of the linear feeder 15 at this time may be the management number (head number) of the head 10 described above.

  Next, in the i-th linear feeder, the control unit 20 generates, for example, five levels of driving time levels from level 0 to level 4, and drives the i-th linear feeder (step S303). At this time, the control unit 20 counts the number of cycles driven by the counter corresponding to the i-th linear feeder, with the period for driving the i-th linear feeder as one cycle of driving time level.

  That is, the linear feeder drive time (Tr) and the AFC deviation time (Td) are input from the operation setting display unit 23, and the calculation unit 20a stores these times in the storage unit 20b. Then, the arithmetic unit 20a uses the linear feeder driving time (Tr) as a reference time, and adds or subtracts an AFC deviation time or a time twice (2 × AFC deviation time) from this reference time to drive in five stages. A time level (Tl) is generated.

  In the present embodiment, the driving time level 0 (Tl (0)) is a time obtained by subtracting 2 × AFC deviation time from the linear feeder driving time (Tl (0) = Tr−Td × 2). 1 (Tl (1)) is the time (Tl (1) = Tr−Td) obtained by subtracting the AFC deviation time from the linear feeder driving time, and the driving time level 2 (Tl (2)) is the linear feeder driving time. The driving time level 3 (Tl (3)) is the time obtained by adding the AFC deviation time to the linear feeder driving time (Tl (3) = Tr + Td), and the driving time level. 4 (Tl (4)) is a time (Tl (4) = Tr + Td × 2) obtained by adding 2 × AFC deviation time to the linear feeder driving time.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the calculation unit 20a sets the driving time level 0 to the driving time level 4 as the first to fifth cycles, respectively, and sets the linear feeder vibration control circuit 20f to the i-th linear at the driving time level 0. Drive the feeder. At this time, the arithmetic unit 20a causes the counter to count that the driving of the first cycle is executed. The counter increments the count number by 1 as each cycle is executed.

  Next, the control unit 20 further increments the count number of the counter corresponding to the i-th linear feeder by 1, and causes the i-th linear feeder to drive the next cycle (step S304).

  Next, the control unit 20 determines whether the count number of the counter corresponding to the i-th linear feeder has reached 5 (step S305). If the count number has reached 5 (YES in the figure), the process proceeds to step S306. If the count number has not reached 5, the process proceeds to step S307.

  If “YES” in the step S305, the driving of all the five driving time levels is completed for the i-th linear feeder, so the count number of the counter is returned from 5 to 0 (step S306).

  As the next step after step S306 or NO in step S305, the control unit 20 moves to the next linear feeder 15, that is, the (i + 1) th linear feeder 15 (i + 1th linear feeder). Is selected as a control target (step S307). The selection at this time may be performed based on the management number of the linear feeder 15. For example, if the processing unit 20a performs the process of setting i + 1 to i, the linear feeder 15 having the next management number can be selected.

  Here, it is determined whether or not selection of all the linear feeders 15 has been completed (step S308). For example, if the number of all linear feeders 15 is n, the arithmetic unit 20a may determine whether or not the management number i of the linear feeder 15 exceeds n + 1 (i> n + 1). If not completed (NO in the figure), the control-target linear feeder 15 remains, and the process returns to step S303. If completed (YES in the figure), the arithmetic unit 20a returns to step S301 and repeats AFC-R from the beginning.

  As described above, in the AFC-R, the control unit 20 sets the reference value of the driving time of the linear feeder 15 and the deviation time that is shorter than the driving time, and by adding or subtracting the deviation time with respect to the reference value, When the combination weighing control is executed, the linear feeder 15 is controlled so as to cause an intentional variation in the driving time. These reference values and deviation times can be changed by an operation command from the operation setting display unit 23 to the control unit 20.

  In this control type, by changing the AFC deviation time, driving time levels having different lengths are set, for example, in five stages, and the linear feeder 15 is driven based on the driving time level, so that the weighing hopper 17 is weighed. A variation is forcedly generated in the input amount of the objects, and an appropriate combination of the weighing hoppers 17 is easily made. Here, as described above, there are cases where the control type itself or the parameters (linear feeder reference drive time or AFC deviation time) should be changed based on the compatibility between the object to be weighed and the AFC control type.

  In the present invention, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the AFC is being executed by the control unit 20 (calculation unit 20a), the operation setting display unit 23 displays the AFC in the measurement information graph display area 38 on the display screen. In addition to the control type, the values of “average combined weight”, “speed”, and “standard deviation” are displayed as changes over time. Therefore, the operator can consider switching the AFC control type to AFC-R or changing the parameter with reference to this information.

  It is difficult to set a clear standard for switching each control type of AFC-T, AFC-I, and AFC-R. For example, switching from AFC-T to AFC-I should be performed based on the supply state of the objects to be weighed to the dispersion unit, but it is difficult to clearly determine the difference in the supply state. Therefore, the operator switches the AFC during operation to collect the combination weight, the measurement speed, the average combination weight, and the standard deviation, which are operation result information, and determines which AFC is suitable. The present invention is very effective for such AFC switching.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the description of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the scope of claims, and each is disclosed in different embodiments and a plurality of modifications. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the present invention can improve the weighing accuracy and the weighing speed in the combination weighing of the combination weigher. Therefore, the present invention can be effectively used in a field related to a weighing device that performs combination weighing and its control.

It is a figure which shows typically an example of a structure of the combination scale which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the control part with which the combination weigher shown in FIG. 1 is provided. It is a block diagram which shows the specific structure of the control part shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows an example of the display screen of the operation setting display part with which the combination scale shown in FIG. 2 is provided. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a case where a head information display switching key included in a general head information display area is switched on the display screen shown in FIG. 4. It is a top view which shows the case where the graph display key is validated in the display screen shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows the weight distribution of the to-be-measured object weighed with all the weighing hoppers in the combination scale which concerns on this invention, and shows a contrast with an ideal state, a participating hopper excessive number state, and a too few state. It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of AFC-T performed with the combination scale which concerns on this invention. It is a graph which shows the weight distribution of the to-be-measured object measured with all the weighing hoppers in the combination scale which concerns on this invention, and shows the contrast with the state where the bias | deviation produced so that local maximum of two places might arise, and the state of normal distribution . It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of AFC-I performed with the combination scale which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of AFC-R performed with the combination scale which concerns on this invention. 12 is a graph for explaining variation in drive time generated in the AFC-R shown in FIG. 11.

Explanation of symbols

10 Head 15 Linear feeder 17 Weighing hopper 20 Control unit (controller)
20b Storage unit 22 Weight sensor (weight detector)
23 Operation setting display (display / operator)
32 General head information display area (head information display area)
32b Individual head information display area (head information display area)
33 Weighing information display area 34 AFC status display area

Claims (15)

A plurality of linear feeders for conveying an object to be weighed by vibration operation;
A plurality of weighing hoppers for accommodating the objects to be weighed conveyed by the linear feeders;
A weight detector for detecting the weight of the object to be weighed contained in each weighing hopper;
The weights of the objects to be weighed of the plurality of weighing hoppers detected by the weight detector are summed for each predetermined number of weighing hoppers and compared with a set weight, so that the predetermined number of weighing hoppers can be suitably used. A controller configured to perform at least combination weighing control for selecting a combination; and
A display device having a display screen capable of color display,
The controller adjusts the amount of the object to be weighed conveyed to each weighing hopper by changing at least one of vibration intensity and driving time of the linear feeder, and performs automatic feeder control and the display The container displays at least one of the vibration intensity and the driving time for each of the plurality of linear feeders, and sets the color of the display area corresponding to the linear feeder to be changed to another linear feeder. A combination weigher configured to display differently from the color of the corresponding display area. In the combination weigher, at least the linear feeder, the weighing hopper corresponding to the linear feeder, and the weight detector corresponding to the weighing hopper constitute one head,
The controller is an average value of the weight detected by the weight detector in the weighing hopper corresponding to the linear feeder and the vibration intensity and driving time of each linear feeder after performing combination weighing control. 2. The combination weigher according to claim 1, wherein the combination weigher is configured to generate a hopper average weight as at least head information and to display at least one head information on the display.   The combination weigher according to claim 2, wherein the display includes a head information display area for displaying the head information for each head on a display screen. The combination weigher further includes an operating device,
The operation device is configured to output an operation command for changing a display area of the display device according to an operation to the controller,
The combination weigher according to claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to change a plurality of types of the head information to be displayed in the head information display area based on the operation command.   5. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to generate a combination weight, which is a total weight of the selected combination of the predetermined number of weighing hoppers, as operation result information and to display the combination result on the display. The combination weigher according to any one of the above items.   The controller is configured to further generate at least one of an average value of the combination weight, a standard deviation of the combination weight, and a weighing speed of the combination weight as the operation result information, and display the operation result information on the display unit. The combination weigher according to claim 5. The combination weigher further includes a storage unit,
The controller is configured to store a change in the head information and a change in the operation result information in the storage unit, and to display at least an increase / decrease in the change on the display as a change in display color or image information. The combination weigher according to claim 5 or 6.   8. The combination weigher according to claim 7, wherein the image information is at least one of an arrow-shaped character that indicates the change in the change in a direction on a display screen, and a graph that indicates the change in the change with time. The controller is configured to set a plurality of different control types as the automatic feeder control,
The combination weigher according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the operation device is configured to output an operation command for switching the plurality of control types according to an operation to the controller.   The combination weigher according to claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to cause the display to display a type of the control type being executed. The controller sets at least a target value for the number of participation of the weighing hoppers participating in the combination in the automatic feeder control, and the participation of the weighing hoppers participating in the combination together with execution of the combination weighing control The number of participants is configured to change at least one of the vibration intensity and the driving time for the plurality of linear feeders so that the number of participation approaches the target value,
11. The combination weigher according to claim 1, wherein the operation device is configured to output an operation command for changing the target value to the controller according to an operation. In the automatic feeder control, the controller sets at least a target value for the weight of the object to be weighed in the weighing hopper, and the weight corresponding to the plurality of weighing hoppers when the combination weighing control is executed. The weight is obtained from all of the detectors, and configured to change at least one of the vibration intensity and the driving time for the plurality of linear feeders so that the weight approaches the target value,
11. The combination weigher according to claim 1, wherein the operation device is configured to output an operation command for changing the target value to the controller according to an operation. The controller further sets an allowable range based on the target value of the participation number or the weight, and maintains the vibration intensity and the driving time when the participation number or the weight falls within the allowable range. Configured and
The combination weigher according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the operation device is configured to output an operation command for changing the allowable range to the controller according to an operation. In the automatic feeder control, the controller sets a reference value for the driving time of the linear feeder and a deviation time that is shorter than the driving time, and adds and subtracts the deviation time with respect to the reference value, The combination weighing control is configured to intentionally vary the driving time for the plurality of linear feeders,
The combination according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the operation device is configured to output an operation designation for changing at least one of the reference value and the deviation time to the controller according to an operation. Scale. The controller generates a ratio of the average hopper weight with respect to at least one of the vibration intensity and the driving time as a conveyance rate in each linear feeder and each corresponding weighing hopper, and sets the conveyance in advance. The linear feeder that falls outside the allowable range of the rate is selected and displayed on the display unit,
15. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the display unit is configured to display a color of an area corresponding to the selected linear feeder in the head information display area different from a color of another area. The combination weigher according to any one of the above items.

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